Mitch Englehart identifies himself as a “big thinker.” In 2004 while jogging in Arlington, Texas, he noted, God put the number “10 million” on his mind.
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“At the time, I knew nothing about church planting or anything like that,” he said. “I felt that the Lord told me, ‘I want you to live and work in such a way that results in 10 million people walking with Me.’”
Answering the call
Englehart with his wife, Nellie, answered the call to serve as International Mission Board missionaries in South Asia. Once on the field, however, he realized that the 10 million figure was not the heart of the mission. The real task was to create a multiplying process, one that would equip countless others to reach the unreached.
“I had to find more people who could do the work,” he said. “Local leaders had to be part of this. We had to multiply disciples.”
He connected with national partners, sharing the vision of touching 10 million lives. As the collaboration deepened, the scope of the vision expanded. Working alongside other believers passionate about South Asia, Englehart’s goal swelled from 10 million to 100 million.
‘Anchored’
The journey was both exhilarating and exhausting.
Partnerships grew and new fellowships started, but Englehart admits he also felt he was in a constant state of burden. Thankfully, Nellie was a calm, steady influence and a great support to keeping him anchored to God’s plan.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Chris Doyle and originally published by the International Mission Board.
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