Missions Update
Monthly Missions Update / september 2025 / volume 2 issue 9
Hello Morning Star Family!
Fall season has arrived! Kids are back in school & soon the leaves will turn the beautiful variety of colors we're blessed to see in the Willamette Valley. This month we have some recaps from August fundraisers and a look forward to opportunities throughout September!
Let's all be praying for Corban students as Corban has their annual World Outreach Week Sept 2
Thanks so much for being a part of our summer prayer walks! We had about 100 people between our 3 formal gatherings at different spots around the city, and many more walking in their own neighborhoods. We'll have final totals ready to announce in service on September 14th, but it'll be a few hundred miles we walked together! Well done everyone! God is at work here in Salem! We've seen and learned so much. Here's the key: This doesn't have to just be a summer event, it can be a lifestyle or praying while we walk, being in a rhythm of relationship with this Lord and communicating with Him, on behalf of the community we love! Check out for how to prepare for a walk in any season.
Take a look at this month’s updates:
Local Partner – Salem for Refugees:
We are excited to invite you to our Fall Kick- off SFR Connects meeting on Monday, September 8th at Broadway Commons. We're celebrating our 9th birthday and we will highlight all the incredible achievements Salem for Refugees has accomplished over the past year. Whether you're a long-time partner or new to the SFR family, this is a special opportunity to hear inspiring updates, connect with others who share your passion for refugee support, and reflect on the impact we've made together. Come ready to celebrate, share, and look forward to the future as we continue building a welcoming community for all.
Lunch will be provided at 11:45am and the program will begin at 12:00pm.
Date: September 8th
Location: Broadway Commons, 2nd Floor
Time: 12:00 Noon
BBQ in the Park Recap & Newsletter Update:
Thanks to those who were able to join us to serve food the the BBQ, play with kids and spend time with our New Neighbor refugee families to help encourage them as they are a vital part of our community! Here are a few pics from the event and another update from SFR about their various events this Summer!
This year has brought many changes for our community, and with those changes we’ve had to carefully consider where to focus our efforts. One area that has emerged as a clear priority is student services. From summer programs that helped children stay engaged and connected, to supporting families through the complex process of school registrations, we’ve seen how critical these services are for the growth and success of our new neighbors.
As we look back on the past months, we are encouraged by the progress made and the resilience of our community. At the same time, we remain committed to strengthening student services alongside other areas of our work so that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Chemeketa Info Nights:
This month, SFR hosted a Chemeketa Info Night specifically for Afghan young adults and their parents. An academic advisor joined us to share about the many resources and academic pathways available to students at Chemeketa Community College.
It was an encouraging evening of questions, conversations, and new possibilities for the future. We are excited to continue hosting Chemeketa info nights for other language groups in the months ahead, helping more students and families explore their educational opportunities.
Employment Update:
This summer, our Employment Team was able to connect 41 clients with seasonal jobs in local farms, food processing, and with the State Fair. These opportunities not only provided valuable income during the summer months but also helped our new neighbors gain experience, build confidence, and take important steps toward long-term employment stability.
We are grateful for the partnerships and employers who made this possible, and we look forward to expanding opportunities for many more clients in the months to come.
Summer BBQ:
This summer, we gathered with volunteers, partners, and families for our Annual Summer BBQ—a time of food, fun, and community. It was such a joy to celebrate together, share stories, and strengthen the bonds that make our work possible.
From delicious Halal burgers fresh off the grill to kids’ games and laughter filling the air, the BBQ was a beautiful reminder that welcoming new neighbors happens not only through services and programs, but also through friendship and shared moments.
We are so grateful to everyone who came out, contributed, and helped make this year’s BBQ such a special event!
SFR/CFR Connects!
We are excited to invite you to our Fall Kick- off SFR Connects meeting on Monday, September 8th at Broadway Commons. We're celebrating our 9th birthday and we will highlight all the incredible achievements Salem for Refugees has accomplished over the past year. Whether you're a long-time partner or new to the SFR family, this is a special opportunity to hear inspiring updates, connect with others who share your passion for refugee support, and reflect on the impact we've made together. Come ready to celebrate, share, and look forward to the future as we continue building a welcoming community for all.
Lunch will be provided at 11:45am and the program will begin at 12:00pm.
Date: September 8th
Location: Broadway Commons, 2nd Floor
Time: 12:00 Noon
Upcoming Volunteer Training:
Join us at Salem for Refugees or Corvallis for Refugees this September and be part of the journey of welcoming and serving our new neighbors.
This is a great opportunity to get equipped, inspired, and connected with others who share the same heart for service.
How to Join:
Complete the Volunteer Application & Background Check (if you haven’t already)
https://form.jotform.com/223456373449160
Register for Training using the QR code or link provided
https://salemforrefugees.tpsdb.com/OnlineReg/400
As we reflect on the past season, we are encouraged by the resilience of our new neighbors and the dedication of our volunteers, partners, and community. Each story shared—whether through student services, employment opportunities, or community gatherings—reminds us of the impact we can make together.
Thank you for walking alongside us as we continue to welcome, equip, and empower refugees to thrive here in Salem. We look forward to the months ahead with hope and anticipation.
Local Partner – Hope Pregnancy Clinic:
Join us for the groundbreaking of Hope Pregnancy Clinic’s new expanded facility, a space that will bring life‑changing support and compassionate care to many more women and families in our community.
Wednesday, Sept. 10th at 10AM
2780 Market St NE, Salem, OR
The ceremony will be outdoors and is an active construction site. Appropriate footwear and clothing are encouraged.
