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“Don’t Go To The Traditional Healer” Features

“Don’t Go To The Traditional Healer”

By Jeff Frazee  Gédjuma is 40 years old. So that means that he was 15 years old when we first moved next door to him in 1999. A little over a year ago, Gédjuma had a stroke. He lost all control of his body. Later, scans revealed that it was a brain bleed. Gédjuma's left side recovered more quickly, but several months passed before he could speak or feed himself. Recently, his wife, Zerasylla, gave birth to a boy. Heidi and I went over one day to provide them with one of our pack'n'plays. We sat and talked with them,…
April 24, 2023
Finding The Right Hills To Die On Features

Finding The Right Hills To Die On

Book commentary by Drew Brown If you've ever been to an emergency room, you know that the first room you enter is the triage. You aren't actually treated in the triage; you are assessed for how urgent your condition is so that those with more severe symptoms - chest pain, trouble breathing - receive more prompt treatment than those with bad sinus infections. The reasoning here is pretty simple: there isn't enough time or resources to treat all cases alike, so a system of prioritization must be implemented. The sinus infections will be treated, and it will have to wait…
April 14, 2023
What If Worship Wasn’t Allowed? Features

What If Worship Wasn’t Allowed?

Story Contributed by a Global Worker in Asia Christian is married with two children, and over twenty years ago, he felt God call him to reach the people of a radically Muslim region of Asia that still practices Sharia Law. For a long time, Christians could not move to this region because they must receive government permission to do so, and they were usually denied. But about 20 years ago, a door opened for them to move after a natural disaster struck the area, and humanitarian aid was allowed in. Christian and his family moved to the area and helped…
March 28, 2023
Sowing Seeds In Europe Features

Sowing Seeds In Europe

By Beth Horn  “'A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up.  Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, 'Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.'”…
March 26, 2023
Ramadan Begins: Join Us In Prayer For Muslims Features

Ramadan Begins: Join Us In Prayer For Muslims

By Ralph Thompson (Global Muslim Initiatives Coordinator) “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” - Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV For almost a quarter of our planet’s population, the most important time of year is the holy month of Ramadan. Falling on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar each year, Ramadan lasts for twenty-nine or thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. This significant month is a sacred time of deep reflection and piety for the nearly two…
March 23, 2023
“I Never Pray” Features

“I Never Pray”

By Gordon Ellison "I Never Pray." That's what he said, but I had difficulty believing him.  I was conversing about faith and the power of prayer, and he told me that he never prays.  On reflection, I wondered if that was true and how he navigated the complexities of his life without prayer. We observe that prayer is a natural response to many life situations, especially unexpected or unwelcome ones.  It is said that after the 9/11 event that was so traumatic for all, people flocked to churches and counselors requesting prayer. So why would someone say that they never…
March 14, 2023
Discipleship In The Boxing Ring Features

Discipleship In The Boxing Ring

By Michael Bannon "Tell Baba Michael that I am still walking with Jesus," Swalehe said. When I remember these words, tears come to my eyes. I am surprised that this man is still walking with Jesus. Swalehe threatened more than once to leave his new-found faith. I felt like we were two bulls locking horns, one making a comment or threat and the other countering. It was discipleship in the boxing ring. I first met Swalehe on a village path. Walking that day felt like taking an energy-sapping walk in a huge sauna! After our initial greeting, Swalehe mentioned Jesus.…
January 30, 2023
Afghanistan: Being Certain of The Things We Cannot See Features

Afghanistan: Being Certain of The Things We Cannot See

By Matt Shiner, a mentor In the previous chapter of Imama’s life, we discussed plans – making them and then following God’s lead (Proverbs 16:9). That was penned in early October, and we concluded by asking the Lord to lead Imama and her family into a European country in two weeks.  Now, here we are, still waiting twelve weeks later, on the eve of 2023. These days, and every day, we rely on Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” We shared this prayer with Imama: God, I…
January 3, 2023
The Apostle John Writes to Supporters Features

The Apostle John Writes to Supporters

Hampton, a Global Worker, writes from the perspective of John, one of the disciples of Jesus. What would John have written to supporters back home? _______ It’s hard to know what to write. As you know, I wasn't even really burned when they tried to boil me alive in oil, and I praise God for this; I thought for sure that was the end. The believers who were allowed to meet with me before I was sent here to Patmos also anointed me and laid hands on me. God used this to heal the rheumatism in my left knee also,…
December 15, 2022
Mary Magdalene’s Missionary Journey Features

Mary Magdalene’s Missionary Journey

Megumi Davis, a TCK teen from Africa, writes from the perspective of Mary Magdalene, one of the disciples of Jesus. What would Mary have written to supporters back home? _____ Three days ago, we were sitting in a room together and praying when all of a sudden, these tongues of fire appeared above us, and we just started to speak in different languages that we had never spoken before! It was something I could never explain! The best part of it was that a whole bunch of people came to believe in Jesus! I am still recovering from the shock…
November 10, 2022
The Apostle Andrew Shares His Struggles To Supporters Features

The Apostle Andrew Shares His Struggles To Supporters

What would it have looked like if the Apostles wrote letters home like missionaries write letters home? This is part of a series. Today, a Global Worker in Asia shares Andrew's perspective. ______ Dear praying friends and family~ It's been a long few years for me as I continue in my pursuit to share the Good News of Christ. I have so far traveled through Pontus, Galatia, Bethynia, as well as at Antropophages; and afterward in Scythia, where many men, women, and children have surrendered to the calling to take up the Cross of Christ and follow Him. I have had…
November 3, 2022
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Philip’s Letter To Bethsaida Features

Philip’s Letter To Bethsaida

What would it have looked like if the Apostles wrote letters home like missionaries write letters home?  This is part of a series.  This is a letter from the perspective of Philip, one of the disciples of Jesus. Philip Kendall writes from this perspective. Biblical references at the end of this post.  _________ To my fellow believers in Bethsaida, greetings, Introduction God has been at work in incredible ways through the power of the teacher, Jesus! I will tell you about something you probably have already heard some rumor of: how the teacher Jesus fed a vast crowd of five…
October 26, 2022
Plans Made, Plans Change, Molding Into God’s Plan Features

Plans Made, Plans Change, Molding Into God’s Plan

By Matt Shiner, a mentor Amongst Jesus’ followers, the noun sanctification is normally applied to how we, as we trust and obey the Holy Spirit, become more like Jesus. Have you ever considered whether our plans can be sanctified? “The mind of a person plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 This chapter of Imama’s life illustrates the validity of plans being sanctified. In the previous chapter, her family was moving from safe house to safe house to avoid the Taliban’s sweeps through the city. Each move was intended to be constantly safe until evacuation could…
October 18, 2022
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The Apostle Peter’s Letter to Supporters Features

The Apostle Peter’s Letter to Supporters

Missionaries write letters to supporters every month. What if Jesus' disciples wrote letters to supporters? What would it look like? Katrina Custer writes in the voice of Peter from Mark 10.  _____ Hello friends and family,  We made it to Jericho where the Rabbi has been active. As ever, the Pharisees seem to come out of the woodwork whenever Jesus starts preaching. You may remember when we were in Magdala, how they tested him on signs? This time the question was on divorce, and I have to confess: I love it when he puts those hypocrites in their place. Unfortunately,…
September 23, 2022
Photo by Mohammad Husaini on Unsplash
Afghanistan: The Wait Becomes Weighty Features

Afghanistan: The Wait Becomes Weighty

By Matt Shiner, a mentor Have you ever been in a long line, and finally reach the end to find there’s yet another long line? It reminds me of life in the US Army, or finally getting into an event only to find the restroom line is also a long wait! This is the life of Imama and her family.  One long wait was for the evacuation options to materialize. The better option has been officially approved, and the entire family will be evacuated together to a European country. But they have no idea when the evacuation will occur! The…
August 10, 2022
The Light Has Dawned Features

The Light Has Dawned

By Marilyn Escher  Fifty posters featuring Gospel (music) were plastered around the town in Senegal where Agsila lives, the daughter of the deceased translator of the Wolof Bible. I wasn’t sure it was the best publicity in a Muslim context for her June 18 concert where she would feature songs from her third album, “Bët Set Na,” ‘The Light has Dawned,’ songs with words from the New Testament that her father translated into Wolof. She assured me that the Senegalese like Gospel music. And they did! People from her village numbered more than people attending from churches in other towns…
July 14, 2022
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Through Life and Death – Repurposed For God’s Glory Features

Through Life and Death – Repurposed For God’s Glory

A Reflection on Faith by Justin Mitchell Ken and Bola Taylor, Filipino Americans, were living the dream of jazz musicians performing in nightclubs across Asia. But, God saved Bola through an invitation to a nearby church. Similar timing yet different circumstances, Ken professed faith in Jesus through the testimony of a friend. This all took place before God would join Ken and Bola in marriage soon after. How would God repurpose these talented musicians for His purposes? After marrying, God took them to California for a season of local church ministry and careers in business and physical therapy. All the…
June 28, 2022
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Afghanistan: Fuzzy Evacuation Options Features

