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MAY 2026 1| YOUR PARTNERSHIP IN MISSIONS PLUS A STORY FROM DONORS LIKE YOU! M A Y 2 0 2 6 GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT
2 GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT MAY 2026 3| | “Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” 3 JOHN 1:8 Dear Friends, Dale Nimmo, CEO It is my pleasure to share with you our latest Global Impact Report. In this edition, we reflect on the simple but important truth that when we support those who are laboring on the front lines of ministry in difficult places, we become fellow workers in their same mission. Not mere observers or contributors at a distance, but partners in the work God has called us to. This partnership between the local church here in America and the global church in difficult places is shown in every story in this report. These stories serve as a powerful picture of what happens when the Church is truly united — when believers across nations, cultures, and even with different languages work together as one body in Christ. You will read how a ministry in South Asia bore fruit in a season of crisis. When disaster struck, with ANM’s support, our ministry partner responded not only with relief supplies but by sharing the presence of Christ with devastated lives and communities. You will also find encouraging updates from recent mission teams, where American believers stepped across the world and became fellow workers alongside our native missionaries, leaving lasting fruit. And you will glance through a remarkable window into Iran — a nation where the church, by every earthly measure, might be expected to retreat. Instead, it is growing. Quietly and boldly, Iranian believers are proving that no government on earth can silence the Gospel. These stories show us that the church in our communities and the church in places like South Asia or Iran (where most of us will never visit) aren’t disconnected. We are both involved in one mission together, and as John wrote, “We ought to support people like these.” Your partnership makes this possible. Because of you, native missionaries are encouraged and equipped, and able to remain where God has called them — serving their communities in their own language and culture with the message of the Gospel. Together, we are fellow workers, and there is no greater privilege than this. Thank you for your continued partnership in advancing the Kingdom of God together. With Gratitude, By Rebecca Olsen Today I spend my days as a content manager, which includes a lot of writing, great challenges. I spent two summers in elementary school, first in summer school, then in reading tutoring, because I needed extra help. It was the reading tutoring with Mrs. Jones that unlocked a new, exciting world inside books that I eventually began to re-create when her husband, my fourth-grade teacher Mr. Jones, provided unstructured writing time. He was the first person to look at my poor imitation of beloved fairy tales and call them good, encouraging me into a new summer activity: writing camp. I never stopped writing or reading after that. When I eventually attended college, it was almost second nature to declare myself an English major. College opportunities showed me how writing was part of the marketing world. Attending a Christian university also helped me learn more about my Christian faith. As I grew in both my writing and faith, a specific dream emerged: to write for a Christian organization. I altered my major accordingly, adding a focus in religious studies. English professors cautioned that writing was a difficult career. Most writers need a day job. Keeping that advice in mind, after graduation I began a writing role for a secular marketing agency with a Christian client. It wasn’t the dream, but it was good. As I was figuring out my early career, everyt in my life changed. My mother died after a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. Then COVID-19 struck. I moved to a different state to help care for my elderly grandmother. I to other jobs as I found them, first childcare, the administration, then writing for another sec marketing agency. My dream never died, but I did wonder if it wou only ever be that: a dream. And why was the dream, based on God-given talent and my faith not coming to fruition? In February of 2024, after connecting with AN staff member Amber Parker through church and interviewing for the content manager position, I joined ANM. My soul sang: finally! The dream made reality is sweeter than I ever could have imagined. God pours out His mercy and goodness daily on me and my work. Interviewing missionaries, crafting print pieces, researching for blogs, and all my other projects are a joy. The work that began in deficit as a child is now an overflowing calling that I thank God for. ■ An Overflowing Calling ANM is grateful for the staff and volunteers serving our native missionaries and participating in the work of the Gospel. Today, we want you to meet our content manager, Rebecca Olsen.
