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4000-570-Ruehle, Elizabeth

4000-570-Ruehle, Elizabeth

Elizabeth (Liz) is praying about what to do after college. She is exploring her options as she takes an opportunity to live among an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. "I’m excited that you are here because that means you are thinking about partnering with me in Jesus’ last command – to proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mark 26). As I have read the Bible, God’s heart for the entire world has become clearer and clearer. When the Lord first called me, I prayed that God would use my life for His purpose. The thought that some have…
April 11, 2025
4000-564-Bowerman, Jake and Christy Stoller

4000-564-Bowerman, Jake and Christy Stoller

Reaching out together to help, serve, and love people; providing healing and transformation in Jesus’ name. Bio: Called to medical missions while still in high school, Christy started a journey, led by Jesus, that took her to medical school in Mexico followed by general surgery residency in New York. She had the opportunity to participate in a week-long medical mission trips to Mexico and Haiti during those years. Taking a General Surgery position in Lafayette, Indiana in 2021, she had the opportunity to work in Togo, West Africa (beginning of 2023) and then in Balfate, Honduras (Fall 2023). Jake spent…
April 2, 2025
4000-567-Elkins, Andy & Madison

4000-567-Elkins, Andy & Madison

We are a family looking to serving full-time in Jacó, Costa Rica. Jaco is a beautiful beach town with a deep need for hope and restoration. Amid the beach vibes, Jaco faces significant challenges such as drug abuse, prostitution, sex trafficking, and poverty. Our family feels called to serve the lost with compassion and humility, meeting people where they are, and sharing the transformative love of Christ. Whether through everyday conversations, intentional relationships, or practical acts of service, our desire is to reflect the heart of Jesus and point others to the hope, grace, and redemption found in Him. Our…
March 12, 2025
4000-566-Durand, Steve & Shannon

4000-566-Durand, Steve & Shannon

Sharing the good news of the gospel and of God’s amazing love in São Paulo, Brazil through evangelism, prayer, preaching and teaching, pastoral care, family ministry, mentoring young pastors and leaders, and ministering to those with disabilities and their families. The Durands directly partner with Restoration Ministries—an exciting, innovative, and fruitful ministry that has been serving and ministering to underprivileged children, youth, and families in São Paulo since 1991. Restoration Ministries is seeing God transform lives and raise up a new generation of young leaders through weekly evangelism programs in specific favela communities, home visitations, leadership and discipleship trainings, Bible…
March 12, 2025
4000-568-Versnel, Drew & Erianna

4000-568-Versnel, Drew & Erianna

Drew and Erianna Versnel are serving long-term in Bangkok, Thailand. "Missions has been on both of our hearts individually for many years, and since getting married in November 2023, our shared calling has only grown. We feel incredibly grateful to be walking into this calling together as a team. Drew is an engineer and will be doing ministry in the workforce- building relationships and representing Christ through his work in the engineering field. Erianna is a physician assistant and will be providing medical care to women in restorative programs, specifically those coming out of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. We’re…
March 12, 2025
4000-569-Eisenhower, Mark & Taylor

4000-569-Eisenhower, Mark & Taylor

We’re the Eisenhower’s 👋 (Mark, Taylor, Loey and Obie)! Mark & Taylor met on short-term missions in Brazil almost 15 years ago. This year we’re celebrating 10 years of marriage, 2 incredible kiddos, and 11 years of serving together at our local church in Tucson, AZ in pastoral ministry (Mark) and ministry support (Taylor). While we intended to jump right back into the mission field after we got married, the Lord had different plans. He wisely kept us in Tucson serving in different leadership capacities in the church, while at the same time equipping and preparing us to re-enter the…
March 6, 2025
4000-564-Bowerman-Stoller Jake and Christy

4000-564-Bowerman-Stoller Jake and Christy

Reaching out together to help, serve, and love people; providing healing and transformation in Jesus’ name. Bio: Called to medical missions while still in high school, Christy started a journey, led by Jesus, that took her to medical school in Mexico followed by general surgery residency in New York. She had the opportunity to participate in a week-long medical mission trips to Mexico and Haiti during those years. Taking a General Surgery position in Lafayette, Indiana in 2021, she had the opportunity to work in Togo, West Africa (beginning of 2023) and then in Balfate, Honduras (Fall 2023). Jake spent…
March 4, 2025
4000-563-Cochran, Kenzie

4000-563-Cochran, Kenzie

Kenzie Cochran will be working with Restoration Ministries this summer. "God has been faithful to continuously grow my heart for the nations, and I am blessed to join God's mission in reaching hearts with His Truth in Brazil. I am so excited for the Lord to work through me as I serve at Restoration, doing casework with children and families in the favelas, or impoverished neighborhoods, of São Paulo. Entering into these communities that face the challenges, heartache, and hopelessness of poverty. I pray that God will show up in a big way, revealing that true comfort, love, and hope…
February 27, 2025
4000-562-Denny, Adelaide

4000-562-Denny, Adelaide

Adelaide Denny will be serving in Strasbourg, France this coming Summer. "I will mostly be working at a cafe run by a missionary team in the city. This cafe seeks to reach the many different cultures represented in that neighborhood. I will also be able to help with the French classes they are running for refugees in the city! I grew up as an MK in France and Senegal and have always had a heart for missions. I am currently a freshman in college majoring in International Studies and French and am considering going into full-time missions someday. I feel…
December 26, 2024
4000-580-Persson, Peter and Celeste

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…
December 17, 2024
4000-561-Smith, Brennan

4000-561-Smith, Brennan

Hi! I’m Brennan Smith, a Spiritual Life Staff Member at Grand Canyon University. In March of 2025, partnering with World Venture, I’ll be leading a team of 8 GCU students to serve in the Friendship House in Madrid, Spain for a short-term vision and service trip! My hope and prayer is that our students who are doing amazing work with refugee kids and youth in the US can take their experience and passions to Madrid to see how God is working in Western Europe and specifically, in the lives of immigrant children and families in Spain. Along with my work…
December 4, 2024
4000-559-Byrd, Briannan

4000-559-Byrd, Briannan

How great is our God, how vast His love, that He would give His only begotten Son to die on the cross to save us, sinners who are hostile to Him, from our sins so that we can live together with Him forever (John 14:2; Romans 5:8, 8:7). It seems so strange that such an immensely powerful divine being would be mindful of billions of short-lived, self-centered creatures like us, as David wrote, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of…
November 12, 2024
4000-556-Zeigler, Evan

4000-556-Zeigler, Evan

Evan will be headed to Japan in the spring of 2025. "I’ll be heading to Japan to help and support the people there as a global worker. My passion for Japan began in childhood, and now I have the chance to serve the people I’ve long cared about through the love of Jesus Christ. I invite you to join me in this journey, and I deeply appreciate any support you can provide. Together, we can make a difference."
October 4, 2024
4000-554-SyCip, Kyra

4000-554-SyCip, Kyra

I am excited to share that I will be spending six to eight weeks this fall in Tokyo, Japan, as part of a Digital Discipleship Internship with WorldVenture. While this is an unpaid internship, it is also a unique missions trip focused on using technology to spread the Gospel and build meaningful connections. During this time, I’ll be working on a variety of projects in media, web design, videography, and other forms of digital outreach and discipleship, with the ultimate goal of sharing hope and the love of Christ. As I prepare for this journey, I would greatly appreciate your…
September 20, 2024
4000-553-DuShaw, Josiah

4000-553-DuShaw, Josiah

Josiah is moving to Costa Rica for six months to work with Horizon Church. "While I am in Costa Rica, I will be helping out with the youth group and working with men struggling with drug addiction. Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support."
August 29, 2024
4000-551-Reiffer, Natalie

4000-551-Reiffer, Natalie

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). I have yet to find anything that brings true joy apart from my Lord, Jesus. In fact, I stake my life that I will not find any other joy. Only in Him can we find full joy. In verse 13 He says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” If you found the greatest source of truth and happiness, it seems to follow that the most loving thing…
August 29, 2024
4000-549-Cobb, William

4000-549-Cobb, William

William Cobb was born in Indiana but moved to Florida as a child. He gave his life to Christ during his sophomore year of high school. He's been involved in various ministries from children's ministries to young adult ministries. He graduated from Trinity College of Florida with a bachelor's in Christian ministry. "My missions and world religions class were the most exciting and fulfilling class I took. I did a project on unreached people groups where I chose Japan as the topic of my paper. Working on the paper impressed a desire to go to Japan and serve."
August 7, 2024
4000-548-Pitsch, Mylee

4000-548-Pitsch, Mylee

Mylee Pitsch will be serving with a local church in Japan. She will be engaging with the community through teaching English to educate and build relationships in order for the Heavenly Father to plant, grow, and expand His Kingdom family! About Me: I was adopted from China by my American family, and through that experience the Father placed a love for different peoples and cultures on my heart and put me in a context that only increased such intercultural interests. I never knew what I wanted to do with this passion until the Father put people, both old and new,…
July 12, 2024
4000-547-Candelaria, Isabelle

4000-547-Candelaria, Isabelle

Isabelle was raised in a Christian home and was involved in church from a very young age. "I discovered a passion and love for different cultures. As I have grown in my faith, the Lord has given me a heart for the nations." Isabelle will be doing an internship in Japan to share the saving grace of God. Japan has a less than 5% Christian population. "I would like to humbly ask you to join me on this journey by partnering with me in prayer and giving."
July 10, 2024
4000-546-Worker Name Withheld

4000-546-Worker Name Withheld

With a deep passion for cross-cultural ministry, I am heading to Southeast Asia to start disciple-making movements among communities with no previous exposure to the gospel. Just like Paul, “I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, 'Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.'” (Romans 15:20-21)
July 2, 2024
4000-545-Lee, Colton

4000-545-Lee, Colton

Psalm 57:9-10 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. As I look across my life, I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the countless displays of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness towards me. In light of God’s transformative grace as revealed on the cross of Christ, I can’t help but proclaim His praises among the nations! Admittedly, the nations weren’t always on the forefront of my mind as a young follower of Jesus. It…
July 2, 2024
4000-544-Sehlke, Tom

4000-544-Sehlke, Tom

The first time I remember hearing about God’s heart for the nations was right after I had come to faith at a campus ministry conference. It blew my mind that I had never heard someone preach on this topic even though it’s intertwined throughout all of scripture as part of God’s heart and core desire – to make his glory known amongst all peoples. God took my initial curiosity and conviction and grew it through many different people and opportunities over the past couple of years. Along this journey, the words of a past missionary named C.T. Studd have stuck…
July 2, 2024
4000-543-Slebodnik, Jesse & Kylee

4000-543-Slebodnik, Jesse & Kylee

"We love because he first loved us" 1 John 4:19 We were appointed by WorldVenture in 2024 as global workers to Europe and the Middle East. Today, we are preparing to share the Gospel with Muslims in France who have little or no access to a Christian witness. Our mission is to partner with the local church, build meaningful relationships through practical help and friendship, and disciple new followers of Jesus. How We Got Here: In 2023, God used an earthquake in West Asia to grip our hearts for Muslims who are living without the hope of Christ and trying…
July 2, 2024
4000-541-Saavedra, Ana Maria

4000-541-Saavedra, Ana Maria

Ana Maria Saavedra will be serving with restoration Ministries where she will spend most of her time with under-resourced kids living in harsh conditions/situations in São Paulo, Brazil. "I will be serving at Restoration Ministries where I will spend most of my time with under-resourced kids living in harsh circumstances/situations teaching them English and providing quality education to help get them out of the slums or favelas. I want to invite you on this journey with me to further the Lord’s kingdom and spread the love of Christ to these families that I will be serving. Through this experience, I…
May 30, 2024
4000-540-Jenkins, Elle

4000-540-Jenkins, Elle

Elle Jenkins is a junior at Liberty University in Virginia. "Recently, I have wanted to share with others about the story of hope through intercultural communication. I am looking forward to serving with WorldVenture in Brazil! I chose to work with WorldVenture in Brazil because I wanted to share the story of hope and good news with children. There, we will be working in the Favelas of São Paulo to help teach English, provide counseling, and serve the children and those who live in the slums. I am so excited to go on this journey with WorldVenture, and I pray…
April 23, 2024
4000-534-Massaglia, Erin

4000-534-Massaglia, Erin

Erin is a high school senior from Kansas who will be graduating in May, 2024 and serving in Sao Paulo, Brazil with Restoration Ministries. Restoration ministers to underprivileged youth and their families. Erin feels a strong pull towards ministry as she looks to her next season of life. "I decided to look into WorldVenture for temporary cross-cultural ministry to see if this is the type of ministry the Lord is calling me to longer term. I felt called towards Restoration Ministries because of the youth program. I have been living/working at a church camp for the past 10 years, so…
April 4, 2024
4000-480-Ugo and Adela

4000-480-Ugo and Adela

With a population of 14 million, Buenos Aires is the largest metropolitan area in Argentina and the second largest in South America. It is also highly unreached. We have partnered up with various local ministries and churches and will support them in their activities to bring the Gospel to the people of the city. Our activities might include church-planting, support to pastors, and teaching and evangelization. One key focus area is outreach to professionals through ministry in the workplace. We will use our corporate background of 20 years to show them how God makes a difference in everything, including the…
April 3, 2024
4000-533-Stewart, Payton

4000-533-Stewart, Payton

Payton Stewart is studying Applied Linguistics at Moody Bible Institute. She is preparing for her summer internship to Guinea (West Africa). "I will mostly be working with medical missionaries in an unreached people group to help promote hygiene awareness among young women! I will be needing prayer that the Lord will work through me to share His truth to these unreached people! Thank you for partnering with me in prayers and finances."
April 2, 2024
4000-532-Michel, Olivia

4000-532-Michel, Olivia

Olivia spent her childhood dreaming about the world and yearning to go there. "After four years of wondering where God was calling me to, He placed Indonesia heavily on my heart and the women who were being sexually exploited there. God has even still been giving me a love for all Southeast Asia and other Muslim nations. In the months and even years leading up to this mission trip, God has placed both Thailand and Cambodia on my heart for a reason I have only as yet been able to realize. I have even learned more about Buddhism and the…
March 1, 2024
4000-529-Banks, Michael & Rebekah

4000-529-Banks, Michael & Rebekah

Rebekah and Michael Banks intend to serve as global workers with WorldVenture at the International Graduate School of Leadership in Metro Manila. As the church continues to grow throughout Asia, Manila emerges as a hub for teaching, training, and equipping the next generation of pastors, practitioners and ministers who will bring the ‘Good News’ of Jesus Christ to those who have never heard the story of salvation. This deep need intersects perfectly with Michael’s twin passions for theological education/evangelism and Rebekah’s natural creativity and gifting for the discipleship of women. At IGSL, Rebekah and Michael intend to play a small…
February 13, 2024
4000-528-Tanner, Paul & Megan

4000-528-Tanner, Paul & Megan

Get our updates! Paul grew up in a Christian home in a small town in Minnesota and came to know Christ at a young age. Over the years, God cultivated a heart for youth as he led small groups with his church’s youth ministry. He also worked as a residential counselor for teen boys in a treatment facility. Paul loves to mentor youth and teach practical life skills that he’s learned from his past job experiences such as bicycle mechanics, welding, CNC machining, and many more hands on skills. Paul’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were all in the mission…
February 13, 2024
4000-525-Baker, Graham

