Growing up as the son of a pastor, MTW missionary Joel Spence initially felt intimidated by the idea of becoming a pastor himself. Instead, he joined the military and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. During his military service Joel led some Bible studies and fellow soldiers encouraged him to consider a calling in ministry. God led him to pursue seminary and ordination, and grew Joel’s passion for the mission field. After gaining some experience pastoring in the U.S., he felt ready to serve overseas.

Joel initially planned to go to Russia, but the pandemic and political tensions made that impossible. When the war in Ukraine began, Joel volunteered to help, and soon found himself in Krakow, Poland, working with a crisis team to evacuate Ukrainians.

While in Poland, Joel’s personal hunger for church fellowship and Bible study led him to start an English Bible study, though MTW didn’t have a ministry in Poland. But God’s path and timing is perfect. National pastors and MTW asked Joel to stay and serve in the local church and help open a new field for MTW. Watch as Joel tells his story and see how each step of his journey confirmed his calling to be where he is today.