assignment international ministries

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Assignment International Ministries

Birmingham AL | IRS ruling year: 2019 | EIN: 83-3137767  

Organization Mission

Mission not available

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Rating Report

Impact & Measurement

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Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website

Foundation Status:

Organization that normally receives no more than one-third of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business income and at the same time more than one-third of its support from contributions, fees, and gross receipts related to exempt purposes.  509(a)(2) (BMF foundation code: 16)

Affiliation:

Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)

The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to search for this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available). Simply enter the organization's name (Assignment International Ministries) or EIN (833137767) in the 'Search Term' field.

Assignment International Ministries cannot currently be evaluated by our Impact & Measurement methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors. Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.

Assignment International Ministries cannot currently be evaluated by our Culture & Community methodology because we have not received data from the charity regarding its Constituent Feedback or Equity Practices strategies. Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.

Assignment International Ministries cannot currently be evaluated by our Leadership & Adaptability methodology because we have not received data from the charity regarding its leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes. Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.

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Get To Know Us

Our team & mission, the kingdom assignment, for the past ten years, kingdom assignment has been an organic and growing movement among hundreds of churches and thousands of people around the world. from that initial experience at coast hills community church, people around the globe have witnessed incredible results and shared amazing stories of the impact that a kingdom assignment can have when they go on assignment. these stories have even found national appeal in the press with such periodicals as people magazine, on television with the oprah winfrey show, and in our own book. the kingdom assignment....

Board Of Directors

Our board of directors have all come to find a seat in the ka board room through friendship and all have one thing in common… they love jesus this group of christ followers have walked very diverse journeys to find the one-way john 14:6 - jesus answered, “i am the way and the truth and the life. no one comes to the father except through me. they all bring excellence to our round table in leadership and integrity, being of strong character in their homes and in their communities. they are humble and take their position on the board and donor funds seriously, but don’t take themselves seriously. laughter and enjoying one another’s company is an important element to our time together as we push through the steps of establishing a not for profit/5013c and grow this little idea called the kingdom assignment. we are pleased to say that all our board members are happily married and have a culmination of over 200 years of marriage., here they are in alphabetical order:.

Jeff Abbott

Jeff was born in canada and raised in santa ana, ca. graduating from cal state long beach he stayed close to home working and serving thesanta ana school district. he has worked for companies, smith international and ducommun, inc. where he became division president. since 2003, jeff has been a group chair for convene, a ceo leadership forum for christian business owners. jeff also joins other successful businessmen called “difference makers” and the barnabas group where in strategizing sessions they help others to use their ideas to change the world. jeff serves also on the board of the sheepfold and actively serves as ambassador for free wheelchair mission. , jeff became an enthusiastic participant and cheerleader for the kingdom assignment when he was introduced to the book. he bought a box and distributed them to his staff and friends to launch them on assignment. jeff loves the lord, and he and his wife doris are long time members ofchino valley community church where he helped launch the kingdom assignment., jeff’s wife doris is a fantastic supporter of jeff’s fun and frivolity. as jeff says, “if it’s not fun then i’ll make it fun” they have been married since jan 22nd 1972 and have two sons and 2 grandsons. jeff says they seem to only know how to make boys, and cherishes them dearly..

Leesa Bellesi

When leesa lost her brother to a drunk driver in 1966 her story began. coming to christ at 13 and setting her sights on ministry leesa married denny may 11th 1974 at 19 years old. she earned her pht (putting hubby through) as denny earned his m div in theology at denver seminary in colorado. marriage and motherhood have been her greatest joy and triumph with two happily married daughters and three fantastic grandchildren., while being a senior pastor’s wife of one of the fastest growing churches in america leesa had a career in dance. leesa is celebrating 25 years as a ballet and jazz instructor and cheer coach seeing her teams become national champions many times over., leesa has worn many hats in ministry over the last 35 years and has enjoyed every minute of it. leesa is a seasoned speaker with a humorous style that weaves scripture into every day life experiences. subjects in her many honed messages of “daring to dream” to “becoming the ephesians’ 5 woman” have made her a sought after speaker for one day events or week long conferences and retreats., the kingdom assignment was an idea that denny and leesa had back in 1985 when they founded coast hills community church in aliso viejo, ca. the idea did not come to life until november 2000 when it become the perfect time to launch this crazy idea of giving away money in church to emphasize the life changing verses of the parable of the talents in matthew 25:14-30. what came next was astounding. something only god could do. (read the full story). leesa continues to be the “keeper of the brand” and share the stories of faith that consistently pour in as this little idea makes it’s way around the world.  .

