Missions

Serving Together as One Church for Our Community

1Mission Clinton County is a partnership of local churches working together to bring the hope of Jesus to our community. Launched less than a year ago, this unified effort focuses on long-term ministry through mentoring, biblical education for students, and support for those experiencing homelessness.

The ministry is led by Director Dow Tippett (Wilmington Church of Christ), with Dave Hinman (Dove Church) serving as Board President, John Wirmel (Wilmington Assembly of God) as Secretary, and Dave Frassure (Calvary Baptist Church) as Treasurer.

Since its start, 1MissionCC has helped launch afterschool Bible Clubs in Wilmington elementary schools—beginning with one in 2022 and expanding to two schools in 2023 under the leadership of Cheryl Brackemyre and Latasha Ruddle.

In partnership with local schools, 1MissionCC helped establish a Release Time Bible Education Program, approved by the Wilmington City Schools Board in 2023. This program allows students to receive biblical instruction off campus during the school day. Release Time currently serves middle school and high school students in Wilmington City Schools and middle school students at Clinton-Massie Schools. A ten-week trial began in January 2024 with Dale McCamish as the first teacher, with plans to expand year-round.

1MissionCC also provides mentors for the Check and Connect program at Wilmington City Schools, with volunteers making up nearly half of those serving 8th-grade students identified as at risk. Beyond schools, the ministry supports Sugar Tree Ministries, Hope House, and the local Homeless Shelter by providing food, water, transportation for individuals seeking rehabilitation, and participation in the county’s Point-in-Time Count.

Currently, 1Mission Clinton County is raising funds to support the director’s stipend, provide Bibles and curriculum for Release Time students, and continue meeting the needs of the community as God leads.

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A Place to Grow, Connect, and Experience God

Butler Springs Christian Camp is a place to step away from the busyness of life and experience the goodness of God. Whether hiking our 180-acre property, spending time with friends, or challenging yourself through one of our activities, Butler Springs provides an environment to grow in faith and deepen your relationship with the Lord.

Founded in 1949 by a group of local men with a vision for ministry, Butler Springs has served churches of the Restoration Movement for nearly 75 years, welcoming families and campers from southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, and beyond. What began as a week-long all-age camp has grown into a year-round multifaceted camp and retreat center, hosting a variety of programs for all ages.

At Butler Springs, we are committed to providing a distraction-free environment where guests can connect with God. Christian camping offers young people the chance to grow spiritually, build lasting relationships with mentors and role models, and experience life-changing moments. Thousands of campers have responded to the Gospel through our “Living Springs” programs, and many have gone on to launch ministries that impact communities around the world.

Every year, thousands of campers and volunteers participate in over 50 camp sessions. With dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, excellent facilities, and the generous support of local churches and donors, Butler Springs continues to carry out the Great Commission, equipping the next generation to follow Christ.

How Your Support Helps
Your support makes this ministry possible. Gifts help provide scholarships for campers, maintain and improve facilities, equip staff and volunteers, and expand programs that reach more young people with the life-changing message of Jesus. Every contribution helps Butler Springs continue its mission to transform lives through Christian camping.

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Providing Safe Shelter and Unexpected Grace

Hope House exists to offer women and their children overnight shelter at no charge, in a safe, judgment-free, and welcoming environment. Our vision is to be part of a network of community care that meets urgent needs with compassion, dignity, and Christ-centered love.

Founded in 2014, Hope House provides a unique low-barrier shelter for women and their accompanying children, the only one of its kind in the Wilmington, Ohio region. We serve those who may not qualify for traditional shelters, including women navigating criminal records, active addiction, or chaotic living situations, as well as those suddenly facing homelessness. Whether someone is suddenly packing what they can carry or looking for a safe place to sleep for the night, Hope House offers refuge and care.

Our mission is rooted in Christ’s example: to welcome women and children in need with love, hope, and compassion, fostering restoration of dignity, self-respect, and well-being. Hope House is a place where unexpected challenges, roadblocks, and struggles meet unexpected grace.

