Blog

Go Deeper with WorldVenture

4000-229-Zupkas, Gary and Zupkas

Offering hope and help as graduated orphans face their future in Lithuania. The orphanage system fosters a dependency cycle where there are now third-generation orphans. Teenagers released two weeks before their 18th birthday have few life skills. Considered societal outcasts, they often fall prey to prostitution, drug addiction, crime and suicide. "Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute." Psalm 82:3 For the past five years, Gary and Carol Zupkas have been going on short-term trips to Lithuania, as well as leading teams from their church to various in-country mission points. Their ministry focus has included:…
September 21, 2021

4000-444-Martin, Jeremiah and Shaelagh

Our mission is to help the churches in France grow and multiply, while at the same time looking for ways to help the culture as a whole rediscover Jesus Christ in its own heritage. In practical terms, this means: - Pastoral Work: Jeremiah is the pastor of the Evangelical Church of Bussy St. Georges. One of two small evangelical churches in a city of 28,000 people, the Bussy Church is young and growing. In addition to preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, we are currently working to help the church become self-supporting and spiritually mature through the Bussy 2020 Vision Project.…
September 17, 2021

4000-960-Soules, Hannah

God used my own time in undergrad, where I was a resident assistant and involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, to grow in me a deep love for the university-aged group. It was in my first year of undergrad where he grabbed my heart and changed my course drastically from computers to missions. I'll be working with university students in Vienna, Austria. Of the twelve universities in Austria, five of them are in Vienna. What a tremendous opportunity to engage with them here! Like the rest of the population, the majority of these university students are unbelievers. Half of one percent…
July 15, 2021

4001-938-Worker Name Withheld

Pastoring II Faro church in Naples Italy. Il Faro church has a five-year transition to pay the salary of an Italian full-time Pastor. The goal is to be an autonomous local church, supporting its own pastor. The average size of an Italian church is 50 people. With a small number of larger churches, and unaccustomed to the practice of tithing, few Italians support their own pastor, resulting in bi-vocational pastors. This special project will advance the objective of establishing and reproducing churches. Il Faro IBC has a history of supporting its pastor and would like to return to this practice…
November 30, 2020

4000-247-Worker Name Withheld

The B People treasure hospitality especially serving coffee. They are strongly self-reliant. They feel it is a shame to accept help unless they are truly needy. They are resourceful, tough, generous, and enjoy socializing. They have no church, no pastor, and even the New Testament is not quite ready in their language!. There are perhaps a few dozen scattered believers among 2-3 million. The gospel has hardly begun to spread here. To establish ourselves in the area we work part time with an Arabic Evangelical church to plant an English language congregation in a resort city. So we are working…
November 30, 2020

4000-770-Worker Name Withheld

Church planting and leadership development. We work with international English-speakers who are students, educated professionals, and future church leaders.
November 30, 2020

4000-274-Hocker, Janet

Teaching at the International Christian School of Vienna. Janet teaches to a multi-cultural student body, of whom many know very little about Christianity. Many of her students know limited academic English. Pray for students who have been confronted with the gospel, that the Word of God will take root in their hearts. About me: “The world is just a classroom away.” Janet Hocker has the privilege of influencing that world as she teaches middle school at Vienna Christian School. At the beginning of her ministry, Janet taught at International Christian Academy in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. Her students were primarily…
October 6, 2020

4000-049-Custer, Katrina

Serving through education in Germany -- K-12 students coming from 50 different countries! These students bring with them such varied cultural and academic backgrounds, it can be a challenge to teach them in a way that best helps them, keeping in mind that English is sometimes their second or third language. Also dorm students, in particular, who live apart from their families ministering in other countries, need focused prayer for strength and love. Please pray for stamina, health, and wisdom as Katrina works with TCK's. Pray for God-honoring relationships with her students as well as her German neighbors. About me:…
October 6, 2020

4000-484-Murphy, Christie

Teaching English and befriending refugees and migrants. Challenges: Firstly, to teach English effectively so that my students can connect with their environment, find good work, and feel at home. Secondly, to effectively share God's love with them. Third, to encourage local Christians to befriend newcomers to their community, and extend God's love. Pray: That the welcome extended by God's people to foreigners will lead to many coming to know Christ and the Kingdom of God spreading in people groups where now there are few believers. About me: Christie came to know Christ as a teenager from a troubled family. As…
October 6, 2020

4000-790-Winston, Ted and Malia

Having grown up in Europe as missionary kids, Ted and Malia met in Belgium where they married in 1988. They have been serving with WorldVenture on the French-speaking side of the country since 1993. Following 7 years in church development and 13 years in a fruitful partnership in youth evangelism and leadership development with the Belgian association Jeunesse et Vie, they have transitioned and now serve among young adults. Their main focus is on college students and young professionals. Their aim is to pursue evangelism and discipleship by means of personal contact work, a network of small groups, and the…
October 6, 2020

