Rooted in Faith, Growing in mission
Dear friends and ministry partners,
I’m grateful for each of you and the way your prayers and support continue to fuel what God is doing through us with Horizons International. As I reflect on the last couple of years, transitioning from living and doing ministry in South Africa to coming back to the States and working with Horizons, I am humbled by God’s steadfast goodness and faithfulness.
The last two years have been quite the journey. When I started with Horizons in February of 2024 as the Training Coordinator, stepping into an established and experienced ministry to Muslims and international students was overwhelming at first, and the role came with many learning curves. In a lot of ways, it felt like a career change. Whether ministering to survivors of human trafficking in Africa, Muslims from around the world, or the American neighbor across the street, the gospel remains unchanged. The truth of God’s Word stands like an oak tree—firmly rooted in God Himself and towers over every walk of life, offering shade, restoration, and protection through every storm. Sharing the gospel in a loving and effective way that reflects the Father heart, requires all of us to not only understand the work of the cross and the power of Christ’s resurrection but also the culture, pain, trauma, and history of the people we are bringing the gospel to. This is why ongoing training is essential—so those we equip are prepared to share the gospel with both truth and compassion.
Out of that learning and growth, one of the things God (and Horizons) has entrusted me with is training. As the U.S. Training Coordinator, I coordinate several key programs: Engage Muslims with Christ (an evangelism training focused on effectively sharing the gospel with Muslims), Cubs to Lions (a discipleship course designed for former Muslims), and our major Legacy Conference centered on missions, Muslims, and the heart of God. This year, we had the privilege of equipping 649 people across the U.S. through these various training opportunities.
Through these opportunities, churches and individuals are becoming more equipped to walk out our universal command as believers to love and share the gospel with people—this includes Muslims and others from different countries and religious backgrounds.
One of the highlights of this year was watching our church in Evansville grow in its passion to reach Muslims with the gospel. I had the opportunity to help plan a mission trip to Dearborn, MI, where our team spent three full days connecting with Muslims and sharing the gospel through several existing outreach programs, park and street evangelism, hosting a Jesus Film viewing in a local park, and distributing the Gospel of Luke in both English and Arabic. We saw many meaningful conversations, including a few that have opened up doors for ongoing connection with plans already in place to go back next year. Seeing our church step out in faith has encouraged me in my own calling and reaffirms why this ministry matters so much. I’m excited for what God will do in the year ahead.
Thank you for partnering in the work that God has entrusted to us. Your prayers and partnership mean more than you know.
Yours in Christ,
Jesse