Afghanistan: Fuzzy Evacuation Options

By Matt Shiner, Mentor The continuing story of Imama. Catch up with these past episodes...  A Women's Rights Activist Endangered and Left Behind The Long Wait Begins Fuzzy Evacuation Options Afghanistan: The Wait Becomes Weighty  Plans Made, Plans Change, Molding Into God's Plan Being Certain Of The Things We Can't See God's Timeline To Freedom Afghanistan: It’s been several months since the last update on Imama and her family – a realistic demonstration of the title of the previous update, “The Long Wait Begins.” While we pray, probe, and wait for opportunities to evacuate, life goes on. One member of…
June 23, 2022
“I Think I Have Lost My Way” Features

“I Think I Have Lost My Way”

By Bruce Tissell  “I think you should know that I have always been a little strange” was how John (not his real name) started the conversation with me. John is the brother of one of the seminary students who live at the seminary. John was staying a few days with his brother and really wanted to talk to me. So I shut down my lap top and started to listen. For thirty minutes John spent time telling me about growing up and his life as a young man. John grew up in the church but had drifted away from God…
June 13, 2022
The Motorcycle Accident in Africa Features

The Motorcycle Accident in Africa

By a Global Worker The motorcycle whizzed past us and struck the boy. The body of the little boy in jeans and a tee-shirt flew through the air of the empty street. His little body landed perpendicular to the road several feet in front of the motorcycle. Going so fast, the driver couldn't swerve. He hit him again, pushing the boy ahead of the front wheel, the little boy on his back scraping along on the asphalt. And then, the wheel ran over his middle, his stomach, and stopped. It was very quiet. His grandmother coming towards us from her…
May 28, 2022
God is My Strength to Endure Features

God is My Strength to Endure

By Mandy Post “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” - Romans 5:3-4 At the time of writing this, we have lived in our host country over 18 years. This is where we’ve spent most of our married life, raised our family, and worked. And the longer we live here, the more normal it feels. But it wasn’t always like that. Our first 10 years here, I struggled with wanting to give up and leave. I cried, begged, and pleaded with the Lord to let…
May 11, 2022
The Apprentice Features

The Apprentice

By Jeff Frazee Discipling young men is no walk in the park. Your emotions run high at that age. The desire to be with and like your peers is consuming. Communicating your thoughts and plans seems almost impossible. Your ability to master yourself and carry out the things you intend to do is, at best, only partially formed. Sambou, 17 years old, is in the thick of this stage of life. As a high school dropout, there is no current he can float along with, and it seems to make him all the more susceptible to the influence of other…
May 10, 2022
Afghanistan: Longing For Connection Features

Afghanistan: Longing For Connection

By a Global Worker in a European Country K is a bright, well-educated, twenty-something Afghan who lived in Kabul and worked for an aid agency, doing development projects all around the country. His academically oriented family had benefitted from the freedoms of the last 20 years - two of his sisters are doctors. K had been accepted to do an MBA at a European university starting last September but was still at home because the semester was going to be online. In August, K's world fell apart. He watched from his office window as Afghan soldiers were ordered by their…
May 3, 2022
Discipleship in Ghana Features

Discipleship in Ghana

By Jeanette Walton God is so amazing, and His plans are perfect. We have continued financially and physically supporting Brother Jacob as the Hope Community Church Campus minister. However, Jacob has finally been posted as a nurse in Yagaba (a town in the Mamprugu district about two hours away from Navrongo). We are sad to see him go, but we are excited that he will be working in the Mamprusi land. The Mamprusi people are an unreached people group near our area. Members of HCC have been praying for this people group for 1.5 years. In God's sovereignty, Jacob has…
May 2, 2022
Gracious Hand of God Features

Gracious Hand of God

By Debbie Dodd Do you see the gracious hand of God in your life? I’m immersing myself in the book of Ezra/Nehemiah this semester and that phrase is scattered throughout. Ezra notices the “gracious hand of God” in very ordinary life events.  It doesn’t take a burning bush, parting of the sea, or miraculous multiplying of bread for him to see God’s fingerprints. Instead, he can see God’s hand in... a government letter (of all places!) encouraging them to build the Temple and learn God’s truth a safe journey travelling with about 5000 people and millions of dollars without a…
May 1, 2022
From Participant to Volunteer Features

From Participant to Volunteer

Celebrating #NationalVolunteerMonth this month with an English translation of an original article written by Emma Knutson in Spanish for the organization she helps. Read the Spanish version here.  Alina Valverde was only 15 years only when she learned about Paz y Esperanza. Living in a low-income community in Guayaquil, Ecuador, she told us,“Paz y Esperanza came to my school to give some workshops about intrafamilial violence, which was interesting to me as I wanted to learn about it.” Although she said that all of her friends cared more about the food provided than the topic, Alina learned a lot from…
April 23, 2022
The Long Wait Begins Features

The Long Wait Begins

By Matt Shiner, Mentor During World War II, many Jews found Survival in Hiding. My friend, Imama, is now experiencing the same drama and fear. After she and her brother escaped the Taliban’s clutches in the hotel, they went to a friend’s home. There, they were joined by Imama’s husband, and at that point, her brother left to go home to their family. In this culture, a woman should not go out alone, but she should always be accompanied by a male family member. To avoid attracting attention, she would request her brother’s help whenever her husband was away. Shortly…
April 3, 2022
Raising a Mug in Solidarity FeaturesUkraine

Raising a Mug in Solidarity

By Beth Meverden What do a retirement center, a Christian school, a guy who shaves his head every year, and a local brewery all have in common? Each one has found a creative way to raise funds to help support Ukrainian refugees. The response to WorldVenture's call to prayer for Ukrainian refugees has been very moving. WorldVenture has heard from hundreds of individuals and churches who are praying and taking the next step to give to relief efforts. WorldVenture has even heard from a few businesses. It reminds me of what Paul said to the Philippians about their financial gifts…
March 18, 2022
An Accident Creates a Family Connection Features

An Accident Creates a Family Connection

By Marilyn Escher  Nineteen years ago, I hit a boy named Aliou while on my way to church in Dakar. The street was busy, and Aliou ran out from between two cars without looking. In Dakar, if you hit a person, it’s always your fault, and if Aliou’s father, Sidi, had not forgiven me, the police would have locked me up to protect me from the family’s retaliation. Even though Sidi lost his other twin son a few months before the accident, he forgave me for injuring Aliou. This is how I entered their life. Aliou's tendon was broken; to…
March 3, 2022
Accidental Evangelism Features

Accidental Evangelism

By Global Worker 4000-780 The waitress approached our table late, distracted, and distressed. "Excuse me, I'm sorry that I'm late. My dad is presently dying, so it has been a hard week." She took our order and was gone. As we ate together, we were all made sober over the revelation we had just heard. It was evident that this was a divine engagement. Finally, toward the end of the meal, I spoke up, "I don't want to encroach on your personal life, but I have been thinking about what you said concerning your dad this whole time over our dinner. This is…
February 24, 2022
Sowing Seeds Features

Sowing Seeds

By Justin and Jennifer Decker During class this week, our Thai language teacher shared a story with us about her family. It really left an impression on us, and we wanted to share it with you as well. She grew up in a small village around five hours outside of Bangkok. Her grandparents were the first in her family to become Christians because of a missionary family that moved into their village many years ago. They shared about Jesus often but the people in the village were resistant to any kind of change. What made the difference was the way…
February 23, 2022
From The Depths of Despair Features

From The Depths of Despair

By David and Kenda Jerome “…A time to tear down and a time to build up…” Ecclesiastes 3:3 (New American Standard Bible) Songwriter Rueben Morgan wrote these lyrics for his praise and worship song Hear Our Praises, “From the mountain to the valley, hear our praises rise to You.” One could interpret these words to mean we are to praise our God whether we are experiencing abundant happiness (from the mountain) or suffering great sorrow (to the valley). It is easy to praise God when things are going well. Psalms 13:6 says, “I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he…
February 21, 2022
Children: A Gift From The Lord Features

Children: A Gift From The Lord

By Stephanie Folden Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3a). . . There is something that innately draws us to children. Certainly, some of us feel this more acutely than others, and still, even the most hardened soul can often be softened by the smile of a young child.  Children are meant to be protected, valued, cared for, and loved. They are to be guided in the basic understandings of life and especially in the spiritual aspects. This isn't just a task that has been given to parents; it is a responsibility for all of us.   Regarding raising…
January 1, 2022
Teaching to The Camera Features

Teaching to The Camera

By Caleb Hutcherson About a week ago, I shared a quick post on social media (Instagram and Facebook) about having hit the major milestone of uploading 100 videos to my Youtube channel for the courses I teach. Most of the videos aren't public. The videos are mostly small "chunks" of teaching or instructions that I embed in courses delivered within ABTS's online learning platform. I wanted to describe in a bit more detail this new (for me) mode of ministry that I've been learning. But I want to do that by talking about one its problems. One of the biggest…
December 26, 2021
Psalm 77: Reflections of Lament Features

