July 20, 2026August 3, 2026

The Great Commission Has Never Been a One-Person Assignment

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

When most people think about missions, they picture someone boarding a plane and moving to another country.

Sometimes that’s exactly what God calls people to do.

But more often, missions looks like something much closer to home.

It looks like a pastor faithfully serving his own neighborhood.

A teacher sharing the hope of Christ with her students.
A ministry leader investing in children after school.
A church planter discipling new believers.
A volunteer serving meals to families in need.
A missionary loving the very city they grew up in.

Different places.
Different cultures.
Different callings.

One mission.

One of the things we love most about Christ For the City International is that the vast majority of our missionaries are nationals serving in the countries they call home. They know the language. They understand the culture. They have deep relationships in their communities. They aren’t outsiders—they’re neighbors faithfully living out the Gospel where God has planted them.

Whether God calls someone across the street or across the world, one thing remains true:

No missionary serves alone.

Behind every missionary is a team of faithful people who pray.

People who encourage.
People who give.
People who say “yes” to sending.

Because the Great Commission has never been a one-person assignment.

Every “Go” Is Supported by Someone Who Sends

From the very beginning, God’s mission has always been a shared mission.

The Apostle Paul traveled extensively, but he never served alone. Churches welcomed him. Friends traveled with him. Believers prayed for him. Faithful partners met practical needs so he could continue the work God had called him to do.

That same pattern continues today.

Every conversation about Jesus…
Every child who hears the Gospel…
Every family who receives food, care, and hope…
Every young person discovering their identity in Christ…
Every church strengthened…
Every community transformed…

…is possible because someone answered God’s call to go—and someone else answered God’s call to send.

Both matter.
Both require faith.
Both are acts of obedience.
Both become part of the story God is writing.

The Reality Many People Never See

When people think about missionaries, they often picture someone serving full-time in ministry.

The reality is often more complex.

Many CFCI missionaries faithfully serve their communities while also working outside jobs to provide for themselves and their families.

Sometimes that’s exactly where God has called them to be. Those workplaces become places of ministry, relationship, and witness.

But for others, limited financial support means balancing multiple responsibilities simply to make ends meet.

It can mean less time with family.

Less time discipling believers.
Less time mentoring young leaders.
Less time investing in the people and communities God has called them to serve.

The need isn’t simply financial.

It’s relational.

Every missionary needs a team of people who will faithfully pray, encourage, and stand beside them over the long haul.

There’s a Place for You in God’s Mission

Maybe you’ve never considered yourself a missionary.

Maybe you’ve never imagined preaching a sermon, planting a church, or serving overseas.

But that doesn’t mean God hasn’t given you a place in His mission.

Some people are called to go.
Some people are called to send.

Both are essential.

When you pray for a missionary, you’re participating in God’s work.

When you encourage a missionary who’s weary, you’re strengthening someone carrying the Gospel.

When you give, you’re helping create more time for ministry, discipleship, and sharing the hope of Christ.

As Henri Nouwen wrote in A Spirituality of Fundraising, giving isn’t simply about meeting financial needs. It’s about inviting people to participate in what God is already doing.

That’s exactly what SEND is.

It’s not about funding a project.

It’s about joining a story.

Introducing SEND

This summer, we’re launching SEND: Fuel the Messenger. FORward the Mission.

SEND is an invitation to build stronger sending teams for the missionaries serving through Christ For the City International.

It’s an opportunity to pray faithfully.
To give generously.
To encourage consistently.
To stand behind the people God has called to share His love in cities and communities around the world.

Our prayer is that through SEND, missionaries will be strengthened, families will be encouraged, and even more lives will be transformed through the hope of Jesus.

What’s Your Role?

The Great Commission has never been a one-person assignment.

Some people are called to go.
Some people are called to send.

Everyone has a place in God’s mission.

Maybe your role is to faithfully pray for a missionary.
Maybe it’s to encourage them with a note when they need it most.
Maybe it’s to become a monthly partner, giving them greater freedom to invest in their family and the ministry God has entrusted to them.

Whatever your role, know this:

When you say “yes” to God’s invitation, you’re not watching from the sidelines.

