Brethren Global Partners

05/21/2026

Prayer Alert: Joe & Aletha Shultz (Taiwan)
Please lift up Joe and Aletha Shultz in urgent prayer. Recent scans show Joe’s liver is in poor condition; he is suffering from frequent falls, severe fluid buildup, and a leg infection, with a hospital readmission scheduled for next week. Aletha is completely exhausted as she balances Joe's around-the-clock care with teaching her classes, all while managing her own high stress, diabetes, and severe chronic back pain.

Please pray for: * Successful treatment and fluid drainage for Joe.

Supernatural physical strength, pain relief, and endurance for Aletha to finish her teaching semester.

God’s financial provision to cover the upcoming hospital bills.

04/23/2026

The air in Rajahmundry usually carries the scent of the Godavari River and the energy of Andhra Pradesh. But for the forty days leading up to Resurrection Sunday, a different atmosphere took hold. It was a season of stillness and strength that moved through the homes and hearts of the Brethren Church in India.

The journey began in the shadows of Lent. Across the region, believers entered a period of prayer and fasting. More than a ritual exercise, it was a collective stripping away of the noise to hear a single Voice. In small village chapels and city living rooms, the faithful petitioned for their neighbors, their country, and for a move of the Spirit.

The quiet of the fast broke into public celebration on Palm Sunday. The streets of Rajahmundry turned into a sea of green as a procession of children led the way. They waved palm leaves—symbols of victory and peace—recreating the entrance into Jerusalem. Their shouts of “Hosanna!” were both a reenactment of historical events and the declaration of a present King. Passersby stopped to watch as the joy of the children spilled from the church walls into the community.

As the exuberance of the palm procession subsided, it gave way to the solemn anticipation of Holy Week, eventually culminating in the dawn of the Resurrection. On Easter Sunday, the churches were overflowing with people. The atmosphere during worship was heavy with the weight of raw, honest prayer of a people who know God deeply as their provider and protector.

The most powerful sight was at the water’s edge, where dozens of believers stepped forward to be baptized. Men and women, young and old, publicly declared their faith. Each immersion represented a life consecrated to the Lord—dying to the old and rising into the newness of Christ.

While these baptisms mark a personal turning point for Rajahmundry’s believers, they also represent the fruit of a global partnership of prayer and support. This scene in India is a single thread in the larger story of the Brethren Church worldwide. Through the prayers and generosity of sister churches across the globe, the work in India continues to flourish. Lives are being changed and communities are being transformed by the tangible presence of a Church that fasts, prays, and celebrates together. Praise God for His goodness, grace, and mercy. The story of the empty tomb continues to unfold in the streets of Rajahmundry and beyond.

04/16/2026

David and Cecilia Molina-Bruno left Argentina in the spring of 1997 with two young sons and a sense of purpose they couldn’t quite map out. When they landed in Coria, Spain, they didn’t have a manual or a storefront. They simply had the conviction that they were supposed to be there.

Three decades later, that conviction has been tested by the quiet, grinding realities of ministry in a small Spanish town. Growth in Coria doesn’t look like a vertical line on a chart. It looks like moving church buildings multiple times and navigating a local economy where finding a steady paycheck is a daily struggle for most families.

This economic pressure created a specific kind of heartbreak for the Molina-Brunos: the revolving door. Over the years, they have sat across kitchen tables, shared the Gospel, and mentored new believers, only to watch those same people pack their bags a few months later. When jobs disappear, the people they’ve poured their lives into have to move away to support their families.

It is a difficult cycle of hello and goodbye, but Cecilia has learned to view the departures differently. Instead of seeing a loss, she sees a literal interpretation of the Great Commission. These believers aren’t just leaving; they are being sent. They carry the seeds of what they learned in Coria into new towns and different countries, spreading the message further than a single church building ever could.

The Molina-Brunos have remained the steady hand in this shifting landscape, but they haven’t done it in isolation. The long-term support from partners like College Corner Brethren Church and Milford Brethren Church has been the bedrock of their work. When the progress feels slow or the pews feel empty because of the latest move, that partnership is what keeps the doors open.

Reflecting on twenty-nine years of service, Cecilia admits she doesn’t have a list of easy answers for the challenges they still face. “Here we continue with the conviction that God called us to remain in this region,” she says. “The Lord has all the answers that I don’t have.”

How You Can Help
As we celebrate nearly 30 years of ministry in Spain, we invite you to be part of the next chapter. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations, and the Molina-Bruno family is doing exactly that.

