Jesus Loves the Little Children

This week, we had the privilege of spending time with children from first through sixth grade. Despite the language barrier, loving them came naturally — their joy and openness spoke volumes. It was heartbreaking to watch them bow in meditation to Buddha every day as part of their schooling. They do not know the light and love of the true and living God. Our prayer is that, through our time with them, Christ’s love was made visible and that His presence shone through us, even in little ways.

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” - Romans 10:14-15

Pray for the children who heard the Gospel this week, that the Lord would cultivate the seeds that were planted in them.

-Emma 

Creative Media Intern, Thailand

Zacchaeus

Navigating a language barrier during Bible studies can be challenging. However, as we read through passages in our own Bibles and listen to our national partners, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the scripture before us.

I think back to the story of Zacchaeus we studied earlier this week. Jesus didn’t just speak to him from a distance; He didn’t just ask to stay at his house. Instead, Jesus approached him directly and said, “I must stay at your house today,” and Zacchaeus welcomed Him gladly. When Jesus entered Zacchaeus’ home and life, Zacchaeus experienced change, repenting of his former dishonest ways. Our heart is like a house, with each room representing different aspects of our life- our thoughts, desires, time, talents, and even the hidden areas we try to keep from God. We all have rooms we’re tempted to keep closed, whether habits, priorities, or sins we believe are ours to manage. But Jesus desires full access, not just a visit to the living room on Sundays. When we surrender every space, our thoughts, desires, actions, and secrets, He brings transformation and purpose. True discipleship means not just inviting Him into our house but giving Him the keys.

While being on the mission field, I’ve come to see how the story of Zacchaeus applies not just to the people we’re reaching, but to us as missionaries too. It’s easy to focus on serving, teaching, and doing ministry well, but Jesus is still saying to us, “I must stay at your house today.”

Being here has exposed rooms in my own heart- places like impatience, pride, or comfort that I didn’t even realize I was holding back. And I’ve seen the same in our whole team. God has been working on all of our hearts- bringing us to tears, opening up the hard parts of our pasts, and creating vulnerable moments that lead to healing, repentance, and deeper surrender. These aren’t just emotional moments; they’re moments of transformation, of letting go.

Through honesty, accountability, and shared growth, Jesus is changing not just what we do, but who we are. Just like Zacchaeus, real change comes not from performance or doing ministry well, but from letting Jesus fully enter our lives. True discipleship in missions means daily surrender, letting Him shape not only what we do, but who we are. It’s not just about helping others open their hearts to Him- it’s about continually handing Him the keys to ours.

We ask for prayers as God works on each of our hearts.

Isaiah 40:28-31

• Pray we would remember that our strength comes from the one who never grows tired. Pray that we lean into this promise as we feel weak spiritually, mentally and physically

Luke 19:5-6

• Pray we will continually invite Jesus in our hearts to change us each day, to mold us to be more like Him.

- Holland

Bicol Media Team

Ministry.... rewarding yet challenging

Many of the Filipino we meet are warm & inviting. They invite us into their homes & listen attentively as we talk. Many answer our questions with great conviction & seemingly strong belief in the Lord. they speak of their faith in God, how they depend on Him and pray often to Him... while offering answers that many would take as true belief upon first glance.

Yet when we ask them if they have certainty in where they will spend eternity, many respond that "if depends on how much good I do" and "if the Lord is merciful that day." When we present the Gospel, many say they have never heard it, yet they go to mass and learn from their priests as often as they can. 

There is a great need for true laborers of Jesus here. The chains of empty religion have put many into bondage, having them work in vain to attain a salvation that is freely given through faith alone. When we try to explain this free gift & the freedom it brings, many will continue to claim we serve the same God, not realizing that the God they serve is distant and demainding, constantly judging and condemning. 

In all of ministry, it is as rewarding as it is challenging. Yet, we press forward to serve our God faithfully., As team leader & media team members, I'm tasked with finding the delicate balance between stepping to the forefront to direct & stepping behind the camera as I capture our team at work. The joy of this balance is that as much as I learn from engaging directly, there is much I learn from stepping back. 

I've learned from stepping back to rely more on the Lord. Isaiah 41:10 says, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you & help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

Pray for the Filipinos we meet... pray their hearts would be made soft & ready to receive the Gospel.

Pray the Lord will continue to show them that words along do not save, but faith alone does.

