Since 1995, Mission ONE has partnered with local leaders in Thailand, working holistically to minister to rural communities by planting churches, discipling believers, and training local leaders.
Thai culture is largely influenced by Buddhism, which entails stronger family and communal ties. With that, the choice to follow Jesus is frequently made collectively. This dynamic can open unique opportunities for holistic ministry, where entire families or community groups explore Christianity together.
Our local ministry partner serves across 20 provinces in Southeast Asia, planting over 114 churches where none existed before. With a network of over 250 local pastors, this ministry ensures that spiritual leadership is nurtured and sustained.
Strengthening Local Leadership
Last October, Mission ONE Founder, Bob Schindler and his wife, Linda, participated in a pastors’ conference hosted by our local partner in Thailand, where 275 local pastors gathered together in worship and fellowship. Bob spoke twice in plenary sessions and led three workshops.
Many of the attendees from a neighboring country have suffered intense persecution for their faith. One man testified that after the authorities ransacked his home and kicked his family out of their village, he led 44 people to Christ. Another shared that he is ministering among 60 believers who were run out of their village and are now living in the forest.
Bob and Linda also heard many inspiring stories about the work God is doing through these local pastors as they share God’s love in the hardest places.
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” —Titus 2:11-14
In the Kingdom of God, poverty, violence, division, and hopelessness will not exist. We believe the Church is God’s primary transforming agent in the world, and that the local church exists to make its community more like the Kingdom of God. The local pastors minister to the communities and cultures they themselves are from, bridging the gap between faith and cultural traditions.
Sustainable Development Through Local Projects
Projects and programs are initiated in the hardest places to create long-term solutions and reinvest in their own communities. One of which is the Sacha Inchi nut business, which was started years ago and helped support their ministry.
Education is also a key focus of our local ministry partner in Thailand. The largest K-12 school in the region equips 1,000 students for a better future and introduces them to the gospel early on. In addition, around 150 students attend the ministry’s theology and vocational training school, which equips young adults with marketable skills to become self-sufficient members of their communities.
As we celebrate the flourishing of this ministry, let’s renew our commitment to walking alongside them and the communities it serves across Southeast Asia. Together, we can make communities across this diverse region more like the Kingdom of God!
“Our organization really appreciates the partnership we have of over 27 years. Thank you very much for your support and partnership.” —Mission ONE Local Partner in Thailand
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3 Ways to Honor God on Your Next Mission Trip
We're sharing three things you should consider before you organize or participate in an international mission trip, seek to do work in the multicultural neighborhood in your own city, or embark on any cross-cultural partnership.