Brett Trowbridge

What a blessing it was the day we met brett and becky trowbridge. in the front pew of lake avenue church in pasadena the bellesis soon found out that becky was a fabulous cook and that brett is the official “strategic planner” of all things non-profit. he is a analytical thinker and has a passion to serve the lord along side other passionate and positive leaders. , brett currently works as a freelance strategic planner, marketing and business development consultant. he is also the chairman of the board of thermal remediation services, a private environmental remediation company based out of portland, oregon. , brett also serves on the board of directors of the sacred harvest foundation and provides ministry advice and support to several ministries in the orange county area. , after brett got his chemical engineering degree from washington university in st. louis he rounded out his education with an mba from pepperdine university. brett has been an entrepreneur owning many of his own companies, and served as executive leader in several companies including petroleum, environmental services, electronic software and hardware businesses. he has also provided consulting, planning and coaching services to a broad array of businesses and ministries over the years. in the non-profit world, brett has also served in varying leadership capacities on church and para-church governing boards, such as free wheel chair, councils, and deacon boards., brett and becky, married since december 28th 1984 split residences between pasadena and dana point, ca where they get the best of both worlds in southern california living..

Denny Bellesi

Denny was born in van nuys, ca. grew up a true san fernando valley kid bleeding dodger blue. he found christ through the ministry of van nuys baptist church in 1966. denny went to san diego state university, graduating from california state university, northridge, ca in psychology. he graduated president of his class from denver theological seminary with his m div june/1979. , denny has been an inspiring speaker and leader as a pastor for over 30 years. he left a huge mark on orange county, ca when he and his wife leesa with their daughters founded coast hills community church, a fellowship that began with 10 families and grew into 3,500 families under denny’s leadership as senior pastor. denny was featured on the oprah winfrey show, in people magazine, readers digest, woman’s day and hundreds of news articles around the world. denny and leesa are co-founders of “kingdom assignment international”, denny met his wife leesa the summer of 1968 during a fierce water fight at youth group and the rest is history. they were married may 11th 1974 and have two married daughters, brooke and darren king and natalie and eric johnson, and 3 grandchildren. life is good.

Fred Gladney

Fred is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of management, operations and sales leadership experience. he has been a successful executive in the information technology sector with ibm and compaq computer. fred is a decisive team leader, serving as our chair, and is a developer of people, who practices a “missionary development” style of management., fred is a graduate of california state university. he is an associate elder and men’s ministry teacher at mariners church in newport beach, ca. fred has a servant mentality as he also serves as board member and important contributor to open door usa, ministries for family enrichment and far east broadcasting company., fred first heard about the kingdom assignment at a business meeting, where denny and leesa presented principles from the parable of the talents and launched fred on an assignment of his own. born in pittsburg, pa, fred grew up in the church, but it wasn’t until he moved to los angeles as an adult that he truly heard and understood the call of christ upon his life through bible study, and the influence of christian leaders like ev hill and josh mcdowell., fred and his beautiful wife, julie were married in and have wonderful children.  .

Brenda Wilkinson

Brenda was born and raised in lake oswego, oregon and going on to oregon state university where she met her husband, jerry. she is a graduate of oregon health sciences university., brenda comes from a dental family and following a 6 year career as a dental hygienist took 16 years off to work at home as a mom, wife and volunteer., brenda found christ when her and her husband came to coast hills church in the early 90’s. her and her husband have served along side each other ever since., she currently divides her time between part time dental work, volunteering, nurturing relationships, bible study, playing tennis, watching her son play division i basketball at usc and following team sports., some of her ministry activities include: mentoring pre-married couples, food and supply distribution to the elderly and camp pendleton marines, fire and hurricane disaster relief programs for foundation for hope, leading young married couples, greeting at church and women’s ministry leader at coast hills community church, aliso viejo, ca where they fellowship.  .

Jerry brings energy, insight and creativity to our board. His unique background as a former professional football player, business executive, husband, dad and volunteer bring unique passion to our leadership.