Pray that God would convince them of His great & all-fulfilling love done by His work on the cross.

-MaKenna

PH Summer- Camiguin

God's Constant Friendship

We were able to spend a few days helping with an English camp. The first day, I felt a little overwhelmed and admittedly intimidated by my group of kids. However, as we kept coming back every day, the kids began to warm up to us. By the last day, I constantly had kids running up, exclaiming, "Teacher! Teacher!" and wanting to be picked up or played with. If we had only come for one day, they would have never felt this comfortable with us. It required our consistency in showing up and loving them. 

This reminded me of God's constancy. He is always patient with us, and He is a trustworthy friend, one who is always by our side and offering to carry us when we need it. 

Please pray for these amazing kids. Pray that we would have planted seeds in their hearts, so they will never forget just how loved they are by the Lord. 

-Gabby

Creative Media Intern, Thailand 

I Give Thanks

From house to house, we find miniature altars placed on the walls. Within them sit statues, many depicting our Lord Jesus, who is often accompanied by other statues of saints, the Virgin Mary, many with rosaries wrapped around their little limbs. They peer down at us as we lead our Bible studies with apathy.

As I look up to match their stare, I give thanks to my Lord that I don't feel a need to pray to idols in order to atone for my sings.

I give thanks I don't believe I must pray a rosary in order to find favor in the eyes of God.

I give thanks that I know the living Jesus, not a little statue that never speaks to me.

Pray for those we meet... pray the Holy Spirit will convict them of their need for a relationship with the living God.

-MaKenna

PH Summer- Camiguin

Meet the team: Philippines Summer - Dinagat

Team Leader: Stephen

Members: Ethan, Bennett, Benjamin & Matthew

During their summer, they’ll spend time not only swimming at the nearby beach but also visiting houses in the community. At each house they visit, they will share the gospel, walk through the Bible with others, and grow closer as brothers in Christ.

Please pray for safety for the team as they travel to different areas (2 Thessalonians 3:3) and good health.

Heartbroken

After picking up groceries at the store, we witnessed a parade winding through the city streets. “It was almost robotic,” a team member remarked. This was our first encounter with lostness in the area, and it was a painful realization. Trucks adorned with flowers, a statue of a saint, and people singing while walking slowly with candles painted a vivid picture of the world we had just moved to. As we slowly drove by, it became all too real.

While walking through the city on an off day to travel from the mall to a nearby flower shop, we cut through a park that led us to the local Catholic church of the city. This was unlike the little churches we had passed by on the road. It was grand, it was decorated, it was heartbreaking.

“Mary was everywhere, I did not like that and it made me so sad,” Laurel recalled, “There were so many statues, it’s just so wrong to worship a statue of any kind.”

There was a vendor selling candles, reminding us of Matthew 21 when Jesus saw vendors in the temple and flipped tables.

Inside were a few people in pews, possibly praying, possibly searching for a feeling, possibly trying to find peace, but most definitely lost.

As we had been continuously praying for God to break our hearts for the lost each day, He truly did and continues to.

2 Corinthians 3:14-17 reminds us: "But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Join us praying for freedom. For strongholds to be broken. Pray that the veil will be lifted from the eyes of the people of Bicol. Pray for the lost.

- Holland

Bicol Media Team

An Introduction to the Philippines

We've been in the Philippines for over a week now. Each day we toil beneath a beaming sun that seeks to alert the roosters to crow at three in the morning without fail, as well as make it a competition to see how much sweat can pour down our faces before we seek relief beneath the shade of the leafy banana trees. We trek house to house, seeking anyone who will give us the time of day, to speak about salvation found in Christ alone. 

Many greet us warmly because we are Americans, but many more politely wave us off once they see the Bibles in our hands. Our intrigue as foreigners fails to outweigh the hardened hearts of the numerous Catholics we meet. 

Pray for our team as we seek those who are seeking the truth.

-MaKenna
Philippine Summer- Camiguin Island

A Few Weeks Without my Phone

The last time I can remember not having a phone glued to my side, I was 11 years old (10 years ago). Many parts of my life have become completely dependent on my cell phone— paying bills, checking my bank account, communicating with friends and family, and even things with simple solutions like checking the time, shining a light, and doing math. Admittedly, I've become dependent on my phone. 

