Global News | The Buzz
Reaching the world takes the effort of everyone, not just those on the field.
Knowing our Global Partners well, and how to pray and encourage them appropriately, requires time and energy. Your presence to hear and learn from them while they are in-country is a HUGE encouragement, even when financial support isn’t possible.
This page will be updated regularly with updates from our short-term teams and information on who’s in town and how you can be engaged in Memphis or around the world.
Fall 2026 Teams
Peru Team | September 26-October 3
Belize Team | October 11-17
Asia Team | October 11-November 15 (2 teams)
Asia Team | November 13-21
Summer 2026 Teams
Spain Team | May 15-23
Czech Team | July 1-13
Moldova Team | July 14-24
Serbia Team | July 24-August 1
Japan Team | August 21-31
Belize Short-Term Team
Date: Sunday, October 11th
Day 1:
“Friends and family!
After arriving safely, we have had a great first day in Belize! As we get settled into Samuel’s Sanctuary, we will prepare to serve the village of Saint Margaret’s tomorrow. We will participate in handing out food and sharing the gospel in town. Pray that our students will be diligent in their time with the kids, the villagers, and the forwarding of the gospel.”
-Belize Team 2026
Date: Monday, October 12th
Day 2 (UPDATE #1):
“We have spent the morning passing out food and praying for people in St. Margaret’s village. Pray for the rain to stop so that we can spend our afternoon with the children at the school. The Lord has been consistently meeting our needs through travel and provision in our meetings!”
Day 2 (UPDATE #2):
“Friends and family! Day 2 in Belize has come to close. What a wonderful day of spending time with the locals, primarily the children!
Our day started off with devotional time led by JP Hickey, who walked us through Matthew 11:28-30 sharing how our servitude is yoked to Jesus who is with us and has gone before us.
Later we went on to deliver food supplies to local villagers. One villager noted that she had been praying for God to provide her with food as she had none left in the house, and then there we were with groceries for her and her family. Praise the Lord!
After lunch we went to pick up children and dropped them off at the local school. We then did arts & crafts, played fútbol, and had many more activities with them.
After dinner we traveled to the Tucan Ministry House where we were blessed by the ministry of a woman named Marina, who lead us through how Jesus brings ultimate peace in the face of fear.
We ended our day with “5:11 Time,” where we shared words of encouragement to one another. We blessed each other with our words, so that we might continue to do a good work for the Lord.
Please keep praying for us all. Tomorrow we will head out to do some maintenance on the school and be with the students for more time.”
-Belize Team
Date: Tuesday, October 13th
Day 3 (UPDATE #1):
“Day 3 is in the books. Starting off to a beautiful rain storm in the jungle would lead to a day full of on and off again down pours. However, that did not prevent our team from serving diligently. Our primary focus today was landscaping at St. Margaret’s Village school.
Our day started off with personal devotional time, followed by Richard Marsh leading us in a devo focused on how Christ, the One who is worthy to be praised, would humble Himself to serve His creation: “The mighty bows with the lowly.”
We then went to the school and dug trenches for the rainfall to drain away from the concrete walkways. Our team dug a space out for a new concrete slab to be poured tomorrow, spent time with children with arts & crafts, and picked up debris along the boundaries of the school.”
Day 3 (UPDATE #2):
“Following a physical day of labor, many of us traveled upstream in the river behind Samuel’s Sanctuary where we enjoyed the down-pouring rain and even slid down natural rock water slides.
After dinner, we visited a local church where we were welcomed by Pastor Mario and his congregation. After scripture reading and their worship team leading songs, they invited us to do the same. Our team, led by Ben Gray and Josh Brumfield, sang three worship songs (2 in Spanish, 1 in English). Addalyn White, Josh Brumfield, and Nora Grace Hickey then shared about the work of the Lord in their lives followed by an encouraging message of joy from Jake Ferwerda on Philippians 1.
All in all, a wonderful day of service to the Belizean people. May God continue to be glorified through the work that is being done!”
-Belize Team
Date: Wednesday, October 14th
Day 4:
“Day 4 is complete. What a beautiful day it was! Though it rained and was humid, the Lord was served, by serving His people.