You’re becoming part of the story He’s writing around the world.

Join the SEND Campaign

Every missionary needs a sending team.

Will you become part of one?

Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity help fuel the messenger and FORward the mission.

👉 Join the SEND Campaign at www.cfci.org/send

May 7, 2026

“Go for it. You won’t regret it.”

When Josh Fenton from the United Kingdom took a career break, he knew it was time to fulfill a lifelong dream—serving on an extended mission trip. After completing a ministry training program, he joined Christ For the City International as a Global Ambassador and spent several months serving in Zimbabwe.

“There wasn’t really a typical day,” Josh said. “Some days were spent helping with renovations at Emthunzini Wethemba, other days with children at Isaiah’s Home, or in rural and street ministry. Every day was an opportunity to grow.”

One of his favorite moments came on his final day—a bonfire night with the boys at the children’s home. “We cooked, laughed, sang around the fire, and celebrated everything we’d done together. It was the perfect ending.”

Josh says the experience changed him deeply. “My biggest takeaway was the power of unconditional love—how we can be vessels for God to show that to a stranger.”

From mentoring youth to praying with Evans, a young man who started a chicken business after being paralyzed in an accident, Josh saw firsthand how God brings hope in the hardest places.

For anyone considering becoming a Global Ambassador, Josh says:

It’s one thing to read about the life of love that Jesus led—but it’s another thing to live it every day. Go for it. You won’t regret it.

Josh discovered that unconditional love can change a life—and you can too.
Whether you’re ready to serve on a Global Team, lead a group, join an Urban Plunge, or take your next step in missions, there’s a place for you to go.

Explore opportunities to live the Gospel in action → www.cfci.org/go

November 18, 2025November 24, 2025

Bringing Light, One Stitch at a Time

At the YEELEN (“Brightness”) Women’s Sewing and Tailoring Center in Mali, light is shining—one stitch at a time.

What began as a small group of women learning sewing skills has blossomed into a program that’s changing lives—spiritually, emotionally, and economically. Over six months, participants learn not only tailoring but also literacy, Bible stories, and Trauma Healing lessons. Each module has its own teacher, creating a supportive space where women can grow, learn, and thrive.

On November 10, 2025, the center welcomed its third class of 30 women and girls—all eager to work hard and build a better future. “They were all happy to have been selected to participate in the activities,” shared Amos Dembele, CFCI Mali’s base director. “These vulnerable women are working hard to succeed in life.”

This class includes more than eight Muslim women, a sign that the center’s reputation for compassion and empowerment continues to spread throughout the community. “We pray to the Lord for their lives,” Amos said, “that they may truly know Jesus Christ before the end of the program.”

Every woman who joins YEELEN receives more than practical skills—she’s given dignity, hope, and the message of Christ’s love. Graduates receive a Bible, symbolizing how the program weaves together faith and opportunity.

Yet even as the new class begins, many women are still waiting for a chance to join. Space is limited, but the desire to learn and grow is overflowing. “Through this program, we truly want to reach the hearts of these women for Christ,” Amos shared. “We ask for your prayers—and your continued support—so that other sisters can benefit.”

At YEELEN—the place of brightness—light continues to spread across Mali. And you are part of that story. Every gift, every prayer, every act of partnership shines light into new corners of women’s lives—equipping them to transform their families and communities from within.

Your gift to the Mali base makes it possible for more women to learn, grow, and shine with the hope of Christ.

➡️ Help the light keep spreading – Give to Mali!

November 4, 2025November 4, 2025

Unlocking Creativity and Hope in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, women are discovering that creativity can be the key to independence—and to hope.

Through Christ For the City International’s Cosmetics and Detergents Training Program, women learn how to make products such as perfumes, air fresheners, detergents, laundry soap, and skincare items. The program focuses on empowering less privileged women, single mothers, widows, and those living with disabilities—offering them practical skills to build sustainable businesses in a challenging economy.

As they create, their creativity and confidence are being unlocked. They’re beginning to dream up possibilities beyond their circumstances.

Take Lisa, for example. A single mother of two, she learned to make hair dye and perfumes. She’s now saving to start her own company and hopes to expand into jewelry making.

