News and Views
We have our fingers on the pulse of modern missions. Mission work is changing rapidly as the world's cultures and global conditions are changing. Ease of travel and communication impact how the Gospel is spread. But at the heart of missions, there is the work of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the obedience of the Church to carry out Jesus' command to go into all the earth.
We want to present challenging biblical truths, insights into today's missions environment, and progress reports on reaching the entire world with the Gospel. Please keep checking our blog regularly for updates, stories and challenging thoughts from Scripture!
The ministry of Reach A Village was featured in the March issue of AFA Journal, a publication of the American Family Association. In an interview, President Robert Craft told about our focus on training local believers in order to reach the remaining 1 million unreached villages around the world. “They are unreached, but not unreachable,” he commented.
He explained that, from his own experience as a missionary, he had observed that indigenous Christians were more effective when it came to communicating and connecting with the people on a spiritual level because of their shared language and...
A few years ago, I began considering how to find someone to travel to Southeast Asia in my place and continue the partnerships I’ve had with ministries for almost 20 years. As Reach A Village has grown, so have my responsibilities as president. Additionally, I will turn 67 in March, and some health issues prompted me to get more intentional about the search. It wouldn't be easy to find the right person. The individual would have to live in North America, yet be passionate about reaching the lost in Asia, be able to work across cultures with international pastors, teachers and church...
While a student at Olivet Nazarene University, I would sing in the annual performance of George Frideric Handel's “Messiah” every December. My choir would practice for months in advance as the yearly event was a proud tradition.
One of the most popular choruses featured this verse from Isaiah. For a good portion of it, Handel focuses on the first phrase of the verse, "for to us...
“I thank God, whom I serve … as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith …" 2 Timothy 1:3-5a
There are many things for which to be thankful, like our faith, family, life, health, peace, food and shelter. This Thanksgiving season, I want to encourage you to also take time and thank the Lord for people He has brought into your life. When Paul wrote these words, he obviously felt that his life and ministry were nearing an end (2 Timothy 4:6). Perhaps that is...
The July rescue of the soccer team trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand is still capturing the world’s attention all these weeks later. Currently, Reach A Village is involved in an even greater rescue mission that is also worthy of global attention and will require an international response. People in unreached villages are trapped in the darkness of sin and death. How long will they have to wait to be rescued?
There are many parallels between the mission to rescue the Thai soccer team and our rescue mission. No one nation or organization can accomplish the goal on its own; it...
We are pleased to announce that we have started a YouTube channel! We are delighted to have this new forum to fill you in on all of the latest ministry developments. Hosted by our International Ministry Director for Southeast Asia, Ellis Craft, the videos will feature topics relating to missions, interviews with missions leaders, testimonies of inspiring transformations, exciting developments from our global partners, and updates on church planting efforts. God is doing so many tremendous things worldwide, and we want you to have a front row seat! We hope you’ll join us as new...
“‘For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.’” Matthew 18:20
Growing up in rural Alabama, I was a typical American boy who watched Saturday morning cartoons. Most were filled with heroes like Superman, Spiderman, Batman and the Lone Ranger. The rugged individualism portrayed by superheroes was an important cultural value. I thought that, surely, I should aspire to be that kind of hero in my generation.
When my heart was challenged with Jesus’ Great Commission, I sold my car to buy one-way tickets for myself and my family to Thailand. I wanted to join the...
Volunteering for the Values Education ministry in the Philippines was a step of faith for Sister Jenalo. She had always dreamed of being a teacher, but didn’t finish school.
After receiving encouragement from her pastor, she became a volunteer teacher at the local public school! It has boosted her self-confidence, given her greater purpose, and drawn her closer to God. This ministry changed her life, community, church, and especially the lives of the children she teaches about God's Word.
Hearing Sister Jenalo tell about her journey reminded me of my own journey. When I was growing up...
“For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.”
Colossians 1:19-20 (NLT)
Perhaps you’re familiar with the reality TV show “Undercover Boss,” where company owners or executives disguise themselves to go undercover as trainees in their own organizations. Oftentimes the bosses find themselves having to do difficult jobs where they get dirty and are outside their comfort zones. Not only do these executives learn a great deal about...
When most of us think of Thanksgiving season, our minds go to family meals with turkey, dressing and trimmings. We often go around the dinner table and mention something for which we are thankful. But I do not think I have ever seen a more grateful group of people than the one I was with earlier this month.
I recently had the joy of celebrating the Lord’s Supper with believers in Thailand during a church planter training event. I would not normally have thought of a communion service as a sort of “thanksgiving” meal. But this time was different. I was celebrating communion with...