4 GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT FEBRUMARAY 20265| | From Brian Mullins, Director of Church Relations Victory Worship Center in Staunton, VA, met ANM three years ago, and spent those three years praying about the right opportunity to visit the mission field. In April of 2026, God aligned them with one of our ministry partners, Seedtime and Harvest Ministries in San Pedro, Mexico, for the perfect first trip. Both Victory Worship Center and Seedtime and Harvest are passionate about reaching out to their local communities. Seedtime and Harvest uses many outreach methods, but one of the most popular is sports. After a few conversations and much prayer, the church and our partner ministry decided to hold a sports camp with the theme “In Christ, I Can” based on Philippians 4:13. Most of the sports outreach Seedtime and Harvest does is with soccer, but the church team wanted to introduce two new sports: flag football and volleyball. Seedtime and Harvest didn’t know what to expect from a new camp with new sports, but they said yes. God surprised both ministries with almost 100 campers. They experienced an additional blessing in that roughly 80% of the campers were completely new to Seedtime and Harvest. They’d never visited the ministry before, and many struggle with poverty, witness gang activity, and have little understanding of the Gospel message, as they’re nominally Catholic. For the next three days, the visiting church team taught about Philippians 4:13 and demonstrated the rules for flag football and volleyball. Children heard the Gospel, many for the first time, and had fun learning new sports. The leaders and campers eventually broke into teams to compete against each other until each competition had a winner. The last night of camp, the ministries held a special awards and baptism ceremony. They distributed awards to some of the campers and baptized the 15 campers who’d given their lives to Christ during camp. The trip was a fantastic first visit to the mission field for Victory Worship Center and a blessing for Seedtime and Harvest. To learn more about how your church can get involved with native missions, visit advancingnativemissions.com/church. Baptisms in Mexico
6 GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT MAY 2026 7| | A Candle in the Darkness Adri* runsaministryin SouthAsiathatprimarily useshumanitarianaid,such as farm assistance, schools, and disaster relief, toshare theGospel.His ministryalso oversees many pastors and volunteers who work to share theGospel wherever they are, despite increasing opposition and persecution. Rebecca Olsen interviewed Adri during his visit to ANM. The interview below is edited for concision and clarity. Rebecca: Your ministry works predominantly with unreached people. Tell us more about that. Adri: Our mission is an indigenous mission. My father started it because of his transformation, being born a polytheist. When he received the transformation in his life, the Lord called him out and gave him the vision and mission to go back to his own people in the mountains and tell them about Christ., and about the great and mighty things He has done for him. It’s been a native mission in the mountains for almost 36 years now. There was a time when the Gospel could be preached openly, before opposition and persecution started to rise, and politicians and religious radicals became more aggressive. Before all of that happened, old-timers could preach the Gospel openly and give out Gospel tracts. When I started working with the mission in 1997, I was in college. I formed a youth group, and we used to go to religious festivals and give out Gospel tracts. Rebecca: That was legal and safe? You didn’t worry about it? Adri: Nothing happened. Of course, some people refused to receive the tracts, but not like today. Today, they will start a mob, come against you, beat you, and there could be a mob lynching. You can be killed for what you’re doing now, but in those days it was easy. Looking at the changes that are taking place now, God is giving us wisdom and new ideas for reaching out to people. Earlier, you could speak to large groups about Christ. Now, it’s more one-on-one and relationship-based. You have to build friendships and win the confidence and trust of people. It’s more like being a living epistle, like Paul said in the Bible. You live out the Gospel wherever you are. There’s more marketplace evangelism, too. You go out, you live your life, let your light shine before men. Like Jesus said about being salt and light. You don’t have to be a big light, you can be a candle in the darkness. God’s work is continuing through the natives, the indigenous people. God is opening beautiful doors. There are tons of testimonies that I can share of how things are changing. There are missions and churches that have been shut down in my country. People have been put in prison for the way they’re carrying out the Gospel work or church ministry. But even in the midst of all of these things happening, God is still helping us to sustain and carry on. And He’s bringing us new ways of doing that. Just last year, we had a massive disaster in our region. There were cloudbursts, flash floods, mudslides, and people lost their lives, their homes, and their livestock. Millions of people were affected by these multiple cloudbursts in our region. One disaster was exactly where our ministry is, where my father was born. We’d been forced out of there, but people apologized, and we were called back. Today we’re working there among the children and the women, carrying out a children’s after-school program, a youth development program, providing sewing and knitting centers, and lots of activities. Last year, when the cloudburst happened, the roads were washed out, and a market area was completely covered in rubble. People were suffering. Nine people were buried in the rubble, and it took 52 days to evacuate their bodies. But on the seventh day, our team was there. We reached 1,100 homes and families and met their immediate needs. We brought food supplies and relief materials to all of them. We couldn’t have even thought of that before. We were only reaching out to about 250 families before the disaster took place. How did this happen? Because of ANM. When I shared, ANM was ready to send us support, and because of that, within seven days, we were ab to bring relief materials to 1,100 families. As a result of that, we have new sewing train centers in these communities. We’re developin community radio and building connections. I hav goosebumps sharing this, because in our huma mind we cannot understand what God is doing. God is limitless. Your human mind struggles to comprehend, but if we trust God, God can do more than we think or imagine. We never coul have thought that 1,100 families would open up their homes so we could bring the love of Chri to them. But when I get back, I have to open two more sewing training centers in that area.
