Faith
Retired Couple’s Divine Encounter in Tanzania Sparked 25 Years of Faithful Service
Faith Facts
- Don and Joann Tolmie traveled to Tanzania as retirees in their late 60s and early 70s over 20 years ago
- The couple encountered children with significant disabilities and felt called by God to serve them
- Their initial visit turned into a 25-year mission of faithful service to disabled children in Tanzania
When most Americans envision retirement, they picture rest and relaxation after decades of hard work. But for Don and Joann Tolmie, retirement became the launching pad for one of the most profound chapters of their lives. More than two decades ago, the Illinois couple ventured to Tanzania, not knowing that a simple question would transform their golden years into a divine mission.
The Tolmies were in their late 60s and early 70s when they first set foot in the East African nation. During their visit, they encountered children living with significant disabilities—children whose futures appeared uncertain and whose needs were overwhelming. When the couple inquired about what would become of these vulnerable young souls, they received an answer that broke their hearts and ignited their purpose.
In that moment, the Tolmies recognized what they describe as a “God moment”—a divine appointment that was unmistakably orchestrated by the Lord. Rather than returning to the comfort of their American retirement, Don and Joann chose to answer the call they believed God had placed directly in their path. This decision would mark the beginning of a quarter-century commitment to serving some of the world’s most marginalized children.
Their story stands as a powerful testament to the truth that God’s calling knows no age limit. While secular culture often views retirement as the end of productive life, the Tolmies demonstrate that for believers, it can be the beginning of the most meaningful work. Their faithfulness reminds us that when we make ourselves available to God’s purposes, He can use us at any stage of life to accomplish His kingdom work.
The couple’s decades-long dedication to disabled children in Tanzania reflects the heart of the Gospel—caring for “the least of these” and bringing hope to those whom society often overlooks. Their sacrifice challenges American Christians to consider how God might be calling them to step out in faith, regardless of age or circumstance.
In an era when comfort and security often take precedence over calling, the Tolmies’ example shines as a beacon of what’s possible when we trust God’s plan over our own. Their willingness to trade the ease of retirement for the challenges of mission work in a developing nation reveals the transformative power of obedience to Christ.
For 25 years, Don and Joann have poured their lives into children who desperately needed advocates, caregivers, and the love of Christ. Their story isn’t just about two remarkable individuals—it’s about a faithful God who continues to work through surrendered hearts, proving that the best is often yet to come for those who follow His lead.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith
Bible App YouVersion Announces Major Expansion Into Latin America
Faith Facts
- YouVersion convened Christian leaders in Mexico City to announce strategic partnerships expanding Bible access across Latin America
- The Bible app platform continues its mission to bring Scripture closer to Spanish and Portuguese-speaking communities
- Major Christian organizations are joining forces to strengthen digital discipleship in the region
YouVersion gathered leaders from major Christian organizations in Mexico City this week to announce new partnerships and highlight the Bible app’s expansion across Latin America. The meeting signals a significant push to bring digital Scripture resources to one of the world’s most vibrant Christian communities.
The expansion represents a strategic effort to serve the growing number of believers seeking accessible Bible study tools in their native languages. Latin America has emerged as a region of tremendous spiritual growth, with millions embracing faith and seeking deeper engagement with Scripture.
YouVersion’s partnerships with established Christian organizations demonstrate a collaborative approach to digital ministry that respects local church leadership while providing modern tools for discipleship. The app has already transformed how millions of believers around the world engage with God’s Word daily.
This initiative comes at a crucial time when technology offers unprecedented opportunities to reach people with the Gospel message. By strengthening alliances with regional leaders, YouVersion is ensuring that Bible access remains both culturally relevant and theologically sound for Spanish and Portuguese-speaking audiences.
The Bible app platform has proven its ability to help believers develop consistent Scripture reading habits, with features designed to encourage daily engagement with God’s Word. These tools are now being tailored to meet the specific needs and cultural contexts of Latin American Christians.
