Our Heart is Global Book

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

River Valley Church Family,

We continue to be in awe of the amazing blessings that God has poured out in and through River Valley Church. In this season of the church, Becca and I have found ourselves constantly thanking God for the overflow of blessings and praising Him that He would use us to further His Kingdom.

At the end of Matthew’s gospel, we find one of the most well-known sermons of all time. It is the pinnacle of Jesus’ teaching, and it serves as the foundational purpose of the Church. The message, while short, gives a clear call with firm direction—GO!

We believe it is our calling–our mission to send our best to see the Great Commission, God’s Global Project fulfilled. Kingdom Builders is our way of bringing the Good News of the gospel to all nations through a faithful community passionate about generosity.

Together, we get to continue to press into the bullseye God has graciously placed on this house –

to send out 500 missionaries from River Valley Church. Together, we get to continue to set record years for Kingdom Builders over-andabove giving and watch God do the miraculous as we financially partner with Christ-centered ministries all around the world.

In this guidebook, you will see the heart of River Valley Church poured out. Our heart is global, because God’s heart is global. Through our Global Project and Kingdom Builders ministries, we all have the opportunity to participate in this great mission that Jesus Christ asked us to be a part of.

We are full of faith for all that God is going to do in the year to come, and continually humbled that He would use us, this church, all for Jesus to be glorified.

All of this is for Jesus! So that all may hear!

Rob & Becca Ketterling Lead Pastors of River Valley Church

Global Project Edition

Our Heart is Global

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

All throughout Scripture, you can see God’s heart for the world and the nations. In fact, there are 1,600 Bible verses that show God’s passion for the world. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire is to make Himself known and show His love to all people on earth.

In John 3:16, it says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son.”

Christ’s last words, known as the Great Commission, can be found in Acts 1:8. He says, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

These words of Christ are our common mission as followers of Jesus. Our ultimate goal found in Scripture is depicted in Revelation 7:9-10, where it says that every tribe and

nation would gather around the throne of Jesus, giving Him all of the praise and worship.

Simply put, the aim of “missions” is to see God’s glory and the gospel advancement among all nations and people on earth.

If God’s heart is for the world and the nations, are our heart’s in alignment with His mission? As followers of Jesus, we should be on mission for Him so that all may know and worship Him.

Here at River Valley Church, our heart is global because God’s heart is global.

Global Project is what we call our global missions efforts. Through Global Project, we all have the opportunity to participate in this great mission that Jesus Christ asked us to be a part of.

THE STATE OF THE WORLD

The State of the World paints a picture of a worthy work left unfinished. To understand this world, we must be aware of how many people have yet to hear the Good News of Jesus. Those that are waiting and have very little or no access to this gospel are known as the Unreached.

At River Valley, we have a global heart because we understand the importance of the Great Commission and want to see all of God’s people reached with the Good News of Jesus.

*Map and statistics gathered from JoshuaProject.net

�,��6 people groups in the world are considered unreached

�.�� billion people live among the Unreached

��% of the world has yet to hear the Good News of Jesus

�,8�� language groups on earth do not have Scripture translated into their language

There are �,��� language groups on earth

Only ��� languages have a complete Bible

THE UNREACHED 10/40 WINDOW

A geographic region of the world located between 10 & 40 degrees latitude from West Africa to East Asia

The unequal distribution of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest injustice on earth today.

So much good work is being done, and we believe the best days to reach our world are still ahead of us.

��% of the world’s unreached people live in the 10/40 window*

CHANGING THE STATISTICS

By choosing to make our heart global and because of the generosity of our church, together, we are helping change the statistics. Here is a snapshot of some of our efforts.

