Southern Baptists bring timeless message to Winter Olympics
Volunteers from Connection Church in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, share the gospel. The Winter Games are set against a backdrop of Italy’s iconic landmarks, like
February 12, 2026
Volunteers from Connection Church in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, share the gospel. The Winter Games are set against a backdrop of Italy’s iconic landmarks, like
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from Feb. 6-22 at sites across northern Italy. I(MB Photo) By Kristen Sosebee Let the Games
Prayer supporters gather around newly appointed IMB missionaries Austin and Tara Render, sent from Highview Baptist in Louisville, Kentucky. The Renders are joining a team
Tokyo was a whirlwind of colors, sounds and — most importantly — signs. For two weeks in November, the Deaflympics met in the capital city of Japan, where the International Mission Board had more than 50 workers and volunteers sharing the gospel during the worldwide event for Deaf athletes.
“Women all over the world have similar desires for love and relationship and affirmation, and also similar struggles,” said IMB missionary Julia Cota. “We may
Yacouba couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.
He heard there had been an attack on his brother-in-law’s village by a terrorist group. They hadn’t been able to get in touch with him, so he and his wife went to the village to search for her brother.
The IMB’s Project 3000 initiative focuses on finding and researching the remaining unengaged and unreached people groups with the gospel. (IMB Photo) By Sue Sprenkle,
A newly appointed IMB missionary stands behind a screen as he thanks Southern Baptists for their support. Missionaries going to countries hostile to the gospel
Nigerian Baptists gather at the 2025 Nigerian Baptist Convention held in April. The convention was a time of celebration of all the Lord has done in
Women link arms as they walk in a parade for Nowruz, a festival marking the Persian New Year. This festival holds deep significance for them,
Suncica, a Deaf volunteer with the IMB, shares the gospel with two North American Deaf in line to see a volleyball match at the 2025
(Submitted photo) “Everything about the mission work is accomplished primarily because God is at work and moving in His people,” said Cliff Case, an International Mission Board (IMB)
A national partner in South Asia leads a discipleship group. The group consists of people from a former unreached, unengaged group. (IMB Photo) By Chris
IMB missionaries Walter and Mary Norvell serve in Lesotho as part of the Masters program, a 2-3 year, fully funded missions opportunity for those who
LITTLE ROCK – Volunteers gathered at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention office on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to pack materials for churches to use to promote
The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention hosted IMB’s Sending Celebration during their annual meeting in Lubbock, Texas. They celebrated and sent out 31 newly appointed
Rachel Drummond, from Florida, greets children outside of a local church on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, where she and a group of women from
After hiking in 90-degree weather in flip-flops and a skirt to reach a village, Julia Spelter and another International Mission Board missionary were exhausted and dripping in sweat as they sat drinking tea in the dim room of a local nurse. The Malagasy nurse had the overwhelming task of serving several rural villages by herself in Madagascar.
Across the Asia-Pacific Rim, 15 trade languages have been identified for digital outreach. Each one needs native-speaking responders who can connect with seekers in their
Cheers erupted from the newly commissioned International Mission Board missionaries for the six global mission partners taking the stage. The representatives from Junta de Missões Nacionais in Brazil and the Korean Foreign Mission Board in Korea completed seven weeks of pre-field orientation alongside the American missionaries.
The volunteer team from Paris pauses for a group photo outside the International Baptist Church of Dakar in Senegal. The church was planted by an
An immigrant couple from a Slavic church in California will continue ministering in Spain, but they will return as International Mission Board missionaries. Another couple is going overseas after a long tenure of serving Southern Baptists through multiple entities. And a young man is returning to do missions in the same country he previously served as a Journeyman.
The house where the first church plant met will soon be torn down to accommodate a new highway. With money from the government, the church
Friendly banter came before the final decision on who would carry which flag. Several of the new missionaries wanted to hold Mexico’s flag, of course. In the end, Roselia processed in carrying the flag of her home country and the home of seven of the 10 new Latin American global missionary partners, soon to join International Mission Board teams.
Healthcare missions provide access to millions of people who’ve never heard of the Great Physician. The world’s greatest problem is lostness, and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in prescribing treatment for both physical and spiritual needs.
Joseph Hazen’s phone rang, and he answered to hear the voice of his North African friend. Hazen, an International Mission Board missionary, and his friend have served together for almost 20 years in a large European city, sharing the gospel on the bustling streets with people from all walks of life.
Martina, front right, listens to a Bible story shared using a felt board. Laura Metcalf, back far right, and her children also follow along. (IMB
Newly appointed missionaries share a little of their testimony and work they will do with more than 13,000 Southern Baptist messengers and their guests on
On the mission field, missionaries quickly forge close relationships with other missionaries, often becoming like family. When missionaries return to the U.S., isolation may set in as they lose proximity to their missionary family.
