History of The Go Foundation

The ministry of The Go Foundation was first envisioned in 2001 by the two founders of the ministry known as iWitness Ministries (www.igoglobal.org). Lance Shumake and JR Vassar first began to see what was needed and what was possible when in the first two years of iWitness Ministries, more students applied to go on mission trips with iWitness than were spaces available. Students who wanted to go and serve God on the mission field literally had to be turned away, all because their mission trips were completely full.

Lance and JR envisioned a kingdom-minded ministry that would focus on connecting believers with mission sending organizations.

It was after the second straight year of these unfortunate circumstances, that God birthed in those two men the vision for The Go Foundation. Lance and JR envisioned a kingdom-minded ministry that would focus on connecting believers with mission sending organizations.

After sharing their vision with friends, Bart Millard of MercyMe (www.mercyme.org), and Kent Jones of International Commission (www.ic-world.org), God began to work to bring about the ministry of The Go Foundation. Bart Millard quickly caught the vision and realized the great impact MercyMe could have in launching the new ministry. Early in the fall of 2002, The Go Foundation was born, and Kent Jones was chosen to direct the ministry. MercyMe was generous in providing the funding, and the selection process of adding ministry partners began. By the end of 2002, a total of 10 ministries had partnered with The Go Foundation.

To bring exposure to The Go Foundation and to further call believers to missions, MercyMe and Audio Adrenaline joined together for a concert tour in the spring of 2003 called the "Go Show". The tour focused on calling concert goers to work to complete the Great Commission by going on a short-term mission trip within 18 months. At the conclusion of each show, an invitation was given to publicly make the commitment to "Go". 2 months and 52 shows

At the conclusion of each show, an invitation was given to publicly make the commitment to "Go".

later, more than 5,000 people all across the United States registered with The Go Foundation, committing to go on a short term mission trip!

God continues to use The Go Foundation as a resource for those with a heart for missions. With further involvement of MercyMe and Audio Adrenaline, and through an ongoing presence at other concerts, seminars, and conferences, The Go Foundation will continue to provide useful information for those interested in serving God on the mission field. By connecting believers with mission sending organizations, our hope is that a mass of believers will be mobilized to share Jesus with those who have never heard the Gospel, and ultimately be involved in seeing the Great Commission fulfilled.

Related Pages:

IWitness Ministries - Through teaching, training, and sending, iWitness Ministries is calling students to embrace an "On Mission" lifestyle. We are committed to mobilizing high school and college students for short-term mission expeditions, in order to help complete the Great Commission.

International Commission - International Commission works to fulfill the Great Commission, by partnering with local churches around the world to share the Gospel in their communities through personal evangelism. International Commission has more than 30 years experience equipping and leading teams of short- term volunteer Christians into 68 countries around the world.

MercyMe - Check out the band who helped launch The Go Foundation.

Audio Adrenaline - Another band who helped kickstart The Go Foundation with the first ever Go Show tour.