“This has been quiet the opportunity for me and I hope to go very far in life,” Lisa said.

Chido began with perfume making, and her growing confidence has inspired her to start a chicken farming project to further support her family.

Mandile, who is expecting a baby, registered her own company—Whisker Sleek—to sell her line of hair products.

And Anna, a single mother of two, now supports her children entirely through her small business.

Even Beauty, who lives with a disability, is using the skills she learned to care for herself and cover her medical bills.

“These women are being empowered to live in this hard economy,” said Mubaiwa, CFCI Zimbabwe’s base director. “They’re learning to take care of themselves and their families.”

Each product they make tells a story of resilience, creativity, and transformation—proof that when opportunity meets faith, hope begins to grow.

You can be part of this empowering, encouraging, and eternal work happening in Zimbabwe and at our 16 other bases around the world.

Be part of empowering women like Lisa—give today.

October 15, 2025November 12, 2025

What Could A Bigger Classroom in Mali Do?

At our Mali base, women aren’t just learning to sew—they’re discovering independence, confidence, and hope! Our six-month program combines sewing with literacy, Bible stories, and Trauma Healing lessons. Every module has its own teacher, and together they create a space where women can grow, learn, and thrive.

The results are life-changing. One participant shared that before the program, arguments about family expenses were a constant struggle because her husband handled everything. Now, she’s contributing financially and helping her family thrive.

“The program allows you to be autonomous,” says Amos Dembele, our Mali base director.

The excitement keeps building. The last class included five Muslim women, and the next session will welcome around 20 participants! Churches in the area help select students, but space is tight—and there are many women still waiting for a chance to join.

At the start of November, a new class kicks off. And here’s the thing: with a bigger space, we could welcome even more women and give them the tools they need to transform their families and communities. Imagine how many lives could be changed with just a little extra room!

Each graduate also receives a Bible, symbolizing the way this program blends practical skills with spiritual growth.

You can be part of this transformation. Your gift can help us expand the Mali program, giving more women the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine.

GIVE TO MALI!

Let’s stitch hope, confidence, and transformation—together!

June 16, 2025

New Directors, Same Heartbeat: Hope for Peru

Some stories are so divinely orchestrated, you can only call them a masterpiece.

That’s how Pablo and Rocío describe God’s call on their lives—a story written by two hands, in two countries, that would one day become one shared mission in Peru.

Pablo, originally from Colombia, felt the call to missions as a child. After working as a civil engineer, he found himself serving along the banks of the Amazon’s Putumayo River—on the border of Colombia and Peru—where God ignited a deep love for the Peruvian people.

Meanwhile, Rocío met Jesus at 21 in the bustling heart of Lima. God stirred in her a passion for the forgotten and marginalized. She began sharing Christ with friends and coworkers, not knowing that one day she would meet a Colombian missionary who shared her fire for transformation.

Their paths crossed. Their calling united. And now, after nearly a decade of

experience planting churches, training leaders, and serving together in Costa Rica, they’ve returned to Rocío’s homeland to lead Christ For the City International’s work in Peru.

“Our vision is clear,” they say. “To see communities transformed through living churches that reflect God’s love in concrete actions.”

From launching social projects in high-need neighborhoods to training pastors and mentoring university students, Pablo and Rocío are pouring themselves into raising up a generation of compassionate, Christ-centered leaders.

One of those stories is Pastor Noé Huamán. His rural church lacked electricity—until Pablo and Rocío helped install solar panels. That simple act became the spark for much more: snacks for kids, a youth discipleship program, and a revived congregation full of life and mission.

“I never imagined my small church could have such an impact,” Pastor Noé said with tears. “Today I understand that God has called us to something much greater.”

But the work isn’t easy.

“We need a local team. We need young leaders. We need a network of people walking with us—mentors, friends, prayer warriors,” Pablo says. “This is not a mission we can do alone.”

As new national directors, they’re dreaming big—but depending daily on the strength of their global family.

Walk With Them!

March 11, 2025March 7, 2025

Women in Mali Sewing a New Story

In Mali, a group of determined women is stitching together more than just fabric—they’re weaving hope, dignity, and a brighter future for themselves and their families.