8 GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT MAY 2026 9| | Iranian Perspectives on Current Events and How You Can Pray From Pars Theological Centre on March 20, 2026, following the massacre of unarmed protestors in Iran and the beginning of the conflict between Iran and the U.S. and Israel. Pars Theological Centre began in 2010 as an interdenominational Christian hub of holistic leadership training for Iranians. They provide a theology school, counseling center, publishing house, and more, and all of their students serve either in Iran or the Persian-speaking diaspora. The government wasn’t doing anything for them. Only once did they come on a helicopter and drop food for 40 families, and never came back. We walked up, even though there were no roads. We brought food to the people, and they asked, “What brings you here? How come you’re helping us when the government is doing nothing?” And that’s the opening for us to share who we are and why we’re doing it. It’s all because God loves us and we want to present that love to you. That’s what God is doing in the midst of persecution, opposition, anti- conversion laws, radical religious groups coming against us; God is opening doors. We can’t think how, but He has His own ways. It’s God’s work, it’s not our work. Many times, you can start to think, “Oh, it’s my work, it’s my mission.” But no, you cannot do anything if God is not with you. If God is for you, no one can stop you from preaching the Gospel. Not that we haven’t had struggles and challenges. Our own pastors were running churches in polytheistic communities, and the radical groups were very aggressive, using anti- conversion laws to bring the police to churches. The police would arrest and put pastors in prison. It was harassment. And last year, we even had a problem at the schools we run in a predominantly polytheistic area. We have two Christian schools with 1,300 children in our care. For the last 43 years, we’ve been running schools there. But last year, someone reported to the government that we’re promoting Christianity under the guise of running schools. They reported us to multiple agencies, and we had to answer all of them. The investigation and interrogation are still ongoing, with authorities going to the students, teachers, and parents about the allegations. Rebecca: You do teach Bible stories. Is that against the law? Adri: It’s not about the law. It’s about who interprets the law. We have a Christian minority school and we have a right to run the school. They say we can’t teach the Bible to polytheistic students unless the parents sign permission. We have the parents sign. But they [some political and religious groups] say we don’t have a minority Christian school because we don’t have Christian students. Most of the students are polytheistic, with a few Muslims. They don’t want to shut us down because they want the students to get educated, but they want to control us. We have a morning assembly where we sing Christian songs, recite Bible verses, say the Lord’s prayer, and then we have Bible classes during the day. They want to shut those things down. Every year, we have a big Christmas program and a yearly school celebration where we share the Gospel openly. Last year, we got instructions from the government that we couldn’t celebrate Christmas like that. We could have a separate Christmas function, but not part of the yearly school celebration. So we separated it and had a smaller gathering. But God knows best. The enemy thinks they can stop the work, but they can’t. Look at China and Iran, where the church is thriving despite opposition. The time for my country is coming. Just see how many people are coming to Christ, seeing miracles, and more. So we cannot stop. ■ *Name changed for security.