“Thank God for Hope House. If not for them, I would have had nowhere to lay my head safely and (with such loving care), sleep securely at night.”
—Anonymous Hope House Resident

How Your Support Helps
Your support keeps Hope House running and extends its impact. Contributions provide shelter, meals, essential supplies, and programs that empower women and children to rebuild their lives. Every gift ensures that Hope House can continue offering safety, hope, and Christ’s love to those who need it most.

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Supporting Life, Families, and Hope in Our Community

The New Life Clinic is committed to upholding the value of human life by educating, encouraging, and equipping our community. Our vision is to be the first choice in Clinton County for supporting parenting, pregnancy, healthy relationships, and sexual health.

Through a wide range of services, New Life Clinic meets people where they are and builds meaningful relationships rooted in compassion and care. Services include abortion education and alternatives, abstinence and sexual purity education, baby items through the Baby Bucks Program, ultrasounds, fatherhood support, pregnancy testing, maternity clothes lending, mentoring and discipleship, options counseling, parenting classes, prenatal vitamins, post-abortion counseling, STI testing and treatment, and referrals to community resources.

At the heart of every interaction is a commitment to share the love of Jesus and the gospel message, helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with hope and support.

How Your Support Helps
Your support enables the New Life Clinic to provide these life-affirming services, meet practical needs, and extend the love of Christ to every person who walks through our doors. Gifts help fund education programs, medical services, mentoring, and resources that empower families and strengthen the community.

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Serving Needs, Sharing Hope, and Proclaiming the Gospel

Sugartree Ministries began in the late 1990s on Sugartree Street in Wilmington, Ohio. Originally founded by Allen Willoughby as a Christian music venue and coffeehouse called Joe’s Java, the ministry has grown with the needs of the community. Following the departure of major employer DHL in 2008, and amid the ongoing mental health and addiction crisis, Sugartree Ministries became a vital resource for those in need.

Today, Sugartree Ministries provides practical support and spiritual care to the most vulnerable members of our community. Services include:

• Hot meals and groceries

• Emergency shelter and winter essentials like blankets, gloves, and hats

• Assistance obtaining IDs and employment documentation

• Transportation to healthcare appointments and treatment programs

• Help accessing prescriptions, household necessities, rent, or utilities in emergency situations

• Job training, work clothing, and employment opportunities

• 12-step addiction programs and mentoring

• Hosting community events and sharing the good news of the Gospel

“At Sugartree Ministries, we believe that everyone deserves dignity, care, and the hope of Jesus, regardless of their circumstances. Accountability and support go hand in hand with compassion and encouragement.” – Lee Sandlin, Director of Sugartree

How Your Support Helps
Your support allows Sugartree Ministries to continue meeting both practical and spiritual needs in our community. Gifts provide meals, shelter, job training, healthcare assistance, and essential resources, helping people rebuild their lives and experience God’s love in tangible ways.

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Rescuing, Restoring, and Empowering Survivors of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery, affects an estimated 49.6 million people worldwide, including 1 in 4 children. Each year, 6.3 million people are trafficked for sex, with 4.9 million of them being women and girls. Women and girls are often forced into commercial sex, while men and children are coerced into hazardous labor under debt bondage or unfair wages.

AIM’s Response
AIM works to rescue, heal, and empower survivors of trafficking, helping them experience the freedom and hope found in Christ. Healing goes beyond rescue—survivors need to encounter unconditional, relentless love that restores their sense of worth and identity. Many survivors, once restored, become advocates themselves, raising their voices to fight for the freedom of others.

Rescue Operations
AIM equips local law enforcement to combat exploitation at its source. The AIM SWAT Team leads rescue missions using intelligence from programs and community outreach. Working side by side with officers, AIM trains teams, builds airtight cases, and coordinates raids to bring traffickers to justice and survivors into freedom.