Psalm 77: Reflections of Lament

By A Global Worker in Eurasia  Read Psalm 77 LAMENT CRIES OUT (1-2) Asaph is seeking God desperately. He is pursuing the Lord intently and without a break. Though painful, his cries are still an expression of faith because he is sharing his pain. To cry out is better than silence or denial. LAMENT STRUGGLES (3-6) Asaph is burdened. His soul refuses to be comforted. He says that his grief had rendered him both speechless and sleepless. But worse still, when he remembers his past, today feels more painful and leads him to doubt either God's presence or goodness. LAMENT…
November 25, 2021
An Asami Hug Features

An Asami Hug

By Cheryl Hill This year as COVID-19 raged here in Japan, the doors to one of the facilities for the intellectually disabled where the three of us volunteer closed to us for the duration. We knew God was not locked out of that facility, so we ramped up our prayers for those dear friends in that facility, praying for them by name and praying for the staff in this challenging time. After some time, we decided to take in home-baked cakes, so they knew we had not forgotten them. The first time we did this, we called from the parking…
November 24, 2021
He Saw Little Hope in His Situation Features

He Saw Little Hope in His Situation

By Lisa Yunker Over a year ago, a friend from church asked if I could visit a young man named Ly Seng who worked at his social enterprise and recently had surgery for his spine. Following the surgery, he was unable to feel or move his legs at all. I went to see him, and the situation felt overwhelming. Ly Seng was lying down on a mat on the floor in a dark, tiny house. I assessed his legs, and he really had no feeling or muscle activity whatsoever. He was quiet, despondent. His mother looked worn and worried. I…
November 19, 2021
Where is My Home? Features

Where is My Home?

By Gary Chang  People often ask me where I come from. I grew up in Taiwan. My nationality was New Zealand, and now I live in Japan, but the country where I have lived the longest (among all the places I have lived in) is the United States. Thankfully, I was finally naturalized in September (2021) and became a US citizen. Some people asked why I became a US citizen. One of the primary reasons is for the sake of a long-term mission. After becoming American citizens, we can enter and leave the United States freely. We are no longer…
November 18, 2021
An Imam Encourages His People to Read The Bible FeaturesM Outreach

An Imam Encourages His People to Read The Bible

By Tom from Africa God is doing some interesting things in this part of the world because recently Pastor Mamadou has been relating to me that one of the more important imams in the country has been openly encouraging his people to read the Bible to discover what it says. If you understand the history of Christianity and Islam and how they view Mohamed and the Koran, this is quite an eye opener. So, how does that relate to the work here? It is the backdrop to the wonderful opportunity that God provided recently to Pastor Mamadou who had the…
October 29, 2021
Take 5 For MuKo Features

Take 5 For MuKo

By Kevin and Kaori Laverman During the pandemic, we started the work in MuKo where it was possible: PRAYER. It goes great with walking and doesn't mind viruses. I've used up a lot of shoe leather (soles for souls!) walking our new area, observing people and possibilities, sometimes chatting, and always stopping to pray in key spots. I know prayer walking changes things. It has the added benefit of shrinking one's waistline and strengthening one's vision! There's a number of routes I walk. Often it's a more fixed route. Sometimes it's just a "Holy-Spirit-guide-my-steps-where-you-want" route. Always I return home with…
October 28, 2021
How to Befriend Refugees FeaturesM Outreach

How to Befriend Refugees

From a worker in Europe When refugees first arrive in the US, a resettlement agency helps them with housing, health needs, education, and other practical issues. The adults have English classes provided for them for about three months. However, no adult can learn a new language in three months! They need lots of practice, much more than can take place in the classroom.  One of the best things you can do is to be an informal but intentional conversation partner. Language learners often are too shy and too lacking in confidence to impose their English struggles on others. It is…
September 20, 2021
How to Rediscover Trust Features

How to Rediscover Trust

By Debbie Dodd Where do you turn… …When your child gets sick? …When your paycheck doesn't last until the end of the month? …When the stock market takes a downturn? …When you see the world hurtling in distressing and troubling directions? …When all that's associated with COVID overwhelms you? Those are the contemporary expressions of the questions that the prophet Isaiah asks. In his day, the characters' names were different, but they were faced with the same fundamental question—the question that confronts each of us. In whom or what do you trust? And God says there is only one correct…
September 17, 2021
Escape From The Taliban Features

Escape From The Taliban

From a Worker in a European Country S was only 22 when we first met, but she already lived a lifetime of loss and trouble, both in her home country and here in the UK. She somehow came to the UK at sixteen. The Taliban tried to take her to be someone’s wife. Her mother managed to protect her on that occasion before getting her out of the country. S urgently needed to get the coveted Indefinite Leave to Remain status, in order to feel secure from the threat of forced marriage. S was in danger of a forced marriage…
September 8, 2021
Afghanistan: Suspense and Shock Features

Afghanistan: Suspense and Shock

From a worker in Europe Last Thursday, my colleagues and I offered an afternoon of help for those Afghans living here who wanted to notify the European government about their endangered relatives back home in Afghanistan. The room was full of Afghans, more than 70 of them, mostly men from 30 to 50-years-old. They had come to this European country for refuge between 5 and 20 years ago, and are now, for the most part, citizens, workers, and homeowners. All are anxious for family members in the home country. The best we could do for them is to help them…
September 7, 2021
Seasons of Waiting Features

Seasons of Waiting

By Ty Hoad  God exists eternally, which means that He, as C.S. Lewis says in Mere Christianity, “…is not in Time.” Lewis goes on to explain, “If you picture time as a straight line along which we have to travel, then you must picture God as the whole page on which the line is drawn. We come to the parts one by one: we have to leave behind A before we get to B, and cannot reach C until we leave B behind. God, from above or outside or all around, contains the whole line, and sees it all.” My…
September 3, 2021
Afghanistan: Bad Dreams Features

Afghanistan: Bad Dreams

This story is from a Global Worker in a European country who teaches refugees the local language.  E is a 16-year-old Afghan boy who came to this country alone two months ago.  He is normally cheerful and is trying hard to learn. One day we were alone in the classroom during a break and I started a conversation: Me: You look tired today, E. E:  (shaking his head)  No good sleep. Me: Why? E: (waving his hands around his head, grimacing) Me: Bad dreams? E: (nodding, grimly staring at the floor)  I see father, brother… It’s evident he is remembering…
September 2, 2021
Living Extraordinary Lives Features

Living Extraordinary Lives

By Ginny Jensen The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni was a novel from my book club that I would not have chosen to read on my own. The book had many lessons embedded in it. So as not to spoil your reading experience, I will not give you the whole story line. The book is about Sam’s life journey to acceptance of a physical trait. This trait had cost him much in being bullied and marginalized. Even as an adult, he hid to make himself acceptable to the world. In the process of this journey, Sam struggled…
August 27, 2021
Afghanistan: Jacob’s Story Features

Afghanistan: Jacob’s Story

By a Colleague ‘Jacob’ arrived from Afghanistan in the late 1990’s.  While serving the United Kingdom (UK), he was shot and injured. He received immediate asylum. Jacob had no peace and could not sleep through the night.  Before helping the United States (US) and the UK in Afghanistan, he had seen terrible things and done terrible things.  He had been a fighter and had even killed an Afghan that had become Christian. Through a ‘Divine Appointment’, we met, and began to meet regularly.  I shared with Jacob the love of Christ. I told him how he could receive the peace…
August 19, 2021
Celebrate Small Surprises and Disappointments Features

Celebrate Small Surprises and Disappointments

By Bruce Tissell   (Brazil) The Seminary where I am the director was getting ready to open classes the first week of August. The month of July had been spent repairing items and making sure that everything was working for when classes opened on August 2, 2021.   I had a company come in and clean all of the air-conditioning units and make sure they were working fine. While a group of about five workers were working on the 16 air-conditioning units, I was kept busy with the workers who wanted another door open or needed to receive permission to…
August 12, 2021
Jake’s Questions FeaturesM Outreach

Jake’s Questions

By James Riggins  When invited to help with a team coming to Houston, I try to be as involved as possible. Sometimes, this is lecturing or modeling, and other times it’s observing and looking for an opportunity to speak life into someone. When a team of college students from Mississippi State University (MSU) came to town, I played both parts. During lunches, dinners, running errands, and in between the lectures, I got to know *Jake. I usually start by attempting to get to know as many of the team members as possible. In this case, Jake was the first one…
August 11, 2021
How God Sent Us to Jordan Features

How God Sent Us to Jordan

By Rick Griffith Forty years ago this month Susan and I set foot on Singapore soil for the first time. We arrived as singles in August 1981 for two weeks of evangelistic concerts (as we did for 12 countries of Asia in our Cru music team appropriately called "The Crossroads”).  I recalled thinking, "If there is any nation that does NOT need us as long-term missionaries, it is Singapore! The church is established, vibrant, and growing. We are much more needed elsewhere." In 1983, we returned to the USA for seven years of theological education, and, to our surprise, we…
August 4, 2021
Finding Nemo in Your Journey Features