Will you join us in supporting our Global Partners?

Pray: Ask God to give David and Cecilia fresh energy and to open doors in Coria.
Give: Your donations help keep the “plow” moving in Spain.
Share: Tell others about the amazing work happening across the ocean!
Together, we are reaching across borders to change lives forever.

04/13/2026

On Sunday, March 22nd, our partners in the Philippines celebrated their two-year anniversary of ministry in their new location. The dedicated facility is a long way from where this ministry started—in the garage of Pastor Roly and his wife, Anita. Today, we have the privilege to stand in spirit with our brothers and sisters as they celebrate the second anniversary of Jesus Our Firm Foundation Cay Pombo Brethren Church. This is a milestone marked not just by the passage of time, but by a profound depth of faith refined by fire.

The past two years have been a testament to God’s goodness and refuge. For Pastor Roly, this season of ministry has been personal and bittersweet. Having lost his beloved wife, Anita, to cancer in January, his continued faithfulness is a living testimony to his congregation. Even in the shadow of grief, Pastor Roly remains steadfast in service, embodying the truth that when Christ is our foundation, we cannot be shaken.

Recognizing the weight of this season, Reverend Gary Castro, the Executive Director of the Brethren Church in the Philippines, along with regional elders and leaders, came alongside the Cay Pombo congregation to offer communal strength during the celebration. Together, they lifted up the church, offering prayers of consecration and words of encouragement. They celebrated the genuine faith described in 1 Peter 1:7—a faith that has been tested by fire and is of greater worth than gold.

As this location of Jesus Our Firm Foundation enters its third year, the mission remains clear: to be a light for God’s glory in the Philippines. We celebrate the strength, the refuge, and the firm foundation God has provided this amazing congregation. Happy 2nd Anniversary, Jesus Our Firm Foundation Cay Pombo Brethren Church. May the fire of the Holy Spirit continue to refine and shine through you.

04/02/2026

In case you didn't get a chance to see our final video for the Global Partners Spring Emphasis, click the link below. I know you're going to be inspired!

Join us as we celebrate the final week of our Spring Emphasis and prepare for the historic 138th General Conference of The Brethren Church in…

04/02/2026

I'm excited to share some incredible news about someone many of you know and love. Starla Beachy's journey into missions didn't start with a plane ticket, but right in the pews and youth rooms of Nappanee Brethren Church. Under the mentorship of leaders like Pastor Tom Schiefer and Youth Leader Ryan Smith, Starla felt a persistent tug on her heart—a call to a life of service that she couldn't ignore.

For several years, that calling took her around the globe with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), sharing God's love in corners of the world many of us only see on a map. But recently, the Holy Spirit began weaving her path back toward some old friends for a new mission in a way only He could orchestrate.

While attending a conference in Durban, South Africa, Starla had a true "God-moment" when she reconnected with Sandile and Abby Mkhwanazi. Starla first met them nearly a decade ago at a 2016 Youth Conference at Ashland University! It is nothing short of amazing to see a friendship that began in Ohio bloom into a full-time Gospel partnership in South Africa all these years later.

Starla has officially concluded her time with YWAM and has moved to Durban to work directly with Sandile and the Brethren Church in South Africa. We are beyond thrilled to have her on the team as she helps the ministry grow and reach deeper into the local community.

As she settles into this new chapter, we'd love for you to join us in supporting her. Moving across the world is never a small feat, so please keep these things in your prayers:

For her transition: Pray for Starla's energy and peace as she adjusts to the rhythms of life in Durban and steps into her new role.
For her family: It's a sacrifice for the family left behind, too. Please keep the Beachy family in your prayers as they navigate having a loved one serving so far from home.
For the mission: Pray for Sandile, Abby, and Starla as they work together. We truly believe God is up to something historic in South Africa.
Stay tuned—this story is only just getting started, and we are so glad that Starla is part of it!

04/02/2026

For more than thirty years, Joe and Aleta Shultz have been the heart of the ministry in Taiwan, tirelessly pouring their lives into teaching, leading, and making disciples. Recently, however, their long-standing foundation of service was tested when life took an unexpected, sharp turn. Following major surgery and a grueling 40-day hospital stay, this season has become a profound testament to God’s faithfulness in the midst of a medical wilderness.