4000-525-Baker, Graham

Graham Baker is a senior at Liberty University pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. "Since I began following Jesus Christ, I have felt God calling me through the Great Commission in Matthew 28 to spread His word and serve Him. I am excited for the opportunity to go on a short-term mission trip to Thailand and Cambodia in May 2024. While in Thailand and Cambodia, I will be serving alongside missionaries working with human trafficking and outreach ministries. I ask that you join me in prayer for the team that I will be traveling with and for the local…
January 3, 2024
4000-777-West, Brielle

4000-777-West, Brielle

Brielle is currently getting a Masters degree in Public Policy at Liberty University. "Growing up in a Christian home I have always loved serving on missions, whether that was locally or internationally. I have always found joy in sharing the gospel with others and seeing God work through them." Brielle will be working in ministries that help individuals out of human trafficking.
January 3, 2024
4001-908-Trocino, Henry

4001-908-Trocino, Henry

Dr. Henry Trocino (bi-vocational pastor; entrepreneur) and Brent Ralston (WorldVenture Global Director for Asia/Pacific) have been friends since 2015 when they helped to launch a non-government organization (NGO) called the Divine Business Appointments, Inc (DBA), in Cebu City, Philippines, which seeks to assess, train, provide access to capital, and coach, budding entrepreneurs in starting micro enterprises. With their joint passions for church planting (Henry has been the catalyst in starting four churches) and poverty alleviation, it was a natural fit. With his gifting for teaching, and his heart for world missions, Henry has become a Global Partner with WorldVenture traveling…
September 27, 2023
4000-245-Roth, Emily

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…
July 23, 2023
4000-650-Scofield, Tammy

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…
July 23, 2023
4000-146-Marin, Soraya

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…
July 23, 2023
4000-015-Folden, Titus and Stephanie

4000-015-Folden, Titus and Stephanie

Serving globally in the areas of discipleship, training and restoration with children and families-at-risk. Partnering with national churches and NGOs in abuse and human trafficking prevention and trauma response. By faith, Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). Often times in our journey, we don’t know exactly where we’re headed, how we’re going to get there or how it’s going to work. What we do know is that God is faithful to lead when we are obedient…
July 23, 2023
4000-521-Shewey, Tim/Stephanie

4000-521-Shewey, Tim/Stephanie

Tim and Stephanie currently live in Texas, but both grew up in California. Married for 14 years, they have two young children and a fur-baby. Having met in college, it was during their courtship when they both found a love for Jesus. A “cultural Christian” at the time, Tim invited Stephanie to go to church with him. Stephanie accepted the invitation and was introduced to a “world” she never knew, but always felt she needed – a life with Christ and his Church. From that day forward, it was as if a veil had lifted and a spark was lit…
June 16, 2023
4000-519-Pruitt, Afrika

4000-519-Pruitt, Afrika

I will be helping a French church launch a network of churches in the city through building relationships with immigrants and refugees in order to make as many on-ramps as possible into the unreached communities for Jesus to be known. About me: After college, I was certain of one thing: my heart was drawn to working with immigrant populations, but I was clueless about where to start. Oklahoma, a place I hadn't initially planned on settling, seemed an unlikely destination for such work. Then, in the summer of 2021, the fall of Kabul unfolded, and Oklahoma suddenly became the recipient…
June 16, 2023
4000-518-Lynch, Brynna

4000-518-Lynch, Brynna

After an amazing two years providing women’s healthcare to the rural Northern Mariana Islands of Rota and Saipan, Brynna is looking forward to a new opportunity to serve and grow in Côte d’Ivoire, Africa. Similarly, to her work in Saipan, she will be working as a Nurse-Practitioner and Midwife providing healthcare and education to underserved women in a rural hospital. Brynna's initial timeframe will be six months of volunteer service. "I’m so eager to learn and grow as I walk with God through this new phase. I covet your prayers as I anticipate the challenges of learning how to apply…
June 7, 2023
4000-516-Siewert, Shelby

4000-516-Siewert, Shelby

Six years ago, Shelby and her brother started learning Japanese for fun, immersing themselves in the language and culture through Japanese media. In 2019, both siblings started talking about serving in Japan, but COVID made it impossible to send missionaries to Japan. When her brother went on a short-term trip to Japan in 2022 and shared his experiences with Shelby, she wanted to serve there, too. Shelby will be coming alongside and serving local Japanese churches, assisting with children’s and youth ministries, English language, and reaching out into the community.
June 7, 2023
4000-784-Wilson, Rick and Diana

4000-784-Wilson, Rick and Diana

We are working in Myanmar and Kenya in evangelizing, church planting, helping children with school sponsorship, women of need, and business development. It all works together. About us: We were appointed as missionaries to go to Caracas, Venezuela in 1988 as church planters. During our time in Caracas, we helped plant three churches. Since 2000, we have been serving in our present ministry through WorldVenture. What is our ministry you might be asking; well, here is: 1. Church planting/evangelism - John 3:16, Matt. 16:18 2. Poverty alleviation - Matt. 25:31-16. Romans 12:13 3. Education/Training/Building 2 Timothy 3:16-17 4. Economic responsibility…
December 13, 2022
4000-497-Raphael

4000-497-Raphael

Through living in Africa, serving Arabic speakers in practical ways and proclaiming Jesus Christ, we aim to get to the least reached with the best news in the world! "He said to them, 'Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters...'" (Lk 22:10 ESV). The disciples had to follow a jar of water to prepare the last supper, likely as a precaution. So, follow this jar and thank you for your partnership as we prepare for the marriage supper of the Lamb (Lk…
November 9, 2022
4000-503-Warneke, Ellen

4000-503-Warneke, Ellen

Serving God’s Kingdom through education in Germany – K-12 students coming from over 50 different countries! These students come with a wide range of academic, social, and cultural backgrounds, so it is a joy and a challenge to support them and their families in their education. Ministry Biography: I have the privilege to serve as the high school principal at Black Forest Academy, an international school for missionary kids in Kandern, Germany. I grew up in a church and family that not only loved Jesus deeply but also actively supported missionaries, so I had ample opportunities to see the global…
November 2, 2022
4000-499-Worker Name Withheld

4000-499-Worker Name Withheld

The first time our Global Worker visited an unreached country, she said, "I HAVE to be a part of this!" As she understood the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), she learned that 40% of the world was still unreached with the Gospel. God has guided her in this journey to SE Asia to take part in what He is doing and reach the unreached. Why not follow her journey?
November 2, 2022
4000-496-McMillen, Noah and Tiffany

4000-496-McMillen, Noah and Tiffany

Japan is less than 1% Christian. When we felt God calling us to missions and began to look into where we might serve, those words shocked us. How could a developed nation with no restrictions against missionaries have so few Christians? These thoughts along with encouragement from our mentors and lots of prayer set us on the path to committing to serve with WorldVenture in Japan for 1 year. Now, having visited Japan and having seen so much amazing work that God is doing there, our hearts have grown even deeper for the Japanese people and God’s plan for them.…
August 2, 2022
4001-925-Lian Sui Timothy

4001-925-Lian Sui Timothy

Ministry Happenings: * Supervising a Bible college. * Supervising a Missionary Training Institute. * Supervising Bible translation. The whole Bible was translated into Falam Chin Language, and Timothy is now supervising the translation work into seven different languages. * Biblical Literature Ministry: Writing books in Burmese and Chin language and translating books into Burmese and Chin language. * Hope Children's Home * Initiating a private English medium school since August 2022. * Supervising church planting movements. * Leading soul-winning outreach. * Leading missionary conferences and discipleship trainings. * Supervising relief aid work for the persecuted Christians who are in the…
June 23, 2022
4000-157-Burnette, Daryl and Leah

4000-157-Burnette, Daryl and Leah

Daryl and Leah met while in college and were married in 2006. It was through the adoption process that God began to work in their hearts about committing their lives to full-time missionary service. Leah graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2007 with a BS in Elementary Education and spent 6 years teaching fifth grade in the public-school system. Daryl graduated from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia with a BS in Business Finance and a master’s degree from Liberty in Pastoral Counseling. After serving in Mozambique for 6 years and unable to return due to visa…
February 18, 2022
4000-169-Kay

4000-169-Kay

J and K will be doing the work set before them through training in medicine, both in the urban and rural setting of their Asian context. Please join them as they seek to meet the 360 degree needs of those their hearts have bonded with.
February 17, 2022
4000-466-Pietrantonio, Adam and Sabrina

4000-466-Pietrantonio, Adam and Sabrina

Sabrina grew up in the Greater Los Angeles area. The first time she visited Japan she was eight years old and visited family friends who were missionaries serving there. She felt called to Japan as a career missionary herself when she was a university student. She served there from 2016 to 2020: the first half of her term was spent in Japanese language school in Tokyo, and the second half was spent serving in Japanese churches in Kumamoto and Ibaraki Prefectures. Adam was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. He decided to follow Christ in 2011 during his third year…
November 2, 2021
4000-465-Brian and Melanie Stark

4000-465-Brian and Melanie Stark

We are passionate about seeing workers thrive, not merely survive on the field, and will be developing, coaching and training global workers for long-term Gospel impact! Specifically, we will be coaching and mentoring more than 50 workers who will be serving in their first-term on the field in the Asia-Pacific Region, as well as leading and overseeing WorldVenture’s short-term initiatives globally. While we both began following Jesus at a young age, our journeys were quite different. Brian’s strong supportive home and input from mentors in his teens gave him a strong footing. After leading a child to Jesus one summer…
November 2, 2021
4000-112-Chanco, Rene

4000-112-Chanco, Rene

Preparing men and women for ministry across Asia is Rene's primary focus. Rene specifically works with Asian Theological Seminary which has students from not only the Philippines, but from other Asian countries as well. His passion is to see strong, vibrant church ministry leadership teams all over the region witnessing for Jesus in this needy area of the world. Expansion of training to nearby provinces has made courses of study available to the farthest corners of the islands. Rene and other teachers travel to these places to teach modular courses and help in the development of workers who cannot access…
October 28, 2021
4000-177-Sandy

4000-177-Sandy

After over 30 years working in the Philippines, I transitioned to be part of the WorldVenture-Americas Team in March, 2020. Part of my role includes reaching out to internationals and refugees to help them with a heart-felt need–-learning English. As internationals living in another country, transitions and acculturation can feel overwhelming, especially if communication is challenging. ESL (English as a Second Language) online gives the opportunity to build bridges of friendship in which I can share God’s love with them. Not only do we pray that they will feel more comfortable and adjusted here in the USA, but that they…
October 26, 2021
4000-461-Goncalves, Elizabeth (Lundquist)

4000-461-Goncalves, Elizabeth (Lundquist)

I have been in Brazil serving in the Deaf community since early 2009. There are an estimated 10 million* deaf people in Brazil. My ministry has included evangelism, disciple-making, and training of leaders, as well as being deeply involved in serving the Deaf community in practical ways of interpreting (for doctors’ appointments, court hearings, school meetings, job applications, interviews, and training, etc.). I have also mediated in family situations (lack of communication is a huge barrier) and advocated for the Deaf community in a myriad of settings. God has recently opened the door for evangelism and discipleship resources to be…
August 24, 2021
4000-960-Soules, Hannah

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
4000-449-Paul and Helen

4000-449-Paul and Helen

GOD HAS CALLED PAUL AND HELEN TO ENGAGE THE WORLD FOR GOSPEL IMPACT ABOUT Ever since Helen surrendered her life to the Lord, she has experienced greater happiness in life. Her regular devotions with her spouse, life group, women’s fellowship, and Sunday School class deepen her understanding and relationship with God. Further, Helen retired from working at a multinational food company at the age of fifty. While Paul came to know Jesus as a boy, he spent many years completing his theological education. This shaped his character and competency in serving the Lord. The Spirit enabled him to serve as…
May 27, 2021
4000-446-Downs, Tim and Sarah

4000-446-Downs, Tim and Sarah

God has given us a vision to see lives changed by Jesus through the establishment of a permaculture training center in Ivory Coast, Africa. With this training center, pastors will be able to learn to support their families as they plant churches and continue in ministry. Connect with them through their website! Blogs on WorldVenture: * WorldVenture:In Review Episode
May 27, 2021
4000-445-Austin Kauffman

4000-445-Austin Kauffman

Reaching The Youth in Austria While completing an undergraduate degree in engineering, God shifted my desire from working as an engineer to a passion for serving Him cross-culturally. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Accra, Ghana to support International Justice Mission in the fight against human trafficking and slavery of children on Lake Volta. God continued to develop this passion for serving Him, but the focus shifted from care ministry to discipleship of youth. I began volunteering with the student ministry in a local Ghanaian church. As this desire to disciple students grew, the Lord led me back to the…
May 27, 2021
4000-427-Pham, Lan

4000-427-Pham, Lan

With the partnership and financial support from you, WE can spread the word to those who have never heard of Jesus and don’t have the chance to unless someone goes! I am living and working among the unreached with a team of others, sharing the gospel, and starting bible studies among those who have never opened the bible before. I will be serving long-term till all have heard. I am passionate about educating children and helping others start small businesses, all in the hope towards it being used in kingdom expansion. Thank you for your help in what God is…
February 4, 2021
4000-411-Paul & Lizzie Reed

4000-411-Paul & Lizzie Reed

Over the past 10 years, we have been blessed to work with youth and college students around the world, but primarily in Eastern Europe, the USA, and the UK. Our vision is to bring glory to God by teaching and discipling youth. We are passionate about seeing people experience transformed lives in Christ, and then watching them glorify God as they impact the lives of those around them. Most recently we have been pursuing this vision by serving as teachers at an international Christian school. Paul was a Bible teacher there and interim chaplain, and Lizzie an ELL specialist and…
November 30, 2020
4001-938-Worker Name Withheld

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
4000-212-Worker Name Withheld

4000-212-Worker Name Withheld

Teaching English through a language center and working with street children will allow me to build relationships where I can share the hope and love of Jesus with those whom the Father calls. Through these relationships, we seek to begin Discovery Bible Studies, which in turn have the potential to begin a Disciple-Making Movement among the unreached and unengaged people groups in the area. There are at least ten tribes that we are targeting to see a gospel movement. The major challenge is overcoming the false teachings of the dominant religion, which is mixed with animistic beliefs.
November 30, 2020
4000-269-The Benaissa Family

4000-269-The Benaissa Family

The Benaissa family is a couple with a very diverse background including origins in both the United States, Asia and North Africa. Our paths crossed nearly ten years ago while we were both serving North Africans living in Spain. Currently based in the United States, we serve Arabic speaking immigrants and refugees from North Africa and the Middle East. Articles and Blogs on WorldVenture: - On Fasting and Ramadan
November 30, 2020
4000-942-Worker Name Withheld

4000-942-Worker Name Withheld

Articles and Blogs on WorldVenture: - A Taxing Thought - God's Timeline To Freedom - Afghanistan: Being Certain Of The Things We Cannot See - Plans Made, Plans Change, Molding Into God's Plan - Afghanistan: The Wait Becomes Weighty - Fuzzy Evacuation - The Long Wait Begins - A Women's Rights Activist Endangered and Left Behind
November 30, 2020
4000-118-Worker Name Withheld

4000-118-Worker Name Withheld

Serving the church in the US through pastoral leadership and mission mobilization. Finishing organizational leadership doctoral work with a focus on global, groups, and theological perspectives with the goal of providing leadership consulting to WV global fields.
November 30, 2020
4000-620-Ralston, Brent and Christine

