Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. — Mark 16:15 Another rich season of reports from our missionaries around the world! Here is a summary of recent highlights, praises, and prayer needs. Ballou Family — New Castle, PA (Church Plant: Keystone Baptist Church) Let me take a moment to thank you for your faithful prayers and support since we started the Keystone Baptist Church last year. We are grateful for your partnership in the gospel for the people of New Castle. We are overjoyed at the great response we have had with many getting saved, baptized, and discipled. There is so much work to be done yet and we are just getting started. I trust that you saw in our last letter or on facebook that we have an opportunity to buy a church building. If you did not get a chance to see the video that we put out please take a moment to watch it. Baucum Family — Yuen Long, Hong Kong (Ben & Ashli | reachinghongkong.com) Highlights: The Baucums report a full and fruitful spring in Hong Kong. School continues there until mid-July, and while the adjustment has had its struggles, the children — Levi, Titus, Jude, and Selah — are thriving by God's grace; the family is now praying through whether to continue local school or return to homeschooling in the fall, weighing language acquisition against the children's spiritual formation. Sending church pastor Ryan Thompson and his son Trey visited for nearly five days in April, packing in six speaking opportunities at the church. In May, Ben was honored to preach for Liberty Baptist Church's Mother's Day and Anniversary service, a congregation planted 18 years ago by friend and fellow laborer Andrew Au. The church also held its first community outreach event ahead of summer VBS, where two young people trusted Christ roadside and several first-time guests attended the following Sunday. May closed with a churchwide overnight worship retreat — BBQ, games, singing, and challenges from God's Word, with the only casualty being a broken light during a game. June brought the long-prayed-over launch of the church's English worship service on June 14, drawing around 20 in attendance, with Ben's brother Tim and his family present to help serve. The Baucums also testify to a remarkable provision: a wealthy Christian family donated a like-new vehicle to them at no cost, and the Baucums in turn passed on their previous vehicle to another local pastor newly returned to Hong Kong. Praises: Two souls saved through the pre-VBS outreach event, with several first-time guests the next Sunday Successful launch of the English worship service on June 14 with about 20 in attendance A vehicle provided at no cost, allowing the Baucums to bless another local pastor with their previous one Pastor Ryan Thompson's encouraging visit and six speaking opportunities Andrew Au and Liberty Baptist Church's faithful, sacrificial ministry over 18 years Prayer Requests: Wisdom for the Baucums regarding local school vs. homeschooling for their children this fall Growth and fruitfulness for the new English worship service and outreach to Yuen Long's English speakers This summer's VBS outreach and continued gospel conversations in the community Continued partnership and provision from Liberty Baptist Church, Newport Beach, and other supporting churches Canavans — Dublin, Ireland (Daniel & Beth | BIMI | Sending Church: Heritage Baptist Church, Woodbridge, VA) Highlights: What a season of baptisms in Dublin! Angelica, whom the Canavans met through Art Camp back in August 2024, was baptized after a long journey of growth — her mother and brothers had already professed faith, but she was shy about the step of baptism until her brother Gabriel decided to be baptized too, which gave her courage. Gabriel's own story is a powerful testimony: he and his older brother Samuel began meeting with Daniel weekly for discipleship. Because of a language barrier (the family is from China), Daniel carefully taught through salvation just to be sure the boys understood — and discovered partway through that Gabriel was not actually saved. Daniel had the privilege of leading him to Christ on the spot. Like a good big brother, Gabriel then encouraged his sister to be baptized alongside him. A third baptism, Damian, came about after he visited the Canavans' home to fix a dent in their car — Daniel shared the gospel over a cup of tea, and Damian, already familiar with the gospel through online preachers, was glad to have someone walk him through it in person. He later bowed his head in Daniel's office and trusted Christ. Praises: Three baptisms: Angelica, Gabriel, and Damian Gabriel led to genuine salvation through careful discipleship Damian's family and friend in attendance for his baptism Prayer Requests: Summer Teen Retreat and Summer Camps More Irish people saved and added to the church A stable housing situation for the Canavan family Help for Andrew, Shauna, and their church plant to buy a building Aidan, Marck, and Niall to be saved For Damian's mother, wife, and friend to also accept Christ Dr. P.D. Cherian — South India Baptist Bible College & Seminary (International Partnership Ministries | Hanover, PA) Highlights: This report carries both sobering and praiseworthy news. Several weeks ago, three Baptist preachers were shot and