Missions Update - July 2026
Monthly Missions Update / July 2026 / volume 3 issue 7
Hello Morning Star Family!
We're quickly approaching one of the most unique International opportunities at Morning Star since the Eclipse Event in 2017! See below for our World Cup watch party and many other great events & ways to get involved in Missions!
Read ahead for all the details:
local partner - salem for refugees
World Cup Finale watch party here at Morning Star:
Join us Sunday July 19th for the game the world will be watching! After the 9am service we'll set up for the game that starts at Noon. About 300-400 of our New Neighbor Refugee families who Salem For Refugees serves will be joining us! This is a great opportunity to get to know someone we might not otherwise see. We'll share a meal, watch the game and be able to show Jesus’ love to our neighbors.
If you're able to help with food prep (Foodhandlers card required) in the days leading up to the event, event day table setup or cleanup, or serving food, please register HERE
GLOBAL PARTNER - JEFF AND SARAH
Join us for lunch, updates, and fascinating stories of how God is working halfway across the world from our Global Partners Jeff & Sarah. RSVP HERE
They serve refugees in Central Asia who have had to flee neighboring countries and arrive with nothing. Often these refugees are in crisis and without hope of a better life & care for their children. Jeff & Sarah provide a quality, interactive education for these students and hope that these kids are not forgotten or unloved.
Lunch & sharing time is July 12th at 1pm. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and see how God is transforming lives through faithful obedience to His calling.
Please RSVP today so we can have plenty of food.
global partner - petr samylich - children camp
Greetings, dear brothers and sisters!
The summer is here and we are grateful for the opportunity and open doors to still hold Christian summer camps for children and youth.
Next week, 28th June – 4th July, we are holding our Children Camp in Norkalni, for children 7 – 12 years. During the week, many young hearts will hear the Gospel, build friendships, enjoy fun activities and learn more about God’s love for them. We are excited to see what the Lord will do. My son David and his wife Esther are busy organizing the event.
We will appreciate your prayers for
-the children participating, for their open hearts to allow the truth and love of Jesus to touch and speak to them, for many to come to know Him personally;
-the children who already know Christ would grow in their faith;
-wisdom, strength, and unity for our camp leaders’ team;
-safety, good health, and smooth logistics throughout the week.
Thank you so much for your continual support to us and our ministry events in your prayers! We trust that God will use this camp to make a lasting impact in the lives of these children and their families.
Serving Him together,
Petr Samoylich and team
local partner - SALEM ANGELS
I want to thank you for the incredible impact you have made during the first half of this year. Your time, relationship, and generosity continues to transform lives. Here are a couple of amazing highlights you have recently helped make possible.
This year, 100% of seniors in our Dare to Dream Mentorship Program graduated!
In 2026, we launched group activities for youth in our Dare to Dream Mentorship Program. These activities have been a wonderful addition to our mission: creating opportunities for long-term relationships, promoting a sense of normalcy, and cultivating meaningful peer connections. So far this year we've been able to host the following three enrichment activities:
A New Year's party, games, and food
An Oregon Coast and Aquarium visit
A Good Food Good Mood nutrition class at the Salem Health Community Health Education Center
We have 94 volunteers saying “yes” to intentional relationships that create lasting impact. I am so excited to see youth experiencing foster care surrounded by connection, stability & hope!
Do you want to come say "hi" at one of our events in July? Take a look at the dates, I would enjoy the opportunity to see you!
Angels on the Vine - Cornhole Tournament
Raise a glass and a cornhole bag for a cause that matters at Angels on the Vine. A summer evening of fun, wine, food, raffles, and community. All proceeds from tournament entries benefit Salem Angels.
July 25th 2-5 PM @ RH Estates Wines
Marion Berries - Salem Angels
J
oin us for a summer night at the ballpark as our local Marion Berries take on the Bellingham Bells. Invite your friends as our community comes together to cheer on the Marion Berries and show up for children & youth experiencing foster care across Marion and Polk counties.
July 30th 5:30pm @ Chemeketa CC Baseball Field
I look forward to the next time we get to connect. Feel free to reach out anytime!
Grateful for you ~ Angie Newton
LOCAL PARTNER - SALEM FOR REFUGEES
Dear Jared,
June was a full and meaningful month at Salem For Refugees. From celebrating World Refugee Day and honoring the strength and resilience of our new neighbors, to recognizing graduates and preparing for summer programs, we were reminded again that welcome is built through relationships, and shared community.
As we move into the summer months, we are grateful for the many volunteers, partners, donors, and community members who continue to walk alongside us. Thank you for being part of this work and helping create a community where every family has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
Graduation Party:
We had the joy of celebrating an incredible group of graduates from our community. Together with their families, friends, volunteers, and staff, we honored 19 high school graduates from different schools across the Salem area.
This celebration was more than a party. It was a moment to recognize the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of students who have navigated new schools, new systems, new languages, and new opportunities with courage and determination. Their accomplishments are a reflection of their commitment and the support of the families and communities walking alongside them.
We are so proud of each graduate and excited for the next steps ahead, whether they are continuing their education, entering the workforce, or exploring new opportunities. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
World Refugee Day:
Salem For Refugees gathered with community members to honor World Refugee Day, a time to recognize the strength, courage, and resilience of refugees around the world and here in Salem.
This year’s gathering invited participants to reflect on different parts of the refugee journey, from displacement and waiting to resettlement and belonging. Through stories, videos, table conversations, and interactive activities, guests were invited to consider what it means to leave home, rebuild life in a new place, and create a community where every neighbor is welcomed.
We are grateful for everyone who joined us, listened, shared, and reflected together. World Refugee Day reminds us that welcome is not just a word. It is something we practice through relationship, understanding, advocacy, and action.
SAVE THE DATE - THRIVE
Mark your calendars for this year’s THRIVE, Salem For Refugees’ annual fundraiser!
THRIVE is a special evening where our community comes together to celebrate stories of welcome, resilience, and belonging, while supporting the ongoing work of walking alongside refugee families in Salem and Corvallis.
We are excited to gather with partners, volunteers, donors, and friends as we look back on the impact of this past year and look ahead to the work still before us.
More details will be shared soon, but for now, we invite you to save the date and plan to join us for this meaningful evening.
GET INVOLVED
This August, Salem For Refugees and All Nations Soccer are excited to host soccer camp for children and youth, and we are looking for volunteers to help make it a fun, welcoming, and meaningful experience.
Volunteers will help support activities, encourage students, assist with setup and clean-up, and create a positive environment where kids can play, build friendships, and feel connected. No soccer experience is required, just a willingness to show up, serve, and have fun!
If you or someone in your community is interested in volunteering at soccer camp, please reach out to jeff@salemforrefugees.org for more information.
As we look back on June, we are grateful for every moment of celebration, reflection, and connection shared with our community. Your support helps families feel seen, supported, and at home.
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
