God has a method and a program for bringing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ to every nation, tribe, and tongue on Earth. The great news is He has a part for YOU in that plan. During each weekend in October, missionaries from around the world will provide messages, videos, and powerful Bible messages. This year’s theme is “Unreached.” Join us as we hear stories of transformation, trials, and triumphs. We pray you will be encouraged by what God is doing in the world through our ministry partnerships and that you will discern your place in God’s global mission.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
Peter Verkaik | Nigeria
Word of Life Nigeria began as a desire of Peter and Bette Verkaik's to reach the Fulani people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This ministry began in late November 2000. Since that time several exciting things have been happening in this country. Word of Life Nigeria has purchased a 12-room building in Jos, Nigeria and began a Discipleship Training Center to train new believers and to protect them from severe Muslim persecution. Future plans hope to see this DTC move to a 400-acre property that the Nigerian government has promised to allow us to use. The first Bible Club began in November 2001, today there are 15 Teen & Olympian Clubs. Peter currently has two couples from Nigeria working with him on staff in the Bible Club program, and there is another American family preparing to go to Nigeria to help in the ministry as well.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
Haroon Masih | Pakistan
Haroon and Jozie were members of our church while finishing their respective ministry degrees from Trinity College. They have since moved to New Orleans, where Haroon is working on his seminary degree. Even while in college, Haroon has been active virtually in Pakistan through an organization called, “Interest of Others Ministry.” They teach theology classes in Pakistan on Saturday and work alongside our local leaders in Pakistan to help the Christian community to grow in their faith. This involves providing classes with notes and meals on Saturday evenings so they can come to class without cost. To run this project it cost us $9 per person per month. Their partners in Pakistan are the Brethren Church of Sheikhupura, Bethania Church of Warburton, Kalaam-e-Haqq Church of Faislabad, and Saint Paul Christian School who are helping us to grow this ministry.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
DAVID NELMS | The Timothy Initiative
The Timothy Initiative (TTI) is a global movement that makes and multiplies disciples, churches, and leaders. They’re committed to getting a church in every village, everywhere. The ministry model is based on 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” David is passionate about serving, equipping, and partnering with indigenous leaders across the globe with the overarching aim of getting the Gospel to every people and place. His ultimate desire is to walk closely with Jesus and lead others to do the same.
Website: https://ttiglobal.org/
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
KEN WHITTEN | North American Missions Board
The North American Mission Board (NAMB) exists to help churches plant churches everywhere for everyone. With millions of people in North America not yet reached with the Gospel, a newly planted church makes eternal change possible in an unreached neighborhood. Ken Whitten, recently retired pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church, is now the national director of pastoral leadership with the board. Pastor Whitten has served the church for decades and served in various local, state, and national capacities. These include the SBC International Mission Board, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Florida State Board of Missions, Florida Baptist Witness Board, and others.
Website: https://www.namb.net/
ALSO JOINING US:
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Gregg Mann | Guyana
Greg and Wendy Mann launched Grace Ministries of Guyana in 1999. Their initial efforts were greatly blessed of God through hundreds coming to Christ, churches planted, and local church leaders trained. In 2009 the Mann’s moved to Florida, but Greg continued his ministry making over 3 dozen trips to Guyana to train pastors, conduct evangelistic crusades, and a host of other outreach efforts. In 2020, Greg and Wendy relocated back to Guyana to the people and the place their hearts call home!
Website: globalfaithmissions
WHAT IS MISSIONS?
When God put a plan together for getting the message of salvation to the entire world, He chose to work through local churches like ours! It is that simple. If a lost man in Tanzania is to hear the gospel, it will be because a church reaches beyond its local area and obeys the command of God to win our world.
The process begins with a person who will be sent by his local church (Acts 13)—someone who will leave his homeland to tell others of Christ. Then it takes a church family who will stand behind that person prayerfully and financially. It takes individuals within that church family who will say, “Though I cannot go, I will help you go, and I will pray for you as you do!” So one by one, God calls men to go, and He leads churches to pray and to give. That is God’s formula—and it works!
The Bible says in Romans 10:15, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” It also says in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” God’s instruction to us is to give cheerfully so that people can hear the gospel.
In Acts 13:1–3, the Holy Spirit separated Paul and Barnabas from the church at Antioch. In Acts 14:26–27, they returned to Antioch and reported to the local church body about their work. That is exactly what we will experience during the month of October.
The reason for a mission’s emphasis time is to purposely set time aside to follow God’s instruction! We want to know His heart and hear His voice. He is calling us to win our world, and the world is waiting for us to answer! May we truly be the church God intends us to be.