We are so incredibly thankful to share that Joe has hit a major milestone: he’s been transferred to a hospital in Zhongli. This move is a huge answer to prayer—it brings him closer to home and marks the start of a new chapter focused on physical therapy. The goal now is to help Joe regain the strength and balance that were taken from him over the past few weeks.

Throughout this trial, Aleta has been a first-hand witness to how God provides, often in the simplest ways. She’s seen Jesus at work not just through the steady, skilled hands of the medical team, but through the tidal wave of support from friends and partners like you. From those lifting Joe up in prayer across the ocean to the local brothers and sisters who showed up for every practical need, the “body of Christ” has been a tangible presence in that hospital room.

While Aleta witnessed God’s hand through the community, the long days of recovery granted Joe a unique season of spiritual clarity. As he starts this next phase of healing, he takes a moment to look back on what he calls his “40 days in the wilderness.” Here is what has been on his heart:

“Aleta and I want to tell you how much we appreciate you. We have seen the power of your prayers… it reminded us that when prayer warriors are unleashed, ‘the gates of hell cannot stand against you’ (Matthew 16:18). It has been such an encouragement to our local brothers and sisters in Taiwan to see that people all over the world are praying for them.

I’ve learned a few things in this desert. First, patience. I’ll be the first to admit I’m an impatient person, but the Lord has His own timing, and I’m learning to walk at His pace. Second, the strength of friendship. Our dear friend Bradley Halter, who has served here for over 50 years, gave us the kind of discernment that got us through the hardest days.

Finally, the Lord reminded me of what a gift my wife is. This is our 30th anniversary year. Even with a new semester starting at school, she has been by my side every single day. She truly is the one for me.”

This sense of God’s personal care was further affirmed just before the move to Zhongli, when Joe’s school president shared a verse that has become the theme for his recovery—a reminder of the Father’s tenderness: “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:13).

As Joe and Aleta lean into that promise of restoration, we invite you to continue walking alongside them. If you’d like to keep them in your prayers, here is what they need most right now:

For the Work Ahead: Pray for Joe’s endurance and steady progress in physical therapy as he works on his balance.
For Aleta: Pray for her strength and for moments of real rest as she juggles the start of the school semester with Joe’s care.
For the Ministry: Pray that Joe’s story of recovery would encourage and embolden the believers across Taiwan.
Whether in the hospital or the mission field, Joe and Aleta remain sustained by the prayers of the saints and the mercy of a Father who never leaves His children.

04/02/2026

Our Brethren family in Andhra Pradesh recently said a temporary goodbye to two devoted men of God: Rev. E. Yesupadam and Rev. Rayudu Satyam. While we feel the weight of their absence, we are also celebrating two lives that were truly poured out for the Gospel over many decades, bearing fruit that will last for generations.

In Ramavaram: The Legacy of Rev. E. Yesupadam

Just a few weeks ago, Rev. Yesupadam passed peacefully into the arms of the Savior following a period of illness in his old age. For those in the Ramavaram community, he wasn’t just a pastor; he was a steady, loving presence who lived his life right alongside his congregation. He saw families transformed by Christ for generations, and his ministry was built on those personal, daily relationships.

One of the most beautiful parts of his story is how the Lord prepared the way for what comes next. His son, Pastor E. Kishore Babu, has been working faithfully by his father’s side for several years. As Kishore now steps into the role of lead pastor, we ask that you join us in praying for him—that he would feel the Lord’s strength and wisdom as he carries forward the spiritual foundation his father laid.

This same divine pattern of a father’s legacy passing to a faithful son is mirrored in a nearby community, where the Brethren family is also honoring a beloved leader who has finished his race.

In Timmapuram: Remembering Rev. Rayudu Satyam

In a remarkable parallel, the community of Timmapuram is also mourning the loss of their shepherd, Rev. Rayudu Satyam, who passed away just a few days after Rev. E. Yesupadam. Rev. Satyam was known for a quiet strength and a deep, unwavering commitment to the Brethren faith. His legacy is etched into the lives of the villagers he counseled, the children he blessed over the years, and the church he helped to flourish through the grace of our Lord.

Once again, we see God’s providence in the family. Pastor Rayudu Eliah served as his father’s faithful helper for many years and has now taken over as the lead pastor. Please keep Eliah in your prayers as he answers this call, and ask that the light of the Gospel continues to shine brightly through his leadership in Timmapuram.

