When Nathan Heintze first joined a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2024, he didn’t expect it to change the direction of his life. But what began as a simple step of obedience has become a calling, a way to serve God and others with both heart and hands.

2025 has been one of the busiest and most fruitful years for BMA Global’s Missionary Care ministry. We have hosted numerous activities to encourage and support our missionaries, and we have one main goal: to care for those who serve. But right now, this ministry itself needs some care.

Short-term missions (STM) have become one of the fastest-growing trends in global ministry. From their roots in the 1960s and 70s with pioneering youth movements like Operation Mobilization and Youth With A Mission, short-term trips now send millions of believers across the globe every year.

As pastors, most of us know what it’s like to balance income and expenses. But when it comes to missions, how do we see it—an expense or an investment? I imagine most of us would quickly say “investment,” but do we truly feel that way when the time comes to give? We often tell our congregations, “You can’t outgive God” when it comes to supporting our local church.

Did you know that BMA Global has a dedicated Crisis Team ready to support our missionaries and churches as you serve on the mission field? In today’s unpredictable world, safety is not just a recommendation, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re serving in a remote village or an urban center overseas, knowing that a trained and responsive team has your back provides invaluable peace of mind.

When Lifeword began in 1965, our voice traveled the airwaves, reaching people with the hope of Jesus through radio broadcasts. At the time, radio was the most effective medium for mass communication—and we used it to its fullest, believing that no matter the tool, the message must be clear: Jesus saves.

Every year Costa Rica hosts many teams from various Christian associations and organizations from the United States that may come with good intentions but unhealthy practices that could potentially hinder the spread of the gospel and church spiritual growth locally.

I once heard short-term mission trips described as well-meaning Christians parachuting into a foreign context, only to bungee jump out before they can do any real work. We have all heard stories of cultural gaffes—such as wearing the wrong footwear, using humor that does not land well, or making promises that team members cannot keep.

When we think about mission work, it’s easy to imagine faraway places, long-term commitments, and a select few called to the field. But at BMA Global, we believe that every follower of Christ has a part to play in the Great Commission—and short-term missions is one of the most effective ways to participate in God’s work around the world.

In this video, Jeremy Hambrice shares an incredible milestone in a long-term mission that reflects BMA Global’s mission, vision, and values. Over the past ten years, the Hambrice, Sanders and Crabtree families have lived among the Wantakia people of Papua New Guinea, presenting the gospel in their local language and context. By God’s grace, they have seen disciples made, a church planted, and local leaders equipped to carry the mission forward. 

As Lifeword continues its mission to speak the gospel in the heart language of every person, teams around the world are expanding outreach efforts, training new disciples, and developing creative strategies to overcome obstacles. From Asia to the Americas, God is opening doors, and Lifeword teams are walking through them in faith.

Charlie and Whitney Wagner are excited to share their journey and calling to a Creative Access Nation in Asia. As a couple deeply committed to spreading the gospel, their story is one of obedience, transformation, and faithful service.

How exciting to see our team of North American church planters increasing! We officially welcomed five new BMA Global church plants recently at the BMA National Meeting. This brings our team to a total of 20 in eight different languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Urdu, Arabic, Garifuna, and Ukrainian). These church plants are being sent out by their sending churches with their prayers, support, and ongoing oversight.

In this video update, Cristian Martinez, missionary to Romania, shares how God is moving in their family, church, and community. From a new meeting space near the university to meaningful outreach opportunities–including baptisms, children’s events, and ministry among the Roma–this is a powerful reminder that Jesus is still changing lives.

When God called us to the valley we currently are serving in, it was a big step of faith. Not only was it in a new-to-us area, but there was also nothing on the land that had been given by the tribal authority. No municipal services or even any hope of ever getting them, no water, no road.