People LOVE stories! Did you know that ONE BIG STORY was conceived in the mind of God before the creation of the world? The greatest and most amazing chapter of this ONE BIG STORY comes from the Christmas story that culminates in Easter. Chapter One The Christmas story starts with two distinct angelic visitations and […]
Global Partners
MANI – Bridges across the Ocean
“We didn’t know this could happen.” “I was blown away by the synergy.” “We need to inspire pastors and expose believers to what God is doing.” “It’s far beyond my expectation.” These words came from African-American, African mission leaders and mission agency leaders during the MANI BRIDGE Consultation in Houston, Texas in August. This gathering […]
Debriefing and Renewal for Latino Workers
Providing soul-care and debriefing for workers worldwide is a critical piece of the mission effort. A while ago, OC workers facilitated Debriefing and Renewal retreat (DAR) for Latino mission workers. The retreat involved whole families, with both adults and children receiving personal debriefing and care. Some highlights for OC workers: + Sweet worship + The […]
Thailand – Praying for 1 Percent
As a predominantly Buddhist nation, Thailand is only 0.69 percent Christian. However, Christian leaders in the country aren’t discouraged with this statistic. They are full of hope. “They share a fresh unity in the body of Christ. Historically, the church in the country has been very divided,” says Dave, a One Challenge worker. “We know […]
Highlights from the European Member Care Conference
An integral ministry in One Challenge is that of member care. On some level, most OC mission workers engage in care for the ministry partners, leaders, pastors, and people they serve. In an official sense, member care is the ongoing preparation, equipping, and empowering of mission workers for effective and sustainable life, ministry, and work. […]
Rethinking Evangelistic Preaching
Preaching the gospel evangelistically in today’s world may be an unpopular or an intimidating task. Still, it’s the calling of believers to share the Good News in multiple contexts. “We need to regain confidence in evangelistic preaching from the Scriptures, given by the Spirit, as a way that God uses to touch, to save, to […]
Thriving as a non-co-located team: the IMT
One Challenge’s International Ministry Team (IMT) has set a model for OC in how non-co-located teams can function effectively but also healthily. The IMT is a global ministry team made up of eight couples, all with decades of ministry experience. Although they work in a variety of different ministries, they are linked by a commitment […]
Basketball & Discipleship in Taiwan
Barriers to the gospel can break down on the basketball court. Recently, OC worker Alex partnered with a local Taiwanese church to reach youth through a basketball camp. “On the third day, the pastor made an altar call and half of the kids raised their hands. Praise God!” Alex says. Now Alex is partnering with […]
Value of Coaching in Ministry
“Ministry can be lonely and discouraging at times. Working with a coach helps leaders gain perspective and to keep focused on God’s calling in their lives,” says Dave DeVries, director of Missional Challenge, a One Challenge ministry. “Maintaining focus on priorities and discerning appropriate steps to move forward is a huge value.” Leadership development is […]
Challenges of Studying Theology in South Asia
In the Western world, we don’t often comprehend the sacrifices believers around the world make in order to share the gospel. Do you ever wonder how pastors in non-Christian countries are trained? Studying theology … especially Christian theology in an area where Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam are dominant … is a challenge. Obedient in the […]