It is going to take all of us. This phrase repeats over and over in my mind as I think of the vision of The Alliance—All of Jesus for All the World. As we preach the gospel, the message we are sharing is the reality that all of Jesus is available to each of us. The power of Jesus to save us from the penalty of our sins, the grace of Jesus to sanctify us, the love of Jesus to heal us, and the hope of our returning King is a message that has transformed our lives and continues to transform lives every day. This message of Jesus is not just for us, but for all the world.
When we have experienced the fullness of Jesus in our lives, we can’t help but share that message. Our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends, our enemies, people near, people far—“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Rom. 10:14). All of Jesus is for all of them.
This transforming message of Jesus can’t be limited by geographical or denominational barriers, but must transcend these differences to carry the gospel across all boundaries and borders. This is why it takes all of us.
How can I share all of Jesus with communities that I am not a part of? It takes an individual who responds and says, “Here I am, send me!” If they are not from that community already, they learn the language and culture to make the message of all of Jesus clear to all people. It takes a church who responds to the question, “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?” with the answer, “We will send.” When the Church is willing to raise up and release her very best to take all of Jesus to all the world, all of us become involved in the mission. We partner together to complete the mission that Jesus commanded: to go and make disciples of all nations (see Matt. 28:19). All of us partnered together will see all of Jesus being proclaimed in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. All of Jesus for All the World takes all of us.
Jim Sappia Director for Global Link
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04 Christ - Centered
THE WHOLE JESUS FOR A WAITING WORLD
An invitation to deeper missions engagement | by W. S. Barkat | pg. 4
AGGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY
The call to an earnest and missional faith by A. B. Simpson | pg. 8
FREE VERSE
Quotes from the Kingdom | pg. 12
TOZER ANTHOLOGY
Compiled by Harry Verploegh | pg. 12
16 Acts 1:8
THE GOD OF DREAMS AND DETAILS
Engineering and architecture to the glory of God | by Emily Smith | pg. 16
YOUR GENEROSITY IN ACTION
The Ones We Call Our Boys | by Mariasun, an Alliance worker serving in Spain | pg. 22
HIS Alliance Council 2025 by Alliance Life staff | pg. 24
In the Uttermost Parts of the Earth Adapted by
ALLIANCE
THE WHOLE JESUS FOR A WAITING WORLD
by W. S. Barkat
A call to deeper missions engagement
All of Jesus for All the World. This powerful phrase is more than a slogan—it is a global invitation and a personal commission. As someone serving in a creative-access country in the Middle East/Central Asia region, these words have become both a challenge and a compass, shaping how I see the gospel, the world, and my role in God’s mission.
I live and work among people who, for the most part, have never heard the name of Jesus in their heart language. Many don’t even know a follower of Christ. And yet I’ve seen signs of the Kingdom breaking through—in relationships, conversations, dreams, and simple acts of love. The gospel is moving forward, even in places where it’s never been preached before.
WHAT DOES “ALL OF JESUS” REALLY MEAN?
When we say, “All of Jesus,” we’re talking about the whole Christ—not a reduced or cultural version of Him. The Jesus we follow is not just the Savior who forgives sins, but also the Shepherd who walks with the broken, the Healer of deep wounds, the Teacher of truth, and the Lord of justice and mercy.
In many parts of this country, people are not just spiritually curious—they’re spiritually hungry. But they don’t want abstract religion. They want to know if this Jesus is real. Can He help their family? Can He bring peace to their hearts? Can He protect them from fear and evil?
One evening over tea, my friend Rustam* looked at me after we had discussed Jesus and said, “I thought Christianity was only for Western people. I didn’t know someone like you could believe in Isa.” His surprise was genuine. To him, the gospel was a distant concept, wrapped in foreign culture. But when he heard it through the life and words of someone he could relate to, it suddenly became personal and possible.
That moment reminded me that the gospel must come not only in words, but in relationships. When people encounter the whole Jesus—His compassion, His wisdom, His power, and His grace—they are drawn to Him.
THE WHOLE GOSPEL IN WORD AND DEED
To share “All of Jesus” also means embracing holistic ministry—addressing both spiritual and practical needs.
This is why I’m still here. Because Jesus is worthy. Because people are searching. Because eternity matters.
In contexts where people face daily struggles—economic hardship, political instability, broken families—proclaiming Christ must be accompanied by tangible love.
This is not optional. In places where churches meet in secret, where Scripture is rare, and where believers suffer for their faith, people don’t want theological arguments—they want presence. They want to see if your God is good, not just in theory, but in practice.
Jesus didn’t separate preaching from healing. He touched the untouchable, fed the hungry, and called the oppressed by name. To bring all of Jesus means to live this out wherever we are sent.
WHO’S STILL WAITING?
“All the world” means everyone, everywhere—every people group, every nation, every language. Yet today, more than three billion people live in unreached communities. Many of them are in regions where the gospel has made only limited inroads, and where the Church is often underground or nearly invisible.
Some of these areas are stunningly beautiful—mountains, deserts, rivers, and cities full of culture and tradition. But beneath the beauty is a deep spiritual vacuum. In some towns, there are more than two hundred thousand people, and even a few followers of Jesus, yet there are no churches. In others, believers meet quietly in homes, praying that the police won’t knock on the door.
And yet, the gospel is advancing—often quietly, often slowly, but always powerfully.
One sister in Christ I met, Amina,* came to faith after having a dream about Jesus. She later found a New Testament that a friend had passed to her carefully. As she read it, she said it was like her heart “woke up.” Today, she follows Jesus with deep faith, even though it has cost her greatly. Her family rejected her. She lost her job. And yet, she says with conviction, “When I found Jesus, I found peace for the first time. No matter what happens, I cannot go back.”
Her story is only one of many. These testimonies challenge and inspire me. They remind me that Jesus is actively revealing Himself, even in the hardest-to-reach places. Our job is to show up, listen, love, and obey.
MISSIONS ENGAGEMENT IS FOR EVERYONE
Engaging in missions is not just for a few select “called” people. The Great Commission (see Matt. 28:18–20) was given to all followers of Jesus. The global Church is a sending Church, and every believer has a part to play.
For some, it means going—relocating to a new place to live out and share the gospel. That’s what I’ve done, and I can tell you: it’s not easy, but it’s deeply worth it. Every conversation, every shared meal, every step forward in language and culture is sacred.
For others, missions engagement means sending— supporting those on the field with prayer, encouragement, and finances. No cross-cultural worker serves alone. Behind every one of us is a community that gives, prays, and believes.
Still others are called to welcome—loving internationals, refugees, and students right in their neighborhoods. The world is coming to us. The nations are no longer only “over there”—they are across the street.
And finally, we are all called to pray. Prayer is not secondary to missions—it is its power source. I’ve seen breakthroughs come not through strategy but through intercession. When we pray for the unreached, we align ourselves with God’s heart.
WHY I’M STILL HERE
Serving in this country has changed me. I’ve seen the gospel take root in unexpected places—in the quiet of living rooms, in whispered prayers, in long walks through the city where stories are shared in trust. I’ve seen believers remain faithful through hardship. I’ve seen the Body of Christ take shape in small, unseen ways.
I’ve also felt the weight of spiritual resistance. There are days when discouragement knocks loudly. Language learning is hard. Multicultural team dynamics can be challenging. Cultural barriers are real. Progress can feel painstakingly slow.
But then I remember why I came: to bring all of Jesus to all the world. To be part of something bigger than myself. To live in obedience to the One who first came to me, rescued me, and sent me. There’s a deep, quiet joy in walking with Jesus in hidden places. Some days I sow seeds I may never see bloom. Other days, I get a glimpse of the harvest—a heart turning, a life changing, a question asked that opens the door for truth. It’s in these moments that I realize how God is always at work, even when I cannot see it.
Recently, I sat in a small courtyard with two young men who asked to know more about the Injil (the gospel of Jesus). They had questions, doubts, and fears. But as we opened Scripture together, the Holy Spirit was present. One of them said, “I don’t understand everything, but something in my heart tells me this is true.” That’s not something I can manufacture. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit. This is why I’m still here. Because Jesus is worthy. Because people are searching. Because eternity matters.
A CALL TO THE CHURCH
So, Church—how will we respond?
