Just over a month ago, our SEND global family gathered at Harvest Bible Church and online to celebrate our 80th anniversary. The theme, Around the World in 80 Years, was a creative nod to Jules Verne’s classic novel Around the World in 80 Days . But while Verne’s story followed a race against time to circle the globe, SEND’s journey has been different. For 80 years, we have followed God’s pace and leading. He has faithfully guided us through open doors where the gospel can take root.
This milestone event was attended by nearly 300 people in person, with many more joining online from countries including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Romania, Spain, Australia, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Japan, and more. Hosted by SEND US CEO Michelle Atwell and SEND Canada Sending Director Rob “Mags” Magwood, the two-day celebration was filled with worship, storytelling, and prayer. We had the opportunity to honor the past, embrace the present, and envision the future.
Highlights from the Gathering
A storytelling panel brought history to life in SEND Through the Decades led by Liz and David Givens, along with their daughter, Carrie. Together, we traced God’s work from 1945 up to the 21st century. Everyone was encouraged by the testimonies of past and present missionaries.
A storytelling panel brought history to life in SEND Through the Decades led by Liz and David Givens, along with their daughter, Carrie. Together, we traced God’s work from 1945 up to the 21st century. Everyone was encouraged by the testimonies of past and present missionaries.
We heard from Howard Blair, who was part of the GI Gospel Hour in Manila, the prayer gathering that became the seed for Far Eastern Gospel Crusade (FEGC), which eventually became SEND International. Stories from our first missionary kid (MK), David Sweet, reminded us of the perseverance and resilience of our workers in post-war Japan.
We traveled around the world through the testimonies of our missionaries who witnessed the beginnings of Central Alaskan Missions (now known as SEND North) and the expansion to new fields in Europe and the former Soviet Union (now known as SEND Eurasia).
We traveled around the world through the testimonies of our missionaries who witnessed the beginnings of Central Alaskan Missions (now known as SEND North) and the expansion to new fields in Europe and the former Soviet Union (now known as SEND Eurasia).
Leadership Transition
A heartfelt tribute was prepared for Warren and Dorothy Janzen. Warren served as SEND’s International Director for 21 years, serving with Dorothy, who was instrumental in the growth of SEND’s Women’s Ministry. Friends and family shared special messages and memories honoring the service of the Janzens.
A heartfelt tribute was prepared for Warren and Dorothy Janzen. Warren served as SEND’s International Director for 21 years, serving with Dorothy, who was instrumental in the growth of SEND’s Women’s Ministry. Friends and family shared special messages and memories honoring the service of the Janzens.
The tribute was followed by the commissioning of Jon and Beth Eckstein. Jon is the new International Director (ID) / CEO of SEND. His appointment comes after an organization-wide vote that showed overwhelming support from SEND members. Jon has been with SEND for over 25 years, serving as a missionary, Area Director for East Asia, Asia Regional Director, and now as International Director.
Our new ID had the opportunity to share his vision for SEND, emphasizing the importance of tending the roots. He likened SEND to a tree that is intentionally placed with deep r oots, with a community, and knows that God will provide and protect. Jon said, “The spiritual analogy for us and SEND is obvious. God provides the water, nutrients, and light that we must have to grow, thrive, and bear fruit. They are there for us. God offers his Spirit, his Word, and his Church BUT they don’t just jump into our roots – into us. It requires discipline and activity on our end.
We have a two-fold purpose in that we must each tend to our own roots AND we must together tend to the roots we share as a covenant community in SEND. As we've seen, there’s a clear call not to place our ultimate trust in human strength or strategy, but to root ourselves deeply in the Lord—like that tree planted by water, whose leaves stay green even in drought. And that’s the posture we want to carry forward together."
New Ministry Expansion
Another event highlight was the integration of The Kaifa Group into SEND’s global ministry. This marked a new chapter in reaching the unreached in Southeast Asia. Kaifa has long served in nations where gospel access is limited. Through this partnership, SEND will help equip national leaders, mobilize local workers for global missions, and plant reproducing churches in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach communities.
Another event highlight was the integration of The Kaifa Group into SEND’s global ministry. This marked a new chapter in reaching the unreached in Southeast Asia. Kaifa has long served in nations where gospel access is limited. Through this partnership, SEND will help equip national leaders, mobilize local workers for global missions, and plant reproducing churches in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach communities.
As the celebration came to a close, we were reminded that SEND’s story is far from finished. Our journey has spanned continents and cultures, following God’s leading for 80 years. By tending the roots planted in 1945 and embracing new opportunities, we look to the future with anticipation. Together, we continue in our calling to go, to send, and to serve, so that Christ may be known where he is not yet known.
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?
Learn about the spiritual harmony in Vietnam & how missionaries engage with college students. Join us in sharing the gospel!
Explore Georgia's spiritual heritage and the impact of SEND International's mission. Join us in fostering authentic relationships today!
