Missions Update - October 2025
Monthly Missions Update / october 2025 / volume 2 issue 10
Hello Morning Star Family!
This month we've got a bunch of global trips to pray for, and some recaps to show the way God is working in hard situations. I pray you are encouraged in what you're reading and that you're able to take an active step forward to participating in the great things God is doing in and through folks connected to Morning Star and the community around us!
Take a look at this month’s updates:
Did you know? In Azerbaijan, if you're looking for an evangelical Christian community, you'll find most opportunities in the capital, Baku. The scene is really a mix of two main groups: English-speaking churches for expats and local congregations that hold services in the Azeri language.
It's worth knowing, though, that the situation for these communities isn't always straightforward. The government requires all religious groups to officially register, but getting that approval can be a long and difficult process. Because of this, many Protestant and evangelical churches exist in a legal gray area, which unfortunately can limit their activities.
Despite these hurdles, both international and local evangelical groups show incredible resilience. They continue to be vibrant places of spiritual support and community for their members.
global Partner – reid saunders:
Japan outreach 10/8/25 to 10/13/25
The Reid Saunders Association team is heading to Japan! Reid says, I've been praying for years about bringing the message of hope to this incredible nation, a place where less than one percent of the population knows the life-changing Good News. Our entire mission, as always, is driven by the local Church; we're collaborating with incredible partners on the ground to host events—complete with music, powerful testimonies, and a clear presentation of the Gospel—that are perfectly tailored for the Japanese community.
Generous RSA supporters stepped in to cover transportation costs for the festival, allowing many families to attend who otherwise couldn't afford to make the trip. For families in rural and impoverished areas, transportation presents a significant barrier. They’re eager to come, but without support, many simply can’t make the journey.
We believe God is involved in the details. He knows each person by name and wants each one to hear of his love for them. Jared, will you please keep our team and this special outreach on your calendar and in your prayers?
Schedule:
Wed, Oct 8 - Arrive in Tokyo
Thu, Oct 9 - Women's outreach luncheon, and friends outreach dinner
Fri, Oct 10 - Visit host church ministries, outreach concert in the evening
Sat, Oct 11 - Youth outreach
Sun, Oct 12 - Church-hosted outreach
Specific Prayer Points:
Pray for wisdom to share the Gospel within the Japanese context.
Pray that RSA is unified with the churches to share the Gospel in ways that are easy to understand.
Pray that all Japanese Christians would have joy in their faith and the courage to share it with others.
Give thanks that many Christians are respected, and pray for open hearts toward Christ through them.
Pray that negative stereotypes or false ideas about Christianity will be changed through positive interactions at the outreaches and through the local Christians.
Pray for Japanese churches and Christians to find ways to live harmoniously with non-believers without compromising their faith.
Pray for Japanese non-believers to see their limitations and need for God’s grace.
Give thanks for the five outreaches, and pray that many people come to Christ through them.
Pray for believers who will care for and mentor the new believers.
Thank you for your partnership in sharing the Gospel to the ends of the earth, Jared.
All for Jesus!
Reid
Pakistan Outreach 10/22-10/27:
While specific dates or cities within Pakistan are typically not announced far in advance for security and logistical reasons, we know the trip is part of their broader mission to reach regions with a very low Christian population (they note some of their target regions have less than 1% believers).
Local Partner – MIKE SILVA:
Ghana Outreach 10/28-11/2
Mike says, We will train pastors and local leaders–equipping them with the necessary tools to deploy into their communities–and share the love of Christ in their spheres of influence. Each stop consists of workshop-style conferences, evangelistic outreaches, and humanitarian aid efforts. Our hope is to disciple those called to the work of evangelism, who desire further guidance and know-how, as they prepare to embark on a global endeavor of reaching souls for Christ in our day and age.
local Partner – salem free clinics:
Celebrating 20 Years with a City Proclamation
This month, we had the great honor of being recognized by the Salem City Council for 20 years of service to our community. Councilor Linda Nishioka presented a proclamation acknowledging the impact of Salem Free Clinics, and our CEO, Trina Fowler, and Development Director, Maddie Leutwyler, accepted the award on behalf of Salem Free Clinics.
What began 20 years ago in a middle school gym has grown into a permanent facility offering comprehensive care. Today, our services extend beyond medical and dental care to include specialized programs in diabetes management, mental health counseling in partnership with Corban University, and outreach through the Polk Community Free Clinic.
This recognition reflects the commitment of more than 35 volunteer providers, 50+ nurses, and over 150 support volunteers who give their time and expertise. It also honors the generosity of donors and community partners who make this work possible. Together, we are celebrating two decades of caring for those in need—and looking forward to the decades ahead.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Salem City Council and Mayor Julie Hoy for this special recognition.
Have you bought your tickets yet?
Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 23—comedian Michael Jr. is coming to Salem for a family-friendly comedy fundraiser supporting Salem Free Clinics.
Salem Alliance Church | 7:00 PM | $35/ticket
Don’t miss a night of joy that makes a real difference in our community. Grab your tickets and bring a friend!
Special thanks to our sponsors:
local Partner – hope pregnancy clinic:
Join Hope Pregnancy Clinic for their Fall Dessert 2025 fundraiser on Saturday October 25, 2025 at Salem Convention Center. Their ministry to pregnant mothers is vital to our community. The stories you'll hear and the vision of helping pregnant mothers in one of their most difficult decisions is sure to inspire and encourage you. You're invited to register for this free event with a reception starting at 6:30 pm and the Program starting at 7:00 pm.
local Partner – Salem for refugees:
Thank you for your continued support in this season as we provide resources and services to support new neighbors in our community.
Thank you for walking alongside us as we continue to welcome, equip, and empower refugees to thrive here in Salem. We look forward to the months ahead with hope and anticipation.
local Partner – Hope Station:
Summer highlights:
It is a joy to know that approximately 3,000 children are being fed monthly with the groceries we provide to their families, who otherwise might not have all their needs met. It is also fun to see them finding special items that bring a smile to their faces!
We thought, with a few days left on the matching fund from July 15th, to August 15th, we were going to be short $2,000 of our $28,000 goal. However, thank the Lord and all our generous donors, who completely fulfilled our matching fund goal! We are simply overwhelmed by your compassionate and kind hearts, as well as to Him who provides everything we need.
Crosshill Christian School Food Drive:
Thank you to Crosshill Christian School, who put on a food drive for Hope Station. The kids did an AMAZING job! God is faithful in raising up young people to continue His work in our communities.
Hope Station Participant Testimonial:
"My family has been HS members for over 10 years now. We started when I was 13 years old, just after my parents got divorced and we were low on income. HS has been a blessing to us by providing much-needed groceries and helping ease the stress...With the help of HS we have been able to keep our pantry full with options of food...This program has brought a lot of joy, especially to my mom. We are very grateful to the donors, partner programs, and staff that make this all possible." ~J, age 23
Distinguished Young Women Volunteers at Hope Station
Recently, a group of 16 high school girls from Distinguished Young Women of Oregon came and volunteered in our warehouse for an entire afternoon! They even washed our delivery vehicles, including our big box truck! Thank you!!
Hope Station Brazil:
We have helped more than 1,500 adults and children with medical, dental, and a variety of other services.
11 people gave their lives to Christ last Saturday! We are encouraged to see God's continued work in a place desperate for Him.
To learn more about each of our Global & Local Partners, CLICK HERE. If you’re interested in helping more with Missions at Morning Star, please email: jared@mstar.church
Thanks for all you do to help share the Good News of Jesus with a world in need!
– Morning Star Missions Board
