In the book of Acts there are many obstacles (topes) that must be overcome for the Gospel to spread.  Fear, language, prejudice, funding, geography, opposition… and the list goes on.  One can easily make the case that these same obstacles still challenge mission today. But as we learn from Acts, there are no barriers to the movement of God’s Spirit! God’s work, God’s will, will be accomplished.

Whether leading a workshop for pastors with almost no formal schooling or serving as a visiting professor with doctoral students in high-tech classrooms, Stan is passionate about helping church leaders become more effective servants of Christ, especially in the area of understanding and communicating the message of Scripture.

They both work in training, prevention and education as they learn the community needs and look for ways to emotionally and economically empower leaders in their communities.

After almost four years of service in Costa Rica, we will be returning to the USA, beginning June 2019, to start our required year of home assignment. This is 6 months earlier than originally anticipated but it is necessary for Peter to receive medical treatment for his migraines (read more below) and to better accommodate the children’s transition to school. 

J.D. works with IM partners and global servants to help train pastors and church leaders throughout the region. Rhonda is a nurse (BSN) who oversees the House of Hope (Proyectos Esperanza) in the cities of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. House of Hope encompasses an array of health and development ministries led by local churches focusing on urban ministries to families and at-risk women and children.

Glen and Rita have been instrumental in transforming the Kikongo pastoral training school into the Baptist University of Congo (UNIBAC). Glen is vice-rector of UNIBAC, where he teaches Old Testament, Hebrew and Baptist history. Rita runs the library, teaches English and works with the wives of theology students. Rita and Glen both are very much immersed in the life of the community and the church through village ministry, transportation and environmental ministries such as beekeeping, raising rabbits for agricultural training and planting trees for reforestation, lumber, firewood, charcoal and fruit.