Missions

Missions and the gospel

At The River Church we take the responsibility of Reaching others with the Gospel seriously. Those who have received Christ and become part of His church have a unique responsibility to honor the Gospel, proclaim the Gospel, and support others who carry the Gospel around the World.

In the New Testament we see how the local church sent out missionaries (Acts 13:3) and cared for the missionaries after they were sent (Philippians 4:15–16; 3 John 1–8). Below is a list of Missionaries that consider the spread of the Gospel a crucial part of their ministry and receive prayer and financial support from The River Church through the mission portion of the budget. We are making their information available to you so that you may pray, request newsletters, and support them financially if you choose.

If you have questions regarding missions or any of the missionaries supported below, please reach out!
Missionary Partner
Dan and Rachel Smither

Organization
KEY OF HOPE

Ministry Region
Durban, South Africa

What They Do
Key of Hope is an international non-profit in Durban, South Africa that reaches children affected by poverty and AIDS with the hope found in Jesus Christ through long-term mentoring relationships. Our vision is to unlock the future of Africa by empowering children to be ambassadors of change in their families, schools and communities.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: Key of Hope, P.O. Box 20745, Durban North, 4016 South Africa

http://keyofhope.org/
Missionary Partner
Ernesto Aliniz

Organization
CLAYCUPS

Ministry Region

The Dalit People, India

What They Do
Clay Cups is a Christian non-profit that works with the untouchables of India. They partner with Untouchable pastors of small villages to bring the hope of Jesus to a dry and thirsting land. They equip, empower, and resource these Indian pastors as they reach the Hindu nation of India.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: Claycups, PO Box 300577, Waterford, MI. 48329

 http://claycups.net/
Missionary Partner
Ador Lumibao

Organization

Independent Baptist Missions for Asians

Ministry Region
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

What They Do

IMBA has the vison of a Christ-centered Philippines through soul winning and planting of Idependent Baptist churches in the 41,995 barangays. They believe that the Philippines, being a nation without any history of aggression against its neighbors, will play a vital role in evangelizing the southeast Asian region.

How to Get Involved

Mailing Address: 5085 Matatalaib Tarlac City 2300, Philippines

https://ibmaforasians.org/lumibao,-ador.html
Missionary Partner
Angelo Lumibao

Organization
IBMA

Ministry Region

Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

What They Do
IMBA has the vision of a Christ-centered Philippines through soul winning and planting of Idependent Baptist churches in the 41,995 barangays. They believe that the Philippines, being a nation without any history of aggression against its neighbors, will play a vital role in evangelizing the southeast Asian region.

How to Get Involved

Mailing Address: 5086 Matatalaib Tarlac City 2300, Philippines

https://ibmaforasians.org/lumibao,-angelo.html
Missionary Partner
Aries Gonzales

Organization
IBMA

Ministry Region

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

What They Do

IMBA has the vision of a Christ-centered Philippines through soul winning and planting of Idependent Baptist churches in the 41,995 barangays. They believe that the Philippines, being a nation without any history of aggression against its neighbors, will play a vital role in evangelizing the southeast Asian region.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: 5087 Matatalaib Tarlac City 2300, Philippines

https://ibmaforasians.org/gonzales,-aries.html
Missionary Partner
Oliver Manzano

Organization

IBMA

Ministry Region

Talavera,Nueva Ecija, Philippines

What They Do
IMBA has the vision of a Christ-centered Philippines through soul winning and planting of Idependent Baptist churches in the 41,995 barangays. They believe that the Philippines, being a nation without any history of aggression against its neighbors, will play a vital role in evangelizing the southeast Asian region.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: 5088 Matatalaib Tarlac City 2300, Philippines

https://ibmaforasians.org/manzano,-oliver.html
Missionary Partner
Roehl Tanedo

Organization

IBMA

Ministry Region
Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

What They Do
IMBA has the vision of a Christ-centered Philippines through soul winning and planting of Idependent Baptist churches in the 41,995 barangays. They believe that the Philippines, being a nation without any history of aggression against its neighbors, will play a vital role in evangelizing the southeast Asian region.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: 5089 Matatalaib Tarlac City 2300, Philippines

https://ibmaforasians.org/ta%c3%b1edo,-roehl.html
Missionary Partner
Logan & Kendra Teal