Finding Nemo in Your Journey

By Linda Gawthrop When I was a child, I loved Sunday School. I often sat at the edge of my seat as the teachers shared stories from God's Word. You know them… Joseph being sold into slavery and becoming second to Pharaoh Noah, the ark, and the great flood David and Goliath. Daniel in the lion's den The three Hebrews who were thrown into the fiery furnace Esther saving her people Peter released from prison by the angel I was in awe of their lives, of the miracles, where they saved the day or were rescued at the last minute.…
July 23, 2021
How to Pray for Children of Promise Features

How to Pray for Children of Promise

In the wake of the Coup in Myanmar, Rick and Diana Wilson shared a pressing need to WorldVenture social media in mid-March: “Our ministry coworkers know many that are desperate for food right now and we would like to help as many as possible.  It costs $150 a month for a family of 10 people.” That need has heightened with recent events! Their training building is a multi-purpose building. It not only serves as a training and activity center for the nearby children’s home, but it has become a temporary shelter due to villages and homes being destroyed. Two nearby…
July 16, 2021
Video: Deep Roots Features

Video: Deep Roots

By Jeff Frazee We rode out on a motorcycle and we went straight to the chief's house. We greeted the people in his courtyard and told them we were there to speak to the chief. Two young men went over to sit by the chief. I extended my hand in greeting to him. He just looked at me. Apparently, you don't shake the chief's hand in this village. The two young men were there as intermediaries. It is very common to not speak to the chief directly, always through an intermediary. Shortly, an older man, about my age, showed up.…
July 12, 2021
God Speaks Features

God Speaks

By Esther Penney God's Word is given away in different forms. While I know that at some point, it will bear fruit, I don't often get to see it. One particular day encouraged me to keep giving it out as opportunities presented themselves. As an Easter gift, we gave our guard, Mike, a MegaVoice player. MegaVoice creates audio Bibles. This particular one contains the New Testament in Wolof and Yoonu Njuub (the Way of Righteousness). Every morning before Mike leaves, I hear him playing it while he rakes up the leaves and sweeps the sidewalks. Shortly after gifting Mike the MegaVoice…
July 8, 2021
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Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick Features

Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick

By David Caucutt "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." President Theodore Roosevelt For exercise I have been walking down by the river near our house. It is a pretty popular spot where people walk and run. One of the things I used to have before deploying was a wooden staff that I prepared myself from a sapling. As I have walked down by the river, I have seen lots of trees that would work well, but of course I cannot cut them. However, even though it may be a small thing, I have prayed that,…
June 9, 2021
High Places and Habits Features

High Places and Habits

By Ginny Jensen  For those that have been reading the Bible through this year, your reading plan may have recently had you in the books of Kings and Chronicles. The kings were described as “did evil in the sight of the Lord”, or “did right in the eyes of the Lord”. Sometimes, there would be additional descriptions indicating that the king did right in the eyes of the Lord, but did not completely turn away from the idol worship.  In 2 Kings 14, Amaziah began his reign in Judah. Verses 3-4 (ESV) describes him: “And he did what was right…
May 28, 2021
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Africa: Your Prayers Have Children Features

Africa: Your Prayers Have Children

By Esther Penney "Your prayers have children," remarked Ellen. I wasn't quite sure what that expression meant. "A year ago, you prayed for my heart condition."  "Now, I remember!" I smiled, recalling that day a year ago. The doctor prescribed medication for Ellen's heart condition. She struggled with symptoms and found no relief. We prayed for Ellen's health in Jesus' name. Afterward, she went to see the doctor. Now, she no longer needs any medication and is entirely symptom-free! She gives thanks to Jesus' power. But, what did she mean by, "Your prayers have children?" Ellen explained that each time I prayed for…
May 26, 2021
Girls Empowerment Curriculum: The Love Test Features

Girls Empowerment Curriculum: The Love Test

By Adrienne Livingston  One activity we have in our Girls Empowerment Curriculum is called the “Love Test”, which is based on a scriptural list of the attributes of love. We ask the girl to substitute the word “love” for our friend, girlfriend, boyfriend or other person’s name in each of the definitions of love. Definition of Love based off of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love... Is patient Is kind Does not envy Is not proud Does not dishonor others Is not self-seeking Is not easily angered Keeps no record of wrongs (forgives easily) Doesn’t rejoice in evil Protects Trusts Hopes Perseveres…
May 19, 2021
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Singapore: Yap Chang Yen Features

Singapore: Yap Chang Yen

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! - 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV Yap Chang Yen is a Singaporean hipster in his early 40s. Fascinated with US culture, he spent most of his years buying and selling popular American rock band memorabilia in his store in Singapore’s main shopping district. He thought little of Jesus unless it could help him make another buck. But in October 2020, at the urging of a 30-year-old Singaporean Christian woman named Rena, Chang started attending Crossroads International Church (CIC) where Dr Rick Griffith…
May 13, 2021
How to Trust Jesus When Everyone Has Let You Down Features

How to Trust Jesus When Everyone Has Let You Down

By Brian and Melissa  (serving in anti-sex trafficking in Europe) I (Melissa) had some unexpected reflection time a few weeks ago when I walked along a hiking path that, unbeknownst to me, would lead me through the stations of the cross. The trail was quite steep and there were covered alters with pictures depicting varying aspects of Jesus's journey to the cross. At the top of the hill was a larger alter where Christ's crucifixion was depicted. At first, it looked like the trail ended there, but around the corner the trail led down the hill, and after one more…
April 19, 2021
The Paris of South America Features

The Paris of South America

By Jim Thorp Buenos Aires has been referred to as the "Paris of South America," and there is truth to the comparison. I have visited both cities and can see some similarities to the look, feel, and culture of Buenos Aires and Paris. There are significant differences, but Buenos Aires is a beautiful city with rich music, dance, architecture, and food culture. One other important similarity is the need for the Gospel to reach all levels of society. The European flavor of culture in the city gives a feel of secularism, leading many to be unconcerned about God's existence or…
April 14, 2021
Have You Read Psalm 22 This Easter? Features

Have You Read Psalm 22 This Easter?

By Ginny Jensen We are familiar with the Easter story; maybe too familiar. During Lent this year, I chose to read John Stevenson’s “Christ on the Cross”. The book is written in old language making it harder to read, but also making the imagery more real. Stevenson walks through Psalm 22 verse-by-verse providing a vivid portrayal of the realities of the cross. Those that were present that day had experienced His love during His earthly ministry. They were among the crowds that mocked, ridiculed, and taunted Him. They did not believe even as they saw Scripture being fulfilled regarding the…
March 28, 2021
How to Create a Personal Retreat Features

How to Create a Personal Retreat

By Ginny Jensen (printable instructions available at the end) The following is a guide to creating a personal retreat. Specific times have not been given to accommodate your length of retreat time. However, it would be helpful to allow at least a half a day for your retreat. Prepare yourself for a time of just you and the Lord. Make your surroundings comfortable, quiet, and without interruption.  Plan for the time to be lived in solitude and silence. “Go away and trust God with what happens in your soul.” (Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, pg 79, IVP, 2015)…
March 24, 2021
We Meet Under a Tree Features

We Meet Under a Tree

By Tatiane Barros Mozambique, Africa Our group meets under a tree. The tree stands within a goat and chicken farm, started as a business for missions venture by our colleagues. Our group meets under the tree every Saturday morning for Bible Study. When our colleagues first began the group, they started studying Genesis. That first year that our family arrived in Mozambique, our small group experienced a witch doctor's conversion. After his funeral, our group became known as "Family" to the community. When we began studying the teachings on helping widows, we met Pipi. "Pipi" means grandmother in the Makhua language. Pipi…
March 18, 2021
The Phone Call Features

The Phone Call

By Esther Penney Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. - Matthew 16:24 God draws people to himself in some wild ways. One morning in 2017, a woman named *Aja left several unclear messages on the answering machine saying she was trying to find us. Not convinced that she was calling the right number, I called her back. *Aja was looking for our organization in Senegal. Suspicious, I wanted to know why she was looking for us and wondered if she had the right…
March 5, 2021
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How to Create Authentically Christian Schools Features

How to Create Authentically Christian Schools

By Katrina Custer A general consensus exists that education is a significant linchpin in the effort to influence the next generation of leaders, whether for good or bad. Nelson Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It feels bold to call any school a “weapon,” even more so when it comes to Christian schools, but I don’t think President Mandela is wrong in his assertion that education is a battle against ignorance and even poverty. Study after study shows a correlation between the average years of schooling and a nation’s…
February 24, 2021
Tunnel Vision Features

