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Andrew Shaughnessy

Andrew Shaughnessy

Andrew Shaughnessy is a long-time word slinger who spent nearly six years as MTW’s staff writer, gathering and telling impact stories from missionaries across the globe. These days, he’s off working as an analyst and editor in the publishing industry, writing fiction, and mountaineering. He holds a B.A. in history and English literature from Covenant College, and an M.S. in political science from Portland State University.

16 Jan 24
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting

The Natural Evolution of MTW’s Church Planting Philosophy

"The Church must be at the center of what we do. It’s integrally intertwined with our vision, our mission, and our theology."

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21 Jun 22
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Japan Tokyo

Karaoke Confessional: Missionary Finds an Unlikely Avenue for Ministry

For one MTW missionary, karaoke has provided surprising opportunities to speak the truth of the gospel into the lives of Japanese friends.

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25 Jan 22
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Bogota Medellin Colombia

In a World of Growing International Mobilization, Andrew Lupton Serves the Displaced

Instead of "Where are the unreached people?" Andrew suggests we ask "Where are strategic intersections of the nations?" Then let's go there!

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11 Jan 22
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

From COVID Relief to Growing Church Communities: Advancing the Gospel in South Asia

In 2020, a local pastor used Compassion Funds to distribute food during lockdowns and many came to faith. Here's what's happened since.

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28 Dec 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Lviv Ukraine

Stairway to Missions: Kirk Norris’ Journey From Intern to Career Missionary in Ukraine

Many become career missionaries via an incremental journey of discernment, beginning their journey as interns. Kirk Norris is one example.

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21 Dec 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Providing for His Family, Pursuing the Great Commission

Darrell MacKay's kingdom legacy is built around one central question: “What does God want me to do with what He has given me?”

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12 Nov 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Missionaries in West Africa Use Sustainable Farming Techniques to Love Their Neighbors and Further the Gospel

An agriculture development program is helping African Christians become food self-sufficient and have extra resources for kingdom work.

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02 Nov 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Chiba Tokyo Japan

“Coincidence” Becomes Calling: Debbie Pixley’s Journey From Automotive Engineer to MTW Missionary

Debbie didn't plan on missions—or Japan—but God lined things up, one after another, to set Debbie on a path for His purposes.

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19 Oct 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Athens Greece

More Than Drops in the Bucket: Loving Refugees in Greece

A little church in Greece is taking on the refugee crisis with the love of Christ.

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21 Sep 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

7 Churches; 500 Congregants; 0 Pastors: Problems and Potential in Sierra Leone

A growing network of churches sounds like a dream. But there’s just one problem. The Presbyterian Church of Sierra Leone has no pastors.

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31 Aug 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Acapulco Mexico

Ellen Barnett: The Extraordinary Life of MTW’s Last Original Missionary

Over nearly half a century of service, Ellen has helped start churches, a presbytery, a music program, a school, and even a seminary.

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03 Aug 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Cambodia Uganda Kampala Phnom Penh

The Pandemic Isn’t Over Yet: Many of our Global Communities Continue to Suffer

For many of us, it feels like the pandemic is over. Yet in much of the world, the crisis is the worst and deadliest it has ever been.

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22 Jun 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Stewarding Our Blessings: Accountant Mary Randolph Follows God's Lead

Did God really call accountants to the mission field? She wasn’t so sure. And yet, the call was unmistakable.

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15 Jun 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Berlin SE Berlin SW Germany

A Pandemic Ignites a Surge of Life and Death Conversations in Burdened Berlin

The pandemic shook people in Berlin in a way they hadn’t been shaken before. And when people had life and death questions, they came to Jay.

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08 Jun 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

6 Ways God Used the Pandemic to Open Doors for Gospel Ministry in Senegal

Jim was concerned about what would happen to the community of believers when the lockdowns hit. But God had bigger plans.

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25 May 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Czech Republic

As MTW Missionaries Retire, Czech Christians Rise to the Challenge to Grow Local Church

Growing up in the Czech Republic, Roman had no interest in Christianity. Now an elder, he sees himself as a legacy of faithful missionaries.

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18 May 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Chiba Tokyo Japan

A Tale of Two Ministries: God at Work in Endings and Beginnings in Japan

Two ministries in Japan are at exciting turning points, both looking forward to God's continued work in and through them for His kingdom.

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11 May 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Harnessing Hospitality: One Man’s Journey to Become a Church Planter in South Asia

As God impressed on Arjun's heart that "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few," Arjun knew he wanted to answer the call.

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20 Apr 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Italy Lecce

The First Italian Pastor in the PCA Returns Home to Church Plant

When Vincenzo noticed there weren't enough pastors in Italy, he decided he'd become one. He then applied the same logic to church planting.