Will we remain comfortable while millions live and die without hearing the gospel? Or will we rise to the moment? Will we send and support those who go to the unreached? Will we pray bold, dangerous prayers? Will we teach our children about God’s heart for the nations?
We cannot afford to see missions as an optional add-on. It is the very heartbeat of God. From Genesis to Revelation, God is gathering a people for Himself from every nation, tribe, and tongue. And we are invited to join Him in that great mission.
It’s not about speed. It’s about faithfulness. It’s not about colonial history or foreign models. It’s about Jesus—that He would be known, loved, and followed by every people group on Earth. And the beauty of this mission is that everyone can be involved.
Whether you go, give, send, welcome, or pray, do it with all your heart. The world is waiting. And Jesus is worthy.
As it says in Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Let’s be part of that story!
*Name changed
AGGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY
The call to an earnest and missional faith by A. B. Simpson, originally published in The Alliance Weekly on September 23, 1899, from a sermon preached at that year’s Nyack Convention. Adapted by Alliance Life staff.
“Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.”
—2 CORINTHIANS 10:15–16 a
Were I asked to state the distinctive principles of the work of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, there are two things that I would say. First, it stands for an absolute faith in supernatural things and a supernatural God. It represents a Christianity that is out-and-out for God. And secondly, along with this as the outgo and overflow of this deeper life of faith and consecration, it represents an intense aggressiveness in its work for God—an overflow that is ever reaching to the regions beyond and seeking to pass on to others the blessing that we have ourselves received.
In our text, the Apostle Paul first speaks of the Corinthians’ faith and his own enlargement through fellowship with them, and then of the outcome of all this, leading him forward to new aggressive work in regions where others have never gone, and neglected fields that others have not reached.
A DEEPER AND LARGER FAITH
The apostle was longing for a deeper and larger faith, both on their part and his own. This must ever be the spring of earnest and aggressive work. We cannot give others more than we ourselves have received. All missionary enterprise must have its source in a deeper spiritual life. It is this that stimulates your generous gifts and your noble sacrifices.
It is because you believe in God and in His Word without reserve and have not been afraid to put all the weight of your need and eternal future upon it and have found in it a satisfying joy; it is because of this that everything else is cheap in comparison and everything else has ceased to hurt. God has given us a Christ that is real, a Comforter that fills the heart, a love that lifts us above ourselves, a whole gospel for the whole person, spirit, soul, and body. And it is the logical sequence that it should also be for the whole world.
UNSELFISH AND AGGRESSIVE WORK
No soul can receive this deep, divine, and overflowing life and live unto themselves. No church can be baptized into this Christ-spirit and ever again be selfish or earthbound. It makes the world our parish and irresistibly flows out like water to the deepest place of need.
This was the hope and ambition that enlarged and inspired the apostle’s life—to preach the gospel in the regions beyond. This, we say without immodesty or extravagance, is also the aim of the Alliance movement. The greatest blessing of our work, next to the precious gospel the Holy Spirit has revealed and the living Christ who is its center and substance, is the privilege of giving it to the world.
The Christian that is bound by their own horizon, the church that lives simply for itself, is bound to die a spiritual death and sink into stagnancy and corruption. We never can thank God enough for giving us not only a whole gospel to believe, but a whole world to give it to.
THIS GREAT IDEAL
In the early days of His earthly work, Christ spent a Sabbath working miracles in the wonders of His grace and power. When the next day dawned and multitudes thronged around Him, Simon Peter came eagerly saying, “Everyone is looking for you!” (Mark 1:37). Peter was delighted with the success of his Master’s ministry. He was proud to be around Him and know that He was the center of every thought and heart. But he could not find his Lord at first because He was away, off in a place to wait upon His Father in earnest prayer. When he found Him, the Master was not at all elated by the crowds, but turning His back on His sudden popularity, He set His face to new fields and answered, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come” (Mark 1:38). Again and again with weary feet and unwearied love, the Master traveled over Galilee until the teeming crowds had heard the gospel from His lips.
How beautiful that little verse in John, “Now he had to go through Samaria” (John 4:4). It was not because He had to take the road through Samaria, but because a weary soul was there at Jacob’s Well, and her fellow Samaritans, for whose souls there was no one else to care. How graphic the irony with which His enemies described His love of souls when they cried in reproach, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2b).
His love was always reaching out to regions beyond, and if the Spirit of the Master is in us, we shall be reaching too.
THE SPIRIT OF THE GREAT COMMISSION
All missionary enterprise must have its source in a deeper spiritual life.
When Christ went away, He left His will in the form of His last commands. And what were these? They may be summed up in three special commissions. First, a commission to the nations: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19a). He thus repudiated at once the idea of the gospel being intended for any single nation or race. The commission was worldwide, and it shall never be fulfilled until every race, tribe, and tongue of the human family shall have received the gospel in such a form that its people can understand the message of salvation.
Next, there is the individual commission, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). This sends us person by person to the individuals of each race, and bids us give every human being a chance for life.
Then, finally, there is the last utterance of the commission in its most aggressive form given by the Lord from the slope of Olivet just before His Ascension: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on
you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Notice the expansive character of the command. The ever-widening circle extends until it takes in the whole circumference of the world.
This was the spirit of the Early Church. They were slow to catch the Master’s thought, but gradually they understood it. And so it was not long until the gospel had begun to spread. The Apostle Paul, raised up and sent forth to worldwide evangelism, said: “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: ‘Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand’” (Rom. 15:20–21).
This is the true spirit of Christian love. It is the native instinct of the heavenborn soul. The supreme law of the universe is love and the essence of love is to think of others, and especially of the most needy and helpless ones. Let no one dare to call themselves a disciple of Jesus who does not care.
THE WORLD’S GREAT NEED
Can you take in the idea of a thousand millions without the gospel? Suppose we were to bring them into this Tabernacle a thousand at a time, three times a day every day—how long do you suppose it would take the whole congregation of the Christless world to pass before us and have one sermon preached to them about the love of Jesus? It would take at least a thousand years, and in those years, there would be 30 generations more left to perish.
Oh, as they pass into His presence in their darkness and sorrow and learn for the first time that He died to save them, what must they think of us, and what must He think of us, if we never feel their need and never make a sacrifice to save them?
Time will not permit me to tell you of all the neglected fields of this lost world. God is calling, the Spirit is pointing, the Macedonian cry is pleading for the regions beyond (see Acts 16:9–10). Oh, who will go, and who will help to send?
Let us not forget that these millions are not only our fellow citizens but our fellow sinners too. Shall we be true to the trust that God has so gloriously enlarged? Shall we give them merely the earthly symbol of freedom, or shall we give them the glorious liberty of the children of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ?
His love was always reaching out to regions beyond, and if the Spirit of the Master is in us, we shall be reaching too.
THE TOZER
ANTHOLOG Y
“’Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’”
—MATTHEW 4:19
“Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, Send me where Thou wilt, Work out Thy whole will in my life
At any cost, Now and forever.”
Compiled by Harry Verploegh
Adapted by Alliance Life staff
With the blessed Holy Spirit there is no yesterday or tomorrow—there is only the everlasting now. And since He is altogether God, enjoying all the attributes of the Godhead, there is with Him no elsewhere; He inhabits an eternal here.
—BETTY SCOTT STAM, MARTYRED IN 1934
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
—MATTHEW 28:19–20
“Untold millions are still untold.” —JOHN WESLEY
Our insensibility to the presence of the Holy Spirit is one of the greatest losses that our unbelief and preoccupation have cost us.
We have made Him a tenet of our creed; we have enclosed Him in a religious word, but little have we known Him in personal experience.
It would help us if we could remember that the Spirit is Himself God, the very nature of the Godhead subsisting in a form that can impart itself to our consciousness.
The Spirit is sent to be our Friend, to guide us over the long way home. He is Christ’s own Self come to live with us, allowing Him to fulfill His word, “Surely I will be with you always,” even while He sits at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens.
—from This World: Playground or Battleground? Originally published in Alliance Life on January 2, 1991.
inFocus
A special edition of InFocus following the Alliance Video Team as they document “All of Jesus” around the world.
