“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20 ESV
Redeemer is deeply committed to the Great Commission to take the good news of Jesus to every place God opens the door. Some in our church have family members serving full-time in difficult places around the world. This year, we support Corban Rackley, who began a year-long mission assignment with the International Mission Board (IMB) in the Pacific Rim. Alongside these connections, we had the joy of seeing God’s work up close through six different mission trips, each one centered on sharing the gospel and serving in Jesus’ name. Some went across the world, others drove just a few states away, but all came back changed. Every trip told a story of faith, courage, and the power of ordinary believers stepping out to show Christ’s love in real and practical ways.
In Nigeria, our team spent time with brothers and sisters who live out their faith under intense pressure and persecution. According to Open Doors, nearly 70% of Christians killed worldwide for their faith last year were in Nigeria, and the US has now designated it as a “Country of Particular Concern” for persecution and violations of religious freedom. In that difficult context, our team shared Scripture, prayed together, and provided humanitarian aid to churches that have suffered deeply. The believers there face challenges we can hardly imagine, yet their hope in Christ is steadfast. Our team came home humbled and encouraged by their strength.
In Ethiopia, the mission team worked with local pastors and church leaders who serve faithfully in small and often struggling communities. Redeemer has provided biblical teaching, encouragement, and financial help to repair church buildings. The focus has been on supporting the people who shepherd their congregations with such dedication. Their time together brought renewed energy, stronger relationships, and a powerful desire to keep sharing the hope of the gospel throughout Ethiopia.
After Hurricane Helene tore through parts of North Carolina, our volunteers joined Samaritan’s Purse to help rebuild homes for families who lost nearly everything. Through their hard work and prayer, the team saw how practical help can restore hope. Others from our church also served through Southern Baptist Convention of VA (SBCV) disaster relief here in Virginia, meeting urgent needs, offering comfort, and sharing Christ’s love with those recovering from loss. It was a reminder that serving others is one of the most powerful ways to share the gospel.
Our partnership with Su Refugio took volunteers to Peru and Argentina. Su Refugio provides help, education, and the hope of the gospel to women and children facing poverty and abuse. The organization works to rescue and restore those affected by neglect and violence, offering safety, spiritual care, and a path to healing. While there, the team helped host Vacation Bible School (VBS), visited and evangelized in homes, and worked with children in local schools.
As we look toward the coming year, many are already praying about where God might lead next. Each of this year’s six trips was different, yet every trip reveals that when believers step out to share the gospel and serve others, faith grows. Some may feel drawn to teach and encourage believers overseas. Others may sense a tug to help families rebuild after loss, or to come alongside children and widows who need care and hope. However God leads, there is room for every willing heart.
If you sense God stirring something in you, take time to listen. Ask Him where He might want to use your gifts next year, and be ready to follow whenever He opens the door.
Please pray that God will give wisdom and discernment as we look forward to 2026.
In His Service,
Rodney