A Hope That Transcends Loss

We certainly grieve the loss of these two pillars of faith, but we don’t grieve as those without hope. We are reminded of the promise that those who die in the Lord may rest from their labors, for their work follows them.

The stories of Rev. Yesupadam and Rev. Satyam aren’t over. They continue through their sons, through the congregations they built, and through the Gospel that remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. As we celebrate these two lives well-lived, please also remember the Yesupadam and Satyam families in your daily prayers, asking for comfort and peace during this time, as well as for the sons who are taking up the mantle of their fathers in the service of our Lord and their communities.

04/02/2026

I want to introduce you to a remarkable young leader in our global family, Rev. Jonnala Raja Ramesh. Recently, we had the privilege of sending a gift to Ramesh on your behalf, and when he received it, he was moved to tears—not just because of the support, but because it reminded him that even in a remote village in India, he is not alone in his mission. His story serves as a powerful reminder that our partnership is the vital lifeline empowering courageous leaders to sacrifice everything for the Gospel.

Ramesh’s journey is one of incredible conviction. Just a few years ago, he was living a very different life, working a high-profile job in Saudi Arabia, where he was successful and had a bright career path ahead of him. However, everything changed three years ago when his father, Rev. Jonnala Victor, suddenly passed away. Faced with a difficult choice between his successful career abroad and the urgent needs of his father’s congregation back home, Ramesh chose to follow Christ’s call, resigning from his job to take over the ministry in the village of Siddantham.

Some might wonder why someone would leave such a comfortable life behind, but for Ramesh, it was about where he could make the deepest impact. Since coming home, he has worked tirelessly to keep his father’s original church vibrant while simultaneously planting a brand-new Brethren church in Gopalapuram. He isn’t doing this work alone; his wife is a dedicated partner in prayer and ministry, and together they are raising their two young sons to love and serve the Lord with that same joy.

The same conviction that led Ramesh to leave his career now fuels his ministry, but it is our shared support that provides the stability he needs to keep pressing forward. Supporting leaders like Ramesh is what being a church family is all about. When we partner with him, we are linking arms with a visionary pastor who has traded his corporate talents for a life full of spiritual riches.

Thank you for helping us remind Ramesh that he is part of a much larger family. It is our privilege and joy to share in this work, ensuring that no leader—no matter how remote—ever has to carry the weight of the Great Commission alone.

04/02/2026

I have some wonderful news to share from our friends in Lima! After years of praying and hard work, Pastor Luis and his congregation finally celebrated the rededication of their church home this past Sunday. This project was about so much more than just freshening up spaces; it was about ensuring their community has a welcoming and easy-to-access place for years to come.

The heart behind this change started with a very simple, human need. As our church family in Lima has grown and aged together, the long climb up several flights of stairs had become a real struggle for many of our long-time members. It reached a point where getting to a worship service was becoming difficult, if not impossible, for some of our dear brothers and sisters.

Determined to honor their long-time members, the church sought a way to transform their space—a vision made possible through the collaboration of several partner congregations. Thanks to the generous support of Mount Olive Brethren Church, Smithville Brethren Church, and Brethren Global Partners, the building was completely redesigned with a layout that would better serve everyone. To tackle the problem, the team came up with a really clever architectural shift: they closed in the second-story balcony with a solid floor to create a brand-new level. This one change actually solved two big challenges at once: first, it provided a new second floor, which is now the permanent home of Zoraida’s daycare. This is such a blessing because it provides a vital service to the neighborhood while helping the church and the pastoral family stay financially stable. Second, by moving the daycare upstairs, the entire first floor has been reclaimed for the congregation. It’s now a beautiful, versatile space for Sunday services, community dinners, and outreach—all accessible without stairs.

During the rededication service, Pastor Luis shared a beautiful vision for this “new” home. He prayed that it would be a place of refuge for the helpless and a “hospital for the soul” where every person who enters leaves feeling blessed. We anchored the day in the promise from
2 Chronicles 7:15-16, trusting that God’s heart will always be in this place.

What happened in Lima is such a moving example of what we can do when we lean into our global family. When you support The Brethren Church and Brethren Global Partners, you aren’t just funding a construction project. You are literally removing the barriers that keep people from worship and empowering local leaders like Luis and Zoraida to keep their ministry rooted in the neighborhood for generations.

Thank you for being part of this story. Because of your partnership, our brothers and sisters in Lima finally have a home that is truly open to all.

Respectfully submitted,

Scott Soden
Director of Global Partners and Advancement