Standing Firm on Shifting Ground
Imagine standing on ground that has always felt certain beneath your feet. The roads are familiar. You’ve built shelters for
Joy and Curiosity in Receiving the Word of God
There’s something striking about seeing people receive God's Word for the first time. Some immediately begin flipping through the pages,
When the Land Flourishes, Hearts Open
How a Small Investment Is Helping Farm Families Thrive In parts of Northwest Africa, farming is survival. For many families, each
How Water Projects Are Transforming Communities
Water Projects Creating Opportunities for Discipleship and Education In the first quarter of 2026, SOM South America has continued to
Twelve Ways to Motivate Others to Pray, Serve, and Give
1. Connect with Like-Minded People and Build a Network Connect with other SOM Global Ambassadors in your area to build a network.
Conference Gathers Indigenous Pastors in South America
An Atmosphere of All-Day Praise Before sunrise, the sound system was already on. By daylight, the seats were full with
Four W’s for a Group Meeting
When Jesus was on the earth, He ministered as He went along His way. In examining the way that Jesus built relationships,
Good News on the Move in Latin America
God is good—and that’s an understatement! The blessing of the Lord is surrounding His people in extraordinary ways. What an
Hope Amid Disaster: Flood Relief for Venezuela
When historic flooding struck along the Colombia–Venezuela border this summer, more than 7,000 families were left in crisis. People lost
How Bicycles Are Changing the Future of Villages in Asia
In the quiet corners of rural Asia, there are places where the name of Jesus has never been spoken, and
Fueling Revival: Meeting the Massive Demand for Bibles
Revival is breaking out across Latin America. In the midst of overwhelming hardship, people are turning to the Lord, and
Clean Water, Clean Hearts
How Access to Safe Water Opens Doors for the Gospel in South America In remote parts of South America, where
Honoring Albert Luepnitz
Albert William Luepnitz, who passed away on February 13, 2025, at the age of 99, led a life marked by profound
Quilted Prayers that Crossed Continents
From Texas to Africa: Quilted Prayers that Crossed Continents In the fellowship room at a church in Texas, the hum
Empowering Tribes through Radio Broadcasting
The logistics continue moving forward for two new high-powered radio stations for tribal people in Colombia and Venezuela. Effective Radio
Tractors Drive Provision for Physical and Spiritual Needs
Northwest Africa In the heart of Northwest Africa, a determined farmer named “Usad” faces a daunting challenge. The land he
An Unwavering Mission for Biblical Literacy
Meet "Miguel," a dedicated Venezuelan missionary who tirelessly distributes Bibles and trains others to carry out missionary work in his
Raju’s Story: Hope and Strength Amid Persecution
"Raju" Tells His Story A Family Under Attack My family story begins in a Hindu village plagued by demonic operations
Teaching, Loving, and Learning in South America
A testimony from Tim, a Canadian Christian, after attending a Bible conference with the South American people he once lived
Love and Service Transforms Hearts in Africa
Recently, an SOM team traveled to Africa to teach and minister alongside African brothers and sisters in Christ. Twelve nations
Persecution Escalates in India
Religious persecution continues to escalate in parts of India, where Christians face growing hostility for practicing their faith. A recent attack on
Imprisoned for Their Faith
In 2024, seven church planters and church members in India found themselves falsely accused and unjustly imprisoned, facing immense pressure
Transforming Lives in the Face of Persecution
What would you do if your faith put you at risk of imprisonment, torture, or even death? For many Christians
Love, No Matter What
At SOM International, God has introduced us to a special person, a remarkable leader, in every region where we serve. Each
The Anchor Meeting
This tool helps anyone who wants to share the work of SOM International with friends and invite others to serve
Meet Rick
Highlighting a Global Ambassador and an activity they have planned and executed. This month's GA Feature is
Children in the Persecuted Church Worldwide
Children Inspire Hope in the Face of Persecution Years ago in India, SOM CEO David Witt interviewed a high-caste, Hindu-background
Meet Leif and Heather
Highlighting a Global Ambassador and an activity they have planned and executed. This month's GA Feature is
From Hitman to Hope
“I was high on glue, and I was dying. But then I heard a knock at the door. A woman was
Life Imprisonment Bill Passed in Indian State
In persecuted and unreached regions of the world, the scattered followers of Christ have a choice: a life of imprisonment to
Meet Tammy
Highlighting a Global Ambassador and an activity they have planned and executed. This month’s GA Feature is Tammy from Arizona.
The Lord Extends His Grace to Us
An Update from South America The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish that
Discipleship Workshops
Discipleship Training We want to help you discover skills for representing SOM International and inviting others to serve the Persecuted Church.
