THE MIDDLE EAST – Nasser* is a local believer who is faithfully leading a Bible study for a group of his friends in the Middle East. These men all grew up following the teachings of Muhammad, but now they have made the life-altering decision to follow Christ. They face persecution and discrimination because of their choice. When they gather to study God’s Word, Nasser and his friends first talk about how they are growing in their faith. They then move into a time of worship, followed … [Read more...]
New Iranian believer immediately starts sharing his faith
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is written by Rae Hamilton, a writer for IMB. CENTRAL ASIA—Dry and dusty. Rocky and hard. Much of the soil in the Middle East is like this. And it is to be expected. Years of lies and false religion leave the people thirsty. But the soil of Iran is rich and fertile. Loamy and lush. Amir,* a young Iranian man with a ponytail, received the Book of John and heard the gospel from a group of believers. Amir was so interested, he met with an evangelist that … [Read more...]
IMB workers pray for more baptisms of believers they don’t know
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is written by Caroline Anderson, a writer who serves with IMB in Central Asia. SOUTHEAST ASIA—William and Nancy Potter,* IMB workers who serve in Southeast Asia, love hearing about baptisms of people they don’t know. News of strangers being baptized means there has been generational growth of Christians in their area. The “generational growth” — people who lead people, who then lead other people, to Christ — first began 18 years ago when they met Ary Keo* … [Read more...]
Reluctant missionary now leading many to Christ in Peru
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is written by Melanie Clinton, a writer for the IMB who lives in Sub-Saharan Africa with her husband and two children. PERU—When Peruvian couple Caleb and Devora Quispe got married, Devora was a new believer. Caleb longed to become a missionary, but Devora preferred to stay home and help run the family sewing business. Caleb strongly believes that when a couple marries, they become one. “What God has put in my heart, he will put in your heart, too,” he … [Read more...]
South Asian believer carries on husband’s ministry legacy
EDITOR'S NOTE: Madeline Arthington, who wrote this article, is a writer who serves with IMB in Central Asia. SOUTH ASIA—Shreya’s* grief is raw. Only a few months ago, her husband was alive. Now he is dead. They were such good partners. They ministered together in their church, where he was a pastor, and in the surrounding villages. She was devoted, always accompanying him in ministry, sitting on floors with poorer women, and making food for guests. But all it took was a day of … [Read more...]
God saves North Africans in European refugee camp
EUROPE – Brahim* lives in a European refugee camp. He left his North African country in search of a better life far from the war and desperation of his home. Only 22 years old, he doesn’t own much. But he does have a phone, and that is how he first encountered the gospel. Through a gospel page on social media, Brahim began messaging with Yoseph,* an Arab evangelist with a burning heart for ministry to other Arabic speakers. Through these interactions, Brahim heard the gospel and made a … [Read more...]
Deaf Thai ‘ladyboy’ learns to be a man of God
EDITOR'S NOTE: Nicole Leigh, who wrote this article, is a writer for IMB. She lives with her family in Prague. THAILAND—Aroon* was once a ladyboy. In Thai culture, little boys age 2 or 3 who show any inkling towards femininity are labeled a “ladyboy” and raised to believe that even though their outside gender is male, their spirit is female. Ladyboys are never given a choice to be who they want to be. They often struggle to find jobs, and they are treated as less than other men and … [Read more...]
Singer looking for identity shares love she found in Christ
EDITOR'S NOTE: Lucy Campbell, who wrote this article, is a Journeyman serving in Eastern Europe. EUROPE—Tanya* is a ball of energy with laugh lines deeply engraved at the corners of her eyes. She is one of millions living in an Eastern European metropolis, but one of only a few pastors’ wives in her city. A few years ago, she and her husband moved to the city to start their now-thriving church of 30 to 40 members. They are part of a church planting movement of at least six new … [Read more...]
Former heroin addict follows Christ in African fishing village
EDITOR'S NOTE: Lucy Campbell, who wrote this article, is a Journeyman serving in Eastern Europe. SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA — “I believe this. I want to be baptized.” Mark* was just one of the men recovering from heroin addiction at “The Well,” a rehabilitation center founded by Southern Baptist missionaries. His new start in recovery led to his new beginning in eternal life. Located inside a concrete building formerly frequented by heroin addicts, “The Well” serves those who live in the … [Read more...]
New church in Taiwan a testimony to the power of prayer
TAIWAN—Ming Wei* is a firm believer in the power of prayer. Eight years ago, when she moved back to her husband’s hometown, she began to pray for the opportunity to make a difference in this dark part of Taiwan. This town of 50,000 has only two Christian churches but is home to countless temples. Two years later, the opportunity to work with children provided the perfect chance. Wei and others taught Bible stories and songs and held camps and other activities to share Jesus’ love with … [Read more...]
God saves North African refugees in European camp
EUROPE—Brahim* lives in a European refugee camp. He left his North African country in search of a better life far from the war and desperation of his home. Only 22 years old, he doesn’t own much. But he does have a phone, and that is how he first encountered the gospel. Through a gospel page on social media, Brahim began messaging with Yoseph,* an Arab evangelist with a burning heart for ministry to other Arabic speakers. Through these interactions, Brahim heard the gospel and made a … [Read more...]
Chitwood: IMB to put greater focus on communicating with Southern Baptists
RICHMOND, Va.— International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood wants to improve communications with Southern Baptists so they can stay abreast of the work of the organization’s nearly 3,700 missionaries taking the gospel to the nations. “Stewarding the unique role of the IMB in the missionary call requires that we are able to communicate with Southern Baptists,” Chitwood told trustees in his recent report to the board. “In many ways the IMB symbolizes the Great Commission arm of the … [Read more...]