4000-806-Yodis, Eric and Beth

Helping church leadership in Ukraine form a vision and execute a strategy for a nationwide church planting movement. The Yodises partner with local church leadership to reach out to young men with leadership potential who have a thirst for God and a passion to see Him glorified throughout their city, state and country. Pray that the vision for church planting will be grasped by believers throughout the country so that the church-planting ministry would become a church-planting movement. About us: Eric and Beth Yodis have been facilitating church planting in Ukraine since 1995. Before fleeing the war in eastern Ukraine…
October 6, 2020

4000-092-Bryan, Chris and Chrissy

Teaching missionary children at Black Forest Academy in Germany. Pray that the Bryans will continue to grow closer to God and each other so that they can lead others in the same direction! About us: The eldest of four boys, Chris grew up in Austria with missionary parents active in church planting and youth ministry, accepting Christ at age six during a furlough visit to Child Evangelism Fellowship in Warrenton, Missouri. He can't remember a time when he didn't trust God, though he had his struggles growing up. Chrissy is the youngest of five children from a Christian home, where…
October 6, 2020

4000-237-Green, Mike and Agnieszka

The Greens minister to people who are in their late 20s to late 40s, most of whom are college educated. People outside of their church are usually Roman Catholic, in most cases only nominal in their faith. In Poland, Protestants tend to be viewed as part of a cult or sect, which creates a barrier in evangelistic efforts. Capitalism has now been in Poland for 24 years, meaning that there are generations in Poland who have never known Communism, but instead are immersed in consumerism. Thus there is an increasing tendency among Poles to disassociate themselves with the Roman Catholic…
October 6, 2020

4000-249-Gupta, Jason and Kerri

Serving in leadership training in Ukraine God At Work "Of course" is the most common response when people who truly know Jason and Kerri Gupta hear about their ministry overseas. Their unique pasts that include years spent in different countries might seem like reason enough to predict a future of cross-cultural service. However, the Guptas' motivation goes beyond their past experiences. As newlyweds comfortably pursuing their own careers, Jason in engineering and Kerri in publishing, they began to realize that God had different plans for their new life together. In order to be trained for a future of full-time ministry,…
October 6, 2020

4000-251-Hacker, Randy and Kaye

Establishing and equipping the church in Poland. We work with Poles, 90 percent Roman Catholic, over 30 years removed from communism, European Union since May 2004. About us: "Solidarnosc! This famous catchword of the Polish labor uprisings in the 1980s has become the motto of missions in Eastern Europe. At that time, the united front of Solidarity brought down Poland's communist regime, and the spark of democracy in Poland became a flame that swept across the Soviet bloc. Today, a new spirit of solidarity and cooperation is also changing the once divided and ineffectual church in Poland into a unified,…
October 6, 2020

4000-257-Haley, Jon and Kathy

Though Spain is known as a Roman Catholic country, spiritual apathy is widespread and Spanish evangelical believers are few in comparison. Meanwhile, a large majority of leaders in the Spanish evangelical churches are bi-vocational, with limited time, energy, and resources to devote to church development and Biblical studies. In 1996, Jon and Kathy Haley began to assist the church-planting movement in Spain through leadership development and mobilization. They have been privileged to serve alongside the Spanish church in a variety of ways: promoting church health as national partners for Natural Church Development; coordinating the start of an online Bible school;…
October 6, 2020

4000-136-Dahl, Jim and Janice

Serving in the Netherlands at Tyndale Theological Seminary. It is a challenge helping the students distinguish cultural differences that influence interpretations of biblical truth. Pray that these students will be better prepared to return to their countries and offer the hope of Christ to a needy world! About us: Serving with God is an adventure! We feel that although we have had the privilege of working with God, He is at the same time always busy preparing us for the next step in the journey. We have had the opportunity to spend 12 years in Romania. Jim was mostly involved…
October 6, 2020

4000-148-Davis, Mel and Patty

Ministering through publishing, music and church development in Slovenia. The Davises serve Slovenia's two million people, of whom 70 percent are nominal Roman Catholic, less than two percent are Protestant and evangelicals account for only 0.18 percent. Challenges: Rapid social and economic change have only intensified the breakdown of family structures. Slovenia has high rates of depression and suicide. The track record of the church has been anything but strong. The few evangelical churches that exist have been marred by conflict and division. Pray that print communication and small group discipleship might significantly contribute to the spiritual growth of the…
October 6, 2020

4000-153-DeNeui, Mark and Lisa

Mark is a Bible teacher specializing in the New Testament who trains church leaders and church planters in French-speaking Europe. Lisa is an EFL and French teacher and uses these skills to build relationships and serve the local community while sharing her faith. Mark and Lisa both serve with a network of church plants in the City of Strasbourg. We are passionate about making Christ’s love and salvation known in our community and beyond by serving alongside the local French church in loving our neighbors, sharing the gospel and discipling believers. Challenges: - Finding new and authentic ways to share…
October 6, 2020

