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Fighting for a Victory 

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By Mike Lumbard 

Eunice Campos is an unlikely champion. At a time when everything seemed to be against her, God showed her how to turn a crisis into victory. Her story is about fighting for a breakthrough and becoming a champion for both God and her country. 

In November of 2021 in Guadalajara, Mexico, Eunice Campos would become a Mexican boxing champion, earning the title Mexico’s National Champion First Force Elite 2021 (45 – 48 kg weight class). However, without God it never would have happened.   

This 22-year-old college student, who is studying law at the University of Baja California in Mexico, was reared in a Christian home. Her family was active in church and ministry. When Eunice was young, her family would watch boxing on television, and Eunice discovered a passion for the sport. Immediately, she put on boxing gloves and began punching her brother, who quickly found himself on the receiving end of her newfound passion. Her parents saw more than just passion; they saw real potential in her. 

That same year, a boxing club opened close to her home, and at age eleven, Eunice began training to become a boxer. Tijuana and the state of Baja is a major center for boxing in Mexico. In this environment, Eunice’s passion for the sport of boxing continued to grow as she put her body through the discipline of training. 

At age 18, Eunice developed a serious dedication to God and desire to know God on a deeper level. She became actively involved in church and joined the worship team. Little did she know that both her faith in God and her passion for the sport of boxing would be put to the test. In 2020, God told her that He was preparing her for something. She did not realize what she would have to go through for that preparation to take place. 

A loved one’s moral failure caused her family to fall apart. Eunice was devastated. She fell into a season of depression, unable to eat or leave her home. The Covid pandemic just added more pressure to her predicament, enticing her to give up on life and boxing. During these darkest of days, Eunice called out to God for strength. 

She made the hard decision to put God first and to train hard, to not let the outside things distract her from her goals. She learned that even when everyone and everything seemed to be against her, God was faithful to give her the fortitude she needed. It was a daily battle. Some days Eunice’s faith wavered, and she wanted to give up on everything. Instead, she chose to continue to trust God and train hard.  

At this time her family had stopped attending church because of their situation, but she met Pastor Rolando Coronado of the Parousia Open Bible Church in Tijuana, Mexico. Pastor Rolando had been selling items close to his home when Eunice “happened” to stop by. Rolando became another huge source of spiritual encouragement for the young athlete. 

Eventually, Eunice’s faith in God, her discipline and hard work resulted in her winning the Mexican National championship. Her first social media post after becoming the national champion expresses her priorities: 

Once again, it was the reflection of His grace in my life. I could not be more grateful at this moment to God, my family, my coach . . . and all the people who were part of all this. It is never simple, but I simply leave everything in the hands of God. I gave my part. He took care of the rest. All glory to the Father. 

Grateful and blessed,  National Champion First Force Elite 2021. 

In 2022, Pastor Rolando invited Eunice to teach kids boxing at the church. It would become part of the church’s daily ministry for orphans and other children called Hope for Sons and Daughters. Eunice views boxing as an important part of the lives of children and young people. She feels that kids are involved too much in technology. They need to learn physical and spiritual disciplines as a means to release the daily stresses of life, and boxing can help them prepare for the future God has for them. Ten to fifteen young people participate in her boxing classes. 

Personally, Eunice has found that boxing has taught her discipline and consistent training. She said, “It is demanding work every day. You learn to focus because you cannot box and think about anything else, especially your emotions. Boxing has taught me to turn to God. He is my priority. When you do not have the motivation to go on, ask God. When you cannot see your dreams coming through, turn to God.” 

Eunice is currently training for the Olympic trials and to become a professional boxer. Her philosophy of life is this: God first and then boxing or whatever you are doing in your life. During your crisis, ask God for peace. Don’t let go because God won’t let go of you. When you trust God, He will always surprise you. Eunice Campos is a great coach and role model for young people.

About the Author

Mike Lumbard and his wife, Pamela, are directors of the School of Global Leadership, a missions training school in Trinidad and Tobago. They train future missionaries to have God’s heart for the world and God’s heart for the lost. Through on-the-job training and missions intensives, they show people how to live and minister cross-culturally. Mike and Pam are visionary leaders with a heart for the lost and hurting.