Survivor Advocacy
Dedicated survivor-advocates and social workers accompany survivors from the moment of rescue through recovery. Many advocates are survivors themselves, offering understanding, protection, and support to prevent re-trafficking and help survivors safely participate in prosecutions. This bridge of care allows survivors to reclaim dignity and find their voice.

Legal Aid
AIM’s legal team guides survivors through the courtroom, turning field intelligence into compelling prosecutions. They provide advocacy at every step, ensuring survivors never stand alone while holding traffickers accountable. Each conviction restores dignity and signals hope to the community.

Secure Housing
Survivors are placed in undisclosed, guard-secured residences staffed by nurturing “house moms.” These homes provide physical safety, emotional support, and a stable foundation for long-term recovery.

Holistic Healing
From the first moment in AIM’s care, survivors receive compassionate support. Trauma-informed counseling, medical care, and Christ-centered discipleship create an environment for deep emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. Onsite aftercare campuses integrate licensed therapists, medical clinics, and spiritual guidance, ensuring a safe, holistic approach to recovery.

Education and Job Training
AIM invests in survivors’ futures through tailored education, life skills training, and career preparation. From classroom to career, survivors gain the tools and independence they need to rebuild their lives, supported by trusted community partners.

School Empowerment
AIM equips schools to recognize trafficking signs, create safe environments, and support vulnerable students. Survivor-informed safeguarding policies and year-round coaching transform classrooms into both sanctuaries and watchtowers for children.

Church Empowerment
Faith communities are mobilized as protective networks through mentorship programs, prevention workshops, and active anti-trafficking ministries. Pastors and congregations are equipped to disciple their communities, offering guidance and protection to those most vulnerable.

Engaging Men
AIM addresses the root causes of exploitation by engaging men in culturally relevant programs that foster protection, responsibility, and purpose. Local leaders mentor the next generation, breaking cycles of abuse and creating guardians for vulnerable neighborhoods.

How Your Support Helps
Your support enables AIM to continue rescuing survivors, providing secure housing, counseling, education, and holistic care, and equipping communities to prevent trafficking. Every gift helps restore dignity, transform lives, and extend the love of Christ to those who need it most.

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Building Community and Growing Faith in West Auckland

Hamish and Molly Taylor have served in New Zealand since 2009. They helped plant a church in Christchurch and, in 2019, alongside partners Nate and Whitney Hutchison, launched Church Northwest (CNW) in West Auckland, a rapidly growing area on the North Island. Hamish grew up in a church plant in Auckland, and Molly grew up in the Wilmington Church. They have three sons: Liam, Dillon, and Riley.

CNW is a welcoming Christian whānau that gathers weekly, offering a place where anyone can belong, regardless of where they are in their faith journey. The church focuses on helping people take their next steps toward Jesus, fostering growing faith, authentic love for all people, and active hope for West Auckland and beyond.

How Your Support Helps
Your support allows CNW to continue building community, developing ministries, and reaching more people with the love of Christ. Gifts help fund church planting efforts, community programs, worship gatherings, and outreach initiatives, enabling the church to share hope and faith throughout West Auckland.

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Planting Hispanic Churches Across the United States

Latino Christian Movement was founded by John and Becky Bliffen, longtime members of the Wilmington Church of Christ, with John having served as a former minister. The ministry exists to create partnerships with churches and church-planting networks to establish Hispanic Christian churches across the U.S. Founded in May 2022, the ministry was launched with the goal of planting 10 Latino-speaking churches within 10 years. In just three years, that vision has exceeded expectations, with over 18 churches now established. Looking ahead, the ministry’s new goal is to plant churches in 10 regions across the United States.

Latino Christian Movement focuses on training, equipping, and coaching pastors who are planting these churches. By providing mentorship, resources, and hands-on guidance, the ministry helps pastors grow as leaders, strengthen their congregations, and reach more people with the Gospel in Hispanic communities.

How Your Support Helps
Your support enables Latino Christian Movement to continue planting churches, training pastors, and equipping leaders for long-term ministry impact. Gifts help provide coaching, leadership development, resources, and ongoing support, empowering pastors to faithfully guide their congregations and expand the reach of the Gospel.