IMB missionary Sue Foster poses for a photo with some members of a local church. She joined them at a local women’s prison to lead
(IMB photo) By Stella McMillian When Caylen Wood moved to Asia to serve as a Journeyman, she knew a big part of her job would
In a crowd of thousands at the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas, a sacred moment unfolds—messengers surround Jude and Bridget Davis in prayer, two
The very first group of Journeymen participants pose for a group photo in 1965. (IMB Photo) By Kristen Sosebee, IMB This year, the International Mission
IMB President Paul Chitwood speaks to trustees in the May 22 plenary session. (IMB Photo) By Leslie Peacock Caldwell, managing editor of IMB corporate communications
Article by IMB Writer Sue Sprenkle(Photo provided) KINGSTON, Tenn. – Eight women sat around a table, their laughter filling Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Flour
Recently appointed IMB missionaries Jonathan and Wendy Baker talk with Kevin and Suzie Rodgers (right) at the Celebration of Emeriti event near Richmond, Virginia. The
When Ruth visited Fran in summer 2023, Ruth didn’t expect to end up in the hospital, fighting for her life. International Mission Board missionaries Wade
The Amazon River leads to many unreached people groups. Don and Maria Friesen found a way to disciple new believers by living on a floating
IMB missionary Journeyman Olivia Tucker helps prepare a picnic lunch at the farm where she worked alongside locals. (IMB Photo) By Kristen Sosebee, International Mission
(Submitted) Editor’s note: This article was first published in a newsletter from Arkansas Baptist International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Due to security
Zoe Hill, IMB Journeyman, sorts through letters sent to her during missionary training. (IMB Photo) By Sue Sprenkle, International Mission Board The 20-something held up
Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. The chain of islands hosts the most populous Muslim nation in the world.
Pastor and IMB trustee, Marshall Blalock, welcomes newly appointed IMB missionaries to First Baptist Church Charleston, South Carolina, the very first Southern Baptist church. (IMB
A man walks along a street in a city in South Asia (Submitted). Editor’s note: Names were changed for security. Feeling God’s call to missions
Missions discipleship has been a major focus in recent years at Iglesia Bautista Nueva Jerusalén. Utilizing resources made available by the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU),
IMB missionary Trey Fleming (center) and Journeyman Adam Gaskins (with glasses) gather with students during a 2024 summer outreach event in Osaka, Japan. IMB photo
Southern Baptists’ generosity helped facilitate 116,992 baptisms around the world in 2023. (IMB photo) By Karen L. Willoughby, Baptist Press national correspondent NATIONWIDE – In
By Paul Chitwood, IMB president Because this year’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® is the most important offering in the history of the International Mission Board,
Bill and Evelyn Bullington served 39 years with the International Mission Board (IMB), most of that time in West Africa. They began doing evangelism and
Annual events are most times anticipated, though some are dreaded. I will not get into tests, physicals and maybe a few difficult family situations. Let’s
Jane Thompson, IMB missionary (back row, left), joins her ministry partners for a joyful photo. Jane asked Southern Baptists to pray for Zambian women to
LITTLE ROCK – Volunteers came together at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention offices on Monday to pack materials for churches to use to promote the
A Southern Baptist volunteer hands out flyers inviting people to a center called The Living Room, hosted in partnership with a local French church. (IMB
PARIS (BP) – At first, Adam Moore was a little skeptical about one of the Olympics outreach strategies in which his mission team was participating.
IMB photo This article was written by Kristen Sosebee, who writes for the IMB. PARIS – Right now, more than 10,000 athletes are gathering for
Messengers and guests at the Southern Baptist Convention applaud IMB missionaries who will serve in countries where it is either illegal to share the Gospel
Because of LMCO, we didn’t have to worry about finances as well as my prognosis and transitioning back to the States. We will be forever grateful to everyone who prayed for and supported us – we still don’t know each one who lifted up a prayer and probably never will
Close to 330 participants representing 76 countries met for the first Global Senders Forum on April 16-19.
On Valentine’s evening, many Southern Baptists gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, to celebrate the latest group of missionaries heading to the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
John Barnett, director of the diaspora mobilization team for the International Mission Board, speaks with Arkansas Baptists. (Mary Alford/ABN) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Several Arkansas
It is the IMB’s hope to continue to build relationships with churches.
This article was written by Leslie Peacock Caldwell, managing editor at the IMB. The call to reach all nations, people, languages and tribes with the
IMB Photo This article was written by Myriah Snyder for the IMB. Twenty-five Embera people were busy at work, taking care as they handmade each
Missionary candidates who move through the pipeline are approved by IMB trustees, then blessed by Southern Baptists for service to the nations at Sending Celebrations
IMB is in the process of assigning each missionary unit a portfolio of churches. This will serve to put a very personal face on our cooperative efforts to take the gospel the ends of the earth.
Generous gifts provide Angela Dawson, IMB missionary, with a car to drive. When she received a “big” car for Thailand, she wondered why. It didn’t
“It was God’s call that kept me on the field, but it was the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the generosity of Southern Baptists that helped provide the things that were needed to stay on the field,” Moore said, also stressing the importance of prayer support.
Ethan Gee recorded a video plea asking the whole world to help him “raise 1,000 and 100 dollars” for IMB missionaries to share the gospel
Editor’s note: This article written by Paul Chitwood, International Mission Board president, was published by Baptist Press. October is Cooperative Program Emphasis Month in the
Editor’s note: This article was first published by the International Mission Board. Linda Gray moved to Benton in 1985. She joined Baring Cross Baptist Church
For the people IMB missionaries Aaron and Sheila Crowder are trying to reach, a coffee meeting can take around three hours. Last year, Sheila was
A missions movement for 18-25-year-olds is coming to Second Baptist Church, Conway, Arkansas on Oct. 14. Rev7:9 aims to create a community of people who
Imagine arriving on the mission field knowing no one, speaking none of the language and wondering where your house is, with no one to guide you. Then imagine immediately being thrown into cross-cultural ministry, also with minimum guidance.
Chitwood shared the impact Southern Baptists had through IMB workers in 2022, made possible through record Lottie Moon Christmas Offering giving and $100 million in Cooperative Program receipts.