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09 Mar 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Pandemic, Missions, and Loneliness: Q&A with MTW’s Member Care Network

As we’ve spoken with MTW missionaries over this last year, one theme has come up over and over again—that of loneliness and anxiety.

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05 Jan 21
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Church Plants in the Former Soviet Bloc Bear Gospel Fruit

After the fall of the Soviet Union, a huge wave of missionaries poured in, and that tilled ground is bearing fruit 30 years later.

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29 Dec 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Gifts to MTW’s Compassion Fund Helped Communities Around the Globe During COVID-19

In 17 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, the Compassion Fund helped feed those most impacted by COVID-19.­

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22 Dec 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

A Multigenerational Dream for Global Missions

Grace Chung's missionary service continues a legacy her grandfather initiated when he was still in North Korea.

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08 Dec 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Remote Tribe in a Muslim-Majority Country Thrives as a Gospel Partnership Bears Fruit

A traditionally animist tribe, in a Muslim-majority country, has become a growing, thriving, missional community of faith.

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01 Dec 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Addis Ababa Ethiopia Mercy

A Mercy Ministry in Ethiopia’s Slums Bears Gospel Fruit During COVID-19

When the virus arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, MTW missionaries working in the capital city’s slums feared the worst.

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24 Nov 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Planting, Harvesting, and Sharing: Joe Timberlake's Kingdom Legacy

The Timberlakes wanted to do more than just support their local church. So they sought out ways to get involved with global missions.

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13 Oct 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

What Does Racial Justice Have to Do With Missions?

We asked three MTW missionaries of color.

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06 Oct 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Introducing ... Virtual Mission Trips!

When the pandemic canceled international travel, Martha Bateman took MTW's short-term mission trips online.

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15 Sep 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Lviv Ukraine

Building the Church Planter’s Toolbox: The Long-Term Impact of Ukraine’s Publishing Ministry

MTW’s publishing ministry in Lviv, now with over 250 Reformed resources, is equipping a generation of Ukrainian church planters.

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07 Jul 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Germany

Stuck in Germany by COVID-19 Lockdowns, a Muslim Man Comes to Christ

As missionaries felt the fatigue and discouragement of prolonged stress, God showed up with a reminder that He is the One doing the work.

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23 Jun 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
New York City United States

COVID-19, the Big Apple, and Loving Our Neighbor

When the pandemic froze New York City in its tracks, an MTW missionary couple leapt into action.

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09 Jun 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Belize Haiti Malawi Uganda

MTW Compassion Funds Feed the Starving During Global Pandemic

As quarantines continue, people are beginning to starve. MTW missionaries, acting as the hands and feet of Christ, are responding.

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02 Jun 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Disaster Response Mercy Honduras La Ceiba

The Accidental Relief Program: COVID-19 in Honduras

In Honduras, the lockdown was total and immediate. MTW missionaries immediately thought of their neighbors who would need groceries—fast.

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26 May 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Panama Panama City

And to the Ends of the Earth

When a remote jungle community needed the gospel, nothing could stand in Tony Elswick's way. Not even quicksand.

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19 May 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Gonaives Haiti Mercy

Haiti's Political Chaos Disrupts a Fruitful Ministry

Even before COVID-19, unprecedented challenges of political turmoil disrupted ministry efforts in Haiti. But God remains at work.

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12 May 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Japan Tokyo

Karaoke Confessional: Missionary Finds an Unlikely Avenue for Ministry

For one MTW missionary, karaoke has provided surprising opportunities to speak the truth of the gospel into the lives of Japanese friends.

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10 Mar 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Gonaives Haiti

Haitian Children Entrenched in Voodoo Encounter Christ

When five siblings steeped in Voodoo began to consider the generosity of their Christian school, they encountered the generosity of Christ.

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25 Feb 20
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Canada First Nations

A Foundation of Friendship: Short-Term Mission Teams Build Bridges in Canada’s First Nations Reserves

In a context of cultural richness and spiritual poverty, laborers are working to ensure that the light of Christ is seen and truth heard.

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31 Dec 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Just Do It: Fran & Kay Williams’ Lifelong Stewardship Journey

"Over the years, we’ve heard so many stories that make you think, ‘Wow, what a huge impact a small amount of money can have!’”

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17 Dec 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Kicked Out: Our Plan “B” was His Plan “A”

Facing persecution and kicked out of their country of service, MTW missionaries in the Middle East stand strong.

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10 Dec 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Kicked Out: Pain, the Police, and the Sovereignty of God

God used the process of being kicked out to cleanse their hearts and teach them to depend more intimately on Him as a loving Father.

