A Teacher from Cambodia, A Doctor from Mexico: From Everywhere To Everywhere
The churches of Asia, Africa and South America long to participate in God’s global mission. But, building a large sending operation can be difficult and costly. Limited financial resources and restricted visa access often close doors before they open.
Marketplace work, whether in teaching, medicine or business, offers a powerful alternative. It provides a locally understandable reason for being present in hard-to-access places. And because it’s financially sustainable, it frees more people to say yes to God’s call.
In one Southeast Asian country, the people are surprisingly open to the Gospel. The local church, though still small, is growing quickly. The moment is urgent. The fields are white for harvest, but access is limited. Governmental restrictions make it hard for missionaries to enter, unless they come with skills that meet economic needs.
Last month, a young woman from Cambodia moved to the capital city of this country to teach. She brings a bright smile, a deep love for Jesus, and a gentle rolling laugh that fills her classroom with joy. She found a small apartment within walking distance of her school and is already busy learning the local language.
Next month, a physician from Mexico will join her. He is thoughtful, thorough and faithful. He hopes to teach and also serve at a local international clinic, using medicine to live out the good news of Jesus among his colleagues.
These marketplace workers are sent from churches just like yours. They often require less financial support than traditional missionaries. But they still need deep spiritual and practical backing. Churches play a vital role, praying, offering accountability, providing member care and sending their own as international tentmakers (Global Marketplace Multipliers). And while some marketplace workers can earn a livable wage, others face shortfalls, especially during transitions like relocation, language learning, or business startup phases.
For sending churches, this is an act of supporting missions to those without the life-changing access to the gospel. They are obeying Christ’s call to make disciples of all nations. It’s a way to lift eyes toward eternity and away from the distractions of temporary pursuits.
The workers heading into this Southeast Asian country are lighting a path. They are part of a movement of Christians moving from everywhere to everywhere to share the good news of the kingdom.
If you’d like to learn more and how to support this work, or even explore what it might look like to be involved as a Global Marketplace Multiplier yourself—email us at GMM@gponline.org. We’d love to walk with you.