Christian Missions Blog - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

Diving Deep for the Gospel

Despite opposition and personal sacrifice, global workers exemplify “Passionate Service” that goes well beyond surface level.

Jun 01 2023

Author’s Note: Here on the blog for the past few months, we’ve been featuring stories that exemplify each of TEAM’s Defining Values. As we came to the value of “Passionate Service,” I knew I wanted to share a story about a TEAM missionary with a passion for cross-cultural service. Here’s what God showed me in the meantime. A New Adventure I held my breath and kicked hard for the surface. Snorkeling in the teal blue waters off the coast of the Philippines was a new adventure for me. For the first few minutes, I had stayed close to the…

From MK’s and new appointees to seasoned workers and retirees, global workers in all seasons of life need our prayers.

May 16 2023

The mission of Matthew 28 is carried out daily by our global workers around the world. Some enter the mission field as a single person, some as a family, and some even venture out after retirement. Some embark from western nations like the US or Canada, while others are called from South America, Asia, and other parts of the globe to bring the Gospel to the least reached. Regardless of their background or stage of life, they are lifelong learners in need of our daily prayers. The journey of cross-cultural missions is great, but it can also be greatly heavy….

For TEAM workers Barry and Dawn, a posture of lifelong learning comes from reflecting on all that God has done.

May 01 2023

In this series of TEAM Ministry Updates, we’re sharing stories that highlight each of TEAM’s defining values. The following narrative is shared by Barry Winchell, a second-generation TEAM global worker who served in the U.S. and Italy and now acts as one of TEAM’s Regional Executive Directors. Barry shares this story as a beautiful iteration of “Lifelong Learning.” When I reflect on TEAM’s value of Lifelong Learning my thoughts tend to consider the future and how we need to keep learning and growing as we move into the days to come. Imagine my amazement when I recently encountered this…

Displaced populations show remarkable resilience and strength despite many challenges. Will you join us in praying for diaspora people groups and those who come alongside them?

Apr 18 2023

In this month’s Ministry Update, we focused on TEAM’s value of Creative Vision, and specifically the need to be flexible when serving in cross-cultural work. We heard from TEAM global worker, Samantha* how she has had to learn to hold her plans loosely in ministering to and serving alongside displaced Ukranian populations since the war began. Samantha is not alone. According to the International Organization for Migration’s 2022 World Migration Report, approximately 281 million people, or 3.6% of the world’s population, live in a country other than their country of birth. Of these, many live as expatriates due to war,…

In ministry partnerships around the corner or across the globe, creativity and flexibility are key in our ever-changing world.

Apr 04 2023

In this series of TEAM Ministry Updates, we’re sharing stories that highlight each of TEAM’s defining values. The following narrative is shared by “Samantha” (name changed), a TEAM Ukraine global worker, as an example of the value of “Creative Vision.” A common saying among overseas workers is the adage, “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be easily broken.” Although not technically numbered among The Beatitudes, this truth is one that all who minister cross-culturally should keep in the back of their minds. Maybe we should even cross-stitch it on a pillow and place it somewhere we have to…

Over half the world’s population lives within a 2,500 mile radius of Yuxi, a city in southern China. For this month’s Prayer Focus, please join us in praying for Gospel reach in Asia.

Mar 14 2023

With concerns over aerial surveillance, military aid to Russia, and increasing tensions with Taiwan, it seems that China is constantly in the news. Asia as a whole remains largely in the throes of economic upheaval caused by supply-chain disruptions and other aftershocks of the pandemic. And yet the Gospel spreads. Christianity grew twice as fast as the general population in Asia during the 20th century, and that trend continues in the 21st. According to sources cited in this article from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Christians now make up 8.2% of people living in Asia. How can we, as the global…

Deep generosity prompted local believers to invite TEAM into a partnership to provide better access to a Gospel training center.

Mar 01 2023

In this series of TEAM Ministry Updates, we’re sharing stories that highlight each of TEAM’s defining values. The following narrative is shared by a TEAM Asia global worker as an example of the value of “Church Focus.” As the motorbike bumped and slid over a rough and muddy track, I was doing my best to contain my emotions. On one hand, I was partially terrified of falling off and being injured in a very remote part of southeast Asia with medical help at least a half day away. Simultaneously, I was excited. This trip was the culmination of several years…

Feb 24 2023

This guide to prayer was written by a TEAM global worker who is serving on the “frontlines” of ministry to Ukrainian people. It’s hard to believe that this week marks a full year since Russia invaded Ukraine. No doubt you’ve likely heard heartbreaking stories of millions fleeing for safety, fathers separated from their families, horrific massacres of civilians, and utter desolation in cities. How can we as the global body of Christ respond to such suffering and grief? The biggest way is by bearing the burdens of Ukrainians this week as we mark a year of pain and a year…

Doug and Becca Gooding and their children, Nathan, Jonah, Tirzah, and Sam have answered God’s call to serve in a unique way.

Feb 14 2023

Over the next several months of TEAM Ministry Updates, we’ll be sharing stories that highlight each of TEAM’s defining values. Today we’d like to introduce you to the Gooding family. Their journey toward overseas ministry in Japan is marked by the value of “God Dependence.” Here is their story. Meet the Goodings In missions organizations like TEAM, it’s quite common for global workers to transition from a ministry post overseas to a position with the organization’s home office. It’s not as common for the opposite to be true. But our God has a wonderful way of revealing His plan…

Feb 02 2023

What defines you? In 2023, it’s a popular question. We all seem to be trying to wrap our minds around the question of identity – that which defines us. As followers of Jesus, we want our identity to be rooted in Christ. To that end, TEAM, as an organization with many members, has defining values that anchor us. But it’s important that these values aren’t just platitudes that we post on a webpage and then go about our business. For these concepts to truly define us as missional workers and as disciples of Jesus, they need to be lived out…

TEAM Christian Missions Blog

Exploring cross-cultural ministry around the globe.

Diving Deep for the Gospel

May Prayer Focus: Seasons of Missional Life

A Legacy of Lifelong Learning

Far From Home: Praying for Displaced People Groups

Blessed are the Flexible

Together for the Gospel: Praying for Asia

Walking the Path Together

A Year of War: 5 Ways to Pray for Ukraine

From Home Office to Mission Field: A Lesson in God Dependence

Defined by Christ: A Call to Prayer