4000-740-Valenzuela, Doug and Dee

Serving in church planting and evangelism in Italy. Teaching and training young men and women for the work of the ministry. Napoli is a huge city with huge problems: unemployment (over 43% for young people between 18-35 years), Mafia and other gang type activity create major issues. Pray that: --we find and purchase a large warehouse for our second church in the city of Arzano. --more missionaries will be ready to come and help in music and with children. --a full-time director would develop and administrate the Old Mill Camp. About us: Since 1978, Doug and Dee Valenzuela have served…
October 6, 2020

4000-744-Vatran, John and Estera

Equipping Christian leaders for ministry in Romania. The Vatrans face well-rooted religious traditions and also the residual mindset from the past communist era. Pray that the Lord will give them an open mind and a sincere desire to let go and experience the leading of the Holy Spirit. About us: John and Estera Vatran, who are from Romania, spent 20 years in the United States before being appointed by WorldVenture to return to their homeland to serve the Romanian people. For the last few years, Romania has experienced more freedom than many other European nations. This has given the Vatrans…
October 6, 2020

4000-070-Burnell, Joel and Renata

We serve in Poland through seminary teaching, mentoring leaders, and Christian counseling. We work primarily with students at the Evangelical School of Theology, our fellow members at First Baptist Church of Wroclaw, and Christian leaders in Wroclaw and Lower Silesia. Joel Burnell first came to Poland in 1980 with Campus Crusade for Christ to work with the Oasis renewal movement. In 1983 Joel, who was then in Polish language school, met Renata at a Christian Conference. They were married in 1987. After attending Western Seminary from 1989 to 1993, Joel and Renata returned to Poland to join the faculty at…
October 6, 2020

4000-660-Sellers, Keith and Beverly

We work to see new and older believers transformed by the power of Christ in faithful and loving churches. We aim to be a catalyst for evangelism and growth in Gospel-centered churches. We have a passion for communicating the Gospel to the lost and to churches. Local churches can only experience true, lasting growth when they focus on the Gospel which transforms both the unbeliever and the believer! In August 2000 we first arrived in Hungary with our three young children. Our first 15 years of ministry there have been an adventure in various types of ministry to help Christians…
October 6, 2020

4000-592-Post, Jason and Mandy

Ireland, once considered the center of the Christian world, now sits in darkness, shadowed by the same secular, post-modern cloud that shrouds the rest of Western Europe. Jason and Mandy Post are working to bring light to Galway, Ireland's third largest city of approximately 100,000 people. The Posts and their colleagues work in conjunction with the Association of Irish Baptist Churches and together have a desire to see churches planted throughout the West of Ireland. Pray for the Irish people to turn to the only One who can truly give them relief in this time of great need. Please pray…
October 6, 2020

4000-649-Schroeder, Gerry and Marla

Christ-Empowered Worship Transforming The Russian Church! Gerry & Marla Schroeder are the director and administrator for RussiaWorship. They have been mentoring and guiding Russian church leaders in order to reach the mission: Christ-empowered worship transforming the Russian church. Since 2004, financial support from many generous donors have allowed them to live in Moscow and provide this leadership on a full-time, one-on-one basis. The Religious freedoms which were returned to the Russian people in the early 1990’s have been eroding away. Public buildings can no longer be rented for religious functions. Recent laws have made it illegal to conduct ‘missionary activity’…
October 6, 2020

4000-426-McDonnel, Mark and Donna

"We are communicating the Word and compassion of Christ in the context of leadership training for the church and in serving those with special needs and disabilities. We work with students from countries of the former Soviet Union and those with various special needs in the Darnitsya region of Kyiv, Ukraine." About Us: Mark and Donna McDonnel have been serving at the Kyiv Theological Seminary (KTS) in Kyiv, Ukraine, one of the most strategic training centers for Christian leaders in the former Soviet Union. Mark trains evangelists, church planters and pastors for a wide variety of ministries all over Ukraine…
October 6, 2020

4000-045-Hutcherson, Caleb and Nicolette

Caleb and Nicolette have been serving in Beirut, Lebanon since 2008, in the areas of theological education and compassion ministries. The Hutchersons are working in partnership with Ras Beirut Baptist Church, an evangelical church in the heart of Beirut with a long history of ministry to those living in Lebanon and its neighboring countries. In addition to ministry with the church, Caleb is on faculty at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary. With the shift to online learning, ABTS students are now able to get a theology degree while remaining in their home countries all over the Middle East and North…
October 6, 2020

4000-054-Reeser, Chad and Julie

Serving in theological education and discipleship in Spain! The Reesers have a vision to see the lost of Spain found through a newly-inspired local church and effectively-trained leaders. They pursue this vision through ministry opportunities in evangelism, encouragement, and education. Evangelism: Chad and Julie live in a Spanish community and seek to be a light there for the Gospel. They look for opportunities to connect with neighbors so that they can share the fantastic news that Jesus died for sins, was resurrected from the grave, and is coming again. Encouragement: Chad and Julie serve in a local congregation in the…
October 6, 2020

