Nearly a century ago, in 1928, Massayoshi “Daniel” Nishizumi, a Free Methodist pastor from Japan, embarked on a remarkable mission. He moved to the other side of the world as a missionary to Brazil, preaching to Japanese people who had immigrated to Brazil. But he was not alone. A Korean lay brother named Shokoh Mita went to Brazil with him. Shokoh worked to support them both while Nishizumi preached the gospel. As the years passed, more missionaries joined their ranks. A Brazilian brother, fluent in Japanese, stepped forward, bridging cultures and languages, and the Free Methodist Church (FMC) began among the Portuguese-speaking community.

My name is Paulo Bettiol, and I am a fruit of these brothers’ work. Growing up in a Brazilian church with a Japanese heritage, I have seen God’s transformative work firsthand. Our congregation has changed from being all Japanese into a beautiful mosaic of Japanese, Brazilians, Syrians, Palestinians, Afghans, Venezuelans and Haitians – all seeking God’s presence and wholeheartedly serving Him.

Next year, my family and I will move to Europe as missionaries, supporting local leaders and other missionaries and helping advance the gospel throughout this diverse continent. Europe, too, is a mosaic – a rich tapestry of cultures, nationalities and histories. Immigrants and refugees converge there, seeking hope and belonging. As we step onto European soil, we will continue this movement of spreading the gospel.

So, whether in bustling cities or remote villages, among skyscrapers or ancient ruins, God is calling all Christians, young and old, to become carriers of hope, bearers of grace and builders of transformational churches. The mission statement of the Free Methodist Church comes alive in our stories – the stories of ordinary people stepping into extraordinary roles fueled by love and compelled by faith. Together, we mobilize the global church, one life at a time, until every heart knows Christ’s redeeming love.

For many years, we have witnessed missionaries from Europe and the United States crisscrossing the globe, spreading the gospel. But today, we see something different happening: God raising people from every corner of the earth to fulfill the Great Commission, becoming witnesses – taking the gospel and love of Christ to the ends of the earth.