10 GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT MAY 2026 11| | A Closer Look at Iran Persia datesbackto 550B.C.,whenCyrusthe Great founded theAchaemenid Empire.Heisthe Cyrus we read about intheBible, inEzra,when he assists the Jewish people in rebuildingthe temple in Jerusalem. While Persia changed greatly over time, it wasn’t known as Iran until 1925, when Reza Khan became shah (king) and renamed the country. Russia, Great Britain, and eventually the U.S. were key geopolitical players in Iran. They were heavily interested and invested in Iranian oil. Foreign involvement, Khan’s attempts to Westernize thecountry, and allegedrights violations by hissonMohammadRezaPahlavi’s government contributed to the1978–1980 Iranian (or Islamic) Revolution. Left-leaningandShi’ite Islamicreligiousgroups led therevolution, took 66 American hostages until 1981,andwrote a new constitution. Later international wars, foreign policies, and human rights violations, especially in response to national protests, have left Iran ostracized internationally. The most recent conflict between Iran and the U.S. and Israel began in early 2026 and is still ongoing as of the writing of this report. From Sasan Iranians have been disillusioned with the current Iranian regime for many years. This past January, when millions of Iranians across the country peacefully protested, 30,000 people were massacred by the regime. Any legitimacy of the regime fell apart that night. As an Iranian Christian, I am in contact with many Iranian pastors, churches, and believers around the world, and a few in Iran. For vast segments of the Iranian population, and especially among believers, Iranians view this war as a war for Iran, not against it. It is for the possibility of freedom from the oppressive Islamic regime that has destroyed the [Iranian] people for 40 years. The Iranian regime has about 12% support from the Iranian population, based on some other Iranian experts. Many American church leaders and leaders in other countries in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond are against U.S. involvement in a Middle Eastern war. I understand that perspective, but I ask that the global church and the Middle East allow the Iranians to speak. Don’t look at Iran from your perspective and your geopolitical thoughts, but from the perspective of an oppressed people who’ve lived under a horrible regime for decades. An unattributed quote I saw on social media showcases a common Iranian perspective: “If war and missiles feel like hope, then something worse has been ruling this land.” There is hope and prayer that this could free Iran for a better future. From Robert Before [the war], I spoke with students who witnessed horrible events in Iran. I was interested to hear that many of them were deeply frustrated, angry, and in disbelief at what happened in the streets. Their opinion at that time was for President Trump to fulfill promises to target the violent regime becau LISTENING TO THE IRANIAN PEOPLE CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES AND OPINIONS IN IRAN of the massacre on thestreets. Theywanted divi judgment, and the only hope for the country w that the violent regime would be targeted by something bigger. I was surprised that people inside Iran want war, but they said the massacre was proof that no political changes would happen in the country. They’d been hoping that peaceful demonstrations would lead to liberty, but th saw that the regime was not willing to allo The students anticipated a foreign invasion. They know that the consequences of war cou come. They said they were ready to suffer an even be killed to see their country be freed from the tyrannical regime. I understand the perspective, because they saw so many horr things in the streets and lost neighbors and friends. They are eager to see the invasion th will restrict the regime.
12 GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT MAY 2026 13| | I’ve more recently spoken with people who aren’t students, and both of them were disturbed and worried about the future. They’re praying for the war to finish soon because the bombings, pillars of smoke, stopped economic activity, sheltering in homes, and lack of sleep because of the bombs and explosions. They’re in the midst of these events, struggling with fear and anxiety.From Mehrdad Thank you for caring for Pars and for Iranians. I have a few comments and reflections. One thing that I can say is that when I speak to Iranians, both believers and non-believers, especially those with extended family in Iran, it seems that people are facing a choice not between war and peace, but between two wars. One war has been going on for 47 years with their own government — a government that the majority of Iranians view as an illegitimate force. They think of it as a regime that has deprived them of their human rights and has destroyed the country in multiple ways. In the last few weeks, the massacre was a turning point in my experience and conversations, like a Jordan crossing. It brought a huge death. They’re opening machine guns on peaceful demonstrators, including men, women, and children. They’re even following and killing people at the hospital and shooting medical teams. It’s beyond human evil. I believe it’s demonic. IRANIANS ARE CHOOSING BETWEEN TWO WARS From Kyle People have been experiencing a lot of trauma, so there will be a great need for soul care. We’re trying to prepare to serve students and church networks. Right now, with the internet blackout, it’s hard to connect with students and networks on the ground. When it’s open again, we know that this support is critical. ■ Iranians have been experiencing this for many years, every now and then, but this time the whole world was aware. All of the Iranians that I’ve been in touch with don’t view it as the U.S. and Israel attacking Iran, but as bringing humanitarian help. I’ve heard many use the term “rescue operations.” They were waiting and praying for this to happen. I also want to say that the prayer and intercession that the church is lifting up to God is unique. We’ve always said we need to pray for Iran, but [what is needed today] are great prayers, intercessions, and cries for God to judge the wicked and evil that showed itself so clearly and horribly. People are asking God to bring judgment on this evil and demonic regime that has taken a nation captive for so many years, treating them like slaves. Iranians are fighting two wars, and they’re welcoming this attack by other countries. And I believe that God has raised up His fast-growing church to raise prayers and intercessions during this time. It’s so important. WE WILL SUPPORT STUDENTS AND CHURCHES Prayer Points from Pars for Iran • • • • • • • • • Pray for comfortfor thosewho’ve lostloved ones. Pray for thousands of prisoners in inhumane custody. Pray for those who’ve been given a death sentence. Pray for thousands who are injured and cannot go to hospitals for because of fear. Pray for Christians to be courageous and to be bold witnesses of and care. Pray for the war to be short and with little bloodshed, that civilia and that the regime toppled so Iran can have a democratic governm Pray for Iran’s independence to be respected by foreign powers a Pray for religious freedom so that the church can witness, and tha will be open to a loving God Pray for wisdom and guidance for Pars leadership as they plan fo a free Iran.