Since 2010, over ��� Global Teams & Virtual Global Teams have been sent

Since 2010, over 6,��� people have served on a Global Team or Virtual Global Team

We financially support over �,��� missionaries on a monthly basis

$6,8��, on average, is sent out from River Valley per day to support missions work around the world

�88 of the River Valley ��� long-term, overseas missionaries have been sent, with �8� in the Missionary Action Plan

Carl F. H. Henry

As of January 2023 = 10/40 Window

* Statistics gathered from JoshuaProject.net

** Past and current River Valley 500

ORIGIN

William Borden, born in 1887 to a very wealthy family, gave his life to Jesus Christ as a young man. He studied at Yale University and went on to Princeton Seminary. After graduating, he decided to dedicate his life to reaching the Muslims of China. His first stop on that journey was Cairo, Egypt. But at the age of twenty-five, less than a month after he arrived, Borden contracted spinal meningitis and died.

Found in the back cover of his Bible were three important phrases that would define his life. In response to a friend saying that he was wasting his life as a missionary, he wrote two words: No Reserves. Later, after turning down his dad’s offer to take over the multi-million dollar family business, he wrote two more words: No Retreats. And shortly before his death, he wrote two final words: No Regrets.

During a visit to the Borden gravesite in 2013, Pastor Rob, Pastor Justin Mack, Elder Mark Pahl and a small group of pastors they were visiting with were yelled at by the graveyard caretaker. He was mad because a group of Christians said they would pay for Borden’s grave to be restored but never paid the bill. Not knowing how much the bill was and wanting to defend the Christians, Pastor Rob said, “We’ll pay it!” The bill was $500. Pastor Rob grabbed the money and paid it on the spot. At that moment, one of the missionaries said, “I believe you’re supposed to raise up 500 missionaries from your church–one for every dollar you just paid to restore this grave.”

This word from God was where the vision of the River Valley 500 was born.

Five hundred individuals, couples and families who will serve God overseas for at least one year and who will pray about a lifetime. We believe it is our calling–our mission to send our best to see the Great Commission, God’s Global Project fulfilled.

Pastor Justin, Pastor Rob and Elder Mark Pahl at the William Borden gravesite in 2013

William Borden gravesite restored

NEXT STEPS: THE MISSIONARY ACTION PLAN

Is God calling you?

The Missionary Action Plan (MAP) is a multi-phase, multistep process designed as a resource to help you discern if God is asking you to serve Him overseas for at least a year, if not a lifetime, as part of the 500. The MAP isn’t just for those who already know that God is calling them to serve Him overseas someday, but for anyone who feels stirred to explore missions at a deeper level. The MAP will take you on a journey of simple obedience to Jesus, growing and developing your global heart and helping you further discern the individual role God wants you to play in the Great Commission.

Learn more about and register for the Missionary Action Plan here!

No matter where you are in your life, you can serve God overseas as part of the River Valley 500.

Learn more about the 500 here! Take a look at the chart on pages 18-21 to see where the River Valley 500 have served and are currently serving.

INDIA

“Prayer is our biggest weapon we have. It is not because our prayers are big, but because our God is big. If these Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims are praying every day to a god who does not see or hear, how much more should we be praying to the One True Living God.”

“This past year we’ve seen 13 new people become believers. A couple weeks ago, one friend shared with me that he knew about God before in his head, but now he believes in Jesus with his whole spirit. He is also sharing his faith with his family.

Another friend of mine has dealt with back problems and sickness through most of her life. This past month, through prayer in Jesus’ name, her back was healed. She expressed her faith in Jesus to take away all of her pain and bring light. Their household has decided they want to start learning God’s word and praying together on a regular basis. We’ve been so encouraged to see so many of our friends interested in getting closer to God and sharing their faith with others.”

LEBANON EGYPT

“I have never felt more at peace and convinced about my purpose before. Please don’t get me wrong. Every day is difficult, messy, challenging, and exhausting, but I am filled with this indescribable sense of peace knowing that this is exactly where the Lord wants me right now. [...] The thing that may be most surprising to me though is just how much love is in my heart for these people. It is heaven-sent. That’s the only way I can describe it.”

Jesus’ last words spoken on earth were, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News.” These words are known as the Great Commission and were not given to a group of missionaries, but to those who called themselves followers of Jesus.