4000-390-Livie, Doug and Krista

Only 1% of the French population is evangelical Christian. Doug and Krista Livie serve a region of France where there are 1,500,000 people and 50 evangelical churches, or approximately one church per 30,000 people. In other areas of France, there is as few as one per 100,000 people. In partnership with the National Council of Evangelical Churches in France, the Livies are working towards the goal of at least one church for every 10,000 people. Doug and Krista minister in the outskirts of Paris, France, in the community of l'Oree de la Brie. France has been their home for over…
October 6, 2020

4000-022-Anderson, Dan and Eva

We work with North African families who live in or near Madrid, Spain. These families come mainly from three North African people groups: the Rifi Berbers, the Moroccan Arabs and the Jebalas. It is estimated that there are about one million people from these people groups living in Spain. In an effort to reach out and build relationships with these families we have started a number of community-based outreach activities, including adult literacy classes, Spanish classes for men and for women, and English classes and activities for youth. The purpose of these activities is to help North African families integrate…
October 6, 2020

4000-031-Poth, Kirk and Sandlin

Starting high impacting, gospel-centric, New Testament churches through friendship development, discipleship, and leadership training -- Helping the church in Western Ireland to reach her full redemptive potential through church planting and disciple making! Pray for open doors and hearts in Ireland. A divided country and ongoing violence involving religious beliefs have taken a toll on the people in Ireland. In addition, a cloud of secular, postmodern darkness has begun to spread from continental Europe. Many are lost in atheism, materialism, New Age beliefs and indifference to sin. Yet, there is a hunger for lasting peace. Almost three quarters of the…
October 6, 2020

4000-783-White, John and Stella

Training future Christian leaders and missionaries at the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS), which has hundreds of graduates serving across the former Soviet Union. It is their challenge to equip a new generation of church leaders to share God's Word and love in a quickly changing society caught between atheistic communism and materialistic capitalism and currently dealing with armed conflict and massive numbers of refugees. Pray that God would use us to teach his Word and develop deep relationships with students who will start new churches and impact old ones throughout the former Soviet Union. Pray, too, for God to…
October 6, 2020

4001-948-Berezhnoy, Andrey

Andrey Berezhnoy serves on the RussiaWorship ministry team. His areas of responsibility include leading the Russian volunteer staff, networking with pastors, worship and other church leaders, recording and producing songs in Russian, while also leading a worship ministry at a church in the Moscow area. God has uniquely gifted Andrey as a leader with a shepherd’s heart who is also musically talented as both a vocalist and a player. He has written several songs which are sung throughout Russia. (You can check out these songs at RussiaWorship.org) Andrey’s father, Boris, is a well-respected soloist in the traditional Russian church community.…
September 2, 2020

4000-010-Stewart, Jamie

I will be serving as the librarian at the Christian International School of Prague, a school whose purpose is the equip students to be followers of Christ through an academic education centered on a biblical worldview.
September 2, 2020

4000-650-Scofield, Tammy

My Primary Ministry Focus is working with missionary families in Europe with the education needs of their children. Pray for wisdom in advising missionary families in their major decisions regarding their children! About me: “This is why I came to Europe,” said Tammy Scofield during the annual SHARE Education Services Family Retreat in Budapest, Hungary. Hanging out with missionary children, (MKs), teaching a speech unit and meeting their parents was an incredible gift for Tammy. It has been a time of learning and meeting missionaries for Tammy. The question of “How can I best help the missionaries stay on the…
September 2, 2020

4000-263-Hart, Dick and Robin

Richard "Dick" and Robin Hart arrived in Jordan in August, 1979 with Jonathan, their 21 month old son. Immediately the family began learning Arabic, Dick and Robin at the Kelsey School and Jonathan with Sofy in Daycare. In March, 1980 at the invitation of WorldVenture colleague, Bob Robertson, Dick began meeting with the committee of Arab and expatriate Christian leaders that founded the Program for Theological Education by Extension, PTEE, in May, 1981. When the founding Executive Director, John DiPasquale, was planning to move into another ministry responsibility, the PTEE appointed Dick as his replacement in June, 1985. Dick continued…
September 2, 2020

4000-580-Persson, Peter and Celeste

After having served in Austria (primarily in the area of church development, field leadership, as well as in regional leadership in Eastern Europe for almost 36 years), Peter and Celeste returned to the States in 2019. Peter became Director of Global Prayer Initiatives in January 2020 and Celeste became a volunteer Alumni Liaison, providing member care for former WorldVenture global workers. Peter’s prayer journey gained a focused dimension in the early 1990s when a colleague and he were having a discussion about finishing their ministries well. They both had been reading the same book on leadership. The book inspired his…
September 2, 2020

4000-412-Hoover, Dennis and Cris

From 2009-2013 in Kandern, Germany, we had the pleasure of helping at Black Forest Academy (BFA) on four short-term mission trips. Since that time, God has put on our hearts a desire to be further used by Him in ministry at BFA. As we pursued this desire, God has directed our plans and opened doors for us to be Resident Life support staff beginning August 2021. To learn more about BFA, click here. In May 2020, Dennis completed a 40-year career in healthcare and Cris retired from many years of substitute teaching. We are excited to follow God as He…
July 1, 2020

