Missions & Missionaries
We believe God has called Brandywine to be a lighthouse to our local community and our world as we seek to live out the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The call of Jesus is to make disciples of all people – in our community and around the world. We do this by partnering with organizations and missionaries here in the Brandywine Valley, across the United States, and globally. Join this ministry by becoming an advocate, being in prayer, supporting financially, writing letters of encouragement, or going on a short-term mission trip.
Financial Support
We currently financially support over 30 active missionaries representing at least 11 countries. During Missions Month we collect a special “Faith Promise” offering that supports specific missionary projects and/or local ministries. In addition, our students and adult leaders go on summer missions trips and raise support through our congregation.
Global Missions
Student Mission Trips
Each summer the Brandywine Students offers short-term summer mission trips for students in grades 7-12. For more information about these trips please contact Melissa Stein.
SALT
The SALT (Support and Leadership Training) ministry is designed primarily to develop an effective theological education program for leaders and pastors who are unable to attend Bible schools and seminaries. They serve in South America and Europe. Learn more about SALT
Global Media Outreach (GMO)
GMO uses social media and online connections to share Christ throughout the world. Global Media Outreach exists to share Jesus online, grow people in faith and connect them to Christian communities. Technology reaches into countries where missionaries can’t go and helps new believers grow in places where a mention of the name of Jesus can lead to death. Volunteers, apps, social media, a secure response system, and online advertising come together as a new model to share Jesus with every person on Earth. Brandywine attendees serve as online missionaries through Global Media Outreach. For more information about Global Media Outreach or to volunteer, please contact the church office.
February Missions Month
Each February Brandywine focuses on missions. We have guest speakers, missionaries, a missions dinner and opportunities to get engaged.
Learn more about 2024 Missions Month
God has placed our church in the Brandywine Valley to be a lighthouse for Christ. The theme is Great Co-Missionaries.
This year, we are hosting Rio and Renata, missionaries serving in Southeast Asia. Due to security concerns we cannot post much information about their ministry.
There are several opportunities to hear from our featured missionaries:
February 11 – Rio is preaching at the 9am and 10:30am Worship Services
February 16 – Missions Dinner at 6pm
February 18 – Adult Sunday Class at 9am and 10:30am
SERMON SERIES: GREAT CO-MISSIONARIES
Missions Month 2024 is focused on God’s mission to reach the nations through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every Christian and every church is called to join God’s global mission. This month we will be inspired and challenged to become Great Co-Missionaries!
Missions Dinner & Kids' Program
The Missions Dinner is on Friday, February 16 at 6pm. Enjoy a Southeast Asian dinner. We will hear updates from Rio and Renata, missionaries serving in the Southeast Asia.
This year’s dinner will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $5/person. After the meal portion of the evening is completed, adults will hear a Q&A with Rio and Renata and learn about the ministry to Unreached People Groups in Southeast Asia. Children in 5th grade and younger will attend the Kids’ Missions Program. Register for the Kids’ Mission Program when registering for the dinner.
Capacity is limited. Deadline for purchasing tickets is Sunday, February 4.
REGISTER FOR THE MISSIONS DINNER
MENU
Salad: “Zesty Garden Delight Salad” with
lettuce, tomato, cucumber and spring mix, paired with a homemade lemon, herbs and olive oil dressing.
Main Dish: Three Choices
- Asian Infused Seasoned Rice and Chicken. Rice, shredded chicken and green peas with a mild spice seasoning. (Gluten free option available – request when registering)
- Asian Infused Seasoned Rice and Mushrooms. Rice, green peas, mushrooms, and broccoli with a mild spice seasoning. Vegetarian and vegan. (Gluten free option available – request when registering)
- White Rice with Chicken in Saffron and Tomato Sauce. (Gluten free option available – request when registering)
Dessert: Chocolate Banana Spring Rolls (Vegan and gluten free options available – request when registering)
REGISTER FOR THE MISSIONS DINNER
We also need volunteers to help before and during the Missions Dinner. Volunteers are needed for: Kitchen/Service Team, Clean-up Team and the Kids’ Mission Program. To learn more or volunteer, please complete this form.
Missions Dinner Volunteers
We need volunteers to help before and during the Missions Dinner. Volunteers are needed for:
- Kitchen/Service Team
- Clean-up Team
- Kids’ Mission Program
Adult Sunday Classes
We will have special speakers at our Adult Sunday Classes on February 11 and February 18. The 9am and 10:30am classes feature the same topic and teaching. If you’ve never attended an Adult Sunday Class, we invite you to jump in.
February 11 – Jerry Meadows with Global Disciples International
February 18 – Rio and Renata, missionaries serving in Southeast Asia
Faith Promise
Faith Promise is an offering taken annually to support special missions projects. The money is supposed to come from “found money” (a tax refund, overtime work, etc.) or as a conviction from God that you should give a specific amount to His work instead of spending it on something else.
The 2024 Faith Promise will assist with projects in Southeast Asia building partnerships to reach unreached people groups. Funds will be used for partnership training, leaders meetings, equipment to support the training and food packages which open doors to evangelism. The 2024 Faith Promise goal is $29,000.
