Category: Resource Reviews

Source: Engaging Data

Like to play with maps? Maybe you could use a tool to help you create graphics that put a place in its global context. This one is pretty simple, but it lets you make maps from the perspective of any country in the world. You can pick from five map projections and copy a link or download an image to use as you like.

Go to the site and make a map or explore other data visualizations.

For additional fresh perspectives, see 28 Spectacular Aerial Views of Earth That Defy Expectations (DeMilked).

Novel: Taking You Under My Skin 

In the foothills of northwest Laos, an unreached tribal group lives unaware of the gospel—until an American army medic is captured and brought to their village. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, this story imagines a mountain tribe’s encounter with Jesus and how it transforms their lives forever.

Learn more or buy the book (William Carey Publishing). You can also watch an interview with the author, Marv Newell, on the same page.

Strategy: What Actually Starts Movements?

The latest book from Dr. Emanuel Prinz draws from research on 147 movements worldwide to explore what sparks and fuels disciple-making movements and breakthroughs, with a focus on the traits and practices of catalytic leadership (and how you can grow in them). Lots of supporting data and practical takeaways for seeing the kingdom of God advance.

Learn more or buy the book (100 Movements Publishing) or get a taste by poking around the author’s website, Catalytic Leadership.

History: Fujian, The Blessed Province

By the 1920s, Fujian was home to more Christians than any other province of China, including key leaders John Sung, Watchman Nee, and Leland Wang. See how the church in Fujian has impacted millions of people in China and throughout Southeast Asia. This is ninth in Paul Hattaway’s province-by-province series about the church in China.

Learn more or buy the book (Asia Harvest) or read excerpts in the ministry’s latest newsletter.

Sources: Various

The Heart of Short-Term Missions for Long-Term Impact

In the first of several episodes on the topic, Rob Magwood interviews pastor Clint Archer about how to make short-term trips as fruitful as possible (Global Missions Podcast).

Deepen Discipleship Through Short-Term Misisons

Magwood and others also recommend the GoJournal, a reflection tool you may want to use with your short-term teams.

Mission Trip Donations Made Easy

MissionLinked provides a simple, secure way to link people together while raising funds for a short-term mission team or a project (MissionWorks).

Mission Trip Quick Audit

An objective tool can help assess how your mission trip program measures up to best practices and identify areas to strengthen: Short Term Mission Trip Quick Audit (MissionExcellence).

Why Your Short-Term Mission Trip Wasn’t Enough

For many in Gen Z, short-term mission trips are a rite of passage. Something shifts. But all too often it doesn’t last (Radical Living).

Source: Tanya Crossman, A Life Overseas

“I have been working in TCK research for over ten years. That includes six large scale surveys (with 200-2000 responses) and over 600 interviews. The data I’m currently analyzing comes from TCK Training’s 2024 survey of 1,643 TCKs around the world. It was a long survey covering a lot of topics and I wish I could spend ten hours a day delving into the details! For now, the initial data on missionary kids has a lot to say about their experiences.”

The article unpacks key findings about missionary kids (MKs) through the research:

1. Most missionary kids are glad they grew up abroad.
2. Good things and hard things are often intertwined.
3. Missionary kids feel a lot of pressure.
4. Emotional support and mental health are key.

Read more and check out TCK Training. You might be interested in their workshops on raising kids cross-culturally. 

Some of this was also included in the May/June 2025 edition of Mission Frontiers magazine, which is focused on the lives and experiences of third-culture kids (TCKs). Much to chew on. Note that the Mission Catalyst calendar includes several June and July events for missionary kids.

Source: Missions Catalyst Calendar

June 2 to October 5, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (online). New online classes begin regularly.

June 3-4, Mission Agency Consultation (Grapevine, TX, USA). Provided by 16:15 Global Outfitters.

June 5-7, ACMI Virtual Conference (online). An annual event for people ministering among international students. From the Association of Christians Ministering among Internationals.

June 7-8, World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk (international). Coordinated by the Viva Network.

June 8, International Day for the Unreached (global). A third of the world is still denied access to the gospel. Pray and raise awareness. This is an annual event.

June 14-17, Field Security Seminar (Union Mills, NC, USA). Provided by Crisis Consulting International.

June 16-18, Mission Information Workers Conference (online). Accelerate the development of mission information and the mission information community.

June 16-20, Abide Debriefing (Joplin, MO, USA). Help for moving forward with hope and momentum; from TRAIN International (held multiple times a year; also June 23-27, July 14-18 and twice in October).

June 17, Contend: Monthly Day of Prayer for Mission Mobilization (global). Coordinated by GMMI and held on the third Tuesday of each month.

June 17-18, Support Raising Bootcamp (Fayetteville, AR, USA). Provided by Via, formerly Support Raising Solutions. More classes held around the world throughout the year.

June 18-28, Breathe (Wilderswil, Switzerland). A retreat for mission workers offered annually by Catalyst International.

