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Illinois church provides mentorship, support to persecuted church in South Asia

All the small Illinois church wanted to do was be involved in missions. They prayed about it and prayed some more. Then, they sent two of their own to investigate partnerships with the International Mission Board.
  • July 21, 2025
  • International Mission Board
  • International Mission Board, Latest News
South Asians meet for a training session at night. Believers are excited and emboldened when they learn to share the gospel with others.
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Illinois church provides mentorship, support to persecuted church in South Asia

All the small Illinois church wanted to do was be involved in missions. They prayed about it and prayed some more. Then, they sent two of their own to investigate partnerships with the International Mission Board.

When God put this calling on the church three years ago, they never imagined the path they’d walk.

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Persecution is good

That first trip to South Asia felt so unfruitful for the Illinois mission team. Pastor Zach Canders and his youth minister spent time with IMB missionaries to learn how to map and research an area to know more about the community, beliefs and culture.

IMB missionary Kenneth Perdew directed the church team to minister in an area with no gospel presence.  Bringing the gospel where it had not been was their desire, but the team met resistance when they shared. Men bearing sticks asked them to leave or suffer a beating.

Full story.


EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Sue Sprenkle and original published by the International Mission Board. 

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