Tunnel Vision

By Ginny Jensen All year we have been making adjustments because of the pandemic. I have often heard the frustration of making these adjustments. Some changes involved technology, travel plans, and even ministry focus. It reminds me of a time in my life where I had tunnel vision. I was happily doing what I thought the Lord intended for me. In reality, I was comfortable where I was and had forgotten to ask and listen to Him. I had tunnel vision. Even when it seemed my world came crashing around me, I still struggled to get out of the tunnel. It…
February 12, 2021
Grasshoppers Versus Giants Features

Grasshoppers Versus Giants

By Debbie Dodd  Where do you look when you are afraid? When you’re scared, what are you focused on? I just finished teaching Deuteronomy to seminary students. One of my favorite passages in the book is where Moses challenges the Israelites with this same question. In chapter 1, Moses is rehearsing God’s history of grace with his people as a basis of encouraging them to obey him in the future faithfully. He reminds them of why they are at the Canaan border a second time, instead of already settled in the land. Thirty-eight years earlier, their parents had stood on the edge of…
February 11, 2021
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How to Rejoice in Challenging Circumstances Features

How to Rejoice in Challenging Circumstances

by David Caucutt Ecuador, Americas During 2020, our theme was thankfulness. As we enter into 2021, our focus will be on joy in Christ. This theme has been challenging for me. I'm not going to pretend that I have all the answers and am always rejoicing. It is hard to imagine that joy is possible when you are throwing up, when God feels far away, or when people you love are hurting, and you can't be there. But Philippians 4:4 commands us to "rejoice in the Lord always." So, somehow, it is always possible for a Christian to have joy. But, what kind of joy am I…
February 8, 2021
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A Reminder From Jeremiah Features

A Reminder From Jeremiah

by 4000-780 LAMENTATIONS 3:19-26 I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly…
January 29, 2021
New Program Offered: Karen Shogren Features

New Program Offered: Karen Shogren

By Karen Shogren Next week, we are beginning an entirely new program called Certificate with an Emphasis in the Prevention and Intervention of Sexual Violence.  We are offering the training that Christian leaders need: What to say What to do, And how to do it in your church context. Our Bible-centered, Spanish-language program consists of 9 courses, beginning February 6 and ending Dec 4.  There are no pre-requisites to enroll in this program Each course is 4 weeks long, meeting once a week on Saturday mornings from 8-11am Costa Rica time. You can expect about 6 hours of homework each…
January 27, 2021
From Bad to Great Features

From Bad to Great

By Bruce Tissell The more I tried to get things done, the less I could do with offices, schools, and government services greatly restricted. To top things off, I was trying to put together a list of teachers for the next semester's classes. On the one hand, things were going well as a couple of teachers had just returned from teaching at one of the extension courses and had done a fantastic job. Students were taught, teachers could get through the required material, and everyone seemed happy and excited about what had happened. On the other hand, I received a…
December 30, 2020
Christmas and The Government Features

Christmas and The Government

A Delicate Balancing Act by Dr. Rick Griffith Who best submits to authority? With rare exceptions, those who most willingly submit to authority are committed Christians. After all, once we submit to Jesus, submission to others has fewer challenges. Go to just about any modern society, and typically you will find that faithful believers are those who cause the least trouble for their political leaders. But this submission has its limits. God himself instituted government (Rom 13:1-5), but believers must choose between two conflicting authorities when the government goes too far. The Jewish Sanhedrin committed such an overreach, commanding the…
December 28, 2020
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Spiritual Formation: Begin 2021 Right! Features

Spiritual Formation: Begin 2021 Right!

By Peter Persson In WorldVenture's Facebook group, we have been working our way through the Bible this year. What a journey it has been! To climb into a plane and fly over the landscape of the Bible has been very eye-opening for us as we have observed how God, with great skill and grace, has worked through frail man to accomplish His will on earth. Spending time daily in God's Word is a spiritual discipline that yields fruit for a lifetime! But, what might be another spiritual discipline to practice in 2021, quite possibly for the first time? Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV) says, "Blessed is…
December 27, 2020
The Shepherd Features

The Shepherd

by G. Simon (Luke 2:6-20)         Thoughts? Copy the link and share that with your comments to social media. Don’t forget to tag us @WorldVenture. We like to share your comments if we know about it. You can use the hashtag #WVSimpleChristmas. Do you have questions about Jesus? Click here and message us. Do you need prayer? Click here to add a prayer or to pray for others. We are exploring a #WVSimpleChristmas together. You can download resources and the devotional here.  A note on the author: This person works with refugees in Europe.   
December 24, 2020
How to Do Egg Art Features

How to Do Egg Art

By Jennifer Luebben Egg art has been a passion of mine for roughly a decade. It is so symbolic. From Christ coming down from heaven to Earth to the empty tomb, the egg is a beautiful tool and story teller. One of my favorite traditions about this art is the incorporation of prayer. Traditionally, the artist will pray for the entire time they are decorating the egg. In this case, over ten hours were spent in prayer for WorldVenture missionaries and partners, and the church. The story is told in the egg. This is how we prayed. Starting from the…
December 22, 2020
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Orientation Features

Orientation

By Beth Horn I am not much of a collector, but nativity sets are one item I like to collect. I like sets with multiple pieces because it is fun to arrange and rearrange all the characters and pieces. I learned from being in plays in high school that the placement of characters on a stage communicates much about their importance. To place Jesus in the center of the action whether in the foreground or background, to place the others in positions of worship, to include animals in the stable or place them outside. They all prepare for the coming…
December 18, 2020
Expecting Emmanuel Features

Expecting Emmanuel

By Beth Horn In Call the Midwife’s 2012 Christmas special, Sister Evangelina and Nurse Lee assist an older woman, Mrs. Jenkins, living in dire poverty. She is alone, living in an abandoned building, and the filth is almost tangible through the screen. While Sister Evangelina burns the outer garments to curb infestation, Nurse Lee must use Vaseline to remove Mrs. Jenkins' shoes because they are stuck to her skin. Once the shoes are off, we briefly see open sores, toenails so long they are curling, and infection that has caused the big toe to swell twice its size and change…
December 16, 2020
The Date of Christmas Features

The Date of Christmas

By Dr. Rick Griffith  Did Baby Jesus arrive on December 25? Would shepherds watch sheep in open fields in a cold, late December? And would magi travel in the dead of winter? Old Testament precedent may help here. God could have brought Israel out of Egypt anytime, but he chose the month of Nisan (March-April) for the Exodus. Leviticus 23 shows that Passover has the Feast of Unleavened Bread on its heels, quickly followed by Firstfruits. But why? This season of Israel’s first three feasts begins the grain harvest, ending 40 days later with Pentecost. The nation observed the Feast…
December 10, 2020
Christmas For The Unexpected Features

Christmas For The Unexpected

By Dr. Rick Griffith Were the magi from Mesopotamia (Assyria, Babylonia, or Persia)?  After all, they came "from the east" (Matt 2:1), and these nations lay northeast of Israel.  Babylonians were also stargazers, and magi "saw his star in the east" (Matt 2:2 NIV). But how about Arab magi from the Arabian Peninsula southeast of Israel? Biblically speaking, "east" was not faraway Mesopotamia but closer to Israel.  Job lived in Uz as "the greatest of the people of the east" (Job 1:3).  Uz lay either northeast near Syria or southeast with Edomites near Arabia. Descendants of Ishmael's son Kedar (Gen.…
December 7, 2020
God of Shepherds Features

God of Shepherds

By Sam Knutson It’s a special honor to visit a newborn baby and its parents, even more so to be the first ones to see the swaddled little bundle of joy. It speaks volumes of your relationship when the parents invite you to see a child. So, what does it say about the first people to see baby Jesus? It wasn’t kings or Wise Men at first. No, the Father gave the greatest birth announcement of all time to shepherds. So, the first visitors to behold God made flesh had just rushed over after being out in the fields with…
December 4, 2020
For His Joy Features

For His Joy

Pulling Together as a Family in Christ By Donna McDonnel One of the things that have been hardest about this year, if I'm honest, is the way that I have seen the people around me divide. Maybe that doesn't sound right in English, but what I mean is, it has felt like this has been a time of dividing, division.  Are you in this group?  Are you in that one?  Do you believe this?  How can you believe that? It doesn't even seem to matter where I am physically located. Everywhere I turn, division.  Family members trying to be careful…
December 1, 2020
Noel in Cote d’Ivoire Features

Noel in Cote d’Ivoire

By Angelika Ragsdale (A journal entry written some years ago which has relevance now)  At the bus station in Adjamé, Abidjan, waiting for the next bus back to Bouaké after depositing my documents to get my Ivorian residence card, I open my Bible to Luke 2. As I read about Joseph leaving Nazareth to go to Bethlehem (his birth town) to get registered, because the Roman government at the time issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world, it dawns on me, that it wasn’t just the people of Israel being on the move…
November 27, 2020
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God’s Unusual Intervention in The Book of Jonah Features

God’s Unusual Intervention in The Book of Jonah

By Philip Kendall  Throughout the book of Jonah, God demonstrates again and again that his way of working in the world can be, and often is, fundamentally different than we’d either like or even expect. “‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD” (New International Version, Isaiah 55:8). God does not restrict himself to reaching out to those we reach out to, blessing us in ways we see as blessings, or even giving us objectives that we would like to achieve. Instead, He does what He knows is best. God reaches out to…
October 25, 2020
What Mask Are You Wearing? Features

What Mask Are You Wearing?

