Preparing for the mission field looks different for every missionary. Some are preparing to move to a different city, some a different country, but all with the same goal in mind. As a missionary preparing to move to a creative access country, my preparation has been several years in the making. From discipleship and training to the logistical aspects, the Lord uses each step to sanctify and equip His people to take the gospel to every corner of the world. 

Nestled deep in the southern province of Zambia, Africa, lies the chiefdom of Sekute — one of the 72 tribal chiefdoms in the region. Sekute is home to several tribal communities, including the Tonga, Lozi, and Tokaleya people, many of whom have yet to hear the Gospel of Christ. This remote region, formerly known as Northern Rhodesia, has become not only our home but also our passion. The people here are now our family.

Census.gov says, per the 2020 census, that 80% of Americans live in urban areas despite raising the minimum requirement of population to twice its previous number. They also found that urban areas are becoming more densely populated. And housing - if we zoom out to look at the world as of 2023 - approximately 4.6 billion people (57% of the world’s total population) live in urban areas. That is a lot of souls. 

Welcome to a series of articles exploring the often-unseen realities of life on the mission field. Inherent difficulties and expectations of suffering are always intertwined with the call to global mission. We will draw insights from scripture and the experiences of those who have lived the reality of suffering on the mission field. 

Robert and Ruth Isaacs have dedicated their lives to serving Christ, planting churches, and spreading the Gospel, particularly among Spanish-speaking communities. With over 50 years in ministry and a remarkable 75 years of marriage, their story is one of faith, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to God's calling.

Jennifer Castleman was born in 1954 in Nashville, Arkansas. Her mother worked as a telephone operator and later as a doctor’s receptionist  after completing college, while her father managed a chicken farm alongside various other business ventures, including service stations. As an only child until the age of 12, Jennifer became a babysitter for her younger siblings after her mother had a son and another daughter.

Harold Morris, a man of unwavering faith and a deep commitment to spreading the gospel, was born on August 2, 1925, in Clarksville, Texas. Raised in a farming family, Harold worked on farms through his early years until he completed high school. He pursued higher education at multiple institutions, including Arkansas A&M, Texas A&M, the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola), California Baptist Theological Seminary, and Geneva College.

Ever wondered what David Dickson, Bryan and Pam Risner, Candra Barnett, Stan and Donna Scroggins, and the Johnsons have in common? It's simple. They're all BMA missionaries! But here's the interesting part: They all started their journey through BMA Volunteer Student Missions (VSM).

From humble beginnings in a nominal Christian family to a lifetime devoted to ministry, Pastor S. Paig has spent decades spreading the message of salvation. His journey, marked by unwavering faith and dedication, has led him to shepherd a thriving church in India and extend his mission to those in need.

Seventy-five years ago, the Baptist Missionary Association (BMA) took a monumental step in its global mission work by commissioning its first missionary, Bro. Harold Morris. Little did they know that Morris’ obedience to God’s calling would not only spread the gospel in South America (and, later, in Europe) but also lay the foundation for what is now Lifeword, a thriving media ministry that continues to reach the world.

Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia, stands as a historic center of Christianity. Armenia was the first nation to declare Christianity its official religion, and Asatur Nahapetyan has faithfully served there for nearly 30 years alongside his wife, Jazmine, and their four children. Through his leadership with BMA Global and as president of the European Baptist Federation, Asatur has played a pivotal role in church planting and spiritual development in the region.

I got saved when I was 16 years old. I was led to the Lord by Pastor Henry Adrias who served in the BMAP ministry led by Pastor Doyle and Ma'am Linda Moore. After I graduated high school, I studied management in a secular school, but stopped this course after two years. I felt that God was calling me to fully serve Him, so I went to the Bible college to study.

The purpose of BMMI trips is to draw a crowd. The missionary can talk to the average person on the street, in their house, and in the community. Everyone is interested in their health, so we listen to conversations. We go to support the missionary on the field to achieve whatever work he intends, like establishing a church, doing evangelism, or starting a clinic.

In the midst of darkness, pain, and tears, God continues to work, using His church to accomplish His work. We are happy to share the news that Water of Life Church in Lutsk, Ukraine, has chosen Oleg Hotsyk to serve as a youth pastor. This event is a clear testimony of God's love and power. Oleg and his wife Dasha are the fruit of many years of work by the church focused on discipleship and spiritual influence.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, Father of mercies and comfort as he strengthens us through tribulations. Though unworthy to be called his children, He chose us by his grace for this ministry. Thank you, BMA churches, pastors, and friends, who have prayed for us as you send the gospel to the nations.