Dear Friends,
I can hardly put into words how excited I am about what God is doing. It’s nothing short of breathtaking to witness Him stir the hearts of His people toward a strategy that’s truly moving the needle in global missions.
Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with pastors, ministry leaders, and partners across the country. And time and again, I find myself beginning the conversation with this:
“In 2001, 1.1 million missionaries were serving around the world. By 2021, that number had dropped to under 430,000—a decline of more than 700,000. Every year, over 12,000 missionaries leave the mission field. Even more staggering: of the 3.3 billion people living in the 10/40 Window, only 15,000 missionaries are working among them.”
It’s a sobering reality. On the surface, it seems like missions is in decline, at least from the U.S. But here’s what I remind them:
“God is still a sending God. He always has been. But He never said the missionaries had to be sent from America.”
Every time I share this, I hear the same response:
“We completely agree.”
The strategy that World Link Ministries has been pursuing since 1991—raising and equipping local Christian leaders to make disciples among their own people—is no longer a fringe idea. It’s becoming the mainstream missional approach. And by God’s grace, we’ve been doing it for over 30 years, often in places few others dare to go.
This past month at the Gospel Coalition Conference, I saw the fruit of this growing momentum. I attended a panel with David Platt and J.D. Greear and had the chance to speak with both of them afterward.
J.D. said, “Bro, I’m so sorry I haven’t made it to your event yet—I’m still trying to rearrange my schedule. I believe in what you’re doing. Keep bringing me in.”
With all the invitations he receives, I was deeply honored to hear that.
Then I waited in line for 30 minutes to speak with David Platt. When I introduced myself, he paused and asked, “Do I know you?”
I replied, “Not me, but you know my dad. You went to Cuba with him.” His face lit up. “Oh my goodness—that trip changed my life!” he said. “Please reach out after the conference. Let’s find a way to work together. We need to make disciples, and we need to do more of what you all are already doing.”
Praise God! To hear leaders of this caliber affirm our mission and express a desire to join us—it’s humbling, encouraging, and deeply confirming.
I would now like to extend the same invitation to you.
If you’re reading this, I believe it’s not by accident. God is moving powerfully in places like Cuba, Venezuela, Nepal, and the Philippines—and we want you to be part of it.
The harvest is plentiful. The strategy is working. The time is now.
Thank you for praying. Thank you for partnering. Let’s keep offering God our time, our resources, and our very lives—so that His gospel may be known in every corner of the earth.
Gratefully in Christ,
Manny Fernandez