4000-620-Ralston, Brent and Christine

Central Ministry Focus: To be a catalyst in establishing healthy and reproducing churches resulting in transformed lives and communities. God is calling us to return to the Visayas region of the Philippines to continue the disciple making and church planting work we started 32 years ago. About us: We both grew up as missionary kids of WorldVenture missionaries; I, in Pakistan and Christine, in the Philippines. I initially came to the Philippines as a short-term missionary from 1983-85 following Bible college and sensed the Lord's call to return on a full-time basis. Chris had felt the Lord's call to be…
November 30, 2020
4000-555-Pardue, Frank & Rosa

4000-555-Pardue, Frank & Rosa

Serving in leadership training in the Philippines - Located on the edge of the 10/40 Window, the Philippines is a strategic hub for leadership development and church planting throughout Asia. The need for more Asian leaders is unprecedented and the Philippines is poised to help. It has a strong evangelical church, a growing missionary vision, and the privilege of open theological training. We feel God has uniquely prepared us to help groom these men and women for the task. For most of our time in the Philippines, our primary ministry was church planting, helping start two churches in Davao City,…
November 30, 2020
4000-127-Worker Name Withheld

4000-127-Worker Name Withheld

We prayerfully desire to plant a Hindi-speaking church in Asia with a focus on evangelism, discipleship, and solid biblical teaching. Although there are relatively quite a few ministries operating in the city, very few are focused on the masses of people moving from where Hindi is primarily spoken. As a means of entrance to the community, we will start a Christian school offering quality education based on Christian principles. This school will serve as a transformational presence in the community, aiding in establishing relationships with families through which the Gospel can be shared in a meaningful and relevant manner. We…
November 30, 2020
4000-048-Sao, Breanna

4000-048-Sao, Breanna

International Student Ministry in New Zealand “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20 May we not just know this, but live it. This passage reminds me of what we are called to do as believers in Christ.…
November 30, 2020
4000-421-Ray Follmer

4000-421-Ray Follmer

My Heart All throughout scripture, God displays His heart to see peoples of every language, culture, and nation come to know him through the message of the Gospel. The Lord is using short-term missions to serve long-term field workers, have significant ministry impact, and reach nations who have never heard the good news of Christ. I am honored to use our experience in Japan and my heart for the unreached as the Global Short Term Facilitator and play a part in what God is doing all over the world! My Role I will be working with churches and individuals who…
November 13, 2020
4000-415-Caldwell

4000-415-Caldwell

We are excited to join a team that is working among unreached people groups to share the Gospel in some of the hardest to reach places. Our vision is to see local believers be raised up and see churches planted where they do not currently exist. We long to see people from every nation, tribe, people, and language in this part of Southeast Asia worship our God! We would love to extend the invitation to you to prayerfully consider partnering with us in sharing the Gospel where Christ is not yet known.
November 13, 2020
4000-383-Sullivan, Nick and Vicki

4000-383-Sullivan, Nick and Vicki

We are the Sullivan family...Nick and Vicki, Mackenzie, Wyatt, Alannah, Loralei, Delaney, and Cassidy! God has enabled us in many ways throughout our lives working as a Nurse/Nurse Practitioner (Nick) and Engineer/Teacher (Vicki), and He is now enabling us to use these things for His glory among the nations! Around the summer of 2018, it became clear the Lord was stirring our hearts for missions. Through a myriad of truly remarkable events (orchestrated beautifully by the Lord), Vicki and I began to pursue missions one step at a time. We attended “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” and recognized our…
November 3, 2020
4000-182-Engel, Rocky and Sylvia

4000-182-Engel, Rocky and Sylvia

Working alongside Venezuelans, the Engels are taking advantage of the difficult situation in Venezuela to proclaim Christ in word and deed with the purpose of building His church in this country. Since September of 2017, they have been working in Caracas, in partnership with the Encuentro Con Dios Church, facilitating a five-prong ministry effort: * Food and Literature distribution every other Saturday. * Outreach into a public hospital, which is populated by the poor and disenfranchised that cannot afford private health care. * Ministry to those who live with disability. * Regular financial help to pay for services of rehabilitation…
October 9, 2020
4000-954-Kendall, Glenn and Kathy

4000-954-Kendall, Glenn and Kathy

By prayer, presence and persuading, Glenn and Kathy Kendall seek transformation by the power of Jesus Christ in Dakar, Senegal. They pray and host individual and small group Bible Studies. Grandson, Philip, lives with them attending English high school, Dakar Academy, allowing his parents to continue ministry in Guinea, West Africa, also with WorldVenture. Blogs and Articles on WorldVenture: - Why Work Continues After Retirement
October 8, 2020
4000-076-Lucas and Bekah Grudda

4000-076-Lucas and Bekah Grudda

Lucas and Bekah Grudda serve at Dakar Academy. "Our primary ministry is serving families so that they can continue their main ministry in West Africa," Beckah shares in a recent interview. Lucas serves as a PE teacher. When they are not at Dakar Academy, they are investing in the lives of their students.
October 6, 2020
4000-384-Lawson, Lori

4000-384-Lawson, Lori

Teaching at Morrison Christian Academy in Taiwan, serving sudents and their parents, both Christian and non-Christian; also as her language skills improve, Lori hopes to develop meaningful relationships with people in her neighborhood. Pray that “the light of the glorious gospel of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4) would shine freely on the people of Taiwan. Pray also that God would direct Lori through the process of support discovery. About me: Following a lifelong interest in missionary children’s education and six years of teaching at Morrison Christian Academy in Taiwan, Lori Lawson seeks to serve God as a career missionary teacher. Schools…
October 6, 2020
4000-487-Muenzenberger, Diana

4000-487-Muenzenberger, Diana

Teaching at Faith Academy in the Philippines - Middle School students, grades 6 to 8. Please pray that Diana can impact the lives of Middle School students so that they will know the love of God and will want to serve him; and perhaps burden others to minister as teachers. About me: Diana was introduced to overseas missions through a missions trip to Faith Academy in the Philippines in 1995. Her 3-week trip was turned into a 9-week trip. It was during this trip that God burdened her heart for the students at Faith Academy. Diana returned to Faith Academy…
October 6, 2020
4000-171-LaPoint, Patrick and Megan

4000-171-LaPoint, Patrick and Megan

Reaching the Japanese for Christ through innovative ministries and educational communities. Japan is an unreached nation with less than 1% of the total population having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Two of the major challenges facing the Japanese are an extremely high suicide rate, and high rates of alcoholism, gambling addictions, and sex addictions. Also, September 1st is the deadliest day of the year for students as many commit suicide rather than return to school due to cultural pressures. Patrick desires to use his passions to reach Japanese martial arts communities, facilitate addiction recovery programs, and share the gospel. He…
October 6, 2020
4000-064-Brown, Janet R.

4000-064-Brown, Janet R.

Coordinating short-term missions in Japan. Subscribe to Janet Brown's Youtube Janet works with four main groups: 1. Japanese national churches 2. Missionaries in Japan 3. Short-term teams and individuals this includes internships and summer ministries for universities. 4. Sending churches, and universities Janet’s ministry is to place the Short Term Teams and Individuals with Japanese Churches and Missionaries who can use then to help reach the Japanese for Christ. She sets up programs, budgets, schedules, housing and ministries. Once the teams are on the field she does orientation, training, assisting and debriefing. Pray that the Lord will send workers who…
October 6, 2020
4000-179-Eliason, Diane

4000-179-Eliason, Diane

Providing medical care at the Baptist Hospital in Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). We serve the 60 ethnic groups of Côte d’Ivoire, including the Fulani, an unreached people group. The major religions are: 39 percent Muslim, 29 percent Animist, and 1.25 percent evangelical Christians in the north. Two of the major challenges are poverty and HIV/AIDS. There are inadequate funds for health care and proper nutrition. Also HIV/AIDS affects 10 percent of population. Pray that the people will turn from other objects of worship to the living God, so that they will understand his saving grace. About me: Diane Eliason enjoys…
October 6, 2020
4000-071-Stone, Jonathan

4000-071-Stone, Jonathan

Equipping local leaders to disciple kids throughout Southeast Asia and throughout the world! Discover how you can get involved in the 1for50 movement today! Learn more at the 1for50 YouTube Channel. Jonathan accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 3 and was fortunate to be mentored by godly parents and teachers, throughout his childhood. While only in 2nd grade, Jonathan had his first cross-cultural missions experience to the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the age of 14, he was baptized and reaffirmed his passion for following Christ. Since then, he has been on several mission trips to England,…
October 6, 2020
4000-855-Horen, Sandra

4000-855-Horen, Sandra

My current ministry is in Madagascar. I am making sure the office runs smoothly and people and projects get their money each month. Living in the city when the remainder of the team lives 10 hours away presents some challenges, but nothing we can't handle. Thankfully we have internet and mobile phones. The Malagasy people have a history of ancestral worship. While in the city many evangelical churches are sharing the Gospel, in the rural areas they continue worshiping the dead. The political situation may be improving, but it is too soon to tell. In 2009 the government was over…
October 6, 2020
4000-049-Custer, Katrina

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
4000-014-Allen, Brenda

4000-014-Allen, Brenda

I am so grateful that for over 30 years I have been able to call West Africa my home. Loving and working with kids, particularly adolescents, has been my passion since my university years. At 60 years old, it is relationships that I find most impactful and meaningful. I love kids! There have been different ways that God has enabled me to be involved with kids and their families. After the privilege of growing up in a ministry family, I graduated with a degree in nursing from Biola University. Stateside work included home church youth ministry, camping, and school nursing.…
October 6, 2020
4000-806-Yodis, Eric and Beth

4000-806-Yodis, Eric and Beth

Ukraine Prayer Guide Available (2022) Download by Clicking Here! 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…
October 6, 2020
4000-790-Winston, Ted and Malia

4000-790-Winston, Ted and Malia

Ministry Summary 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,…
October 6, 2020
4000-092-Bryan, Chris and Chrissy

4000-092-Bryan, Chris and Chrissy

Serving Missionary Kids and Their Families at Black Forest Academy Since 2005! HOW and WHY they serve: Over the years, the Bryans have been involved in many areas at Black Forest Academy (BFA) and in the local community, but their favorite part is using their gifts of hospitality and community building by hosting students, having personal interactions, and teaching students' skills that they can use to impact the world for Christ, mentoring, and continued alumni relationships after graduation. Chris teaches graphic arts, yearbook, German, and art appreciation classes. Chrissy teaches secondary math and volunteers in extra-curricular activities. Together they have…
October 6, 2020
4000-381-Laverman, Kevin and Kaori

4000-381-Laverman, Kevin and Kaori

Planting New Urban Churches in Southwest Greater Tokyo Both Kevin and Kaori grew up in Christian homes and accepted Jesus at a young age. But Kevin's home was in the suburbs of Chicago, while Kaori's was in the mountains of Yamagata, Japan. The two met in 1990 during Kevin's short- term missions work at Zao Baptist Church in northern Japan. They married in the States in 1993 and have one son, Justen. The Lavermans were appointed by WorldVenture for career service in 1997, raised support and moved from Chicago to Japan in 1999. After Kevin completed language studies in 2001,…
October 6, 2020
4000-367-Klingsmith, Scott and Chery

4000-367-Klingsmith, Scott and Chery

After almost 30 years of living with multiple sclerosis, Scott’s wife Carol graduated to heaven on January 8, 2019. She leaves a big hole in the lives of those she loved and who loved her. In September of 2021, Scott and Chery Flores were married after God brought us together in an amazing way. Chery had served on church planting teams with another mission agency in Spain for 12 years. She recently finished an MDiv with a focus on missionary care, and since the summer of 2023 has served as part of the missionary care team at Missions Door, a…
October 6, 2020
4000-354-Kendall, Nathan and Becky

4000-354-Kendall, Nathan and Becky

The three values that the Kendalls desire to exemplify are... - glorifying God, - growing everything around them - and enjoying the life God provides. Living out these values in the context of Senegal is the desire to see Christ’s Kingdom reign in and over all things, growing people and the world around them to reflect Christ’s glory, and choosing to embrace the life God lays before them. Dakar, Senegal is a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean as the furthest west point of the African land mass. In this city of around 3.5 million people are a mix…
October 6, 2020
4000-350-Karch, Rob and Martine

4000-350-Karch, Rob and Martine

Our passion is to see a wave of gospel-centered disciples making disciples wash over St Jérôme, Québec, and the French-speaking world… seeing thousands of people reconciled to the God of the universe, lives transformed, marriages healed, families reconciled, neighborhoods shaken, and the DNA of countries fundamentally changed. Rob was born in the birthplace of Grunge, Starbucks, and Microsoft (otherwise known as Seattle) and raised in the Pacific Northwest. I studied theology at Davis college, met Martine in Paris while in the midst of the birth of a new French church (over the course of two summers), married Martine, moved to…
October 6, 2020
4000-325-Johns, Bob and Lidia

4000-325-Johns, Bob and Lidia

Serving in Uruguay. The general population of Uruguay is largely a mix of European backgrounds, mostly Spanish and Italian. About us: Bob became a Christian at a camp at the age of ten. He came to northwest Argentina in 1982, and worked in church development, seminary extension, and teaching in a seminary. Lidia accepted Christ at the age of 14 in her home through an American missionary. She met Bob in 1990 while they were working together in the same church, and the two were married in 1993. The Johns were invited to help start a new ministry in Buenos…
October 6, 2020
4000-257-Haley, Jon and Kathy

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
4000-251-Hacker, Randy and Kaye

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
4000-249-Gupta, Jason and Kerri

4000-249-Gupta, Jason and Kerri

Jason and Kerri Gupta are Global Directors of the Americas for WorldVenture, overseeing nearly 100 global workers in 10 mission fields, in North, Central, and South America. Before taking this role in 2022, the Guptas spent 17 years training Christian leaders in Ukraine and 8 years as the area director team in Europe. With their homebase in Colorado Springs, CO, they travel across Latin America, Canada, and the USA to work with WorldVenture personnel and ministries, providing oversight, member care, ministry direction, and mission strategy. Please pray for them and for their daughters, Casey and Sophie (Casey is a currently…
October 6, 2020
4000-248-Griffith, Rick and Susan

4000-248-Griffith, Rick and Susan

Rick and Susan served for 30 years in Singapore from 1991-2021, where Rick trained thousands of vibrant leaders in 21 countries based at Singapore Bible College. This included 73 teaching trips in most Asian nations to train poor pastors who could not come to Singapore. In 1992, they also helped begin International Community School, a K-12 Christian ministry. The Griffiths also planted Crossroads International Church, where Rick pastored from 2006-2021. Susan taught at ICS and also mentored student wives at SBC, and led weekly Bible studies for women at the church. But Singapore Bible College has younger faculty to teach…
October 6, 2020
4000-237-Green, Mike and Agnieszka

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
4000-235-Gleason, Randy and Cathy

4000-235-Gleason, Randy and Cathy

Randall and Cathy Gleason's mission is to glorify God through making disciples with a Biblical worldview guided by Scripture, empowered by the Spirit and passionate to promote the supremacy of Christ among all peoples. They have sought to achieve this mission for the past 20 years by encouraging pastors, missionaries and church planters through theological training in godly character, academic excellence and ministry skills. Randall and Cathy's new Vision for South Asia! With their task completed in the Philippines, the Gleason's vision has now shifted to South Asia (or "Indian subcontinent”), which has the largest concentration of the least-reached people…
October 6, 2020
4000-190-Eyestone, Joel and Betsy