4000-355-Jennifer

Jennifer currently serve in Lebanon with the goal of using her skills as a physical therapist to holistically minister to Syrian refugees as part of a multi-disciplinary church partnership. Right now her main focus is learning Arabic. In her free time, she enjoys running along the Mediterranean and going hiking outside of the city. Connect with Jennifer on Instagram Articles and Blogs: * 2 Ways to Help Beirut * Chicago News Story on Jennifer
February 12, 2020

4000-351-Rudolph, Michael and Emily

PRIMARY MINISTRY: Mike and Emily have been called to serve as educators in Ukraine—Mike in the area of theological education while Emily will be teaching in a Christian school. Their desire is to be used by God to empower leaders in the Ukrainian church as they pursue the opportunities God has laid before them. ABOUT US: Mike and Emily were both blessed to be raised in Christian homes and to come to know Christ at an early age. Originally from the Midwest (Iowa and Ohio), they did not meet until God brought each of them to North Carolina. Mike’s focus…
February 12, 2020

4000-328 Lance and Carol Dockrey

We are excited to serve Third Culture Kids at Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany. We know that God is using this place to empower global mission initiatives, and that is such a cool thing to be a part of. We get to invest in the lives of students whose families are serving in over 40 different countries world-wide.
February 12, 2020

4000-115-Johnson, Chelsi

Community based outreach to North African families in Madrid, Spain! My story is the story of living out the attitude of joy in knowing that God is sovereign. I was saved at the age of 5 and ever since then you can see the evidence of God’s grace on my life. God used every circumstance to direct me, mold me, and shape me for what he had prepared for me. This journey into missions really started about 10 years ago on my first missions trip abroad. Specific people and experiences were placed in my path to direct me into God’s…
February 12, 2020

4000-307-Peck, Dustin and Emily

We are the Peck Family: Dustin, Emily, Lauren, Ashlee, and Sawyer. We are excited to follow God's leading in faith and pursue missionary work. We were appointed as missionaries with WorldVenture in 2018. We are currently working to develop partnerships with intention of serving at the Black Forest Academy in Germany. Dustin will be serving as a counselor for middle and high school students. Dustin will be using the counseling setting to provide a safe place for the students to work through family issues, cultural confusion, social skill development, spiritual development, and difficult teenage adjustments. We are excited to be…
February 12, 2020

4000-005-Miron, William and Sarah

Making disciples of Jesus in western Ireland by living life in community on mission. Our aim is to plant gospel-centered churches, not the mere brick and mortar building, but the family of God worshiping Jesus in community on mission for his glory. The Irish people are a soulful, relational, community-driven people. They are rich in culture, arts and have celebratory spirits. Many of the Irish have been hurt by and have lost trust in religious institutions, and have sworn off God all-together. We currently live in Minnesota with our three kids, Aidan (4), Norah (3), and baby Lucy. I, Will,…
February 12, 2020

4000-285-Leak, Brian and Melissa

Equipping and mobilizing Christians across Europe to engage in the fight against sex trafficking There is a vital need for Christians to become aware of the sex trafficking issue and our responsibility to act. Our ministry is: 1) to create this awareness; 2) to equip believers to engage in anti-trafficking ministries; and 3) to connect believers to anti-trafficking ministries that are an ideal fit for their passions and skill set. When we first learned of the global reality of sex trafficking in 2012, we knew God was calling us to respond. At our local church, we began serving alongside WorldVenture's…
February 12, 2020

4000-290-Adams, Zach and Brittany

The International Church of Barcelona (ICB) is made up of approximately 25% Spaniards and 75% internationals. In Spain, there are three main challenges to the Church's growth: a lack of national Christian leadership, hardened Spanish skepticism, and post-modern indifference that sees religion as unnecessary. Despite this, within the first six years of new leadership at ICB, the church grew from 125 to 900 people. The leadership of ICB invited Zach and Brittany Adams to partner with their ministry to both Spaniards and internationals living in Barcelona. Having studied Master's of Divinity at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Zach's position in the…
February 12, 2020

4000-297-Kosse, Brandon and Kristi

Spiritual development and life training: investing in the lives of young Austrian couples & families, encouraging growth in Biblical understanding and intimacy with God. I, Brandon, first felt God's call on my life toward longterm missions during a junior high youth group trip to Mexico. This burden on my heart has been confirmed over the years through trips to the Czech Republic, Austria, England, and Kazakhstan. Pursuing this dream, I attended Moody Bible Institute and earned a Bachelors degree in Bible/Theology. Over the years I became an aircraft mechanic, later teaching at Liberty University. Life has had many curve-balls, but…
February 12, 2020

4000-295-Galyen, Zach and Melodie

Zack and Melodie work with youth and young adults to provide support and discipleship. Zack brings his decades of experience with music ministry, discipleship, and mentoring. Melodie has a Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Counseling and provides wellness training, something greatly needed in the Czech Republic. Newsletter Sign Up: MailChimp Facebook: Follow Ministry Video: Watch Video Blogs on WorldVenture.com: * How to Worship Together in Quarantine
February 12, 2020

