Praise the Lord for a good turnout today! A special thanks to Ty, Travis, and Chase for helping organize, the other missionaries that golfed, and especially to Stephen Cofield, who spear headed the event.

After they finished on the course, the majority of the golfers came to campus for a banquet and award ceremony. Above are some of the pictures. 

Last week, Travis & Ty led a zoom call for young people interested in missions. They interviewed Jason & Lori Holt. They are planning their next zoom meeting. If you know of a young person that would enjoy being part of the call, please let them know. 

Join us for our July 22-25, 2025 World’s Cheapest Missions Trip!

We’re doing some more work on campus. Drainage will go in next to the Carey Center, leveling the green area to make it nice, and leveling the hill by the girls dorm so we can plant grass and mow easier. 

The Lord gave us a great graduation last Friday night. Proud of the eight graduates, grateful for our wonderful staff, and thankful to the many people that came to support this special event. 

Relaunch meeting with the Bateman family as they prepare to leave for Argentina soon. Please pray for them as they wrap up furlough and jump back into the ministry where God has called them. 

A VBM missionary serving in a creative access country developed an approach inspired by his everyday experiences in a bustling urban environment. Surrounded by a steady stream of new faces in shops, taxis, and homes, he found himself constantly engaging with strangers. Each encounter brought familiar questions—”How long have you lived here?” “How did you learn about our country?” “What do you do here?” These recurring conversations naturally opened the door to share his purpose: to tell people about Jesus.

But amidst these frequent introductions, one challenge continued to weigh on him—the fleeting nature of these encounters. A short taxi ride or a brief checkout line simply didn’t provide enough time to fully explain the message of Christ. Recognizing this limitation, he devised a practical solution: an evangelistic booklet, small enough to fit in his pocket.

This booklet, written specifically with the local religion in mind, gently walks readers from the familiarity of idolatry toward the truth of Christ as Savior. Designed to meet people where they are spiritually, it offers a clear and thoughtful presentation of the gospel in a contextually relevant way.

More than just a book, it became a companion in his daily routine. Whether tucked in his bag, glove compartment, or even his pocket when walking empty-handed, the booklet was always within reach—ready to be handed to someone he might never meet again.

He emphasized that while his tool happened to be a booklet, the core idea is broader: to carry something—anything—that can leave a spiritual imprint. A tract, a note, even a QR code linking to a video or message could be enough to point someone toward Christ.

His encouragement to fellow believers was simple: be prepared. Consider the ordinary moments—chance meetings, casual conversations—as divine appointments. Equip yourself with something tangible to leave behind, something that can continue speaking when your words cannot.

“Pray,” he concluded, “that God would use our everyday interactions to bring glory to His name.”

A special thank you to all of those who participated and those that worked to make orientation a great week. We had a great MK Camp as well as missionary orientation. What a phenomenal week!

We had great classes, fellowship, activities, ice breakers, ice cream and coffee, presented two VBM rings, and one 10-year plaque. Above are some of the pictures (special thanks to Blaine Hooper & Darci Snode).

Date: April 29, 2025

Location: Hampton Golf Village, Cumming, GA

This exciting tournament is your chance to enjoy a great round of golf, promote your organization, and support world missions. All proceeds will go toward expanding the facilities and impact of Vision Baptist Missions, Inc.

All of the proceeds from this year’s tournament will go toward expanding our missionary training facility. The Carey Center can currently accommodate approximately 20 missionaries in training. With a remodel of the existing space, we will be able to train up to 60 missionary students. Click on the following video to hear from Travis Snode, General Director talk about the project.

Pastor Bill Schneider, from MD, came down to visit our campus. We are blessed to have pastors interested in what God is doing on campus!

Recently we were able to set up a display at the GA Independent Baptist Preacher’s Fellowship. We heard some good preaching, got to see several pastor friends, and set up a display for anyone interested in missions or VBM.

We are excited to host our 2025 VSM Graduation on campus, Friday, May 2nd at 7 pm! Reception to follow in the Carey Center.