The day started off with personal quiet devotional time followed by a devotional focused on the talents from Ben Gray: “The greatest talent that we’ve been given is the gospel.” So let us not squander the gift we have been given.
As we arrived to St. Margaret’s Village school, we had multiple jobs before us. We were tasked with pouring concrete pads on the prepared paths we dug out yesterday, we painted the backside of the school, we finished ditching around the walkways, we cut down two trees on in the school yard, and spent time handing out gospel bracelets that were put together at Kids Mission Conference.
This evening we were able to treat our host families to a pizza dinner at the Sleeping Giant Resort which is about 20 minutes from Samuel’s Sanctuary.
Malkien, one of our hosts, has said many times how effective, efficient, and diligent our students are in the work. Please continue to pray that we are effective servants of the Lord.”
-Belize Team
Date: Thursday, October 15th
Day 5 (UPDATE #1):
Day 5 is complete and our final work day of the week has come to close! Today we spent time at St Margaret’s village school as well as visited the Xunantunich Ruins.
Our day started with quiet personal devotions, followed by a group devotional led by Ben Duffy who dove into Mark 10 speaking on the desire of James and John to sit at Jesus left and right hand. Jesus shows them that our serving isn’t our attempt to pay God back, but it is the response of a people who have received his grace and now belong to Him.
After breakfast we traveled to St Margaret’s village school where we cleaned up the trash area (dumpster) and brought it to the actual village dump. We also picked up trash on the school grounds, landscaped around the entrance of the school, and pulled weeds at the Country Barn. It was sad to say goodbye to the students, but we are grateful we were given the opportunity to love them the way God has called us to throughout the week.
Day 5 (UPDATE #2):
After lunch we traveled out to the Mayan Xunantunich ruins where we crossed a river, hiked to the ruins, and climbed 150’ to the top of the largest ziggurat.
The day concluded with a recap of the week focusing on our standout experiences while also charged to live a ministry focused life from Dino Roseland.
After our recap we unloaded 4,000 lbs of bibles delivered from a local Christian radio host Miracle Greg & his wife Diane. They then shared their incredible testimony of God’s grace within their lives.
I would like to note the incredible care we have received from Malkien & Rebekah Espino who were our primary hosts at Samuel’s Sanctuary. The care we received from accommodations, flexibility, and preparing us for our service to the Belizean’s was unmatched. We are incredibly grateful for the care we have been shown. To Dino & Melissa Roseland who have welcomed us so well. Entrusting us to minister and care for the village they hold so dear to their hearts. We are blessed to be able to share in their ministry.
Tomorrow we will begin our travels, driving to Belize City and eventually flying home. Thank you all for the prayers and support you have given to us this past few months and week as we have prepared, gone, and will soon share of the incredible work of the Lord in Belize.
Peru Short-Term Team
UPDATE 1:
Greetings from Peru! We are thrilled to report that the mission is going great, and we are so grateful for your prayers and support.
Clinics have been running since Sunday, and as of midday Tuesday we estimate we have seen 150 people. Yesterday our surgical work began, and it is continuing today. We are performing ENT procedures including tumor removals, laryngeal tests, adenoid removals, and septum corrections. Each one is changing a life.
The team is doing well. We are well rested and well fed, both during the day and at night. Some of our team even get up at 6:30 every morning for a workout to start the day fresh!
Here is how you can pray for us:
- Our patients: for their spiritual and physical needs, that they would experience healing and the love of Christ.
- Endurance for our staff: the clinic reaches about 85 degrees in the afternoon, so please pray for stamina and strength through the heat.
- Rest: for strength and good sleep each night, so we can serve well each day.
Thank you for standing with us. We can feel your prayers, and we will share more soon.
In Christ,
The Peru Mission Team
UPDATE 2:
Greetings from Peru! We wanted to share a quick update and let you know how much we appreciate your prayers and support.
The team is doing well. We are being fed good meals, and some of the group even get up at 6:30 each morning for a workout!
So far, we have seen about 150 patients at the clinic with ailments such as respiratory and ear infections. Since yesterday, we have also been performing surgeries, including tumor removal, laryngeal tear repair, septum correction, and ear hole repair.
