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In a world marked by division, despair, and displacement, God is raising up ordinary believers to carry extraordinary hope. This summer in Panama, 35 cross-cultural witnesses from 13 nations gathered for two weeks of immersive training through TMS Global’s Maclin Training Institute. They came not from one country, but many—from local barrios and bustling cities, from rural communities and immigrant churches. Ranging in age from 15-65, many are called to least-reached communities. For nearly all of them, this training was made possible through a scholarship funded by a Bolick Foundation grant and special gifts from people like you. The stories of these participants are different, but their calling is shared: to join Jesus in His mission by loving their neighbors—across the street and across the world. Thanks to your support, their calling is becoming a reality.

Training That Transforms

After a COVID-19 hiatus and four years of USA-based training, Maclin returned to international soil in 2025—reaffirming that cross-cultural immersion is key to learning. Maclin equips believers not only with theology, but with empathy, resilience, and cultural humility. The curriculum spans topics like disciple-making, cross-cultural communication, spiritual warfare, theologies of suffering, and discovery-based Bible study.

For Elizabeth Karimi, a pastor from Kenya now serving in Washington State, the impact was immediate: “We’ve been doing missions the wrong way. We don’t take time to learn about the culture, to listen, to understand. Now, I want to go back and train others. Me and my friends—we can change Washington State.”

From Everywhere to Everywhere

Missions is no longer defined by the old “from the West to the rest” model. Today, God is raising up cross-cultural witnesses from every corner of the globe to share the gospel everywhere. One group with remarkable potential is Latin Americans. God is mobilizing many from the Global South who, because of their cultural background and appearance, can often enter and minister in closed countries that Western workers cannot easily access. This training became a living picture of that reality.

Two key networks have been instrumental in bringing this diverse group of trainees together:

ASA (Agencia de Sendas Apostólicas): Founded by Luciano de Silva, a 2011 Maclin Training participant and now a TMS Global board member, ASA is a newly launched Latin American sending agency. Luciano’s journey from trainee to leader shows the power of equipping leaders globally. ASA’s vision is to mobilize Latin Americans for global service—a vision TMS Global is honored to support.

Ronnie Hopkins: A veteran TMS cross-cultural witness in Nicaragua, Ronnie brought 11 young leaders whom he personally led to Christ and discipled. These future missionaries demonstrate the fruit of long-term investment, and the beauty of mission movements rooted in local communities.

Called to the Least-Reached, Close to Home and Far Away

During this gathering, a shared heartbeat emerged: to serve people living on the margins, many of whom have yet to encounter the hope of the gospel.

Several participants feel called to serve in Muslim contexts, whether in the Arab world or among refugees displaced from closed countries. One participant is already active in a European prison system, where most inmates come from Moroccan, North African, Roma, or addiction-affected backgrounds. Another ministers to refugees from the Middle East and North Africa, many of whom are navigating homelessness and displacement.

Other Maclin Training participants are serving among least-reached people groups in their own communities—street youth, drug users, prisoners, the disabled, the displaced. For them, mission isn’t about crossing oceans; it’s about crossing the street.

One young man has returned to his indigenous village to re-engage in evangelism among his own people. Others are caring for children with special needs or serving individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Spain emerged as a significant focus, home to 15 unreached people groups and more than one million people with little gospel access. Several attendees are feeling called to plant roots there.

In all of this, one thing was clear: God is calling His people to the forgotten and the least-reached.

Learning, Living, and Leading Differently

Participants left Panama not with just notes—but with renewed purpose.

“Discipleship isn’t a program,” said Axel from Nicaragua. “It’s living it out at the grocery store, on the soccer field, with your friends. This training taught me how to do that in a way that’s natural and true.”

“I’ve been reminded that I’m a broken and healing child of God, just like everybody,” said Becky Glover from Ohio. “If I can find a place where I’m doing the best work I can for Him, then I’m doing okay.”

“This training has been a huge blessing,” said Raisa Peña from the Dominican Republic. “It’s filled so many gaps in my knowledge—both for mission work and pastoral ministry. These tools are essential for sharing the Gospel the right way.”

“I’ve learned how to let go of my own style, my own way of doing things,” shared Angelica from Panama. “To lay down what I think I know so the Gospel can come alive in the context I’m entering.”

Strategic Multiplication: A Global Ripple Effect

With TMS Global’s support, Maclin’s methods are now being adapted in Kenya, India, Brazil, and beyond—training not only the next generation of cross-cultural witnesses, but also the leaders who will train them.

“This week has been a time of growth, expansion, and broadening my perspective,” said Guy Tchibinda from Congo. “We belong to a higher kingdom—God’s kingdom—and it’s calling us to go.”

You Are Joining in the Spread of the Gospel

Thank you for helping make Maclin Panama 2025 possible. Through your prayers and partnership, lives are being equipped, churches are being awakened, and the gospel is being lived—faithfully and fruitfully—from everywhere to everywhere.

This is more than a program. It is a reflection of the Church in action—diverse, united, and deeply rooted in God’s heart for the world. Together, we are forming cross-cultural witnesses who are prepared to proclaim Jesus in every context—from neighborhoods to nations.

How You Can Help Send These Disciple-Makers

In October, TMS Global will offer a Maclin event in Kenya to train Kenyan pastors and cross-cultural witnesses (CCWs).

Your gift today can help mobilize and train international pastors and CCWs, like these, who share the love and message of Jesus worldwide.

How privileged we are to serve in community with you and the worldwide body of Christ to help advance God’s kingdom.