Explore your call to missions.
You don't need a finished plan. Matt and Shelley Actis serve in Uganda through MESA Global, whose missions coaches help people discern where God may be leading, prepare with their local church, and find a place to serve.
Called to Uganda. Sent with support.
Matt and Shelley serve through MESA Global. Their sending church, prayer and financial partners, field leaders, and the Hope58 team in Bulesa each have a part in their work. MESA Global and your church can help you prepare for your own next step.
Meet Matt and Shelley
The heart of it.
Ask a missionary why they went, and they'll tell you about people. Someone they taught. Someone they prayed with. Most days the work is ordinary, and that's what the calling looks like up close.
"Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:8
Start with the season you're in.
MESA Global offers four ways to serve.
Mesa Interns: summer
Explore a calling to cross-cultural ministry, with mentoring and training from leaders in the field.
Mesa Apprentices: one to two years
For people discerning a call to global ministry who want to grow their cross-cultural ministry skills.
Mesa Workers: two years or more
Long-term service, placed by your calling, your skills and the needs of MESA's partners.
Mesa Scholars: five years or more
Teach with theological faculties and programs that train the next generation of church leaders.
Not sure which path fits? A missions coach can help you sort it out.
From first conversation to the field.
Your church and MESA Global walk with you through six clear steps.
Share your calling
Invite your pastor and church leaders to pray with you and help discern God's leading.
Begin the conversation
Talk with a MESA Global missions coach about your calling, gifts, experience, and next steps.
Find the right fit
Apply, explore opportunities, and meet missionaries to find a mutual fit.
Prepare well
Receive biblical, spiritual, cross-cultural, language, fundraising, and practical preparation.
Build your team
Develop a community that supports you through prayer, encouragement, and financial partnership.
Go with a team behind you
Enter the field sent by your church and supported and cared for by MESA Global.
Connected → Placed → Trained → Funded → Fielded
Bring the skills you already have.
Cross-cultural ministry needs many kinds of work. A missions coach can help you explore where your gifts meet partner needs.
Church planting and outreach
Disciple-makers, Bible-study leaders, church planters, and youth and student workers.
Training and education
Teachers, school administrators, theological educators, pastor trainers, and mentors.
Compassion and community development
Farmers, medical professionals, counselors, refugee workers, and vocational instructors.
Professional and creative service
Administrators, accountants, business specialists, media workers, IT professionals, and engineers.
Questions to ask before you choose.
A sending agency shapes how you prepare, serve, and receive care. Start with these seven questions.
How long can I serve?
Mesa Interns serve in the summer, Mesa Apprentices for one to two years, Mesa Workers for two years or more, and Mesa Scholars for five years or more.
How will I be funded?
You receive personal coaching to build a team of prayer and financial partners.
Where and how could I serve?
Across five world regions, in roles that fit your gifts and partner needs.
What's the application process?
A call, application, placement, interviews, assessment, appointment, preparation, and deployment.
How will I be prepared?
Biblical, spiritual, cross-cultural, language, fundraising, and practical preparation.
What support will I receive?
Leadership, member care, training, administration, healthcare guidance, and crisis support.
Will MESA work with my church?
Yes. Your church helps discern, send, support, and care for you throughout your service.
Your first step is a conversation.
Tell a missions coach what you're sensing, what experience you have, and what questions you need answered.