By Ginny Jensen Ginny serves WorldVenture appointees and international workers by encouraging and equipping them to fulfill God’s global redemptive purposes and by assisting each person to finish well with Him. Masks have become a fashion statement and a point of conflict. In the past, masks were commonplace in other parts of the world. In the United States, we associated them with burglars, Mardi-Gras, or Halloween. By definition, masks protect, disguise, or entertain.  A masque is a form of entertainment where the performers wear masks. Often, life is a masque. We mask our true feelings or present a façade that…
October 9, 2020
A New Pane of Glass, A Pair of Shoes, and Jesus Features

A New Pane of Glass, A Pair of Shoes, and Jesus

By Nicolette Hutcherson Beirut, Lebanon He was sitting outside the church gate with his shoeshine kit, watching the people coming and going.  One of our volunteers noticed him and called me over to help.  I invited him in and asked if there was anything specific he needed. "Shoes," he shyly replied, "size 38."  I took him over to our section of men's shoes - we didn't have a lot - and showed him a few pairs of tennis shoes in his size.  He hesitated and then pointed to a pair of fake leather business man looking shoes - not something…
October 7, 2020
The Return Key Features

The Return Key

By Dr. Rick Griffith After we checked out of our Bangkok hotel, a family checked in at the same counter. Turns out, they were missionaries, and the wife was a counselor in nearby Chiang Mai. When I noted that I am a professor at Singapore Bible College, she replied, "Oh, our only Thai counselor was hoping to attend SBC in a few months, but she can't afford it since her husband is also a seminary student and they have a young daughter." "Really?" I responded. "Our church in Texas has funds to invest in Asian families attending SBC!" Fast forward…
October 5, 2020
A Reset in Chaotic Days Features

A Reset in Chaotic Days

By Jeff Denlinger, President of WorldVenture Many years ago, in other tumultuous, chaotic, and dark days, the prophet Habakkuk bemoaned these words to God: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” (Hab 1:2-4 ESV) In reply to…
September 28, 2020
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Imprisoned Like Paul Features

Imprisoned Like Paul

…But the word of God is not bound! - 2 Timothy 2:9b Marilyn Escher is a "retired" WorldVenture worker, still on the job as a Global Resource Specialist, working to finish up the translation of the Bible into Wolof. Wolof is spoken by 5 million ethnic Wolofs in Senegal. Because of her age (77), mission leadership recommended she evacuate from the field temporarily. She had 24 hours notice before the borders closed. Twelve hours to pack during the night hours and four days to get from Senegal to COVID-free Fort Bragg, California where her brother is pastor of Grace Community…
September 25, 2020
Alexandra: A Story of Recovery and Redemption Features

Alexandra: A Story of Recovery and Redemption

By Ireni Mota And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 Alexandra was born in an upscale neighborhood of São Paulo. Her problems were no different than our own. Alexandra had good parents. As an adolescence, she desired to know the favela side of the city (a shack or shanty town) and the slum lifestyle. This interest occurred soon after her father’s death. Alexandra became “Piriri”, a respected drug dealer in the community. Rarely ever do drug dealers not get involved with their…
September 23, 2020
An Unexpected Blessing Features

An Unexpected Blessing

Bruce Tissell’s story of innovation during Brazil’s COVID-19 shut down is an inspiration for all of us as we find creative ways to stay in business, do ministry, and make disciples in this unexpected time. Bruce is the Director at Baptist Seminary in Teresina, Brazil. North Brazil was hearing about and watching this new thing called the Corona Virus or Covid-19 in early 2020.  No one really paid much attention to it as it was something in other parts of the world, or in the Southern part of Brazil (this is like another world to us in North Brazil). In…
September 12, 2020
Sherri Schneidermann-Kone: A Tribute Press Releases

Sherri Schneidermann-Kone: A Tribute

Sherri Schneidermann-Kone was appointed with CBFMS January 28, 1987 to minister at the Baptist Mission Hospital in Ferkessedougou, Cote d’Ivoire as a nurse. At her appointment, Sherri made this statement: “What motivates a person to leave the comforts of home and go to a country thousands of miles away where everything is unfamiliar and strange for the purpose of being a missionary? The answer is found in a song. The words to the song, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross sums up the reason.” said Sherri. “After all that Christ has done for me, my only loving response can be,…
September 8, 2020
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In The Garden Features

In The Garden

By Ginny Jensen One of my dad’s favorite hymns was “In the Garden” by C. Austin Miles. As a youngster, I didn’t fully understand the imagery of the song but I loved it because he loved it. Now I look at those words and I see the image of quiet time with the Lord. The beauty of the chorus brings peace as I meditate on it. “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.” Quiet time,…
September 3, 2020
The Blessing Features

The Blessing

Written by a Colleague  We have been so moved by this blessing being sung by God's people in different languages from different countries. We think you will be blessed, too. Choose a video from this sampling taken from 100 virtual choirs singing blessing over their city, country and the whole world in this time of global uncertainty. It is more than just singing a song—it is matching good news with good deeds: 100 churches in NYC sing and serve together 121 churches in Canada work and pray together 100 churches in France unite and help each other 177 churches in Singapore with 772 singers 300…
August 14, 2020
Remembering Anne Laine Press Releases

Remembering Anne Laine

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants   (Psalm 116:15)  Anne Foster Laine, global worker with WorldVenture serving in Uganda, died in her sleep on Friday morning, August 7, 2020 in Mesa, AZ. She was 51.  “Anne had a deep love for the people of Uganda,” said Africa Director, Lloyd Chinn. “Anne had a relentless resolve to push through the uncomfortableness of a different culture in order to change lives.”  Anne Laine was born on June 13, 1969. She was raised in Virginia Beach, VA in a Christian home and accepted the Lord as a young teenager. After what she described as a time of…
August 13, 2020
Being Formed Features

Being Formed

By Ginny Jensen Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. – Philippians 1:18b-19 Early in my faith journey, I clearly understood the choice between following the world and following Christ. What I had difficulty reconciling was how I would be transformed to be like Him. I struggled with verses like Philippians 1 and 2 which seemed so contradictory. In chapter one, Paul petitions God to complete the work… in the lives of his…
August 13, 2020
How the Pals Inspired Others to Go Features

How the Pals Inspired Others to Go

By Dougg Custer, VP Mobilization Ministries “I do not know how things will turn out for us.  As a husband, I feel obligated to lead our family toward obedience, whatever the end may be–whether it is life or death or discomfort or disappointment.  It is clear that the Lord Jesus calls us not to an easy life, however he calls us.  He bids us to take up our cross–just as he did–to suffer and die.  Perhaps we will toil for years to raise support and never make it overseas.  Perhaps we will go and utterly ‘fail’ as missionaries from all…
July 31, 2020
Resting Murder Face: Principles of Necessary Conflict Features

Resting Murder Face: Principles of Necessary Conflict

A week-long series on leadership and conflict resolution By Rodger Schmidt Change is hard work. It is uncomfortable and many leaders tend to hang on to what worked in the past even if it is outdated or no longer effective. For businesses to grow, the entire organization must be consistently analyzed, discussed, negotiated, and fine-tuned. Conflict is the backdoor to reinvention and innovation.  “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and…
July 17, 2020
Resting Murder Face: Why is Conflict Necessary? Features

Resting Murder Face: Why is Conflict Necessary?