God is moving in beautiful ways here, and we would be so grateful for your continued prayers:
• Pray that the Lord would renew our strength each day and carry us with joy and endurance. Part of the clinic is not air conditioned and can reach 85 degrees in the afternoon, and we long to serve with hearts that stay gentle and glad.
• Pray for our patients, that they would feel the love of Christ through every touch and every kind word, and that He would bring both healing to their bodies and peace to their souls. Pray also that hearts would be opened to the gospel and that many would come to know Jesus as their Savior.
• Pray for the Lord's hand of protection over our team, for continued good health and safe travels as we return this weekend.
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and for making this trip possible. We give God all the glory for what He is doing, and we can't wait to share more when we are home.
In Christ,
Curt Bicknell
Japan Short-Term Team
Date: August 21, 2026
Day 1:
“We left the Memphis airport at 5:40am, and arrived in Dallas at 7:20am. Around 8:00am, we prayed together at our terminal before an emergency alarm informed us to evacuate the area. While riding the tram around the airport, we theorized by the presence of firetrucks that there must have been a fire hazard near our terminal, and the situation was cleared up after a short time. Our flight to Tokyo took off at 11:00am and had no troubles other than the general lengthy time of the flight.”
-Keegan Fowler
Date: August 22, 2026
Day 2:
“We landed in Tokyo around 2:00pm local time. Customs were packed, but we made it into the country without any trouble. Roger met us at the airport at 3:30pm. He drove us our apartment room through a thunderstorm, which Roger informed us was unusual to have such heavy rain. The Lowther’s graciously hosted us for dinner. We got to know each other and had good fellowship.”
-Keegan Fowler
Date: August 23, 2026
Day 3:
“Early in the morning, there was an earthquake that shook our beds and stirred us awake. It did not last long, and the Lord protected us. In the morning, we explored the area, stopping at coffee and grocery shops next door. In the afternoon, we met the congregation at Grace City Church in Tokyo and worshipped with them. We took the train to Nojiri Lake in the evening and set up to stay at our cabin.”
-Keegan Fowler
Date: August 24, 2026
Day 4:
“We marched to the Lowther cabin in the morning with our gear and met Sheyen and Mark, two local craftsmen who used their expertise to help plan our week of work. Most of the day was spent demolishing, planning, and digging dirt out from under the cabin floors. We also purchased timber and plumbing hardware to begin building.”
-Keegan Fowler
Date: August 25, 2026
Day 5:
“There was more digging to be done in the morning, as well as demolishing rotten wood around the shower of the cabin. Plumbing work started, as we replaced the piping for the kitchen’s water. Mid-morning, we took a break to visit a house Sheyen and Mark had recently renovated to see their typical work and gather some new ideas for the cabin’s renovations.
We also stopped to see Sheyen’s own home and met his wife. During lunchtime, we invited Sheyen and Mark, as well as Sheyen’s mother, who is staying in the area. We had good conversation about the things of the Lord. The good conversation continued into the afternoon as we worked on more digging, sharing insights on topics like the nature of sin and disciple-making. We began cutting new wooden beams to start building the new walls of the shower room. We also re-routed the main water shut-off to be inside the cabin to make access easier and protect it from the heavy elements.”
-Keegan Fowler
Date August 26, 2026
Day 6:
“The morning was filled with more planning and strategizing, particularly regarding the drainage systems around the land the cabin is built on. More digging was done around the outside of the cabin, and completed areas of plumbing were filled in with clay and soil.
With the franticness of the morning, we used our lunch break to drive around the mountains to treat the group with a local ice cream made with freshly grown blueberries. The treat refreshed us for the afternoon as Mark returned from an errand run with a truckload of supplies that needed to be hauled up the hill.
We hiked up and down the hill with new foundation stones, along with several bags of sand and gravel. With that, Sheyen and Mark could jack up the center of the cabin and begin meticulously placing and leveling new foundation along the inside. They cut a new load-bearing beam and slotted it in across the stones. Meanwhile, progress was made on the plumbing, running pipes towards where the new kitchen will be placed, and beams for the new walls of the shower room were carved out and jointed together.”
