Stories

Explore our stories

See how God is working globally in, through, and around our workers.

Hidden Treasure

Mysterious dreams and the God who hears

Nearly eight years ago, one of our workers in Central Asia, Tom*, had two dreams about an isolated people group in his broader region – featuring clues to a hidden treasure and one specific name: John.* Tom knew little about the people group, but he believed the dreams had spiritual...

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The Power of Holistic Discipleship

Making a long-term impact

Steve* and Marie* had been serving in Asia for 15 years when Steve’s brother passed away. It served as a wake-up call, reminding Steve that his days on earth, and in his place of service, are numbered. He had long been frustrated with the typical ministry approaches in his area,...

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“Silly Girl, Jesus Is Not For Us.”

Sowing seeds and reaping fruit

As a young girl, Zamira* stumbled upon a Christian cartoon and was instantly captivated. She wanted to know more about this Jesus character who was so kind and gentle and loving. Her mom, hearing about her daughter’s fascination and desire to learn more, laughed at her. “Oh, silly girl,” she...

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Demonstrating Dignity

A simple encounter with a divine appointment

In the clinic where he works in Asia, Michael* sees a vast array of health problems. Chronic health conditions, like diabetes, are especially common, as most patients have not enjoyed regular access to medical care. As a Christian, Michael is eager to provide them with exceptional care, and at the...

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Removing the Bracelet

Experiencing the transforming power of Christ

Red strings wrap around waists, encircle wrists, and dangle from motorcycles and cars. A centuries-old tradition in Southeast Asia, these scarlet bracelets and embellishments are believed to ward off dark supernatural forces. Multitudes of both men and women, fearful of malevolent gazes and misfortune, don their bodies and vehicles with...

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Making Something Beautiful

On new beginnings

Çîvan* sat carefully cradling a teacup. Beyond the grey wall of the windowless tent, she could hear boys shouting as they kicked a stone down the rough dirt road that bisected the refugee camp. She tried to block them out and focus on the words of the woman speaking: an...

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Integrating Work and Faith

Serving holistically in hard places

What does it look like to make Christ known in the hard places? For Jeff and Michaela*, two of our professionals serving overseas, a lot of things come to mind. But integrating work and faith, they say, is an indispensable part of their witness. Perhaps, for some, this approach seems...

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Turning Loss Into Restoration

How God uses our trials for his redemptive purposes

Until now, the only intruders into our home were ants, cockroaches, mosquitos, and a friendly gecko. However, that all changed this summer when our family was visiting the United States and six bored teenagers decided to have an evening escapade on the rooftops. Breaking a window on our roof, they...

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Building Local Capacity

Making a sustainable impact through diverse teams

As a global fellowship with 14 offices around the world, Interserve has the privilege of sending professionals to work alongside colleagues from various cultural and professional backgrounds. For Valerie*, one of our cross-cultural workers, this has proven to be a tremendous blessing. Working as an occupational therapist in Asia, she...

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Through the Storms

On knowing Christ and making him known

When Kristen*, one of our cross-cultural workers, first moved to her country of service, she had a promising job opportunity in front of her. She knew that living and working in another culture would come with great challenges, but she was excited. The job seemed like a perfect fit –...

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What to Do at a Funeral

A discussion about death, fear, and the afterlife

In the face of death, many of us find ourselves at a loss for words – fearful of piling on additional pain or saying the wrong thing to those in sorrow. But for those living in another culture, this can be especially challenging. How do you respond to grief and...

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A Plentiful Harvest

Celebrating abundant fruit in Asia

In many of the places we work, it often takes years for our workers to see fruit. The soil is hard, the opposition is great, and the work is challenging. However, Jesus has taught us something remarkable. It’s not that the harvest is lacking – it’s that the workers are...

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