We all know what a torch is. We hear people talk about “the passing of the torch” or “carrying the torch,” but to many, TORCH is an acronym that stands for Training of Redeemed Christians Heavenbound.
The TORCH program began in 1988 when Steve Davidson, formerly the director of spiritual outreach at Lipscomb, and Miguel Agular, of the Baxter Institute of Biblical Studies in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, realized a need to train young men and women to become full- and part-time missionaries.
In early TORCH trips, 15-20 members would travel to Honduras every year. In 1995, TORCH added a second team. This past summer, there were 12 teams who worked in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras. Over 600 individuals shared the love of God and served those in need.
Short-term mission trips have become an effective method of evangelism. Trips focus on specific areas, goals or needs. Lipscomb, as well as other Christian colleges and universities, offer short-term mission trips for students and others who can travel at specific times. Many youth ministers, campus ministers and churches also provide short-term mission opportunities.
TORCH
TORCH Missions place an emphasis on serving the impoverished and providing benevolent relief for those who suffer from the effects of poverty, disaster and insufficient medical care. In the past, TORCH teams have built over 2,000 houses in Honduras since 1995, 12 church buildings, school classrooms and feeding centers. They distribute food, clothing, hygiene supplies (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.), Bibles, Bible tracts, school supplies, toys and shoes. Teams also have built playgrounds at schools, orphanages, and day care centers. They visit those in hospitals, retirement homes, special need facilities and children’s homes.
Most teams conduct Vacation Bible School programs, and several teams provide medical clinics. TORCH provides free medical clinics in remote rural areas and villages where medical care is not available. TORCH also conducts free dental clinics, provides medicines through its pharmacy and teaches nutrition classes.
TORCH Missions conducts trips to Honduras throughout the year. Trips during spring breaks, Christmas breaks and the summer months are offered or can be planned and arranged. TORCH has a full-time contact person in Tegucigalpa and several team leaders stateside. TORCH also has contacts in Costa Rica, Brazil, Ecuador and Nicaragua.
TORCH teams range in size from as few as a dozen to teams that number 120 or more. Originally designed to be a teaching tool for teenagers, TORCH now is a blend of teenagers, college/young professionals, adults and seniors from all walks of life.
If you are interested in learning more about this program or participating in TORCH Missions, go to www.torchmissions.org, www.childrenoftheking.blogspot.com, or contact Terry Reeves, president of TORCH, at reeves.tl@gmail.com or treeves@fhu.edu. If you are interested in participating in other short-term mission projects, contact Dr. Earl Lavender, director of missions, at earl.lavender@lipscomb.edu.