Organization
Ethnos 360

Ministry Region

Asia-Pacific Region

What They Do
Motivated by the love of Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Ethnos360 exists to assist the ministry of the local church through the mobilizing, equipping, and coordinating of believers to evangelize unreached people groups, translate the Scriptures, and see indigenous churches established that glorify God.

How to Get Involved
https://ethnos360.org/missionaries/logan-and-kendra-teall
Missionary Partner
Jacob and Rachel Adesina

Organization

Baptist Evangelistic Missionary Association

Ministry Region
Nigeria, Africa

What They Do
BEMA has always focused on helping foreign national missionaries establish local New Testament indigenous churches, however, they understand that the mission of God is accomplished through domestic missionaries as well. It is their ultimate aim to glorify God through the spreading the gospel among the unreached peoples of the world. They achieve this by providing accountability, training and assistance to our missionaries as they carry out their pre-field, on-field and furlough ministries.

How to Get Involved

Mailing Address: 4744 Winchester Pike Columbus, Ohio 43232

https://www.bemamissions.org/
Missionary Partner
Kelly and Debbie McMaster

Organization

Baptist Mid-Missions Foundation

Ministry Region

Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil

What They Do

Since 1920, Baptist Mid-Missions is a partner with independent Baptist churches as they send out and equip their members to share the gospel and plant new Baptist churches.

How to Get Involved

https://www.bmm.org/
Missionary Partner
Ginny Feldmann

Organization
SIM

Ministry Region
Elgin, Illinois

What They Do

Convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God's good news, we believe He has called us to make Jesus known in all places and among all peoples. With more than 4,000 workers representing over 65 nationalities, SIM workers share the love of Christ through Christian witness, community development, health care, education, business and more. We are passionate about prayer and care as we respond to need, proclaim the gospel and epuip the church in over 70 countries worldwide.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: 1960 W Highland Ave. Elgin, IL 60123

https://www.simusa.org/
Missionary Partner
Brad and Mary Hawkins

Organization

Word of Life

Ministry Region
Durban, South Africa

What They Do
The Hawkins are serving with Word of Life in South Africa. Primarily to the Young Adult population.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: Word of Life South Africa, PO Box 28295, Malvern, Durban, KZN 4055, South Africa

https://www.wol.org/
Missionary Partner
Carriage Town Ministries

Organization
Carriage Town Ministries

Ministry Region
Flint, MI

What They Do
In these uncertain times, CTM remains open to meet the growing need of those in our community. For those who are hungry, we provide something to eat; for those who are thirsty, something to drink. For those who need a place to stay, we provide a home; for those who need clothing, a coat to keep them warm. And for those who are sick, a free walk-in clinic is provided each week. The gospel of Christ is taught daily through word, deed, devotionals and church services. In addition to the CTM cafe, clothing distribution and educational opportunities, residents are given the chance to create a Personal Success Plan. This is a goal-oriented program that enables individuals to grow spiritually, academically, and vocationally through mentoring, work-experience, and life skills.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: 605 Garland St. Flint, MI 48503

https://www.carriagetown.org/
Missionary Partner
Beth Ann Downer

Organization
Elim

Ministry Region
Kitale, Kenya

What They Do
Ministers to, demonstrates the love, and shares the gospel with the handicapped children of Kenya.