A week-long series on leadership and conflict resolution By Rodger Schmidt  Many leaders avoid conflict at all costs. However, the most innovative solutions often are born out of conflict. The workplace is a dynamic environment, always needing to grow, change, find solutions, transition, and upgrade. Conflict is a regular element of everyday work life. If leaders manage conflict well, it will produce growth and leadership capacity in themselves and others (and the more enjoyable will be the experience of others in the workplace).   Why is Conflict Necessary?  Conflict encourages the leader to consider new ideas. If the participants truly hear one another’s perspectives and ideas, it helps to mold and clarify concepts; either making the leader clearer…
July 16, 2020
Resting Murder Face: Conflict is Inevitable Features

Resting Murder Face: Conflict is Inevitable

A week-long series on leadership and conflict resolution By Rodger Schmidt When two or more people interact for a long enough period, conflict happens. It is inevitable. Dr. Silcox claims unresolved conflict preys on peoples’ minds and distracts them from their most important tasks. Individuals in ongoing conflict rarely contribute well to the organization’s mission and strategy. Therefore, Individuals may simply be going through the motions, or undermining the organization in some way. The following questions and related principles are helpful to consider while managing the inevitable reality of conflict: Are there perceived inequities in how people are treated? Inequities…
July 15, 2020
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Resting Murder Face: Introduction Features

Resting Murder Face: Introduction

A week-long series on leadership and conflict resolution By Rodger Schmidt  If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. - Matthew 18:15 Managing conflict is not only inevitable but a necessary process if leaders hope to foster community, mature themselves, and lead others well. It is essential if we are to achieve all the Father has prepared for us in the mission of God around the world. I have invested years navigating conflict rooted in personality differences—Family of origin blind…
July 14, 2020
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Coping with the Coronavirus Pandemic in Italy Features

Coping with the Coronavirus Pandemic in Italy

How a Coronavirus Canceled Plans For Two Colleagues by Emily Roth  After 42 years of ministry in Italy, Doug and Dee Valenzuela were preparing for their biggest project yet to take place on the last weekend of May. It would have been a three-day event drawing thousands of people to hear the gospel and receive salvation in Jesus Christ. The event, called Christian Alive 2020, could have been the capstone of their work in the city of Naples and its surrounding area before they would retire at the end of the year. But, the event was canceled. Instead, they celebrated…
June 8, 2020
Charlie
Life With Charlie Features

Life With Charlie

By Ginny Jensen Charlie is my little lap dog. He is now old and losing his sight. He is still the most loyal, cuddly pet I have ever had. Through the years, there have been many challenges with him. He was a rescue and came with many issues. In watching Charlie, I have seen parallels to my relationship with God. After doing something wrong, Charlie comes sheepishly to me for forgiveness only to turn around and do it again. Sounds like me. How about you? When Charlie escapes the yard and runs free, it is beautiful to watch him. Yet,…
June 6, 2020
church
Building a Church Legacy in Senegal Features

Building a Church Legacy in Senegal

Senegal Broke Ground This Weekend on a New Church By Colleagues in Africa On Saturday, May 30, 2020, we broke ground for a permanent place of worship. The story behind the ceremony for a new church building began years ago.  After decades of missionary work, there are only about 100 Wolof believers. Out of those 100 believers, less than a third attend church on a regular basis. This breaks our hearts. When we spoke to some of them, they shared several reasons for not attending. “It doesn’t feel sacred.” They desire a formal place of worship. “It doesn’t feel Senegalese.”…
June 1, 2020
language
How COVID19 Changed Language Learning For Me Features

How COVID19 Changed Language Learning For Me

  By Sam Knutson During this coronavirus lockdown, God has shifted our plans and I am beginning language learning from the States instead of in person.  I was very nervous about my first lesson in Spanish because, even though I have been trying my best to learn on my own, I am still such a novice!  At the end of my lesson, we could only shake our heads and laugh at God's humor.  My online language lesson went from shaky introductions to sharing the Gospel in my bumbling Spanish. My tutor, Nico (a pseudonym) lives in Guayaquil, the city we…
May 26, 2020
Sheltered
Sheltered Under His Wings Features

Sheltered Under His Wings

  By Ginny Jensen We have been sheltered in place for weeks; for some, it's been months. Slowly the world is beginning to “re-open”. If your isolation is a physical location, you may be seeing the light at the far end of the tunnel. If you are like Hannah in social isolation, you don’t know when it will end. Staying in isolation has its stressors. Stepping out of it will bring new stressors. Is it safe? What if there is a second wave? What effect will social distancing have on relationships? The questions, fears, and anxiety are as unique as…
May 21, 2020
Ramadan
Seeking Peace During a Pandemic Features

Seeking Peace During a Pandemic

  By Emily Roth The last 10 days of Ramadan began on Tuesday, May 12. More than at any other time of year, Muslims seek God during these 10 days and nights. Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, and the final 10 days of the month are the holiest days of this month. A saying attributed to Muhammad instructs Muslims, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” Laylat al-Qadr, also translated as the Night of Destiny or the Night of Power, is honored by Muslims as the…
May 16, 2020
Orphanages
A Snapshot Into Cambodian Orphanages Features

A Snapshot Into Cambodian Orphanages

If orphanages are where the resources are, won't they provide the best nutrition, health care, and education? By Lisa Yunker My degree program in seminary required me to do an internship and, by that time, I sensed the Lord was calling me to work in Cambodia. I joined a team for a seven-week mission trip to Cambodia. During that time we were exposed to, and given the opportunity to work with, a broad spectrum of ministries. One of the ministries we encountered was a large well-respected orphanage. The woman who was in charge was a lovely Christian lady with many…
May 15, 2020
1400
For the First Time in 1400 Years Features

For the First Time in 1400 Years

By Emily Roth It is a special time of year for 1.8 billion people around the world. Something in the atmosphere makes this season different from any other. Those who celebrate it hang festive lights and exchange gifts. They host big dinners, serving seasonal dishes, and inviting honored guests. People give generously to the poor and needy. Everyone strives to be the best version of themselves. They reflect on the past year and feel hopeful for the year to come. And children watch out the windows with anticipation to see if they can spot...the moon. It is Ramadan. Based on…
May 6, 2020
church
The Courage and Sacrifice of an Indonesian Church Features

The Courage and Sacrifice of an Indonesian Church

How a Jakarta Church is Living 360 Discipleship By Bruce Swanson Eric and Tina Yee’s church members are creating exciting impacts in all of their circles – personal, professional, and community. Eric has been discipling the church to obey all Jesus commanded, including living as salt and light. It is so cool to see them doing that with courage and sacrifice. From the Eric & Tina Yee’s Update | 04/22/2020 When COVID-19 began to enter Indonesia last month, everyone was unprepared for how quickly it escalated from precautions to closures to deaths. While it has been a difficult season, including the…
May 2, 2020
unlock
How Many Hot Dogs Does It Take to Unlock a Heart? Features

How Many Hot Dogs Does It Take to Unlock a Heart?

When God Locks Us in to Unlock Hearts in Ecuador By Matt and Kristy Messick We work with marriages.  And, in this culture, they are tough. Since 2016, we’ve been reaching marriages through an 8-week course called MAS en Mi Matrimonio (More in My Marriage).  It originally attracted mostly believers. In the last year, it has had a strong draw for non-believers. Graduates began to recommend the course around the city. We love building relationships here. When we first moved to Ecuador in 2014, Matt found a small store downtown that sold hotdogs--a cheap and fast snack he could grab…
May 1, 2020
solitude
2 Ways to Create Solitude and Silence Features

2 Ways to Create Solitude and Silence

  By Ginny Jensen “How to Actually Concentrate” by Carolyn Yates addresses concentration in our everyday life. It also has a great application to how we approach our relationship with the Lord. Time with the Lord requires more than going through the motions. We often struggle to concentrate on the mundane things of life. So, how do we focus on the Lord? Yates provides several tools in her article to help build concentration or focus. She points out that we are so used to multi-tasking that we struggle to focus on one thing. In our time with the Lord, do…
April 29, 2020
3 Principles For Times of Anxiety Features

3 Principles For Times of Anxiety

  By Ming Perrello, MS, LPC I confess that I have been anxious. My sleep has often been fitful. My body is tense and I feel restless. I am easily irritated. I feel busy yet I am busier in my mind than with my hands. Who can blame me?  I live near the epicenter of the COVID-19 hotspot of New York City. The climate here is tense; just about everyone knows someone who has the virus. I am a caregiver to my husband who has multiple sclerosis, a memory-impaired 88-year-old father, and a brother who is a paraplegic.  I am…
April 28, 2020
Hot and Cold Climate Cultures Reviews

Hot and Cold Climate Cultures

By Bruce Thomas  Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to Understanding Hot and Cold Climate Cultures by Sarah Lanier is an especially important book for all beginning global workers. It explains several basic cultural differences encountered by people across the world. If a person has never been exposed to a culture other than their own, this is a particularly good place to start. The book is in no way exhaustive of cultural differences. It also does not cover the specifics of every culture or country. The book is meant to provide a general overview of how cultural differences can affect thinking…
April 27, 2020
Meme, Myself and Isolation Features

Meme, Myself and Isolation

Health for the Whole Person by Christy Otten, MA, LCPC The internet has been awash with memes about the coronavirus. You may have seen the one(s) about Isaac Newton: He discovered theories of gravity and motion during a plague—the message clearly being that you can do a lot while staying inside. Then, there are the ones especially for parents—one tells us that while you, as the parent, know this is a crisis, your children may only remember scavenger hunts, family game nights, and the immense amount of together time. Imagine the family memories you can create! If I’m being honest,…
April 24, 2020
Shelter in Place: Hannah Features

Shelter in Place: Hannah

  By Ginny Jensen Sometimes, when we feel like we are captive, it has nothing to do with our location. Loss, physical limitations, or broken relationships (to name a few) can hold us captive. Consider Hannah. She was barren in a society that gave honor to childbearing. She was provoked by her rival. Her husband deeply loved her, but her deep desire for a child left her anxious, grieved, and frustrated. In the midst of her grief, she poured out her heart in the temple and was seen by the high priest, Eli. Hannah told Eli the priest about her…
April 20, 2020
Shelter in Place: Jesus Features