IMB President Paul Chitwood addressed missionary emeriti and new missionaries preparing for their first term. Referring to the faithful service of those leaving the field,
IMB missionaries Caleb and Carina Beaty sing Christmas carols at their neighbor’s house. The Beaty’s neighbors were moved by the Beaty’s Easter Sunday musical performance
Through the Cooperative Program (CP) and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO), Arkansas Baptists in 2022 gave more than ever before to international missions. The
KAHRAMANMARAS, Turkey (BP) — A pair of earthquakes and a series of aftershocks have devastated portions of Turkey and Syria. According to the BBC, more than
If you were unable to attend Econ this year, you are still invited to connect with any of these church planters. You will find more information on all the Mission Connection planters beginning next week at the Arkansas Baptist News website.
Marty and Chandler knew, as soon as they left the mission field, that they’d only be gone temporarily. They were only leaving their current assignment
More than 90% of IMB missionary teams actively engage unreached people groups, many in hard-to-reach places where safety and security are daily considerations.
Little Cakes with Big Attitude owners Robyn Schwartz, left, and Bridget Vaughn, right, pose for a photo. The bakery and coffee shop donated 10% of
This article originally appeared in the Baptist Press. It was written by Erin Roach. IMB photo. RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – Johnny and Bonita Kron had
The mission team from Immanuel Baptist Church, Magnolia, Arkansas, expected things in Brooklyn, New York, to be different from their small southern Arkansas town.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Baptist Press and written by Diana Chandler. LVIV, Ukraine (BP) – Russia’s increased attacks across Ukraine forced the Ukrainian Baptist
Southern Baptists are known for their support of missions, as evidenced by a record Lottie Moon offering. However, a significant portion also comes from the tithes and offerings given each Sunday and funneled through the Cooperative Program.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Baptist Press and written by Diana Chandler. MARIUPOL, Ukraine (BP) — A Baptist pastor and his wife remain missing
Ten-year-old Mai was in the jungle near her home in Southeast Asia looking for food with her mother when a plastic bag dangling from a tree caught her eye.
August 28 is Global Hunger Sunday. Global Hunger Relief (GHR) is an initiative of the Southern Baptist Convention dedicated to combating hunger and sharing the Bread of Life.
During their first day in Peru, IMB missionary Amy Fisher had the missions team from Iglesia Bautista Nueve Jerusalem, Little Rock, Arkansas, do an activity
One person sharing the gospel with another. It sounds simple but it can be intimidating.
Missionaries heading to global areas where security is a concern were shown behind a screen. More than 90% of IMB missionary teams actively engage unreached people groups, many in hard-to-reach places where safety and security are daily considerations.
International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood began IMB’s report to the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting with recent good news from the mission field.
Amid the busy event schedule of the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting, nearly 2,000 attendees gathered for the International Mission Board dinner.
But at a gathering of missionary emeriti, these stories of sacrifice didn’t fill many moments. Instead, they spent hours telling stories of countless people coming to faith and the gospel penetrating the globe’s darkest places.
Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Moldova, a small and impoverished nation bordering Ukraine, has received an estimated one refugee for every 25 Moldovans. Most refugees are being housed and cared for by churches in the Moldovan Baptist Union.
Southern Baptists have given more than $5.5 million to date. Disaster Relief teams from several state conventions have mobilized. Churches and small groups voiced prayers.
As hearts and buildings are broken, International Mission Board missionaries are providing a digital lifeline for Ukrainians through a Facebook ad developed by missionaries and global partners.
“What a blessing it is to invest in the lives of the next generation of missionaries!”
Women in the slum brothels of Kampala, Uganda, are learning God has not forgotten them, there is hope and redemption in their life stories, and He has given them a new name.
A Disaster Assistance & Response Team (DART) of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) and volunteers returned from Poland last week to survey ways volunteers from the United States might engage and serve Ukrainian refugees fleeing the invasion of their homeland.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
It is not every day that over 30 International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries are able to make a special “short-term” trip themselves to intentionally invest in those who have sent them. One of the great benefits of the Cooperative Program (CP) is this mutual encouragement and investment.
Polish Baptists and International Mission Board missionaries quickly rallied to respond to the needs of Ukrainian refugees crossing the border to seek sanctuary from the attack on their homeland.
*Names changed for security Ben is from a culturally Christian family in North Africa. He grew up in London and is familiar with Scripture. Adam*
Neither John nor Serena Tail grew up as believers. “We routinely just lived for ourselves,” John explained. As a young person Serena often heard that church was full of hypocrites.
George Liele is one of the most significant figures in the history of Christian missions.
Kara and her husband are refugees from Burundi and live in South Africa. They work with IMB missionaries David and Julie Yngsdal, who serve among refugee communities in Durban, South Africa.
For Jason and Allison Cook* history does repeat itself. Like Philip in the Bible, the Cooks obeyed God’s call on their life and traveled to another land.
Six months ago, Daler* received a Bible from local Christians who were ministering in his village. Christian worker Brent Dorsett* has made several visits to this town, and he recently accompanied his national partner on a follow-up visit.
Hope. Merely reading the word can stir our emotions, inspire positive thoughts and lift our spirit. Hope is what keeps us going, causes us to press forward even in the face of hardship or despair, and prevents us from giving up on ourselves or others regardless of past disappointments or current circumstances.
The week of prayer for international missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is Nov. 28-Dec. 5.
Collectively, these three ladies had and are still having an immeasurable eternal impact for the Kingdom.
November 28 – December 5 is the Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO).
On Oct. 29 in Kenya, IMB missionaries serving in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Asian Pacific Rim signed a memorandum of understanding solidifying the sending of missionaries from Asia to serve in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This past summer more than 87,000 kids and students attended Lifeway camps with over 475 summer staffers providing fun and inspiring experiences at FUGE Camps, CentriKid Camps, Student Life Camps and Student Life Kids Camps.