How to Get Involved
https://www.elimfellowship.org/
Missionary Partner
The Voice of the Martyr Missions

Organization
The Voice of the Martyr Missions

Ministry Region
Worldwide

What They Do

The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is a nonprofit, interdenominational missions organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: 1815 SE Bison Rd., Bartlesville, OK 74006

https://www.persecution.com/
Missionary Partner
Paul & Marty Clark

Organization
Scripture Union

Ministry Region
Lima, Peru

What They Do
Paul and Marty work in public schools with poor children teaching them Christian Values; the ministry has 6 homes for abandoned boys throughout Peru; a program with Deaf boys, girls, and adults; a medical program in the jungles of Peru with 2 medical ships; all are made more valuable through our Ministry of Bible Use.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 987 #1, Valley Forge, PA 19482

 https://scriptureunion.global/movements/peru/
Missionary Partner
Karl & Joice Franklin

Organization

Wycliffe Bible Translators

Ministry Region

Australia and Papua, New Guinea

What They Do
Retired

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 628211, Orlando, FL 32862-8211

https://www.karlfranklin.com/links/
Missionary Partner
Bob & Karen Hamilton

Organization
Association of Baptist for World Evangelism (ABWE)

Ministry Region
Amazonas, Brazil

What They Do
They evangelize and train people to honor, praise and serve God. Their ministry is preaching, teaching separate programs for children and youth, married couples, discipleship, Bible Institute, camp, and outreach using a boat.

How to Get Involved
https://www.abwe.org/work/missionaries/robert-m-and-karen-hamilton
Missionary Partner
Jay & Stephanie Fast

Organization
Sonlife Ministries

Ministry Region
North and Latin America, Was in CostaRica

What They Do
Jay serves as a full-time missionary with Sonlife, which is a ministry that equips pastors and ministry leaders in relational disciple-making according to Jesus’ life. He oversees Sonlife’s student ministry short-term missions program, called “Fusion”, developing partnerships between churches in North America and Latin America for the purpose of equipping students as disciple-makers. Additionally, Jay serves as a liaison between Sonlife's global ministry partners and facilitates training, coaching, and mentoring for ministry leaders in the Midwest region of the U.S.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 23842 Portland, OR 97281

https://www.sonlife.com/
Missionary Partner
Tim & Katie Cole

Organization
The Evangelical Alliance Mission

Ministry Region

The town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, Japan

What They Do
The Coles' primary ministry was formed in 1994 to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through family issues, and to strengthen Japanese Christian families. FFJ is involved in seminars, radio broadcasting, publishing, and counseling. It currently has 3 missionary staff, and 2 full-time, and 5 part-time Japanese staff. The ministry rents office space in Yokohama.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: 1197 Karuizawa-machi,Kita Saku-gun, Nagano-ken, Japan 389-0102

http://www.colesinjapan.org/Colesinjapan/Welcome.html
Missionary Partner
David & Bekah Rutledge

Organization

The Evangelical Alliance Mission

Ministry Region
East Swaniie, Old Swaziland

What They Do
Rebekah works at an orphanage. Dave is an instructor at a Bible College.
Missionary Partner
Dawn Boice

Organization

The Evangelical Alliance Mission

Ministry Region

N/A

What They Do
Retired
Missionary Partner
Muriel Mosher

Organization
N/A

Ministry Region
N/A

What They Do
Retired
Missionary Partner
Jon & Beth Eckstein

Organization

SEND International

Ministry Region

Taiwan - Asia

What They Do

Jon & Beth are passionate about reaching the unreached and seeing the gospel take root in every people group, especially in Asia. After joining SEND in 1999, the Ecksteins departed for East Asia in 2001. Working among an UPG their first term, they had the privilege of seeing many of their students trust Christ and grow in Him. In 2014 Jon began serving as the East Asia Regional Director, responsible for SEND’s ministries in Japan, Taiwan and other East Asian countries. Jon is also currently launching SEND’s first regional hub, the International Office Asia, located in Taiwan. Beth is passionate about personal development and and as a credentialed life coach, Beth is involved in both personal coaching and coach training. In 2015 Beth accepted the role of Director of Women’s Ministry for SEND. The Ecksteins reside in Taiwan and are also actively involved in a bilingual church plant and building relationships in their community.