Photography by Andy, Olivia, and Rosie; Alliance Video
Inspired by a video done by his former church in Hong Kong, Josh Whiteman, director for Alliance Video, wanted to capture a big idea visually—what it looks like to bring “all of Jesus” to “all the world.” To do this, the Video Team came up with the idea of a sign that they could bring with them as they capture Alliance work around the world. Andy, lead technical producer and video editor, pulled all the logistics together, designing and building a sign that could be strong and portable, would set up quickly, and, perhaps most importantly, would look great on camera.
For three years, the Video Team took the sign all over the world. Stored in a long, skinny black duffel and a camera bag, the sign traveled on countless international flights and was set up in remote spaces and major cities, on mountains, in the jungle, and in deserts. When the sign reached Senegal in January 2025, the team had finally brought it to every region and continent where The Alliance serves.
“What was so powerful about this project for me was literally seeing the name of Jesus in so many places around the world,” Olivia, creative lead and lead field producer, says. “We know it doesn’t take a big glowing sign for the presence of Jesus to exist in these places—He’s already there! But it was a tangible visual and a unique experience getting to physically carry His name all over the world. Seeing ‘ALL OF JESUS’ glowing in so many places felt like a prophetic act of what we hope to see one day, right before our eyes.”
Continued on page 36.
Previous page: Japan Above: Thailand Opposite: Senegal
Engineering and architecture to the glory of God
by Emily Smith
Our God is a God of detail. You don’t have to look far to find that this is true—for He arrays each flower of the field in a splendor of vivid color and never loses track of any sparrow soaring freely above the earth that He created (see Matt. 6:28–30, 10:29).
And not only is our God in every detail, but He is also a dreamer, a visionary—for He knows the plans He has for us, desiring hope and a prosperous future (see Jer. 29:11). Our God has a vision that spans from Genesis to Revelation, from Creation to Christ’s return and beyond, weaving together every necessary detail of history to make His dream of being with His people come true.
And, as ones made in His own image, we are like God—we are also detailed, and we are also dreamers. As the Apostle Paul so wisely shares in Romans 12, we are all individual parts of the
same Body—we step into our roles to show off individual facets of God’s character through our unique giftings, working together to bring Him glory in a way none of us could on our own. A far cry from a cookie-cutter creation, God has made a diverse world with unique functions prominent in each individual He makes, filling us with passions and skills, all distinct and personal.
PRESERVED, POSITIONED, EQUIPPED
This very “divine preservation, unique positioning, and strategic equipping,” as explained by Alliance international workers (IWs) Kaitlyn* and Ben,* is what led them to pursue using their degrees and skills in a more significant way for the Kingdom. As Kaitlyn and Ben worked with and witnessed a variety of sites and organizations, they were confronted with a persistent issue—many IWs and others around the globe laboring for Christ had a great vision to help people but were unsure of how to create facilities that would help them achieve their vision.
Kaitlyn and Ben knew there were many people with the gift of beautiful ambitions to help others to the glory of God, but they also saw a large technical gap in the details necessary to support the healthy, continual flourishing of these Kingdom dreams. As these dreams were pursued, questions were bound to arise: How big of a building do we need? How much water do we need and how are we going to access it? What are our electricity needs? Are our buildings and outfitting costeffective? How do I know what
funds to raise for a new facility?
Whether a children’s center, hospital, orphanage, or other ministry venue, IWs often experience realized, tangible needs that architecture and engineering—the kind of work that Ben and Kaitlyn are skilled and equipped to engage in—can help fix.
This work serves not only the unreached and needy but also IWs. In reflecting on these needs and her call to help, Kaitlyn shares, “It’s really life-giving and fulfilling to know that I don’t have the skills to be out there doing front-facing gospel impact work—it’s just not the way God has made me—but that many people are doing that, and I can come alongside them and use the things God has gifted me with to partner in powerful ways and enhance the effectiveness of the work they’re doing through having the right facilities to do it well.”
TANGIBLE ANSWERS FOR REALIZED NEEDS
Seeing this need within the mission field is what launched Kaitlyn and Ben to join marketplace ministries in 2017, becoming a part of Engineering Ministries International (EMI), after spending time in the United States in commercial engineering. Through EMI, they spent time in South Africa and the Middle East and moved to North Africa in 2023, where they currently reside, working on both local and global projects. Throughout their time in each of these locations since 2017, their work has included launching a new engineering office, outfitting media programming spaces that preach the gospel through radio and TV, overseeing construction of war refugee resettlement communities, and making services more affordable through sourcing expert volunteers from other countries to assist with projects and, in the process, witnessing to the gospel in both word and deed.
Their work with one organization, Living Water International, involved developing a water pipeline to bring clean water to those who live far from a water source. Women in this culture often drop out of school to dedicate their days to bringing clean water to their families—but with this new direct pipeline access, they are now free to pursue education and contribute to their families and communities in new and unique ways.
Another project they’ve been involved with is helping hospital facilities—through this work, they have a hand in arranging the hospital campus, confronting a common yet avoidable issue that faces many church-based hospitals. Because spaces are built as funds are accrued, there is often no cohesive plan tying all the moving parts together. As a result, many patients die, weaken, or, at best, risk further illness or injury simply because of the transportation between buildings.
For Kaitlyn, work like this hits home. While Ben was working on a missions hospital campus plan, Kaitlyn’s sister went into labor back home and needed an emergency C-section. Kaitlyn was struck by the provision that was available to her to go straight from labor into surgery. While the hospital her sister was at
was equipped to keep her safe and healthy in transportation, Kaitlyn knew that was not the case at the hospital where Ben was working. Many women and babies there needing such care didn’t end up making it, simply due to the journey across campus, taking precious time and energy and presenting more opportunity for infection or injury. Ben’s project at the hospital included designing a new maternity ward equipped for emergency operations for lifesaving procedures. Because of this architecture and engineering work at the hospital campus, the reality for these patients now more closely aligns with the opportunities available for Kaitlyn’s sister and many others, ensuring mothers and their babies have the opportunity to survive and live with flourishing health.
Beyond water pipelines and hospital campuses, Ben and Kaitlyn have also been involved in engineering and designing children’s homes, partnering to create functional and fruitful spaces for children with disabilities, who are often abandoned or orphaned because of the sociocultural taboo associated with disability.
Through these projects and many others like them, Kaitlyn and Ben are pursuing tangible, lifesaving answers to realized problems. Their
Through these projects and many others like them, Kaitlyn and Ben are pursuing tangible, lifesaving answers to realized problems.
work offers a picture of how very simple steps, like thinking ahead and planning well, can save a life— how design can partner alongside medical care, doing even more than what other IWs may have initially envisioned, helping them do their work more effectively.
GOD, OUR ARCHITECT
The work that Kaitlyn and Ben, along with many other gifted IWs, are doing speaks biblical truth to a dying world. “Architecture is a language,” Kaitlyn shares. “We don’t often realize what a building is saying to the people that it serves, and the way that it can speak hope and impart value to people, saying ‘You are worth this beautiful building.’ It’s just another way we can say how much God loves you.”
Just like the Tabernacle furnishings described in ornate, picturesque detail throughout the Book of Exodus, God still goes to great lengths to provide such detail in the lives of His children today. “Even Creation itself speaks to how much God loves beauty and order,” Kaitlyn remarks, “[and we can] draw people into a deeper understanding of the beauty of God.” God does strategic, detailed work—and He invites us to, as well. Where we enter into logistics-driven, detailed, and tangible work, God has gone before us and done the same, setting up every detailed, tangible step to provide for a person, physically and spiritually—to see needs met and to hear the good news of the gospel.
As Kaitlyn, Ben, and others labor to engineer facilities that meet the real needs of people all across the world, God labors too. He works to build
a home, preparing a place for us to dwell forever: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2–3). And He labors not only for our dwelling place, but for His, building us each day-by-day into a home for His Spirit to dwell in: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5). God goes before us, working dreams and details to prepare for us—and prepare us for—a spiritual house, an eternal dwelling place, a forever home with Him.
*Names changed
Emily Smith is an editor and copywriter at the Alliance National Office. Emily earned her bachelor of arts from Iowa State University in 2021 and moved to the Columbus, Ohio, area post-graduation as part of a church-planting team ministering to the city of Columbus and campus of Ohio State.
