“In 2017, we started a Russian church when we realized how many Russian-speaking people were interested in church but felt they didn’t fit in at the church in our city. More than 80 people participate, 25–30 of them active, representing 14 different nationalities. Each year we see one to two people come to Christ and hold one to two baptisms. Since the summer of 2020, we have been preparing locals to take leadership roles, and in December they started to help with Sunday teaching, men’s and women’s groups, kids’ ministry, and finances. Our main focus is to teach the Bible verse by verse, read the Word of God and obey it, and tell others the Good News.” – Eddy & Sarah*, Central Asia (Names changed for security reasons)

“With COVID-19 restrictions, we couldn’t meet in groups for most of the year, so we gave out Easter and Christmas packs, using the door drop-offs to reach out. During the summer, we ran a Vacation Bible School-style club where families could collect materials from us, watch video lessons at home, and earn prizes by learning Bible verses and completing worksheets. We offer outdoor mobile events we call Walk ‘n’ Talk Church, using devices to broadcast audio to participants, including music, stories, and guidance. We have also partnered with a local charity that runs a food bank in response to the health crisis, assembling and delivering groceries for isolated people during lockdowns.” – Jason & Crystal, Western Europe

“Our business as mission initiatives in Southeast Asia demonstrate the gospel through a holistic approach. We bring people together, building community with our staff, customers, and neighborhood. We don’t see people as objects of ministry, but as participants in relationships that God uses to reveal Himself through conversations and presence. Our vision is to see inclusive workplaces where young adults with intellectual disabilities can participate in society and be treated with dignity as bearers of God’s image. Although the challenges brought by Covid have caused us to readjust, we have been intentional to respond proactively, and our businesses continue to operate and impact people, for which we thank God.” – Colin & Colleen*, Southeast Asia (Names changed for security reasons)

“War in the Central African Republic (CAR) has allowed us to partner with three local churches in Chad, where over 5,000 refugees from the CAR have poured over the border. We have helped provide disaster relief supplies and training in trauma care. This trauma care is helping believers share the gospel. Most of these refugees come from Islamic traditions and are unreached. Pray that God empowers His Word as we go forth to “compel them to come in” (Luke 14:23) because there are still many the Lord is calling “who are not of this sheepfold” (John 10:16), and it is our privilege to partner with Him to bring them in.” – Barb, United States

“20/20 is often used as a metaphor for perfect vision, and many people hoped they could determine clear, new initiatives during the year 2020. The pandemic, of course, greatly affected these plans. We might have expected our efforts to identify and guide potential new global workers to stall during this time. Instead, we are thrilled to see 11 new appointees clearly sensing God’s call to go and serve the least reached! Praise God with us for these answers to our prayers for more workers!” – John & Kate, United States