Around the World

France: A Different Kind of Poverty

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When the Global Missions Board announces travel plans to meet with our pastors, missionaries, or field directors, we get very little pushback when we visit countries such as Mexico, nations in Central America, or the Caribbean islands. It is expected we will visit impoverished nations. However, when we recently announced that we were heading to France, people were shocked. The French are known for extravagance, wealth, and the finer things. They are known for incredible food, expensive clothing, and the best wine in the world. This country is not impoverished in the same way as many countries we have assisted. But France is facing another, very real kind of poverty: spiritual poverty.  

The Global Missions Board on the streets of Dijon

In the 1970’s, France experienced a revival that increased the number of Christians from one percent of the population to over thirty-five percent. The Lord was moving mightily, and the nation was changing. People were fleeing from strongholds and running to Christ! Within ten years the revival was silenced due to persecution. and Christians fled to other countries for their own safety. France again became a nation with Christians numbering less than one percent; they became what could be called a spiritual third world country.  

France is facing another, very real kind of poverty: spiritual poverty.

But in the midst of all this, there was a remnant burning. There was a group of believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, that KNEW God had a plan for the nation of France, a plan to prosper the nation with His full gospel message. Despite facing a hyper-secularized and ungodly nation, the remnant kept holding onto the ancient hope of Jesus Christ.  

In 1989, Pastor Michel Marvane and his wife Joelle moved to Dijon, France, to plant a church. They trusted in the Word of the Lord and began to seek His face for their city and nation. But God had plans to use Pastor Michel to reach the world. In 1996 the Lord sent him to Madagascar, where he established missionary work to reach that nation. That work spread and he, along with other partners in ministry, developed the Antioch Network, based out of Dijon, France, where he serves as the organization’s president. Since then, the Antioch Network has planted multiple churches, schools, and higher education institutions, as well as breathed new life into existing churches in France and throughout Africa. Each church has different goals and visions but one solid mission: expand the kingdom of God! 

In the nation of France there are currently twenty-three churches in the Antioch Network. In 2010, Pastor Michel and his ministry partner, Pastor Phillipe Montuire, set a goal to have fifty new churches planted by 2037, and they are off to a great start! Since 2010, eight churches have been planted, four are currently in the beginning stages of planting, and ten churches are seeking to join the network. 

The Global Missions board laying hands on Antioch Network leaders Phillipe and Michel to solidify the partnership in ministry

France is on a slow incline in spiritual growth; for the first time in a couple of decades the percentage of active Evangelical Christians has surpassed one percent of the population (surpassing 745,000 people). While we rejoice in that number, we also know that we have a LOT of work yet to do. 

In March of 2024, the Global Missions Board had the pleasure and honor of traveling to Dijon, France, to meet the leadership of Antioch Network and the pastors of Le Tabernacle, the largest evangelical church in France. We got to hear the heart of their leadership and see the fruit of their labor. We attended church with them, preached in their churches, and prayed with the people there.  

The Antioch Network has… breathed new life into existing churches in France and throughout Africa.

The Global Missions Board is delighted to share that the Antioch Network has chosen to come under the cover of Open Bible Churches as ambassadors of Global Missions. They saw what God has historically done in Open Bible and asked us to partner with them to expand the kingdom of God in France, Africa, and eventually across Europe!  

Because we so fully believe in this mission, the Global Missions Board chose the Antioch Network to be the focal point of our 2025 MVP Global Harvest offering. We are asking Open Bible Churches in the U.S. to financially support our endeavor to expand the kingdom of God in France! In 2025, we are looking to raise $150,000 for the Antioch Network to help plant five new churches! 


About the Author

Mark Hornback

Mark Hornback has served as the lead pastor at First Church of the Open Bible of Ottumwa since June 2017. He has been part of the Global Missions Board since 2022 and has been actively involved in MOVE ministries since 2020. Mark is married to Jennifer, and together they have three kids: Alex, Lydia, and Henry. 

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Around the World

How Japan is Powerfully Engaging the Next Generation

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Discipling the next generation has been a value of Open Bible since its inception, and this commitment has been shown through a variety of Global Missions initiatives worldwide. From orphanages in India, to schools in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Cambodia, to feeding kitchens throughout Latin America, to working with teenage inmates in Mexico, to youth camps in Ukraine and Uganda, Open Bible intentionally invests in children and youth. Across cultures, both traditional and culturally specific approaches are employed by Open Bible churches. The common theme in all these initiatives is to reach, disciple, and engage the next generation for the Kingdom of God! 

