Mission & Mercy Ministry Update - 2025, Issue 11
Table of Contents
Prayer Focus: The Persecuted Church
Mission Highlight: UBC Mission Partner Visit this Month
Mission Highlight & Opportunity: UBC Sponsored Meal at One Bistro
Mercy Highlight & Opportunity: Operation Christmas Child Box Collection Underway
Mission Highlight & Opportunity: Prayer Walk on Saturday, November 1st
Upcoming UBC Mission Trips: Planning for 2026 Underway
Prayer Focus
The Persecuted Church
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
November 2nd has been designated as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) as well as the whole month of November. We remember that we are united with those who suffer for the name of Christ and as 1 Corinthians 13:26 says, “If one member suffers, all suffer together...” So let us always keep them in our prayers but especially in this coming month.
The following graphic is from the World Watch List published by Open Doors in which countries are ranked by the intensity of persecution. This reflects data reported from October 1, 2024–September 30, 2025. Countries in red depict extreme persecution, orange shows very high levels, and yellow shows high levels. 310 million Christians face very high or extreme persecution worldwide. 1 in 5 of these are in Africa, while 2 in 5 are in Asia.
The top ten countries are on the list are:
1. North Korea 2. Somalia 3. Yemen 4. Libya 5. Sudan 6. Eritrea 7. Nigeria 8. Pakistan 9. Iran 10. Afghanistan
In addition to the countries above, just last month, China experienced one of the largest crackdowns on churches in recent years when authorities targeted the Zion Church network and arrested at least 30 Christians including the pastor. Many see this as a signal that a broader crackdown on house churches is coming. Read more here.
For more information or prayer resources, stop by the Ministry Table.
We also recommend the Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors websites.
Prayers
Pray for those in prison. That they would be released, and in the meantime, that God would protect them, sustain their faith, and give them grace to endure.
Pray for those ostracized by their communities: That God will give them courage despite the intimidation they face and that He will provide for their needs.
Pray for churches in hostile areas. That they would continue to grow despite persecution and that God would give their leaders wisdom.
Pray for those who suffer at the hands of their own families and former friends. That they will hold fast to their faith and be comforted by Jesus’ promise that anyone who has lost home or family for His sake "will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:29).
Pray that persecution would lead to a harvest. That those who are targeted will remain steadfast so that their testimonies will demonstrate Jesus living in them and draw those who are hostile near to God.
Pray for government leaders in hostile countries from the local to national level. That God would move in their hearts to repeal restrictive laws and allow greater freedom for citizens to choose their faith and practice freely.
Pray for leaders in our own government. That they would make the issue of religious freedom and violence against Christians a high priority when meeting and negotiating with leaders of hostile governments.
Pray for believers in the United States. That we would not forget our persecuted brothers and sisters and that we, like them, would lift high the name of Jesus, even when it cost us.
Mission Highlight
UBC Mission Partner Visit this Month
In November, Hira R (one of our partner missionaries) will be visiting the Dayton/Beavercreek area and spending some time at UBC. Hira is from a country in South Asia that is predominantly (over 90%) Muslim and less than 0.5% Christian. In addition, there are 276 unreached people groups that comprise 92% of the population. Hira will be at UBC on Sunday, November 16, to share with classes, UKids, and those who stop by the ministry table to connect. During his time here, Hira will also have the opportunity to visit Cedarville. We encourage you to visit with him at the ministry table to show our love and support of his ministry in South Asia, and provide encouragement from the body of Christ.
Mission Highlight & Opportunity
UBC Sponsored Meal at One Bistro
On October 15th, UBC had the opportunity to sponsor the community meal at One Bistro. Volunteers helped to serve 145 meals to Xenia residents who gathered around tables to eat.
One Bistro is a local ministry that serves healthy, delicious meals to anyone who walks through the door regardless of ability to pay. They are all about building relationships, providing a sense of community, and doing what they can to eliminate hunger.
In Greene County, approximately 13.2% of residents, including 6,360 children, face food insecurity. In Xenia alone, 2,329 children and 385 seniors live in poverty, with 50% of Xenia Community School students participating in free and reduced lunch programs. Volunteers at One Bistro help address these critical needs by ensuring that all neighbors have access to nutritious meals in a dignified setting.