At Christ For the City International Mali’s sewing center, vulnerable women are gaining the skills they need to become financially independent. One woman shared how this opportunity completely changed her home life. Before, financial struggles caused constant tension with her husband. Now, with the income she earns from sewing, she helps provide for their family, and peace has replaced conflict.

“These women are fighting to rise above vulnerability and become independent,” said Amos, the CFCI Mali Director. “Seeing them work with joy and efficiency, knowing they are building a better future, is truly inspiring. We pray that this support continues so even more women in Mali can find hope and dignity through this program.”

Each woman in this program is determined to stand tall in her community. They have expressed deep gratitude for this opportunity and pray that more women can receive the same life-changing support.

Will you stand with them? Your prayers and support can help expand this ministry and give more women the tools they need to break free from vulnerability and step into a future of confidence and independence.

Pray. Give. Share. Let’s continue sewing hope into the hearts of women in Mali and across our bases around the world!

September 23, 2024

Empowered by Love: How a Community’s Generosity Changed a Life Forever

A few months ago, we shared a powerful story about the transformative work happening in one of our community centers in Costa Rica, specifically in the community of La Carpio.

Today, we want to share the journey of a young man named Emerson Maltez, whose life has been radically changed through the relentless love and guidance of our missionaries. For over three years, Emerson has been mentored, learning to place God at the center of his life. The dedication invested in him has borne fruit in ways that are nothing short of miraculous.

In late February, after a team visited La Carpio, Emerson formed a deep connection with some of the team members. Moved by his story and determination, they provided him with the funds to attend English classes—an opportunity administered by our missionaries that has opened doors Emerson never imagined.

But God wasn’t done yet. Later that year, Emerson met another wonderful couple, Chuck and Shalene Gustafson, from Desert Song Church. They witnessed the fire in Emerson’s heart firsthand and were inspired to bless him beyond measure. They provided a stove for Emerson and his family, a gift that left both him and his mother in stunned disbelief.

When the stove was delivered, the joy and gratitude in their home were palpable. It was a moment that allowed Josue Sanchez, Emerson’s mentor, to share with the family about the overwhelming blessings that come when you stay close to God and trust Him with your burdens. Josue also expressed heartfelt thanks to the Gustafsons for their incredible generosity.

Emerson’s faith continues to flourish, and his passion for helping others burns brightly. He is driven by an unquenchable desire to serve, and his journey is a testament to the power of God’s love and the impact of a supportive community.

Please join us in prayer for Emerson as he continues to grow in his faith and fulfill the calling God has placed on his life.

September 9, 2024September 23, 2024

SEEDS OF TRANSFORMATION: WITNESSING DIVINE WORK IN CARPIO’S YOUTH

“God, what do you want from me?” Sixteen-year-old Emerson asked with tears in his eyes on the final night at La Montaña Christian Camp in Alajuela, Costa Rica. “What do you need from me?”

For two decades, Christ for the City International has hosted a camp for youth in Carpio, the largest slum in Costa Rica.

“Abuse, violence, and drug dealing are tragically normalized here,” remarked Josue Sanchez, a missionary for CFCI Costa Rica.

Josue and his wife, Nikki, began assisting with the La Montaña Christian Camp three years ago. Upon returning from their inaugural camp experience, they, along with another missionary couple, started a weekly Bible study with kids from Carpio who had attended the camp.

“At first, it was challenging to establish control,” Josue recalled. “But they kept coming, and by the end of that first year, we started to notice subtle changes.”

Emerson was just 13 when the Bible study commenced. Subsequently, Josue invited Emerson and three other boys to join a smaller discipleship group. All of them returned to camp the following year, where Emerson surrendered his burdens to God.

However, six months later, Emerson’s well-being seemed to deteriorate. Concerned, Josue, as his mentor, confronted Emerson with higher expectations.

Fast forward to February 2, 2024, when the Holy Spirit ministered to Emerson for two hours on the camp’s final day.

“It took three years to bring Emerson to this moment,” Josue remarked. “This is what we want to witness—the Holy Spirit taking charge.”