With 42% of the world still waiting to hear that Jesus loves them, we ALL have a part to play in the Great Commission.

Whether that be praying, welcoming, sending, mobilizing or going on the field, God’s heart for the world is what spurs us on to play our part in bringing the Good News to the ends of the earth.

Learn more about specific ways to engage in each role here.

Prayer is something we all can do! Let’s ask God to extend His Kingdom to the ends of the earth.

PRAY WELCOME

E.M. Bounds

As a welcomer, befriend others from different ethnic backgrounds, who don’t know Jesus. Learn about their culture and, over time, share Jesus with them.

SEND

As a sender, you are helping make it financially feasible for missions work to be done all around the world. You can do this by supporting missionaries on a monthly basis and giving to Kingdom Builders. Sending is a financial sacrifice and a choice to live on less in order to give more. As senders, we ask God to help us steward the resources He has given us with the greatest measure of His wisdom.

MOBILIZE

To mobilize means to help others discover their role in the Great Commission. Humbly share with others the need to reach those who have not heard about Jesus’ love and encourage those who are obeying God in their journey overseas.

Matthew 28:19

GO

God can use each one of our unique talents, skills, vocations and personalities to minister to those all around the world.

SHORT-TERM: GLOBAL TEAMS

Every month, teams of volunteers from our church travel around the world to help meet physical and spiritual needs and share the love of Jesus Christ. We offer a variety of team options — one for everyone in the family. You can choose from short, 3-day domestic teams, longer, 14-day international teams, virtual teams from the convenience of your home, and everything in between. Going is always worth the investment!

Scan the QR code for our current Global Team opportunities.

LONG-TERM: THE RIVER VALLEY 500

It is our vision to raise up and send out 500 individuals, couples and families who are willing to serve God overseas for at least a year and pray about giving Him a lifetime. The River Valley 500 sacrifice their time, convenience and comfort to obey the Great Commission.

If you feel God may be stirring something in you, registering for the Missionary Action Plan is your next step.

Scan the QR code and see page 26 to learn more.

Global Team Testimonies

“Expect God in the unexpected. Be available to Him, come with no expectations, and receive whatever He desires for you!”

Global Team Egypt

“Eight days just surrendering my time and energy to the Lord strengthened my faith and helped me refocus my life back to Jesus.”

Global Team El Salvador

“It inspired me in my journey of praying for and supporting missions work globally – one more thing to stir my heart more for global missions.”

Virtual Global Team India

“The Holy Spirit’s work on a Global Team isn’t stopped by a computer screen. ”

Virtual Global Team Egypt

Kingdom Builders Edition

So That All May Hear

WHAT IS KINGDOM BUILDERS?

Kingdom Builders is our way of bringing the Good News of the gospel to all nations through a faithful community passionate about generosity. From kids to adults, the profile of a Kingdom Builder is the same. This community, open to all, is built of individuals and families that prayerfully commit to give over-andabove their tithes to global missions, local church expansion and future Christian leaders.

Kingdom Impact

Your generosity through Kingdom Builders is changing lives and helping build the Kingdom of God all around the world! Here is a glimpse into the impact of your generosity:

Since 2010, over 15,000 families have given to Kingdom Builders

Over $10 million was given to Kingdom Builders in 2022 alone

In 2022 Kingdom Builders sent more than 56% of the funds raised to global missions

Since 2010, over $65,500,000 has been given to Kingdom Builders

Since 2010, Kingdom Builders has helped plant 13,000 churches locally & globally

As many as 165 partners and projects have been funded each year

Bringing the hope of the gospel to people all around the world

Building the church locally

Planting the church globally

Helping people gain freedom from addiction and mental health challenges

Resourcing those experiencing homelessness and poverty

Training and equipping Christian leaders around the world

Investing in the next generation

Putting

God’s

Word

into the hands of those

currently have access

Gospel Culture Cafe + Restaurant located in Central Asia was funded in part by Kingdom Builders.