4000-190-Eyestone, Joel and Betsy

Having served in the Philippines from 1988 to 2021, we wrapped up our ministries in the Philippines in August 2021 and moved “home” to Washington State. We are now serving the Philippines WorldVenture team and doing ministries in Washington. Our ministry plan has four parts, and all but one are largely continuations of what we were doing in Manila for the last few years. One – Mobilizing God’s people to be on mission with him. We use classes and workshops to educate, inspire, and get God’s people involved in what he has called them to be and do. We believe…
October 6, 2020
4000-161-Dodd, Peter and Debbie

4000-161-Dodd, Peter and Debbie

Training leaders for the Chinese church from Taiwan, working with Mandarin-speaking Chinese, of whom only about 3 percent are Christian, less than 0.3 percent in the Dodds' area in central rural Taiwan. The challenges include strong family ties rooted in ancestor worship make becoming a Christian difficult, and make becoming a Christian leader almost impossible. Materialism decreases interest even more. Pray that the church leaders will remain strong and that they will have a vision that extends beyond the border of Taiwan to the greater Chinese world. About us: "I will be a committed Christian as long as you won't…
October 6, 2020
4000-153-DeNeui, Mark and Lisa

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
4000-141-Davis, Ken and Luci

4000-141-Davis, Ken and Luci

Executive Director of Edicoes Vida Nova (New Life Publishing). Our mission is to promote and publish God’s truth for the edification of His churches and their leaders. Vida Nova publishes with a ministry vision committed to the inerrancy of Scriptures, the sovereignty of God and the sufficiency of Christ for salvation. Pray that church leaders will be faithful in their walk with God, uncompromising in their ministry and focused on the eternal rewards of God’s kingdom instead of the temporal rewards of this life! About us: Luci was born in Brazil and met Ken when he first went to Brazil…
October 6, 2020
4000-136-Dahl, Jim and Janice

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
4000-121-Columbine, Bo and Michele

4000-121-Columbine, Bo and Michele

Bo and Michele serve Senegalese families needing assistance in discovering ways to provide for their basic needs. Since 92 percent of the Senegalese follow Islam, much of the Senegalese identity comes from being Muslim. Bo and Michele Columbine minister to African families in predominately Muslim Senegal. Bo, who is a mechanic, welder and machinist serves men through teaching them these vocational skills. Michele ministers to the wives and children so they can reach whole families for God's glory. Michele accepted the Lord in 1993, after her brothers had shared the gospel with her many times. In 1996 she felt the…
October 6, 2020
4000-110-Chinn, Lloyd and Jan

4000-110-Chinn, Lloyd and Jan

Leading international workers toward strategic gospel engagement across Africa and developing the leadership skills of the international workers we serve. We serve as Global Director (GD) for Africa. Our responsibility is in three areas: strategic planning, leadership development and organizational leadership. As GD, some of what we are responsible for: providing pastoral care, leadership and supervision for international workers in Africa; assuring that WorldVenture personnel in Africa are being cared for and challenged toward ongoing personal and professional development; addressing personnel and field crises in Africa; and calling and leading international workers in Africa to spiritual, relational, and organizational health.…
October 6, 2020
4000-095-Campbell, Charles and Sherry

4000-095-Campbell, Charles and Sherry

Training Christian leaders at the Evangelical Theological Institute of Senegal (ITES). The church in Senegal is slowly growing. Although only 1% of the population is evangelical Christian, Senegalese Christians thirst to know God better and know his Word. Charley & Sherry Campbell help Christians grow through their ministry at The Evangelical Theological Institute of Senegal (ITES.) Pray for strength and encouragement and that the Spirit would teach students and their teachers deep spiritual truths that can be put into application in daily life. Charley teaches Old Testament courses on the undergraduate level, where students can earn a degree in theology…
October 6, 2020
4000-070-Burnell, Joel and Renata

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
4000-744-Vatran, John and Estera

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
4000-703-Taylor, Ken

4000-703-Taylor, Ken

Sharing the gospel in Japan through church planting, leadership training, music, and innovative ministries. Japan is a land where Christianity is strongly perceived as a foreign religion. Japanese Christians need encouragement and equipping to effectively minister to their own people. Resources (short-term missions and funding) are needed to assist with on-going and startup ministries. Our target people are: --Seekers and not-yet-Christians during evangelistic concerts and Black Gospel workshops --Christian lay leaders --Christian musicians and artists Pray for finding fresh, creative, and culturally relevant ways to reach the Japanese. Pray for equipping the emerging Japanese Christian leaders. And pray for a…
October 6, 2020
4000-696-Stucky, Larry & Barbara (Bentley)

4000-696-Stucky, Larry & Barbara (Bentley)

Larry and Barbara (Bentley) Stucky currently serve in an urban setting in French-speaking West Africa. Their respective paths to both marriage and joint service took them to various countries and peoples over the last several decades of serving with WorldVenture. They thank God for global partners who have walked the path with each of them, and now both of them, since the 1980s. Larry and his first wife, Dana (now with the Lord), were appointed to plant churches among northeast Brazilians in 1982. They branched into seminary teaching and leadership development over the ten years they served Brazilians. From 1989…
October 6, 2020
4000-684-Sorensen, Skip and Ruth

4000-684-Sorensen, Skip and Ruth

New churches are springing up all over Uganda. Having suffered during the reign of Idi Amin and several wars, many Ugandans are receptive to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Christians of Uganda are making great headway in sharing the good news with their people, winning many of them to Christ. However, this explosion of conversions has fomented a crisis in the churches — there are not enough mature leaders to disciple all the new believers. The equipping of pastors and workers to meet this crisis has become the greatest challenge facing the church of Uganda. For the past 28…
October 6, 2020
4000-681-Slater, Kirk and Laura

4000-681-Slater, Kirk and Laura

Kirk was born in Cote d’Ivoire to medical missionaries, and sensed a call to serve God in missions as a child, while Laura found her call after high school. We first came to Uganda in 1997 and spent 12 years in fruitful church planting and leadership development in a rural town. Our 4 sons were born and grew in those early years. We saw ministry grow as well through very difficult situations, and saw young leaders equipped to shepherd the church with skill and earnest faith. In 2010 we entered urban ministry and began to see the growing crisis in…
October 6, 2020
4000-671-Simons, Rus and Ramona

4000-671-Simons, Rus and Ramona

As Global Specialists, Russ continues in semi regular involvement with partnership issues/virtual gatherings and mentoring. He finds those extremely gratifying to see younger leaders providing godly leadership and maturing in their own spheres of influence. Ramona continues with virtual mentoring of 2 young leaders in the Philippines and advising their leadership. Both hope to make a trip to Asia in 2022+ to encourage and have face to face interaction with their respective groups. Ramona: GO TEAM Russ: International Partnering Associates. Articles and Blogs on WorldVenture * Missionaries in the Philippine Drug Conflict
October 6, 2020
4000-652-Schaaf, Mark and Kathy

4000-652-Schaaf, Mark and Kathy

Mark and Kathy have been serving with WorldVenture since 1991. Their journey began with 13 years in the Middle East, spent doing evangelism and discipleship, followed by 9 years in South Africa, planting a local church and providing pastoral training. Currently based in Atlanta, GA, Mark still travels extensively—with over 70 countries stamped in his passport—doing teacher training and leadership development around the globe. Vision & Approach “Being a catalyst for gospel movements through equipping, training, and coaching”—that’s Mark’s vision, which is brought to life via collaboration and partnership. As Walk Thru the Bible’s International Training Director, he partners with…
October 6, 2020
4000-649-Schroeder, Gerry and Marla

4000-649-Schroeder, Gerry and Marla

Gerry & Marla Schroeder are the director and administrator of RussiaWorship. Since 2006, they have been developing leaders and creating resources in order to build up Christ-empowered worship. Christ-empowered worship is transformational. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - (John 8:12) This is the message that shines through Christ-empowered people and churches in a world of darkness — the message of God’s love, hope and peace — God’s ‘Light of Life.’ Gerry & Marla’s strategy is a long-term process of mentoring leaders.…
October 6, 2020
4000-627-Requadt, Tom and Laura

4000-627-Requadt, Tom and Laura

The Requadts’ Story Thomas Thomas’ childhood consisted of a family life juggled between two separated parents, all over northern California. In his senior year in high school, he ended up in a foster home and thanks to the faithful witness of a classmate and the grace of God, he put his faith in the Lord Christ Jesus on March 27, 1976. In making this life commitment, Thomas gained eternally a heavenly Father, and a rather large extended forever family. Laura Laura, in contrast to Thomas’ unstable childhood, grew up in one home in Arizona. Her life was lived in a…
October 6, 2020
4000-623-Ragsdale, Rod and Angelika

4000-623-Ragsdale, Rod and Angelika

TAGLINE: Leadership Training and Community Development In 1990, we started our ministries in West Africa - initially separated from each other as singles. God brought us together in 1999 and in 2000 we started our joint service in Cote d'Ivoire. OUR FOCUS IN MINISTRY Leadership Training and Community Development We work with a church organization with about 500 local churches. There is a shortage of trained pastors. Rod has been helping with the training and education of pastors at the Bethel Bible Institute (IBB) in Korhogo in recent years. Angelika has taught the women of future pastors in hygiene and…
October 6, 2020
4000-592-Post, Jason and Mandy

4000-592-Post, Jason and Mandy

Post Family Prayer Letter: - Click Here for the Post Family 2024 Letter 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…
October 6, 2020
4000-576-Penner, Mary Esther

4000-576-Penner, Mary Esther

Mary Esther and her husband, Mark, went to Japan in 1983 to work in the Deaf community. There, they saw the need for Deaf people to have a Bible in their own language. In 1993, the Japanese Sign Language Bible translation project got underway. The project has transitioned to being completely run by Japanese Deaf leadership and is a leading voice in sign language Bible translation. The Penners relocated to the US in 2019 but Mary Esther’s goal and much of her work remains the same; helping provide a Bible to the Deaf communities in their own languages now not…
October 6, 2020
4000-575-Penney, Dan and Esther

4000-575-Penney, Dan and Esther

After 20 years of developing leadership in West Africa, Dan and Esther Penney said goodbye to their Senegal team. Dan recognized a greater need than staying in Senegal. His missionary experience showed him that Global Workers needed a “translator” to help them unravel the mysteries of missionary finances. Dan combines extensive field experience with financial aptitude. He brings to the Finance Department an understanding of the challenges of living overseas, and especially of managing money overseas. This background allows him to help Global Workers manage ministry finances more efficiently. Dan says, “My personal mission to make managing ministry funds as…
October 6, 2020
4000-539-Owen, Barry and Peggy

4000-539-Owen, Barry and Peggy

Barry and Peggy Owen work alongside Taiwanese co-workers in evangelism, discipleship and church development in both urban and rural settings. Taiwan is a thoroughly modern country, in which most people enjoy a comfortable standard of living, and where education and health care are readily available. For many, materialism and postmodernism are barriers to accepting Christ, but traditional beliefs and a reliance on idol and ancestor worship continue to be major obstacles to faith in Christ, particularly in more rural areas. About Us: Barry and Peggy Owen both developed a sensitivity toward missions through frequent exposure to missionaries as young children.…
October 6, 2020
4000-510-Newkirk, Steve and Laura

4000-510-Newkirk, Steve and Laura

Ministry Summary: Roughly 16 million people live in Senegal, about one-fifth of them live in Dakar, the capital city. Since 95% of the Senegalese population claim Islam as their religion, we hear the Muslim call to prayer five times a day. Rejoice with us! On December 11, 2022, we had our first church service in a beautiful new building. We now have a church lead by nationals, using Wolof (the heart language of most people) and characterized by what is seen as sacred to the Senegalese. A lack of the sense of sacredness is the main reason why Muslims in…
October 6, 2020
4000-426-McDonnel, Mark and Donna

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 who struggle with traumatic personal issues. We work with students from countries in Eastern Europe and Asia, and with many individuals in 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 Eastern Europe. Mark trains evangelists, church planters, and pastors for a wide variety of ministries all over Ukraine and surrounding countries such as Kazhakstan, Belarus,…
October 6, 2020
4000-398-Low, Roy

4000-398-Low, Roy

Teaching and mentoring at Singapore Bible College. More than 400 students from more than 30 countries come to Singapore Bible College for training in ministry; many come from the 10/40 Window. Roy Low was raised in California, Amy in Texas, but other circumstances of their lives were amazingly similar. Both came from stable, hard-working, close-knit families that espoused traditional Chinese values. Three of their four parents, in fact, emigrated from China. Both of them earned civil engineering degrees, then entered into successful corporate careers. Yet both realized that education, job, and accomplishment could not fill the void in their hearts.…
October 6, 2020
4000-396-Love, David and Catherine

4000-396-Love, David and Catherine

We are passionate about mobilizing people for the harvest through short-term trips, internships, coaching and mentoring. I (Catherine) grew up in Cottage Grove, Oregon, where my father pastored a small church. I came to believe in Christ at age 4. My interest in people of other cultures was sparked both by the missionaries who passed through my church, and by my paternal grandparents, God-fearing immigrants from Armenia. Born the last of five sons, my (David) faith took root while attending church with my family during my formative years. But when I was 12, my father, a good natured and hard-working…
October 6, 2020
4000-390-Livie, Doug and Krista

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
4000-046-Larson, Brian and Cassie

4000-046-Larson, Brian and Cassie

Serving in missionary member care as a pastoral counselor. We seek to prepare missionaries to live and serve cross-culturally, sustain and support them during their life and ministry rhythms, and restore when difficulty or crisis hits. On The Website: * Building Your Self-Care Toolbox WorldVenture Publications: * Christmas Perseverance and Determination, Day 3
October 6, 2020
4000-045-Hutcherson, Caleb and Nicolette

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. Caleb serves on the faculty of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary. With the shift to online learning in 2020, ABTS students are now able to study contextually developed theology while remaining in their home countries all over the Middle East and North Africa. Caleb teaches in the areas of historical and practical theology. Beyond his work in academia, Caleb also serves with Tahaddi, a Lebanese NGO that offers holistic support to families facing extreme economic hardship. Caleb's current and past…
October 6, 2020
4000-043-Berkey, David and Jerrine

4000-043-Berkey, David and Jerrine

Starting churches in Caracas, Venezuela The challenges are many in this place of political tension, shortages, hyperinflation, crime, corruption, and mass emigration. - How do you follow Christ in this environment? - How do you help others follow Christ in this environment? - How do you grow a healthy, biblical church in this environment? Pray for strength and commitment for believers in spite of political, social and economic tension. Pray for the development of biblically-solid Venezuelan leadership for local churches. David and Jerrine Berkey have been with WorldVenture in Venezuela since 1992. They live and work in Caracas, where they…
October 6, 2020
4000-038-Bennett, Gary and Barb

4000-038-Bennett, Gary and Barb

Serving in church development, leadership training and developing a children's music ministry in Rwanda. Rwandans come from three ethnic groups: Hutu (84 percent), Tutsi (15 percent) and Twa (Pygmoid) (1 percent). About 90 percent of the people are involved in agriculture and everyone speaks the same language, Kinyarwanda. Pray that God would raise up and strengthen church leaders who can radically impact the lives of the people in their churches by faithfully teaching them God's Word. About us: How does a single missionary in Japan meet a single widower missionary in Rwanda? The simple and short answer is "The Internet."…
October 6, 2020
4000-031-Poth, Kirk and Sandlin

