Missions

God provides the resources we need each day and calls us to share what we have with others. This belief shapes Mount Auburn Church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.

The Mount Auburn Missions Team helps the church put that mission into action by supporting ministries and missionaries that share the Gospel, serve people in need, strengthen communities, and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Following Jesus’ call in Matthew 28:19–20 and Acts 1:8, we support mission work:

  • In Jerusalem, through ministries serving Johnson County
  • In Judea, through organizations working throughout Indiana
  • In Samaria, through national ministries and missionaries
  • To the ends of the earth, through international mission partners

Mount Auburn Church provides prayer, financial support, volunteer service, donations, and ongoing oversight to mission partners whose work aligns with the church’s Christian faith and nonprofit mission.

Through these partnerships, we help provide food, shelter, education, spiritual care, disaster relief, community support, and opportunities for people to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Explore the mission partners below to learn more about their work and how you can pray, give, or serve.

Mission Partners

The Boaz Project

In 1999, Greenwood resident, April Jurgensen, founded The Boaz Project after living in Russia for two years and growing a heart for orphans. The Boaz Project is devoted to serving the 99% of orphaned children who cannot be adopted. Through structured training, humanitarian aid, and successful in-home models, they are uniquely positioned to help children feel safe and secure, overcome trauma, know the Gospel message, and receive an education that will allow them to thrive and break the cycle of poverty and prostitution. April and her husband Jim say, “It is all God’s doing! We are just blessed to get front row seats!”

Chi Alpha

Chi Alpha is a campus ministry that is dedicated to reconciling college students to Christ to transform the university, marketplace, and the world. Chi Alpha engages college students through spirit-filled communities of prayer, worship, fellowship, discipleship, and mission so they become disciple-makers and life-long followers of Jesus. Mount Auburn supports Alexis (Rasmussen) Farmer with Chi Alpha at Indiana University – Bloomington. Alexis graduated from Center Grove High School and attended Mount Auburn in her youth.

CYBC-2025-1

Christ Youth Bible Club

This year CYBC has been diving deep into God’s Word at 17 schools in Indiana. Club leaders in southern Indiana saw the opportunity to start a brand new club at the Marengo Boys and Girls Club. In total, we have seen over 122 volunteers showing up weekly to love and lead over 642 students to encounter God through his Word. During Bible Club, students are growing strong relationships with adult shepherds as well as their peers who they see weekly in small groups. The elementary students are currently studying the Ten Commandments, middle schoolers are looking into the book of Ephesians, and the high school club is studying The People of Israel. Students are returning to their classrooms each week to be ambassadors for Christ as they put what they have learned into practice. For many volunteers, praying with students is the highlight of their time together. Praise God that students and adults are meeting together weekly in the public square to study God’s Word and pray together. We currently meet at schools in the following districts and look forward to seeing where God will lead next!

Gideon's International

Gideons International is a body of believers dedicated to making the Word of God available to everyone and, together with the local church, reaching souls for Christ. Today, Gideons International has taken more than 2 billion Bibles in more than 95 languages to 200 countries, territories, and possessions across the globe. Gideons International exists as an advocate for the lost, to bring them the saving knowledge of the Word through not only placing and distributing Bibles, but also through personal witness and by fellowshipping together for service. Mount Auburn financially supports Gideons International and several congregational members who serve with Gideons International.

Habitat for Humanity

Since 2006, Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County has provided affordable housing for 25 families. Mount Auburn Church has helped build at least 17 of these houses. This has consisted of providing financial support, work teams and meals for the workers, and devotions. The best part of these builds is attending the dedication and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they receive the keys to their new house. The excitement and emotion when they realize they now have a place to call home, is a real blessing! 

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Mount Auburn has been actively involved with Habitat for Humanity for over sixteen years through financial support, working teams, and meal provision.

Interchuch Food Pantry

Centrally located on the north side of Franklin, the Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County provides people throughout Johnson County with food at no cost to them. At this time, clients may visit the Pantry weekly. A drive-through delivery process is efficient and provides for safe food delivery loading. Produce is made available for clients to self-select what appeals to them. The Pantry has a menu shopping checklist so that the food received is what clients choose for themselves. The Pantry is 100% volunteer staffed. Several Mount Auburn members regularly volunteer at The Pantry.

The Jesus Film Project

The Jesus Film Project, a ministry of CRU, brings the story of Jesus to screens around the world. With the help of the Bible translation community, they translate “JESUS” and other films into new languages – sometimes before the Bible is printed in those languages! Mount Auburn supports Tony and Diana Speziale who have traveled the world, taking the Jesus Film to Papua New Guinea, Haiti, the Middle East and Thailand, where they also trained local pastors how to use the film to evangelize. They recently completed a two-year assignment in the South Pacific, based in Auckland, New Zealand, where they led a team that translated the Jesus film into 17 native languages of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Their ministry extended across 11 South Pacific island nations, where they witnessed hundreds come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Tony is now working to translate the Jesus film into the heart languages of people groups in Pakistan and Uzbekistan, while Diana partners with immigrant communities in North America to bring the film into their native tongues from their home base in Greenwood.

