Kristen Sosebee

David Englehart, the campus director of New Mexico State University’s Christian Challenge, was moved with emotion as he recalled a quiet, but stunning moment in his life some 30 years earlier during a trip to Central Asia.

NAIROBI, Kenya -- “Life doesn't end because of sorrow or because of tragedy or because of loss,” said International Mission Board missionary Sue Foster, reflecting on her call to international missions after becoming a widow. “It doesn't end because of age.”

This year, the International Mission Board is taking a moment to celebrate a significant milestone: the Journeyman program’s 60th anniversary.

LIMA, Peru (BP) -- Last summer, International Mission Board missionary Holly Smith was feeling discouraged about her language skills. She longed to be able to share Christ with people in the local language, but it was a struggle.

One afternoon, just three months into her Journeyman term, International Mission Board missionary Olivia Tucker was visiting a friend’s home when suddenly she found herself cornered.

“I want to be baptized,” said Abdul, a Middle Eastern refugee. “Is it possible for me?”

From passages at sea to airplanes, from shortwave radio to tape recordings, from smartphones to social media, the evolution of technology creates opportunities for greater Gospel access among the nations.

Often in the course of cross-cultural ministry, moving from one city or country to another is required. Countries change visa requirements, teams revamp outreach strategies or God opens new doors. For most missionaries, moving is the rule rather than the exception.

When an older Muslim man grabbed her hand, IMB missionary Jackie Lewis was shocked. Muslim men do not customarily touch women who are not close relatives, especially young, single women like Lewis.  

On the morning of July 27 at 11:17, a message appeared on Mary’s screen: “It’s hard.”