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03 Dec 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Kicked Out: Reframing the Call to Missions

When Benjamin was kicked out of East Asia, he knew his missions work would continue. His calling was to a people, not to a location.

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27 Nov 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Kicked Out: The Personal Toll of Missionary Expulsion

“It was absolutely devastating for our family. The initial shock of it, seeing my kids scream, being pulled away from me—that was dramatic."

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26 Nov 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Mercy

A Transformative Vision: Caring for Trafficking Survivors in Southeast Asia

Eugene envisioned a clinic for the most vulnerable—trafficking survivors, rescued out of Southeast Asia's notorious red light districts.

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29 Oct 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Bangkok Church planting Thailand

An Incremental Journey: From Interns to Long-Term Missionaries

John and Julie’s journey wasn’t rooted in a single dramatic moment. It was a slow, step-by-step process of following the Spirit’s leading.

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22 Oct 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Grow as a Global Ministry Leader

Hungry to make an impact? MTW is forging the cross-cultural missions leaders of the future.

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26 Sep 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Hurricane Dorian Devastates Bahamas

MTW is responding to the devastation and psychological trauma. Check back regularly as we post updates to the evolving situation.

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06 Jun 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Cusco Mercy Peru

True Religion: Caring for Orphans in Cusco, Peru

When Rosa's father murdered her mother in front of her, the 18-month-old child had nowhere to go. But then the Josephine House stepped in.

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04 Jun 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Athens Church planting Disaster Response Mercy

The Greek Church Meets Disaster With Mercy

Greece's worst wildfire in 100 years has opened doors for gospel ministry and church planting in the seaside city of Mati.

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23 May 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

The Reluctant Giver: Starting with Stewardship, Growing in Grace

Tom was successful in the eyes of the world, but reluctant to part with his wealth. Yet the Spirit was tugging on his heart.

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21 May 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Medicine Opens Doors for the Church

Medical Ministry directors Drs. Ted and Sharon Kuhn leave a legacy of wellness and strategic church planting.

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16 May 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Cusco Peru

A New Model for Missions: Laser Surgery in Peru

Among the rural poor in Peru, lost glasses can mean the difference between work and no work. A surgery is solving that problem sustainably.

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18 Apr 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting Madrid Spain

Winning Spanish Hearts and Minds: Bringing the Gospel Where the Church is Despised

Here in this deeply secular, post-Christian environment, MTW’s Madrid team works to bring the hope of the true gospel of grace to the city.

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19 Feb 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Time, Talents, and Treasure: One Man Proves Missions Doesn’t Stop at Retirement

In his retirement, one MTW supporter decided to dive headlong into serving missionaries and MTW with his time and business expertise.

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10 Jan 19
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Remembering Dr. Paul McKaughan — Missionary, Visionary, Faithful Servant of the King

Former MTW Coordinator Dr. Paul McKaughan died December 31, 2018. His kindness, character, and wisdom left their mark on the hearts of many.

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13 Dec 18
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Bogota Colombia

Threads of Grace: Training Church Leaders in Central and South America

With its central location, Colombia serves as a perfect hub to train leaders across the region. Just ask Javier, Marco, Alberto, and others.

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25 Oct 18
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Cambodia Church Planting Phnom Penh

A Virtuous Cycle of Missions

From village to city and city to village, MTW missionaries in Cambodia are building on each other's work—and God is transforming lives.

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30 Aug 18
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Abir’s Dream: Growth and Opportunity in Israel and Palestine

Abir, a Muslim, and Simon, a Christian, grew up together in Jerusalem. Confused by a recurring dream, Abir turned to his friend.

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02 Aug 18
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Baja Church planting Mexico

Bulwarks Against the Darkness: Church-Planting Partnerships in Northwest Mexico

In 2012 the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico set a goal to plant 10 churches in 10 years in 10 cities. They're on track to meet it.

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17 Jul 18
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting Mexico Monterrey

Beauty Poured Into Brokenness

A Mexican mission lives out the gospel in an impoverished neighborhood.

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24 May 18
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Peace and Perspective: A Life Leveraged for the Kingdom

David Castor always reminds the other bus drivers, "Hey, if something happens to me on the mission field, know that I died happy."

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22 May 18
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
1 percent Church planting

Sending 1%: How Would the World Change?

The 1% Challenge has allowed missionaries to dream—to look at the people, the neighborhoods in need of churches—and imagine what could be.

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10 May 18
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting

Co-Working Spaces: Sharing Space and Sharing Christ in South Asia

A new Business as Mission enterprise in South Asia is aiding church planting and building community.

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03 May 18
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Cambodia Church planting Phnom Penh

In Cambodia, Cows May Hold the Key to Sustainable Church Planting

When a rural Khmer church realized they were too dependent on outside funding, they began to think creatively. They began to think of cows.