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YOUR GENEROSITY
in action
THE ONES WE CALL OUR BOYS
by Mariasun, an Alliance worker serving in Spain
Shabba walked in for language class. I could tell
there was something weighing on his mind.
“Mama, I need to talk with you,” he said in broken Spanish.
“By all means, Shabba, go ahead,” I said.
“My friend Ebrahima is living in the street, and he needs help. It’s cold where he is.”
“How do you know him?”
“We were in school together in Gambia. We left our country and made it to Spain. We were placed in centers for minors. He was let go before me; I haven’t seen him since. Please help him—he needs to be in AMOR.”
“I’m so sorry, Shabba. We are not able to take in new boys at this time. But if he’s cold or hungry we can get clothes and food to him. Find out what his needs are.”
Sadly, the heartbreaking story I heard that day reminded me of many others I have encountered since establishing Project AMOR five years ago to serve those who, like Ebrahima, have been pushed to the margins of Spanish society.
THE AFRICA–SPAIN MIGRATION REALITY
Last year alone, 46,000 West African migrants reached the Spanish Canary Islands in about 3,600 overcrowded cayucos and rubber boats. More than 5,000 did not make it through the Atlantic crossing, considered the most treacherous in the world.
Many of the survivors are desperate, brave boys and young men risking their lives for a better future. To their disappointment, upon arriving in the new land they face a myriad of obstacles. Vulnerable and unprepared, they once again find themselves alone and hopeless. To make matters worse, upon reaching adulthood they discover they have “aged out” of many local assistance programs for refugees.
In response to the felt needs of the African migrant community in southern Spain—and thanks to your prayers and generous support—Project AMOR was launched in early 2020. Today, the young men we serve have become like family. Housed in two apartments and educated at a small storefront office we call El
Centro, our boys (as we affectionately call them) receive shelter, food, and the tools they need to obtain dignified employment and pursue an independent, healthy life in their new homeland. Within a Christ-centered environment—the first many of these young men have ever experienced—we provide language and job skills training, medical and dental care, and even some legal assistance. Because for most the journey toward obtaining steady work, language proficiency, and proper legal status can take many months, we are given a hefty timeframe to get to know our beloved boys, demonstrate God’s unconditional love to them, and guide them toward salvation and transformation in Christ.
CONNECTING WITH EBRAHIMA
A few days later, I reopened my conversation with Shabba.
“How’s your friend?” I said.
“Mama, he’s not around here. He’s up north, 11 hours from here. Let’s call and see if he has internet today.”
It turned out that Ebrahima, alone and unprotected, had been led to three large cities in search of work and other means of survival. Finding that city life for the homeless was unsafe and anything but healthy, he sought refuge in a small town where a very small group of African immigrants huddled together, hoping for peace and protection.
To our relief, he was not cold. Someone had given him two warm coats. Food was another story, however. He did not eat every day. He was also lonely and scared.
“Ebrahima, let me call you back in a few minutes,” I said. I needed that time to pull myself together. Tears were rolling down my face, and I knew my voice would crackle if we continued the conversation.
I gathered our team to relay the update we had received. We cried together and turned to God with desperate prayers on our hearts.
“Lord, what shall we do?” we said. “Logic says, ‘No. Our funds are running dry, and we can’t afford to take on another refugee.’ Yet, our hearts scream to bring him in where he can be surrounded by love, the love that You have given us and commanded us to share. Please, Lord, guide us!”
Within two days, Ebrahima was safe, grateful, and content within the AMOR family. Even months later, though, the emotional scars remain evident. He’s under medical care for various ailments, including a recent, very painful infection in his big toe. Left untreated, the podiatrist said it could have had serious consequences. My first thought was, What if this had happened before Shabba spoke on his behalf? When he was homeless, he did not know his way around or have access to medical care. What would have happened to him if God had not guided him to us?
MAKING A GREATER IMPACT THROUGH PROJECT AMOR
We are thankful for each and every “Ebrahima” God has guided to us over the last five years. You are making a difference in these young men’s lives, and with your continued prayers and support, we could do so much more. As the need for AMOR services grows, we often must turn down requests due to lack of funds. Added resources would enable us to:
• Expand the program. We can currently house up to 11 boys. Within the next two years, we hope to house 17–24. To do this, we need additional funding and staff.
• Improve our facilities. We’re outgrowing the storefront office that has served us so well during the initial years of the project.
• Bring more hope and more transformation. We are the only evangelical ministry in the area with a holistic approach to refugee care, and we deeply desire to share life in Christ with many more young African men. In many cases, we are the only gospel witnesses in their lives.
We are confident others in our Alliance family share our heart for the work God has called us into. Thank you for your commitment to seeing that AMOR continues to plant deep gospel seeds as we seek to reclaim this part of the world for God’s Kingdom.
GIVE YOUNG REFUGEE MEN A NEW START
Your giving to Project AMOR means young refugee men in Spain receive food, clothes, housing, language training, and other essentials as they find work and adapt to a new country and a new stage of life. To demonstrate the compassion and hospitality of Jesus today toward overlooked but courageous and hardworking young refugees, visit cmalliance.org/gift-catalogalliance-strategic-projects/project-amorspain. Learn more about Alliance strategic projects throughout the world in need of your prayers and financial support by accessing the 2024–2025 Strategic Giving Opportunities Gift Catalog at cmalliance. org/gift-catalog or by calling toll-free (866) 443-8262.
ALLIANCECOUNCIL2025
Columbus, Ohio
ELECTIONS
THE ALLIANCE’S NEW PRESIDENT
Dr. Jonathan G. Schaeffer began his new role as president of The Alliance on August 1. During his first message to the C&MA as president-elect on the final night of Council 2025, Schaeffer preached about three characteristics that define those who belong to God, who are His: “Those who are His pursue holiness; they welcome the Spirit; they are on mission.”
To pursue holiness means staying in right relationship with Jesus, surrendering to Him. Welcoming the Spirit
means remembering that through the work of the Spirit in us, Christ also dwells in our hearts—and we must surrender to and invite His shaping. Being on mission means being aligned with the Great Commission, sharing His heart for all the world—both for our neighborhoods and the nations. He ended his sermon with a call for the Alliance family to consider—how might Jesus be calling us deeper in these three areas?
We invite you also to join with us in prayer for President Schaeffer as he takes on this new role.
Members of the Board of Directors elected to serve four-year terms (2025–2029):
• Dr. Cathy D. Sigmund
• Rev. Kelvin L. Walker
• Rev. Erin D. Bell
• Dr. David K. Smith
• Dr. Celine Nguyen Bower
• Dr. Julio A. Orozco
• Rev. Alan W. Rathbun
• Dr. Paul W. Smith
• Rev. Daniel B. Lawrence, Jr.
• Dr. Cynthia M. Pals
• Mr. Matthew E. Kelly
• Dr. Donald A. Wiggins
• Mr. Michael J. Stein
Above: Jonathan Schaeffer, John Stumbo, Gary Benedict, and Peter Nanfelt (from left to right), the four most recent Alliance presidents, pose for a photo after the election results were announced.
This photo: Jonathan Schaeffer prays before preaching at Council.
“The good news is, the gospel still has power. Jesus’ name still has power, and He is still able to work and move within our lives and in our world.”
—CHARLES
GALBREATH
by
This photo: On the second night of Council, pastor and professor Dr. Charles Galbreath preaches on needing to see Jesus.
Photography
Derek Nicol and Tira DiYanni
“Don’t
place an ‘or’ where God has placed an ‘and.’ . . . We cause unnecessary divisions, we limit Kingdom advance, and we miss the full expression of the Body of Christ when we insert our ‘or’ where we should have an ‘and.’”
—JOHN STUMBO
Below: Alliance Corporate Secretary Thomas George anoints John Stumbo during a time of prayer and blessing as John prepares to exit the role of president.
MISSIONS RALLY
COMMISSIONING NEW WORKERS
“Whether we go or we send, we are all part of this mission for All of Jesus for All the World,” Michelle Unwin, director for the International Placement Office, said as she introduced the international workers (IWs) who were to be commissioned at Council 2025. Though not all of them could be present, Council celebrated 45 new international workers who will be sent out this year—to places as far as Asia/Pacific or the Middle East and as close as the Twin Cities.
