Missions | Beyond

A Day of Spirit Led Encounters

Aug 13, 2025 | Stories, Turkic World

“Lord, where would you have us go to share today?” *Sue and her friends waited in silent prayer, listening intently for the Spirit’s guidance. They were spending three days devoted to worship, prayer, and sharing God’s love with others. Each day, they first sought to receive from the Father, then they interceded for their country, and finally asked for specific directions on whom to share His message with that day.

Usually, the insights they received pointed them toward various people, places, and moments during their prayer walk—like a divine to-do list of appointments. But this time, all the pieces they felt God had given them came together in a single moment, leading them to one father and daughter from Germany. As Sue sat on the bench, she snapped a picture of the view, feeling deeply that the Spirit was emphasizing, “Here. Share now.”

This experience encouraged Sue and her friends immensely, revealing to them how clearly the Holy Spirit can speak and reminding them that they can recognize His still, small voice. Earlier that day, God had placed that neighborhood on Sue’s heart, along with a prompting to sit and wait on a bench, rather than wandering as they usually did. And there it all was: the bench, the boats in the water, the family picnicking, and the boys playing soccer—all the details they had received came together, pointing to that one conversation.

Praise the Father for the ways He leads us into moments where He is already at work.

*pseudonyms

Bold Faith, New Life

Aug 7, 2025 | Austronesia, Stories

*Jawaria’s soul was weighed down by unanswered prayers and spiritual uncertainty. She was a devoted SaSumBi woman, a faithful follower of Islam and had spent years striving to please Allah.

That is, until the day she met someone entirely unexpected: another SaSumBi woman—yet strikingly different. This woman, *Ati, also came from a Muslim background, but her life radiated peace and joy. She claimed to follow Isa Al Masih (Jesus Christ). Ibu Jawaria was stunned. “How could that possibly be?” she wondered. Could one come from a world like hers and still follow Isa?

Intrigued and compelled by the difference in Ati, Ibu Jawaria began meeting with Ati, who introduced her to Discovery Bible Stories—starting with the lives of the Old Testament prophets. Ati not only read the stories with her but also trained her to lead these simple yet powerful story-based discussions within her own household.

Each story session included four key questions:

What does this teach us about the character of God?
What does it teach us about people?
How will you personally obey what God is revealing? When will you begin?
Who will you share this story with so that they, too, may know God?

As the weeks passed, something deep began to shift within Ibu Jawaria. With each story, she encountered glimpses of a God whose heart was tender, just, and full of grace. Tears flowed freely—tears of release and awakening.

Though she had long sought to live righteously under Islam, Ibu Jawaria came to realize that all her efforts—outward rituals and ceremonial cleansings—could not erase the guilt she carried in her heart. She saw clearly her own capacity to harm others, despite her best intentions. A painful truth settled in: there was a chasm between her and the holy God she so desperately wanted to know.

As she and her family continued their Discovery Bible Study journey, they eventually reached the stories of the New Testament. It was then that the truth pierced their hearts with clarity: only through Isa Al Masih could true forgiveness, peace, and eternal life be found.

That day, the entire household bowed their hearts before Isa. They turned from their own ways and prayed a simple prayer of surrender, placing their trust in the One who alone could bridge the great divide—Isa Al Masih.

Finally, Ibu Jawaria was at peace. She had found the Way. And more than that, she had found the truth and the life.

Later, her husband remarked, “You’re really bold in telling others about Isa Al Masih.”

She smiled and replied, “Of course I am bold—this is the truth!”

Today, Ibu Jawaria shares openly, passionately, and boldly the Good News of Isa.

She told Ati of her desire to be like the Apostle Paul—unshaken, unafraid, and completely surrendered, even unto death. She and her husband now lead a vibrant, reproducing house church with their extended household, continuing to discover and proclaim the transforming power of Isa Al Masih.

*pseudonym

GIVE UP YOUR WAY: A KEY DISCIPLE-MAKING COMPONENT
They felt led to move to a new area and start a ministry that would open the region to the gospel for the first time. By seeking the Lord themselves, read more …

10 CHARACTERISTICS OF A BOOK OF ACTS CHURCH
A group covenants to follow Jesus together. They are baptized and study and obey God’s word together. They fellowship together and care for one another … read more …

LACK OF HARVESTERS …
Recently Reina*, a BEYOND field worker, was approached by a foreign worker from another organization. “I want you to let me know if you have any local workers in your network read more …

Beyond the Beads

Jul 30, 2025 | Stories, Turkic World

Asif* was raised in a strict conservative Muslim home in an Asian country. From a young age, he followed every rule of his faith with deep devotion. He wore traditional attire, grew his beard, avoided anything considered impure, and prayed faithfully five times a day facing his religion’s holiest site. He never missed a prayer—fearing that for every one he missed, he would suffer seventy years in hell.

In his heart, Asif believed he was seeking God. But despite all his religious effort, he felt an aching emptiness inside. Desperate for hope, he increased his devotion. Each night, before falling asleep, he would repeat his prayer beads 21,000 times—longing for peace, for connection, for something more.