How to Get Involved
https://send.org/give/projects/eckstein-education-project
Missionary Partner
Jane Powley

Organization
WorldVenture

Ministry Region
Sengal, Africa

What They Do

Over the years, Jane has used various outreach efforts such as English classes, Bible studies, Christian video nights and kid’s clubs to build relationships with the people of her community. As her fifth term of service drew to a close and after much prayer, Jane decided to close the Le Cadeau Ultime ministry and from 2009 to 2013 worked in Dalifort, a community on the outskirts of Dakar. In 2014 Jane moved to Thies, Senegal which is where the WorldVenture missionaries first began working back in the 1960’s. Jane not only attended the church that was eventually started in Thies, but she renovated and worked in the church library most of her seventh term. She also began a children’s library in her home which was opened two afternoons a week. Although it is a privilege to offer help to Senegalese students, the purpose of both libraries was to look for opportunities to share Christ.

How to Get Involved

https://give.worldventure.com/partner/community?rd=true#/explore
Missionary Partner
Billy & Yashmin Clark

Organization

Latin American Mission

Ministry Region
Latin America Peru, Columbia

What They Do
Paul and Marty work in public schools with poor children teaching them Christian Values; the ministry has 6 homes for abandoned boys throughout Peru; a program with Deaf boys, girls, and adults; a medical program in the jungles of Peru with 2 medical ships; all are made more valuable through our Ministry of Bible Use.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 987 #1, Valley Forge, PA 19482

https://uwm.org/missionaries/27498/
Missionary Partner
Darrell & Carolyn Moran

Organization
Avant

Ministry Region
N/A

What They Do
Retired

How to Get Involved
https://avantministries.org/missionaries
Missionary Partner
Sam & Sadie Doherty

Organization

The CEF Missionary Trust

Ministry Region

Ireland

What They Do
Retired

How to Get Involved
https://www.cefireland.com/get-involved/donate/
Missionary Partner
Beverly Fawley

Organization
SIM USA

Ministry Region
N/A

What They Do

Retired

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241-7900
Missionary Partner
Cedar Ridge Camp

Organization

Huron Forest Camp Cedar Ridge

Ministry Region
Oscoda, MI

What They Do

Since 1941 we've encouraged campers to grow close to Christ, explore new experiences, and form lasting friendships.

How to Get Involved

Mailing Address: 36208 Freedom Rd., Farmington MI 48335

https://www.campcedarridge.org/
Missionary Partner
Gitche Gumee Bible Camp

Organization
Gitche Gumee Bible Camp

Ministry Region
Eagle River, MI

What They Do

Gitche Gumee Bible Camp began because of a burden God put on the heart of John J. Rader who originally founded the camp to minister to the youth of Upper Michigan's "Copper Country." In the chilling winter of 1930, with only five dollars in his pocket, John Rader began to construct some of the very buildings that still stand today as a testimony to his faith and calling and to the exceeding and abundant blessings of God.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: 5189 Garden City Road, Eagle River, MI 49950

https://www.gitche.net/
Missionary Partner
Child Evangelism Fellowship Oakland Co.

Organization

Greater Detroit Area CEF

Ministry Region
Detroit, MI

What They Do
Child Evangelism Fellowship is a Bible-centered organization composed of born-again believers whose purpose is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and to establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living. Although Child Evangelism Fellowship has many different ministries our primary ministries are the 5-Day Club, Good News Club, and Christian Youth in action.

How to Get Involved
Mailing Address: Oakland/Macomb Chapter PO Box 210237, Auburn Hills, MI 48321

https://cefoaklandmacomb.com/donate/
Missionary Partner
Chaplin Kenny Hovis

Organization
Reach the Forgotten Ministry

Ministry Region
Genesee County Jail, Flint MI

What They Do
RTF believes in the redemption and restoration of inmates through Jesus Christ. As the largest jail-focused ministry in the U.S., we empower chaplains and volunteers to share hope and salvation with the “forgotten” women and men incarcerated in Michigan’s county jails.

How to Get Involved

Mailing Address: 1480 Buchanan Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49507