By Addelyn Wachter
Mission 2025 celebrated the roots and branches of RCA Global Mission and convened approximately 200 mission-minded people in Orlando, Florida, for three days in mid-January. More than 20 missionaries and partners traveled and shared stories from Juarez, Mexico; Rome, Italy; Cusco, Peru; Bangkok, Thailand; and many places in between. They joined with attendees who gathered from across the U.S. and Canada to stand as witnesses to God’s work in the world. Speakers shared their life experiences and stories of impact during main-stage storytelling gatherings, workshops, and dinner conversations, and invited participants to learn more about what God is doing globally through the support of churches and individuals.
Attendees heard stories of people like Andreea, who stumbled upon Fǎrǎ Limite Climbing Gym in Dallas, Romania, a ministry started and operated by RCA missionaries Felipe and Janelle deWaard-Silva. As a young girl, Andreea found a safe place for fun and community at Fǎrǎ Limite. She later joined Ancora Church, the local church the deWaard-Silvas planted, and now helps with Sunday school. From the stage came other stories, some focused on the journeys of refugees seeking safety across borders, while others shared how current RCA missionaries were called into the field. Still others shed light on how churches in the North American context can learn from the global church.
At Mission 2025, Jean Van Engen, a long-time RCA missionary, and Grace Newhouse, one of the RCA’s newest missionaries, took a special moment to honor the 150th anniversary of a small gathering of women who gathered at Marble Collegiate Church in New York City to establish the Women’s Board of Foreign Mission. Because those women listened to God’s call and took action, their faithfulness—and that of many women in mission who followed—is woven into the deep roots of the denomination’s nearly 400-year mission history that has sprouted into the branches that are a vital part of what RCA Global Mission is today. As part of the celebration of women in mission, limited edition “She Is Called” T-shirts debuted at Mission 2025, listing the names of historic RCA women in mission, such as Ida Scudder and Morrie Swart.
During an opening devotion, RCA Global Mission Ambassador Rev. Susanah Wade, associate minister of Marble Collegiate Church, said that God calls missionaries to do his work and help those in need, even though there are various destructions across the Earth.
“The reality is that many of you here are already familiar with the nature of wildfires,” said Wade. “It is in fact the reason you are here, and it is in large part why you serve where you do in the world. … The work of RCA Global Mission enters exactly where it needs to be positioned and from where it needs to start its journey. … When the roots and branches that produce the trees and forests in our lives are threatened by wildfires, I feel that Global Mission, through its team of missionaries around the world, becomes the anchoring roots and canopy of branches that can help withstand the wildfires.”
In addition to main-stage story gatherings, nine workshops delved into short-term mission, peacebuilding in South Sudan, care for refugees and immigrants, art and creativity in the mission field, God’s calling on individual lives, and more. Each attendee participated in two workshops.
Additional highlights from the gathering included:
- A showing of The Law and the Prophets film, followed by a Q&A with the producers.
- The launch of the Historical Series’ first illustrated children’s book featuring the life of RCA missionary and legend Ida Scudder. Copies available for purchase here.
- The participation of 29 young adults who were able to attend, thanks to scholarships generously funded by the Church Growth Fund and other donors.
- Two mission trip giveaways—one to South Africa and one to Peru.
- An outdoor reception that provided a space for valuable connection for guests and a chance for attendees to mingle with missionaries, staff, and each other.
In a post-event survey, many participants commented on the amazing breadth of places the RCA is involved in mission. Additionally, they mentioned the inspiration and encouragement they received not only from speakers but also in connecting with other attendees.
“My eyes were really opened to what God is doing through our partners,” wrote one attendee. “This really rejuvenated my interest and enthusiasm for RCA Global Mission.”
To experience the event visually, check out the photo album and access plenary videos here. To learn more about RCA Global Mission and its missionaries and partners, visit www.rca.org/mission.
Addelyn Wachter is currently fundraising to serve as the multimedia storyteller for RCA Global Mission.
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