Our next serving opportunity will be on November 19th. If you would like to serve please let us know here.
Mercy Highlight & Opportunity
Operation Christmas Child Box Collection Underway
On October 25th, the UBC Sewing and Craft ministry hosted an open house to pack Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoeboxes. Our 37 helpers of all ages, brought their beautiful chaos to pack 92 boxes, more than twice the number completed last year and in record time! Projects like jewelry kits, fishing & knot tying kits with instructions, feminine hygiene kits, stuffed animals and other small toys made by card makers, crochet and knitters, and sewists were packed in boxes with love and prayer.
As the month of November begins, it's time to put the final touches on YOUR Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes! We are getting ready to send these gifts of hope and joy to children around the world. If you are needing last minute additions for your box, please stop by the missions table in the front lobby and pick up a “Jesus Loves You” soccer ball and pump for a $4 donation! Please be sure to check the official "What Goes in My Shoebox" list on the Samaritan's Purse website for the most current guidelines.
National Collection Week is November 17-24, 2025 and is fast approaching! This is the only time local drop-off locations are open to receive your completed shoeboxes. UBC will be collecting boxes on Sundays from November 9-23. You can drop them off at the ministry table on your way to the worship service.
Please remember to include the $10 suggested donation for each shoebox you pack. This crucial donation helps cover the costs of collecting, processing, shipping the gifts, and providing Gospel materials.
You can include a check (payable to University Baptist Church with "OCC" on the memo line) inside your shoebox envelope
OR
Donate online and receive a special tracking label to discover the destination country of your box (search "OCC Follow Your Box" to learn more)!
Let's make this year's collection a huge success and help us hit our church-wide goal of 1,000 boxes! Thank you for sharing God's love with a child in need this Christmas.
Mission Highlight & Opportunity
Prayer Walk
A group from UBC went out prayer walking on October 11th through the neighborhood just behind the church. In addition to praying for the households we walked past and any individuals we ran into, we also took the opportunity to place door hangers on many of the houses. They were a great way to connect with houses where we didn't run into people by letting them know UBC was on their street, and each flyer also invited them to visit the church.
We welcome you to join us as we go out again on November 1st! You can register here.
Monthly Mission Quote:
"How many there are … who imagine that because Jesus paid it all, they need pay nothing, forgetting that the prime object of their salvation was that they should follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in bringing back a lost world to God."
- Lottie Moon on September 15, 1887, Tungchow
Upcoming Mission Trips
"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news..." Romans 10:15
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How beautiful are your feet?
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"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news..." Romans 10:15 ~ How beautiful are your feet? ~
Planning for 2026 Trips Underway
UBC has wrapped up our short term mission trip opportunities for 2025 and planning is underway for 2026! There are local, national, and global trips offered. You can learn more about some recent UBC trips through “Stories from the Field,” a subseries of our UBC Talking Points podcast. Episodes are available now for the recent trips to Southeast Asia, Namibia, Uganda, and STUMIN trip to Utah. You can find them here.
If you are planning to participate on a mission trip with another organization (e.g. Cedarville’s GO trips), please contact us to let us know more!
If there is a nation or a people group that God has placed on your heart, share it with us. We would love the opportunity to hear and to help you find a trip in the coming year. Reach out to Francisco Jimenez Peña (francisco.jimenezpena@ubcbeavercreek.com).
March 12-22, 2026
Paraguay
Medical trip with ABWE, sharing God’s Love with the Gospel and medical care.More information may be found here.
Contact: Jeff RobinsonJune 11-25, 2026
Uganda
Come help serve South Sudanese refugees as we share the gospel and start discipleship groups. More information may be found here.
Contact: Jim CorbinJuly 31-August 9, 2026
Argentina
Work with Pastor Fabian Santillan and the church plant in La Banda. More information may be found here.
Contact: Jim Corbin
Contact to learn more:
Francisco Jimenez Peña
francisco.jimenezpena@ubcbeavercreek.com
To read past Mission Updates or to get more information about UBC on Mission, visit
https://www.ubcbeavercreek.com/mission-and-mercy-ministries.