On the VBM Facebook feed, we regularly post updates of our Missionary Team, Podcast Episodes, Missions Quotes and Verses, and much more! Follow us to keep in the know.

https://www.facebook.com/VBMintl

Missionary Josh Sullivan, who was recently kidnapped while serving the Lord in South Africa, has been rescued! (see article)

We thank the countless believers who were in fervent prayer during this trying time. The Lord truly answered. We also deeply appreciate the courageous efforts of the authorities and others who worked tirelessly to secure Josh’s rescue. Our hearts are filled with praise to God, who has once again shown His power to protect and deliver His servants!

If you’re reading this and wondering why Josh would be a missionary and risk his life for the gospel, it’s because he knows what Jesus has done for him, and what Jesus offers the whole world. Sin separates us all from God, but Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of the whole world, and rose again. Because of His sacrifice, all who trust in Him can be saved (Romans 6:23; 10:13).

Josh’s rescue is a powerful reminder of the spiritual rescue that every soul needs. Billions around the world are still held captive by sin and spiritual darkness. There are still tribes, tongues, and nations who have never heard the name of Jesus even once. Christians are responsible for obeying Christ’s final command, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

Date: April 29, 2025

Location: Hampton Golf Village, Cumming, GA

This exciting tournament is your chance to enjoy a great round of golf, promote your organization, and support world missions. All proceeds will go toward expanding the facilities and impact of Vision Baptist Missions, Inc.

All of the proceeds from this year’s tournament will go toward expanding our missionary training facility. The Carey Center can currently accommodate approximately 20 missionaries in training. With a remodel of the existing space, we will be able to train up to 60 missionary students. Click on the following video to hear from Travis Snode, General Director talk about the project.

The Blooms in Ecuador

March was full of blessings in Ecuador!

• Youth Day at the Park – 30 teens & young adults gathered for teaching, sports, & fellowship. Pray for $1,500 to complete the youth room!
• Marriage Night – Encouraging couples with a Christ-centered lesson & fellowship.
• Baby Dedication – Welcomed first-time visitors!
• Four New Families – Completed discipleship & joined our church!
• Missionary Retreat in Panama – A time of renewal & encouragement.
• Church’s 3rd Anniversary – Over 200 people celebrated God’s faithfulness!

Prayer Requests:

• New Church Members with grow and serve
• Youth who attended the event—that seeds of faith would grow.
• Strengthening of marriages in our church.
• Vision & growth as we enter our 4th year!

Check out the Facebook post and leave them a comment!

The Carriers in Chile

God is at work at Joy Baptist!

March was our month for Evangelism & Discipleship, and we’re so encouraged by all God is doing! From a weekend conference and our first outreach breakfast to a refreshing time at our regional missions conference in Panama, it’s been a full and fruitful month.

We’re thankful for those stepping up in outreach and discipleship — and excited to see lives being touched for Christ.

Pray with us for a great turnout at our upcoming married couples event and Easter service!

Check out the Facebook post and leave them a comment!

The Johnsons to South Africa

One Year on Deputation!

This March marks 1 year since we began our deputation journey — and what a year it’s been! God has truly done exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think. We’re now at 67% support — praise the Lord!

We celebrated Levi turning 9 , traveled to 5 states, were part of 4 Missions Conferences, 4 Missions Sundays, and saw a soul saved at Philadelphia Baptist Chapel — the greatest joy of all!

From roller skating parties to a superhero youth service, and a powerful Missions Rally at Vision Baptist Missions — March was full of memories, ministry, and momentum.

Please pray for the Barnett family as they head to Ireland on a mission trip soon!

Check out the Facebook post and leave them a comment!

If you would like to find out more about the Carey Project, click the button below!

Missionary Josh Sullivan, who was recently kidnapped while serving the Lord in South Africa, has been rescued! (see article)

We thank the countless believers who were in fervent prayer during this trying time. The Lord truly answered. We also deeply appreciate the courageous efforts of the authorities and others who worked tirelessly to secure Josh’s rescue. Our hearts are filled with praise to God, who has once again shown His power to protect and deliver His servants!

If you’re reading this and wondering why Josh would be a missionary and risk his life for the gospel, it’s because he knows what Jesus has done for him, and what Jesus offers the whole world. Sin separates us all from God, but Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of the whole world, and rose again. Because of His sacrifice, all who trust in Him can be saved (Romans 6:23; 10:13).