For 176 years, Southern Baptists have sent missionaries to proclaim the gospel of hope among the nations through the IMB.
Nigeria is increasingly in the news, and not for its tourist attractions. Headlines amplify the spiral of hatred, civil unrest, violence, kidnapping and destruction that is “spinning out of control” in many parts of the African nation, according to some observers.
Digital media has changed the world. Jesus commissioned believers to make disciples of all nations, and that work is directly impacted by the accessibility provided through the internet. The ancient Roman Road opened the way to share Christ with the world in the apostle Paul’s day, and today the internet is opening the world in a new way for believers
John Dina’s job description isn’t medicine as missions, but he sees his work in community development in Mozambique as one way of doing healthcare missions.
Hello! We are the Pollard* family. Both of us, Adam* and Evelyn*, were born and mostly raised here in Arkansas. We have five children, and four of them were born overseas. We have
The Marshalls are two of the 34 IMB missionaries recognized during the Sending Celebration on Sept. 29, 2021, at Staples Mill Road Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. The missionaries were approved for appointment by International Mission Board trustees earlier that day during their meeting.
Pray for Joel and Kellie to continue ministering with favor and boldness.
“From our first meeting she was eager and excited to know God,” said Ellison. “She believed that God’s Word was truth and was eager to learn it for herself.”
Baptist work in Brazil has grown from a small group of people 150 years ago to 15,000 congregations and 3.5 million people today.
Cabrera was sent to partner with IMB missionary Jeremy Taliaferro’s team serving these refugees earlier this summer. The team’s main objectives are humanitarian aid and spiritual aid. He plans to be in the country for a minimum of three years.
When an individual from an unengaged, unreached people group comes to faith, many rejoice
Through the IMB Summer Sojourners program, four U.S. university students braved COVID-19 and unrest in Columbia to spend the summer serving with the Touch of Life Foundation in Bucaramanga, which ministers to Venezuelan refugees.
For believers in South Asia, persecution comes in many forms. Often, professing faith in Christ can affect their standing within their communities and their ability to secure a means of providing for their families.
International Mission Board missionaries saw 18,380 churches planted, 144,322 new believers and 86,587 baptisms in 2020. This could not have happened without the prayers and financial support of Southern Baptist churches.
Send Relief is working with the Florida Baptist Convention and local Haitian churches on the ground to meet critical needs in the wake of the earthquake.
When you give to your church, you give to missions through the Cooperative Program, bringing the Good News to the whole world.
Refugees take more than one journey. The more obvious journey is the one they take away from instability and threats of violence and death in search of stability and safety. Another journey is one of trauma, and for many women, it includes domestic and sexual abuse.
On Jan. 13, 2020, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 outside of China was reported in Thailand. Since then, Southeast Asia has experienced wave after debilitating wave of the virus.
I like to say that I teach Cake to Christ. When women are learning how to bake a cake, they’re getting the gospel.
At first glance, Korean and Zambian cultures don’t share many similarities.
Jesus is the one who gives eternal life, and you cannot lose your salvation! Imagine hearing that truth for the very first time.
The team distributes a pamphlet that explains each of their pins. If people have time, they share their faith and use the pins to talk about faith, grace and God’s redemption.
In 2020, 4.3 billion people lived in cities – that’s 56 percent of the global population. By 2050, it is estimated more than 2 billion people will be added to that number.
When an individual from an unengaged, unreached people group comes to faith, many rejoice: the missionaries who’ve dedicated their lives to reaching the people group, the believers and churches in the United States who’ve spent time praying for and investing resources in the people, the national believers and churches who have been instrumental in gaining access to and reaching the people, and even the angels in heaven (Luke 15:10).
Prestonwood Baptist Church Pastor Jack Graham (second from right) presents a $1 million dollar gift to IMB President Paul Chitwood (second from left) Sunday, Aug. 1. Also pictured: L. Gilberto Corrdera, pastor of Prestonwood en Español (left) and John Brady, IMB’s Vice President for global engagement (right).
TOKYO (BP) – Japan’s population is aging. Almost 30 percent of its population is 65 years old and older. This statistic is affecting church planting, church health and church growth. International Mission Board missionaries and Japanese Christians must answer the question, “Who will lead the next generation of believers?”
Many Central Asian refugees found themselves grounded in one country on the refugee highway, routes often traveled by refugees crossing country borders, in 2015 and 2016 and the grounding continues due to the pandemic. This is the longest missionaries William and Darlene King*, who serve with the International Mission Board, have had with refugees whose journey on the refugee highway is somewhat of a modern-day telling of Homer’s Odyssey.
Jose and his wife, Juanita*, were Spanish speaking immigrants to Israel, working in a newly opened coffee shop when Ben and Christy walked in that spring evening.
We are now in the third wave, and it is the highly contagious Delta variant. So many people are getting sick. In fact, my husband tested positive this week, and my daughter and I are experiencing symptoms, so we are all in quarantine for two weeks.
In a small town near Madrid, Spain, a missionary couple, Walker and Becca Welch, walked around a university hoping to meet Chinese students and share the gospel. Usually, the town’s university hosts more than 300 Chinese exchange students every year. Unfortunately, due to COVID 19, the Welches have had few opportunities so far this year to get to know them.
Today, a Christian couple sits in prison. Arrested for sharing the gospel, they wait for another trial date to face the authorities and angry family members. They’ve been to trial already but have not yet heard a final verdict or sentencing. Trials are often postponed and drawn out, while government leaders look for further evidence against Christians and hope that believers will renounce their faith in Christ.