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
4000-022-Anderson, Dan and Eva

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
4000-020-Allen, Rod and Jackie

4000-020-Allen, Rod and Jackie

Serving in Northwest Argentina through leadership development. The Allens work with all classes of people in Northwest Argentina, from the wealthy to the poor, from the highly educated to the illiterate. Pray that God will give them the opportunity to motivate North American Christians to reach the world for Christ. Rod and Jackie Allen are both passionate about seeing people grow in their personal relationship with the Lord. Rod first accepted Christ as a young child, but it wasn't until college that Rod realized his need to serve Him. As a result, he left his plans to be a doctor…
October 6, 2020
4000-019-Swenson, Greg and Asa

4000-019-Swenson, Greg and Asa

The Swensons on Facebook Japan, known as the “Land of the Rising Sun", while prosperous materially and technologically, is a nation steeped in spiritual darkness and despair, and remains largely unreached. Since our deployment to Japan in 2009, we have had the privilege of serving alongside both missionary colleagues as well as Japanese church leaders to build up the church and shine the light of the Gospel of Christ among the Japanese people. I (Greg) was born and raised in Japan, where my parents served with WorldVenture. Through my parents’ testimony, I came to faith in Christ at a young…
October 6, 2020
4000-039-Smith, Travis and Aimee

4000-039-Smith, Travis and Aimee

Our family has been living in Bangkok, Thailand since May 2016. For our first few years here, Aimee and I initially partnered with an organization that disciples women coming out of Thailand’s sex industry. We learned a lot about poverty culture and trauma as we watched these women overcome significant challenges in their lives. It was amazing to see the transformation that Jesus brought about. Currently, Aimee is the Elementary music teacher at International Community School (ICS), where she invests in the lives of about 400 students, most of whom come from non-Christian homes. She describes it as the dream…
October 6, 2020
4000-783-White, John and Stella

4000-783-White, John and Stella

Ukraine Prayer Guide Available (2022) Download by Clicking Here! 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…
October 6, 2020
4000-055-Shogren, Gary and Karen

4000-055-Shogren, Gary and Karen

Equipping Organizations To Prevent And Respond To Sexual Harm An 8-week education course. Learn More And Register here! About Karen Karen grew up near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated with undergrad degrees in Bible and Church Music from Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia College of Bible). She studied Biblical Counseling at Misio Seminary (formerly Biblical Seminary) before she and her husband Gary were called to serve in San José, Costa Rica in 1998 with Latin America Mission. Beginning in 2000, Karen worked in member care, writing curricula to provide various levels of orientation and re-entry training to Missionary Kids and their parents,…
October 6, 2020
4000-123-Coon, Catharine

4000-123-Coon, Catharine

Click Here to visit Hope Alive! online. About Catharine Raised in a Christian family, Catharine Coon gave her life to the Lord as a child. She was active in her home church, moving over the years from assisting Sunday school teachers to serving as youth intern. But she never anticipated a call to the mission field. "The idea scared me," says Catharine. "When I finally gave in and said, 'Okay, Lord, I'll do it if that's what you want,' I was amazed at the transformation in myself. Dread disappeared to be replaced by deep joy. God was confirming the rightness…
October 6, 2020
4000-704-Thorp, Jim and Corinne

4000-704-Thorp, Jim and Corinne

Global Specialists Preparing WorldVenture missionaries to make the transition to their next ministry phase (sometimes called retirement) and encouraging mission organizations to better honor the workers who served the cause of Christ in their organizations. Pray that God would give them the ability to plan the Emeritus event with WorldVenture workers each July to provide resources to prepare them for retirement. Pray for their role to facilitate the work of the Alliance for Missionary Seniors which has a vision to better honor the workers who served under the various mission organizations. About us: Jim and Corinne served as missionaries in…
September 24, 2020
4000-243-Lacey, Shereen

4000-243-Lacey, Shereen

Hello! We are from the USA where we have raised our four children. He worked as a registered pharmacist and she taught and homeschooled our children through high school. God led our family to serve in a cross-cultural ministry for 11 years in the USA. Then in 2014 through trips to Africa, Europe, and Asia, the Lord showed us that He has called us to Asia to be a light in the darkness. God has showed us how our experiences, our gifting, passion, and education, could be used for His glory in another context. We want to think those that…
September 11, 2020
4001-948-Berezhnoy, Andrey

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

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
4000-202-Underhill, Brian and Holly

4000-202-Underhill, Brian and Holly

Mobilizing local communities of Christ followers through discipleship and training so that the unreached people groups of Kalimantan would be transformed by the Gospel. Like in any developing country, serving as a Gospel worker in Indonesia has its challenges. Poor infrastructure, political tensions, widespread poverty, and even religious persecution persist. Deep-rooted tribal religion and the predominant religion are excessively resistant to the Gospel, and the Indonesian churches struggle with a tendency toward misunderstanding the Gospel as just another way to work your way to heaven. Please pray: --that our individual hearts would be continually transformed by our Lord and Savior…
September 2, 2020
4000-791-Wood, Carol

4000-791-Wood, Carol

“Africans, Indians, Arabs, Pakistanis, Persians and Europeans make up the kaleidoscopic mix of people who call Mombasa ‘home,’” which according to Carol Wood, “makes living and ministering in this city a fascinating and challenging assignment.” Partnering with believers at Fellowship Baptist Church of Mombasa to build relationships with people who have not yet had the opportunity to know Jesus Christ and walking with those who have continues to be the central focus of the Mombasa ministry. Meeting with individuals and families in a variety of social settings, assisting women in crisis, facilitating Bible studies and outreach events are integral parts…
September 2, 2020
4000-707-Tissell, Bruce

4000-707-Tissell, Bruce

Preparing future generations of leaders and pastors for the Brazilian church. Pray for Bruce as he directs the Seminary in Teresina, Piauí. Pray that he would take the many opportunities to disciple men and women both in and outside of classroom settings. About me: Bruce was raised in a Christian home. At the age of five, he accepted Christ as his Savior. Bruce´s parents always opened the house for missionaries who came through to visit their church. Because of this, he came to know missionaries as real people, and not people who came through only once every now and then.…
September 2, 2020
4000-263-Hart, Dick and Robin

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
4000-333-Johnson, Dwight and Beckie

4000-333-Johnson, Dwight and Beckie

Dwight and Beckie retired as WorldVenture missionaries teaching at Morrison Academy in Taichung, Taiwan in 2019. Dwight is now serving as a WorldVenture volunteer mobilizer at Corban University. If you have an interest in having an impact overseas, including as a teacher, please connect with Dwight (johnsons_taiwan@worldventure.net). Click here to see their website! Connect with them on Twitter! Do you want God to use you to reach the unreached? WorldVenture offers three opportunities to Go: • Short-term trips via Pathfinders • Longer, short-term engagements via Global Apprentice • Long-term, Career Ministry Our Taiwan Story: Before Dwight left college, he made…
September 2, 2020
4000-232-Gill, Sam and Connie

4000-232-Gill, Sam and Connie

After retiring from WorldVenture Sam intends to focus primarily on coaching and mentoring new and emerging leaders, both locally and via the internet overseas. He is open to mentor new mission candidates headed overseas. After living in Brasil for 43 years Sam and Connie Gill realize that they learned as much from the culture as they taught. The three foundational principles learned were: Ministry is primarily relational; Ministry grows out of on-going relationships; and Ministry flows best when it is interdependent (not dependent or independent). From 1971 until 1997 Sam and Connie served under BBFI. For the first dozen years…
September 2, 2020
4000-224-Geary, Paul and Rebecca

4000-224-Geary, Paul and Rebecca

Serving at Bethesda Mission Hospital in Indonesia, working with Indonesians from many tribal, cultural and economic backgrounds including believers as well as animist Dayaks, Buddhist Chinese, Islamic Malayu and Javanese, who are seeking compassionate affordable medical care. About us: Paul and Becky Geary have been in West Borneo, Indonesia, since 1998 working in partnership with the Indonesian Christian Bethesda Hospital Foundation. The vision of Bethesda Hospital Foundation is to partner with believers from every tribal, cultural, educational and economic background to be an instrument for spreading the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ to as many people as can possibly…
September 2, 2020
4000-140-Davis, Jon and Jenny

4000-140-Davis, Jon and Jenny

Jonathan and Jennifer Davis are currently working in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Jonathan founded The Ideas Workshop which is a ministry that gives hope and changes lives through Discipleship, Vocational Training, and Business. The Ideas Workshop works with hearing impaired young people to train them in Bible study, wood working, and metal fabrication. It is also a business which employees eight men in metal fabrication. Jenny runs a Bright Horizons Lending library, supporting home schooling families. The Davises have spent 16 years in Uganda. They have three kids Megumi 16, Daniel 16 and Emily 11. Check out their…
September 2, 2020
4000-711-Thompson, RS

4000-711-Thompson, RS

Mentoring and Equipping the Global Church to Reached the Least Reached While attending Bible college in the Boston area, God used a spiritual conversation with a Moroccan gas station attendant to burden Ralph’s heart for Muslims. Because of this gentleman’s passion to convert Ralph to Islam, and because of his polemic arguments that were difficult to answer, Ralph was driven to learn more about Islam and how he could reach his new friend. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, anger, fear, and mistrust of Muslims grew across the U.S. and the world. This only deepened Ralph’s burden for…
September 2, 2020
4000-662-Schneider, Terry and Donna

4000-662-Schneider, Terry and Donna

Terry and Donna Jeanne Schneider serve in Lynchburg, VA, mobilizing students at Liberty University, as well as couples in the area who are considering mission service. The Schneiders initially worked with refugees for 22 years in Austria. The Lord redirected them in 2013 to focus their efforts on mobilizing new workers to go and reach the nations for Christ. They love mentoring and helping those called to discern their next step in missions. If you would like to partner with the Schneiders in prayer and financial giving to help, send new workers into the harvest, click "give now" and they…
September 2, 2020
4000-502-Nelson, Wayne and Melody

4000-502-Nelson, Wayne and Melody

Every time we heard a missionary speaker during our early years of marriage, we would ask ourselves, "Could God use us in that ministry?,’” say Wayne and Melody Nelson. Finally an opportunity fit, and WorldVenture appointed the Nelsons in 1983 for ministry in Cote d’Ivoire. In July 1985, they arrived in France for language study and a year later in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to work with the Centre de Publications Evang_liques. After several terms of ministry doing literature production, field administration, and administrative support for the missionary children’s school, the Nelsons began looking for another field of service. Their route…
September 2, 2020
4001-477-Mota, Ireni

4001-477-Mota, Ireni

Transforming underprivileged children at Restoration Ministries. Restoration Ministries (RM) is an exciting outreach ministry to the poor and downcast in Sao Paulo, Brazil. For many of these children, the reality of their lives center on drugs, domestic violence, prostitution and a poverty so severe that there is often no food to eat. The mission of RM is to transform underprivileged children and their communities through the good news of Jesus Christ, equipping them to serve. The ministry reaches into children's lives through many opportunities, including weekly evangelism programs in different slum areas, home visitation, church planting, leadership training, on-going discipleship,…
September 2, 2020
4000-452-Mayhugh, Paul and Diana

4000-452-Mayhugh, Paul and Diana

Serving with the Great Wall Ministries team in Macau. The Mayhughs minister to lower educated laborers, middle class families and college students, as well as Chinese university students and church pastors who are committed, teachable and independent. During this past term, Paul Mayhugh has been working on his doctorate of philosophy degree at the China Graduate School of Theology in Hong Kong. Paul has also been involved in directing a ministry focused on working with the Chinese people. He also serves as the Senior Pastor of Great Hope Church in Macau. Paulês wife, Diana, continues to serve as a mentor-teacher…
September 2, 2020
4000-435-Macomber, Dave and Martha

4000-435-Macomber, Dave and Martha

Pastoral training and development in the Philippines. Filipino pastors may have some formal training but need personal refreshment and continuing education. The Macombers are also working with younger students in full-time training. Both Dave and Martha grew up in Christian homes and were "preacher's kids." Both received Christ during their childhood and were educated in Christian colleges and seminaries. Dave pastored two U.S. churches for nine years before the family moved to the Philippines. Briefly, Dave and Martha were called later in life to missions by the words of Jesus, "the harvest is great, but the laborers are few." They…
September 2, 2020
4000-028-Axline, Bill and Linda

4000-028-Axline, Bill and Linda

Training Christian workers and leaders among Chinese disciples through instruction, modeling, and life situations, and assisting churches in developing intentional discipleship ministries, particularly among the Chinese. In both the U.S. and Asia, the Axlines minister primarily to Chinese young men and women, and to churches seeking to build disciples among the Chinese. Bill and Linda joined the WorldVenture family in 1997 and began their Mandarin language studies in Taiwan. Then in 2000, they were appointed as career missionaries to the field in Macau, where they assisted in planting Great Praise Church and worked evangelizing and building disciples among Chinese students…
September 2, 2020
4000-056-Boese, Glenn and Linn

4000-056-Boese, Glenn and Linn

Glenn and Linnea Boese are now “Global Specialists” with WorldVenture, retired missionaries with ongoing ministries. They served full-time from 1977 to 2019, working in northern Côte d’Ivoire, based in Ferkessédougou. They focused on church development among the Nyarafolo, a least-evangelized people group in the region surrounding that city, in addition to ministry at the Baptist Hospital and reaching out to the needy. Now living in Detroit, they maintain connections long-distance and have been able to make yearly trips back as well. Nyarafolo was an unwritten language, so learning it was a long project. However the Lord provided a connection with…
September 2, 2020
4000-658-Schmidt, Rodger and Lynne

4000-658-Schmidt, Rodger and Lynne

Connect With The Schmidts * Coaching Website * Sign up For Their Newsletter Published Articles and Books * Leadership Playbook by Rodger Schmidt * Opal: The Outrageous Ostrich by Lynne Schmidt, art by Abdullah Abdurremane Blogs and Articles on WorldVenture.com: * WorldVenture::In Review - Meet a Mozambican Artist! * Live Tour and Prayer Walk in Mozambique * Resting Murder Face Series * Tourism Revives Island of Culture and Confluence * Easter Sunday: Stories of Redemption Learn More: Project: Finish The Task Force More Information: Rodger and Lynne Schmidt joined the World Venture Family over 20 years ago. In their many…
September 2, 2020
4000-414-Parmer, David and Emily

4000-414-Parmer, David and Emily

We are a family partnering with a French church to see Wanderers become Followers in Strasbourg, France. We focus on meeting the marginalized refugee communities with practical help, everyday friendship, and loving conversation about the hope we have in Jesus. Strasbourg is a diverse city, bursting with opportunities to meet those who have never known a follower of Christ and who want to know more about His love for them. About Us: We are a young family from the rural mountains of Virginia, where there is a church around every bend in the road. Because we both grew up in…
August 13, 2020
4001-960-Armand, Georcelet (Josy) and Ana