Japan is one of several countries where exciting things are happening because of Next Gen investment. Despite Christians making up less than one percent of the population, Japan Open Bible Churches show profound commitment and creativity in reaching beyond the four walls of their churches to the next generation.  

A special time of youth worship

Japan churches have made it a priority to actively address social needs, enhancing their accessibility to the community. Machida Bible Church in the Tokyo area, pastored by Yutaka and Sakie Yoshinaga, hosts a monthly “Curry Day,” tackling the issue of children eating alone at night due to their parents’ work schedules. This event invites children to join church members for affordable curry rice in a warm, welcoming space. The aim of such initiatives is to present the church as a safe haven and to foster meaningful relationships with neighborhood families.  

In a similar effort to connect with the community’s elementary-aged children, Machida Bible appeals to their sweet tooth! Once a month they transform the church into a “Sweet Cafe,” giving all attendees coupons to exchange for tasty treats. Church members then invite children to participate in other activities such as dance, playing musical instruments, sports, and games. The Sweet Cafe has proven to be a welcoming space for both children and mothers with young children. 

Despite Christians making up less than one percent of the population, Japan Open Bible Churches show profound commitment and creativity in reaching beyond the four walls of their churches to the next generation.

In modern Japan, mastering English is more than just a practical skill; it is an effective way to engage students who might not typically associate with Christianity and to introduce them to Jesus. Church English classes use conventional language acquisition methods alongside unconventional ones, such as praise songs, dance, camps, and Christmas programs. Additionally, monthly student-parent gatherings feature illustrated Bible stories and related activities. These English classes resonate with Japanese youth, and Open Bible Japan welcomes native English-speaking missionaries to join them in this venture. 

Laying the foundation for faith and discipleship is a priority, and Sunday School is where much of this happens in Japan’s Open Bible churches. However, it is the active participation in ministry – even for the younger generation – that solidifies that foundation. Therefore, elementary students regularly participate in Sunday worship teams, playing the drums, the guitar, or keyboards. Church youth groups also form “Mission Go” teams to support smaller churches in youth evangelism initiatives. These teams have helped run a basketball clinic for the community’s youth and assist in local children’s ministries.  

Japanese youth in Thailand for a mission trip

Partnering with Open Bible missionaries in Thailand, Japanese youth take part in mission trips. These cross-cultural experiences leave a profound impact on their lives. One teen noted, “I led the worship time and thought to myself, ‘I’m praising God in another country!’ I was deeply moved by how sincerely the people worshipped and my tears flowed uncontrollably.” Another participant remarked, “I could see the strong tie between Thai Buddhism and their landmarks. I realized the similarities with Japan and that we must pray that these places in both Thailand and Japan be dedicated to God rather than idols.” Japanese youth’s active participation on mission trips helps deepen their faith, encourage gift development, and give perspective on how to effectively pray for other cultures. Japan’s ministry to and through its children is a powerful testimony to what can happen when we entrust the gospel to the next generation.  

Students learning English proudly display their work alongside their teachers

For some, ministry to children and youth is seen as secondary. Global Missions’ dedication to fostering a legacy of faith to the next generation is more than commendable; it is biblical. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matt. 19:14 NIV). Thank you for your support of Open Bible churches worldwide through the investment of prayer, time, energy, and finance as we seek to reach, disciple, and engage the next generation for the Kingdom of God!

About the Author

Tammy Swailes

Tammy Swailes is passionate about cross-cultural Christian education, so working with INSTE Global Bible College to disciple and equip leaders throughout Europe and beyond is a great fit! Tammy has lived in Europe since 1999 – first in Hungary and now Ukraine. Before that, she was in Japan as well as Spokane, Washington. She now serves as INSTE regional director in Europe, assisting INSTE programs in five languages. Tammy has her undergraduate degrees in both Missions and Christian Education, and a MA in Intercultural Studies. Photography, good coffee, multi-cultural experiences, and the family’s Yorkie are some of Tammy’s favorite things. 

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Around the World

Cuba: No Embargoes on God’s Presence! 

