In global missions, we often celebrate the fruit—churches planted, believers baptized, lives transformed. But every harvest begins with soil, seed, and sweat. The reality is that gospel work among the nations almost always begins from scratch. Missionaries enter with empty hands and full hearts, building from the ground up in foreign soil, often with nothing but a burden from God and the power of the Spirit.

Syria is home to a group of devoted Christian leaders who have dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel, building communities, and serving amidst adversity. Despite the challenges posed by political turmoil, economic hardships, and religious opposition, these individuals continue to inspire change and hope. Here, we highlight the stories of four such ChangeMakers: Elias N., Maher S., Mazen H., and Naameh S.

At Lifeword, we recognize the internet as one of the most expansive and dynamic mission fields available today. The digital revolution has transformed the way people interact, learn, and seek truth. Every day, billions turn to the internet for guidance, community, and meaning. While it can be a place of distraction and misinformation, it also presents an extraordinary opportunity for evangelism—a field ripe for the harvest.

France is an enigmatic place. Many Americans have a very one-dimensional view of France and either think only of bread, cheese, wine, and architecture; or they revile it as the world’s premier hub of irreverent philosophers, the sexually promiscuous, and libertines of all varieties. However, the French see themselves in quite the opposite respect.

The charge from Paul to young Timothy was to continue in the things he had learned, knowing it was Paul who taught them to him (II Timothy 3:14). Paul was basically saying, “Regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the challenges, and regardless of the conflicts – just do your thing.” This same charge applies today. 

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.