Before transitioning in to the business world, jerry played for the los angeles rams, cleveland browns, san francisco 49ers and oakland invades of the usfl. drafted by the los angeles rams following his collegiate career at oregon state university, jerry played in super bowl xiv and alongside of the national football league’s brightest stars. , jerry chose a path in sales and marketing graduating in to progressive levels of management responsibility for notable companies, such as coca-cola, apria healthcare, merrill corporation and ikon office solutions. jerry is recognized for his sales contribution, coaching, training and development of others., jerry enjoys participating in his community where he has been involved coaching youth sports for years. he has actively served in board level activities with the boys and girls club of america, ymca, and mission viejo youth basketball. jerry has volunteered locally, too as a teaching leader for christ formation academy at coast hills community church; master of ceremonies for super monday, nfl stars speak out; team member of the hurricane “ike” disaster relief team deployed to those hardest hit in galveston, texas and food and supply distribution to the elderly and families of camp pendleton marines through foundation for hope. along with his wife, brenda jerry has led and mentor pre-married couples, young married couples, and occasionally greets at church., he enjoys all competitive sports (especially college basketball and football), vacationing in mexico and spending time with his wife, son and close friends. , at the invitation of a friend jerry and brenda found themselves at coast hills community church in the early 90’s where they heard the gospel in a way and at a time that made real sense to them. their lives and direction have never been the same, and their love and enthusiasm for the lord is ever contagious..

Cynthia Page

Executive Assistant and Receptionist

Executive KA Consulant

KA Chief Administrative Assistant/Developer

Margie Fogal

Operations Assistant

Kevin Sumner

KA T-Shirt Vendor

Darren King

KA Computer Wiz

Natalie Johnson

KA Graphic Artist

Mike Porrazzo

KA Contract Attorney

Denise Barrett and Associates

Financial and Book Keeping Services

Victor Dizon

KA Web Master

Jim Grindle

On Assignment Representative

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.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;} dr. johnny fain of assignment international ministries interview with dr. chris crain.

In this episode of Undivided Birmingham, Dr. Johnny Fain, shares about prayer and the story behind Assignment International Ministries.

The story of AIM is one that started back in June of 1978, when Johnny and Debbie were married and shortly after became the pastor of a small church over 3 hours from their home in Ft Worth ,Tx.

From that starting point, 41 years later, they found themselves in the crossroads of “What is next, Lord?” With this prayer being offered up to the Father in Heaven, they found themselves receiving the answer while visiting in the home of Glenn and Jackie Sheppard on a small sheep farm in Kansas City, Mo.

Being “learners” of revival and prayer movements, they journeyed to K.C. to visit a prayer meeting that had been going on for over 17 years, at a site called The International House of Prayer.  Little did they know that the Lord would speak a word of direction to them, not at the prayer meeting, but out by a sheep pen.  

Early Wednesday morning of that week, Johnny went out to pray and learn the lessons of the sheep. Of course, when you are learning about sheep, you must read Psalm 23. After reading this Psalm, the Lord lead Johnny to read Psalm 24. The purpose was to know that the Lord was his Shepherd and his King!  Following the 24th, the Lord said to read Psalm 25 with the question, “Being that the Lord is my Shepherd King,  what is my response to Him?”  I will trust You, God.  Show me Your ways.  Teach me Your paths.  Lead me into truth for I trust in You.

Johnny began to pray these things and the Lord spoke very clearly, “It is time to leave the pastorate.”  He replied, “Lord,  you’re  going to have to speak this to Debbie.” The Lord said that was not a problem!  With no word of this spoken to Debbie, she began writing what the Lord was saying to her during her Bible study and prayer time.  The words were clear.  They had finished the work in the pastorate and it was time for something new.  Debbie came from her time with the Lord and shared with Johnny the word given to her. It was the same as Johnny had received!

They knew something new was coming but did not know what it was to be.

The word “assignment”, kept coming up and gradually the Lord revealed His plans to form Assignment International Ministries or AIM.

https://assignmentinternationalministries.com/

Join us for the If My People Will Pray Multi-City Prayer Rally on October 1, 2023, from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, at the Wright Center at Samford University for one hour of worship followed by one hour of prayer.

Learn more at https://ifmypeoplewillpray.net

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Not What I Signed Up For!

There are times in our lives when various things happen that don’t appear to be our original assignment from the Lord.  We’ve said, “Yes!” to Jesus and His call on our lives but the movie being played out in front of us does not look like the picture we had originally agreed to.  So, we chalk it up to spiritual warfare or stubborn people acting in the flesh, etc.  We usually become very frustrated and begin wondering what in the world is going on. 

Paul was tested in this way many times.  The ministerial journey he shares in  2nd Corinthians 11: 24-27 isn’t a pretty picture at all.  He says,

“From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, . . . . in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in cold and nakedness.”

