FAIRFAX, Va. (July 7, 2008) – The Anglican District of Virginia (ADV) is continuing its commitment to mission and ministry as its parishes travel around the globe this summer to spread the message of Christ by assisting and educating those in need. Most of ADV’s 21 parishes are sending their clergy, vestry members, and parishioners on trips, both domestic and abroad.

According ADV Vice Chairman Jim Oakes, “ADV churches will continue to flourish spiritually with each mission trip they take – whether their mission brings them to remote areas in the world or to U.S. communities in need. Most importantly, it is clear that communities around the globe are benefitting from our commitment to ministry, aid, and support through Christ.”

Among several destinations for ADV mission trips this summer are: the Ukraine, to spread the Good News of Christ and to distribute 400 wheelchairs to those who need them; and Kenya, in order to serve alongside and encourage farmers through Planting Faith Ministries and the Anglican Church of Kenya. Other mission trips include Rwanda, Uganda, United Kingdom, South Africa, and the Dominican Republic, where ADV members will minister to Christian leaders and their local communities that are in physical and spiritual distress.
 
In addition to overseas missions, ADV churches are traveling to a number of afflicted communities within the U.S.  Several of ADV’s youth will travel on mission to West Virginia and South Dakota this summer to serve the underprivileged, the elderly, and the handicapped. Other members of ADV continue their commitment to New Orleans as part of New Orleans Agape Hope (NOAH), which offers ongoing recovery assistance, both spiritually and physically, to the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
 
“Our missionaries and mission trip organizers should be praised for the tireless effort that goes into planning such extraordinary journeys abroad and to disadvantaged areas of the U.S. These mission trips and ministry further emphasize ADV’s purpose of profound transformation through Christ’s message of faith, hope, and love,” Oakes concluded.

The Anglican District of Virginia (www.anglicandistrictofvirginia.org) is an association of Anglican congregations in Virginia.  Its members are in full communion with constituent members of the Anglican Communion through its affiliation with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), a missionary branch of the Church of Nigeria and other Anglican Archbishops.  ADV members are a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a community of 77 million people.  ADV is dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples while actively serving in three main capacities: International Ministries, Evangelism, and Strengthening Families and Community.  ADV is currently comprised of 21 member congregations.
 
For more information on local church programs or to schedule an interview, please contact Megan Franko (ext. 148) or Caitlin Bozell (ext. 119) at (703) 683-5004.