2024 YEAR-IN-REVIEW
LOCAL TO GLOBAL
First of all, we want to say “thank you” to all of our friends and family who have partnered with us in mobilizing MORE for God’s one mission. What we have to share in this 2024 Year-in-Review would not be possible without YOU!
:: Although Jeremy serves with Go To Nations in a monthly capacity, his current role as Associate Pastor at Oceanway Church is primary. October 2024 was “Missions Month”, which highlighted missions work from Guatemala to India.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO WATCH “LEVERAGE”.
#LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
COMMUNITY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS
:: COMMUNITY. Each month, a team of up to 60 volunteers from Oceanway Church serves between 170 - 440 families from all around Jacksonville, Florida. The disabled, the elderly, and refugees from Ukraine and beyond are among those who receive much-needed groceries and ministry time with our Prayer Team. Started by an OC member, Patty Crawford, 14 years ago, this ministry has grown to effectively reach North Jacksonville in tangible ways!
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STATS: In our Community Food Distributions for 2024 alone, we’ve served approximately 2,900 families—valued at over $232,000 in groceries and staple items.
THE BIG GIVE
THE BIG GIVE ‘24 was all about mobilizing the church to “love local”, where over 200 volunteers connected with 1000+ neighbors in the Oceanway community: distributing some great groceries to 379 families, giving 150 haircuts along with 700 bags of school supplies! As Jeremy led this event, Susan and Sophia loved serving as a part of this local expression of God’s global mission!
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A “VEHICLE” FOR LOCAL OUTREACH
:: MEET PETE. Pete is one of the many in the Oceanway area who have been impacted by The Warehouse Foods, and is a regular attender of Oceanway Church.
“Outreach is a local expression of God's one global mission.”
:: In October 2023 (just over 1 year ago), we officially launched Oceanway Church Outreach—a small campus outfitted with a 30 X 60 warehouse—to be a vehicle to accomplish this local expression. About 1 mile from the Main Campus, this building is a hub for all kinds of outreach ministry: by-appointment foods outreach, mental health coaching, support groups, circles, and much more. We are thrilled at the level of relationship-building that this type of outreach provides; so much opportunity for a deeper level of personal ministry!
STATS: “The Warehouse” Foods Outreach for 2024 (as of November 29th) facilitated 1,762 appointments—serving an estimated 500 unique families!
#GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS
LAUNCHING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GREAT COMMISSION WORKERS
:: ADJUNCT. In October 2024, Jeremy was asked by CHARIS Bible College to train 500+ 1st and 2nd year students in Short-Term Missions Fundraising. This critical area of missions mobilization really helps next generation leaders overcome one of the most challenging hurdles to successful ministry.
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:: In an effort to understand how Go To Nations can best mobilize the Church for missions, in November 2024, Jeremy gave a special Missions Mobilization presentation to the Executive Council—highlighting the need for creative ways to train and equip pastors and church leaders in the US and abroad.
:: Co-facilitating the Support Raising Bootcamp for Go To Nations in August, 2024, Jeremy will also serve with Via Generosity, co-facilitating the December Virtual Support Raising Bootcamp. Online from places like Hungary to Honduras, from Columbia to Costa Rica, 50+ Great Commission workers from dozens of organizations will be equipped in an area that can “make-or-break” missions efforts in any context.
“Missions ministry is not so much about gathering as it is about empowering and releasing.”
:: LEADERS. Tomorrow’s CHARIS Bible College Extension School Directors (53 of them!), missionaries, and other ministry leaders dove in to a crucial area of training. Planting ministries and schools in places like Myanmar and The Philippines, these Kingdom workers are passionate, willing, and stirred up! So honored to have a full week of class hours with the Global Training School this Spring, and to train 500+ students in the 1st & 2nd Year programs via ZOOM about Short-Term Missions Fundraising!
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STATS: Between 2018 and 2024, the Hendersons have trained over 3,430 leaders and Great Commission workers from 400+ churches, ministries, and organizations—resulting in ministry to people groups in nations like Ghana, Myanmar, Nepal, Slovakia, Guyana, Hungary, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and many more.
CAMP NAHSHII: BEAVER, ALASKA
:: THIS TEAM. When the members of a ministry team assist and serve one another selflessly, even as they tackle the assignment, it’s such a beautiful thing! This team accomplished real ministry, completing ☑️ 17 projects as Camp Nahshii gears up for summer.
:: At Camp Nahshii, indigenous Athabaskan kids live in severe conditions, and deal with depression, abuse, and even addiction—living in an environment which puts them at-risk for suicide. This camp provides a safe place where students can hear the life-changing message of the gospel, and can experience the immense love of God for them personally. Loved leading and working alongside these short-term missionaries! Missions is for all of us!
DISASTER RELIEF: NEW PORT RICHEY, FLORIDA
:: CHRIST IN ACTION. In response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene ravaging West Florida, Jeremy led two teams from Oceanway Church (one in October, and one in November) to work alongside Christ In Action, a disaster relief ministry that connects with local homeowners (like this one) to bring hope and the Gospel to embattled families.
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:: PODCAST! So much fun being a guest on @thecredoreport Podcast! This episode was all about reaching the LARGEST identified group in the United States: “the Nones”. Those who claim no religious affiliation have grown to 28% of the population. Why? How do we reach them? What’s our responsibility? CLICK the image to find out!
#ON A PERSONAL NOTE
THEY “TYED THE KNOT!” Josiah and Viv were married on February 15th in Clermont, Florida—please pray for God’s hand in their lives individually and as a couple as they navigate their FIRST YEAR of marriage !
FULL OF JOY! Susan led the “Joy Circle” this Summer with a group of ladies at our home—which is ironic because Sue is known for her demonstrative laugh :). At River City Science Academy, Susan teaches 1st Grade—she’s currently in her 14th year of teaching!
GROWING UP! An athletic young woman, Sophia is in her 4th season playing soccer (and will be in her 3rd season playing lacrosse) for Providence School. She’s now “on the road” (literally) as a Junior, and growing up fast. Wow!
YOUTH INTERNSHIP. Sophia completed her 2nd year of Youth Internship with Oceanway Church. We’ve been blown away by other parent’s comments at how Sophia has gone out of her way to welcome their kids to OC Youth. She’s planning to go to Bolivia or even Zambia in 2025!
PLEASE PRAY
:: We are so very grateful for God’s faithfulness and imminent presence in our lives in 2024!
As we head into 2025, please pray for God’s wisdom and direction for leadership, and for God’s blessing and continued guidance for Jeremy, Susan, Josiah & Viv, and Sophia! #onmission #localtoglobal
THANK YOU!
We truly appreciate your keeping up with the Hendersons. May all God’s peace be yours in 2025!