Shelter in Place: Jesus

  By Ginny Jensen Shelter in Place usually means home. When Jesus left heaven, it was like leaving his home. He was perfect yet living in a broken world. Jesus remained close to the Father while on earth. He made choices based on the word of the Father. He was abiding. Jesus’ time alone prior to Satan’s tempting him gives insight into his practices to maintain intimacy with the Father. It included fasting and solitude. He was able to refute Satan, showing his familiarity with Scripture. Imagine those days alone in prayer and meditation; silently listening to the Father. Solitude…
April 19, 2020
The Inner Life, World, and Vision of Healthy Cross-Cultural Servants Features

The Inner Life, World, and Vision of Healthy Cross-Cultural Servants

  By Dr. Dennis Ahern, Director, Paraclete Services  “You really like your work,” observed an eager short-term missionary after a few days of serving alongside me in Asia. In that moment, her question perplexed me and so I replied, “If I didn’t like my work, I’d change jobs. What led you to this observation?” She responded, “Our team travels on short-term assignments and we serve many career missionaries living in Asia. I’ve decided that many missionaries hate their work.” How accurate is this young woman’s observation today? Is ministry to be enjoyed or do we discover God’s will only after…
April 17, 2020
Shelter in Place: Joseph Features

Shelter in Place: Joseph

  By Ginny Jensen  Shelter in Place can mean very different things for people. Some live in mansions, small homes, or on the street. Joseph had several places during his lifetime. He lived in his family home until his brothers threw him into a pit. From there, he traveled with traders and was sold as a slave. The extremes of his lodging went from prison to the king’s palace. Imagine how disruptive life would have been for Joseph. Consider the unmet dreams for his life. We may wonder, during those years of captivity, if he thought about the unfulfilled dreams…
April 16, 2020
On Canoeing The Mountains Reviews

On Canoeing The Mountains

  A commentary on Canoeing the Mountains  By Drew Brown Full disclosure: I hate leadership books. Ok, maybe hate is a wee bit too strong. I find them overpromising and underdelivering. The last thing I have time for is 7 keys to this or 12 secrets for that and how to have a megachurch like me in 3 easy steps. So, when I picked up Canoeing the Mountains, I had expected more of the same. I was willing to read up to 25% before I gave up. To my surprise, I didn’t give up but just finished it! Using Lewis…
April 14, 2020
Shelter in Place: Daniel Features

Shelter in Place: Daniel

  By Ginny Jensen  Most people these days can be grateful for being at home. For some, they may be “stuck” someplace else. They, like Daniel in the Old Testament, have an added amount of discomfort. Daniel was in exile, taken to Babylon. Nothing was normal for Daniel and his fellow exiles. Daniel remained faithful to his prayer time. He continued even after the king’s decree. Prayer is never more crucial than at times like these. We serve a God who hears; he knows, and he is in control. The Psalms offer examples of prayers of lament. Honestly tell the…
April 13, 2020
Shelter in Place Features

Shelter in Place

  By Ginny Jensen  Shelter in place, quarantine, and stay at home are words heard repeatedly these days. For many, it feels like a prison sentence; others feel imposed upon and inconvenienced. As believers, these times can draw us closer to the Lord or disrupt all spiritual practices leaving us drifting away. This feeling of being in captivity and isolation are not new. Over the centuries, others have experienced the same feeling during plagues, slavery, imprisonment, or exile. Bible stories we know and love give us examples of thriving in such difficult situations. Some early church fathers even chose a…
April 9, 2020
When the Occasion of Disruption Becomes an Opportunity for Distribution! Features

When the Occasion of Disruption Becomes an Opportunity for Distribution!

  WorldVenture sees how the gospel can be a catalyst for justice in the world.  Karen Shogren, Professor at Seminario ESEPA, Costa Rica began teaching a new program to train church leaders to combat the scourge of sexual abuse.  She has been developing this critically needed training for some time and was excited to release it this year.  The course began as an in-person pilot program; plans to take the program online for wider distribution would have to wait for another 1-2 years. But the disruption of the coronavirus quarantine nearly stopped the program entirely.  Professor Shogren shared that “exactly…
April 7, 2020
13 Ways to Effectively Work From Home Features

13 Ways to Effectively Work From Home

Serving While Sheltering by Dennis Ahern Yesterday was a strange day in the midst of our new normal. After checking in with the IM team at 7:30 a.m. (California time), my wife, Denise and I went to buy groceries. We experienced the push of the cart during the early morning “senior” shopping hours. Truthfully, my wife does not accept invitations from anyone or anywhere that begin with, “Dear Senior Citizen.” But, she accepted my invitation because I invited her to join me as my guest. Does it seem strange to others besides me that before entering a supermarket, we put…
April 5, 2020
Staying Home, But Not Alone Features

Staying Home, But Not Alone

  By Grace Sandeno, Director of Public Health Initiatives Battle back against isolation and stress! Here are some practical suggestions for making our current isolation less isolating: Whether you are alone or “isolated” in a house of seven, as I am, reach out to people not in your house. Other people need a hug, even if it is a virtual one. Learn some new “tricks.” I admit to being an “old-timer” when it comes to technology. But, as it turns out, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I’ve messed up technology stuff a number of times, but I…
April 4, 2020
How to Worship Together in Quarantine Features

How to Worship Together in Quarantine

  https://youtu.be/74HtYmAzSyw In the past, Zachary Galyen enjoyed multiple opportunities during the week to worship in community. Since moving to the Czech Republic last May, he "...could count on one hand..." the opportunities to worship. "I just missed it." He said. "What pushed me over the edge is seeing all the people coming out of the woodwork, sharing their corporate or personal time of worship because of the restrictions to meet publicly, etc. I thought it was so cool that people were posting encouraging songs of worship FOR each other, but it would be so much cooler if we could…
April 3, 2020
The Ideal Team Player Reviews

The Ideal Team Player

A Commentary on The Ideal Team Player, Patrick M. Lencioni By Drew Brown Patrick M. Lencioni’s team strengthening methods have been popular across many different organizations. It’s no secret that interpersonal conflict is a leading cause for international colleagues to return home, so I’m interested in anything that will decrease attrition and increase cooperation. The Ideal Team Player is his 2016 addition to his Dysfunctions series. The first part details an imaginary manager who has just inherited his family’s construction business and is tasked with new projects and getting it done in the midst of high staff turnover. The manager discovers that ideal team…
March 31, 2020
This Way We Have Never Been Before Features

This Way We Have Never Been Before

By LeAnn Custer Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.  Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.” – Joshua 3:1-8 I thought how applicable the verses are to our present Corona Virus pandemic situation since none…
March 30, 2020
Accepting Reality, Accepting Grace Features

Accepting Reality, Accepting Grace

By Drew Brown In the span of just a few weeks, I’ve observed how all of my friends back in America suddenly find themselves homeschooling and working remotely. Routines have been disrupted, plans have been dramatically changed, and we all wonder what the new normal is going to look like. This is certainly an unprecedented world situation. It also reminds me of normal life as an international colleague. Certainly, there are the obvious parallels: We have been homeschooling for years. I’ve been working remotely basically since 2013, and our routines are, well, routinely disrupted. In 2018, we also experienced a…
March 24, 2020
Theology in the Context of World Christianity Reviews

Theology in the Context of World Christianity

By Christie Stalcup A commentary on, Theology in the Context of World Christianity: How the global church is influencing the way we think about and discuss theology by Timothy C. Tennent (Buy this using Amazon Smile) As a child, I thought that vanilla ice cream was basic, normative, universal ice cream and that all other flavors were offshoots of vanilla. Want strawberry ice cream? Take vanilla and add strawberries. In later childhood, I realized that vanilla is itself a flavor made from the vanilla bean. Vanilla ice cream is not normative and universal. It is a flavor added to the…
February 19, 2020
When Pastors Learn the True Gospel Features

When Pastors Learn the True Gospel

By Laura Pearce In Rwandan churches, it’s common to hear pastors teaching the prosperity gospel and salvation by works (especially tithing). Prophecy, rather than the Bible, is often treated as the primary way to hear from God. Most pastors in Rwanda have little or no Biblical education. The lack of Biblically literate, spiritually transformed leaders has meant a general lack of discipleship and genuine faith in many Rwandan churches. Therefore pastoral training and leadership development continue to be critically important for the growth of the Church in Rwanda. The Pastoral Training School of New Creation Ministries exists to meet these…
January 28, 2020
3 Takeaways From “The Mission of God” Features

3 Takeaways From “The Mission of God”

A commentary By Keith Sellers (Hungary) on J.H. Wright’s, The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative The main takeaway of Wright's monumental text is that the Bible is a book about mission. Mission is not just a subtopic of Scripture. The Bible in its entirety portrays the mission of God to redeem humanity and compels us to join God not only in the partaking of redemption but in his mission. Wright develops his presentation in four sections: The Bible and Mission, The God of Mission, The People of Mission, and The Arena of Mission. The book breaks down…
January 26, 2020