Tony and Diana Speziale

The Lord's Locker

God blesses those in need through the Lord’s Locker, a charity in Trafalgar, IN, with food, clothing, and household items, with the goal to not create a dependency on the facility but rather on JESUS CHRIST. Frequent guests are offered prayer and a biblical devotion to teach them about Jesus. Each week, approximately 95% are rewarded extra food points for completing a simple Bible homework assignment. The Lord’s Locker considers it a JOY to be the middlemen in what GOD does in the hearts of people. Mount Auburn Church supports The Lord’s Locker through financial support, food collections and service projects.

One Mission Society (OMS)

OMS is an evangelical, interdenominational faith mission (with roots in the Wesleyan Holiness tradition) that partners with more than 400 organizations and church denominations around the world for one purpose … to help fulfill the Great Commission by seeing the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread throughout the world with the greatest number of disciples made, and seeing God glorified in all that we say and do. OMS firmly believe the the power of the Gospel, in the hands of disciple-makers, will transform all nations. Mount Auburn supports many missionaries with OMS! Mount Auburn supports many missionaries with OMS, including HOPE61. This ministry equips the global church body to prevent human trafficking in their communities and to build bridges to sharing the gospel. The ministry emphasizes reaching out to all who are vulnerable to becoming involved in trafficking, whether as victims, traffickers, or buyers.

Appeal for the Unreached

We are all stained by sin and in need of a Savior, no matter where we live—whether in the U.S., Europe, Asia, or Africa. God’s great love created a way for us to be redeemed. He wiped away our tears and took away our shame. Jesus is the promised Savior of the world. Our dear friends in North Africa face the same sin-stained condition. Their precious souls are lost, burdened, and broken. They try their best to follow the laws and regulations of Islam to make themselves righteous before God, but salvation cannot be earned through works. To make matters worse, most of them have little or no access to the Gospel—the very thing that can give them everlasting hope. Steve and Rebecca’s goal is to be a witness and shine the light of Jesus in the community. Most people they bump into have never met a follower of Jesus. With much love and respect towards these beloved people they strive to share life-giving Good News (face-to-face). Please continue to uplift them in prayer as they courageously represent Christ in their ambassadorial role overseas.

Child Evangelism Fellowship

CEF is a Bible-centered organization whose purpose is to evangelize children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to establish them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living. CEF is presently involved in over 165 countries, and is active in every state and province in North America. Mount Auburn supports and has partnered with the Southeast Indiana chapter to provide activities for children and youth at Mount Auburn Church and in the local community.

myLIFEspeaks

myLIFEspeaks is a nonprofit ministry based in Neply, Haiti committed to developing a Christ-centered culture, one life at a time through a family-based care model consisting of family empowerment, educational excellence, and public health. Mount Auburn’s own Bethany Appleton-Joseph was called out of our congregation and into myLIFEspeaks in Haiti. Bethany, forced to relocate from Haiti due to instability, now works with myLIFEspeaks in Indiana. While Mount Auburn no longer supports her financially, we are thrilled to support myLIFEspeaks’ mission in Haiti, especially during the challenging times the country is facing. Haiti has been in a season of turmoil; please pray for Haiti and for myLIFEspeaks!

The Joseph Family

Samaritan’s Purse

After sharing the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus said “Go and do likewise.” That is the mission of Samaritan’s Purse—to follow the example of Christ by helping those in need and proclaiming the hope of the Gospel. Since 1998, Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief teams have been ready to respond at a moment’s notice in Jesus’ Name. Samaritan’s Purse specializes in meeting critical needs in the world’s most troubled regions, often working through ministry partners already on the scene of a crisis. In the U.S., staff and volunteers are quickly mobilized to provide emergency aid when hurricanes, tornadoes, and other storms strike.

From Franklin Graham, President & CEO of Samaritan’s Purse: 

“Samaritan’s Purse is here to help and we’re doing it all in Jesus’ Name. We want every homeowner to know that God loves them and hasn’t forgotten them.” In addition to financial support for disaster relief, volunteers from Mount Auburn have traveled to crisis areas to help.

SAW’s – Servants At Work, INC.

SAWS is a faith-based organization dedicated to providing freedom to people with permanent disabilities in low-income households through the construction of wheelchair ramps. Since SAWS founding in 2003, the organization has expanded into other states; SAWS celebrated their 4000th ramp build in May 2024. In addition to financial support, Mount Auburn volunteers have been involved with ramp building.

World Gospel Mission – Texas Mexico Border

World Gospel Mission, headquartered in Marion, Indiana, has been serving on the Mexico border in McAllen, Texas since 1948. What started as a small outreach has expanded into a multi-faceted approach to spreading God’s love. Today, missionaries serve through the ministries of Taylor Community Center to provide wholistic care, discipleship, and support for families. The missionaries seek to share the love of Christ through offering recreation, education, clothing, resources, and friendship to children, youth, and adults of the Rio Grande Valley.

