We thank God for this place!
SEND International sold its campus in Farmington, Michigan, in May, and will be moving to new offices as the Lord leads. As we prepared for the sale, we asked our missionaries around the world to send in their memories from this piece of land that God has used in the training, sending, and supporting of his global workers. Here are some of their responses:
There are so, so many memories of the SEND campus. The SEND campus has felt like home every time I've been there, even though it was only a handful of times. There are memories of game nights, food, and laughter in the MEC (Mission Education Center). (Oh, and hanging out downstairs for a tornado warning!) Of walking the little path through the woods. Of seeing deer eat peacefully in the grass. Of the runs with other SEND members. Of finding outside places to sit and have time with God. Of walking into buildings and having wonderful people smile at me, serve, and care so much about what God is doing in my life and ministry. Of meeting new people who are doing amazing things around the world. Of sitting in chapels and sessions to hear the testimonies of others. Of times to go deep with Christ. I'm going to miss having this familiar place to call home when I'm on furlough.
— Amanda, teacher at Faith Academy in the Philippines
Our kids grew up as SEND kids, and they all knew the bridge
. It spanned the valley from below the current MEC across to the houses on the other side. It was the gathering place for SEND kids of all ages, and of course, in good Billy Goat Gruff fashion, there were trolls under the bridge. Older kids instructed little ones in how to cross without rousing the trolls. Stories and imagination filled the bridge for decades. And sadness reigned across the SEND Kid World, even up to those now grown, when the bridge was deemed unsafe and torn down. The woods were magic any season of the year, but the real magic lived under the bridge.
— A retiree who helped start the SEND media department in 1981
One of my fondest memories on the US campus was in November 2017. I had arrived straight from Russia to Michigan for a conference, so I hadn't seen my family yet. The conference ended on my birthday, and the group was very kind, singing “Happy Birthday" and some even giving me small gifts.
At the end of the day, I was packing up my room, preparing to leave. Carl Kresge, Russia regional director at the time, came down to tell me that there were people waiting for me at the MEC. I was confused, but didn't think much about it. I hurried to finish packing and get up to the MEC.
As I came through the door, the rest of the participants were getting ready to have dinner. They started to sing to me again. I smiled, thinking it was just another birthday wish. As I was listening to the song, someone took me by the arm and pulled me to one side. I looked in the kitchen area and there stood my Dad, my brother, my nephew and my niece! They had flown in from Kansas City to see me on my birthday and arranged the surprise through the International Office.
I was so shocked, I didn't understand who they were for a split second! There were tears and laughter as I introduced them to all of the colleagues standing there. It was the best birthday surprise that I have ever had.
That was the last birthday I got to spend with my Dad. He died in 2019 from pancreatic cancer. I will always remember that wonderful moment when I turned and saw him and my other family. And I will always be thankful to all the sneaky people who helped keep the secret and the surprise!
— Jenni, discipleship and youth ministry in Russia
Every day that we were on SEND’s campus, the walk to the MEC brought anticipation of QUALITY!
— Eileen, church planting in Japan
I remember sitting in Dennis Carlson’s office discussing whether we should go ahead and purchase our tickets for Japan. We were at almost 100% support to go as career missionaries. Dick Oestreicher (business manager at the time) walked by, and Dennis grabbed him and asked his opinion. Dick’s response was: “I think they should go ahead.” What faith! The SEND offices were always more about the people then the place.
— Joel, church planter in Japan
— Terry, former member of the SEND Canada council
• Our total commitment to Jesus Christ fuels all that we do.
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Additional Posts
Choosing a Missions Organization: Why SEND International Stands Out “Why should I be a missionary through SEND International?” Jenna, a new missionary in Eastern Europe, shared with us what she appreciates about working with SEND. The highlights for her are: - Devotion to prayer - Diligence in communication - Commitment to development - Intentionality in accountability Prayer “Back in September of 2022, the Lord reconnected me with SEND after I had met them a year prior at the Moody Bible Institute. However, before he would sign me up for anything, my Missions Coach encouraged me to pray. He said something to the effect of, "I know that you've been praying on your own for a long time. But as the Church, we are not called to walk alone. So, you and I won't talk for about a month unless you have questions. I want you to go pray with 5 or 6 others from your church about where God is calling you." That October, more than 10 friends prayed with me and we saw God answer as He directed me to Romania. From February 2024 to November 2025, I had the pleasure of being a part of team meetings in Romania with my SEND colleagues. Our meetings were four hours long, two for prayer and two for business. This has been the minimum for our team. There are also prayer meetings with the local churches we partner with, among smaller groups within our team, of course prayer with many of you across the pond, including those at our US office. The organization was built, has been sustained, and continues to run on prayer. This is my favorite thing about SEND. Communication As I mentioned above, we have a two hour block for business / ministry details in each of our meetings. This provides consistency across our team which works alongside three different churches and in a variety of ministries. It also helps us to communicate about the need for change or growth, alongside what is working well. In addition, my team director also meets with each of us, allowing us to communicate needs, considerations, and prayer requests. I've also enjoyed getting to work with SEND workers outside of my immediate region . We receive emails with the minutes from the Europe leadership team, Friday communications from our international director, and information regarding projects that affect our work among the unreached. In December of 2024, our international director at the time wrote a note to my parents for the first Christmas that I was gone. If nothing else had convinced my mom yet, this did. He took the time to care for me, but also to care well for the parents that were sending me (What it meant to my dad and mom for him to do this well has been one of the greatest ways I've been supported.). I also have some pretty wonderful regional directors. These people have prayed alongside us (while also serving in their own countries of service), they have taken time to come visit and encourage our team, and they have also taken the time to encourage the people in our churches. Development SEND has provided much in the area of development and care (spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally). At our regional conference (every three years), there have been medical check ups available, counseling options, and time for connecting with others on the field with similar experience. At our conference last October, I connected with a missionary who served overseas for many years, and is now serving on the administrative side of SEND. She has met with me since then for mentorship and has also invested much of her time recently in preparing a retreat for the singles across Europe. Accountability Over the years I have read and heard amazing stories of how God has worked through missionaries. God has done great things and great things He is still doing! However, people who have committed their lives to the Lord in this way are not “super Christians”. We are still humans with the same struggle against flesh that others have . A major challenge is in being isolated -- living in areas with little to no presence of other believers to sharpen them can cause many difficulties. SEND has been a great resource in this area too. Through my team, I have an accountability partner that I meet with monthly. When my regional director came to visit, he and his wife spent a day with me and asked intentional questions about how I lead, handle conflict, and how I am growing in general as a Christian. In addition, my teammates share their wisdom with me on a regular basis. These things and more have assured me that SEND International is a highly valuable organization and I'm excited to partner with them in service to, for, and with our great God! Interested in being sent by SEND?
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Explore Georgia's spiritual heritage and the impact of SEND International's mission. Join us in fostering authentic relationships today!