As each IW walked across the stage, they received a Bible in the heart language of those they are being sent to and turned to pause at a pile of shoes, taking one. Each shoe represented an international worker who had re-
tired this year, and was symbolic of the mantle of ministry that each new IW was taking on as they are sent to their respective fields: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation . . .” (Isa. 52:7).
We praise God for each one of these new workers! Yet, at the end of the service, there were still shoes left in the pile. In one breath, we thank God for His goodness and ask for more—more workers who will be sent into the harvest field. More senders who will give generously to send gospel presence to the world’s remaining unreached peoples. So that all the world may come to know all of Jesus. May it be so.
Below: A highlight of every Council is when IWs walk through the main hall holding flags and wearing traditional dress from the countries they serve.
This photo: Newly commissioned IWs pause to pick up shoes, representative of the ministry they are entering into and the retired IWs who’ve gone before them.
HEALING SERVICE
LET HIS LOVE TAKE THE LEAD
Opposite: Ron and Wanda Walborn lead the time of healing prayer on the third night of Council.
On the third night of Council, Drs. Ron and Wanda Walborn spoke about the importance of having a theology of God’s power to heal and a theology of pain before facilitating a time of healing prayer. In Isaiah 53, Scripture tells us that Jesus bore not only our sins to the Cross but also our sickness and sorrows. He is Himself “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (Isa. 53:3).
Before we pray for the wounds of others, the Walborns explained, we must bring our own wounds to Jesus—especially those that mark our hearts. “Jesus grieved on our behalf. When He cried aloud in the garden, He was bringing the pain of our sins, our sorrows, our despair, to the surface,” Wanda said. “To grieve or lament means to get what is tearing us apart inside and bring it up and out to the surface so the healing power of God can begin to set us free.”
“Healing flowed out of the wounds of Jesus—what flows out of our wounds?” Ron shared, going on to say that when we don’t deal with our own wounds, bitterness will often pour out of us. If we do not resolve our understanding of pain, it can cause us to lose our belief in God’s healing power. Before beginning the time of prayer, Ron gave a final thought: “Here’s the good news—the power of God flows best when His love takes the lead. And tonight as we pray, God’s love is going to fill this place.”
Two days later, Alliance pastor Ben Deruiter shared that he stood to ask for prayer that night because of constant, stabbing pain from psoriasis on his fingertips, which he had suffered from for eight years. The psoriasis had also caused his skin to break open. Two days after the service, he said, “I have no more open cuts, and the pain is gone. Praising God for the last two days without pain.” This is just one of several healings that took place that evening. Hallelujah!
“Let’s be people who reflect Jesus, not just in our words, but in how we live and how we love, because when we do, the world will know that we are His.”
—KATHY SAPPIA
Director for Alliance Peacemaking
IN THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH FOUNDATIONS
From a letter by George Fisk, originally published May 1939 in The Pioneer, a publication produced by the Indonesia Mission of the C&MA. Adapted by Alliance Life staff.
Last week, about 90 Dyak men stopped over here in Tanjung Selor on their way back up the stream to their village. They had been working over near Tarakan for several months. Just as soon as I found out they were in town, I invited them to the Sunday services, and at the same time informed them that many of their people in the village had become Christians while they had been absent.
The disappointing reply to my message was that they did not believe the story about their people becoming Christians, and furthermore, they did not want to come to our services because they feared to bring the wrath of their gods down upon their heads. In our Sunday morning meeting, we made special prayer for them. The following is an account of how our prayers were answered.
These Dyak men were to have left that Sunday morning, but God prevented them. As we prayed for them, we thought they were on their way up the river; but in the afternoon, shortly after dinner, a number of them came to see me. Why had they not started on their trip?
It seemed that two nights before, two of their men had taken seriously ill. They took them to the village doctor,
but, while they had returned, they were too weak to travel. Their leader then went on to tell me that about 10 o’clock that morning (the very time we were holding our service and praying for them) one of the men who had been sick began to act and talk strangely, talking about things that were quite foreign to them. They were sure that the man had gone absolutely insane. Would I please do something for him?
I asked what their friend was shouting about. When their leader told us, we were amazed, and one of the Dyak Christians standing by said, “Why, those are the very words of the Bible!” At once I asked whether this “crazy” man had ever talked to them about Jesus. With one accord they all answered, “No! Never!” His talk was that of a crazy man, they said. He talked about a “new heart,” “raising from the dead,” “great gain,” and “no death.”
I told the men to bring their brother to the house in about an hour’s time, and I would talk to him.
Over 60 men came, bringing the one with them who had filled them with such fear. The moment I saw his face, my heart was filled with joy. It was not the face of a crazy man. I looked into the radiant face of a man who
Right: Three Dyak men pose for a photo in 1935.
had been instantly filled with the Spirit. I have never seen anything like it.
After I asked them all to be seated, I began to question the man. First, I asked him what had happened. He raised his hand and said that he had met the Lord Jesus, that he had felt Him, for Jesus had entered his heart, giving him a new heart, and that his soul was never going to die. Thinking that perhaps the man had heard these things from a Christian, I questioned him further, only to find that this had not been the case. He said he had heard about Jesus, but that these truths had been revealed to him just that very morning.
As he spoke, one wonderful truth of the gospel after another poured from his lips, until I was too amazed to say anything but, “Amen! Amen! Amen!” It was soul stirring.
Then, as the Spirit had come upon this one man, so He came upon all those in the room. The spirit of fear left their faces, and I knew that I was witnessing before my very own eyes the regeneration of this group of men. They had feared to even hear the gospel message. But even the one man who first received the Lord had not heard a gospel message. It was all of the Spirit. As soon as it was revealed to the group that their brother was not crazy, but filled with the joy of the Spirit, they began to confess Christ, one after another. It was a day that I shall never forget.
Note from The Pioneer’s editor: We believe we are in the place—the uttermost parts of the earth—among peoples who have never before heard the wonderful glad tidings, and we are living in the time when we are fast approaching the end of the age. This is the place and the time when we may confidently expect such marvelous manifestations of the grace and power of the Holy Spirit from on high. Let us keep praying and believing, and we shall see even greater things than these. It is not wildfire. It is the normal workings of the Spirit of Pentecost, at the end of the age, in the ends of the earth.
My name is Temir.* I am a retired firefighter living on a meager pension, but my sons and their families take good care of me.
I used to belong to a religious community that is proud of its devotion—even having sent several young men to fight in a religious war. But when Christians told me stories from the Bible, I was interested in the idea of redemption.
After I learned about Jesus’ righteous sacrifice for my sins, I was overjoyed—I had always known that God was like this. I told the Alliance workers I know that I wanted to be baptized. Because it was winter, they baptized me in a bathtub along with one of my sons and his wife.
I love hearing stories from the Bible, especially in my own language. I even join with my daughter-in-law and the women she hosts in her home to talk more about who God is and what He does. This goes against cultural norms, but I don’t care.
A small group of believers has started meeting in my house. We have suffered persecution, but at the same time have a growing good reputation. God is at work here!
*Name changed
Continued from page 13.
“The sign wasn’t easy to carry. It has weight—both physically and symbolically,” Rosie, video editor and cinematographer, says. “Traveling with it wasn’t simple either. In places where the gospel is not welcome, we had to move wisely. It makes me think of the greater picture, how international workers, and everyday believers, are called to carry their faith. Following Jesus isn’t always convenient. Sometimes it’s heavy and takes effort. But that’s part of the call—to live in a way that displays all of Him to all the world. And even when it’s hard, it’s always worth it.”
For a behind-the-scenes look at the project, visit: cmalliance.org/video/all-of-jesus-bts
Interested in building your own ALL OF JESUS sign? Email video@ cmalliance.org for the plans and shopping list for a full-sized or mini version.
Above: The Middle East Opposite: Poland
PRAYER IS PRIMARY
Requests from Alliance workers
AFRICA
This past week, after a horrific act of persecution against believers in a neighboring country, many of our church planters cried out for prayer. God responded powerfully—so much so that the government stepped in to protect them. Christian love shone brightly, and the darkness of opposition was exposed. Jesus was glorified. Please continue praying for the persecuted church in the country where we serve and other nations nearby. The church here is growing rapidly, but the path is not easy. Your prayers make a difference.
