All skills are needed in God’s global mission.
While the heart of the Great Commission is to proclaim the gospel, disciple new believers, and gather them into local churches, accomplishing these tasks requires a wide variety of roles—not only those of a full-time pastor or evangelist.
“God often uses ordinary abilities to open doors for eternal impact,” ABWE President Paul Davis recently told prospective missionaries.
To reach the unreached, the first step involves gaining access. Practical abilities, professional skills, and educational qualifications can all provide natural points of connection to build relationships and develop a framework for introducing the gospel. When missionaries use their skills to meet specific needs, they demonstrate biblical compassion for their neighbors, establish credibility in the community, and gain the trust necessary to address the weightier matters of people’s lives. And, in locations closed to traditional missions, the only legitimate way for global workers to reside in a nation may be through employment or education.
Our God-given abilities and skills, when employed for his kingdom, can generate powerful opportunities for proclaiming the truth of his Word and building his church around the world.
In March 2026, 10 new missionaries joined ABWE. All highlighted God’s work in their lives to equip and prepare them to serve him. They came with varied experiences—from backgrounds in information technology to maintenance, military leadership, education, media production, sports, home inspection, theological education, and everything in between—yet with one purpose: to use those skills to proclaim the gospel across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
One new missionary, Trevor McCready, observed how his career in educational technology prepared him for a new role in missions: “God was weaving together a specific set of skills to do what I’m doing now.”
As these new missionaries prepare to enter God’s harvest fields, may we, too, evaluate how our giftings may best serve the kingdom. May we consider how we might support these new workers, whether through prayer, finances, or even by joining them on the field.
E. and J.
ABWE GO | Long Term | North Africa
Both raised in South America, E. and J. observed an even greater need for gospel witness in Muslim nations. They plan to use their training in theology and sports to help North African believers develop deep Scriptural roots to endure, thrive, and multiply.
Christopher Hawkins
ABWE GO | Long Term | Peru
Christopher’s eyes were opened to look beyond his home in Montana to global needs, first through college programs in Latin America and Asia, then by seeing the impact of storytelling and video production—which he will use to further ministries in South America.
Nick and Elaina Ludema
ABWE GO | Long Term | Portugal
After Nick’s 20-year career in the army, he and Elaina discovered that God had uniquely prepared them for a role at ABWE’s Lisbon Training Center, where they will serve and resource missionaries, local churches, and community members.
Trevor and Allison McCready
ABWE GO | Long Term / Volunteer | United States
A decades-long career in education and technology prepared Trevor for a new role as vice president of information and learning technology for Horizon Education Network, an ABWE partner which provides infrastructure for online theological education around the world.
Chris and Kristen McNamee
ABWE GO | Associate | Ecuador
Chris’ business as a home inspector provides unexpected inroads to an under-reached population in Ecuador: North American expatriates. While he shares Christ through his work, Kristen, an educator, will reach Ecuadorian families through teaching English.
Edward and Jamie Muhumuza
ABWE GO | Long Term | Uganda
While still in middle school—and on opposite sides of the world—Edward, a Ugandan, and Jamie, an American, both became burdened for reaching youth in Uganda. Now married, they lead a camp ministry, train leaders, and disciple teens in local schools.