killed while trying to negotiate peace between the Naga and Kuki tribes — many SIBBC&S students come from these very tribes in the North East, and the violence reflects an age-old tribal animosity the government has done nothing to stop. Amid this, the school year is beginning, with the college and seminary expected to be maxed out at 425 students and the Christian School topping 900 students. From February through April, 539 people received Christ as Savior, and eleven followed Him in baptism. One especially striking report comes from Uttar Pradesh, a state under an active anti-conversion law making gospel proclamation legally dangerous — there, faculty member Karthick and a local pastor saw six new believers publicly baptized despite real legal and social risk. This summer's Vacation Bible Schools (English and Tamil) reached 233 children combined, with 53 trusting Christ. The 40th Closing Commencement saw 122 graduates receive diplomas and degrees, and the 44th academic year begins in the second week of June. Praises: 539 professions of faith and 11 baptisms (Feb–April) Six believers baptized despite anti-conversion law risk in Uttar Pradesh 53 children trusted Christ through VBS ministries 122 graduates from the 40th Commencement Prayer Requests: For the families of the three slain Baptist preachers and for peace between the Naga and Kuki tribes Wisdom in discerning which incoming students God is calling to ministry training Faculty Housing — $250,000 needed for nine new faculty quarters Solar Panel Installation — $10,000 per building for nine campus buildings Campus Baptist Church Building — $500,000 needed ($100,000 already provided) Monthly Student Support — an additional $5,000/month needed A school building roof repair estimated at over $20,000 Rising food costs for those living on campus amid inflation Gates Family — Dearborn, Michigan (Reaching Muslims in Dearborn, MI | Macedonia World Baptist Missions | Sending Church: Maranatha Baptist Church, Yorktown, VA) Highlights: The Gates family reports an "abundance of blessings" in their outreach to the Arab and Muslim community! Their Spring Festival saw attendance jump from about 75 people on a rainy first day to nearly 300 the next — mostly Muslims — with many responding in both English and Arabic to "I have decided to follow Jesus." A woman who had studied for years with Jehovah's Witnesses but felt something wasn't right is now faithfully attending services after a door-to-door visit. A visiting group from Indiana included Sister Hadiza, who shared a powerful testimony of coming from the darkness of Islam into the light of Christ. The Gates also went to Cleveland for the pre-World Cup Egypt/Brazil soccer game, arriving hours early to pass out hundreds of gospel tracts to the crowd. Their college ministry continues bearing fruit — one Muslim student who has attended for years keeps returning to learn more, and a student from a Catholic background made a profession of faith. Their summer park ministry has launched in full throttle, using a Bible/book table with cold drinks to build relationships and open spiritual conversations, including one recent talk with a Muslim man about the Trinity. Family Matters: Joshua has been struggling with small seizures lately. All the kids finished the school year well. Ryan and Sandy are headed to South America for a mission trip, where Ryan will preach at Teen Camp and area churches. Praises: Nearly 300 attended the Spring Festival, mostly Muslims A former JW now faithfully attending church A Catholic-background student professed faith Sister Hadiza's testimony of salvation from Islam Hundreds of tracts distributed at the Egypt/Brazil soccer match Prayer Requests: For those who heard the gospel at the Spring Festival to be saved Assurance of salvation and growth for new believers For Joshua's health — seizures and ongoing struggles For Pastor Girgis and the Egypt ministry For the upcoming Christ Is the Gospel Conference, August 26–28 For Shia Muslims as they begin Ashura Safety for Ryan and Sandy's mission trip to South America Hilliard Family — Amazon, Brazil (Nic & Shaney | Unreached Amazon | Sending Church: First Baptist Church of Milford, Ohio) Highlights: The Hilliards write with a season marked by both busyness and deep family transition. Nic has been teaching through the book of Acts, which has been a wonderful catalyst for growth and questions within their local church, and God has opened doors with several local pastors — though opportunities with the indigenous communities have hit some roadblocks. Shaney continues teaching three English groups (children at the local Christian school, adults and teens on weeknights, and an advanced Saturday class), along with Sunday School at a partner church. They are preparing to host an incoming BIMI team next week. Family News: In April, Shaney was able to travel to Missouri for two weeks to see her grandmother before she passed away — a precious gift of time. Sadly, in May, Nic's grandmother also passed, and Nic was unable to travel back due to a delayed passport. Both grandmothers were the last living grandparents for Nic and Shaney; after 7½ years on the mission field, all their grandparents have now passed away. They expressed deep gratitude for the hope found in Christ during