More than likely, you and I haven’t been through the same struggles Paul encountered!  Nevertheless, our journey feels just as real and challenging to us personally.  To keep the right perspective, we must remember the Lord’s promises to us from His Word and our commitment to Him.

*GOD WILL DIRECT IF WE TRUST

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Prov. 3:5-6

*GOD WILL STRENGTHEN IF WE WAIT

“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14

GOD WILL GIVE US REST IF WE COME

“Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Could it be that God is involved in the delay of our unanswered prayers?  He seems so far away when the answer to a prayer is delayed or a definite, “No.”

He is sovereign for sure.  Nothing with Him is wasted.

This lesson became so clear to me when I moved my parents to Dothan in 2008, following my mother’s second stroke.  She began rehab at Extendicare.  After several weeks, the fabulous physical therapists and her doctor determined that she would not be able to walk and would need total care.  After Dr. Morriss talked with my dad, it was decided that she would transfer to the long term care section of Extendicare.  We had all prayed that she would improve and be able to live at home with my dad.  Why hadn’t God allowed her to be able to walk and be independent?  We finally stopped asking “Why?” And began asking, “How?”  How could God use this for His glory?  My mother always taught me, “The best place to be is  in the center of God’s will.”  She also reminded me of the promise in 

Romans 8:28,  “All things work together for the good of those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.” 

For the next 9 years, my mom encouraged, prayed for and ministered to employees and visitors coming in and out of her room. My dad was there everyday, singing songs and encouraging the staff.  As a result, one employee came to know Christ and others grew in their walk with the Lord.  Whereas God used Paul the last few years of his life in a prison to share Christ, He used my mom at Extendicare to further His kingdom’s work.

What difficulty are you walking through right now?  Can God be honored and glorified even in the midst of your hardship?  Stop asking “Why?” And start asking “How?”  How can He use this for His glory?  He will open your eyes and give you a new perspective, which will lead to a new attitude of gratitude! 

Let’s “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

Know God, His will, and His Kingdom

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• On Assignment in Portland

CAROLYN IGA, DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH/PASTOR

Carolyn spent 7 years ministering across 40 cities in East Asia exploring multiple people groups and learning the Mandarin language. Wherever she goes, she carries the simple message that “there is a Creator who loves you very much,” along with an inner and physical healing ministry.

As founder of Assignments International, Carolyn holds a Masters in Music from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master in Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and has served as associate pastor and music minister at several mainline churches in the Los Angeles area. In 2007 she opened Neighborhood Music School in Arcadia, CA which provides professional music instruction to all ages, promoting a love for learning and an emphasis on kindness and joy.

Since ministering in skid row in the 1990s Carolyn has always prioritized the needy when ministering. She is currently focused on helping to mitigate homelessness in Arcadia and the San Gabriel Valley. In addition to serving as president for Assignments International, she services as Pastor and Outreach to the unhoused community.

EDWARD LI, BOARD MEMBER

Ed is AI’s Chief Encourager. He and his wife Vicky founded their own character-development-focused STEM company Barnabas Robotics after Ed worked for years at another technology start-up. Ed has his electrical engineering degree from UC Berkley and after working on developing hardware, transitioned into business development in the commercial robotics industry. He has extensive experience leading teams in design, operations, and business development in domestic and international markets. After founding Barnabas Robotics in 2014, Ed began teaching robotics as a way to empower youth and share a message of hope through technology and education.

He is passionate about helping kids learn more about themselves through both technical education and social and emotional learning. He has a son Bennett and a podcast called “ Interconnected ” which gives voice to those who have navigated strange and unusual pairings of perceivably contradictory fields that lead to a niche in calling and service to the community.

TOBI NISHIKAWA, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES

With over 20 years of experience in residential treatment and mental health, Tobi Nishikawa has a demonstrated history of working with marginalized and vulnerable persons in the social welfare industry. Prior to her role as the Director of Social Services for Assignments International, she served as Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorder Services in a non-profit serving youth and families, many who were foster youth and/or families living in poverty.  Previously, she served in various clinical leadership roles at several residential treatment settings where she was primarily responsible for the implementation and oversight of mental health and supportive services. It was in these settings that Tobi had the privileged opportunity to see first-hand the systemic barriers, societal stigma and complex challenges facing the prisoners, fatherless and poor amongst us.  Through her years of work, God has enlarged Tobi’s heart for the most vulnerable.  Though she continues to maintain a private practice, her work with Assignments International is her heart-passion.

