Why I'm Thankful for Our Missionaries

“As water from a well brings joy to the thirsty, so people have joy when He saves them. In that day you will say, ‘Give thanks to the Lord. Call on His name. Make known His works among the people. Help them remember that His name is honored.’” –Isaiah 12:3-4

Many of our missionaries have witnessed the joy of salvation rain down in some of the driest spiritual climates of our world all because they’ve said, “yes” to God’s call to make disciples of all nations.

As our family prepares to give thanks together, I’m reminded of just how grateful I am for the missionaries furthering East-West’s work among the unreached.

Since our ministry’s founding in 1993, we’ve stayed true to four core values—a passion for Jesus, a passion for grace, a passion for the spiritually darkest places, and a passion for bold action.

Our field workers take great risks and make great sacrifices to exude these characteristics daily.

As Jesus and His teachings lose popularity in our world, they pursue His example and push forth His truths in all they do.

As various world religions encourage good works to earn eternal life, they share and display God’s grace and message of salvation founded solely on faith in Christ.

As hundreds of thousands flee the Middle East, they’re building teams to bring Christ’s peace into one of the world’s spiritually darkest regions—nations defined by immense spiritual darkness, evil and chaos.

As worldwide safety declines, they courageously follow the Spirit’s leading and boldly move into some of the most hostile environments for Christians in the world!

Those on the frontlines of our ministry are truly sold out for the sake of the gospel, and I am thankful for their passion to make known the goodness of God among all people, obeying our Savior’s final words:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Matthew 28:19-20

To our missionaries celebrating Thanksgiving far from loved ones and in cultures vastly different from your own, thank you! Our vision of glorifying God by multiplying followers of Jesus in spiritually dark places would not be possible without you.

And to those reading this who pray for them, generously support and them and faithfully send them, thank you as well! We could not do this Great Commission work without you.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” -2 Corinthians 9:15