this loss. On a happier note, the children are nearly finished with this year's homeschooling (Gabriel heading to 5th grade, Adelyn to 4th, Caleb to 2nd) and are thriving in the local community through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and soccer. Praises: Shaney was able to see her grandmother before she passed The children are nearly finished with the school year Growing connections with local pastors Prayer Requests: Further inroads with local indigenous groups Finalizing logistics for an upcoming medical group visit For the visiting BIMI team's spiritual impact on the surrounding communities Comfort for the Hilliard family in the loss of both grandmothers Honeycutt Family — Establishing Chinese Churches (John & Cathy | World in Need Baptist Mission | Sending Church reference: Faith Baptist Church) Highlights: The Honeycutts share that prayer is, above all, about communication with God — including listening as well as speaking, so they can receive His direction for the work ahead. New house churches are starting in Taiwan, with workers seeking out those receptive to the gospel. Three new church planters are currently in training, and disciples and disciplers are pictured graduating and meeting together — a reminder that the multiplication of disciple-makers is key to spreading the gospel across Asia. Prayer Requests: Wisdom and safety for disciples and disciplers in the Hong Kong churches Courage from God for new disciples facing persecution and security concerns New house churches in Taiwan to find receptive hearts The three new church planters in training — that they would gain the faith needed to begin ministry Bible Institute graduates entering full-time ministry — that they would see great results For the Word of God to break down spiritual obstacles across Asia Knickerbocker Family — Burkina Faso, West Africa (Stephen & Julie | WWNTBM | Sending Church: Temple Baptist Church, Powell, TN) Highlights: After three years without a full visit to family in the US due to visa restrictions, the Knickerbockers were finally able to spend meaningful time stateside — meeting Stephen's brother's two newest children (Hudson and Vivienne), reconnecting with cousins, and spending precious time with Julie's parents. They were grateful for opportunities to present, report, and preach in several churches during this time. Back home in Burkina, despite "many adversaries" — including a vehicle accident that required surgery for one new believer, and several cancellations — the Bible study in Pitmoaga continues under David's faithful leadership, and Germain continues leading a thriving second church plant. The visa situation for US citizens remains unresolved, though the Knickerbockers are in contact with people working on their behalf and have heard of positive outcomes for others. They are looking ahead to a 2027 furlough — their first full report-back season in 4 years — and are already scheduling meetings. Praises: Rare and treasured family time in the US after 3 years apart Junior Camp fundraiser completed The man injured in the vehicle accident has recovered Korben recovered quickly from a fall requiring 3 stitches Paterne and his wife welcomed a new baby The Pitmoaga Bible study continuing under David's leadership despite obstacles Prayer Requests: President Traoré and the fight against terrorism Pastoral training of David, Jean, Germain, William, and Emmanuel Spiritual growth of Paterne, Anassa, and Amed Spiritual and physical growth of the churches More members involved in outreach and kids' club ministries Robert's full recovery Visas for US citizens to be approved Wisdom in upcoming ministry decisions The Bible study at Pitmoaga and the approaching Junior Camp Lovegrove Family — Ethiopia (Joshua & Ruth | Sending Church: Lighthouse Baptist Church, North Tonawanda, NY) Highlights: "Lots of work and lots of salvations!" The Lovegroves share two especially powerful testimonies of the gospel's power. Lelesay, a teenage girl, began attending church a few months back and has not only remained faithful but has brought friends — two of whom were recently saved. Abdi, a religious man who had never been to a Christian church before, came after someone shared John 14:6 with him and told him Jesus was the way, the truth, and the life; he was gloriously saved out of a Muslim and witchcraft background. Their 2026 Vacation Bible School, themed on redemption through Christ's blood (Ephesians 1:7), reached 167 children with 25 trusting Christ as Savior, plus at least 2 adults saved on VBS Sunday. Mother's Day saw at least 20 moms celebrated, and their Annual Men's Event drew over 30 men and boys for fellowship around God's Word. Joshua and Ruth celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary in June, and their three sons all finished their school year, with the older boys helping lead VBS games and activities. Praises: 25 children and 2+ adults saved through VBS 2026 Lelesay's two friends saved through her faithful witness Abdi saved out of a Muslim/witchcraft background Strong Mother's Day and Men's Event turnout 16 years of marriage and ministry together Prayer Requests: For Berhanu, Roman, and Teddy as they take on added ministry responsibilities God's continued power, grace, wisdom, and strength as