-Keegan Fowler
Date August 27, 2026
Day 7:
“Rain rolled over and persisted all night long and into the day, making it difficult to begin work. Though I think the Lord blessed us through it by giving us a slow morning to rest. The rain also gave us a chance to test our new drainage ditch. The rain lifted in the afternoon, and we went to the site to see that only two areas of the under-cabin had water flowing through, which we were able to patch up. We continued working mostly inside the cabin, sheltered from the rain, placing new foundation stones and fitting along support beams for a new flooring. The more intimate workspace fostered gospel and discipleship conversations. At the end of the day, we had some fellowship and games with the team and the Lowthers.”
-Keegan Fowler
Date August 28, 2026
Day 8:
“There was still some rain, but nothing to hinder us from a full day of work. The morning was mostly ruled by bringing a full shipment of lumber down into the village and up the hill to the cabin. The afternoon excitement was attributed to our crafty efforts to cut down a diseased tree on the side of the cabin hill. With makeshift harnesses, chainsaws, and pulley systems, we cut and pulled down branches to fell the tree. This was our last day working with Sheyen and Mark, and we gave them some trinkets of our appreciation from the States. In return, Sheyen gave us some of his homegrown vegetables. It was a bittersweet goodbye, but I am rejoicing because I believe the weight of their departure proved that a strong depth of friendship was achieved in only a short week of work.”
-Keegan Fowler
Date August 29, 2026
Day 9:
“The rain returned with quite the fervor today. The locals said this was the most it has rained all year. Nevertheless, with only one day left to work, we were on the site early in the morning with umbrellas. For a time, we worked inside, sawing and chiseling boards that would be the foundation for the cabin’s floor. A challenging afternoon activity had us removing the demolished wall and floor lumber that was piled up over the course of the week and tossing it all down the hill to be moved and collected for firewood. The rain and mud buildup made it an intense challenge, but it was a needed task to ease up the work Sheyen and Mark will continue next week. We packed up our personal gear and tools as the sun went down, and we prepared to return to Tokyo tomorrow.”
-Keegan Fowler
Date August 30, 2026
Day 10:
“It was a busy morning of packing and cleaning the cabin we had been staying in over the course of the week. The team split up that morning to return to Tokyo, half of us taking the bullet train, and the other half riding in the car with Roger. We arrived just in time for service at Grace City Church Tokyo, where we enjoyed worship for the second time with some of the familiar faces we met the previous Sunday. With an afternoon to rest before our flight back to Memphis tomorrow, the team hit the town without any of our local guides. We explored well and managed to figure out public transit in a foreign language well enough to make it back safely to the Tokyo apartment, where we will sleep only one more night in Japan.”
-Keegan Fowler
Moldova Short-Term Team
Date: July 16, 2026
Day 1 (Part 1):
“We had a mostly uneventful trip minus a delay before we even left Memphis, but otherwise travel was smooth with a few spouts of turbulence in air as to be expected.
We had a sweet time visiting with Dan and Ema Onu, Dan’s brother Radu and their niece, Teodora Baciu. It was nice to catch up and fellowship with them over dinner and gelato at Iasi’s Palas mall.
Marcela Muresan, who translated for First Evan teams in the 2000s and 2010 met up with Abigail at Palas. She enjoyed catching up with her.
The team went grocery shopping to get some water and then came back to the hotel to encourage each other and spend some time in prayer. It was a sweet time as a team as we prayed for the kids coming to Moldova camp and the details.
Thank you for your prayers.”
Day 1 (Part 2):
The Romanians gave us an opportunity to rest Thursday morning, which we all took. We ate breakfast early but then went back to our rooms and were able to nap, read our Bibles, etc.
Dan then drove us to lunch at Moldova Mall. The mall is called that but it is actually in Romania. The region of Romania we are staying in is known as Moldova. Those who have been to Romania may remember a Moldova mall closer to the Palace of Culture and Palas Mall. However, that closed many years ago and is now more of an office building with the restaurants remaining on the ground floor. This Moldova Mall is newer and was constructed within the last two years. It’s still nicer than any mall in Memphis, but Palas is still a popular place with more people than we saw at Moldova Mall yesterday.
After that we went to Eclesia Tudor is Iași to meet with Teo Baciu, Dan and Ema’s niece, about camp. Teo runs camp like a well-oiled machine. Then we practiced our skits for camp.