Tobi holds a Master’s of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

RICK AKIYAMA, DIRECTOR OF PRAYER

RICK AKIYAMA has been involved in prayer ministries for over 20 years. He began with Living Waters, a deep level inner healing ministry in Rosemead and also at Resurrected Life Ministries in Pasadena.

He led a Listening Prayer ministry at Cerritos Baptist Church and currently leads the Prayer Ministry at Catalyst Christian Community.

Rick has a heart for broken people.

God designed Rick with unique gifts and abilities which allow him to help people experience the Lord in a personal and significant way.

Rick loves to set people free from past wounds and into their destiny.

JOY CHENG, BOARD MEMBER

Joy carries a strong sense of call to the education sector. With a Masters of Education from UCLA, she taught 3rd grade for 11 years until the birth of first child when she became a stay-at-home mom and got involved with PTA. Joy has served on the executive boards of several unit PTAs as well as on the Arcadia Council PTA in numerous positions including president, executive vice president, parliamentarian, and recording secretary.

Joy served as the Missions Associate for Evergreen Baptist Church and led and participated in multiple short term missions trips to Hong Kong, Costa Rica and China. She remained an active lay leader in the church serving with outreach, children’s ministries and women’s ministries. Joy brings a wealth of experience and competence to the board at AI as secretary of the organization

Leadership Meeting 2019

Leadership Retreat 2021

about the fellowship

A letter of welcome.

Redemption Fellowship is an Apostolic Network of ministers, churches, and ministries that was born out of the 17,000 member Redemption originally located Greenville, South Carolina (now San Jose, CA). Pastor Ron Carpenter founded Redemption Fellowship with a vision to provide a spiritual covering for ministers and ministries which can develop, equip, resource, and empower men and women of God who operate in five-fold ministries, and many other leadership roles.

Pastor’s heart is for ministers and their families to be all God created them to be, so that they can do all that God called them to do, fulfilling their destiny! Pastor’s goal for RF is that it be a relational fellowship which provides opportunities for personal and leadership development through impartation, resourcing, mentoring, accountability, and restoration.

We look forward to making great impact in the Kingdom along side you and your ministry!

fellowship staff members

pastors ron and hope carpenter

Founders and Senior Pastors of Redemption in San Jose, CA.

Recognized as a leader of leaders, Ron has advised, consulted, and mentored CEOs, Pastors, and political leaders around the world for two decades. As a Senior Pastor and also a successful entrepreneur with multiple business ventures, Ron’s relentless passion for developing potential in others permeates every aspect of his ministry.

Ron founded Redemption in 1991 with three members and a passion for breaking down the walls of racism, crossing cultural lines, and changing poverty mindsets in their community as well as around the world. The ministry has become a model for successful community impact, and creating strategic partnerships with corporate, governmental, and non-profit organizations to develop innovative ways to improve quality of life.

It is the vision and goal of Ron Carpenter Ministries to advance Kingdom teaching and principles in a global effort to reach the unsaved, restore the lost, and infiltrate local communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Technology is ever changing and growing and has allowed the impactful opportunity to share the gift God has placed on Ron Carpenter; a unique message and people.

In an effort to keep a forward momentum in Kingdom teaching, Ron Carpenter Ministries seeks to use media outlets to share this gift while providing the opportunity for viewers to become active partners and members. Ron Carpenter has been gifted with the ability to create an atmosphere where people of all walks of life, race, and denomination can touch heaven with a multi-cultural sound that is Kingdom.

pastor greg smith

Pastor Greg Smith serves as CFO/COO and Director of Risk Management for Redemption Church, Redemption Fellowship and Ron Carpenter Ministries. He has traveled throughout the world ministering in churches, conferences and crusades preaching the Gospel and empowering God’s servants to become all that God has called them to be and to be a tool to fulfill their divine destiny. Pastor Greg and his wife Pam have been involved with Redemption for over twenty years. Pastor Greg’s ministry education includes an A.A. and B.A. from Trinity Bible College, Fruitland Bible Institute and Redemption School of Ministry.

Pastor Duaine Johnson

[email protected]

For well over a decade, Pastor Duaine has been honored to travel the world revealing, imparting, empowering, and equipping people, leaders, and ministries to fulfill their kingdom mandate. His unrelenting passion is to develop leaders and maximize the purpose and potential of others. Recognized by many as an apostolic leader in this generation, Duaine is a strategic thinker, innovator, and spiritual architect with vast leadership development experience, who consults, influences, and serves some of the world’s most influential ministries.