4000-284-Miller, Noel and Patricia

One of the most exciting things in the world is that God uses ordinary people like us to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. He allows us to be part of His master plan, and in doing so, grants us fulfillment that cannot be found elsewhere. That is why we came to Spain in 2017. Since then, our family of four has been serving at Evangelical Christian Academy (ECA) in Madrid. We teach English, disciple and mentor, and try our best to demonstrate Christ's love to people who were created in his image. We want them to have life and to have…
February 12, 2020

4000-245-Roth, Emily

Emily Roth serves in media ministry throughout Greater Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. WorldVenture has over 150 global workers serving God throughout the region of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Each of these workers has witnessed amazing stories of answered prayers, the transformational power of the Holy Spirit, God's great grace, and more. Unfortunately, many of these stories never reach the North American Church. Emily Roth's passion and calling is to use multimedia to share powerful God-stories that encourage believers serving at home and strengthen their connection with God's global work. Emily has specialized as a…
February 12, 2020

4000-167-Horn, Beth

After my very first mission trip, I returned with a desire to serve God overseas. I attended Dallas Theological Seminary to be trained, and it was during that time I realized God was leading me to work with children and the unloved of society. While applying to WorldVenture a few years later, the refugee crisis in Europe came to the forefront of American media. As I learned more about the refugees’ experiences, I had compassion on them. These are people who have endured extreme hardship to escape war, oppression, and persecution. Their goal has been safety and survival, and now…
February 12, 2020

4000-281-Otten, Jeremy and Christy

Theological Education and Counseling Ministry Blogs on WorldVenture.com: * Meme, Myself and Isolation by Christy Otten Publications by WorldVenture: * How Can This Be?, Day 4 Resources by WorldVenture
February 12, 2020

4000-277-Kerstetter, Russ and Denise

Ministry Summary At Galway City Baptist Church we work primarily with youth. Our focus is on discipleship and training of teenagers and young adults. We want to instill in these future leaders of the Irish church that they are able to lead. We want to equip them with the necessary skills to be able to hand off the ministry to them to ensure it is a truly Irish ministry. Ireland is a beautiful country but behind the breathtaking landscapes and beautiful countryside are a people clouded in darkness and despair. We realized we had seen a hopelessness in Ireland we…
February 12, 2020

4000-211-Jeff and Meredith

Our ministry vision is to see the Gospel flourish in Albania and take root among the Albanians in Macedonia. In order to pursue this vision, we are engaged in two distinct, but related ministries: 1) discipleship and evangelism in and through the local church in Albania, and 2) holistic discipleship in the marketplace in both Albania and Macedonia through a Christian development organization in the region. Our local church ministry We are investing ourselves in a local church in Tirana, the capital of Albania. This church was planted in 2015 and currently has about 25 members. We support the head…
February 12, 2020

4000-213-Cross, Sean and Ruthann

When I (Sean) was 8 years old, I heard my first missionary share her story as God had called her to go to France. I remember when she was done that I heard this small voice say, What about missions? Over the years as similar events took place, I would continue to hear that same small voice asking the question, but never felt I could answer this call. It was not until 2011 did I hear that voice one more time say those same words, but no longer small in nature. It was bold and loud! At that point, I…
February 12, 2020

4000-189-Copeland, Chris and Joi

The Need: Ireland is a beautiful country, but it is steeped in spiritual darkness. The Irish are a welcoming and hospitable people, but many are lost in a growing hopelessness. Ireland once had a deep Christian history. Now, it is considered post-Church and they are rapidly abandoning faith in God and replacing it with secularism and atheism. Our desire is to bring the hope of the Gospel to the Irish and growing multi-national population living in Ireland so that God will be glorified, and His Kingdom restored in Ireland. Our Focus: Our focus is to facilitate a church planting movement…
February 12, 2020

4001-905-Rinderknecht, Nicolas and Pricille

Planting a New Church in France We serve multicultural people in the east suburb of Paris: white french, caribean, african and asian people who by the way are often opened to the Gospel We are missionaries to our own country. We serve in a multicultural context 15 miles east of Paris. Nicolas and Priscille served in the Protestante Evangelical Church of Champs for 17 years. Nicolas was the senior pastor, in charge of the church vision, the church discipleship, the small groups, the preaching, and the global life of the church. Since 2006, the Church blessed the church a lot.…
February 12, 2020

4000-146-Marin, Soraya

Once considered a Catholic country, Spain is stretched between the tyranny of tradition and the seduction of secularism. According to the World Factbook of the CIA, 70.2% of the Spanish are Roman Catholic. The majority of these were born and raised as Catholics, yet few know a personal relationship with Christ. The Spanish Church has a desperate need for leaders who will spread the gospel and the love of Christ. Soraya Marin has a passion for women's ministry and Christian leadership development. She serves as chaplain and assistant dean of IBSTE, a Bible institute and seminary based in Barcelona. While…
February 12, 2020

