“Global Mission pioneers are the unsung heroes of Adventist Mission. Around the world today, hundreds of Global Mission pioneers, lay people, go to new areas and new people groups to start a new Seventh-day Adventist congregation.”

“Many of the places where they begin work are areas where the church has never had any success in the past, but nobody has told the pioneers that they can’t do it. On small living stipend, these pioneers go and live among the people, and put Christ’s method of ministry into practice.”

“They mingle with the people in various ways. In the rice fields, playing soccer with the kids, in the cities. They show sympathy, they minister to needs in very practical ways, and then they win the confidence of the people, and bid them to follow Jesus.”

“I’ve seen pioneers using many different methods to meet the needs of the people where they have embedded themselves like Jesus did incarnationally in the community.”

“Historically the Annual Sacrifice Offering has come at the end of the week of prayer. It’s an opportunity for us to sacrifice for mission. I encourage you to please give generously to this important offering.”

“Let’s go visit a Global Mission pioneer now.”

In Sri Lanka, most young adults in their twenties continue pursuing their professional careers, but Rupan has taken a different journey.

At age 23, Rupan realized God’s unique purpose for his life and decided to use his training in natural remedies to serve as a Global Mission Pioneer.

Global Mission Pioneer (male)

“My heart is telling me to do God’s work. I believe it was the Holy Spirit who convinced me to do His work. And that’s why I choose to become a Global Mission pioneer.”

He was sent to a town called Omanthai, a primarily Buddhist community 274 kilometers away from the country’s capital, Colombo.

With a population of over 22 million, this South Asian country in the Indian Ocean is a land of rich diversity and culture. Home to various ethnic groups, religions, and customs, Sri Lanka has great opportunities for mission.

Rupan tried to find ways to reach out to the community. As soon as he arrived, he started going around the city, visiting one home after another and building relationships.

After days of home visitations and understanding the community’s way of life, Rupan realized that there was an enormous need for lifestyle development and medical assistance.

He started going around the city again, this time introducing the Adventist health message, which stirred the interest and curiosity of the people he visited.

One day, Rupan came across a family who owns a local hotel business. The head of the family suffered from diabetes, and his condition was worsening.

Rupan’s first visit with them wasn’t easy; they found the health message hard to believe. But after giving it much thought, the hotel owner agreed to try it out.

Rupan started the first session with a word of prayer, which was quite unusual for the hotel owner. He then prepared all the things he needed and then went on with the procedure.

After months of consistent visits and water therapy sessions, the hotel owner’s wounds started healing. Amazed by these improvements, the hotel owner became more excited to learn about the health message.

In time, he accepted Christ and was baptized. Now he looks forward to growing more in Jesus.

“By helping them, I can share God’s love through this kind of treatment. I also learned how to share, love, and care more about others. So yes, this treatment is really effective in reaching people in this area.”

Rupan is just one of many Global Mission pioneers sharing the gospel within the 10/40 window. Please pray for Rupan as he continues to reach out to and touch lives through God’s ministry of healing in these challenging areas of South Asia.