Before orientation, I would spend hours on my phone scrolling, watching TV, and going down rabbit holes. If I didn't have anything of importance to fill my time with, that time would be filled with Instagram, Facebook, or a streaming platform. Even though the Nehemiah Teams leadership had advised us to spend less time on devices, it seems as though I spent more time "devoted" to them. 

I knew orientation would be a shift, but I didn't expect the shift to last this long. I expected to get my devices back and to "slow down" when I deemed appropriate. Sure, I could give up my social media most of the week or only watch a couple of episodes a night instead of multiple throughout the whole day. That's still a sacrifice, right? Besides, I'm on a media team, I'm supposed to "stay up to date."

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says, "So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple." (14:33) In verse 27, He says, "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." The verses leading to this point are the Parable of the Wedding Feast and the Parable of the Great Banquet. A parable calling for humility over honor and a parable illustrating the radical cost of discipleship. These serve as reminders for me.

How have I not been meek?
How am I not depending on God?
What am I choosing over Christ? 
How am I unready?

Though I've been invited to the Banquet, am I prepared? Or have I left something here on earth unfinished? Have I made a golden calf?

Currently, my phone is traveling around the Asia Pacific Rim after accidentally being sent with a different team. It'll be hand-delivered to my supervisors this week and then it will make it's way to me.

Until then, I will continue to rely on my teammates for help. And when it gets here, I'll help them, but they'll continue to help me to "hang up and hang out." 

Our phones are a tool, but they are not to be a hindrance to the ministry to which we were called. 

Pray for the ministry that phones and social media allow, but also pray that we would not allow it to become the lord of our lives. 
Pray that only Jesus would sit on the thrones of our hearts, that our lives would be fully dependent on Him. 

-Coralynn
Creative Media Intern, Thailand

Finding Peace in the Business

Since arriving in Thailand, our team has been experiencing the Thai culture and learning our projects for the rest of the summer at what seems like a nonstop speed. Because this is my first time being overseas specifically for a mission trip, I started to get very overwhelmed very quickly when faced with the plans for our work.  

It was a quiet, cooler Wednesday morning when I decided to check out the roof of the building where we were staying. On the roof, I was met with this wonderful view of the neighborhood, city, and nearby mountains. The way the clouds and fog slowly moved over the distant trees and the stillness with only the birds in the background allowed me to feel peace for the first time since our arrival. It was such a sweet moment the Lord gave me in the midst of the chaos of technology not working, learning a completely new language, and working out a schedule for projects. I was able to sit and listen to my Christian playlist and simply enjoy the peacefulness of being in the presence of God. I will definitely be returning to my rooftop throughout the summer. The Lord is so good in giving us the things we need in the moment we need them!

 

Please pray for unity and peace within our team this summer as we brave the new culture and the creative jobs we will be doing! 

Pray we are able to find little moments where we can spend time with God and feel the peace He offers! 

 

-Gabby

Creative Media Intern, Thailand 

 

They Create Because He Is The Creator

Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

This past week, I had the chance to visit a Buddhist temple for the first time. As an art major, I was honestly blown away. The detail in everything—the carvings, the paintings, the statues—was incredible. You could tell that so much time, effort, and talent went into every part of the buildings. It was beautiful in a way that made you stop and stare. Every inch of the temple seemed to be touched by intention. 

As an artist, I felt a deep admiration. But as a believer, I felt an ache.

The temple was a reflection of human creativity—something that always points me back to the truth that we are made in the image of God. Genesis tells us that God created us in His likeness, and I believe part of that likeness is the impulse to create beauty, to express wonder, and to reflect meaning through art. We create because He created us. 

But the beauty of the temple also reminded me of how that gift can be misdirected. It was built to honor gods who cannot save, idols shaped by human hands rather than hearts shaped by the living God. I was amazed by the art, but also deeply sad because of the purpose behind it.

Please pray for the Buddhists in Thailand. Pray that the gospel will reach their ears and hearts so that they can know they are made in the image of the one true God and are loved by Him.

- Emma Epps 

Creative Media Team TL

Cultivating Relationships

One of the most important parts of serving here is meeting new people. We love to meet people & then build relationships with them. Once we have cultivated these relationships, we can share the Good News. 

Please pray we will continue to meet new people & that they would be receptive to the Good News.