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Partnering with Communities to Create Lasting Change

Since 1980, Lifeline Christian Mission has partnered with local leaders around the world to develop holistic, sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities. Lifeline believes that lasting change comes from within each community, where godly, visionary people, problem-solvers, and unique resources already exist, along with the dreams and work ethic needed to build a brighter future.

Lifeline focuses on two primary objectives:

1. Investing in programs that pave a path out of poverty for individuals and families.

2. Providing opportunities for individuals, businesses, and churches to join God in this transformative work.

By empowering local leaders to design and lead Gospel-centered ministries that are culturally relevant, Lifeline ensures initiatives have lasting impact for generations to come.

Four Areas of Focus

• Churches: Strengthening local congregations and spiritual growth.

• Youth: Equipping children and teenagers with education, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive.

• Health and Nutrition: Expanding access to affordable healthcare and promoting wellness.

• Economic Empowerment: Providing resources and training to help families become self-sufficient.

Where Lifeline Serves
United States: Arizona, Charlotte (North Carolina), Columbus (Ohio), Denver (Colorado), Eastern Kentucky, Indianapolis (Indiana), Lexington (Kentucky), Louisville (Kentucky)
International: Canada, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, United Kingdom

Through these efforts, Lifeline helps families achieve self-sufficiency, improves community health, empowers children for the future, and allows churches to flourish—all while sharing God’s love and hope.

How Your Support Helps
Your support enables Lifeline to continue partnering with local leaders and communities in the U.S. and abroad. Gifts help provide education, healthcare, economic resources, youth programs, and spiritual guidance, empowering communities to thrive in every area of life.

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Sending Workers to Share the Gospel Around the World

The idea for Team Expansion was born in 1978 during a small prayer meeting at a Bible college in Eastern Kentucky. Eight men gathered in a crowded dorm room and signed their names on a world map. Our president, Doug Lucas, signed beside Uruguay, and four years later, Team Expansion sent its first team there by God’s grace.

In 1982, five missionaries traveled to Montevideo, Uruguay, to begin Team Expansion’s first international work. The following year, International Services was launched to recruit, train, coach, and sustain cross-cultural disciple-makers around the world.

For over 40 years, Team Expansion has sent teams to unreached areas worldwide. Learning from disciple-making movements and multiplication strategies, the ministry has adapted its approach while remaining committed to its goal: taking the Gospel to people who have never heard it.

To date, Team Expansion has sent more than 1,000 workers to over 70 fields, including many creative-access locations. Several nations that once received missionaries are now sending their own Team Expansion workers to share Christ globally.

Team Expansion partners with local churches to encourage and sustain the work. Workers serve in businesses, medicine, schools, and churches, shining the light of Christ in some of the most challenging and unreached areas of the world.

How Your Support Helps
Your support enables Team Expansion to continue sending, training, and sustaining workers around the world. Gifts help fund preparation, discipleship training, cultural support, and missionary care, empowering workers to share the Gospel and establish disciple-making movements in unreached communities.

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Sharing the Gospel and Supporting Communities Across Mexico

Workers for Mexico exists to take the Gospel of Christ to the people of Mexico through evangelism, benevolent works, and support of national evangelists. The ministry focuses on helping students, children, and communities grow in faith and opportunity.

The ministry’s work is diverse and comprehensive, including:

• Church planting and preacher training

• Children’s ministries and camps

• Support for CMM Deaf School and student homes

• Clinics, Christian university programs, and correspondence courses

• Feeding programs and other benevolent assistance

• Building construction and maintenance throughout communities in Mexico

Through these initiatives, Workers for Mexico combines practical support with spiritual growth, helping communities thrive while sharing the love of Christ.

How Your Support Helps
Your support enables Workers for Mexico to continue spreading the Gospel, supporting local churches, and providing essential services to children, students, and families. Gifts help fund education, ministry programs, benevolent outreach, and infrastructure projects, empowering communities and transforming lives throughout Mexico.

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