As the founder of Dominion.u, Pastor Duaine is pioneering a unique expression for digital discipleship, mentorship, training, and leadership development aimed at equipping individuals, empowering leaders, and enabling teams to discover their potential, maximize their power, upgrade their influence, and demonstrate dominion in their respective markets. He and his amazing Wife, Pastor Tosha, have been married for 12 years, and are active church planters who are entrepreneurial by nature. They have always been wholly devoted to manifesting the glory of God.

As Director of Redemption Fellowship, Pastor Duaine is honored to help serve and empower you and your teams to maximize your heavenly assignment. He is driven and fully committed to seeing you and your ministries advance the Kingdom of God in both global and generational ways.

Tosha Johnson

RF Administrator

Pastor Tosha is a revivalist at heart, and has a passion to advance the Kingdom. Her desire is to ignite faith and launch people into living a life of purpose. She has had the honor of serving alongside some of the world’s most influential ministries developing teams and creative processes. Her greatest joy is serving alongside her husband, Pastor Duaine Johnson pioneering unique expressions for discipleship, mentorship, training, and leadership development aimed at empowering people of all generations to discover potential, develop gifts, express destiny, and transform cultures.

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Big changes are coming…but what exactly are those changes?

It’s hard to believe that in just over two months our family will find ourselves relocated back in the US for our one-year home assignment, and while that doesn’t bring a lot of changes for all of you, it does mean a move across the world for us! We’ve heard a lot of questions coming in from friends and supporters, and this is a great time to answer some of those.

• What is “home assignment”?  Home assignment, more properly termed “US/Puerto Rico Assignment,” is the time when missionaries temporarily come off the field and head back to their passport country. During this time, they  attend special conferences  for missionaries, help International Ministries with  work stateside  (such as the Biennial Convention and Hear the Call Retreats),  enjoy some rest and time with family , and most importantly,  visit the wonderful churches and individuals  who have been so faithful in supporting them – as well as  seeking new friends  with whom to partner on our mission journey.
• Are you moving back to the US for good?  At this time, we still strongly feel God’s call to minister with the Karen people in Thailand. This home assignment will last for one year, and  our plan is to return to Thailand at the end of May 2020 , as long as we can build and maintain the support needed.
• Where will you live?  Well, that is a really good question… and one  we wish we had the answer  to! We know that God has the answer, and  we are trusting Him to reveal it  in His time. We feel pretty strongly that our children need to feel as “at home” as possible during this tough time of transition. Since we lived in Indiana for 15 years before moving overseas – and Indiana is where the majority of our supporters reside –  we are currently looking to move back to Indiana  for our home assignment time.
• When are you coming back to the US?  Debby and Julia will be returning to the US mid-April in order to try and secure housing and make final plans for the family. Kyle, Brennan, and Emma will follow at the beginning of May.
• If you’ll be in the US, do you still need our support?  YES!  In fact, we need your support  more than ever , because it is more expensive to live in the US than it is to live in Thailand. Plus, our time in the US is not a vacation (although we will have some vacation time during the year, like most families do!) –  we are still working, employed by IM,  and we will in fact be quite busy during the year! We are thankful for all of our partners, and we are actively seeking to form new partnerships. If you’d like to become a part of God’s work in Thailand by making a gift to IM on our behalf, you can do so by clicking the GIVE button above.
• What will you be doing during this year in the US?  Oh my, where to begin… the majority of our time will be spent  visiting churches and individuals who have been so faithful in supporting us , and we look forward to those joyful reunions. We will also be  seeking new churches and individuals to start new partnerships  with us. But in addition to that, there are some special things happening. We will be  attending the Biennial Mission Summit in Virginia Beach in June. You can attend, too, by registering here.  We will join other missionaries in leadership roles and in providing information about our ministry. We will also be  partnering with Campbellsville University in Kentucky as visiting missionaries . Campbellsville began a new partnership with American Baptist Churches a few years ago, and we are excited to join them in their promotion of missions on their campus at various events throughout the school year.
• How can we pray for you?  Pray that we will clearly see  God’s direction in where we are supposed to live  and will be able to  secure the housing we need  upon return to the US. And please  pray for our family  (both the children and the adults!) as we make this transition. A full year in the US is quite different than a visit of a few weeks. We will be leaving our ministry, our church, and friends that we love for a full year. Even though we are headed to see family, friends, and other people who are very important to us, we have to admit that there are things that have the potential to worry us: will we forget how to speak Thai? Will our friends here move away while we are gone? (we already know that some of them will not be here when we return) Will our dog and cat be ok? And in the meantime, there is still a lot of work to do to make everything happen!