Josh’s rescue is a powerful reminder of the spiritual rescue that every soul needs. Billions around the world are still held captive by sin and spiritual darkness. There are still tribes, tongues, and nations who have never heard the name of Jesus even once. Christians are responsible for obeying Christ’s final command, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

Will you let Josh’s story challenge you? He risked everything for the cause of Christ. Will you pray for the Lord to send more laborers into His harvest? Will you go?

We rejoice with Josh & Morgan Barton as they have finished deputation and will be headed to Mozambique very soon. Praise the Lord!

THIS week, Sam Wilson will be teaching a module class at VSM. You are more than welcome to join us Tuesday to Thursday (8am to noon), as well as Friday for Missions Class.

We held a Reentry meeting with Jason & Lori Holt. We praise the Lord for the field directors and their concern, dedication, and service to specific regions. Jason & Lori serve over the region of Latin America. 

God gave us a great Youth for the Gospel on Saturday in Toccoa, GA. So grateful for the one saved and two that signed the volunteer pledge to serve the Lord. Praise the Lord! 

We just made a platform (separate pieces to easily move around) that we will be using for the Missions Rally as well as other events.

We are excited about a new event at VBM that will take place March 27-28. Here’s a quick idea of what it will be: 

• Wednesday (the 26th, for early arrivals), we will join Vision Baptist Church for the midweek service, followed by pizza and fellowship.
• Thursday morning, visitors will see classes and our training program.
• Thursday afternoon, we will host the PAC meeting.
• Thursday evening, we will hold the Missions Rally, a time of preaching, fellowship with veteran missionaries, food (of course), and fun activities together.
• Friday morning, we will hear from guest speaker Bryan Stensaas (former director and missionary to Spain and Uganda).

We plan to go big! We are praying for many visitors and groups to attend and participate. If you are high school or college age, please consider joining us! If you are a pastor or youth pastor, we would love to have any young ministry leader join us as well. This event is an excellent opportunity for young adults to be encouraged about the cause of Christ and experience a unique training opportunity for missions and ministry.

Congratulations to Jon & Amber Canavan on the arrival of their beautiful daughter Amelia Rose! She was born on March 10 around 5:30 a.m. weighing 7lbs and 12oz.

Kyle Shreve spending time with Benjamin, who accepted Christ last Sunday.

​From the Clowers in Mozambique:

God is working in Mozambique, and we’re grateful for your prayers & support!

Kinsleigh’s Passport – After 6 months, Kinsleigh finally received her Mozambican passport! This will save us hundreds in visa fees each year. Thank you for praying!

Ministry Highlights

Church in Boane – We visited and preached at a local church, thankful for the chance to encourage believers.

Mission Conference in Mahotas – Served alongside a thriving church, helped with outreach at a hospital, and shared the Gospel with many. Pray for those who heard!

Work in Malanga – Studying the Bible with a young man, Pedro, and seeing new visitors come to church!

Village Surveying – Exploring Marracuene & Manhiça, two villages in need of Gospel-preaching churches. Pray for God’s direction as we seek where to plant a church!

From the Hoopers to South Africa:

We are in awe of God’s faithfulness as we step out in faith on deputation!

December brought joy as we saw the Lord’s hand in selling our home, providing exactly what we needed. January was a bittersweet month—while we celebrated our acceptance with VBM, we also grieved the unexpected passing of David, a dear brother in Christ. Though our hearts ache, we rejoice in the hope of salvation and ask for prayers for his family.

February marked a big leap—leaving my full-time job at Chick-fil-A to fully embrace the call to ministry. Since then, God has opened doors, providing 38 meetings, and March is completely booked!

Please continue to pray for us as we travel, share the Gospel, and serve the churches and people we meet.

From the Hoopers to South Africa:

​February has been a busy and exciting month on the deputation trail! We were blessed to attend missions conferences in Arkansas & Indiana and meetings in Virginia—building friendships and sharing our vision for South Africa.

Prayer Requests:

Health for our family—our 3-year-old has been sharing more than just toys!

South Africa & our future ministry

Tiffany Gibson (my sister)—recently diagnosed with cancer, praying for healing.

Praises:

We’ve reached 59% of our support and are on track for full funding by 2025!

Thankful for every church that has partnered with us in prayer & support.

Thank you for standing with us!