After that the team went to Iulius Mall for dinner before returning to the hotel for a restful night.
Meg is supposed to join the team Friday afternoon. Pray that she arrives safely with her bags. We look forward to her joining us after spending a few days at the beach with First Evan students.
-Abigail Warren
Date: July 17-18, 2026
Days 2 & 3:
“Friday we continued to prepare for camp and spent time in fellowship with the Romanians and Ukrainians with whom we are serving alongside this week. We played volleyball, ate pizza and prayed expectantly for the Moldovan children.
Saturday we left for camp. We arrived and said hello to the Moldovans. While we were still unloading our luggage, the bus full of about 70 children and more Moldovan leaders arrived. Some of them remembered us from last year, even asking about those who didn’t return — especially Bethany Scoggins.
Maxim, one of the children, got off the bus and ran straight for Caleb Love. It’s sweet as they come up to us, telling us they remember us. Although Geoffrey wasn’t here like the remainder of the American team, you wouldn’t be able to tell because he’s a natural with the children and in building relationships with the Romanian leaders.
We played and played and played with the kids Saturday afternoon. Sidewalk chalk, European football (also known as soccer) and group games.
It’s sweet to see the Moldovan leaders who are serving faithfully. It’s also sweet to see new leaders. Yesterday, we were introduced to Irina and her husband David. Irina grew up in Tirnova, one of the children’s projects with Eclesia. Now she is married and has two children. She is helping with the children’s projects in Moldova. This is the Eclesia vision in action, a new generation shining for Christ. Dan and Ema and the other Moldovan leaders have faithfully poured into children and those children can rise up so the work continues for many many years.
Florin Trandafir, who served in Țaul previously, drove us to camp yesterday and his younger two children are serving with us. It’s wild to see that Florinel and Estera matured into young adults and want to serve. They very energetically lead the kids in songs during chapel.
We are using Pilgrim’s Progress as a guide for our camp curriculum. Last night Abigail shared the gospel and the kids seemed attentive. Please pray the kids realize knowing Jesus is not about works and all about what Christ did — that it’s about relationship, not rituals.
The Romanian and Moldovan leaders want to build relationships, so after the kids go to bed, some of the younger leaders remain up playing games.
It’s sweet in the mornings to feel a sense of oneness with the leaders from other nationalities as we are united because of Christ and in one purpose, to share Jesus with these kids.”
-Abigail Warren
Date: July 20th, 2026
Day 5:
“It’s hard to believe we are halfway through our time at camp. Monday we had no rain until we went to bed (praise the Lord). It was a beautiful day.
The schedule was mostly the same with morning rotations and in the afternoon they have team time. Many of the Moldovan leaders said the kids seem to engage and perk up when they share stories from their own life.
Dan said most of the kids have been in the Eclesia children’s project but some have not and he wants to invite them. The kids sometimes are the first point of contact Eclesia has with a family. He told me a story this morning of after one child coming to the project, he met the family and several of them are now believers engaging in the church. Camp gives the kids a week of fun and love, but it also can help unlock doors for the gospel in the villages the kids are from (Taul, Tirnova and Plop).
The kids played the first half of a soccer game in the afternoon picking Brazil and Argentina as the teams they wanted to be. They also got to zip line, which is a unique experience they wouldn’t get at home.
So many of the kids want hugs frequently. We love giving them and it makes us wonder about their home lives. Dan can tell the story of every child. Several of them have parents who have died. Others have parents who aren’t present. It’s so hard to comprehend what the kids have been through from a young age.
Yesterday the skit the Americans put on related to Pilgrim’s Progress included a giant. Geoffrey (the giant) had to roar and when he did several of the kids jumped!! Addie gave a strong message about the armor of God and following Jesus even when it’s hard.
Please pray for the continued planting of seeds, for endurance for us and that we (kids and leaders) continue to have no injuries. Also please pray that the kids are seeing Jesus love through our hugs and smiles.”
-Abigail Warren
Date: July 23rd, 2026
Days 6-8:
“We had a blessed final two days at camp. The rain held off mostly and it only sprinkled the final night so the kids were able to enjoy the bonfire.