Global

500 SENDERS FUND

Our vision is to send out 500 missionaries from our church. This fund helps fill gaps in financial support to assist some in getting to the field quicker.

AFRICA’S HOPE

Provides biblical training for leaders of the growing Church in Africa, equipping them with knowledge and the power of the Holy Spirit.

ASIA PACIFIC CHURCH PLANTS

Raising money for projects and church plants amongst the unreached throughout Asia Pacific.

BUSINESS AS MISSION TRAINING IN EUROPE

Teaching Christian leaders and missionaries in Europe how to lead Kingdom-focused businesses.

BARCELONA INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

Supporting the continued expansion and growth of the International Church.

BETHANY GLOBAL UNIVERSITY

A private Christian college in Minnesota focused on training and sending missionaries.

BOYS & GIRLS MISSIONARY CHALLENGE (BGMC)

Beginning the process of missions awareness, concern and stewardship in young lives by training kids to give sacrificially.

BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL

Partnering with the Assemblies of God to send short-term teams to help build various ministry structures around the world.

CAFE AWAKE: NORTHERN ASIA COFFEE SHOP

A growing coffee shop that serves as a cultural ministry center in Northern Asia, providing gospel access to the Unreached.

CENTRAL ASIA PROJECT

Developing evangelism and discipleship tools across various mediums to reach the Unreached.

CHANGE30

Inspiring purpose in Russian orphans by providing them with the love, guidance and resources they need to lead lives serving Jesus.

CHANGE THE MAP

Bringing awareness to and inspiring prayer for the more than 1 billion Buddhists across the world so that all may become disciples.

COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL

An initiative in South Asia bringing the gospel to mothers while helping them learn survival skills.

CONVOY OF HOPE

Providing disaster relief and support around the world and bringing hope in the name of Jesus.

CUBA CHURCH PLANTS

Partnering with the Cuban Church on projects such as construction, school of theology and pastoral training.

EAST AFRICA PROJECT

Using a Business as Mission approach to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those without access to the gospel in East Africa.

EQUIP LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Training Christian leaders and mobilizing them to impact their families, businesses and communities.

ESWATINI CAMPUS AND CHILDREN’S CUP CAREPOINTS

Investing in our Eswatini church plant and surrounding local churches to change communities through holistic child development and the hope of Jesus.

EUROPEAN CHURCH PLANT

Planting a life-giving church in Toulouse, France, and working with area pastors to come together and care for the refugees that flee to France.

FIRE BIBLE TRANSLATION

Full-featured study Bible with an emphasis on the Holy Spirit.

GLOBAL TEEN CHALLENGE

On mission mobilizing people and resources to put the hope of Jesus within reach of every addict.

GLOBAL UNIVERSITY

Equipping, educating and training thousands of pastors globally to plant churches.

GOOD BUREAU

Helping Romanian leaders to make a change in their country by offering funding, networking and support while introducing them to Jesus Christ.

HAND OF HOPE

Helping to fund water wells in third world countries while ministering the love of Jesus Christ.

HEALING HAITI

A Christ-centered ministry leveraging resources to elevate and unify Haitian families to end the cycle of poverty and strengthen the community.

HEALING HANDS GLOBAL (JUNGLE HOSPITAL)

Christ-centered missions hospital meeting physical and spiritual needs by providing care and support for the impoverished people of Honduras.

HOPE INTERNATIONAL

Empowering those in poverty through training, micro-loans and Christ-based resources.

LIVE DEAD

Planting churches among unreached people groups through intercultural teams in Russia, the Arab World, Israel, Southeast Asia and many other countries without access to the gospel.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF MISSIONARY KIDS

Bringing support to missionary kids as River Valley believes every member of the family is part of the on-field mission.

INDONESIA CAMPUS MINISTRY

A training center in Indonesia that teaches young people English and disciples them in their growing Christian faith.

JAPAN & ASIA CHURCH PLANTS

Helping to plant new churches through a vibrant bilingual church called Lifehouse International.