Please pray for:

• Unity among our team

• SE Asian people groups and the vast lostness

• Boldness to share the good news

• Health for our team

• Salvations and follow up discipleship

• House church we will be helping with

• College campus we are serving on

-Graham

Tropical Traveler Team, Southeast Asia

A Visit to the Wat

 

This week we prayer-walked around a Wat (temple) in the city, where we saw some of the most beautiful and lost parts of Thai culture. So much time, effort, and artistry was spent building this Wat that cannot bring peace. I'm reminded that everything we build here on earth is but a copy and a shadow of heaven.

Even so, Hebrews 8 promises this from the Lord: "I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.11 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.

Our God, who walked with the Israelites through countless falls also desires to walk with the people here in Thailand.

We also learned that many of the monks here were refugees from Myanmar. These young boys often leave their refugee families to become monks not out of religious devotion, but destitution. Forced into a religion of hundreds of rules, I'm reminded that we do not serve a legalistic God.   

Please pray that these monks would come to know the God who has seen the course of their life, and known them for who they are, not what they do.

Peoples of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is home to many different people groups, languages, nations, and tribes. There are vast cultures with many similarities and differences.

In our first few days here, we have visited a few religious sites. While this region is predominately Muslim, there are many different religions. These have really opened our eyes to the lostness here. We have visited a Buddhist temple and seen/heard many Mosques.

So far, we have been able to share with two individuals. Please pray that the Lord would soften the hearts of those we have come in contact with so that they will find salvation in His name.

-Graham

Tropical Traveler Team, Southeast Asia

Meet the Team: Philippine Ag -- Bicol

Team Leader: D. D.

Members: Allie, Mia, Laurel, & Christy

Touching down in the heart of the Philippines, this fun team is always smiling and laughing.

This summer, they will be doing more than just farm work; they’ll be visiting homes, sharing the gospel, hosting numerous Bible studies, and eating plenty of rice!

Please pray for the team's good health and confidence as they share their testimonies, so that the Lord may work through each member.

- Holland

Philippines Media Team

Just the Beginning!!

After a day of orientation, the team of girls eagerly joined local Bible studies. They traveled to homes ranging from 5 to 45 minutes away, hiking up what felt like Mount Everest and walking by countless rice fields. Along the way, they sang I Have Decided to Follow Jesus and soaked in breathtaking views.

Upon arriving at the homes where the studies were hosted, there were about 20 or more minutes of talking and greeting each other. One group explained how they had to wait about 3 hours before starting: “We talked for a little bit, ate lunch, played with the kids, and picked mangos, then sat and chatted some more with the locals. After about 3 hours, around 5 more ladies showed up. It was definitely worth the wait.”

During the studies, the girls shared testimonies and presented the gospel through the Creation to Christ method.



- Holland
Philippines Media Team

Hello from the Cooks!

Training was intense to say the least! We don’t have any photos, because we didn’t have access to our phones at all. There was also no power, we slept in a wooden shack, we used the bathroom in a hole in the ground, and we had to shower with buckets. Our days started at 7am and was slam packed with different sessions and team building exercises, and the occasional security drill.

Other than the intensity, training was such a great time of spiritual nourishment. There was so much we learned about God’s heart for the nations and about our role in his plan for redemption! Here are a few key takeaways from training:

• When we don’t know the scriptures and neglect prayer, we limit what God can do through us. 
• God is already at work around us, we need to adjust our lives and our plans to fit into His work, not the other way around 
• This summer is not about us, it’s not even about the summer, it’s one more step in a lifetime of obedience.

Pray that we would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and join in where God is already at work.

Pray God would bring university students to us whose hearts are ready to receive the Gospel.

-Ethan & Dara Hanna
University Pioneer Work Team

Bangkok

NT4Teens: Meet the Team

NT4Teens Team Members

Front row (L to R): Ruth, Ava, Katherine, Soriah, Jessie

Back row (L to R): Emma, Jake, Isaiah, Trey & Ben

The beautiful Philippine islands with their hospitable people are common tourist destinations, but few are going there to share the gospel. Some on these islands are religious but are still not sure of their salvation.

​As a team, you will work together on various construction/farm projects at the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center while you learn the history of how God has used this research farm to impact over 90 nations around the world.

Spend time in local villages, learning about culture while sharing your lives & the Gospel through drama, music & kids classes. You might also get your hands dirty while helping on a local farm! Spend your day off visiting a local beach or swimming in a natural cold spring. 