14 GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT MAY 2026 15| | You Can Never Out-Give God Geir andRenee Stolen have a heartfor missions and have supported native missionariesthrough ANM since 2014. Advancement OfficerAlexAsherand VP of U.S. Operations Amber Parker interviewed them to learn more about their story. This interview has been edited for concision and clarity. Facebook YouTube Instagram Amber: How would you describe your approach to giving? Renee: Sowing into the ministry, you can never out-give God. He will always supply your needs. As you seek Him, give freely and ask Him what He wants you to do. He will provide and out-give you. Jesus told us to give the Gospel to the nations, and that’s exactly what this ministry does in concert with the people in the field. Geir: Give because you want to give, and know that what you give is used wisely and funds the Gospel going out to people who’ve never heard it or who have heard it but are stubborn.So many places waste money, but this ministry does not waste money. ANM funnels funds directly to the ministries where the Gospel is preached, the sick are healed, and the poor hear the Gospel in the most difficult places. That’s why I give and want to give more. Amber: And we’re very grateful. How did you first connect to ANM? Geir: We supported other ministries, and we still do, but I felt like I needed to do more and give more. We looked for this type of ministry because [in Norway] where I come from, there’s a similar ministry of native-born missionaries who know the terrain, people, and customs, and they’re already on the mission field. I thought, “Well, I live in this country [the United States], I should funnel it through a ministry here.” I did my research, found ANM, then I did more research to see where you were ethically and how much goes to the field. I found that most of the funds go to the field. I called you up, got a little more information, and started to give monthly. We’ve increased from there. Amber: How did you develop a heart for missions? Geir: Everyone is in spiritual darkness. If you die like this, you’re in Hell, and there’s no way out. But Christ came to save sinners, and He will save everyone who calls on His name, no exceptions. And if you’re not ready for that, I recommend you get ready quickly. Life is fleeting, so it’s incredibly important to get the Gospel out. God’s love is so much better than being stuck in your dark little comfort zone. Outside of Christ, there is no hope. Alex: Thank you both so much for your relationship, love, and generosity to God’s people. ■ Your Opportunity to GETINVOLVEDYou have been an encouragement and help to native missionar When you make a donation at advancingnativemissions.com/give you help spread the Gospel. Every dollar helps encourage, equip advocate for the native missionaries we all know and love and t incredible Gospel work. Our free prayer resources, including our new “9 Ways To Pray fo Unreached,” are available for you, your friends, your church, and a else you think may be interested at advancingnativemissions.co When you follow Advancing Native Missions on Instagram, Faceb YouTube, you can see stories from the mission field and easily sh and the team at Pars Theological Centre through your prayers a Here are three ways to stay involved in God’s work. 2. Giving 1. Prayer 3. Following us on social media
16 GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT| “Your partnership is what makes this possible.” “ANM funnels funds directly to the ministries where the Gospel is preached, the sick are healed, and the poor hear the Gospel in the most difficult places. That’s why I give and want to give more.” “We’ve always said we need to pray for Iran, but [what is needed today] are great prayers, intercessions, and cries for God to judge the wicked and evil that showed itself so clearly and horribly.” “God is limitless. Your human mind struggles to comprehend, but if we trust God, God can do more than we think or imagine.” “The dream made reality is sweeter than I ever could have imagined. God pours out His mercy and goodness daily on me and my work.” – Geir Stolen, ANM donor – Dale Nimmo, ANM’s CEO – Adri, native missionary in South Asia – Mehrdad, native missionary to Iranians – Rebecca Olsen, ANM’s Content Manager