As digital ministry continues to grow worldwide, initiatives like this demonstrate how technology can serve the timeless mission of making Scripture accessible to all people. The expansion into Latin America represents not just technological progress, but a commitment to equipping believers with the spiritual resources they need to grow in faith.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith
Half of Korean Christian Teens Cannot Defend Their Faith
Faith Facts
- Less than half of female middle and high school students in South Korean churches express confidence in the Christian gospel
- Youth worship attendance remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels
- Family influence emerges as critical factor in youth spiritual formation
A troubling new survey reveals a crisis of faith among South Korea’s youngest generation of Christians. Fewer than half of female middle and high school students attending churches in the country say they are confident in sharing and defending the gospel message.
The findings paint a sobering picture of the challenges facing Christian families and churches in one of Asia’s most vibrant Christian nations. Youth worship attendance has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting lasting damage from lockdown policies that kept young believers away from regular fellowship and discipleship.
The survey underscores what many Christian leaders have long emphasized: the family remains the primary vessel for transmitting faith to the next generation. When parents fail to model vibrant Christianity at home, church programs alone cannot fill the void.
This pattern is not unique to South Korea. Across the Western world, Christian parents are rediscovering that faith formation begins at the dinner table, not just in Sunday school. The data confirms that children whose parents actively practice and discuss their faith at home demonstrate far stronger spiritual confidence than those who only encounter Christianity in formal church settings.
The gender disparity in gospel confidence also raises important questions. Christian educators and youth pastors must examine whether current ministry approaches are effectively reaching and equipping young women to become bold witnesses for Christ.
South Korea has been a beacon of Christian growth in East Asia for decades, sending missionaries around the world and building some of the largest congregations on earth. But sustaining that legacy requires every generation to own their faith personally, not merely inherit it culturally.
American Christians should take note. The same forces undermining youth faith in South Korea—cultural pressure, digital distraction, and passive parenting—are equally present in the United States. No church heritage or denominational tradition can substitute for intentional, daily discipleship in the home.
The solution begins with parents who take seriously their God-given responsibility to train up children in the way they should go. It continues with churches that equip families rather than attempting to replace them.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith
After Years of Silence, Nigeria’s Christians Still Face Deadly Persecution
Faith Facts
- Christian communities in Northern Nigeria continue facing escalating violence despite increased international attention to their plight
- Years of advocacy have brought global awareness, yet tangible protection and intervention remain absent
- The worsening crisis reveals a gap between international recognition and meaningful action to protect persecuted believers
For years, the global Christian community pleaded for the world to recognize the systematic persecution of believers in Northern Nigeria. That recognition has finally come — yet the violence against our brothers and sisters in Christ continues to intensify.
The brutal reality on the ground tells a sobering story. Despite increased international awareness, Christian communities across Northern Nigeria face an unrelenting campaign of terror that shows no signs of abating.
The escalation of attacks reveals a disturbing pattern: acknowledgment without action has done little to protect vulnerable believers. Churches remain targets, villages continue to be raided, and faithful Christians live under constant threat.
This crisis exposes a fundamental gap between awareness and intervention. While media coverage has increased and advocacy efforts have gained traction, concrete measures to protect persecuted Christians have not materialized in meaningful ways. The international community’s response has largely remained at the level of statements and condemnations, while Nigerian Christians desperately need security and protection.
The situation demands more than sympathy — it requires decisive action. Religious freedom advocates have documented countless atrocities, yet perpetrators continue operating with relative impunity. The lack of accountability emboldens those who seek to drive Christianity from the region.
Nigerian believers have demonstrated extraordinary faith and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. Their commitment to Christ despite persecution stands as a powerful testimony. Yet their courage should not be met with passive observation from the global Church.
The failure to translate awareness into protection raises difficult questions about international priorities and the effectiveness of advocacy efforts. What good is global attention if it does not lead to tangible safety for those being targeted for their faith?
This ongoing crisis serves as a sobering reminder that religious persecution remains one of the defining challenges of our time. Christians in Nigeria need more than our prayers and attention — they need the world to act with the same urgency that their dire circumstances demand.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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