Mission work should always strengthen the local church. However, despite good intentions, some missions methods unintentionally sideline the very churches missionaries aim to establish.

We often see this when mission efforts operate outside of God’s design for the church. Many programs and organizations, though well-meaning, can inadvertently deplete the church of its greatest resource—its people. When people are led to serve God independently of the local church, they can shift accountability and distract believers from their God-given spiritual authority, ultimately weakening the church’s influence and unity.

Preaching the Gospel in remote locations is all about access. But let’s be honest—getting out to some places is no small feat. The terrain can be unforgiving, roads get washed out, and sometimes, there’s no road at all. It’s not unusual for us to head out toward a village, only to find ourselves turning back because the path is completely impassable. These are the regions beyond—the places that demand our attention, our prayers, and our determination to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ.