TOGO, West Africa (BP) -- "How do we become a healthy, biblical church?" That was the question two Togolese men had for IMB missionary Trevor Yoakum.

Registration is still open for the 2021 MedAdvance conference, hosted by the International Mission Board. The conference will be held at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, Aug. 5-7.

In 2020, Deaf people numbered nearly 70 million people around the world. Of those, 1,444 Deaf people die every day without Christ, according to IMB’s 2020 Annual Statistical Report. Most Deaf people around the world have none of the Bible in their heart sign language.

In 1984, Goh’s family transitioned from growing opium to coffee, from sickness to health – and from spirit and idol worship to worshiping the one true God.

Thad didn’t have a choice. He commuted on foot to work each night, and his route took him through a dangerous section of town and down a darkened block with a broken streetlight. His whole body tensed for about three minutes as he passed that way, nerves jumpy, ears alert. But they were as quiet as cats the night they attacked him, and he never heard them coming. In the darkest spot on the street, a hand grabbed his shoulders and pulled him into the alley.

During the height of a civil war, persecution was rampant and ruthless where IMB worker Edwin Hayes* serves. While visiting a local pastor/church planter to see how he could help, Hayes heard the story of a pastor and his wife. He left humbled, wondering what he could possibly do to help a couple with such tested faith.

ROANOKE, Va. – Despite the travel limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, First Baptist Church of Roanoke, Va., maintained its relationship with a particular people group in Lesotho, Africa and is gearing up to return as soon as mission teams are able.

GAHANNA, Ohio – Wally Contreras had a passion for missions before he became a pastor in January 2020. Having previously served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, he lived overseas for six years in Europe and Central Asia – cross-cultural experiences that helped shape his love for the nations.

TIGERVILLE, S.C. (BP) -- Historians call the final quarter of the 19th century the Gilded Age, a term originally coined by Mark Twain. It was an era characterized by unprecedented industrialization, spurred on especially by the expansion of the railroad industry. It was the age of tycoons, monopolies, mass immigration, rapid urbanization and significant wealth disparity.

What does it take to fulfill the Great Commission? It’s not that complicated. On a basic level it takes love and compassion, time and a willingness to meet people where they are. For a bonus, toss in a little creativity.