the family prepares for a busy furlough (July–November) Ottosen Family — Reaching the Kamea of Papua New Guinea (Jason & Cherith | Sending Church: Capitol Baptist Church, Dover, DE) Highlights: After two years of weekly classes on foundational Bible subjects, members of Komako Baptist Church saw their first Bible Institute graduation — seven students (three men, four women) completed the coursework, having unknowingly been trained as teachers themselves through the requirement to instruct others in what they learned. Twelve Christians from Komako village followed the Lord in baptism, including seven youth, four children, and a grandmother named Sarah. Twelve more were baptized in Iwaina Village despite cantankerous neighbors blocking access to the usual river, forcing a 20-minute detour — yet the atmosphere along the river that day was unforgettable, filled with singing and a large crowd of onlookers. As the Ottosens departed for furlough, they expressed deep gratitude for the strong national leadership now in place: Pastor Jack, Preacher Rafort, and Stenford are caring for two thriving churches, while eight more villages have requested workers to bring them the gospel. Pastor Jack recently led a team on a 10-hour hike to preach in Hauwabango village. Praises: Seven graduates from the two-year Bible Institute program 24 total new believers baptized across two villages Strong national leadership team now overseeing the ministry Safe return to the United States for furlough Prayer Requests: For God to raise up enough workers to cover the eight villages requesting the gospel For Jack, Rafort, and Stenford as they carry the ministry during furlough For safety and fruitfulness throughout the family's furlough travels Ruppel Update — Rhadee & Austin in the Philippines (Rodney Ruppel, reporting on his daughter and son-in-law) Highlights: Rodney shares an urgent and moving update about his daughter Rhadee and her husband Austin, missionaries in General Santos, Philippines, working alongside the Sisson family since 2024. On Monday, June 8th, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck their city — the largest in the area since 1976. Commercial buildings collapsed just blocks from their home, many houses were destroyed, and tragically over 60 people on the island lost their lives. Rodney expresses deep pride in Austin and Rhadee: their two years of diligent language study prepared them for this very moment, with Austin preaching regularly in the local language and Rhadee recently teaching at a local church in it as well. Since the earthquake, the couple has worked tirelessly to provide food and clean water to the hardest-hit areas, and a team of men has arrived to help repair church buildings and homes. Prayer Requests: Continued safety for Rhadee and Austin amid ongoing aftershocks (a 6.6 magnitude aftershock hit June 15th, among others) Physical and emotional strength as repair and relief work continues For the many ongoing needs in the earthquake-affected areas A Cambodia update is expected soon from Rodney as well Stikeleather Family — Rock of Ages Ministries (Prison Ministry, Philippines) (Larry & Diane | Rock of Ages Ministries) Highlights: May was an exciting and productive month for Rock of Ages Ministries. Bro. Jock Deanon, a faith volunteer who has served in the prisons for 18 years, married Jonah after the Lord clearly moved on both their hearts to pursue missionary service together. Jock has now begun Missionary Candidate School, a week of intensive classes covering everything from being called to resolving conflict, taught by a training team including Larry Stikeleather, Mark Waddington, Michael Adams, and John Shelley. Applicants who complete the training and still sense God's calling are presented to the Rock of Ages board of directors, who will make a final decision in September. Wonderful news as well: two formerly incarcerated men, Bro. Philips and Bro. Jim, who were saved in prison, have been released and are now carrying God's Word into the jails themselves. God has also opened two brand-new jail ministries — District City Jail (Friday mornings) and Handumanan City Jail (Friday afternoons) — both of which include women's sections. Praises: Jock and Jonah's marriage and calling to missionary service Two saved former inmates now ministering inside the jails Two new jails opened to the ministry, including women's sections Prayer Requests: For Jock and Jonah's Missionary Candidate School process and the board's decision in September For continued open doors and fruitfulness in the new jail ministries For Bro. Philips and Bro. Jim as they minister to those still incarcerated Closing Encouragement From baptisms in Dublin to an earthquake response in the Philippines, from anti-conversion laws in India to a wedding in a prison ministry, our missionaries are walking through both great joy and great trial this season. Whether the news is a salvation testimony or an urgent need, every report is a reminder that the work of the gospel goes forward because faithful people are willing to hold the rope through prayer and giving. Would you take a moment this week to lift up at least one of these families by name? "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." — Romans 8:28Download June Prayer Letters