Wally Contreras of First Baptist Church Gahanna, Ohio, had a passion for missions before he became pastor in January 2020.
Traumatic experiences are part of the context for many missionaries, pastors and leaders who currently work with people who have been affected by some type of tragedy, especially in this time of pandemic. The suffering and the aftermath left by these experiences are part of the challenge that the Christian worker faces in presenting the message of the gospel.
A Uyghur family prepares dinner over an open fire.
A local Bambara subsistence farmer in the village of Falako in Mali, West Africa shows an IMB missionary and volunteer the worms that are killing his crops. This village is one of 120 that will benefit from 500 tons of millet. The grain was provided to help stave off the starvation for about 31,000 people living in this rural area.
Ramsey* didn’t want to take his own life. Instead, he accepted missions that put him in harm’s way. Years later, after he became a Christian, Ramsey still doesn’t want to take his own life, but is willing to lay down his life for the sake of Christ and accepted a mission that puts him in harm’s way.
Refugee women display bracelets they made with the help of volunteers.
George Smith’s COVID-19 test came back positive. The diagnosis began a months-long battle of prayer and physical challenges for Smith and his wife Geraldine, IMB missionaries in Uganda.
IMB President Paul Chitwood addresses the Southern Baptist Convention during the IMB report on June 15, 2021. (IMB photo)
Houston’s First Baptist Church not only takes reaching the nations seriously, but they also take their call to reach the nations that have come to Houston seriously.
In January 2020, International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood announced 2025 targets built around the IMB’s vision and mission to engage unreached people and places in the next five years. The first target is “send an additional 500 missionaries.”
“Praise God. God is good all the time,” Seth Mahiga proclaimed at the altar of Life Church International in Nairobi, Kenya. Just two days earlier he announced his resignation as general secretary of the Atheists in Kenya Society.
Raymond*, a church planter and pastor, went to jail for sharing his faith in 2008, and now faces the possibility of more time in jail.
Download this full-color prayer guide for the Middle East to use at home or distribute in your churches. Presentation slides are also available below to use on screens.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series on global persecution, leading churches to pray for the persecuted church. The Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church will be observed this Sunday (June 6).
Winter scenes at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp near Kraków, Poland, are never cheerful and the weather usually has a big part to play. Even the cheerfully colored umbrellas of tourists exploring the ruins of the old camp barracks cannot change what history wrote there—the scar of concrete fenceposts and lives lost remain.
Surfing involves a lot of things coming together. The waves have to be breaking. One has to get a sense of the ocean’s movement, when the wave is about to approach and join it. When that happens, it can take you farther than you expect.
In the silence since the May 20 ceasefire between Israel and Gaza ended 11 days of violence, Baptist workers among Israeli and Palestinians urge churches to look past the politics and see people in need of Jesus.
Adam*, a national believer, knew death was coming. He told Jonathan*, an International Mission Board worker, he would be killed. His days were numbered, and though he didn’t know the number of days, he knew what God had called him to do.
Meghan Aranda, an IMB journeyman, serves in Colombia among Indigenous people along the coast, including the Zenu. Toward the beginning of her two-year term, Aranda attended a workshop hosted by Send Relief in Panama. The purpose of the workshop was to provide practical tools to equip or start microenterprises within communities.
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – IMB missionary Jim Flora, who served among the Basotho people of Lesotho in Sub-Saharan Africa, died Friday, May 8, 2021 from
Macie Craddock* said she always felt compelled to serve overseas in some capacity. From an early age Craddock interacted with missionaries through Girls in Action
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series on global persecution, leading churches to pray for the persecuted church. The Day of Prayer for
When Eric Haney stepped onto the train platform after a long night of music rehearsal in Stockholm, Sweden, his eyes were drawn to the wall
International Mission Board trustees approved 68 new fully funded missionaries for appointment during their May 11-12 meeting in Richmond, Virginia. This is the first in-person
Having presented the 2020 Annual Statistical Report (ASR) to IMB trustees during the May 13 board meeting, IMB is now making the full report available
I am Joel, and my wife, Kellie, and I have been serving with the International Mission Board for the past 19 years in Southeast Asia
IMB missionary couple Jay and Kathy Shafto understand the importance of people hearing the gospel in their own languages. The Shaftos currently serve in the
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series on global persecution, leading churches to pray for the persecuted church. The Day of Prayer for
OKLAHOMA CITY (BP) – Mart Green has a vision that everyone in the world will have the Bible in their own heart language in the
What would happen if the more than 47,000 churches in the Southern Baptist Convention were directly connected to International Mission Board missionaries and actively engaged
Maggie Pearce* was crushed. Her friend who had been so receptive to studying the Bible and hearing about Jesus suddenly seemed angry and closed to
Christian leaders are working tirelessly to serve—finding oxygen cylinders, medicine, empty hospital beds, meals and burial sites for countless people. Pray Isaiah 40:31 that as they wait on
Death is literally in the air. I opened the veranda door of my apartment in Delhi this week and realized the sky was grey and
At age 15, Cristhina Danies knew God was calling her to work with women and children overseas who were victims of wars, human trafficking and exploitation. Danies moved to Miami, Florida,
The International Mission Board is collaborating with Nik Ripken Ministries to raise awareness about current religious persecution through the Day of Prayer for the Persecuted
La Unión Femenil Bautista Misionera Helen Stuart donated $1,180.88 to the 2020 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® (LMCO). The group is a part of the Baptist Convention of Panama’s Woman’s Missionary Union and has faithfully donated to the International Mission Board (IMB) for many years.