So that’s what we’re talking about when we say “home assignment.” We’re looking forward to seeing so many of you during that time. Be sure to have your church contact us to schedule a time for us to visit!

Have a question we didn’t answer? Just ask! We encourage you to keep in touch with us – we love to hear from you, whether by email (you can respond directly to this post using the CONTACT US button below, or email us at [email protected]) or by Facebook message at  The Witmers in Thailand . Thanks so much for your prayers and support. The love of the Lord Jesus be with you all.

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International Ministries, also known as the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, FEIN #13-5563392 is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.

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Our Process

Has your local church affirmed your gifting and readiness for long-term ministry?

The application & onboarding process.

There are a few boxes to check before you’re ready to launch into your first international assignment. The entire process typically takes 12 to 18 months. Find out what to expect during that time frame.

From Application to Appointment

Start with a conversation with a Mobilizer who will help you understand whether Reaching & Teaching is a good fit for you.

Throughout the process, we will connect with your sending church to hear their assessment of your desire and gifting for the field.

A Mobilizer will give you a link to our application which includes your personal testimony and references.

Once we have your application, our team will contact you to set up an initial interview so we can learn more about you.

We will provide you with Theological and Confidential Questionnaires that you will complete and submit for review.

Our team will process your application and questionnaires, interact with you, your elders, and your references, and will determine what additional steps, if any, might need to be taken to prepare you for the field.

Once the evaluation process is complete and any additional steps have been taken, we will set up another interview with you and a few members of our Global Leadership Team.

The final step prior to appointment is an interview with our President.

Once our president approves your application and interview process, he will submit your profile to our Board of Directors for appointment.

From Appointment to the Field

Our Operations and Long-term team will walk with you to ensure you and your sending church are prepared and ready for you to deploy to your assignment.

Attend a two-day bootcamp to learn how to build a robust team of support partners. We provide ongoing coaching and resources to ensure that you are well-supported before you ever go on assignment. All global workers are required to raise 100% of their support prior to leaving.

Complete the week-long, cross-cultural training and orientation program hosted by our team.

Once you’ve raised all of your financial support and have gotten the approval from your Regional Leader, you are ready to purchase your flights deploy to your new home!

Talk to Us About Becoming a Long-term Missionary

We long to see mature disciples, healthy churches, and trained leaders in every place around the world, and are praying for more laborers for the harvest. There are a variety of ways that you can serve long-term using your unique gifts, so sign up here to talk with a Mobilizer. We would love to hear more about the desires, gifts, and opportunities that God has given you.

Frequently Asked Questions

In what countries do reaching & teaching’s global workers serve.

Our Global Workers are not restricted to any particular country or region. We are now deploying Global Workers across the globe. For security reasons, we cannot list all the countries in which we serve; however, we are excited about the opportunities God has provided from South America to South Asia.

What does a Reaching & Teaching Global Worker do?

Reaching & Teaching Global Workers are committed to the tasks of making mature disciples, establishing healthy churches, and training local leaders. Depending on the context of where the Global Worker is serving, they will be engaged in a range of activities from evangelism, discipleship, church-planting, church strengthening, and leadership development.  All of this work is done with the aim of healthy churches in every place around the world. 

Would I raise my own support?

Yes. Global Workers raise the finances necessary for their life and ministry on the field. We provide ongoing organizational support to our missionaries from the time of initial support-raising, through language training, and while on the mission field. 

The amount of money that our Global Workers raise depends heavily upon their ministry location and the size of their family. Missionaries should expect to raise at least $60,000 for annual salary and an additional $60,000-90,000 for one-time deployment and training costs.

What happens if I lose support while on the field?

We require that Global Workers raise a 2-3 month surplus to avoid debilitating funding situations. However, if funds dip below 85%, we will require the Global Worker to return to North America to reignite support efforts. We encourage all of our Global Workers to maintain excellent, helpful communication with their support partners.

Who handles logistics?

Our Global Workers are responsible to handle their own housing, medical, education, and transportation logistics. We are happy to provide counsel and help wherever possible, such as providing travel logistical support. Concerning financial logistics, Reaching & Teaching contracts with Cedarstone Partners to handle HR matters, payroll, ministry expense reimbursements, donor receipts, and more.