4000-300-Lemaster, Rebecca

Serving at EST as Coordinator for International Projects related to student scholarships, fundraising, promotion and supporting the goal of EST, which is to strengthen the evangelical movement in Poland by equipping Christians for effective ministry. In this context, EST seeks to train and educate men and women who will serve their churches, fellowships and organizations and who desire to be an influence for Christ in their neighborhoods, communities and cities. Women's ministry: Also, I serve with other Polish Christians to coordinate monthly meetings, organize English women's camps and mentor Polish women. For the last several years I have led a…
February 12, 2020

4000-113-Dodson, Justin and Jenna

We are helping a French Church launch a network of churches in the city, through the training of church planters and the leading of church plants amongst unreached neighborhoods. Challenges: -Adjusting to the numerous cultures and languages that are represented in the community -Creatively motivating and equipping the local French people to engage in Muslim ministry -Confessing regularly our self-dependence, and need for God to move if anything is to happen Pray: -That God would provide a group of 10 people from France who wish to join us and be trained in reaching these communities -That God would raise up…
February 12, 2020

4000-154-Dixon, David

After 40 years of ministry in France with World Venture, Joyce and David Dixon retired “officially” in February 2003. But it was not to be full retirement! David and Joyce had become dual nationals and felt that the Lord was leading them to continue ministry in France and to make France their home for the rest of their lives. In recent years, all the Mission-related churches had become members of the “Evangelical Association of French-speaking Baptist Churches”. As a result, the Mission churches had thus become fully “nationalized”, with the Mission churches making a big contribution toward church planting and…
February 12, 2020

4000-779-White, Corby and Ashley

Serving the Lord in Poland, through music, youth & children's ministries. The people of Poland are predominately Roman Catholic. Evangelical churches are typically small, with many areas having no evangelical church at all. Please "P-R-A-Y" for: P - Polish people - to know Christ and to grow in their relationship with Him R - Relationships - our marriage, family, and relationships with our coworkers and other missionaries A - All our needs - that God would provide all that we need Y - Your Role in World Missions - What is God calling you to do? About us: Ashley was…
February 12, 2020

4000-194-Aaron and Bess Edmunds

Engaging the unreached in an unchurched world Refugees enter Austria seeking safety and hope for their families. When they are settled in Vienna, many struggle to know German, regain community and be integrated into Austrian culture. Many are enticed into dangerous lifestyles because they are on the margins of society. There is also still a stigma among many Austrians that (especially Muslim) outsiders threaten their way of life. So, even though these refugees settle in a place where the Gospel can be openly spread, the Austrian evangelical church only makes up .5% of the population, making it very unlikely that…
February 12, 2020

4000-152-Wilson, Mike and Ramel

Friendship evangelism/church planting in Sligo, Northwest Ireland. Challenges: --Cultural Catholicism; extreme traditionalism & superstition --Strong bias toward non-Catholics --Rampant materialism and secularism Pray that God will lead us to Irish people who have hungry hearts and open minds to listen to the Good News, and the courage to respond to the Gospel. About us: Although I, Mike, was raised in a Christian home, I did not believe the Gospel or entrust my life to Christ until I was a teenager living with my parents on the Island of Guam. God spoke to my heart about being a missionary, but I…
February 12, 2020

4000-137-Boardwell, Matthew and Pamela

Our family visited Ireland for two months in 2009 purely as a vacation for some much-needed rest. We were drawn there by our family heritage, Ireland’s scenic beauty, and its many ancient Christian pilgrimage sites. We discovered a history rich with missions and spiritual transformation. Over the course of our visit, we engaged many Irish people in spiritual conversation and discovered a longing for something more personal and less structured than their experiences of religion in Ireland. We returned home with a burden to see Irish people reintroduced to a vibrant everyday living faith. In November 2014, we relocated with…
February 12, 2020

1100-827-Cumings, Tim and Joan

Serving on the North Central Regional Team to mobilize churches and individuals for missions. We serve pastors and churches, students on university campuses, and newly appointed WorldVenture missionaries. Prayer Needs: The fields are white unto harvest, but the workers are few. Pray that God will send out workers into the harvest. Please ask God to use us in mobilizing churches and individuals to fulfill the Great Commission! About Us: Tim and Joan were both raised in Michigan-Tim in Sparta and Joan in Norway in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. After getting married in 1969 they continued their schooling and Tim worked as…
February 12, 2020

4000-273-LaSavio, Andrew and Rebecca

Serving with WorldVenture from Northern California. Andrew and Rebecca LaSavio served in Korce Albania for over 10 years before being called back to the states to serve with WorldVenture’s mobilization efforts. Andrew now serves as the Learning Management Systems Coordinator with WorldVenture and helps get high quality training to appointees and missionaries across the globe. His desire is to see Appointees and Missionaries well equipped and sent to the field, ready to make gospel impact. Andrew also loves leveraging technology to multiply the effectiveness of WorldVenture’s training efforts. Rebecca teaches her four wonderful children at home and works to equip…
February 12, 2020