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05 Dec 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Australia Church planting Sydney

The Unexpected Church

These days, Harbor City Church in Sydney, Australia is a model example of a successful church plant. But it wasn't always this way.

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28 Nov 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting

When Church Planting Is Perilous: South Asia

In part two of our two-part series, we look at the danger and opportunity of church planting in South Asia.

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21 Nov 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting

When Church Planting Is Perilous: East Asia

In part one of our two-part series, we look at the danger and opportunity of church planting in East Asia.

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14 Nov 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting

Country Church, City Church

How an MTW church plant in middle-class South Asia is multiplying and making waves

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02 Nov 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting Church Planting Montevideo Uruguay

How to Build a Denomination: Blazing the Trail for Reformed Churches in Uruguay

With no Reformed denomination in Uruguay, the Calls’ task is bigger than starting a church. It's to build an entire denomination.

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24 Oct 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Addis Ababa Church planting Ethiopia

A Common Vision: The Birth and Growth of a Church Plant in Ethiopia

It started as a ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, but a vital piece of the team's holistic vision was always to plant a church.

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05 Oct 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting Ciudad Juarez Mexico

Reclaiming Hope: Community and Church Planting in Juarez, Mexico

Juarez was once ruled by fear and violence. Today it's home to a vibrant, growing, church-planting ministry built on love and compassion.

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15 Aug 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Brasov Church planting Romania

Countercultural Brokenness: Theft and Transformation in Romania

A troublesome boy, broken by shame, went against cultural tradition and confessed his sin to the church. It was just what the church needed.

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08 Aug 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

How Business as Mission Is Shaping the Church in Central Asia

Business can be a powerful platform for reaching and impacting communities in the Muslim-majority world.

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25 Jul 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting Mercy Kampala Uganda

Menders: How the Ugandan Church is helping S. Sudanese Refugees to Thrive

The church in Uganda is helping find South Sudanese refugees long-term solutions through tribal reconciliation and sustainable farming.

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18 Jul 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Muslim Ministry

The Rohingya: Global Exiles in Need of the Global Church

Orphaned and trafficked, with no home, no country, no future, three Rohingya boys ended up in a school with a missionary as their teacher.

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30 Jun 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

The Starting Line: How the Global Missions Conference Changed One Woman’s Life

Molly Waldren was unsure about the next chapter of her life. Then a friend encouraged her to go to the Global Missions Conference.

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27 Jun 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

The Dangerous Myth of the Invincible Missionary

Here’s the uncomfortable truth—missionaries are ordinary Christians following extraordinary calls.

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06 Jun 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting Mercy Kyiv Lviv

Spontaneous Love: Ukrainian Church Plant Reaches Out to Refugees

When disabled and elderly refugees from eastern Ukraine were forced to flee, a local Presbyterian church embraced them like family.

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01 Jun 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Ecuador Quito

The Heart Language of the Quichua

Teaching the Bible to the Quichua in their own unique language penetrates hearts and awakens a new understanding of truth.

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23 May 17
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Church planting Mercy Panama Panama City

Panama Embraces Their Venezuelan Refugee Neighbors

A church plant in Panama City found itself surrounded by refugees, and saw an opportunity to embrace a gospel imperative.

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22 Dec 16
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Christmas Was Grittier Than We Remember

The harsh realities of massacre and refugees on the run in the Christmas story are key to the narrative of redemption.

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15 Dec 16
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Giving

Carolyn Kullmar: Steward of Relationships

As an MTW donor and a steward of relationships, Carolyn Kullmar is just as much a part of the MTW story as the missionaries she supports.

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13 Dec 16
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Mercy United States

“God Broke Open the 10/40 Window”

Just outside of Atlanta, MTW missionaries are reaching the Muslim world as they serve a community of refugees.

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06 Dec 16
by
Andrew Shaughnessy
in
Athens Greece

A Historic Opportunity: How MTW Is Responding to the Refugee Crisis in Greece

As refugees flooded into Greece, MTW partner churches dove in head-first to care for the strangers at their doorstep.

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17 Nov 16
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

To the Ends of the Earth and Two Miles Beyond

Medical clinics go into the most unreached areas of the world, providing quality medical care alongside the gospel.

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20 Oct 16
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

Thai Church Provides Community for the Outcast

When a Thai mother and her daughters found themselves alone and rejected, the church community was ready and eager to embrace them.

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06 Oct 16
by
Andrew Shaughnessy

How Black Gospel Music Is Changing Hearts in Japan

“I thought: ‘Japanese people singing black gospel music? This will never work.’”

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