We often share about the billions of people around the world — more than 4 in 10 — who live without access to the gospel. At some point in time, this number has likely felt a little overwhelming or paralyzing to you. We certainly feel the heaviness of this reality.
But we’re also filled with joy knowing that God invites each of us to partner with him in the spread of the good news! Through giving, going and praying, we can all play our part in the Great Commission until everyone, everywhere has access to a hope-filled life with Jesus.
Thank you to all the church pastors, leaders and members who are doing just that. Your partnership is meaningful, and we are deeply grateful.
We pray that as you read just a few of the ways God has been powerfully at work this year, you would desire that even more people would learn about the depth of his grace and experience life-changing transformation.
This year, we are celebrating that 16 people were appointed as long-term missionaries! Eight of these new missionaries are also former NEXT interns. NEXT is a mentored, cross-cultural internship designed to help young adults deepen their relationship with God and develop their understanding of themselves. Praise God that they have answered the call to go long-term!
In 2024, we saw 28 NEXT interns participate in learning more about God and his mission in a very hands-on way. We pray that they will continue to process their experiences and pursue whatever calling God has placed on their lives.
The Holy Spirit continues to move in amazing, powerful ways around the world.
Followers have multiplied. A missionary serving in South Asia shared that a young woman from a Hindu household in Nepal was delivered from a tormenting spirit after a young Christian congregation had the boldness to simply pray for her deliverance and salvation. She then participated in a three-month discipleship training for ministry where she not only grew in her faith, but she also received seamstress vocational training. Now, she’s able to support herself and her family with her sewing skills, while also being a vibrant witness in the local Wesleyan Church in her community.
In an East Asian country, where Global Partners has used medical services as platforms to reach people for the past 25+ years, 11 pastors graduated from a new ordination program. In October, two of these graduates became the first ordained East Asian Wesleyan pastors. They are the first fruits of what we hope will soon be a growing Wesleyan movement. The significance of their leadership and witness in a dark area of the world is not lost on us.
In May, Wesleyan church leaders and pastors from more than 20 countries gathered in Chiang Mai, Thailand for the first ever Asia-Pacific International Conference of The Wesleyan Church. The conference was centered around the theme “Stronger Together,” which ignited a vision for these leaders to work together in the efforts of extending God’s kingdom across the least reached, most densely populated continent in the world. Additionally, nine individuals were elected to a new Asia-Pacific Missional Advisory Council. The council will exist as a sounding board for the leaders in the Asia-Pacific regions and will continue to discuss how to best work together to see the Asia-Pacific area reached.
Meaningful partnerships between churches, individuals and missionaries continue to be deeply encouraging as well. For example, we saw Journey Church (Michigan) come alongside Ryan and Sarah Schmitz — missionaries in Nicaragua — in beautiful ways. Through significant prayer, listening ears and ultimately joining the Schmitz family in short-term trips, the church continues to play an active role in the Great Commission.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the power and movement of the Holy Spirit during the International Conference of The Wesleyan Church. Global Partners also hopes to launch new work in new places to reach more people. Will you join us in praying for these efforts?
Praise God for the countless ways he is moving in every area of the globe.
Missionaries mobilized
● 132 in long-term service (4+ years)
● 28 NEXT participants (mentored cross-cultural internship for the next generation)
● 7 Global Marketplace Multipliers
● 16 newly appointed missionaries in 2024
Partnerships engaged
● 762 of North American Wesleyan churches engaged with Global Partners, including individual member giving
Generosity inspired
● $10,457,782 in contributions
Followers multiplied
● 20,357 baptisms
● 170,225 church attendees (outside of US and Canada)
● 16,428 salvations
Leaders developed
● 21 pastors sponsored (Amplified Leaders)
Churches reproduced
● 2,915 churches outside of US and Canada
● 329 new church plants outside of US and Canada
We are grateful for you. We pray that as a church, we would continue to embrace our Acts 1:8 mission and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, as we set out to reach everyone, everywhere with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Heather Auker is the communication supervisor for Global Partners.