As the week went on, some nights the Americans would stay up late with the young Moldovan and Romanian adults for fellowship purposes. While it made for long days, the relationships formed were sweet.
Thursday we watched the kids load up on the bus. They shed many tears and some of us cried too knowing they are headed back to broken situations. We are praying they remember how much Jesus loves them and he is with them even in their hard situations back home.
The line at the border was somewhat long we spent about two hours. On the way over to Moldova the wait and lines were much shorter.
We will fellowship with the Romanians we serve alongside tonight before a short night rest and returning to the airport in Iasi.
Our flight leaves early Friday morning. We will be at the airport before Memphians even go to bed Thursday night. We will Lord-willing get to Memphis late Friday night.”
-Abigail Warren
Serbia Short-Term Team
Date: July 24. — August 1, 2026
Update 1:
Our travel went well and without any major complications! Sunday morning was a real joy as we were able to worship in the town of Opovo, Serbia in the new Joni’s House (supported by the ministry of Joni Eareckson Tada) that is dedicated to serving adults and children with special needs. The grand opening was the day before we arrived and is the fruit of a ten year vision by our host Sladjan Milenkovic. It was a very exciting weekend!
Sladjan is the father of Sarah, a survivor of a childhood brain tumor, and we are here this week to serve them as they lead a family camp for survivors of childhood cancer. We are so thankful that our team has worked well together to clean the camp and make preparations for the families’ arrival this afternoon.
Pray that we would decrease and Christ would increase. Also please pray that we would take the form of servants as we work alongside the Camp Hope staff who know these families so well.
Update 2:
What a sweet place this is. A communist era hotel built in 1952, now converted into a small campus in rural Serbia, that serves as a Bible school during the academic year, and in the summers, a happy place for camp for children with disabilities, and this week for children who are survivors of childhood cancer.
Of the 10 families here this week eight have been at least once before, and many have been coming for years. This has provided a reunion-like atmosphere, where relationships previously formed grow deeper. Cancer may break the body down, but it certainly opens the heart wide.
We have witnessed many things. Linda and Kari taught the young children this morning from the Bible. Our own children have been able to play, nonstop, with the many children here and quite simply, just have fun. Here, in this environment, survivors of childhood cancer can “be just like everybody else“. This is no small blessing to them.
Pray for Stephen tomorrow as he speaks to the parents from 1 Peter 1:5-6, about “…an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade, kept in heaven for you. In this we rejoice!”
Thank you for praying for us and having us on your hearts….
Update 3:
Well, who said missions couldn’t be fun? In the last two days with more than 100 survivors of childhood cancer, siblings, parents, volunteers, and staff we’ve had Olympic games, an incredible Bingo night and a talent show that truly had us laughing for hours. Imagine a place where a child with Down’s syndrome, a childhood leukemia survivor, can walk the red carpet and take first place at a talent show. I wish you could’ve seen the joy! One of the goals of this camp is to help these children and their families feel three things: Loved, Seen, and Welcomed. And do they ever!
This is our third summer to come to Camp Hope, but, compared to previous visits, this time there was a clear inflection point. After a session with the parents that included an adult sibling of a survivor a child of cancer reflecting on the trials of watching her older sister go through cancer treatment, we really saw growth of the relationships here between the parents and the desire to help all of the children and their family through this process.
There also was a spiritual inflection point as well. After another session, a parent, actually one of the leaders in this parent group, asked if they could learn how to study the Bible. This was spontaneous and six parents decided to skip their afternoon free time and asked us to teach them the Word.
Most of them had never read the Bible. So we started by talking about how to look up passages using chapters and verses. Then we spent an hour looking at the last chapter of the book of John, studying Jesus’ three-fold forgiveness for Peter’s three-fold denial. What a great narrative to show the love of God!
We depart Serbia tomorrow and we leave behind what is clearly a work of the Holy Spirit to create a new desire among a number of these parents. We are so thankful for our host, Sladjan and his ongoing work for almost 20 years. Starting next month, they’ll hold weekly church services in the neighboring town of Opovo, at the newly opened Joni’s House. Since many of these families live regionally, they’ll now have a place to meet and worship together.