Events
Representing SOM International at an Event After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and he sent them ahead of him in
Sharing an SOM Story or Testimony
Jesus was stunned. He had just heard the centurion say, “Just say the word…for I also am a man under authority…and
Asia Update: The Power of God’s Word
Naveen's journey is a testament to the transformative power of God's Word. He, a Hindu-background servant of Christ, graduated in June of
The Power of Relationship
This tool teaches skills for representing SOM International and inviting others to serve the Persecuted Church. One of our Global Ambassador
Meet Randy
Global Ambassador Feature Highlighting a Global Ambassador and an activity they have planned and executed. This month’s GA Feature is Randy
Meet Larry and Janet
Global Ambassador Feature Highlighting a Global Ambassador and an activity they have planned and executed. This month’s GA Feature is Larry
Meet Mike
Global Ambassador Feature Highlighting a Global Ambassador and an activity they have planned and executed. This month's GA Feature is Mike,
Latin America Update: Touching Reality
Bible Distribution This month’s update comes via a letter from Santiago, a Canadian partner with SOM International who supports the
Why Are Christians Persistently Persecuted?
Christians face daily threats around the world in countries where freedom of faith is a far cry from reality. For example, international
Notorious Persecutors Then and Now
The favorite “hobbies” of some government and religious leaders yesterday and today involve oppressing, intimidating, and killing Christians, much of it for
Believers Pleading for More Resources
By SOM Colombia Staff Thousands of pastors and congregations are urgently requesting our materials as the unprecedented harvest of souls continues to
Asia: Interrogations Are a New Way of Life
While working hard to teach the Word and serve in the sewing work, sewing workers in Asia are facing a new
God Answers Prayer for Disciple Makers
Many of the communities the SOM Mexico team serves are in very remote areas, through difficult terrain. They visited a recent village,
Persecuted but Not Abandoned
By Dave Arden What a great joy and honor to meet face-to-face with our persecuted brothers and sisters in India. While the
From Doubter to Devoted – Northwest Africa Testimony
A team from the United States with an African translator, (today the SOM-NW Africa Director), came to my village. The team shared
Asia Outreach Faces Threats and Arrests
In the middle of January, two million Muslims gathered for the Bishwa Ijtema, one of the largest Muslim festivals in the world.
Federico’s Testimony
Before I met Christ, I was an alcoholic and drug dealer who caused much trouble. However, alcohol and drugs were not my
Church Planter in Asia Refuses to Run
From Hiding to becoming a Thriving Part of the House Church Network Born into a Hindu community, SOM Asia church planter
Off-Grid Adventures: Delivering Portable Water Treatment Systems
My father told me the story of Moses praying over the mountain with his hands lifted up while Joshua and the people
Church Planters in Remote Tribal Areas in Asia Overcome Obstacles
Few nations present as many obstacles to sharing the Gospel as some Asian countries. For example, getting to the remote tribal areas
Is the Jubilee Bible a Good Translation?
Russell Stendal Answers the Question, "Is the Jubilee Bible a Good Translation?" Jubilee Bible Prioritizes Context and Spirit of Truth By Russell
Bold Leadership of Christians in Asia
Leading Like Christ Series By David Witt Leadership of Christians in Asia The SOM International Director of Asia turns fifty-six this
Every Day a New Christian Martyr
By David Witt CEO Spirit of Martyrdom During the Soviet Union era, for three years for her faith in Christ. Mistreated and
Aviation Ministry in Mexico Goes Further than Ever Before
Aviation Ministry in Mexico Goes Further than Ever Before Leading Like Christ Series By David Witt Good leadership is founded on following first.
This is God’s Time for Either Repentance or Collapse
Venezuelan Economy Collapsing Twenty-five years ago, some of my Colombian pastor friends, thinking that their Venezuelan counterparts were too proud and arrogant,
Richard Wurmbrand’s Tortured for Christ – Book Review
The Beauty of Whole-Hearted Sacrifice When picking up a paperback of Richard Wurmbrand's classic signature work, Tortured for Christ, one must be
What Is a Living Martyr?
Many paradoxes fill the Christian life: grace and strength through weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9); wisdom through foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18); greatness through
Building the Church in Asia
Church Planting Transforming a Subcontinent in Asia This series has been my delight to share our global directors' Christ-like leadership insights and
Fertilizing Discipleship
Fertilizer and Discipleship? The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom in discipleship, and sometimes we see the humor in the understanding. Who would
Leadership: Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Leading Like Christ Series Amid this series on Christlike leadership, it is fitting to reflect on the attributes of our executive
Bible Delivery
Dangerous Conditions Mark the Bible Delivery Journey Encouraging Bible delivery testimonies abound as we travel into remote areas like dangerous Colombia -Venezuela
Generosity: SOM-South American Leadership
Leading Like Christ Series Continuing the series on SOM International Directors, I want to highlight a slice of Russell Stendal's life. I
SOM International Africa
Leading Like Christ Series In the coming months, I will be sharing my observations of the mature Christ-like leadership of each SOM
Nineteen-Year-Old Discovers Pioneer Missions