In March 2020, Sophia Roberts* was scheduled to fly to Southeast Asia to begin her term with IMB’s Journeyman program. As she was signing the contract
When COVID-19 first arrived in Guinea in March 2020, churches closed almost immediately. With churches and many businesses shutting down simultaneously, most church leadership completely
Time is never a guarantee when Christians meet a refugee in Greece. They may have years, months, weeks or just hours to share the hope
March 22, 2021, marked one year anniversary of the first COVID-19 related death in Czech Republic, where I serve. In memory and honor of those lost in
SOUTH ASIA (BP) – Missionary Liz Karwood* reports that in the area where she serves, the lostness can feel staggering. She understands that her team
Pastor Cecil Richards calls it “pure gold” – a missionary’s 5-gallon bucket of water that led to his salvation after the 1979 La Soufriere volcanic
Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) has the longest-running civil war in history, spanning 70 years. The country is divided into seven regions, and within these
“A demon came to me and said, ‘You cannot serve both God and me—you have to choose.’” This is what one witch doctor’s apprentice, Choi*,
Dr. Justin Lohmeier, M.D., had no idea how valuable his skills as a healthcare professional could be, when he was first presented the opportunity to
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent (BP) – About 10 miles below the erupting La Soufriere volcano on the small island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown
CLEARWATER, Fla. (BP) – When Calvary Church turned 150 years old in 2016, Pastor Willy Rice laid out an ambitious vision: plant 150 churches in
International Mission Board leaders are celebrating a monumental milestone in Southern Baptist life: On March 31, 2021, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® surpassed $5 billion total
Travel restrictions and a worldwide pandemic haven’t kept Southern Baptists from engaging in the work God is doing in East Asia, though churches and IMB
Snow shuts down half of this Central Asian province in the winter. Where a person is when the immobilizing snow hits is where they will
“If you want me to go to Africa, I will go,” vowed the 10-year-old girl as she put down the Girls in Action study book.
Easter 2019 was an unforgettable Easter. Several new believers from surrounding villages came to a celebration we had at our house under the huge, shady
For Mateusz Kowalski*, a Polish believer, Lent and the Easter holiday changed meaning when he gave Christ lordship of his life more than ten years
Travis Burkhalter and his wife, Beth, have served with the IMB in Central and South America since 2010. In those years, their Spanish language skills
Oklahoma Baptist University recently introduced a new degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Global Marketplace Engagement, that will include a semester-long internship during the student’s
Seriously? They ought to know better…. Murat* sighed as he looked down at the door hanger attached to his apartment door. It read: “Don’t celebrate
Naomi*, a young Deaf widow, had a hard decision to make. Year after year she saw and understood the truth of the gospel as she
SOUTH ASIA (BP) – Desperation took over as the mother and father prepared the last bit of food they had for their children and then
Is passion genetic? Can one love burn for three generations? Do children pick up Great Commission tendencies from parents, along with mannerisms or voice inflection?
Using data collected for IMB’s most recent Annual Statistical Report, this collection of videos features highlights from each of IMB’s nine global affinities. Use these short videos with
Last night at sunset the electricity in our neighborhood flickered off. I stalled my dinner prep in hopes that the lights would return quickly, but
When COVID-19 became a global pandemic, many missionaries were forced to return to the U.S. or made the decision to return because it was the
As a photographer with the International Mission Board, I have had the privilege of working alongside Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) partners on numerous projects
If you had to get an urgent message out to a million or more people but could not physically access any of the countries where
When Erasyl* started university in his hometown in the former Soviet Union, he knew very little about Jesus. Being from a Muslim home, he was
IMB missionaries in Sub-Saharan Africa have a goal to see 55 unengaged, unreached people groups engaged with the gospel by the year 2025. Among these
Taking a gap-year is an appealing option for many recent graduates, and studies show growing numbers of students are choosing to pursue other interests before
Missionaries with Oklahoma connections are coordinating with leaders of the International Mission Board (IMB) and leaders in the global Deaf Community to advance the gospel
On Feb. 25, the International Mission Board hosted a panel discussion, “The Future of Missions: Why Biblical Diversity Matters”. The discussion was streamed on Facebook and through
Sammy’s vision in 2004 was clear: God wanted him to raise up leaders who have the same faith that Moses of the Old Testament had.
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – The five years after what was termed a historic financial and operational “reset” for the International Mission Board have brought two
REDLANDS, Calif. (BP) – Brody Brewer wanted to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in 2020, but he wasn’t sure how. As a 12-year-old
I had dreamed of 2020 for as long as I can remember. The anticipation and expectations were high as I counted down to welcome 2020.
The piazzas are empty. The selfie-snapping, sneaker-wearing tourists who normally frequent Milan’s historical squares are no longer visiting Italy due to COVID-19 restrictions. And, like
What is biblical diversity? Why does it matter in a conversation about international missions? How do we pursue diversity and unity at the same time? God’s
EASTERN EUROPE (BP) – More than 125 people put their trust in Christ during a three-day mountain retreat in the Caucuses region of Europe. National
In a year marked with hardships, loss, separation, and isolation, it is my honor and privilege to inform Arkansas Baptists of the incredible outcomes of our partnership and cooperation to support missions at every level.
GLEN ALLEN, Va. (BP) – The International Mission Board celebrated the appointment of 33 missionaries being sent to the nations in a virtual Sending Celebration
Los 175 años de ministerio de la Junta de Misiones Internacionales (IMB siglas en inglés) entre las naciones han dado como resultado la formación de 140 convenciones y uniones bautistas en 73 países.