After actively participating in Carpio’s Bible study for three years, Emerson, on Thursday night, courageously led the group in a review of the story of Gideon for the very first time.

“I was excited to see him take the lead in the Bible study,” Josue expressed. “It’s been amazing to see his leadership skills develop over these past three years.”

Josue and Nikki feel privileged to be part of the divine work unfolding within Carpio’s youth.

“It’s not about us,” Nikki humbly stated. “But the seeds we’ve sown will undoubtedly bear fruit.”

July 23, 2024September 23, 2024

DECADES OF FAITHFULNESS

In the early 2000s, the Christ for the City International Costa Rica base received a young and vibrant group from Grace Church in South Carolina. Neither organization realized the week-long trip would blossom into a profound partnership, a genuine friendship, and, ultimately, a family-like bond.

As the leaders of CFCI in Costa Rica made the bold decision to relocate and establish a base in Nicaragua, Grace Church followed. In March 2003, Grace Church embarked on its first trip to Nicaragua, and together with CFCI worked with a local church in Chinandega. Twenty-years later, Grace Church and CFCI Nicaragua continue to co-labor for the gospel as they, together, ask God what to do in the country.

“We have the same heart, same goal, same purpose,” Fabricio Mendoza, CFCI Nicaragua Director said. “To equip and empower the saints.”

But this family-like connection didn’t take place overnight. It took commitment, intentionality, and trust from both CFCI Nicaragua and Grace Church.

“Being friends, being close, with built trust, has allowed us to not get our feelings hurt when someone says, ‘I think we should do something different’,” Wes Cavin, Grace Church’s missions volunteer said.

In March 2005, Wes went to Nicaragua for the first time with Grace Church and met Fabricio and Claudia. Between 2003-2009, what started as a series of outreach trips gradually evolved into a profound connection between the base and church. But by 2010, when Wes took over as Grace Church’s Nicaragua leader, and Fabricio took over as CFCI Nicaragua Director both realized they needed a strategy and outcome.

“There was really no strategy except we’ve got some resources, let’s send some people down and do some work,” Wes remembered.

Together Fabricio, Wes, CFCI Nicaragua, and Grace Church came together and created a game plan for the country of Nicaragua that matched both CFCI and Grace Church’s vision.

From that point on, the partnership established a three year focus on a particular area in Nicaragua. Grace Church sends four teams a year to teach two seminary type classes to a group of 50-70 local pastors each time. Grace Church also sends two community outreach teams a year that includes a medical team, children’s ministry, and construction projects.

“It’s very important when you find someone who has the same DNA as you,” Fabricio said. “Who is very focused on training the pastor and equipping the church because we believe the church is the light, the salt, and the witness from the Lord to each community.”

Over the years Wes has stayed for extended amounts of time in Fabricio’s home and Fabricio has stayed for extended amounts of time in Wes’s home.

“We’re friends and we consider each other family,” Wes said. “I actually believe that has benefited the ministry way more than partnership.”

From 2010-2013 they focused their attention on Rivas, 2013-2015 in Matagalpa, and from 2016-2019 in La Dalia. In 2018, when Nicaragua began to experience violent protests across the country, Grace Church was on their knees in prayer for the CFCI missionaries.

“For me, that means a lot,” Fabricio said. “People who are with you every day.”

Despite the violent protests, and challenging times, Grace Church continued to send teams down.

“If something happens here,” Fabricio joked. “I often will hear it through Wes first.”

In 2019, things were coming full circle as Grace Church and CFCI were headed back to their very first location from March 2003, Chinandega. They got two trips in before the world shut down in March 2020, and although they had to stop teams for a year, Grace Church did not forget about their Nicaraguan family.

When CFCI’s Nicaraguan missionaries got covid, four almost died. Public hospitals were awful, and they didn’t have the resources to pay for their medicine. But a pastor from Grace Church started to raise money so they could buy their medicine.

“This is something deep and special,” Fabricio said. “I didn’t call them; it was the Lord.”

CFCI and Grace Church celebrated 20 years of partnership and family in July 2023 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Managua with roughly 90 people, including 30 individuals from Grace Church

“I’d like to keep this relationship until Jesus comes,” Fabricio said with a smile.

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