How often would I come back to the states?

Our Global Workers typically take a stateside assignment every three to four years. We ask that all Global Workers remain on the field during the first year of language acquisition.

Do you provide medical, dental, or retirement benefits?

RTIM offers an optional group health plan option and optional retirement benefit to full-time employees.  Each employee is responsible to raise sufficient funds to opt-in to these benefits. 

What does Reaching & Teaching offer in terms of Member Care?

Reaching & Teaching has a dedicated Member Care staff who provide spiritual care for RTIM Global Workers and children as part of the Long-term Ministry Team. The primary tasks of member care are to listen, pray, and provide biblical counsel and encouragement as a supplement to the care provided by the sending church. Each long-term worker is assigned a member care staff early in the on boarding process who will provide care for the duration of their on-boarding and deployment.

What is Reaching & Teaching's position on Global Worker candidates and pornography?

What is reaching & teaching's position on global worker candidates and student debt.

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• Bishop's Statement
• New Clergy Assignments Effective July 1, 2022...

New Clergy Assignments Effective July 1, 2022

May 16, 2022

In order to serve the people of God and following extensive consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board over the last few months, Bishop Oscar Cantú  has made the following new clergy assignments effective July 1, 2022 unless otherwise indicated.

Office of Pastor

Father James Okafor – from Administrator to Pastor of Saint Frances Cabrini Parish in San Jose

Office of Parochial Vicar

Father Edgar Elamparo – from parochial vicar of Holy Spirit Parish in San Jose to parochial vicar of Saint John the Baptist in Milpitas.

Father Michael Gazzingan – from parochial vicar of Saint Joseph Parish, Mountain View to parochial vicar of Saint Nicholas/Saint William Parish in Los Altos.  Father Gazzingan will begin assignment on August 1, 2022, after a three-month medical leave.

Father John Hoang – from parochial vicar of Saint John Vianney Parish to parochial vicar of Holy Spirit Parish in San Jose.

Father Seth Kupo – from parochial vicar of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Palo Alto to parochial vicar of St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Morgan Hill.

Deacon Joseph Nguyen – who will be ordained priest on May 28, 2022 – appointed parochial vicar of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph in San Jose.

Father Eddie Obero – from parochial vicar of Saint John the Baptist Parish in Milpitas to parochial vicar of Saint Joseph Parish in Mountain View.

Father Rolando Santoianni – from parochial vicar of Saint Athanasius Parish in Mountain View to parochial vicar of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Palo Alto.

Father Pedro Tejeda – from parochial vicar of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in San Jose to parochial vicar of Saint Maria Goretti Parish in San Jose.

Father Victor Trinidad – from parochial vicar of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph in San Jose to parochial vicar of Saint Clare Parish in Santa Clara.

Father Daniel Urcia – from chaplain of Archbishop Mitty High School to parochial vicar of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in San Jose.

Father Anthony M. Uytingco – from parochial vicar of Saint Nicholas/ Saint William Parish in Los Altos to parochial vicar of Saint Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Santa Clara.

Special Assignment

Father Angelbert Chikere – from parochial vicar of Saint Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Santa Clara to full-time Director of the Office of Life, Justice and Peace in the Department of Evangelization

Father Neil Francis Kalaw – from parochial vicar of Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Morgan Hill to Chaplain of Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose with residence at Saint Cyprian Parish in Sunnyvale.

Parish Deacon

Deacon Raul Mendoza – parish deacon at Most Holy Trinity Parish in San Jose

Deacon Reynaldo Reyes – parish deacon at Saint Athanasius Parish in Mountain View

Deacon Ruben Solorio – parish deacon at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in San Jose.

Mr. Ken Wright – who will be ordained deacon on May 21, 2022 – parish deacon at Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Morgan Hill

Father Johannes Busch will be on a temporary leave as parochial vicar of Saint Maria Goretti Parish in San Jose to work in his home Diocese of Mainz, Germany.

Father Jonathan Cuarto – parochial vicar of Saint Clare Parish in Santa Clara will go on a temporary leave of absence effective April 10, 2022.  He will be available for a new assignment on August 1, 2022.

Father Michael Gazzingan is on medical leave effective immediately until July 31, 2022.

Deacon Philip Flowers

Deacon Rick Haeckel

Deacon Leonel Mancilla

Deacon John Vu