Please RSVP via email or phone:
beth@hopeforsalem.org
(503) 364-2464
Recent Fundraiser info & Leadership Updates:
Breaking Records!
304 men, women and children joined Hope at Minto-Brown Island Park on August 9th to run or walk one of our three course options. This turnout was our highest ever and we raised over $12,000. Thank you all for showing up and supporting women, babies and families in Marion and Polk Counties!
Leadership update:
Hope Pregnancy Clinic has been in the process of looking for their next Executive Director over the last 12 months to take over as current Executive Director Mike Reid retires soon.
The Hope Board has had many great interviews, conversations and prayer times as the Lord has been leading them to the right fit. Hope is thrilled with who the Lord has brought to them and it's been more and more confirmed in recent conversations.
Jay Messenger, Lead Pastor of Grace Community Church will become Hope's Executive Director in October and continue to work side by side with Mike Reid until the new year where Mike will be available for whatever help Jay needs.
Please join us in congratulating Jay Messenger, and all the Hope staff involved in the process to find the next leader. Let's join in celebrating this transition of leadership and as always, continuing to pray for the great work and community impact Hope Pregnancy Clinic provides!
Local Partner – Jeremy & Mindie Tice:
Trips and camps and conferences and retreats, oh my!
This was a full Summer! Bethel graduation was the beginning of May and we had the joy of seeing several of the students we worked closely with graduate. It really hit home how small of a window we actually have with these students. Pray we are able to make every moment count for the Kingdom as we help fix eyes on Jesus!
May was busy with launching Bethel Task Force teams to northern Alaska and New Mexico. We have heard wonderful reports from these trips, with lives being blessed through the teams that went.
June gave us some time for a family vacation to the Cleveland Zoo and a special 25th anniversary trip for Jeremy and Mindie. We are blessed!
July had us involved with the Missionary Church General Conference in Fort Wayne, the World Partners Summer Retreat, sharing with elementary schoolers at Prairie Camp, and launching the Bethel Women's Volleyball team on a trip to minister in Jamaica. We were also blessed to host our dear friend, Ezekiel, from Nigeria for several days. A bonus: two of our mentees got married!
In August we travelled to Brown City Camp in Michigan to share in their main evening service about global mission, then again in a smaller seminar the following day.
Mindie and some of her mentees at a wedding this summer.
Students are now back on campus and we are excited for another school year of discipling young men and women heading into mission with Jesus! We are already planning a Fall Break Task Force team to Fort Wayne in October. We are starting the logistical planning to take a group of students to the Urbana Conference in December, and plans are under way for trips to Mongolia, Ecuador and Nigeria this following summer! We are also facilitating a couple of semester abroads and a summer learning trip to Italy.
Pray for us as we get to know the incoming freshman class. Pray we can connect well with students sensing a call to global mission, along with students sensing a call to turn to Jesus. Our mentoring times will start rolling next week and the missions club the following week. Ask Holy Spirit to help us guide students through discernment as they consider where in the world God is calling them to serve.
Pictured below is a group of our students who met with missionary staff at the World Partners retreat this summer. We had a panel discussion sharing about fears Generation Z has when considering a missional call. The other is us with Ezekiel, who joined us for sharing with the elementary kids at Prairie Camp.
Thank you for your continued prayers as we launch a new generation of missionaries for a new era of missions!
- Jeremy and Mindie Tice
local Partner – salem free clinics:
Thank you for joining us on Saturday, August 16th, 2025! We raised $41,000 towards free medical, dental, and mental health care to the uninsured, underinsured, and those without access in our community.
local Partner – salem Angels:
2 years ago, Kelley and Ashley started a LoveBox group.
Last weekend, they became foster parents.
We want to express our immense gratitude for all of our volunteers. Day in and day out, our volunteers display unwavering dedication to the foster care community throughout Marion and Polk counties.
As Kelley and Ashley start on their new adventure as foster parents, we are so excited to wrap them with support, encouragement, and community. Kelley and Ashley got to start their fostering journey with a foster parent shower!
Volunteer Info Session
Thursday, September 11th
5:30-7:30 PM; light refreshments provided.
Curious about how you can support children and youth in foster care? Join us to learn more about our Love Box and Dare to Dream programs—and how you can get involved!
August Highlights
Angels on the Vine was a tremendous success with $5,632 raised to support the foster care community in Marion and Polk counties.
We could not have pulled off this event without our lovely (and lively) hosts: STOMP by Croft Vineyards and Lively Station.
And, of course, our amazing sponsors: Beyrouty Employee Benefits, SSJH Attorneys at Law, and Three Pine's Wealth Advisors.
August was packed with community events: national non-profit day, a bocce ball tournament, Sip and Paint, and so much more.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, painted, bocce balled, and supported Salem Angels this month!
Thank you Mt. Angel's St. Mary's Catholic Parish for hosting an information table and Amerititle for the bocce ball tournament.
2025 Matches Update: 15 New Matches & 8 Rematches. Countless Moments of Impact.
Behind every match is a story of hope, trust, and transformation.
To our donors, thank you. Your support makes these connections possible. Because of you, foster youth and families in our community are seen, supported, and never walking alone.
salemangels.org ~ nationalangels.org
Salem Angels is part of the National Angels network spanning across the United States.
To learn more about each of our Global & Local Partners, CLICK HERE. If you’re interested in helping more with Missions at Morning Star, please email: jared@mstar.church
Thanks for all you do to help share the Good News of Jesus with a world in need!
– Morning Star Missions Board