I remember my first pioneer mission trip like it was yesterday. Loaded with excitement, we headed to the Tex-Mex border on spring
Pilot’s Training Symposium – Those Who Risk Their Lives for the Gospel
Flying through Mexico's rugged, windy, and treacherous mountain terrain takes much skill, understanding, and courage, as the risks are significant. In
First Shipments of Bibles Arrive in Venezuela
Anticipation has been building in Venezuela for many months amidst the P Tribe. After working for 25 years, a Bible translator has
Church Planter Reports on Two Weeks of Captivity for “Forced Conversion”
Church Planter Accused and Arrested for "Forced Conversion" Witnesses to Captors Falsely accused of the "forced conversion" of a tribal Hindu family,
Seamstress Expresses Great Joy and Thanksgiving
Touched by Jesus and the Power of the Gospel I was born into a Roman Catholic family, but I didn't know Jesus
Fall Shipment of Bibles Passed through Customs
Shipment of Bibles Makes it Through Customs Amidst Many Challenges As the Economic Situation Deteriorates in Places like Venezuela, the Spiritual Revival
Threats of Prison: She Continues to Share Jesus and Truth
Steadfast Witness in India Faces Jail Time for Sharing Faith Life can be problematic in Hindu-dominated northern India, but I never
Explosive Growth in Broadcast, Desperate Need for Bibles in Venezuela
Broadcast Expands, but the Need for Bibles in Venezuela is Desperate Our radio broadcast has reached a new tribe in Venezuela in
Message from a Bible Translator
Bible Translation and Distribution Impacts Community For those living in the land of information overload, it’s difficult to conceive of a world
God’s Goats in Asia Gain Ground
Often, the Image of the Goat Gets a Bad Rap If a player causes their team to lose a game, he is
Deadly Protests: Colombia
Opportunities for Clear Witness Amidst Deadly Protests in Colombia Imposing severe and prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns President Duque of Colombia finally realized this
Extreme Poverty In Mexico: Solutions
Helping Impoverished Tribes in Mexico Become Self-Sustainable Recently, we visited a mountainous tribal group who were anxious to see their crops grow.
Africa Leadership Expanding Monthly
Report: Mission Fields in Africa God is doing wonderful things in our lives! The Africa Director reports: “The church planting schools
Risking Much for the Gospel | Venezuela
Braving Danger to Deliver Bibles, Books and Radios for Venezuelans Nearly 1400 miles border Columbia and Venezuela, where mission field workers risk
Why Christians are #1 Persecuted People in the World
Christians face daily threats around the world In countries where freedom of faith is only a distant dream, Christians face persecution every
Stephen’s Last Words as the First Martyr for Christ
Stephen faces persecution in the Early Church Adorned and honored. His name means “crown” or “wreath." The first martyr Stephen is one of
Faith Builds in the Forgotten at Sewing School
Sewing Faith into Villagers Testimony of Hope from Sewing/Discipleship School Student Because of knowing faith in the Lord as my Savior since
Man Stands Faithful In Spite of Persecution
Man from Asia Isolated at Work For His Faith Firstly, a man from Asia shares, “All the men had to leave our
Brothers Transformed by Forgiveness
Brothers Strife Leads to Eternal Life in Asia My brothers and I, and my family live with my parents. I was born into
Couple Threatened in Mexico with Crucifixion
Mexico Couple Threatened, “CRUCIFY YOU LIKE THE JESUS.” High up in the mountains of Mexico, a married couple received the Lord. They
High Risk. High Return.
Leaders risk their lives for Christ. SOM International serves leaders who risk much for Jesus. We work with leaders in high-risk areas,
Persecution of the Early Church
The Persecution of the First Missionary and Martyr to Muslims His name sounds like he could lull you to sleep, but Ramon
A Year in the Life of the Church Planter
Church Planter Faces Challenges Firstly, in Acts 13, the Holy Spirit calls out Paul and Barnabas to go into the ministry of
Who Are Living Martyrs?
Who are Living Martyrs? By David Witt In a nutshell, a living martyr is a credible witness for Christ--one who will
Bibles by the Boatload in Venezuela
Bible Delivery: Bibles by the Boatload in Venezuela By Russell and Marina Stendal Turmoil and unrest continue to increase in the world
My Transformed Life – Mexico Story
My Transformed Life A brother in Christ from the city shared the Lord with me in my remote village. I was far
New Far Reaching Radio Tower Covers All Venezuela
Installing radio towers is not for the faint of heart. Climbing up to elevated heights is daunting. Facing strong winds in high
Asia: Wife Forgives Husband Who Burned Her With Oil
Wife's Background I was raised by a Hindu family and married a Hindu man. We were blessed with two children. There was
Harvest in Africa
Reported by SOM Africa Director God is opening many doors amidst this uncertain time and He is using the believers to shine
Church Planter Plows the Fields in Africa with Motorcycle
Church Planter Plowing Fields by Motorcycle in Africa Part of a church planter's life
Son of a Martyr Becomes Bold Witness
The story below is an example of what God is doing! The Father's Conversion My father worked in construction as I grew
My Father’s Heart by Alethia Stendal
My Father's Heart by Alethia Stendal EXCERPT FROM ALETHIA'S BOOK: In the past, there have been lots of chances of turning back,
Lomalinda: A Beautiful Hill by Russell Stendal, Jr.
Lomalinda is a beautiful place! by Russell Stendall, Jr. It’s located in the plains of eastern Colombia, however Lomalinda isn’t flat. Lomalinda
The Lone Ranger by Russell Stendal
The Unquenchable Life (A Study of Acts Chapters 8 – 28) by Russell M. Stendal Introduction I have been called a