June 19-21, International Missions Conference (Charlotte, NC, USA). An annual event from the National African American Missions Council.

June 20, World Refugee Day (international). Many churches observe this with prayer on the Sunday before or after.

June 23-27, Storytelling Training (online). Offered regularly by StoryRunners, a ministry of Cru.

June 24, From Pew to Pixel: Online Outreach Training (online). Learn how to share your faith with Muslims online. Will be offered again July 29 and August 23 by Everywhere to Everywhere.
June 29, Day of the Christian Martyr (international). An annual event from Voice of the Martyrs.

June 29 to July 5, Wilderness Reboot (Blue Bronna, AB, Canada). Re-entry retreat for MKs/TCKs (aged 21-35) navigating the ongoing re-entry into Canadian society; an event for teens (17-20) will be held in August.

View the complete calendar, updated throughout the year. Your submissions are always welcome.

1. Book: Living Your Love for God Out Loud
2. Books: Two New Titles About the Nations for Kids Today
3. Podcast Episode: Can AI Lead Someone to Jesus?
4. Resource Roundup: Missions for Everyone
5. Events: Missions Conferences and More in May

Read or share the email edition.

Source: Tyndale House

Living Out Loud: Letting Your Love for God Flow Into Your Everyday Language, by Kevin King with Christine Daniels. Tyndale House, 2024. 178 pages.

As Jesus prepared to send his followers ahead into towns he would soon visit, he encouraged them with one crucial detail that hasn’t changed in more than two thousand years. Simply this: The harvest is plentiful (Luke 10:2).

In Living Out Loud, Kevin King of International Project, shares from scripture and personal experience how and why we should work to overcome our tendency to keep our faith private and quiet. He addresses many of the most common obstacles and stumbling blocks and invites us to live our faith “out loud” so others can experience it, too.

This book is a winsome and practical read. Think about sharing it with someone in your church or going through it with a group. Although the book includes examples from the author’s work among internationals in New York City, it’s crafted for broad appeal, not just for missionary-types or American Christians. The authors also created a six-session discussion guide that you may find helpful.

It looks like you can get the first three chapters for free from International Project. But you may want to buy the book just for the “sidebar for introverts” and the short appendix on “bringing Shema statements into your daily language.” Good stuff and deliberately non-prescriptive.

Learn more or buy the book.

See also a recent blog from International Project on how you can use Discovery Bible Studies to disciple non-Christians to Christ.

Source: InterVarsity Press

Two interesting new books are coming out from IVP in May. Kaylee Prays for the World follows a young girl and her grandfather as they read and discuss the morning newspaper. While reading, they talk about suffering and brokenness and look for ways to pray for the children of the world.

Jesus Loves the Little Children re-imagines the classic (if now a bit outdated) song for kids today. After all “red and yellow, black and white” doesn’t quite cover it, does it? Listen to the new song, now with new verses, or just get the book. Better than ever or too “woke”? You decide.

Both are available for pre-order now.

Source: Lausanne Movement

This thought-provoking episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, explores explore the emerging world of Christian AI and its potential to revolutionize ministry. Podcast guest Chase Cappo shares how technology can serve the church, foster trust, and guide people toward authentic encounters with Jesus.

You’ll hear powerful testimonies, hard questions, and hopeful answers as the conversation journeys through faith, tech, and global mission.

Learn more, listen to the episode and see the show notes or watch the video version, below (52 minutes).

Sources: Various

Two Years Out of Twenty

What is the best way to spend your first few years out of college? Consider investing the first two years of your career based on the biblical concept of the tithe. Read Tithe Your Career (GoCorps). GoCorp’s Katy White has a new book coming out that uses the same title; we’ll let you know when it’s available.

Missions for the Middle-Aged

At the end of their careers, many Christians have more time, flexibility, and life experience than ever. Steve Richardson asks, why not harness those things to further the kingdom of God? Read Never Too Old: Missions for the Middle-Aged (Pioneers-USA).

A Mission of Faithfulness

For generations, men have been taught—subtly and explicitly—that their primary duty is to provide for their families. While provision is important, it was never meant to be a man’s ultimate mission. Read The True Mission of a Man: Faithfulness Over Provision and other articles related to stewardship and generosity from Chris McDaniel (Ignite Your Generosity).

Faith at Work

Global Day of Faith at Work (GDFW) is a new worldwide event held annually on May 1, which is also observed as International Labor Day. The first GDFW also coincides with the National Day of Prayer in the United States. Let’s pray together for effective ministry in every workplace, community, and nation. Find many helpful resources on the website (Lausanne Workplace Network). Many can be used at any time.

History Makers Leadership Podcast

What strategies, stories, insights, and values shape and inspire Christian leaders making a global impact? Hear a couple who pastor in the Global Methodist Church tell their story in episodes titled “Your Church Is a Launchpad, Not Just a Building” and “The Harvest Is Plentiful: Mobilizing Effective Missions.” Listen in (International Leadership Institute).