The SBC Executive Committee voted in February 2020 to approve the first Sunday in February as the annual George Liele Church Planting, Evangelism and Missions Day, at the recommendation of the International Mission Board.
A devout Muslim responded to hate with hate, but he surrendered to Jesus and now leads a weekly bible study for the people he once vowed to kill.
The International Mission Board celebrates the ongoing and indelible legacy of African Americans who have served and are serving on the mission field.
IMB will host another virtual Sending Celebration to allow Southern Baptists to collectively rejoice in 33 missionaries being sent to the nations. Join us on
I do know the Lord will bring peace one day, and my prayer for all of them is that they would find the hope and healing that is found in Christ.
IMB is celebrating with these partnering churches and is grateful for the continued generosity shown by those who have joined with us to spread the gospel to all peoples.
IMB missionaries and staff pledged $802,700 to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® through an internal campaign that began Sept. 23 and ended Nov. 30.
In March 2020, IMB missionary Reid Karr’s church was unable to meet as the Italian government had already restricted gatherings.
Twenty years is a long time. That’s how long it took to establish a gospel presence among a Muslim unreached people group of 10 million in South Asia.
If you go for a tour at the National WMU building in Birmingham, Alabama, you are bound to see the letter. That’s right, the letter written by Lottie Moon in 1889 to Annie Armstrong.
The Worthy family recognizes the importance of investing in relationships in the Italian culture. For more than 17 years, Charlie and Shannon Worthy have invested their lives and ministry in Italy as IMB missionaries.
Throughout its 175-year history, Southern Baptists have maintained an uninterrupted witness among the nations, in spite of famine, war and civil unrest.
Like many tribal people groups, the Akawa are animists who live in fear of the spirits that inhabit the world around them, said Joe Brewster, an IMB missionary who works with the small tribe.
Medical missions leads to church planting
Leaders of the national Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) are executing a plan to send hand-written appeals to 20,000 Southern Baptist churches to encourage every church to give to the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Surrounded by cow pastures and hayfields, South Fork Baptist Church is small enough to fit into a corner of many big-city church sanctuaries.
After living in Croatia for more than 22 years, missionary Eric Maroney understands why some people describe life and ministry as difficult in this part of Europe.
International Mission Board missionary Kristen Lowry and the staff at the Naivasha Children’s Shelter in Naivasha, Kenya, see the value and worth in the life of each boy.
On November 18, the International Mission Board celebrated the appointment of 79 new missionaries in a virtual Sending Celebration streamed on Facebook and through the IMB: Advance the Kingdom app.
They left their world behind in search of a safer one. On their journey, they found the Creator of the world.
In early September, fires destroyed Moria, the largest migrant camp in Greece on the island of Lesbos.
The difference a 6% annual increase in giving would make
Viewers can join the celebration livestream on Facebook, Vimeo and on IMB’s Advance the Kingdom app.
Pray for Katherine, Adam, and all new refugee believers, that God will continue to bring believers alongside them to walk with them in healing and growth as followers of Jesus to comfort others with the same comfort they’ve been given.
Total registration for the event topped 5,200, with many watching the livestream in groups or with their churches.
Remember to pray for missions with these custom backgrounds for your computer and mobile devices.
Casting a long shadow across one of Mexico City’s poorest and most crime-ridden neighborhoods stands a seven-story tall image of Santa Muerte – the Saint of Death.
They go abroad and visit churches. When they leave the islands, they leave behind Islam. When they return, they pick their Muslim identity back up.
What’s a good way to learn a language? Converse with a native speaker. What’s a good way to advance the gospel? Invest in a missionary. What can catalyze both objectives? A global pandemic, apparently.
On October 29, 7-9 p.m. EST, please join the IMB for a virtual event highlighting the global, cultural, and spiritual realities that are impacting and shaping the future of international missions.
Permanent resettlement is an elusive dream for many of the world’s 79.5 million forcibly displaced people.
This is the twelfth post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report.
The International Mission Board is reporting a 2019-20 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering total of $159.5 million, the second highest offering in history.
In Southeast Asia, IMB workers strive to equip and empower local churches to reach what they’ve identified as the edge of lostness.
With Christmas approaching in a few short months, the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering resources have been shared with the public.
International Mission Board trustees unanimously approved the appointment of 80 full-time, fully funded personnel during their Sept. 29-30 meeting.
Bobby Bowden coached football for more than 50 years. Over the course of 34 seasons as head coach of the Florida State Seminoles, his teams won twelve conference championships and two national championships. Coach Bowden knows about winning.
This is the tenth post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report. The report is based on 2019 research data. A full copy of the report is available at imb.org/asr.
From the heights of the mighty Himalayas to the crystal-clear water of the Maldives, South Asia is both awe-inspiring and heart-wrenching. Despite the beauty of much of the region and its people, South Asia remains home to the largest concentration of non-Christians on the planet.
God used our simple, imperfect family to be His hands and feet in a place on the other side of the world for His glory. By His grace, He is still using us. However, this is not just our story.
In 2012, a church in Texas committed to pray for an unengaged people group in Northern Africa. They knew they would not have access to much, if any, information or updates but they remained committed to pray.
This is the ninth post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report.
In 2017, IMB workers Mark and Hannah Bustrum attended a retreat with missionaries from the region and invited national partners to participate. For more than a decade they had worked to strengthen relationships with Portuguese believers but inviting them to this retreat was about more than building or maintaining those relationships.
