Category: Missionary Messenger

“In Prey Veng, Cambodia we had the opportunity to take part in the soccer ministry of a local believer. It was good for the soul and body to run around

Last January, a few months into dry season, I was getting tired of the view and the dust; everything was brown. I decided to plant a flower garden to bring some color to my world. I planned out the area in our yard, but one strike of the shovel into the dry ground told me that this was not going to be easy.

What is the attraction of Jesus for people who don’t “need” anything? What is the gospel — good news — in this culture?

Church planting is something I have felt called to for a long time, even before I left for the Czech Republic. Before coming to Prague, I was a member of West End Mennonite Fellowship, where church planting is a vital part of the DNA. For a season, I was involved in one of their church plants, knowing that it was important to learn how a church plant works practically before trying something overseas.

Hold a seed in your hand and marvel at the miracle of life in miniature. Packed into the tiny package is all the potential, not only for expansive growth, but also for generations of reproduction.

The Anabaptist movement celebrates its 500th anniversary this year. In these five centuries, Anabaptist churches have been multiplied around the world, making it a truly global movement.

Lena Kauffman served as a participant in the 2023–24 Advance cohort. She is currently serving as an Advance staff intern for the 2024–25 Advance team. EMM Digital Communications Coordinator Julia Tsai interviewed Lena about her experience stepping up to take on a staff role.

Meet Biak, a 41-year-old, single man from Det Udom, Thailand. Years ago, his aunt (Mae Banchong) became a Christian. Through her and others, he heard the gospel over the years.

There’s a reason I do not work in mission recruitment. While I think I have outgrown my middle school awkwardness (for the most part), I am, as my husband would say, very French.

“We believe the same!” My friend energetically interjected with a smile and a tap on her desk to reinforce the point. The almost weekly refrain sometimes felt like an indictment