‘The history of missions is the history of answered prayer’ Samuel Zwemer, the early 20th Century missionary to Arabs, observed.

We want to begin by thanking those who support UFM and its mission partners in many ways. Your prayers are vital, your financial support significant and your practical service precious.

We have really enjoyed reading your recent feedback on our publications. It has been a wonderful reminder of the vast army of supporters standing with those sent by their churches for the fame of Jesus Christ among the nations.

One supporter wrote: ‘I always look forward to hearing about the latest from some of the people I have been praying for over many years; I feel I almost know them due to the regular prayer requests on their behalf. ’ Another said: ‘I really love receiving it. I am now 90 years old.’

The work of supporting mission partners often goes unseen, rarely looks glamorous, and at times it can be hard to see the fruit. Yet we praise God for this kind of ‘labour prompted by love’ and hope that you are encouraged in this work.1 The Lord is using your prayers and support to sustain!  

From our days with UFM in Indonesia, we have known personally the privilege of being on the receiving end of such love and support. As we prepared to go to SE Asia, people invested in us and trained us. As we were set apart by our church to be sent, thousands of pounds were pledged by friends, family and others we hardly knew.

We praise God for your ‘labour prompted by love’ and be encouraged … the Lord is using your prayers and support.

When we rejoiced at gospel progress, people rejoiced with us. When we shared the heartaches of life overseas, people shared in our sufferings. When we came back on home assignment, toys and debriefing were given. When we faced a possible medical evacuation, people mobilised for prayer.

When we faced a possible medical evacuation, people mobilised for prayer. When we had practical needs – homes and holidays, vehicles and vaccines – each was met. When we came home earlier than anticipated, disappointed and disorientated, our church welcomed us, listened through our tears and gave us space to find our feet.

Friends, be encouraged! The Lord hears your prayers, he is honoured through your sacrificial giving and he uses your practical service to be a great blessing. You are part of a wonderful work that God is doing.

In 3 John 8, there is a great reminder of the true partnership that exists between those who send and those who go, as ‘workers together for the truth.’

As supporters of UFM, you are workers together for the truth in places where recently: 

  • In SE Asia, 800 people from a least reached people group came to an evangelistic event organised by a church
  • In Uganda, over 200 children heard the gospel at a Bible club 
  • In Lille, France, a new church plant had their first public meeting

In answer to prayer, we have seen new workers raised up to serve in Nicaragua, Madagascar, Hungary, Scotland, Eurasia, Central Asia and Kenya. There are now 200 long-term workers in the UFM family, with over 100 more involved in short-term mission and as volunteers.

In answer to prayer, we have seen new workers raised up to serve in Nicaragua, Madagascar, Hungary, Scotland, Eurasia, Central Asia and Kenya.

As some friends recently wrote to their supporters, after 10 years overseas: ‘We trust that you have experienced the joy that comes from knowing that Jesus Christ is simply too significant, too wonderful, too worthy, to be known only in a small part of the world amidst a few people (Isaiah 49:6), that joy of seeing him loved and worshipped and honoured and obeyed to the ends of the earth.’

As you continue to read UFM publications, we hope that they will not only provide fuel for your prayers, but that you will know the joy of seeing Jesus loved and worshipped among all peoples.

1. 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Michael Prest, Director UFM Worldwide