The Faith Promise offering is being collected through Thursday, February 29, 2024. You can donate via:
- Giving online via credit card or ACH.
- Check payable to Brandywine with “faith promise” written in the memo line. Checks can be placed in the offering boxes at the back of the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings or mailed to Brandywine.
- Cash in an envelope with “faith promise” written on the envelope. Place this gift in the offering boxes at the back of the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings.
Supported Missionaries
Brandywine partners with churches, mission boards, and other parachurch organizations in local and cross-cultural outreach. Below is the list of missionaries supported by Brandywine Valley Church.
Missionaries are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Gabe & Judy Agostini
Mission Organization: Ripe for the Harvest
Location: Delaware, United States
Gabe and Judy are leading a new ministry called Ministerio Apoyo Pastoral enabling them to serve the church leadership in Venezuela and other Spanish speaking congregations in rural and isolated areas. They will supply programs for radio stations; provide online seminars taught by national pastors and seminary teachers; and equip pastors with ministry resources tailored to their unique needs.
Steve & Rochelle Anderson
Mission Organization: Prison Outreach of Delaware, Inc.
Location: Delaware, United States
Steve ministers at two correctional facilities in Delaware where he leads programs and Bible studies with an emphasis on making disciples for Jesus Christ. Steve also leads an aftercare group that meets weekly to provide support for men recently released from prison.
Raphael & Karen Anzenberger
Mission Organization: imagoDei via TrustBridge
Location: Canada and Europe
Raphael is an evangelist, speaker and author, serving globally with a passion to raise a new generation of young apostolic leaders. Serving as an international consultant and teacher, Raphael focuses on evangelism, church planting and missions, apologetics, and leadership.
Ron & Char Bystrom
Mission Organization: Cru
Location: New Jersey, United States
Ron and Char serve college students and staff in the Mid-Atlantic Region with a focus on international missions sending. Ron also helps provide oversight to the 79 university ministries and a specialist focus to six international partnerships around the world.
Colleen Caskey
Mission Organization: InterVarsity (IV) Christian Fellowship
Location: Virginia, United States
Colleen is the Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator for InterVarsity’s sports ministry at colleges in the Mid-Atlantic region, including the University of Delaware.
Lyn Doyle
Mission Organization: UrbanPromise Wilmington
Location: Delaware, United States
Lyn serves in many capacities with UrbanPromise Wilmington, primarly in the UrbanPromise schools, as well as in the administrative office. UrbanPromise Wilmington equips children and young adults through Christ with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, personal growth and servant leadership.
Al & Mary Ginter
Mission Organization: Entrust
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Al and Mary are involved in a training ministry to neighboring countries to help equip local pastors to be able to better serve their people.
Valik & Natasha Grushetskyy
Location: Ukraine
Valik is the Pastor of our sister church in Reya, Ukraine.
Pattie Harris
Mission Organization: Cru
Location: Delaware, United States
Pattie is the Northeast Regional Rep and Prayer Development Specialist for the Great Commission Global Prayer Movement. She mobilizes and trains people and churches to expand the discipline of prayer. Pattie also works with Global Media Outreach, a ministry using the internet for evangelism.
Jim & Lynne Head
Mission Organization: WorldTeam
Location: North Carolina, United States
Jim is the Pastoral Care Coordinator for WorldTeam missionaries serving in North and South America. He also offers pastoral care online for practical help and support. Lynne travels with him and assists when missionaries come to their home for help.
Kristen & Rodney Huffty
Mission Organization: Young Life
Location: Scotland
Kristen and Rodney are the Country Directors and Developers leading the Young Life Scotland team. Their mission includes training, mentoring and nurturing Young Life Scotland staff; growing volunteer leaders; developing strong relationships with Bible believing churches; participating in ministry to secondary and university students; and creating a culture of generous giving.
Liz Kealy
Mission Organization: Cru
Location: New York, United States
Liz is the Missions Director for Cru in New York. She trains, develops, shepherds and leads the Cru team leaders scattered across the state. Cru’s goal is to have a gospel community on every college campus in New York. She also collaborates within Cru, with other ministries and local churches.
Jeffrey Lin
Mission Organization: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Location: Maryland, United States
Jeffrey is a Campus Staff Minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He serves students and faculty at Johns Hopkins University.
Allen & Sharon Mercer
Mission Organization: Pioneers
Location: Hungary
Allen is a leader of a multinational church-planting team in Northeastern Hungary, which seeks to equip Hungarians to lead a dynamic church planting movement. Allen serves as a pastor/mentor and assists in other ministries. Sharon is a full-time mom and part-time mentor for women in her church.
Steve & Mary Njenga
Mission Organization: David’s Hope International
Location: Kenya
Steve works in the village of Eburru, Kenya with Camp Brethren Ministries (CBM). Much of this work is focused in church planting, care for the destitute and orphans, education through the CBCS Elementary and High School, health services through CBM Medical Center and discipleship ministry training.