MESSENGER INTERNATIONAL

Providing believers worldwide with access to life-changing messages and discipleship tools through various mediums.

MOROCCO HOUSE CHURCHES

Supporting the church planting movement in Morocco.

NETWORK 211

Using cutting-edge technology to spread the gospel in the most difficult places in the world by helping people discover and grow in their journey.

ONEHOPE

Reaching children and youth worldwide with the gospel message through print, films, storytelling, audio and mobile apps.

ONE MILLION MEALS

A partnership between Venture Expeditions and Feed My Starving Children to provide the gospel and meals to refugees of Thailand and Burma.

PAN-AFRICA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Seminary that focuses on training African leaders for greater effectiveness and growing the African Church.

PRIORITY ONE

Educating and equipping pastors of the global Church through Bible colleges, schools and leadership development organizations.

PROJECT 42

Raising awareness and resources for the 42% of the world still waiting for access to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

PROJECT RESCUE

Rescuing and restoring victims of sex trafficking through the love and power of Jesus Christ.

REACHING INDIANS MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Reaching the unreached of India with the gospel message and developing Christlike leaders to change lives and transform communities.

SAT-7

Using satellite technology to present the gospel among the most difficult-to-reach Muslims in their own homes through television and online platforms.

SCRIPTURE TRANSLATION

Providing access to the gospel for various people groups throughout the world who do not yet have access.

SPEED THE LIGHT

Youth raising money for missionary projects around the world, including essential resources, transportation and creative communication equipment.

THAILAND CHURCH EXPANSION

Expanding the national Church in Thailand.

THE GO FUND

Helping mobilize missionaries to the unreached by relieving some of their student debt.

THE WARRIOR’S JOURNEY

A Christ-based ministry that provides Biblically based resources to military members and their families.

TURKEY CHURCH PLANTS

Bringing the gospel to Istanbul, Turkey through a live music cafe, Business as Mission approach.

WORLD CHURCH PLANTING INITIATIVE

Planting Assemblies of God churches around the world.

Local

ABILITY TREE

Bringing the gospel and biblically based resources to families whose children have disabilities.

ALPHA

A discipleship course that explores the Christian faith through a series of questions designed to create conversation.

ARRIVE MINISTRIES

Training and equipping people to welcome, extend love, serve and walk alongside refugees and immigrants that come to Minnesota, all while witnessing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

ASSOCIATION OF RELATED CHURCHES (ARC)

Churches working with church planters and church leaders to provide support, guidance and resources to launch and grow life-giving churches.

CHURCH MULTIPLICATION NETWORK (CMN)

Equipping and funding leaders to plant healthy, Spirit-filled churches across the U.S.

SERVE OUR COMMUNITY

The department of River Valley Church that supports and funds local Christian-based and Christian-purposed non-profits.

EMBRACE GRACE

A ministry that supports unplanned pregnancies by equipping churches to walk alongside single moms and dads.

EMERGE COUNSELING MINISTRIES

A place of help, hope and healing for individuals on a journey to mental health healing and awareness through the presence of God.

FREEDOM WORKS

Helping former offenders who are returning to society reconcile to God, family and community.

FUTURE RIVER VALLEY CAMPUSES

Our vision is to launch new campuses in the Twin Cities metro area and in key communities throughout greater Minnesota.

ICCM LIFE CENTER MINNEAPOLIS

Urban ministry center in Minneapolis committed to transforming impoverished people through the power of Christ.

L.A. DREAM CENTER

Focusing on sharing the love of Jesus by finding solutions for homelessness, hunger and a lack of education.

MINNESOTA ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE

A Christ-centered organization focused on helping people gain freedom from chemical addictions and other lifecontrolling issues.

NATIONAL BLACK FELLOWSHIP

A movement of hope transforming communities by developing and deploying African American leaders, planting and revitalizing churches, advancing biblical justice and restoring families.

NEW LIFE FAMILY SERVICES

Honors the sanctity of human life by assisting clients in lifeaffirming decisions with the love and compassion of Christ.

