The Journey to Church Planting The Preparation We are a family called by God to church planting in Spain, where we have been serving faithfully for the past 12 years. The first four years of our journey were dedicated to cultural learning and understanding the Spanish context. During that time, we supported a fledgling church in Toledo for two years, followed by two years serving a century-old church in Jaén, in southern Spain. This season gave us firsthand experience in both Spanish culture and the evangelical landscape of the country. Into the Unreached In 2019, we entered a second phase of our calling when God led us to the Basque Country in northern Spain, specifically to the Uribe Kosta region. This area is made up of approximately seven towns and has a population of around 150,000 people—yet at that time, there was no evangelical presence or church in the region. As a family, we settled in one of these towns, Berango. God opened the door for us to work alongside a church that shared the vision of starting a new ministry in Uribe Kosta. During our first year, this church walked with us, supporting our adaptation process and helping us gain a deeper understanding of the region and its people. That same year, God allowed us to begin discipleship with the very first family who accepted Jesus, along with a woman who also came to faith. Since then, the Lord has continued to add people to His kingdom, and we have had the joy of discipling them as they grow in their faith and in their relationship with God. In 2022, God provided the opportunity to rent a space where we could begin regular Bible studies. The journey was not easy. There were days when only our own family gathered to read the Word and pray. Yet God gave us the grace to persevere, and little by little, more people began to join us. The Fruit of Perseverance To God’s glory, today we are 35 members strong, forming the first evangelical church in the Uribe Kosta region. We feel profoundly privileged that God is using us to make His name known in these lands, with a firm commitment in our hearts to be a light and to bear faithful witness to Christ. Finally, we want to emphasize something very important: we are not alone. We are deeply grateful for the support of two missionary units who have fully embraced the vision of planting this church with us! Behind our family stands a faithful network of people who support us through prayer and financial partnership. Together, we are reaching the Basque people for Christ. -- This is just one glimpse into the many stories unfolding through the SEND network of missionaries. Together, we are committed to seeing new churches planted and communities reached around the world.

When pursuing missions as a 22-year-old, a big concern I had was my ongoing struggle with depression. Even though dark thoughts plagued me on and off since early high school, I never talked about them with anyone. I remember one summer day before my sophomore year of high school, looking out my bedroom window and feeling despair settle over me.

When God First Widened My World: Remembering Urbana 1996 I still remember the winter air. It was December 1996, and I was a junior at Oakland University in Rochester Michigan, serving as a small group leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship—the ministry that had profoundly shaped my faith since my freshman year. I was growing spiritually, serving faithfully in my local church, and stepping into leadership on campus. Attending Urbana felt like the natural next step. Urbana only happened every three years, and I knew that once I graduated, I might miss the chance altogether. My church believed in that moment enough to cover the cost. They entrusted me—and my campus minister—with a van full of college students, driving from Detroit to Champaign-Urbana during the quiet days between Christmas and New Year’s. I had heard the stories: thousands of students, passionate worship, a clear call to live fully for Jesus. What I encountered exceeded every expectation. A Campus Taken Over by the Kingdom Buses poured in from every direction, unloading students onto a snow- covered campus. Dorm rooms filled. Cafeterias buzzed. The entire university seemed overtaken—not by noise or spectacle, but by a quiet, collective hunger for God. For the first time in my life, I met students from places far beyond Michigan— Harvard, Loyola, Wheaton. My world was expanding in real time. I don’t remember every speaker or session. What I do remember is the unmistakable clarity of the invitation. God was bigger than I had ever imagined. Not just personal. Not just local. He was King of the nations. And there were people—millions of them—who had never heard His name. The question was simple, but it felt weighty: Would I commit my life, in whatever way God asked, to the Great Commission? Explore God’s leading toward the nations with a SEND missions coach.

Opening Your Homes This Thanksgiving 

Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations 

Just over a month ago, our SEND global family gathered at Harvest Bible Church and online to celebrate our 80th anniversary.

Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations 

"This probably looks impossible, but you serve a God who is greater." These are the words of Abigail Niles, a young woman who followed the Lord to Romania.

I remember crying out to God: “Lord, I don’t understand this, but raise up more of your workers and send them out to bring hope and light to the lost."

At SEND International, we’ve seen time and again how God brings the right people to the right places.

Your Muslim friends and colleagues will react very differently concerning the day of Ashura, depending on which branch of Islam they belong. Shias will be mourning; Sunnis will be celebrating.

Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution only to break it in less than a week? On March 1, 1.8 billion Muslims began their annual fasting month called Ramadan. They are supposed to fast completely—no water or food—during daylight hours from March 1–Mar 29.

Someone recently told me that to become a missionary, you simply have to be stubborn. Otherwise, you'd never make it to the field. Now, I like to think of myself as incredibly humble – perhaps even the most humble person you’ll ever meet.

A hunger for discipleship. Physical hardship. Spiritual darkness.

Hajj 2025 (or Hajj 1446 AH in Islamic year) is when over a million Muslims will descend on Mecca for pilgrimage from June 4 through June 9.

Over the past few weeks, I had the privilege of joining several SEND leaders on a deeply moving survey trip through Myanmar and Nepal. This journey wasn’t just about exploring ministry opportunities—it was about listening, learning, and witnessing firsthand how God is at work in some of the most complex and challenging corners of our world.

We asked three of our SEND International missionaries to describe the spiritual climate in the communities where they serve. Here's what they said...

These days, Christians and non-Christians alike are hearing constant news about immigrants and refugees. In the midst of this, we must remember that there are many different groups of refugees and immigrants in the US. Each group faces its own concerns and fears.

From Siberian winters and language barriers to pandemic isolation and regional conflicts, our missionaries share deeply personal moments of doubt, spiritual stretching, and questioning their calling.

“What does God require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” These simple yet profound words from Micah 6:8 are guideposts to understanding our relationship with God and others.

Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution only to break it in less than a week? On March 1, 1.8 billion Muslims began their annual fasting month called Ramadan. They are supposed to fast completely—no water or food—during daylight hours from March 1–Mar 29. It begins with much fanfare, promises, and declarations, as fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that faithfully keeping the fast ensures one’s place of favor with God.

Have you ever had your plans unexpectedly rearranged? That’s exactly what happened during my visit to a refugee family.

Intentional planning, preparation, education, and rest are all essential components of effective mission work. This is especially true for missionaries working overseas.

The weight of shame for Muslims is all-encompassing, overwhelming, and so painful. It causes them to avoid seeking help at all costs.

Many of our missionaries show the love of Christ by being available and helping at-risk families by taking care of children for short-term periods or even sometimes long-term.

For some, holidays with family are important, especially with grandkids in the picture.