RICHMOND, Va. (IMB) – Otis Newman opened the door and stared at the empty refrigerator. The kids rifled through the cabinets next to him. The family ate everything except dried goods before leaving for vacation. The International Mission Board missionary cringed just thinking about how much it might cost to restock. Inflation has been a global hot topic for months. Experts try to predict how it will affect the economy, but for most people, it doesn’t hit home until they pay for groceries … [Read more...]
Twelve new Zambian churches bring glory to God
ZAMBIA, Africa (IMB) – It was the first service as a church and excitement showed on everyone’s faces. They’d been working up to this moment for months with Bible studies, learning to share the gospel and lessons on being a healthy church. As the opening prayer began, everyone quickly shuffled to their seats — flat rocks excavated from a field and lined up in perfect rows under shade trees. When the praise music started, it would have raised the roof…IF there were one. Finally, the pastor … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving feasts help IMB missionaries share gospel
LISBON, Portugal – Everyone excitedly crowded around the Thanksgiving feast. The tables overflowed with sweet potato casseroles, cranberry sauce, green bean casseroles, pumpkin and pecan pies. The turkey was roasted to a perfect, mouthwatering golden hue. Juice rolled down the sides of the meat dish as someone carved. It was picture perfect. Phones immediately came out of pockets to document this not-so-traditional feast in Lisbon, Portugal. For most, it was their first time experiencing … [Read more...]
People group in nation of Mozambique no longer unengaged with the gospel
MOZAMBIQUE (IMB) – Last year there were few-to-no followers of Christ among the Manyika of Mozambique. This past July, a group of four bowed their heads and prayed to receive Jesus as their Savior. Their eyes shone bright with hope. Their smiles unending because their eternity was forever changed. They joined seven others living in this remote interior strip of Mozambique to make this decision in the last few months. International Mission Board missionaries Ryan and Aubrey Curry rejoiced … [Read more...]
Missionary task passes down three generations
EDITOR'S NOTE: Join IMB in celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with stories of those who have answered God’s call to the nations. Crawly things moved all over the rancid slab of off-colored meat. The village leader reverently handed it to the visiting missionary, motioning for him to eat. If the missionary ate the entire thing, he would be granted access to the village and allowed to share about Jesus’ saving grace. Henry Phan watched in amazement as his father … [Read more...]
Factory or horseback, bivocational pastor thrives
EDITOR'S NOTE: Several keys for effective bivocational ministry follow this story. AUGUSTA, Kan. (BP) -- Each workstation is a flurry of activity. Plastic bottles stream down the conveyer belts. Hands reach out to adjust each bottle to face the same direction before they go to plastic wrap. Across the floor, someone shouts above the rickety-racket to shut down one of the machines and reload. Don Mayberry walks through the factory's maze of machines and activity, stopping to talk to … [Read more...]