RIVER VALLEY WORSHIP

Supporting the River Valley Church worship team as they create and perform albums, recordings and other projects locally and globally.

SAMARITAN’S PURSE

A Christian-based organization that helps victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love by providing spiritual and physical aid.

SERVE DAY

A nationwide initiative that provides opportunities to serve our local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness.

STEIGER

Mobilizes followers of Jesus to reach the global youth culture in hundreds of cities around the world, including the Twin Cities.

TOGETHER FOR GOOD

Bringing hope and healing by creating pathways for the church to come alongside vulnerable families with Christ-centered ministry.

UNION GOSPEL MISSION

Exists to provide Christ-centered, discipleship-oriented pathways and programs that restore dignity and wholeness to men, women and children.

U.S. OUTREACH TOUR

Outreach events around the nation intended to build up and encourage local church communities.

Future

CHURCH MATCH SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship funds donated by River Valley Church for students pursuing a major in ministry and attending Christian universities that match church funds.

KINGDOM BUILDERS YOUTH GLOBAL TEAMS

Sending youth students to other countries and exposing them to what God is doing around the world in order to build their faith in Jesus Christ.

LAKE GENEVA BIBLE CAMP

The expansion of the Assemblies of God District campground at Lake Geneva, Minnesota.

MINNESOTA FOSTER CARE

Providing material needs to those involved in the process of foster care and adoption.

NORTH CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

A university in Minneapolis focused on equipping and sending leaders into the world to bring the love of Jesus.

CHINESE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Supporting Chinese student immersion and success as they attend North Central University.

RIVER VALLEY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Developing future Christian leaders by providing interns with community, training and growth opportunities.

RIVER VALLEY NETWORK

Offering innovative resources, events and training opportunities, along with relationship-building for churches all over the nation.

WILDWOOD HILLS RANCH

A ranch in Iowa transforming lives and strengthening communities by providing healing, hope and God’s love to children and at-risk youth.

Kingdom Builders

Builders Partners

As of January 2023

First, make a plan to give. When you have plans and are diligent, it leads to plenty (Proverbs 21:5). God is excited when you have a plan! Whatever the amount is— have the plan in place, work the plan and be obedient to it. Start there.

Next, ask God to give you a vision for what He could do through you with His help. This is beyond what you can do with your natural income. This requires you to take a step of faith. Additionally, Habakkuk 2:2 tells us to write that vision down and pray about it! God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Stepping out in faith pleases God. When you look at what He has in His hands, it goes to another level!

How do you make a commitment to being a Kingdom Builder? PLAN VISION DREAM

Lastly, what would be a dream amount you could give? Hold on to it. This number is only between you and God. Watch as each step of faith you take, God moves you closer to that dream. God can do exceedingly abundantly more than all we can ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Now more than ever, make a plan to give, ask God for a vision in your generosity and hold on to the dream of what God will do as you step out in faith!

Always remember every gift matters to God. It’s not the size of the gift but the obedience to God’s voice that matters most.

River Valley Leadership Institute, Kingdom Builders Partner

Sidney Gross, Former River Valley Leadership Institute Intern

Check out Sidney’s full story here!

Miracle Offering

Each year, as a church, we set aside one weekend in November to participate in our Miracle Offering. As Kingdom Builders, this is the biggest weekend of the year. It is an opportunity to give generously and experience a miracle together through our Kingdom Builders’ partners. Throughout the year, commit to praying about the part God has for you to play in the Miracle Offering and continue to work your plan, vision and dream for Kingdom Builders!

Get Involved

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Kingdom Builders and the impact your generosity is making all around the world.

GIVE SHARE YOUR STORY

Give online to Kingdom Builders by scanning here or texting ‘KBGIFT’ to 94000.

We want to hear stories of generosity! Share your story of what God has done in and through you or someone in your life and allow it to impact and inspire others along their journey of living “blessed to be a blessing.” Scan here to share your story!