—an Alliance international worker couple serving with marketplace ministries
BALKANS
The community center where we serve is reaching many families in our neighborhood. Girls’ Day was an event for girls ages 10–14. Over 40 participants came for a time of games, crafts, snacks, and a message about their created identity and worth. Our team also organized a Boys’ Day—a footboll (soccer) game at a local field. Participants heard a message about kindness and inclusion. We continue to have many opportunities to engage with this age group in deep questions about faith, the Bible, and even Christian theology! Pray for our team as we seek to build safe, trusting relationships with these tweens and teens. Recently, we made a positive connection with the director and staff of a nearby children’s home. Some of the residents are orphans, while others have parents who are unable to care for them. Several of the kids and teens who live there attend our center’s courses and programs. Pray that God will use us to show the kids, teens, and staff that they matter to us— and, most importantly, to Him.
URUGUAY
In April, four people at our church were baptized. Six years ago, I wouldn’t have believed that was possible, but God is on the move here. One of the men getting baptized compared his spiritual journey to going through life having Wi-Fi with no signal. Since coming to El Estar church, and as he has grown in Christ, he has gone from no signal to perfect reception. He is aware of God’s daily presence, which has brought about significant change in him.
The baptism was especially meaningful coming a week after Easter. There is something beautiful and revolutionary about declaring Jesus’ victory over sin, death, and Satan in a country where many people are completely unaware of what Jesus did for them. Every year following the Easter service, our church hosts a lunch and an Easter egg hunt. Many of our friends show up only to participate in the lunch and egg hunt, which is completely fine. We want those who aren’t ready to jump into an Easter service to join us in community. God has continually shown us that Kingdom impact comes about through the friendships we’ve developed here. This past Easter, we had many new faces at both the service and the lunch and egg hunt, with about 60 in total. This is why we are here—because there are people waiting to be invited to follow Jesus. Pray that many will join Him on the journey.
—an Alliance international worker couple serving with aXcess
—an Alliance international worker couple serving with aXcess
Alliance international workers in a Balkan country earnestly desire prayer for their work among children and youth.
ALLIANCE FAMILY NEWS
From around the block to the ends of the earth
TO THE FIELD
BALKANS
Grant C. and Dakota J. Shaw and family, in April. The Shaws serve with CAMA and are involved in community wellness and advocacy.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Petula S. Myers, in April. Petula serves with aXcess and is involved in leadership development, English as a second language, and church planting.
FRANCE
Aaron B. and Kelly L. Winn and family, in February. The Winns serve with Envision and are the site coordinators in France.
I TALY
Jonathon Blade Porterfield, in February. Blade serves with aXcess and is involved in language study.
MIAMI
Holly J. Woodworth, in April. Holly serves with Envision Miami as a site associate.
SPAIN
Elizabeth “Beth” A. Lund, in February. Beth serves with aXcess and on staff at the International Church of Barcelona, with focused ministry in the LGBTQ+ community.
T HAILAND
Meng and Mai X. Thao and family, in April. The Thaos serve with aXcess and are involved in language learning and will be working with a seminary.
URUGUAY
Matthew B. and Jeanette M. Griffin and family, in March. The Griffins serve with aXcess and are involved in church planting.
Mark H. and Kora R. Taube and family, in March. The Taubes serve with aXcess and are involved in administration and church planting.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
Osvaldo A. Alvarado, pastor, The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Russellville (Ariz.)
Robert A. Bergfalk, lead pastor, Compassion Church, Anoka, Minn.
Rosaire W. Bisson, church planter, Lamoille Valley Alliance Church, Hyde Park, Vt.
Sean P. Bolton, interim pastor, Perry Community Church, Shermans Dale, Pa.
Edward F. Brereton, church planter, Guilford Plant, Branford, Conn.
Terry W. Brown, pastor, Clearfield (Pa.) Alliance Church
Diana S. Burg, outreach ministry, Long Beach Alliance Church and Third Way Community Church, Long Beach, Calif.
Tyler C. Burns, church planter, The Breach Salem, Lynn, Mass.
Scott P. Calentine, pastor of family ministry and community groups, North Seattle (Wash.) Church
Youn Dong Choi, senior pastor, Good Korean Church, Orlando, Fla.
Charles D. Clark, church planter, North Barre Plant, Marshfield, Vt.
Chris W. Coakley, lead pastor, Heartland Church, Lexington, Ohio
Wilmer A. Del Valle, non-Alliance pastor, Metropolitan District
Douglas L. Dill, assistant pastor, Canal Fulton (Ohio) Christian Fellowship
John D. Doss, special assignment, Ohio Valley District
Andrew M. Driscoll, pastor, LifePointe Church, Louisville, Ky.
Richard Finch, lead pastor, Ferndale (Wash.) Alliance Church
Aaron L. Foor, other ministry, Alliance South Central
Bradley P. Gee, special assignment, Ohio Valley District
Kristopher S. Gerow, Navy chaplain, C&MA National Office, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Jonathan Geyer, outreach pastor, Centerville (Ohio) Community Church
Katlyn E. Giberson, director of online ministry, First Alliance Church, Columbus, Ohio
Carlos F. Gonzalez, pastor, Iglesia ACyM El Encuentro, San Juan, P.R.
Andrew A. Griffin, pastor, Watsontown (Pa.) Alliance Church
Daniel Gutekunst, pastor, Citylight Church Delco, Drexel Hill, Pa.
Tyler C. Hall, church planter, Springfield (Va.) Plant
Sarah M. Harney, spiritual formation and worship pastor, South Tongass Alliance Church, Ketchikan, Alaska
Timothy D. Harrison, interim pastor, Slippery Rock (Pa.) Church
Su Her, special assignment, Hmong District
Noe Hernandez, lead pastor, Faith Community Church, Red Oak, Iowa
Cheuk Ming Hong, pastor, Silicon Valley Alliance Church, Milpitas, Calif.
Juan R. Garcia Jiminez, district evangelist, Puerto Rico District
Yeathus Johnson, regional assistant district superintendent, The Alliance South
John S. Jordan, Jr., director for leadership development, Western PA District
Kyung Sook Kang, associate pastor, Kurios Church, Olympia, Wash.
William Khang, youth pastor, Hmong Alliance Fellowship, Statesville, N.C.
Tuan A. Khau, other ministry, Vietnamese District
Dawie J. Koekemoer, executive pastor of Sunday experience, Princeton Alliance Church, Plainsboro, N.J.
David A. Krilov, special assignment, Metropolitan District
Kongchinh Kue, next gen pastor, Community Alliance Church, Sheboygan Falls, Wis.
Anthony T. Kurtz, vice president, Suncrest Camp, Wampum, Pa.
Chun Kit Lam, church-planting pastor, Westchester Garden Church, Scarsdale, N.Y.
Brian P. Laxamana, executive pastor, Princeton Alliance Church, Plainsboro, N.J.
Ryan D. Legg, campus pastor, Crosstown Alliance, Rochester, N.Y.
Tedd M. Lewellen, pastor, Forest (Va.) Alliance Church
Lynn D. Long, associate pastor, The Cross Walk Church, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Miguel A. Lopez, associate pastor, Mosaic Church, Glendale, Ariz.
Shane R. Minne, lead pastor, Canal Fulton (Ohio) Christian Fellowship
Betty Morejon, church planting assistant pastor, Esperanza Orlando (Fla.)
Kurt A. Mueller, military chaplain, C&MA National Office, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Jonathan R. Mutchler, interim ministry, Alliance Northwest District
Adam J. O’Connor, church planter, Redeemer Church of Cape Cod, Orleans, Mass.
Robert E. Ortiz, associate pastor, CrossPoint Community Church, Toledo, Ohio, and military chaplain, Great Lakes District
Jonatan L. Martinez Otero, assistant pastor, Catedral de La Esperanza, Piedras, P.R.
Bruce A. Overstreet, special assignment, Mid-Atlantic District
William Pacheco, district chaplain, Puerto Rico District
Biao Pan, associate pastor, Metro Detroit Chinese Alliance Church, Madison Heights, Mich.