4001-960-Armand, Georcelet (Josy) and Ana

Josy and his wife, Ana, have been key ministry partners in Madagascar since 1999. Josy and Anna have been consistent leaders in the initial phases of outreach followed by church planting/growth in the remote region of Mahabana on the northwest coast. This region traditionally was the hub for ancestral worship and was taboo Jesus and the Bible for the Sakalava people group. In 2006, Eden Reforestation Projects began planting mangrove propagules in the remote village of Mahabana. Josy led this initial effort and through the years, has graciously stepped into leadership. Today, Josy is the National Director of Eden Reforestation…
July 7, 2020
4000-379-Decker, Justin and Jennifer

4000-379-Decker, Justin and Jennifer

Justin is using his technology skills to empower missionaries and ministries in their work among the Thai people. This takes many forms such as repairing and providing computers for local schools, producing media for churches and missionaries, assisting with technical security, and more. Jen uses her sports education and discpleship backgrounds to reach Thai and expat youth in our community. She is using sports, art, and Bible studies to share God's love and hope to middle and high school students, many of whom live in surrounding slums. Every day we strive to faithfully follow wherever God leads us in order…
February 28, 2020
4000-369-Schulz, Rachael

4000-369-Schulz, Rachael

The mission God has placed on my heart is to create awareness of sex trafficking in Portland, Oregon (where I live). To educate, equip and empower the church and faith community to engage in this issue in order to protect youth and prevent this darkness from advancing. My heart is educating women and girls. Follow Me on Instagram!
February 27, 2020
4000-378-Slone, Mark and Marchelle

4000-378-Slone, Mark and Marchelle

Ministry Summary I, Mark, am a native of Baton Rouge, LA, and Marchelle is a native of Suffolk, VA. We met in Petersburg, VA, and have been married 39 years. We are the parents of two adult children, Markiya and Austin, and have three grandchildren. I am a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (2009, ThM). Through our many years of church ministry and leadership, serving in various capacities, God has trained us and called Marchelle and I on a special assignment as full-time missionaries serving in the East African Country of Uganda. Our ministry field is in the village of…
February 27, 2020
4000-319-Hansen, Antoinette

4000-319-Hansen, Antoinette

About Me: I was born and raised in California and came to know the Lord at an early age. As a high-school student, God filled me with a love for his Word and his world, and a desire to see his beloved children from every culture worshipping the King of Kings and empowered to live the life God has called them to. Through short-terms mission trips over the years, God has given me a love for the country of Rwanda and a desire to be part of the story he is writing in this beautiful country. I recently completed my…
February 25, 2020
4000-183-Bauer, Alissa

4000-183-Bauer, Alissa

“Only one life twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” – C.T Studd Like James says, our lives are like mist: Here and gone. I really don't want to waste this short little life! So many all over the world have yet to hear the good news of Christ so please join me in telling them and praying for them! One of the largest unreached people groups in the world: The people of Japan, where less than 1% follow Jesus. Surprised? Maybe the concrete jungle of Tokyo isn’t the first place to come to mind when…
February 25, 2020
4000-371-Swanson, Laura

4000-371-Swanson, Laura

About Laurie Laurie Swanson has long ties with WorldVenture. She grew up in Argentina as the daughter of missionaries and then worked with her husband, Bruce, in Portugal for 10 years. Bruce and Laurie's middle daughter Christie Stalcup is a WorldVenture worker in Thailand. Laurie is currently a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in the Denver area. She plans to use her medical experience to consult and come alongside teams on various WorldVenture fields. Her passion is to support and develop their health outreach, especially focusing on children's health.
February 12, 2020
4000-352-Koerlin, Eric & Kari

4000-352-Koerlin, Eric & Kari

Creatively Engaging the Japanese for Christ In 2019, we felt God calling us away from our careers in accounting and computer science; to serve with our kids in Tokyo, Japan where less than half of one percent of the population are evangelical Christians and the majority of people have never even heard the gospel. We arrived in April 2022, with a ministry focus for our first term of language learning and cultural acquisition. Even in this first term, we’ve had opportunities to support the field office with accounting and technical needs, provide technical consultation to church leaders, and begin building…
February 12, 2020
4000-348-Tan, Steve & Shirley

4000-348-Tan, Steve & Shirley

About us We met at a local church in the Chinatown neighborhood of Chicago. We have a heart to serve the children mainly from the working class. Steve was an elementary school teacher and Shirley was a high school Mandarin and math teacher. After we tied the knot in 2011, we spent the first four years of our marriage enjoying playing video games, traveling, and serving the youth fellowship. We have two beautiful children; a 4-year-old toddler named Stefany who loves school and sings songs to the Lord, and a 1-year-old named Stefen (pronounced Stephen) who loves to play with…
February 12, 2020
4000-355-Jennifer Coon

4000-355-Jennifer Coon

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: * A Refugee Story: Jackline and Fouad * 2 Ways to Help Beirut * Chicago News Story on Jennifer
February 12, 2020
4000-329-Walton, Evans and Jeanette

4000-329-Walton, Evans and Jeanette

Check out their special project to raise funds for land for their ministry! Ministry Summary: We have been charged with three areas of ministry in Ghana: 1) Facilitate church leadership development and training, 2) Conduct small group discipleship and mentoring in the Upper East Region of Ghana 3) Coordinate various mercy ministries (water projects and justice) within the Navrongo communities Our major challenges will be garnering support among national churches in Ghana and adjusting to living conditions in northern Ghana. We are praying that the unreached will come to know Christ through this ministry. We are praying that God will…
February 12, 2020
4000-334-Knutson, Sam and Emma

4000-334-Knutson, Sam and Emma

God has called us to build the Kingdom alongside the people of Guayaquil, Ecuador. We serve through providing education to prevent violence in families as well as spaces for healing and restoration in the lives of children and women who have been victimized. Our Ministry: We are sent to Ecuador by WorldVenture, a missions organization with over seventy-five years of experience in caring for the missionaries it supports so that those missionaries can all the more serve in the Kingdom of God. We have already felt the care and backing that is ingrained in the culture of this organization. On…
February 12, 2020
4000-938-Riggins, James and Brittany

4000-938-Riggins, James and Brittany

On March 7, 2009, God redeemed James’ heart. Shortly after, at 16, he was given the excellent opportunity to serve cross-culturally and hasn’t turned back since! After graduating from Emmaus Bible College with a degree in Theology and Intercultural Studies in 2017, James moved back to Houston to raise support to move to The Philippines full time. Around the same time, Brittany moved to Houston to share the Gospel with UPGs by moving into a Muslim community. She was saved at a young age and has been sharing the Gospel among internationals since 2010. God Brought them together in 2021…
February 12, 2020
4000-328 Lance and Carol Dockrey

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
4000-331-Sandeno, Grace

4000-331-Sandeno, Grace

Anything related to public health. Potential solutions will look different for every issue in every community. My role is to research issues, look for resources and promising solutions, assist in project planning, solve problems during implementation and design project evaluations to measure success. My goal is to mentor communities toward healthier outcomes while helping staff build local relationships and community capacity. About Me: A short term mission trip in West Africa changed the course of my career path from medicine to public health. I have a master’s degree in public health and years of experience in state and local health…
February 12, 2020
4000-316-Brown, Bobby and Brianna

4000-316-Brown, Bobby and Brianna

We were appointed by WorldVenture in September 2018 as global workers to Taiwan. In August 2019, we moved to Taichung, Taiwan and served there until January 2021. The Lord surprised us with an unexpected transition back to the United States to care for our family. After transitioning back to the states, we were re-deployed to the Americas field to serve in diaspora ministry, focusing on refugee care. We now live on a farm about an hour outside of Atlanta serving displaced people throughout Northeast Georgia. People from all over the globe, many from unreached people groups, are being displaced from…
February 12, 2020
4000-058-Haken, David and Liz

4000-058-Haken, David and Liz

David and Liz will be serving in the Philippines, both teaching at a Bible school started by CRU missionaries called International Graduate School of Leadership. The purpose of IGSL is to Biblically equip pastors and ministry leaders from all over Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to become effective disciple-makers in their home countries. Many of these students are from countries where the Gospel of Jesus Christ has not been preached and where people have not had an opportunity to hear and respond to the saving message of Jesus. David and Liz are excited to play a small part in…
February 12, 2020
4000-282-Worker Name Withheld

4000-282-Worker Name Withheld

West Africa is home to a colorful array of diverse people groups rich in tradition that goes back many generations, long before they were colonized by Europeans. Today there is still a blend of old and new, African and European, AM radios and smartphones, dirt roads and flat screen TVs. Farmers abound, continuing to depend on God's provision of sun and rain, while crowded markets are bustling with a mixture of local produce and electronic goods imported from around the world. Mosques broadcasts calls around the clock and local churches can go on singing and dancing in worship for hours…
February 12, 2020
4000-307-Peck, Dustin and Emily

4000-307-Peck, Dustin and Emily

We are the Peck Family: Dustin, Emily, Lauren, Ashlee, and Sawyer. We were appointed as missionaries with WorldVenture in 2018 and we have been serving at the Black Forest Academy in Germany since 2021. Dustin is a licensed clinical social worker and serves as the head counselor for elementary, middle, and high school students. It is an incredible blessing to be able to serve God while providing a safe place for the students to work through family issues, cultural confusion, social skill development, spiritual development, mental health challenges, and difficult teenage adjustments. We are also excited to be able to…
February 12, 2020
4000-931-Zody, Addison and Abigail

4000-931-Zody, Addison and Abigail

We are serving as Short-term Coordinators in Japan. In this role we are hosting and connecting teams, as well as individuals, from the US to missionaries and local churches in Japan. This involves everything from the scheduling and preparing of short-term workers to arriving on the field, to their debriefing and departure back home. In this support role, we listen to the needs of local churches and finding short-term workers that can come fill those needs. We have a passion to serve American short-term workers, Japanese pastors, the unreached of Japan, our fellow missionaries, and the Japanese church. Japan is…
February 12, 2020
4000-115-Johnson, Chelsi

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
4000-080-Walker, Jeff and Malia

4000-080-Walker, Jeff and Malia

We believe that God is preparing for a revival in Japan but that leadership for such a movement must come from within the next generation of Japanese believers, not foreigners like ourselves. Instead, God is calling us to seek out and invest in a few future leaders who will ultimately spread the good news of Jesus Christ in a uniquely Japanese way. Initially, we will learn language and culture and train with seasoned missionaries in a church-planting project in Kawasaki, just south of Tokyo. We hope to disciple new believers, empower youth and women, shepherd families through life challenges, and…
February 12, 2020
4000-001-Sperling, Neal and Sherri

4000-001-Sperling, Neal and Sherri

We will host a Guest House for Missions travelers and a Respite House for Missionaries to be refreshed and ministered to. Our main focus will be loving and supporting those who are reaching the unreached. In addition we plan to teach and lead prayer journeys and conduct prayer retreats. Married in 1971 our ministry in early years was bearing, fostering and hosting children ... three biological, three adopted, 30 foster children, and five exchange students! When the kids grew our ministry took place more and more on an international basis, participating in 26 short term trips between us. In addition…
February 12, 2020
4000-005-Miron, William and Sarah

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
4000-218-Yee, Eric and Tina

4000-218-Yee, Eric and Tina

In 2010, Eric and Tina were sent by their church in Michigan to Indonesia to be part of a church plant in the suburbs right outside the capital city of Jakarta. And in 2015, they were sent out again from their church to plant another English-speaking church in the capital city, where Eric currently serves as a pastor. Eric and Tina have two children, and they are committed to the long-term work of building healthy churches that make Christ’s disciples in Indonesia … with your help. Help them be sustainable over the long-term as a life-giving church in the heart…
February 12, 2020
4000-284-Miller, Noel and Patricia

4000-284-Miller, Noel and Patricia

We believe the blind will see in Spain. Therefore, we are teaching and discipling young men and women at Evangelical Christian Academy, coming alongside and helping equip victims of human trafficking, supporting and encouraging the local church, while engaging and sharing our faith with the multinational community of Madrid. Learn more at theblindwillsee.com
February 12, 2020
4000-294-Caucutt, David and Kristen

4000-294-Caucutt, David and Kristen

To equip the church to make mature disciples of Christ in Loja, Ecuador. In 2014, David came across a request for help in Loja, Ecuador. God began to make us sensitive to this need and burdened our hearts to pray about whether there was something He wanted us to do to help. God confirmed this calling, and, after much preparation, brought us to Ecuador in September 2020. We look back and see how God has been writing this story long before we realized it. Since 2005, David has been involved in short-term missions, evangelism, discipleship, and youth ministry in our…
February 12, 2020
4000-297-Kosse, Brandon and Kristi

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
4000-285-Leak, Brian and Melissa

4000-285-Leak, Brian and Melissa

We serve as the European Liaisons for WorldVenture’s Global Anti-Trafficking Team and are passionate about these ministry focus areas: Awareness Through individual conversations, as well as small group, organizational and church presentations, we help to build awareness of the sex trafficking issue and the factors that contribute to it, particularly the links between pornography and trafficking. A Spirit-empowered church armed with a thorough knowledge of the trafficking issue can be a powerful deterrent against trafficking in their local communities. Equipping and Connecting Once someone is aware of the trafficking issue, how is God calling him or her to respond? We…
February 12, 2020
4000-287-Luebben, Clifford and Jennifer

4000-287-Luebben, Clifford and Jennifer

Partnering with Filipino believers to plant churches amongst the unchurched communities of the Visayas As a couple we come from different backgrounds yet in the following ways are similar: We both began following Jesus Christ at young ages and both began to realize God's call to cross-cultural missions as adolescents. Raised in Kennewick and Walla Walla, Clifford was led to Christ as a boy by his father. Raised in Tacoma, Jennifer’s family turmoil drove her to seek refuge in a neighborhood church. There, in her middle school years, her faith blossomed, and she received her missionary call. Clifford realized his…
February 12, 2020
4000-275-Chang, Gary and Jennifer

4000-275-Chang, Gary and Jennifer

Subscribe to Our Newsletter Serving alongside other missionaries to make disciples of Jesus and planting churches. We desire to impact the Japanese community with the love of Christ, through building spiritual community, and experience true joy as God’s people. We seek to serve young adults and young couples, helping them to learn more about Christ through relationship building and Bible study. Jennifer seeks to serve the children through crafts and creative Bible stories, we hope to plant the seed of Gospel in their hearts while they are young. Pray that the Lord will continue to draw the hearts of the…
February 12, 2020
4000-277-Kerstetter, Russ and Denise

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
4000-281-Otten, Jeremy and Christy

4000-281-Otten, Jeremy and Christy

Theological Education and Counseling Ministry Jeremy and Christy Otten are involved in Theological Education and Counseling ministries in Leuven, Belgium. Jeremy teaches New Testament at Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven (ETF). Christy provides counseling support for WorldVenture workers, ETF students, and others in their community. Their three boys, Kai, Caleb, and Sam, attend the local Flemish school and are avid soccer fans. * To sign up for their newsletters, click here. 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
4000-265-Hocutt, Keith and Joelle

4000-265-Hocutt, Keith and Joelle

We will be assisting the church planting efforts of the local Ecuadorian church through discipleship and music/drama ministry in the city of Loja and throughout the province. Although officially there is religious freedom in Ecuador, family and religious leaders make it very difficult on new believers often disowning them and asking the community to boycott their businesses . Traditions are exalted above biblical accuracy. Please pray for people to be moved to partner with us to see transformed lives in Ecuador and for discipleship opportunities while we share our story with others. Pray for the ministry that has already begun…
February 12, 2020
4000-264-Lintang, Deborah