The Philippines is still a harvest field so come help us harvest in these areas. The Philippines is also becoming a harvest force. Through your ministry, you will help encourage the local churches in making disciples and becoming better senders. 

For each project, students & leaders will be divided into separate ministry teams of 4-5. For each group of 5 students (ages 14-17), there will be at least 1 adult leader (21 years or older). Adults leaders may be from the student's church or they may be recruited from former Nehemiah Teams participants.

NT4Teens: Meet the Leaders

I'm Hannah... 26 years old & from small town Alabama. About 4 years ago, I graduated from Samford University & I knew the Lord was calling me to the international mission field. After much prayer, I began the IMB Journeyman program where I served for the last 2 years in Europe. A few months after returning home, I received an email to pray about helping lead this team. Every time I began to pray, all I could hear was "go"... so here I am!

Hi, I'm Darla-Ray! I had the privilege of serving with Nehemiah Teams in their gap year program 2022-23 after I graduated high school. I've been to the exact place in the Philippines where the team is serving. During the gap year, I felt the call to the nations. I'm 22 and from Haughton, Louisiana.  I currently live in New Orleans, studying Intercultural Studies at Leavell College.

For more information about the NT4Teens opportunity.... click HERE. Dates for 2026 will be posted soon!

Meet the Team: Philippine Ag -- Cebu

Team Leader: J.M.

Members: Jeteric & Isaiah

J.M. is leading a team of 3 to be part of agricultural work in the central Philippines. After a week+ of training at the Mindanao Rural Life Center on Mindanao, the team will fly to their final destination of Cebu City where they will connect with their field supervisor. Their ministry will focus on the rural areas of the island of Cebu.

Group chant: 

We are one there i no one better except the one above... He is the go-getter... we are one!!

Please pray for the team as the acclimate to the local situation. 

Pray for team unity & good health.

-Faith

Philippines Media Intern

Nehemiah Teams Training

Nehemiah Teams training is over & teams are on the field... getting started with their ministries. But let's back up a little....

Students spent the first day of training meeting their team leader & other team members, sharing meals, having meaningful team time & making fun group chants!

During training, students hear from many different speakers, sharing testimonies, Christ-filled stories and inspiriting sermons.

From team building activities to information security trainings and the Sunday night community worship service... we're excited to see God work this summer through our 168 students!

-Faith

Philippine Media Intern

The Sacrifice for Honor

One of our first activities was visiting some monks to chat about their belief system. We learned a lot of very interesting things! Most of the monks we saw & spoke with were very young. One of them was only eighteen years old, and he told us that boys can become monks at the age of twelve. He also told us that many of the monks do not become monks for religious reasons, but rather to honor their family.

We learned from one of the monk teachers that Buddhism is more of a philosophical way to approach life rather than a religion. As we sat & listened to all of the rules they had to follow and the restrictions on their lives, we recognized the heaviness and sadness surrounding them.

Please pray for these young monks, as many of them are only there to honor their family.
Pray the Lord would work in their lives & show them the empty places in their hearts where only He belongs.

-Cora
Creative Media Team, Thailand 

Thailand Media Team Intro

The 2025 Thailand Creative Media Team landed on June 12, ready to reach the Thai people with the hope and Gospel message of Jesus Christ. The four of us will be focusing on serving through digital engagement, as well as reaching college students on the local campuses with the Gospel. We will also be partnering with local churches and ministries to continue to serve the people in the city. 

Hello! My name is Gabrielle. I am attending Cedarville University in Ohio, majoring in English with a Biblical Studies and Creative Writing minor. I am so excited to use my writing skills this summer with the Creative Media Team! 

Hi! I’m Anjuli, I’m based in Seattle and just graduated with a degree in Visual Communication Design from the University of Washington. My parents were missionaries in South Asia; I grew up on the field and have had the privilege of seeing the Lord at work there most of my life! I’m excited to return to Asia to see how the Lord leads us this summer!

Hello! My name is Emma and I am a senior at William Carey University. I am double majoring in Intercultural Studies and Art. I grew up in Brazil as a missionary kid serving in the Amazon region. This summer I am excited to dive into media and missions.

Hey y'all! I'm Cora, from DFW, Texas, studying photojournalism at the University of North Texas with minors in Jewish Studies and Classics. In my free time, you can find me taking photos, napping, or trying some new coffee. Can't wait to see how God works through me this summer!