Jihoon Park, reserve chaplain, Mid-Atlantic District
Nathan D. Pederson, church planter, Cambridge Plant, Lexington, Mass.
Brandon J. Pellatz, associate pastor, The Seed Community Church, Centerville, S.Dak.
Emma K. Pellatz, executive director, The Seed Community Church, Centerville, S.Dak.
Tyler J. Puharic, president, Suncrest Camp, Wampum, Pa.
Carlos J. Ramirez, pastor for next generation ministry, Locust Valley Chapel, Coopersburg, Pa.
Scott M. Robbins, other ministry, Alliance South Central
Carrie L. Saha, other ministry, Alliance South Central
Joy-Ellen L. Scherber, pastor of children’s ministries, Riverside Church, Big Lake, Minn.
Nicholas A. Simpson, district personnel, Metropolitan District
John Stumbo
VIDEO BLOG
The sun never sets on the Alliance family, spread out across the globe. Wherever we find ourselves, we can be certain that we are each sent. Just as the Father sent Jesus to proclaim the upside-down Kingdom of love, so He’s sending us.
tch John tell a story, share a devotional, issue a challenge, or cast C&MA vision.
Recent Releases:
Brian Scott and his wife, Susan, live in Nicholasville, Kentucky. He currently serves in the office of the Ohio Valley District.
where
MAKE
You can receive a tax deduction and make a gift that pays you income for life! Like other Alliance donors, Gary found that a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a great way to make a gift and get additional annual income. A CGA pays you income for life at rates between 5% and 10%, based on your age, and a portion of your payouts are often tax-free. Any remaining gift amount will continue your legacy with The Alliance. Even better! You can make your CGA gift with cash or non-cash assets like stocks and mutual funds.
For more information, scan the QR code, call us at 866.824.4172, or email service@orchardalliance.org.
If you are relatively healthy and expect to live well into your 80’s or 90’s, a deferred CGA might be a great option. A deferred CGA enables you to decide when future payouts will start, possibly when you anticipate a need for additional income.
Marquis W. Strickland, military chaplain, Metropolitan District
Roger G. Talbot, kids’ pastor, Riverside Church Buffalo (Minn.)
Aaron D. Johnson, associate pastor, Crossroads Bible Church, Los Alamos, N.M.
Chase M. Juneau, director of discipleship, Helena (Mont.) Alliance Church
Theodros Kelemwork, pastor, Ethiopian Evangelical Church, Prospect Park, Pa.
Brandon Kyte, assistant pastor, New Hope Church, Lebanon, Ore.
Zhucheng Luo, Cantonese associate pastor, Community Christian Alliance Church, Granada Hills, Calif.
Alex Mastrolonardo, associate preaching pastor and shepherd, New Life Christian Alliance, Whittier, Calif.
Lehvi M. Minder, lead pastor, Alliance Bible Church, Prescott, Ariz.
Bartelain P. Mouniongui, church planter, Alliance New England
Gilbert Munyamahoro, lead pastor, Carmel Pentecostal Alliance Church, Osceola, Ind.
Tessa A. New, intern, Crossroads Bible Church, Los Alamos, N.M.
Andrew Nguyen, other ministry, Alliance South Central
Cassandra R. Pritchard, resident, The River Alliance Church, Chaska, Minn.
Brandon S. Rathbun, college minister, Common Places Newberry, Williamsport, Pa.
Deya E. Slade, women’s ministry and events coordinator, Long Beach Alliance Church, Whittier, Calif.
Thomas L. Smith, connections director, Ohio Valley District
Sarah L. Stumbo, minister of global outreach, Grace Church, Middleburg Heights, Ohio
Jeff Tillson, special assignment, Western Great Lakes District
Lee Y. Vang, senior pastor, Kansas City (Kans.) Hmong Alliance Church
Joseph Velazquez, assistant pastor, Catedral de La Esparanza, Rio Piedras, P.R.
Rose Vo, other ministry, Vietnamese Alliance Church of Sugarland, Houston, Tex.
Bradley L. Williams, associate pastor, Heartland Church, Lexington, Ohio
Ryan Woolard, assistant pastor, Plano (Tex.) Chinese Alliance Church
Cristal Xiong, children director, True Life Church, Hickory, N.C.
CONSECRATIONS AND ORDINATIONS
Emma Pellatz, March 2, The River Alliance Church, Chaska, Minn. Emma works for the C&MA National Office as a Candidate Recruitment and Development campus representative and resides in Waconia, Minn.
Robert “Bob” Aaron Bergfalk, March 9, Compassion Church, Anoka, Minn. Bob is the lead pastor and serves as the Envision Twin Cities site coordinator.
Judith “Judy” Whitworth, March 16, First Alliance Church, Billings, Mont. Judy is on special assignment as an institutional/ health-care chaplain, currently based in Billings, Mont.
Daniel “Dan” K. Wilde, March 30, Discovery Alliance Church, Missoula, Mont. Dan is the lead pastor.
Patrick Hesed Lim, April 6, Crossbridge Alliance Church, Cheyenne, Wyo. Patrick is an associate pastor and is pursuing U.S. Navy chaplaincy.
Brandon James Pellatz, April 6, The River Alliance Church, Chaska, Minn. Brandon is the associate pastor and executive director of The Seed Community Church and The Seed Coffeehouse and Eatery, Centerville, S.Dak.
Jeremy Oakland, April 27, Alliance Missionary Church, Mountain Lake, Minn. Jeremy is the lead pastor.
Jett Lawrence Hone, May 8, Fairhaven Church, Centerville, Ohio. Jett is the pastor of Pastoral Care.
Joyful Living Vibrant Faithful Artful Healthy Fulfilled
At Shell Point® , you’ll enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle where you can explore, worship, learn, grow and even continue to serve. And with new additions to our campus, like Tribby Arts Center, a sparkling centerpiece for the arts, and the state-of-the-art Larsen Health Center, you can rest on a firm foundation, knowing that your needs will be taken care of – both now and in the future.
Unparalleled setting. Unparalleled lifestyle.™
Shell Point is located in Fort Myers, Florida, just minutes from the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.
Andrew Rieck, May 8, Fairhaven Church, Dayton, Ohio. Andrew is the youth pastor.
RETIRED
Bruce C. Dyke, Eastern PA District
Steven L. Fawcett, North Central District
Ralph R. Gardner, MidAmerica District
Nelson P. Houston, Metropolitan District
George H. Jaderston, MidAmerica District
Constance G. Krajacic, Western PA District
Dennis L. Krajacic, Western PA District
Wilfred K. Kong, Central Pacific District
Paul B. Lee, Korean District
Wyman E. Nelson, Ohio Valley District
John L. Sands, South Pacific Alliance
H. Bradford Stevenson, Alliance Southeast
Vanan P. Trinh, Alliance Southeast
Augustin B. Vencer, Jr., Alliance South Central
William R. Winkler, South Pacific Alliance
WITH THE LORD
Roland Bowman
April 12, 1939–March 19, 2024
Ruth Bowman
May 1, 1941–March 1, 2025
Roland was born in Mali, West Africa. He earned a bachelor’s degree in missions from Nyack (N.Y.) Missionary College (later Nyack College and Alliance University in New York, N.Y.) and a master’s degree in professional studies from Alliance Theological Seminary. On June 8, 1963, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Roland married Ruth, with whom he enjoyed nearly 61 years of marriage. Ruth was born in Brooklyn and attended Nyack College (1959–1963), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in missions. She was admired by many as the ultimate prayer warrior.
Roland and Ruth spent more than 53 years serving together in missions—42 years in Africa (Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon) and 11 years with Evangelism Resources in various countries around the world. For the last eight years of his life, Roland struggled with Alzheimer’s and predeceased Ruth in March 2024. His life’s passion was to help others come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Roland and Ruth are survived by children Russ, Renee, Randy, and Rachelle; and 3 granddaughters.
Robert “Bob” C. Roberts
June 9, 1930–October 21, 2024
Bob was born in Mattoon, Ill., and attended St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minn.), graduating in 1956. In 1957, he married Margaret Rock in Burlington, Iowa. Bob was ordained by the C&MA in 1958 at the District Conference in Sioux City, Iowa. Together with Margaret, Bob served churches in West Burlington, Iowa; Bloomfield, Mont.; Viola Lake, Wis.; and Wagner, S.Dak.