The International Mission Board joined with Barna Group for an online workshop titled The Future of Missions. The workshop, hosted virtually on Wednesday (Sept. 2), included IMB President Paul Chitwood, IMB staff and Barna Group representatives. Nearly 1,000 people joined the online event from around the world.
In January 2020, IMB President Paul Chitwood announced five targets built around IMB’s vision and mission to engage unreached people and places over the next five years.
Shirley Clark and her husband, Charles, served as missionaries in Venezuela for more than 30 years.
Editor’s note: This is the fourth post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report. The report is based on
The coronavirus has left virtually no country unaffected. Unrelenting and indiscriminate, the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the welfare of millions and has wreaked havoc on
YouTube is a major media platform for young South Koreans. “You have your cell phone and you also have your YouTube channel,” said IMB missionary
Editor’s note: This is the second post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report. The report is based on
The words weren’t easy for Angela to hear: “If you go back as a single career missionary, you probably will never get married.” She understood
[IMB] Editor’s note: This is the first post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report. The report is based
Over the past few months, my morning routine has consisted of the same few activities: exercising, reading Scripture, and browsing through news sites of my
Follow the continuing adventures of the Singerman missionary family Do you remember the Singerman family who were stranded in Kenya during the lockdown? If not,
For the past 13 years, IMB has hosted the MedAdvance conference as a forum for healthcare professionals, students, church leaders and state and associational leaders
International Mission Board senior leaders are urging Southern Baptists to use extreme caution if they are considering overseas missions travel for the remainder of 2020.
Throughout our 175-year history, Southern Baptists have maintained an uninterrupted witness among the nations, in spite of famines, wars, civil unrest and—as we have all
It is the uncertainty that has frustrated me the most. My family was due to return to the mission field this week but the invisible COVID-19
RICHMOND – The International Mission Board on June 10 publicly released its Annual Statistical Report (ASR) based on 2019 data, revealing year-over-year increases in gospel
Tonight at 6 p.m. join us, along with other churches across the nation, as we celebrate during the Sending Celebration hosted by the International Mission
India and Bangladesh were already suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic when Cyclone Amphan slammed ashore on May 20. The storm uprooted trees, flattened homes and
Editor’s note: With the necessary cancellation of the 2020 SBC Annual Meeting, Southern Baptist entity leaders offered reports during SBC Advance, a lived-streamed event held
Each year, around this time at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting (SBC), a Sending Celebration is hosted to pray and celebrate new missionaries being
The IMB Student Team is providing an opportunity for students to reach the nations through the Stateside Summer initiative. Stateside Summer empowers students to reach
It didn’t seem like much—just $32.20—but it was all this 11-year-old had. The small stash represented 6 months of household chores and errands, not to
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) — During a virtual meeting May 13-14, trustees of the International Mission Board approved the appointment of 59 new missionaries and received
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) — Like their fellow Southern Baptists in the United States, International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries are adjusting to government lockdowns and other
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) — As airlines reduced flights and countries around the world went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some International Mission Board
AUGUSTA, Ga. (BP) — When 327 delegates met at First Baptist Church in Augusta, Ga., on May 8, 1845, they did more than start a
2020 has been a year like no other. COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has taken lives across the globe and caused untold
Though it seems like the COVID-19 epidemic has brought much of the world to a standstill, God is always at work. Believers everywhere are finding
RICHMOND, Va. – International Mission Board (IMB) senior leaders have directed IMB missionary personnel around the world to postpone hosting any ministry volunteer groups through
In light of the continuing global expansion of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus), the International Mission Board’s coronavirus task force and senior leadership recommend that mission
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The International Mission Board (IMB) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB) announced Bryant Wright as the new president of Send Relief
Nashville, Tenn. – If every Southern Baptist increased giving to international missions by the price of a single cup of coffee over the next five
RICHMOND, Va. — In light of the global expansion of coronavirus (COVID-19), the International Mission Board has convened a task force to specifically address the
Patrick and Erin Schwartz have had to get used to the darkness that often clouds Scotland’s beauty. According to the World Weather Information Service, Scotland
RICHMOND, Va. – The International Mission Board (IMB) has selected Somer Nowak to fill the newly created position of prevention and response administrator for the
RICHMOND, Va. – Jason Thomas has joined IMB’s partner relations team as African American church mobilization strategist. In this capacity, Thomas will work with nearly
RICHMOND, Va. – For 175 years, Southern Baptists have not failed to have a witness among the nations, International Mission Board (IMB) president Paul Chitwood
RICHMOND, Va. – Going on mission wasn’t new for members of First Baptist Church in Tifton, Ga. They were already partnering with IMB workers in
SOUTHEAST ASIA – The scent of pine trees and roasting coffee beans permeates the Southeast Asian air. International Mission Board worker Katelyn Summers* keeps careful
RICHMOND, Va. – More than 155,000 people die daily without Christ. This is a harsh and unacceptable reality facing Southern Baptists, IMB President Paul Chitwood
RICHMOND — Andrew (Andy) N. Leininger, who served as a Christian worker in the former Soviet Union for 22 years, died in his home state
WHEATON, Ill. — The International Mission Board and the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College’s Rural Matters Institute have launched a five-year research project that
BOHOL, Philippines – The International Mission Board has signed a covenant with One Sending Body, the sending entity of five Baptist conventions in the Philippines.
RICHMOND, Va.– International Mission Board trustees voted to elect Mark MacDonald as the mission organization’s vice president of marketing and communication during a virtual meeting
SOUTH ASIA – Zoya’s* family life was a mess. She had fallen in love with a Hindu man, and consequently, her Muslim family disowned her.