Please pray that each immigrant and resident will be confronted with grace, hope, and the transforming power of the Gospel. Pray that the missionaries will continue to build relationships, demonstrate Christ’s love, and minister effectively in this transient community.

Kurt and Cynthia Zimmerman

Youth For Christ – Romania

Youth for Christ Romania is a dynamic organization dedicated to reaching young people with the transformative message of the Gospel. Through various programs and initiatives, YFC Romania engages youth across the country, providing mentorship, discipleship, and opportunities for spiritual growth. They organize camps, events, and outreach activities tailored to the needs and interests of young Romanians, fostering a supportive community where youth can explore faith and discover their purpose. With a heart for the next generation, Youth for Christ Romania is committed to equipping young people to live out their faith boldly and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. They currently have thirty missionaries and reach about 2,000 young people a year.

Mount Auburn’s Local Family Assistance

We believe in the power of community and the warmth that comes from extending a helping hand. Our commitment to serving others goes beyond the walls of our sanctuary, As part of Mount Auburn Benevolence Ministries, we offer utility bill financial assistance to those living in Greenwood, Whiteland, and Bargersville. We understand that life’s journey may bring unexpected challenges and we are here to offer support.

BENEVOLENCE MINISTRIES

Mount Auburn supports many missions directly sharing the Gospel of Christ through ministry with a clear “Christian component,” like presentation of the Gospel or prayer. Benevolence, by contrast, is the quiet help we offer or the worthy causes we serve while not mentioning Christ or His church overtly.

GO Benevolence Ministry

Persons of all ages at Mount Auburn enjoy supporting missions. Mount Auburn provides students and adults with opportunities to serve their community through serve days, food drives, mission trips, and local service projects. Mount Auburn ensures our congregation is cared for through Parish Care programs like Loving Stitches, Caring Card Ministry, and more. Our goal is to let the congregation know they are loved, as well as reaching out to those who have not yet accepted Christ into their heart. We are all missionaries. Feel free to join us in any of our upcoming congregational missions! For more information, email missions@mountauburn.church

Adopt-a-school

The Mount Auburn family continues our support of students with food anxieties by supplying them with weekend food at both Isom and Northeast Elementaries in Greenwood Schools for the 2025-2026 school year. Isom Elementary has 45+ students and Northeast Elementary has 30+ students in their “Nutrition Clubs” who need food for each weekend during the school year. Thanks to the Mount Auburn family for supporting this Benevolent Mission. The donations of food have been AWESOME!  The counselors and staff at both schools and Dr. Terry Terhune, Superintendent of Greenwood Schools, are very grateful for all we do for their students. For more information contact Mark Mull at mull.mr@aol.com.

Operation Bundle Up

Operation Bundle Up provides new or gently used coats to elementary school children at Johnson County schools.  For more information you can contact Donna Silvertooth at donnajsilvertooth@gmail.com.

Operation Christmas Child

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. Every November, Mount Auburn volunteers fill and collect shoeboxes to be delivered to children around the world. To learn more, email Marion Jones at garymarion@comcast.net

United Way Fast Track

Fast Track is a countywide school readiness program which provides backpacks, school supplies and other items to help low-income students be prepared for the first day of school. Fast Track helps parents get the resources they need for their children to be successful. For more information you can contact Donna Silvertooth at donnajsilvertooth@gmail.com

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Each Christmas season, Mount Auburn Church encourages volunteers to participate in The Salvation Army’s “Red Kettle” campaign. The money raised provides meals for the hungry, nights of shelter, life skills counseling, Christmas gifts for kids, and much more. To learn more, email Susan Porter at slporter1960@gmail.com.

United Way Christmas Angels

Every December, Mount Auburn Church partners with United Way of Johnson County to provide Christmas presents to families in need. Volunteers are needed to 1) purchase and wrap presents; 2) deliver presents to families; and 3) offer prayer to families. A sign-up to deliver presents and gift tags on the Mission Tree are ready in November. To learn more, email Susan Porter at slporter1960@gmail.com. After all of the gift tags have been taken, Mount Auburn decorates the mission trees with scarves, hats, gloves, and socks. These items are taken to The Lord’s Locker, Isom and Northeast Elementary Schools, and the HOOP (Helping Our Own People) organization which takes them to the homeless in Indianapolis.

Serving and Donating Opportunities

Toilet Paper & Peanut Butter Collection for the Lord's Locker & the Interchurch Food Pantry

Due to the great need, toilet paper and peanut butter (18-24oz jars, creamy and crunchy) continues for the Interchurch Food Pantry & The Lord’s Locker. Also, we are now including baby wipes to the collection need. Please place donations in bins outside of the Community Room next to the Adopt-A-School table. Items are collected the first Sunday of every month. For more information please contact Cynthia Mull at 317-459-4218 or camull74@aol.com or Becky Appleton at 317-626-1373 or rappleto@gmail.com.