4000-264-Lintang, Deborah

I work with a local church in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. I help them with Bible studies, outreach, summer camps, and church recreational activities. We hope to spread confidence and freedom in the Lord, to make disciples, and to raise up Taiwanese Christians to be strong leaders, so that they can go out and make disciples of others. I am a Chinese American expatriate, who considers Taiwan home. My family is Christian and I am a pastor€'s kid. I have a love of words and literature, which is why I majored in English at the University of Michigan (bachelors) and New York…
February 12, 2020
4000-246-Hansen, Hal and Terrie

4000-246-Hansen, Hal and Terrie

We serve alongside local churches in Northern Uganda in a supportive role through discipleship and economic development of tradesmen and communities, helping with strategic planning and outreach with pastors. Our ministry includes administration of pastoral education and providing fresh water to communities through installation of shallow wells. Major challenges: - General lack of education in Northern Uganda affects the community, congregation and Christian leaders. The basics of being able to read and study God's word bring great challenges to move toward spiritual growth and maturity. - A combined lack of capital and lack of understanding how to use it; lack…
February 12, 2020
4000-167-Horn, Beth

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
4000-155-Campbell, April

4000-155-Campbell, April

We are looking to establish training for businesses, mentoring and discipleship for those who are interested in cross-cultural missions. We are also going to have missions and Bible courses. Pray that God would raise up Costa Ricans to be sent to the unreached of the world. About me: I was brought up in a solid Christian family and came to know Jesus Christ early in life. I was always interested in missions and went on several short-term missions trips as I was growing up and after college. I enjoyed opportunities in sports ministry and when the opportunity to use surfing…
February 12, 2020
4000-230-Pearce, Laura

4000-230-Pearce, Laura

I am serving in Kigali, Rwanda with New Creation Ministries, a nonprofit that provides training and resources for Rwandan pastors and leaders. I support the school's staff and teachers by taking care of behind the scenes administrative details and freeing them to focus on their areas of gifting. I also help with long term strategic planning and with developing administrative systems that can scale as the training center grows. Close to 90% of Rwandan pastors have less than a 6th grade education. NCM is uniquely positioned to serve these pastors by providing training in Kinyarwanda that emphasizes the basics... What…
February 12, 2020
4000-241-Hahn, Nikole

4000-241-Hahn, Nikole

One or two times a year, I travel abroad to get media of amazing ministries happening through WorldVenture Global Workers. Please consider a generous one-time gift to help cover the costs of these trips. Newsletters to Sign Up For: - Once Per Month Ministry Updates and Prayer Points Digital Engagement and Disciple-Making Coordinator Serves and assists WorldVenture’s global disciple-making efforts and uses digital channels to advance the mission and vision of WorldVenture, increasing awareness and engagement across numerous web and social media properties and channels. I work to remain current and knowledgeable in best digital practices, training WorldVenture workers and…
February 12, 2020
4001-944-Butati, Michael

4001-944-Butati, Michael

Michael works at the mission Hospital doing out- patient consultations, surgery, and in-patient care, always seeking opportunities to share the Gospel with the patients. In addition he serves in leadership positions in the local church including preaching when needed and leading worship. Michael and his wife are from the East of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Rwanguba city, they have 3 children. The Butatis came to Cote d’Ivoire in Ferkessedougou in 2007 barely one month after their wedding because the Hospital was in need of a Christian Doctor. Michael came to work as a doctor, but upon his…
February 12, 2020
4001-936-Kognon, Keo

4001-936-Kognon, Keo

I teach the students at Bethel Bible School, and work with local believers and church leaders. I was born in an unbelieving family in the north of Côte d’Ivoire in 1969. I became a Christian in 1984. I was married in 1998 to Lydie and we have 3 children (Stephane, Michael and Prisca). I have been the director of the Bethel Bible School (IBB) in Korhogo since 2001. As director, my main responsibilities lie in the guidance of the Bible school. My duties also involve the recruitment of new students and the encouragement of churches already supporting students in training.…
February 12, 2020
4000-236-Smagacz, Caleb and Suz

4000-236-Smagacz, Caleb and Suz

The Smagacz family moved to Uganda in February of 2017 with a passion to serve the children and families of the country. Not sure how it would all work out but confident in God’s call, the Smagacz’s spent years in language and cultural acquisition. In 2020, the call became clearer; Caleb accepted the position of Executive Director with a ministry called Hope Alive! Hope Alive! serves the children and families of Uganda through a child sponsorship program that seeks to engage children holistically through meeting student’s spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social needs. Find out more at hopealiveafrica.org Suz has…
February 12, 2020
4001-950-Du Plessis, Eugene and Veronica

4001-950-Du Plessis, Eugene and Veronica

My name is Eugene Du Plessis. I’m a South African-born Bolivian national. I'm married to Veronica, a Bolivian. We have been married for 7 years. We have two children Jonathan, 6, and Isabella, 2-years old. I’m a Bible and Worldview teacher at Carachipampa Christian School in Cochabamba Bolivia. I'm also a secretary and the sports coordinator of the Foundation, LLAMA2. I run a small sports ministry through our local church called Dios en Cristo. It uses Floorball, Futsal (indoor soccer), and Basketball to show God's love, drawing children into the local evangelical church through friendship. We focus on children between…
February 12, 2020
4000-213-Cross, Sean and Ruthann

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
4000-214-Day, Adam and Anna

4000-214-Day, Adam and Anna

Our ministry vision is for holistic discipleship of ministry leaders- developing leaders in head (theological education), heart (spiritual formation) and hands (ministry training) to disciple others in unreached parts of the world. About us: Anna and I both attended Biola University which played a significant role in our growth in Christ. In our college years we were blessed with many opportunities to deepen in our grasp of God's Word as well as be discipled by mentors who opened up their lives to us. Over our time in college and afterwards, God grew in us a vision to train and equip…
February 12, 2020
4000-215-Mitchell, Justin and Lindsay

4000-215-Mitchell, Justin and Lindsay

In partnership with Denen Grace Church, our local partners in Kawasaki and Yokohama, our purpose is to see Christ known through the starting and building up of Azamino Chapel. Read here to learn more about Azamino Chapel. As the Lord gathers His people and His church is built up, we pray and hope that the Lord would see new church plants even beyond Azamino Chapel. People in Japan face many pressures from their society that create obstacles when presented with the gospel. These pressures are materialism, an intense reverence for tradition/culture, being a conformist society and the indigenous religions of…
February 12, 2020
4000-211-Jeff and Meredith

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
6080-809-Livingston Adrienne

6080-809-Livingston Adrienne

Listen to my Justice Hope Freedom Podcast by Clicking Here Follow My Facebook Page by Clicking Here Follow Me on Instagram My goal is to help educate, equip, mobilize and connect churches, global workers, and individuals, (locally and globally) to existing organizations focused on combatting the sex trafficking issue in the following areas: Awareness, Education, Prevention, Rescue, Post care including trauma recovery and job training, Policy, and Ending the Demand. My podcast is an educational component of this ministry. The purpose of the Justice Hope Freedom podcast is to educate people about the issues of sex trafficking and exploitation and…
February 12, 2020
4000-208-Atkins, Rob and Lisa

4000-208-Atkins, Rob and Lisa

We operate a rescue and transition home for young women 18 years and older. We help them to transition into adults for life here in Bolivia. Most of them come from orphanages even though they may not be true orphans. We offer them a low cost, safe place to live while they work part time and attend school. We teach them about Jesus, to budget money, be good employees, practice spiritual disciples and general life skills. Our hope is that when they leave us, they will be productive members of Bolivian society and active members of a local church. We…
February 12, 2020
4000-192-Wohlgemut, Josh and Christy

4000-192-Wohlgemut, Josh and Christy

Josh and Christy have recently completed a 4-year term in a mission hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa. In a country where nearly half the population lives below the poverty line and there is one doctor for every 5,000 people, it’s not surprising that medical care is a giant need. By striving to provide compassionate and affordable healthcare, those who come through the gates seeking physical healing find healing for their souls as well. Around 80 people accept Christ as their Savior, and thousands more are introduced to the love of Jesus each year. As an RN, Christy enjoys caring for, and…
February 12, 2020
4000-189-Copeland, Chris and Joi

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
4000-188-Sample, Bri

4000-188-Sample, Bri

I began serving in ministry in Japan in 2014 by showing and teaching about God’s love through conversational English classes, arts & crafts, hospitality, and everyday interactions with people in the community. I have developed relationships with many people in my community through everyday life activities as well as with English class students and their families. Through the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, I have been able to grow and nurture the relationships I have in the community I serve through sharing the Gospel, my testimony, reading Scripture, and praying for my students when they…
February 12, 2020
4000-799-Wright, Joe and Calla Jean

4000-799-Wright, Joe and Calla Jean

Joe and Calla Jean served with WorldVenture as missionaries in Austria for 33 years. In addition to both of them being very active in a local church Joe's main ministry was with a German language Church Based Training program in Austria that also included some traveling to Germany and Switzerland. Calla Jean's main emphasis was on counseling and for a time she headed a Christian Counseling Consortium in Southern Austria. Now in so-called "retirement" in Colorado they are very active in a local church and also continue to still have some involvement with WorldVenture. Joe's course "Healthy Habits from Jesus"…
February 12, 2020
4000-663-Sharp, Linda

4000-663-Sharp, Linda

Serving at the Baptist Mission Hospital in Ferkessedougou, Cote d’Ivoire. The dispensary ministers to a mainly poor, illiterate, agricultural population. Believing strongly in the power of the spirit world, they are also deeply committed to family and show special respect for older family members. Because of their belief in spirits and curses, the people often feel that illness is caused by a curse. Rather than seeking medical help, they try to find someone with stronger powers to counteract the curse. Pray that the Holy Spirit will open people’s eyes to see that Jesus has the ultimate power and that he…
February 12, 2020
4000-255-Ware, Nancy

4000-255-Ware, Nancy

Nancy serves among the refugees in northeast Ohio who originate from Myanmar. There are approximately 1000 people in Summit County Ohio. That number is continually growing. They have several faith backgrounds including Animism, Buddhism, other faiths including Christianity. Most faiths are syncretized. The main challenge is that ethno-centricity hinders growth of the church. Many do not understand the concept of receiving Christ and following Him. About me: Raised in a Christian home, Nancy accepted Christ as a 7th grader. She was active in her local church's bus ministry and taught the kindergarten Sunday school class. After earning her Master's degree,…
February 12, 2020
4000-104-Yunker, Lisa

4000-104-Yunker, Lisa

- Visit Lisa's Website Here I am a physical therapist serving children affected by disability in Cambodia, along with their families and communities. My goal is to model to these families and those around them the value that God places on each individual as someone who has been created in His image and for whom Jesus Christ died, ministering alongside Cambodian staff who are doing the same. Among the many marginalized peoples in Cambodia are those who are disabled. Families affected by disability are likely to be among the poorest and face discrimination and barriers on numerous fronts. Additionally, fewer…
February 12, 2020
4000-103-Yates, Calista

4000-103-Yates, Calista

Sign up for her newsletters! My primary role is teaching at an Indonesian Nursing School with 130 students enrolled in a 3-year program. This involves teaching in the classroom and supervising their practicum experiences. I also spend time mentoring and discipling both Indonesian nurses and nursing students in the roles and responsibilities of serving as a Christian nurse. I work with Indonesians from many tribal, cultural and economic backgrounds including believers as well as animist Dayaks, Buddhist Chinese, Islamic Malayu and Javanese, who are seeking education opportunities and compassionate affordable medical care. Pray for renewed vision at the Nursing School…
February 12, 2020
4000-366-King, Roberta

4000-366-King, Roberta

Making Jesus Christ known through the cultural musics of various people groups! Roberta R. King, Ph.D., focuses on two major areas of ministry. First, she communicates the gospel through contextualized worship arts and desires to make Jesus Christ known through the cultural forms of music of various people groups. Dr. King introduced Christian Music Communication studies at Daystar University in Kenya, where she was based, from 1978 to 1999. A missionary pioneer in ethnomusicology with WorldVenture, Dr. King was a tenured faculty member at Fuller Seminary from 2000-2021. During this time, she researched and specialized in peacebuilding and Muslim-Christian dialogue…
February 12, 2020
4001-905-Rinderknecht, Nicolas and Pricille

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
4001-940-Barros, Wellington and Tatiane

4001-940-Barros, Wellington and Tatiane

About Our Ministry: Our ministry approach involves disciple-making in all we do, while teaching the Bible and sharing the Gospel, encouraging the local church to grow organically, and strengthening them to participate in God’s redemptive plan. In the last five years, as we plant Gospel seeds, we have witnessed people get to know the Word of God and open their hearts to the Holy Spirit and choose to be followers of Jesus Christ! Prayerfully, seeds will grow and flourish in this particularly arid soil, some of which has gradually opened up to the water of life! Our ministry strategies: -…
February 12, 2020
4000-300-Lemaster, Rebecca

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
4000-187-Escher, Marilyn

4000-187-Escher, Marilyn

Serving through Wolof Bible translation in Senegal. The Wolofs’ main values are peace, hospitality, and self respect. They make up the majority of the population and are nearly 100 percent Muslim. The translation must be both faithful to the original text and clear to the audience. A high rate of illiteracy in areas outside of Dakar creates the need to disseminate the word in other forms than the printed page. Pray that God would use his Word to bring people to see that they need a Savior, and that Jesus, the Messiah, is the only Savior. About Marilyn: Little did…
February 12, 2020
4000-082-Lopez, John and Laurie

4000-082-Lopez, John and Laurie

John and Laurie Lopez are working together to minister to kids at risk, and their families in a poor neighborhood in Medellin, Colombia. Laurie worked many years at Multnomah Bible College in the Missions Department in Portland, OR and also helped at her church, Hinson Baptist Church, with the young adults group. During that time, she took various teams on short-term mission trips to Medellin, Colombia. Each time she returned from Medellin, her heart felt a strong pull to return. She eventually was invited by a foundation in Colombia to join their team. While praying about the opportunity, she sought…
February 12, 2020
4000-139-Hoglund, Karen

4000-139-Hoglund, Karen

Strengthening the church through mentoring, discipleship, and short-term teams. It is my privilege to partner with Ugandan pastors and leaders, as well as my fellow missionaries to create, coordinate and lead short-term missions opportunities. The goal is both to build up the Ugandan church and to stretch and strengthen the faith of American believers. I also get to help lead a young women’s Bible Study through my church in Kampala. In addition, I am currently developing a month-long missions immersion/study experience for people to come, learn and be exposed to what it’s like to live and do ministry cross-culturally. My…
February 12, 2020
1100-838-Ellison, Gordon and Rita

1100-838-Ellison, Gordon and Rita

Gordon Ellison serves with WorldVenture as a member of the Mobilization Ministries Team. His ministry focuses on three important areas: missions promotion and education through the local church, missions mentoring, and member care. Gordon equips pastors and local church leaders in the development of effective strategies toward the clarification and accomplishment of their church’s mission, locally and globally. Gordon also influences others as they grow in their awareness of God’s specific leading toward missions, and encourages, strengthens and provides pastoral care to missionaries and their families. Born in England and spending the first nine years of his life in Belfast,…
February 12, 2020
4000-162-Worker Name Withheld

