Sue Foster, a widow from Louisville, Kentucky, has joined the International Mission Board as a logistics coordinator in Nairobi, Kenya. After her husband Len died, Foster struggled with depression but found purpose through faith. She initially traveled to Kenya and Panama on short-term trips before committing to long-term service. In Nairobi, she teaches Bible study to children, supports a sewing ministry, and leads prison outreach programs. The IMB highlights her story to encourage older adults to serve in missions. Foster says she finds joy in serving despite the challenges of leaving her family in the US.
Caylen Wood, a Journeyman missionary for the International Mission Board, conducted digital engagement efforts in Asia to reach young people. The region has a majority population under 30. Wood used social media training to initiate conversations, expecting few results. However, she spoke with over 100 individuals. Two specific encounters led to positive outcomes. A young man named Esen expressed interest in following Jesus, and Wood is connecting him with a local believer for discipleship. Another woman, Anu, who had recently converted, joined Wood at a local church. The IMB reports these results exceeded expectations for the digital strategy. The organization encourages support for these new believers and future outreach events.
Jim and Ashley Vale, physicians serving with the International Mission Board in Southeast Asia, use medical clinics to share the Christian gospel in rural areas. For over 16 years, the couple has provided healthcare and health education, noting that medical work allows access to regions where direct evangelism is restricted. Jim mentors medical students and a pastor, while Ashley leads Bible studies. The Vales recently reported that over 50 people accepted Christ during a clinic event. They encourage healthcare workers to attend the upcoming MedAdvance conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, to explore diverse mission opportunities. The IMB states that medicine serves as a bridge to reach unreached populations.
Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, delivered a report to Southern Baptist Convention messengers in Dallas, highlighting significant progress in global missions. He noted that cooperative giving reached a historic $206.8 million through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in 2024. Chitwood emphasized that this funding ensures all IMB missionaries remain on the field without financial hardship. The board also reported sending 423 new missionaries and engaging previously uncontacted people groups. Additionally, Send Relief projects served nearly two million people across 78 countries. Chitwood urged unity and continued support to complete the Great Commission.
During the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Dallas, Texas, IMB President Paul Chitwood announced the commissioning of 58 new missionaries. The event, attended by over 12,000 messengers, highlighted the International Mission Board's global outreach efforts. Chitwood emphasized that local churches and convention supporters provide essential financial and security backing for these workers. Several appointees, including former Journeyman program participants, shared their testimonies. Missionaries heading to hostile regions remained anonymous to ensure their safety. The new appointees join more than 3,500 existing IMB staff serving in 155 countries. The gathering underscored the cooperative support system sustaining international evangelism.
The International Mission Board marks the 60th anniversary of its Journeyman program, which launched in 1965. Designed for young Southern Baptists aged 21 to 29, the initiative has dispatched over 6,500 participants for two-year missionary terms across the globe. Former alumni from countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Italy, and Liberia share stories of spiritual growth and global engagement. The IMB notes that more than 20 percent of these short-term servants later become long-term missionaries. Currently, 241 Journeymen are serving overseas, with new coordinators Andrew and Tracy Weir overseeing the program's continued development and mentorship efforts.
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