Ripples of mission
- June
Advance participants watching the sunset by a lake in Cambodia
PHOTO PROVIDED BY AN ADVANCE PARTICIPANT
Have you ever tossed a stone into a still pond and watched as the ripples traveled much further than you ever expected? I often think about our ministry in that way. When someone engages with EMM, it isn’t just a single “splash” in time. It’s a movement of the Spirit that travels across decades, continents, and generations.
Recently, I reached out to a few friends of the organization to ask what specifically draws them to continue their partnership with us. I was struck not just by their past service, but by the fact that today — years or even decades later — they are still standing with us as faithful financial supporters. Their ripples are still moving.
Ruth “Ruthie” Zimmerman is a wonderful example of a long-term ripple. Her interest in missions began as a child as she listened to Sunday School teachers and visiting missionaries. Ruthie was a Voluntary Service participant in Philadelphia from 1975 to 1977. She later spent years on the EMM central office staff and served as a Representative Council member for Groffdale Mennonite Church. Today, she isn’t just a “former” staff member; she is an active investor in the mission, currently serving on a Mission Support Team (MST) for EMM workers and supporting EMM with her financial gifts.
“Keeping the reality of how much of the world population remains unreached in front of us needs to be our highest priority. How can they hear unless someone is sent? EMM makes the sending possible…. Their long experience enables them to send in a much more responsible and accountable way.”
— Ruth Zimmerman
Lincoln and Jen Nafziger also carry stories of obedience that started years ago. Lincoln served on YES assignments in Singapore (1996) and Trinidad (1997), while Jen served in Indonesia (2000). They know firsthand what it’s like to be the “sent” ones. Now, they have stepped into the role of “senders,” choosing to serve on Wendell and Melanie Nofziger’s MST and prioritizing EMM in their philanthropy.
“Jen and I both had life-changing experiences through the YES program under EMM. Through those relationships and discipleship, we grew to a deep level of trust and commitment to Jesus, and we desire to faithfully obey the call for others to know Him. We see EMM doing this, even still, until today, through our relationships with current missionaries and staff members at EMM. Because of that, we joyfully support EMM in God’s mission around the world. “
— Lincoln Nafziger
Sarah Beth represents a more recent ripple. In addition to her current involvement on the MST for Jan Heindel, she served on our Kingdom Teams Summer Staff in 2018, which led to her ongoing support of EMM. As a younger supporter, Sarah Beth recognizes the value of EMM’s work locally and around the world.
“I support EMM because I see the love that EMM workers and staff have for all people and for Jesus. I think the world needs more of that.”
— Sarah Beth Ranck
These stories are inspiring, but they also highlight a sobering reality. Every day, over three billion people wake up without access to the gospel. They face the “three devastating NOs”: no disciples near them, no churches to join, and no Bibles in their language.
To reach them, we need a stable foundation. Our Impact Fund is the “pond” that allows these ripples to happen. It is the vital infrastructure that provides training for cross-cultural ministry, crisis care and counseling for our workers, and the administrative accountability that ensures your gifts are used wisely.
Our 2026 goal for the Impact Fund is $1,645,000. This fund is what allows us to launch initiatives like our new Church as Mission Initiative (CAMI), which we will use to equip our international partners to become sending bodies themselves. It will allow us to push into priority regions where people are least-reached.
You are making a difference. Whether you served fifty years ago or are just beginning your journey with us, your financial support today ensures that the ripples of God’s grace continue to reach the furthest shores.
Will you consider making some ripples by giving a special midyear gift to the Impact Fund by June 30? We are deeply grateful for your trust, your prayers, and your commitment to the Great Commission.
Barry Freed serves as the development director for EMM.
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