4000-162-Worker Name Withheld

My wife and I have had the honor of serving as missionaries first as singles, then together as a couple. It has been a wonderful life and we would not have it any other way. I would love to share a little about our lives and how we continue to serve God through WorldVenture. I was born and raised in a Christian home in Minnesota. I came to faith in Christ when I was five. As I grew, I was surrounded by strong Biblical teaching from people whose character matched their words. I was always familiar with missionaries as many…
February 12, 2020
4000-268-Hedlund, Roger and June

4000-268-Hedlund, Roger and June

Officially retired, living stateside, engaged in ongoing writing, editing, publication projects in India through the Mylapore Institute. At present I continue as Managing Editor of DHARMA DEEPIKA, A South Asian Journal of Missiological Research. Two issues per year, 100 pages each, focusing on various contextual themes. I also served as Chief Editor of the OXFORD ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF SOUTH ASIAN CHRISTIANITY, published by Oxford University Press, New Delhi, covering aspects of Christian history, beliefs, personalities, institutions and traditions in all of the South Asian countries, i.e. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as well as Burma/Myanmar and…
February 12, 2020
4000-262-Harrison, David and Ruth

4000-262-Harrison, David and Ruth

My name is Ruth Harrison. My life has been filled with many unexpected twists and turns, and I’ve been blessed with very wide connections. I married a Canadian and we expected to move to Alberta after Dave completed his MA degree in Oregon. Instead, we joined CBFMS and moved to Hong Kong in 1970. We were a team involved in education, church planting and missionary training. Some medical issues resulted in new locations and ministries. After Hong Kong, we served in Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, and China. Dave’s heart attack in Shanghai in 2006 changed our plans to move back…
February 12, 2020
4000-159-Dirksen, Phillip and Zana

4000-159-Dirksen, Phillip and Zana

Dr. Phil and Zana Dirksen served with WorldVenture in Zaire from 1977 to 1988 with the purpose to equip local physicians and surgeons with knowledge, skills and experience to help the suffering people who have no hope. During their years of service, they helped open two hospitals, two nurse-practioner training institutes (although one has been destroyed), 33 health-posts and health-centers; and served as the primary physician and surgeon at Rwanguba Hospital. As "International Resource Specialists" with WorldVenture, the Dirksens continue their association with two hospitals in Goma, Congo, through annual six-week medical mercy trips with a spiritual emphasis. Dr. Phil…
February 12, 2020
4000-154-Dixon, David

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
4000-134-Pirolo, Nick and Krystal

4000-134-Pirolo, Nick and Krystal

We train church leaders and medical professionals in Rwanda to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, that the Church in Rwanda would operate as the Body of Christ. Challenges: Learning Kinyarwanda, the heart language of all Rwandans Remembering to keep Christ at the center of all we do: working at the clinic and NCM, worshipping at church, serving our spouses, raising our children. About us: Nick was raised a Christian and felt a call to be a missionary from an early age. Developing skills in teaching, he knew that this would open doors in any country. Krystal grew…
February 12, 2020
4000-173-Shattenberg, Jamie and Alissa

4000-173-Shattenberg, Jamie and Alissa

"Red Island Restoration is a response to God’s leading in our lives to see Madagascar restored in health, forests and hope in Christ. We are partnering with Malagasy teammates to serve the least of these–the impoverished, the jobless, the at-risk, the widows, the single mothers, and the pregnant women and their babies–all of whom are mighty in the power of Christ. Please pray for our family and ministry partners– that we would walk closely with the Lord, follow His leading in all matters and that we would glorify and serve Him faithfully as an expression of our love for Him."…
February 12, 2020
4000-137-Boardwell, Matthew and Pamela

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
4000-138-Brown, Drew and Michele

4000-138-Brown, Drew and Michele

Equipping Pastors and Missionaries in Costa Rica Drew and Michele Brown are both Ohio natives who discovered their shared passion for missionary service during a college trip to the rainforests of the Amazon. There they discovered how under-resourced the global church is for training leaders. They’ve been working together since then to help meet this need. From 2016-2021, the Browns served in Africa, translating the Bible and teaching young church leaders how to share it with a largely illiterate community. In 2022, they moved to Costa Rica where they educate church leaders and train Costa Rican missionaries. The Brown’s primary…
February 12, 2020
4000-163-Halter, David and Sarah

4000-163-Halter, David and Sarah

Training, mentoring, and discipling Tanzanian surgeons while providing surgical care to the poor. About us: Imagine you had appendicitis and needed life-saving surgery. and the nearest surgeon was two days away. That is the reality for millions of people across Africa. In Tanzania, there are roughly 200 surgeons of any kind for 50 million people. That's like 20 surgeons for the entire Detroit metro area (our hometown), where just one hospital system has ten times as many surgeons. Dave is a general surgeon and is training Tanzanian surgeons in order to fill that gap. God tells us in Micah 6:8…
February 12, 2020
4000-194-Aaron and Bess Edmunds

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
4000-779-White, Corby and Ashley

4000-779-White, Corby and Ashley

God has blessed Corby & Ashley with many valuable experiences serving in local churches and children's ministry, in both the United States and Poland. Ashley worked in Poland for several years before they were married, and they moved to Poland as a family in 2014. Their first assignment was in Lublin, where Corby studied the language and they were part of a local church, serving through music, children's & youth ministry, English conversation, and “Street Church” outreach. In 2021, God directed them to the small mining city of Jastrzębie-Zdrój, and they joined a group of Polish people who wanted to…
February 12, 2020
4000-168-Meeko, Andy and Junko

4000-168-Meeko, Andy and Junko

From Tokyo we mobilize worldwide for discipleship, evangelism, and mental wholeness. It's hard to admit, we are celebrating more than 80 years of combined ministry to Japan. Junko is born and bred in Japan and was ministering long before meeting Andy. As the youngest son of missionaries to Japan, Andy knew the challenges of ministering in Japan but couldn't resist God's clear call back. We believe Japan will be reached by average Japanese Christians, and we have seen believers in Japan can do amazing things—if they are given a little assistance. So, we train people as community caregivers reaching the…
February 12, 2020
4000-165-Sass, Bill and Janet

4000-165-Sass, Bill and Janet

Serving children and widows affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic through community development. Malawi is the poorest country in the world. 1 in 9 adults is HIV positive. 500,000+ children are considered orphans, having lost either one or both of their parents. Nearly 25,000 children in Malawi each year will be diagnosed having HIV/ Aids themselves transmitted either through birth or sexual transmission. About us: Bill and Janet currently reside in Mesa, Arizona, and are members of Mission Community Church. They have been in Arizona since October 2004 when the Lord called them out into the desert from their home in…
February 12, 2020
4000-151-Van Wart, Matt and Elizabeth

4000-151-Van Wart, Matt and Elizabeth

About us: I, Matt, grew up as a pastor's kid. God was always a big part of my life. I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of four and a few years later was baptized by my Dad. I continued to be active in church as I grew. At the age of fourteen, I surrendered my life to foreign missions during an invitation given at the end of our church's missions conference. A few years later my Dad had the opportunity to visit missionary friends in Uganda. When he returned with stories of the amazing people of Uganda…
February 12, 2020
4000-176-Thomas, Bruce and Linda

4000-176-Thomas, Bruce and Linda

Our desire is to help people take the next step in their spiritual growth. In the church we teach, disciple, and encourage our Polish brothers and sisters. In the community we teach English, which allows us to meet a variety of teens and adults. We are involved with the camp ministries during the summer months. About us: We are just “normal” people who are trying to follow God’s plan for our lives. That path took an unexpected sharp turn when He called us to overseas missions in our mid-forties. Our goals were to assist a young church, teach English to…
February 12, 2020
4000-289-Kelley, Dave and Jenn

4000-289-Kelley, Dave and Jenn

Dave and Jenn and their three third-culture kids have been serving at the International Christian School of Budapest (ICSB) in Hungary since 2013. Their purpose there is three-fold. 1. Proclaim the Gospel to students and families who do not know Him with their words and lives (Romans 10:13-15). 2. Disciple Christian students and staff to live as integrated people wholly in obedience to Christ (2 Timothy 3:10-17). 3. Support the missionaries whose children attend ICSB by giving their students a world-class education. They aim also to support the missionaries who serve as staff in the Lower School to enable long-term…
February 12, 2020
4000-291-Kannard, Clay and Lauren

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
4000-198-Wolf, Jay and Jen

4000-198-Wolf, Jay and Jen

Jay and Jen reach out to missionary kids (MKs), other international students, and their parents through their ministry as boarding home parents of Faith Academy in the Philippines. Most of the students of Faith Academy are walking in the Lord, while some are questioning the role of God in their lives. The students come from a variety of countries, with Koreans making up the largest nationality represented. Whether their parents work as missionaries or businesspeople, the students have been exposed to international concerns and therefore have a high level of world awareness. We pray for continual building of relationships, knowing…
February 12, 2020
1100-827-Cumings, Tim and Joan

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
1100-847-Hagquist, Gloria

1100-847-Hagquist, Gloria

Gloria and Timothy serve in outreach to students at John Brown University (JBU) and Young Adults in their church and community. Many of the students are Missionary Kids (MK’s) and International Students. Serving includes evangelism, mentoring, encouragement, and discipling those desiring to work cross-culturally for Kingdom building. About Us: Timothy and Gloria served as WorldVenture Missionaries in the Philippines, and upon returning to the United States they continued to serve with WorldVenture as part of the Church-Missionary Relationship Team. They currently serve with Mobilization, working with students at JBU, at their church and in their community in Arkansas. Timothy is…
February 12, 2020
4000-088-Calva, Leo and Maria

4000-088-Calva, Leo and Maria

Leo's journey began in Ecuador, later becoming the backdrop of his mission. His encounter with the Lord at the age of 20 marked a transformative moment in his life. After completing his college education in Ecuador, he embarked on a new chapter in Rio Grande Valley, Texas, where he enrolled in Bible School at Rio Grande College, further deepening his faith. Lourdes was born in Mexico and raised in Texas. She came to know the Lord through a Vacation Bible School when she was 14 years old. She has been actively serving in the local church. Leo and Lourdes' paths…
February 12, 2020
4000-085-Cable, Mark and Jill

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

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
4000-638-Roper, John and Joyce

4000-638-Roper, John and Joyce

Our names are John and Joyce Roper, and we are engaged in the ministry of pastoring, teaching, and discipling internationals in the Oklahoma City metro area. Some of the people we reach out to are only here for a year or so, making evangelism and long-term discipleship difficult. Our congregation is predominantly young and still growing in the Lord. Please pray for them to fully embrace all the plans and ministry that God has for them. About Us: In Jeremiah 1:5, God said that, even before Jeremiah was formed in his mother's womb, God knew him, and that even before…
February 12, 2020
4000-578-Perrello, Tony and Ming

4000-578-Perrello, Tony and Ming

Mobilizing future missionaries! Pray for open hearts on both sides of the ocean and close relationships that lead people closer to Jesus and doing God's will. About Me: Tony Perrello is serving WorldVenture as a missions mobilizer for the churches on the East Coast. He seeks to develop powerful partnerships with churches and individuals here and abroad to see people transformed by Jesus Christ. Tony was born and raised in New York and became a Christian in high school. His wife, Ming, was born in Taiwan and raised in New York. They married in 1987 and have two children: Micah…
February 12, 2020
4000-550-Paden, Bruce and Anita

4000-550-Paden, Bruce and Anita

Compassionate ministry in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country in the throes of reconstruction after a bloody civil war and unrest that claimed the lives of some five million people, occupies Bruce and Anita Paden. Bruce seeks to strengthen the church, while the focus of Anita’s ministry is to help grieving children, teens and former child soldiers who have lost parents and other family members. The Padens were appointed by CBFMS (now WorldVenture) in 1983. In 1986, they arrived in Congo (then called Zaire), where they both taught at the Bible Institute at Rwanguba. They returned to the United…
February 12, 2020
1100-886-Custer, Dougg and LeAnn

1100-886-Custer, Dougg and LeAnn

God used the mandatory missions class at Western Seminary in Portland, OR during Dougg’s last year to change the course of our lives from pastoring stateside to church planting in southern Austria. Although we initially desired to live overseas for only part of our ministry, God had other plans and forty years later, we still serve with WorldVenture. After spending thirty-five of those years in church planting and as the Global Directors for Europe and the Middle East, Dougg became the VP of Mobilization Ministries in 2014. His department handles everything from “first contact” to “wheels up”, which involves developing…
February 12, 2020
4000-087-Tokar, Joshua and Svitlana

4000-087-Tokar, Joshua and Svitlana

Ukraine Prayer Guide Available (2022) Download by Clicking Here! 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…
February 12, 2020
4000-129-Hudson, Shane and April

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
4000-910-Jerome, David and Kenda

4000-910-Jerome, David and Kenda

We will serve as Church Partnership Evangelism (CPE) Coordinators. Our primary responsibility is to coordinate and host short-term mission teams from US churches and partner them with Philippine churches or outreaches. Teams will engage in evangelism intentionally targeted at the family, friends, co-workers and neighbors of Philippine believers. We want to grow the number of short-term teams visiting the Philippines to between six and eight teams each year over the next three to five years (currently averaging two to three each year) and establish accountability that sees 50 to 75% lasting fruit from a CPE campaign. As we continue our…
February 12, 2020
4000-160-Chumbley, Terry and Robin

4000-160-Chumbley, Terry and Robin

Our family ministry focuses on working with Third Culture Kids (TCKs) through SHARE Education Services. You can contact Terry and Robin at: czech.chumbley@gmail.com 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…
February 12, 2020
4000-107-Johnson, Nathan and Bethany

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
4000-166-Messick, Matt and Kristy

4000-166-Messick, Matt and Kristy

We're a family that can stand on the rooftop and shout of the Lord's faithfulness! We are so excited and humbled that we get to serve Him in Ecuador. The Lord brought us together in 2001 as we both found ourselves on a rickety bus traveling along the dusty roads of West Africa. It didn't take more than a few days before we knew that He had brought us together for a purpose, and that we were being called to live life together serving as a team. Matt grew up in a Christian home, while Kristy was new to her…
February 12, 2020
4000-125-Meyers, Brian and Megan

4000-125-Meyers, Brian and Megan

Serving in medical/musical ministry and leadership development, through teaching future doctors and developing ethnodoxologists. Brian and Megan Meyers work in Beira, Mozambique, the second largest city in the nation. Brian teaches medicine at a Catholic Medical School (one of three medical schools in Mozambique), training future doctors, and works at the Central Hospital in Beira. As an ethnomusicologist, Megan partners with a local worship ministry, ACAC (Christian Alliance of Creative Artists), teaching worship workshops, mentoring worship leaders, and developing indigenous hymnody. Both are also busy training up the next generation of missionaries by raising their four daughters. Missions work is…
February 12, 2020
4000-712-Turner, Darrie and Debbie

4000-712-Turner, Darrie and Debbie

The Turners work with church leaders of rural Uganda who struggle with poverty, disease, hunger and war, making Bible training available to pastors in rural areas. A few of the ministry's challenges are: traveling throughout the country on poor roads to train local pastors, instilling a new hunger in pastors who have lost their appetite for God's Word, and finding others to help train rural pastors. Pray for revival for those leaders who know yet struggle with the truth, that they would have a hunger for God's Word and would remain faithful in the midst of trying circumstances. About us:…
February 12, 2020
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