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Attend one worship service at Pastor David Moreno’s Open Bible church in Guanajay and you’ll quickly find there are no limitations or “embargoes” on God’s presence in Cuba. Rich worship, inspirational teaching, and the robust moving of the Holy Spirit are enduring hallmarks of Pastor David’s church, Templo Evangelico de la Biblia Abierta. This flagship church reflects what God is doing in and through Open Bible Churches across the country of Cuba.  

Southeast Regional Director Nathan Hagan shares with the Cuban church members

The spiritual health of this church belies the fragility of life in Cuba. Scarcity of food and medication, heavy fuel rationing, and steep inflation ─ over 30% last year ─ define their grave economic reality. These conditions have already pushed hundreds of thousands of Cubans to leave their homeland in a daring quest for a better life. 
 
Open Bible’s 149 Cuban churches are much more than houses of worship. Beyond offering crucial salvation and discipleship, they are community centers, helping to fill the gaps for the people they serve. Daily they provide miraculously obtained food and other essential items so desperately needed by the Cuban people.  

As the director of Mission Esperanza, over the past year I have had the privilege of partnering with Pastor David, who also serves as the president of Open Bible in Cuba, and his national leadership team. Mission Esperanza’s call is to serve and encourage the Cuban people and churches by facilitating pastoral leadership conferences, assisting in the construction of churches, and shipping essential items from the U.S. 

In February 2024, I led a group of nine Open Bible pastors and leaders on a vision trip to Cuba. I was grateful that Open Bible President Michael Nortune was able to be part of that group. Pastor David ferried us around for three days, visiting several Cuban Open Bible churches and pastors and helping our group to learn firsthand of the hardships and opportunities in Cuba. A real highlight of the trip was hearing President Nortune preach in Pastor David’s church that Sunday morning. He delivered a Holy Spirit inspired message of encouragement and issued a biblical challenge that was enthusiastically received in the crowded sanctuary. 

President Nortune prays over local Cuban pastors

Previously, in October 2023, Mission Esperanza held our first Pastors Conference with 350 pastors and church leaders in attendance. Pastor Aaron Keller (Des Moines, IA) joined me in hosting our conference speaking team of Pastor Raul Escalante (Sunrise, FL), Pastor Pablo Urra (Miami, FL), and Pastors Marcelo and Bernarda Rodriguez (Grecia, Costa Rica). The Lord moved powerfully through our gifted speakers, each one covering ministry subjects particularly relevant to Cuban churches and the failing Cuban society. That our speakers were all fluent in Spanish and understood the Latin culture multiplied their ministry effectiveness. Many times, sessions concluded with prayer at the altar during our three-day conference. I was blessed watching Mission Esperanza’s team move across the sanctuary praying with our Cuban brothers and sisters as they poured out their praise and ardent petitions to our Heavenly Father. Time paused as the Holy Spirit filled the hearts of His people. I have received many reports of the blessing of last October’s conference, praise the Lord! Mission Esperanza is looking forward to our next conference scheduled for May 2024, where we anticipate another 250 pastors and leaders from a different region in Cuba. 

Certainly, Cuba needs our prayers and support. Please prayerfully consider supporting the people and churches in Cuba by giving through Global Missions’ Mission Venture Plan (MVP). There are two ways you can bless Cuba under the MVP category of Humanitarian Aid. You can give a one-time amount to the “Cuba Aid” fund, or you can give monthly by selecting Cuba Adopt-A-Church.This program is a $30 to $50 monthly commitment, which will support a local pastor and church.  
 
The Church is growing rapidly in Cuba. People are coming to Christ across the country, new churches are being planted every year, disciples are being made, and 350 students are being trained and equipped for ministry. Recently, while discussing the Lord’s work in Cuba, President Nortune reminded me, “The story continues, and we all can be part of it.”   

The needs are great, but just as there are no spiritual embargoes in Cuba, there are no limitations in Christ! 

*Credit for all photographs goes to Tim Wedhe.

About the Author

David Bethany

David Bethany is a follower of Jesus Christ. He is blessed by his wife, Carla, and is dad to four adult children and “papa” to eight energetic grandchildren. David is the Director of Mission Esperanza and has been the Construction Director for MOVE Ministries for the past thirty-one years. He owns a construction consulting firm in Los Angeles and attends Village Church. 

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