FBC Rogers hosts IMB Sending Celebration Feb. 4
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
January 22, 2026
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
“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
(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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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,
Lightstock photo Someone recently asked me, “What does it mean to have people praying for you?” It’s a very timely question. You are about to
PARIS (BP) – At first, Adam Moore was a little skeptical about one of the Olympics outreach strategies in which his mission team was participating.
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.
It is the IMB’s hope to continue to build relationships with churches.
Fellowship Baptist Church Pastor Gary Martin said they surpassed that mark by more than $2,000, raising a total of $26,063 to support worldwide evangelism through the special offering named for famed missionary Lottie Moon
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
As I think about giving gifts, I am reminded that this season provides a wonderful opportunity for giving to missions.
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
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,
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
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Baptists gave more than $21 million through the Cooperative Program in 2022, marking the largest year of giving in the history
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
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
One person sharing the gospel with another. It sounds simple but it can be intimidating.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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?”
IMB missionary Donn Broeker said he believes many Japanese are eager to connect with others, especially after 17 months of COVID restrictions.
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.
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.
Refugee women display bracelets they made with the help of volunteers.
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.”
Reach the campus, and you can reach the world for Christ. Does that seem like an exaggeration? I was convinced that God was willing to do just that through our obedience at Henderson State University. Going to make disciples of all nations needed to start with reaching and discipling students right here on the local campus.
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.