4000-291-Kannard, Clay and Lauren

We are the Kannard family and we were sent to Rome, Italy from Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Clay serves as co-pastor of the church, Breccia di Roma. We are primarily partnered with Italian evangelical leaders for the advancement of the Gospel in the city of Rome through the training of new pastors, the planting of new churches in Italy, and the equipping of evangelical leaders around the world to gain a better understanding of Roman Catholic theology and practice. Questions people ask us: * "Why Rome?" * "Is it not one of the most religious cities in…
February 12, 2020

4000-289-Kelley, Dave and Jenn

Supporting Missionaries, Proclaiming the Gospel, and Discipling Students at the International Christian School of Budapest. I (Dave) am a social studies teacher and am teaching middle-school students at the International Christian School of Budapest (ICSB). Specifically, I am teaching ancient, medieval, and modern world history. I am also the Child Safety Officer for the school. I (Jenn) am teaching middle school. I also serve on the Child Safety Team. Our vision is three-fold. First, we support the missionaries whose children attend ICSB by giving their students a world-class education (Acts 6:1-7). Second, we disciple Christian students by modeling a life…
February 12, 2020

4000-176-Thomas, Bruce and Linda

Pray that God would direct our conversations, and that people would move from an interest in spiritual topics to a real relationship with God. Also pray for our church as we begin planning the construction of our new building. About us: We are just "normal" people who are following God's path for our lives. Our married life started in Lynchburg, Virginia. From there we moved to Illinois to care for Bruce's aging parents. After that, our long-time desire to serve God overseas became a reality. He directed us to a team in Lubin, Poland, where we teach English, help run…
February 12, 2020

4000-085-Cable, Mark and Jill

Preparing Christian leaders for ministry through theological education, discipleship and mentoring. Mark and Jill Cable prepare Christian leaders for both local and cross-cultural ministry through theological education, discipleship and mentoring. They are also working in local church development. Mark teaches courses at the Baptist Theological Institute in Bucharest preparing pastors for ministry. He also teaches at Betania Bible College, a church based Bible school to prepare workers for ministry in the local church. Jill serves as the team treasurer and secretary as well as working with some former orphan girls. At various points through the year and especially during the…
February 12, 2020

4000-655-Sanders, Paul and Agnes

Since 1972, Paul and Agnès (ann-yes) Sanders have focused on leadership development and compassion ministry in French-speaking Europe and Africa, as well as in Lebanon and internationally. The Sanders helped plant three churches in the Paris area by 1996. Paul was president of the Baptist Alliance of North and East Paris from its inception in 1984 until its merger with an indigenous Baptist denomination. He also promoted leadership development at the Nogent Bible Institute as church history professor, academic dean, and principal. Agnes ministered as a wife, mother, part-time industrial physician, conference speaker, and author. Her book La vie est…
February 12, 2020

4000-087-Tokar, Joshua and Svitlana

The Tokars partner with the Ukrainian church to equip ministers of the Gospel from Ukraine and other former Soviet countries. Josh and Svitlana Tokar both came to know Christ at a young age. Josh was born and raised in a Christian home in Elk River, Minnesota, attending the local Baptist church since birth. He became a believer at age 12 and was baptized the following summer. Svitlana comes from rural central Ukraine. After the fall of the Soviet Union, her grandmother was the first in her family to repent. Svitlana and her mother started going to church with her grandmother,…
February 12, 2020

4000-107-Johnson, Nathan and Bethany

Church Planting in Austria Nathan and Bethany's ministry focus is church planting amongst German speakers in the Vienna area. They are partnering with an Austrian-led church association to plant a church on the northern side of the city, an area where there is currently no gospel-preaching church and a growing population. Nate and Bethany also serve as WorldVenture Team Austria field leaders, assisting the team with decision-making, cultural integration and spiritual leadership. Gifted with speaking and teaching abilities, Nathan is passionate about knowing God's Word on a deeper level and hopes to train Austrian Christians to be leaders and teachers…
February 12, 2020

4000-160-Chumbley, Terry and Robin

Our family ministry focuses on working with Third Culture Kids (TCKs) through SHARE Education Services. By definition, “A TCK is an individual who, having spent a significant part of the developmental years in a culture other than that of their parents, develops a sense of relationship to both. These children of business executives, soldiers and sailors, diplomats, and missionaries who live abroad, become "culture-blended" persons who often contribute in unique and creative ways to society as a whole.” SHARE Education Services helps English-speaking expatriate families living in Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East with their children’s educational needs.…
February 12, 2020

4000-129-Hudson, Shane and April

Two core components define this mission. Shane and April aim to explain the gospel to the lost and help prepare future church leaders for service in Spain. They have served there since 2014. Because just one percent of the forty-six million people in Spain are trusting Jesus as their only way to heaven, they are compelled to proclaim the good news of salvation. They like to use rock climbing as a means for making friends with a variety of people that have not yet heard the gospel. Teaching in an official evangelical seminary near Barcelona enables them to train future…
February 12, 2020