A Night of Music, Mission, and 35 Years of Faithfulness

Last Friday, a full room gathered in Arizona for Music & Mission, celebrating 35 years of Mission ONE.

There were familiar faces of people who have walked alongside Mission ONE for years, along with many new ones. Local ministry leaders from Nepal joined board members, volunteers, donors, young professionals, and people who simply came to learn more about what we do.

A jazz trio played while guests found their seats. The tables were decorated with pots of herbs, dinner was shared, and throughout the room there were smiles, laughter, stories, and conversations between old friends and people meeting for the first time.

By the end of the evening, a few guests shared that they were leaving with a better understanding of how Mission ONE serves people of God around the world.

That was something worth celebrating.

Thirty-five years gave us plenty to look back on.

Bob Schindler, Mission ONE’s founder, shared the story of how Mission ONE began, and our anniversary video gave us glimpses of what God has done over the years. Olivia Mulerwa, Mission ONE President, also shared where Mission ONE is headed and the opportunities still ahead of us.

One of those opportunities is Flourish.

Guests heard more about how Flourish helps missionary families build sustainable businesses that can provide for their families while they continue serving in ministry.

Eight more Flourish projects were funded that evening, in addition to 11 already funded through the event. That means 19 missionary families will have the opportunity to start businesses that can help support their families and ministries.

For some guests, this was also their first introduction to Mission ONE. Several chose to give for the first time that evening.

And throughout the night, the relationships behind this work were right there in the room.

Local ministry leaders from Nepal were able to spend time face-to-face with people who pray, give, and help make this work possible. Longtime friends reconnected. New friendships began around the tables. People who had only recently heard about Mission ONE had the chance to meet some of the people behind the stories and learn why this work matters.

It was a celebration of where God has brought us, but it was also a glimpse of what we hope will continue for years to come: people coming alongside local missionaries as they faithfully serve their communities and share the Gospel.

Thirty-five years later, there are still missionaries to come alongside, relationships to build, and communities where the Gospel has yet to be heard.

We’re grateful for everyone who filled the room, shared a meal, gave, listened, laughed, and celebrated with us. Whether you’ve walked with Mission ONE for years or are just getting to know us, we’re grateful you’re part of this story.

Most of all, we’re grateful to God for His faithfulness through every part of Mission ONE’s story.

We’re excited to see where He leads us next.