About CAN-DO Missions
"I CAN-DO all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Phil. 4:13Through short term mission trips to locations around the United States and the world, CAN-DO Missions provides opportunities for Concordia University students, staff, alumni, and friends to use their talents to serve God and their neighbor! As a result of these experiences, a passion for missions is ignited as volunteers move knowledge from their head to their hearts through their hands.
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CAN-DO Missions Director's Corner
At the end of March, my husband and I said good-bye to our 15¾ year old cattle dog, Amigo. On July 29, after completing a wonderful summer of mission trips, my husband and I went to the Central Texas SPCA and adopted a new dog, Sonrisa, which means "smile" in Spanish. We just call him Sonny!
This transition reminds me of what is currently happening with CAN-DO Missions. In March we celebrated 25 years of CAN-DO Mission Trips, supported by the Texas District LCMS. We have so much to thank God for!!! As of September, 2019, we have been fully adopted by Concordia University and will be focusing on providing mission opportunities for CTX students, staff, alumni, and friends. We will also be a place to search for mission opportunities that your congregations can connect with. Most churches no longer need us to do the ground work for them, so we will link you up to the opportunities on our Mission Trip Connections page and let you soar!
Please keep us in your prayers as we walk through this new ministry door. We know God will continue to use us for His glory and our neighbor’s good! “Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5.
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Benefits of Participating in CAN-DO Missions
- Join forces with a large number of other Christians in sponsoring a major mission endeavor for Christ that could not be accomplished alone.
- Get people involved in meaningful ministry to make a difference for Christ locally and/or globally.
- Build self-confidence and spiritual maturity.
- Train people for mission-minded leadership.
- Use it as an opportunity to recruit people for full-time service in the church as parish professionals or missionaries.
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History of CAN-DO Missions
October 1992
Bd .... For Parish Services approves concept for "Youth Great Commission" Project as presented by Dist. Exec. Ray Schkade
November 1992
District Board of Directors approves funding for project.
January 1993
Synod Board for Mission Services agrees to underwrite cost of survey team trip to Russia.
February 1993
Task Force forms to develop "Youth Great Commission" project. Committee decides to 'launch' project at District Youth Gathering, Glorybound '93
March 1993
Survey Team selected to investigate possible mission trip sites in Slovakia and Russia. Team includes:
- DCE Kevin Pieper - Salem, Tomball
- Ms. Diane Hemff- Mount Olive, Corpus Christi
- Scott Vystercil (youth) - Lord of Life Plano
- Christy Fuchs (youth) - Grace Arlington
Project CAN-DO (Christ Among Nations - Disciple Outreach) chosen as official name of the project
Job description developed and three candidates for director are identified.
Three congregations selected to "pilot" CAN-DO campaign:
- Small church - Lord of Life, Plano
- Mid-size church - Our Savior, Austin
- Large church - Salem, Tomball
May 1993
District Board of Trustees issues call to Randy Potts as first Project CAN-DO Director.
June 1993
Survey Team makes trip to Slovakia and Russia to identify potential mission work sites for Project CAN-DO. New Director Randy Potts accompanies team replacing Diane Hemff who could not attend.
July 1993
Ray Schkade submits proposal to Wheat Ridge Foundation for $90,000 3-year grant to underwrite "Youth Great Commission" project.
August 1993
DCE Randy Potts officially installed as new Project CAN-DO Director at Texas District Bd. of Directors meeting.
November 1993
Project CAN-DO officially offered to the youth and congregations of the Texas District at GLORYBOUND '93, the district youth gathering.
May 1995
Board of Directors approved changing 'project' status to full Texas District Mission status.
June 1996
Director Randy Potts accepts call to serve as the Minister of Youth and Assimilation at Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alpharetta, GA.
July 1996
DCE Ron Scherch from Bethel, Dallas, accepts call to be the next Director of CAN-DO Missions.
Ron served faithfully from July 1996 through April 2007 when he received a call to be Director of Recruitment Services for LCMS World Missions in St. Louis, MO. During Ron's leadership Can-Do facilitated trips to numerous domestic locations and 10 international locations.
2006
Concordia University Texas adopts CAN-DO Missions and moves their office form the Texas District to Concordia University Texas.
August 2007
Patricia Fick accepts the call as CAN-DO Missions Director.
August 2011
CAN-DO adds medical mission trips to accomodate the requirement for Concordia Bachelor of Science nursing students to participate in a medical mission trip before they graduate.
March 2019
CAN-DO Missions celebrated 25 years in Ministry.
Present
CAN-DO Missions continues to provide College and medical mission trips.
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Contact Us
Address:
CAN-DO Missions
11400 Concordia University Drive
Austin, Texas 78726
Fax Number: 512-313-3999
Toll-Free Number: 866-254-8546
Pat Fick, Director
Email: patricia.fick@concordia.edu
Phone: 512-313-4331
Andrea McDonald, Administrative Assistant
Email: andrea.mcdonald@concordia.edu
Phone: 512-313-4332