After retiring from his pastoral position, Bob continued ministry as an interim pastor in Nebraska and South Dakota. He was also active in Sunday afternoon services in Wagner and Armour, S.Dak., nursing homes. While living in Wagner, Bob finished his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of South Dakota. He taught in the Bonesteel (S.Dak.) and Wagner school systems for 19 years.
Bob is survived by his wife; children Becky, Mark, Debbie, and David; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Marvin “Marv” T. Parker
December 6, 1944–December 16, 2024
Marv was born in Toledo, Ohio, and attended St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minn.) for five years. He graduated with a bachelor of arts in Christian education. On June 15, 1968, he married Joyce Spader at Havelock Alliance Church in Lincoln, Neb.
For 52 years, Marv served the C&MA in a variety of roles. He was a Christian education (CE) director at churches in Minneapolis, Minn. (1969–1973); and Lincoln, Neb. (1973–1983); and was the CE director for the Western Canadian District (1983–1994) in Calgary, Alta. Marv also served as the director for National Disciplemaking Ministries in Colorado Springs, Colo., and at Camp Hill, Pa. (1995–2005). He was the Church Health director for the South Atlantic District in Charlotte, N.C. (2005–2011), and served part-time as director for the North Central District Disciplemaking Ministries in St. Bonifacius, Minn. (2014–2020).
Marv is survived by his wife; children Vonda and Jeffrey; 5 grandchildren; and 3 step-grandchildren.
Debra “Debbie” A. (Plowman) Miller
March 1, 1952–February 12, 2025
Born in Austin, Minn., Debbie attended St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minn.), where she received a degree in Christian education. On August
20, 1977, she married Edsel Casteen Miller in Colorado Springs, Colo.
For 31 years of C&MA ministry, Debbie served alongside her husband in pastoral ministry in Rockford (1986–1987), Hawley (1987–1992), Tracy, and Garvin, Minn. (1992–2017). The church in Garvin was a joint pastorate. Later, Debbie worked at Tracy Elementary School in many capacities, eventually becoming the librarian—a job she loved because of her love for reading and children.
Debbie is survived by her husband; children Robert, Katie, Levi, Laura, and Emily; and 5 grandchildren.
Clarence W. Wulf
June 15, 1931–March 4, 2025
Born in Sebastopol, Calif., Clarence received his BA from San Francisco (Calif.) Baptist College. He earned his BDiv and MDiv from Talbot School of Theology (La Mirada, Calif.). On June 8, 1957, Clarence married Barabara A. Lienhard.
Clarence served in C&MA ministry for over 52 years. He was an assistant pastor in Glendale, Calif. (1955) and served pastorates in Windsor (1959–1961) and Richmond, Calif. (1961–1967). Clarence was also the national Christian education director at the C&MA National Office (1967–1979). He then went on to serve as director of the School of Christian Education at Toccoa Falls (Ga.) College (1979–2001) and taught Christian education and photography at the college starting in 2001.
Beyond his service with The Alliance, Clarence was on the board of directors for the Evangelical Training Association, conducted seminars for Scripture Press, and served as a church elder. In recognition of all his efforts in Christian education and service, he was granted an honorary doctorate from Toccoa Falls College in 1999.
Clarence was predeceased by his wife; he is survived by children Catherine, Colleen, and Marlene; 5 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.
Ruth D. Hardy
January 1, 1925–March 31, 2025
Ruth attended the Missionary Training Institute (later Nyack College and Alliance University in New York, N.Y.) from 1950–1951. She was married to William Donald Hardy for 62 years.
Ruth and William joined the C&MA in 1955, embarking on a 16-year mission in Thailand. There, Ruth became fluent in the Thai language and embraced the culture wholeheartedly while sharing her faith and offering aid to those in need. During their time abroad, the couple adopted their two
children, James and Janice. In 1970, the family returned to New England, where Ruth and her husband continued ministry.
Faith remained the cornerstone of Ruth’s life. She was deeply involved at Calvary Alliance Church in Milford, Conn., where she played in a musical quartet, helped run the senior citizens’ ministry, and volunteered for countless church events. Ruth was a talented pianist and organist with an unwavering love for music. Even when she could no longer play, she invited friends to perform in her home so she could continue enjoying live music. Ruth died peacefully at the age of 100.
Ruth is survived by son James Bryan and daughter Janice; 5 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
David P. Harvey
October 4, 1932–April 6, 2025
Born in Meadville, Pa., David attended John Brown University (1951–1955) in Siloam Springs, Ark., where he received a BA in biblical studies. He earned a ThB in missions from St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minn.) in 1956 and an MA in cross-cultural communications from Wheaton (Ill.) Graduate School in 1983. In 1994, David received a doctor of ministry in world missions from Columbia (S.C.) International University. A gifted musician, David traveled around the country playing the marimba with various musical groups while in college. On June 24, 1955, David married Margaret “Peggy” Kurlak in the Omaha (Neb.) Gospel Tabernacle. The two were appointed as C&MA missionaries to Guinea, West Africa (1956–1985), where they were assigned to the Kissi tribe in the Forest Region. They pastored and evangelized in the villages until being assigned as professors to the Telekoro Bible Institute. After working briefly in Nigeria and serving two years in Côte d’Ivoire, the couple left West Africa in 1987 and moved to Toccoa, Ga., where David became a professor in the Cross-Cultural Department of Toccoa Falls College. He continued to teach for 20 years, retiring in 2007. During retirement, David served at his local church and led services in the retirement homes where he and Peggy lived after they relocated to Florida. He died at the age of 92 in Daytona, Fla., having served in C&MA ministry for 61 years.
David was predeceased by his wife; he is survived by son James and daughter Judy; 4 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.
Jacob “Jake” Bouw, Jr.
February 20, 1926–April 9, 2025
A pastor, linguist, and missionary, Jake was born in Rutherford, N.J. He attended the Missionary Training
Institute (later Nyack College and Alliance University in New York, N.Y.) from 1947–1953, where he earned a bachelor’s in religious education. It was there that he was called to be a missionary and met his first wife, Lois Marie Schlaegel. David also studied for a master’s degree and pastored three churches in the state of Maine.
For over 40 years, Jake served as a C&MA international worker in the Philippines. During his time there, he learned to speak several languages fluently. His passion for preaching inspired many as he traveled extensively to share the gospel. Jake also pastored in Deposit, N.Y., and at the Alliance International Church in Pearland, Tex. He was known for his friendly manner wherever he went, whether the remote mountains of the Philippines or the C&MA church in Downsville, N.Y., where he touched lives and fostered a sense of community. He died at the age of 99.
Jacob is survived by his second wife, Suzette; children Jacob Daniel, Marlene Joy, Janet Lorene, and Jonathan Henry; 9 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
Roy Batchelor
August 15, 1927–April 14, 2025
Roy was born in Saskatoon, Sask. At the age of 10, he moved with his family to Lulu Island, B.C. Later, he apprenticed in publishing in Victoria, B.C. He became a master bookbinder but ultimately responded to God’s calling and attended Canadian Bible College in Regina, Sask. Known for his excellent tenor voice in choirs and men’s singing groups, Roy met Constance Beth Archer, his wife of 49 years, when he was asked to sing a duet with her. They married in 1951 in Moose Jaw, Sask.
Roy and Connie began over 25 years of service with the C&MA in 1952. Roy opened the first Alliance church in Vernon, B.C., in 1953 and went on to minister in Alliance churches in Salem, Ore. (1956–1960); Spokane, Wash. (1960–1966); Winnipeg, Man. (1966–1975); Owen Sound (1975–1978), Ottawa, where he launched Eastgate Alliance as well as a daughter church (1978–1988), and Barrie, Ont., which he also pioneered (1988–1993). During retirement, he and Connie remained active through other forms of ministry until her death in 2000.
In 2002, Roy married Marilyn Reuber, and they were active in the Cedarview Alliance Church in Nepean, Ont., until her passing in 2020. Roy then moved to Midland, Ont., where he lived with his daughter Judy until 2025 and attended the Midland Alliance Church. He died in Penataguishene, Ont., surrounded by his children.
Roy is survived by children Judy, Carol, and Debra; 2 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
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