Years passed, but the truth he longed for felt further away than ever. His soul grew weary under the weight of endless rituals and rules. Disillusioned and heartbroken, Asif came to the conclusion that perhaps God didn’t exist after all. He abandoned his faith, cast off his religious clothing, and left his hometown in search of a fresh start.

But even as Asif tried to walk away from God, God never stopped pursuing him.

Years later, something shifted. Asif began to notice the world around him with fresh eyes. The intricate beauty of nature—the skies, the trees, the design of it all—sparked a question deep within: Could all of this really exist without a Creator? The thought stirred something long dormant in his heart.

Determined to seek the truth, Asif began searching again—but this time with a different posture. By God’s providence, he came across a copy of the Bible in his own language. Though he had never met a single follower of Jesus, he began to read.

As he turned the pages, something incredible happened. The Spirit of God began to open his heart. For the first time, Asif saw the truth he had longed for: the reality of his sin, the kindness of God, the need for a Savior—and the living hope found in Jesus.

Asif surrendered his life to Christ.

Today, Asif is a bold disciple-maker. His journey is far from over, and there is much more to share. But for now, please join us in lifting up Asif and his family in prayer. They are truly like sheep among wolves. Ask the Father to bring lasting fruit from Asif’s ministry and to raise up more local workers to join him in the harvest.

*pseudonyms

A High-Caste Heart Won for Jesus

Jul 9, 2025 | South Asia, Stories

Sharma* was a devout high-caste Hindu, deeply offended that a lower-caste couple in his village hosted gatherings to worship Jesus in their home. Determined to stop them, he rallied the entire neighborhood to oppose them. Despite the pressure and hostility, the couple and their friends continued to meet faithfully.

One day, the couple approached Sharma and gently asked, “Why are you so opposed to us?”

“I’m a high-caste Hindu,” Sharma replied coldly. “I don’t want you or your religion in my village.”

“You haven’t even gotten to know us,” the wife said. “If you see how we live and what we do, then you can judge for yourself.”

“I can’t enter a lower-caste home—it would defile me,” he retorted.

“Then sit outside,” they offered kindly. “We’ll give you a chair by the door so you can observe.”

Reluctantly, Sharma accepted. He watched from the doorway. But when the gathering ended, something had shifted in his heart. The anger was gone—replaced by curiosity and unexpected respect.

The following week, Sharma returned, this time with his wife. Again, they sat just outside the door. During the meeting, his wife mentioned pain in her knee and asked for prayer. The group prayed—and her pain disappeared. Later, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion was shared. Sharma and his wife had never heard of a God who would suffer and die for His people.

After everyone else had left, they stayed behind, eager to learn more.

Six weeks later, Sharma and his wife were baptized, along with seven other families they had brought with them—107 people in total!

Reflecting on his journey, Sharma says, “I used to treat the disciples so badly, but they always responded with grace. Now I will share the Word with others, just like they shared with me.”

*pseudonym

POISONED FOR MAKING IMPACT
Nadal served in Rishikesh alongside a local leader and comes from the saphera (snake charmer) caste. …. read more

WHEN PERSECUTION BECOMES CELEBRATION
In the 2001 persecution, one group of believers received threats that they would be forced to reconvert … read more

BREAKING BARRIERS WITH THE GOSPEL
Sharitha* was the house helper of movement catalysts Ethan* and Nicole* while they lived in India. …read more

One Miracle Sparks Third Generation Growth

Jun 30, 2025 | South Asia, Stories

Raj*, a facilitator of a Discovery Bible Study group, was deeply concerned when his 12-year-old son, Adi*, became gravely ill. Desperate for help, Raj asked Nuh, a disciple-maker, to pray for Adi’s healing. Adi miraculously recovered. Encouraged by this, Nuh told Raj that he too could pray—with confidence—for his own children and others in need.

About a month later, Raj visited his brother-in-law, Adhesh*, in a nearby village. There, he encountered a woman named Dhani*, who had suffered for 25 years from a debilitating illness and was tormented by a demon. The demon often threw her into the fires she used for cooking, leaving painful burn marks on her hands and feet.

Moved with compassion and strengthened in faith, Raj prayed for Dhani. God miraculously healed her and delivered her from the demon! This powerful experience deepened Raj’s faith and gave him greater confidence to walk in the authority Jesus had given him, as Nuh had explained to him.

Dhani’s husband was overwhelmed with gratitude and said, “Because Jesus healed my wife, we want to live our lives at His feet. We want to learn more about Him and hear more stories of Jesus.” As a result, God’s name was honored in that village.

This miracle opened the door for Raj to begin Discovery Bible Study groups with 17 families in Dhani’s village. These families are now listening to Bible stories—from Creation to Christ—and learning what it means to be true followers of Jesus.

The ripple effect didn’t stop there. Inspired by what God had done, other families from Dhani’s village visited a nearby village to share the testimony. That visit sparked the start of six more Discovery groups—third-generation growth! When ordinary people step into the authority Jesus gives (Matthew 10:1), they feel empowered to obey all of His commands.

Please pray for Raj, for Dhani’s village, and for the neighboring families who are hearing this good news. May the story of Dhani’s healing spread with the same power and urgency as the Samaritan woman’s testimony about the Messiah she met at the well.

*pseudonym