As the family of God, we recognize the invaluable contributions of both our older members, who bring wisdom, experience, and leadership, and our younger members, who offer fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.
Our goal is to bring these two generations together through mentorship opportunities that will shape and empower the future leaders of our church!
You don’t have to be a rockstar to be a Christian Mentor! All you need is to share everyday life and how Jesus has changed you, along with a willingness to help others be changed by Jesus.
NOW accepting applications for the January 2026 International Mission Trip with Team Zion!
Deadline for applications is Friday September 26, 2025
Sharing the Story: From Participant to Panelist
Janet Lee- One of last year’s International Mission Trip grant recipients fulfilled her commitment to “report back” in a remarkable way, by sharing her story at the Lutheran Church–Canada National Youth Gathering.
She was invited to participate in a breakout session panel featuring mission organizations supported by LCC. Representing LLL and Team Zion, she spoke with clarity and conviction about her experience in Nicaragua, describing what a “day in the life” looked like during the mission trip: from serving alongside local church leaders, to connecting with children during Vacation Bible School, to witnessing the joy of faith amid hardship.
Her testimony helped youth and leaders from across Canada understand the deep value of long-term mission work rooted in relationship, mentorship, and faithful service. She emphasized that Team Zion is not a one-time event but an ongoing mission, one that invites participants to continue serving, praying, and encouraging the church in Nicaragua well beyond the trip itself.
Because of your support, young adults like her are not only being equipped to serve, but they are also becoming advocates and leaders who inspire others to do the same. Thank you for making this possible.
Gratitude in Action: Thank You from the
Recipients of the International Mentorship Project Grant!
Meet the First Recipients of the
International Mentorship Project Grant!
Samantha, Sarah, Matthew, and Janet—were approved to join Team Zion on a mission to Nicaragua, that departed January 9th, 2025. Their journey focused on service, leadership, and fostering connections that reflect Christ’s love in action.
Matthew Zvric
Born and raised in Windsor, ON, I was brought up in and continue to attend First Lutheran Christian Church. Pastor Robert Bugbee, the church’s current serving pastor, has been integral to my faith journey these past few years. Pastor Bugbee and I meet often to discuss scripture and day-to-day life; when I discussed my desire to complete mission work in 2025, he promptly brought up Team Zion’s annual trip to Nicaragua and put me in touch with Lisa at LLL Canada. As the idea of attending has sunk in and I’ve been able to reflect on the upcoming mission work, I can say I am most looking forward to being a part of a team – with the Christian faith and our Lord and Saviour at its foundation – that is spreading the Word to upcoming generations and supporting growth and development within Nicaraguan communities. I firmly believe this will set a trajectory of me attending annual mission trips worldwide moving forward, as our Lord and Saviour continues to support my faith journey and my ability to support internationally if He wills. I’d like to personally thank the LLL donors who have graciously supported the Intergenerational Mentorship Program and have therefore made this upcoming mission trip a possibility for me.
Samantha Neeb
I am excited to be joining Team Zion on the mission trip to Nicaragua in 2025! I am serving as a Director of Parish Services Intern at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Dickson, Alberta. I was fortunate to join Team Zion last year through an experience available through Concordia Lutheran Seminary. I had a great experience teaching Bible Study and was encouraged by Managing Director – Lisa Jackson and Board member- Pastor Mark Danielson to apply for the Intergenerational Mission Grant so that I could join the team once again. I hope to gain more experience teaching Bible Study, particularly in a setting and style that’s different from what I’m used to. I anticipate this experience helping me serve the Church in the future through a deeper understanding of the missions of the Church, serving different cultures, team ministry and teaching techniques. Thank you for your support of Intergenerational mentoring!
Sarah Das
I am a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Elmira, Ontario and became interested in the program after my father returned from the Nicaragua mission in January 2024. I have been interested in going on an international mission trip for years after helping with VBS in Canada and am glad to have this opportunity to learn under the mentors in Team Zion. I hope to learn about how the Word transcends cultural and language differences and make a difference in my own small way.
Janet Lee
I have been fortunate to go to Nicaragua in 2024 as my first international mission trip. When I lived in Fort McMurray, I attended Trinity Lutheran Church and still go there when I visit my parents. I currently live in Edmonton and attend a Korean church. My first mission experience with Lutheran Church Canada was great, being able to go with a seasoned team like Team Zion. Ever since I got back from the trip in 2024, I was hoping to serve on mission trips more regularly. I am excited to be able to go to Nicaragua again and hopefully see some familiar faces at VBS, as well as new faces. I am grateful for this opportunity to continue to learn more from the Team Zion mentors. I pray that this experience will help me continue to serve at church, as well as when doing outreach with different communities that may have different cultures and speak different languages. Thank you to all the donors and LLL for this amazing Intergenerational Mentorship Project! This is a wonderful program and I hope that other members are also able to experience it.
Serve and Grow TOGETHER!
Our ESL Conversation Circle Outreach Toolkit will support and lead you through some important steps to get started! Visit our information page here.