Every Campus Outreach ministry is under the authority of a local church. Overseeing a specific CO ministry within a geographical area, a “hub church” assumes responsibility to serve, shepherd, supervise, support, and send the staff under their authority. 2nd Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN (2PC) is the Regional Hub Church for the Memphis region. This summer, they combined their commitment to Campus Outreach with their goal for church-to-church partnerships. They sent a “blended team” to serve Campus Outreach South Africa (COSA) at their annual mid-year City Conference.
Andy Cheely, Director of World Missions at 2PC, leads the congregation in a multiplying mission approach that embraces an “us and them” mindset and uses blended teams. These short-term teams include members of 2PC and members of an international church partner working together to impact a third church or ministry partner internationally. In June, Jessica Uke led such a team to serve Allison Neubert, a 2PC member serving as Operations Director for COSA.
Jessica came to Christ through Campus Outreach at Arkansas State University and later participated in a two-month CCP to Johannesburg in 2017. She enjoyed her time there, made lasting friendships, and didn’t expect she would return. After moving to Memphis for graduate school, Jessica joined 2PC and began serving on the missions committee. With Andy’s encouragement, Jessica asked Allison how 2PC could help COSA with ministry needs. She said, “We have hands, young people with off time, and a desire to do things.” Allison mentioned that during the annual City Conference, having campus staff help with logistics limits their time with students. Then she asked if 2PC could send a team to serve in this area, and Jessica responded, “Absolutely.”
The trip in 2024 was a success, and another team returned in June of 2025. Twelve people comprised the team, six of whom had traveled to serve the previous year. Six new members included two people from 2PC and four students from African Bible College in Malawi—another ministry partner of the church. These students grew up in culturally Christian families in a culturally Christian country. Their inclusion allowed them to have a CCP-type experience with the young adults of 2PC and the COSA staff. They were exposed to an evangelistic ministry and discipleship that differed from what they knew: young adults discipling students.
The theme of the 5th City Conference was “Ndinxaniwe,” which means “thirsty.” Over 280 students gathered to hear teaching focused on God as the only one who can satisfy. The 2PC team jumped in to do whatever was asked: helping with decor, buying food, and thinking through games for the students to play. Throughout the conference, God transformed many lives.
The conference impacted students like Moeketsi: “Heading into the conference, I had a lot of questions about this faith. I am really grateful for the opportunity to experience CityCon. Now I know and have seen personally a Father who loves and cares for me wholeheartedly, regardless of my affinity for Him. I hope to know Him more.”
The experience impacted Pride, COSA’s Media and Communications Lead: “The team wanted to serve and love us, which was a blessing. I honestly don’t know how we would have done this without them. They were just amazing.”
Even the team members experienced a powerful impact! Jessica shared, “This year, the leaders asked a teammate and me to lead the worship. There’s something about the viewpoint from the front! The students run up to the stage as if it’s a concert, and they worship so freely. There was great joy leading them to that place of worship and seeing their hearts. I kept thinking, ‘Lord, you are so kind to me.’”
Taking a multi-cultural team to labor in a mysterious third culture is difficult. Still, no one can deny the God-honoring results. The 2PC missions committee believes their investment in making disciples, with missions as a front-burner priority, will bear explosive fruit. “It may take years, but we aim to model a true global church along the way,” Andy said.
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