A six-person construction missions team from First Baptist Church Pleasant Grove, Utah, shares through pictures their experiences on the team’s ninth annual trip 27 miles south of Yuma, Arizona, to build a home for a needy family.
Cultural Christianity seemed like a huge roadblock in IMB missionary Sarah’s ministry. She encountered people every day in Poland who affirmed they were “Christian.” But when Sarah asked, “Why did Jesus die?”, the question stumped them.
Some days June Estes pinches herself to make sure she isn’t dreaming. As an International Mission Board missionary explorer, she experiences a lot of things she never imagined doing in her lifetime.
Josue Valerio emphasized the importance of training being contextualized to Hispanic culture. “It’s more than just speaking the language or having a translator,” he said.
Asians remain the largest ethnic group of missionaries currently serving with the International Mission Board, but they still represent a relatively small number of Asian congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention.
He has risen! As you celebrate this Easter season, please remember your many IMB missionaries on the field. In some areas, like where we live in the Asia-Pacific Rim, it’s the perfect time to explain the true meaning of this holiday.
“Aziza’s life changed because she met Christians who loved her and offered her Jesus,” said Allison, senior diaspora mobilization strategist with the IMB.
In the past few years, evangelicals, who make up about 30% of Brazil’s population, have taken a new approach, working to short-circuit the festival with displays of Christian faith.
“This is a win-win opportunity for both [the seminary] and IMB. The students get to serve on an established team with veteran IMB missionaries,” said Amanda Davis, director of globalization at the IMB.
“The whole goal with this [vision tour] is to connect Arkansas Baptist churches with partnerships in Brazil. They knew that up front.”
