River of Life Missions
On Mission Together
In addition to our own church ministries, we support and are involved in a variety of local and international ministries with the ultimate goal of changing the world by showing and sharing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Meet Our Core Missions Team
Meet Pastor Veronica –
Pastor Veronica oversees a broad range of Missions, Outreach, and Evangelism teams at River of Life. She has a particular passion to minister to the orphan, the widow, the poor and the marginalized and has done so both locally and in Africa.
She is on the planning team for The Hartford Project – an outreach that brings youth from numerous churches together. Veronica and her team works with several homeless shelters and soup kitchens in the region. She was the founder of “Restoring Hope”, a ministry geared to restoring the men in transitional living at South Park Inn Homeless Shelter and is currently planning another program to provide transitional life services for people who are homeless or could become homeless.
If you are interested in learning more about missions & outreach at the River, contact Pastor Veronica at veronica@rolcf.net.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
Terry Stoddard
I am grateful for the opportunity to use my financial and business experience to support our church’s operations, missions, and global missionaries. It is a true blessing to witness our growing impact in spreading the Gospel, making disciples, supporting those in need, and comforting the brokenhearted. I am especially thankful for God’s constant provision in my life, which allows me to contribute to His Kingdom-building work by stewarding my finances, time, talents, and testimony.
Hearing the incredible stories of missionaries reaching remote areas, training local leaders, and establishing churches has deeply impacted my understanding of sacrifice. Their testimonies and the life-changing results of their dedication, empowered by the Holy Spirit, have not only transformed individuals but also enriched my own spiritual journey.
I am excited to be part of our team as we expand our local and global mission efforts, working together to raise awareness and glorify God through our combined resources. I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in building His earthly and eternal kingdom right now by sharing the good news of Jesus, His love, and His amazing grace.
Sandra Jenkins
Teaching has always been a passion of mine. I believe God prepared me for this path, giving me a desire to help others reach their full potential.
The Missions and Outreach ministries at River Of Life provide a wonderful opportunity to partner with God in serving those in need, both locally and globally. Each of us can use our unique gifts to meet these needs.
I’m also passionate about my work with Caring Families Women’s Center in Eastern Connecticut, where I’ve served on the board for over five years. River Of Life has been a strong supporter of this faith-based ministry, which has been empowering individuals facing unplanned pregnancies for over 35 years. I’m honored to represent this ministry at our church.
Cynthia Stoddard
Helping others has always been important to me. I’m a Pediatric RN and have supported my family through illnesses. As a stay-at-home mom, I taught my children about empathy, inspired by my own mother. My daughter’s work with blessing bags for the homeless and wellness bags during COVID led me to continue this effort. Last winter, our church made and distributed these bags, and I plan to organize similar events twice a year.
For the past few years, I’ve also spent one Friday a month helping prepare meals for the homeless at the Friendship Center in East Hartford, a ministry ROL has supported for over two decades. I encourage more church members to join us; even a few hours a couple of Friday afternoons a year would be greatly appreciated.
Recently, I’ve been learning about The Underground, a Connecticut-based initiative founded in 2013 to combat sex trafficking. Their support for survivors is incredibly moving, and they have over 2,000 volunteers from more than 300 churches. I’m excited ROL is sponsoring a survivor, and I look forward to finding ways for our church to support this mission and meet the survivor’s needs.
As Matthew 7:12 states, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do unto you.”
Kimberly Ackerman
Thirty years ago, when I was homeless with my three sons, South Park Inn welcomed us with open arms, providing hot meals, shelter, and clothing. They also offered us prayers and introduced us to many supportive people who came into our lives.
Throughout the years, I’ve consistently given back to various shelters for homeless individuals and animals. This year, the Lord has placed South Park Inn on my heart. Many people, young and old, are struggling with hunger, homelessness, and a lack of clothing. South Park Inn provides all of these necessities and more.
They need our assistance to continue their vital work, from cooking meals to offering comprehensive support
Jonathan Hall
I serve God with deep honor. Having experienced poverty, homelessness, struggle, pain, and abuse, I have a profound understanding of the hardships others face. I recognize the critical needs that exist, and my aim is to extend help to as many people as possible.
I am committed to ensuring that families do not have to make impossible choices between food, bills, and essential daily items. This conviction led me to establish “Help to Heal the Hurting,” a provision project dedicated to meeting these needs while sharing the love, healing, and message of the living God.
Thank You for
Supporting The Mission.
The River’s Outreach and Missions Ministry is made possible through the above-and-beyond offerings of generous givers like you.
By giving directly to the River, you fuel our strategic initiatives to the poor, marginalized, and underserved both locally and globally.
Missions at the River of Life
The River of Life is honored to send missionaries and resources to participate in global and local missions – reaching some of the world’s most impoverished communities and helping to transform urban communities right in our own backyard by spreading the Gospel message. Download our mobile app to stay up-to-date on upcoming mission opportunities!
Beyond Our Own Backyard
River of Life Church is blessed to partner with several ministries in communities throughout our region and overseas. We provide these ministries support through prayer, volunteerism, resources, and financial assistance.
Why We Do What We Do
Jesus came with purpose and continues to work towards God’s purpose from heaven through His communities of followers on earth. Jesus told His disciples to “go and make disciples.” The mission Jesus gave us is to preach the Gospel to everyone we have opportunity and to teach and care for those who respond to His invitation to follow Him in faith. Consider contributing to our cause by making an offering here.
We are called to serve one another
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Interested in supporting the River’s missions & outreach programs but aren’t sure where to start? Click below and fill out the form and we can help you find a place to serve!
Accra, Ghana
Love-A-Lot Children's Home
Love A Lot Children’s Home was founded by Pastor Charles & Mary Okang, pastors of The Happy Church in Bloomfield, Connecticut. This children’s home was founded with a vision to care for children abandoned either through the death of their parents or neglect.
A loving home with food and clothing, schooling and a Christian foundation is provided through the support and generosity of volunteers, financial gifts, and donations. Where possible, we help the children find a new family through adoption. When adoption is not possible, a new family and relationship flourishes within the Love A Lot family.
Ongoing Outreach Opportunity!
And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink because he is my disciple, truly I tell you, he will not lose his reward.
The second Friday of the month come help serve those in need at the Friendship soup kitchen located in East Hartford, CT.
Text Pastor Veronica Trudel at 860-810-4745 to volunteer!