Esperandieu & Dianne Pierre
Mission Organization: Cru and Nehemiah Vision Ministries
Location: Haiti
Pierre is the National Director of Haiti for Cru, overseeing Cru staff and ministries. His ministry also includes evangelism and discipleship through English as a second language (ESL) and humanitarian projects. He and Dianne founded Nehemiah Vision Ministries reaching Haitians through compassion projects including a Christian school.
Dan Price
Mission Organization: The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Dan is the Director of International Ministries at The Friends of Israel. He teaches Bible for the National Bible Conferences, provides content for videosn and writes for Israel My Glory magazine. He’s also an adjunct faculty member in the Bible department at Clarks Summit University.
Jay & Kelley Reapsome
Mission Organization: Cru
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Jay and Kelley are part of Cru’s Bridges Ministry at Penn State University. Their ministry focuses on reaching, building and equipping international students for Christ.
Miguel Saccsara
Mission Organization: Empowering Quechuas
Location: Peru
Miguel ministers to the Quechua people in Peru. Some of the tools he uses to reach people are futbol club, evangelistic English, technical training and Adventure Ministry.
Kenneth & Mwaiwawo Sande
Mission Organization: Impact Life Malawi
Location: Malawi
Kenneth is the director of Impact Life Malawi which provides academic support and Christ centered holistic life coaching to the youth and children of Mzuzu city. He is also a volunteer lecturer of New Testament and Theology at University of Livingstonia, as well as, a preacher. Mwaiwawo sits on Impact Life Malawi’s board and is the family’s breadwinner through her nursing lecturing.
Tim & Gervais Santa Barbara
Mission Organization: Prison Outreach of Delaware, Inc.
Location: Delaware, United States
Tim is the Aftercare Associate and ministers to men recently released from prison. He also runs a weekly Bible study called Broken Beginnings.
Juan & Melissa Santafe
Mission Organization: Avant Ministries USA
Location: Colombia
Juan and Melissa are building relationships and working with small groups and house churches in the hope of eventually planting a church in Colombia grown from these small groups.
Tim & Kathy Sheetz
Mission Organization: Handi*Vangelism Ministries, Int.
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Tim is the Founder and Director of Handi*Vangelism, Ministries Int., a ministry to people with disabilities and their families. They provide discipleship, provide opportunities for fun and fellowship and help bereaved parents through the grieving process. Kathy is editor of the newsletter, teaches Bible at Handi*Camp and provides hospitality for support groups.
Rio & Renata S.
Mission Organization: International Partnership Associates
Location: Southeast Asia
Rio and Renata develop partnerships of churches and mission agencies in reaching Muslims in Southeast Asia with Interdev Partnership Associates. Rio is also the pastor of a small congregation in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Scott & Jen Thomson
Mission Organization: Cru
Location: Connecticut, United States
Scott and Jen are the Directors of the Cru ministry at the University of Connecticut. During the school year, they lead staff, interns and students seeking to introduce others to Jesus, helping them grow in their faith and sending them out into the world to do the same. When school is out, they create ministry opportunities to help students develop a heart for the world.
Keith & Marti Williams
Mission Organization: WEC International
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Keith and Marti focused on media ministry for twelve years. In 2022, they began utilizing their passion for equipping and training missionaries in their position as co-directors of the U.S. Membership Division of WEC. Their primary role is to oversee the selection, training and sending of new WEC missionaries.
Donations for Ukraine
Brandywine has supported several missions efforts in the Ukraine for many years and have long established partnerships. We have helped build and develop three churches, as well as support the Korosten Bible College with funds and teachers. Pastor Valik has been our longest-term partner in the Ukraine.
Many of you have reached out to us and asked how you can give to support the needs in the Ukraine during this time of war. First, be in prayer for Pastor Valik in Reya, Pastor Vanya in Volitsa, Pastor Sergei in Pyatnigirka, and Pastor Paul in Korosten at the Korosten Bible College.
Second, if so led, make a financial donation to support the Ukrainians. Pastor Valik is helping the local churches and local community with basic necessities, like food and medicine, and transportation back-and-forth to the border. In addition, people are being housed in his home and in the church. Pastor Valik is our point person to distribute money to the churches for these needs. The needs are great, since most people are out of work due to the war.
Brandywine is accepting financial gifts that will be given to Pastor Valik to support his and the other pastors’ ministries to their churches and the local community. These gifts are fully tax-deductible and 100% of your gifts will go directly for their needs and ministry.
You can give online or via check. To give online, Select “Special Designated Gift” as the fund and type “Ukraine” in the note field to ensure your donation goes to the Ukraine.
To give via check, make the payable to “Brandywine Valley Church” and write “Ukraine” in the memo field. Drop your donation in the offering boxes in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings or mail the check to:
Brandywine Valley Church
ATTN: Financial Department
7 Mount Lebanon Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
Missions Committee
Our Missions Committee is dedicated to praying for, serving and being liaisons for our local and global missionaries. For more information about this team contact Brett Dorsch.
My Hashtag
MY HASHTAG is a simple strategy aimed at loving our neighbors. Engage in acts of love toward those you encounter daily. Embrace your unique responsibility to introduce Jesus in everyday life.
My Hashtag was launched on February 25, 2024. Learn more about My Hashtag.