Mission & Mercy Ministry Update - 2025, Issue 8

 

Table of Contents

  • Prayer Focus: The Quichua, Santiago del Estero People in Argentina

  • Highlight: UBC Welcomes New Director of Mission & Mercy Ministries

  • Mercy Highlight: UBC Sponsors Community Meal at One Bistro

  • Opportunity: IFI Welcomes International Students for Fall Semester

  • Opportunity: Back to School Shop AND Build OCC Boxes to Bless Others

  • Upcoming UBC Mission Trips: Short-Term Trips for 2025

Prayer Focus

The Quichua, Santiago del Estero People in Argentina

Back in March, we prayed for our mission partner, Pastor Fabian Santillán from Clodomira, Argentina. This month we will pray for the Quichua, Santiago del Estero, the specific unreached people group that he and his team have been engaging for the past few years.
A people group is 'unreached' when less than 2% of them are evangelical Christians, according to the Global Status of Evangelical Christianity (GSEC). Many of the Quichua may identify as Catholics and therefore, be considered Christian, as is much of Argentina, but often their Catholicism is blended with their ancient religions. They may also be Catholic in name only, not practicing the faith. The Quichua, Santiago del Estero
number between 59,000-65,000 and are located only in Argentina.

Prayers

  • Pray for God to open their minds and hearts to the light of the gospel.
    Father, I ask that you open the eyes of the Quichua, Santiago del Estero, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. I pray that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus. (Acts 26:18)
    Lord, would you open the eyes of the Quichua so they can see the emptiness and powerlessness of their syncretistic beliefs? Please show them their need for you. May the Quichua walk in the light of the Lord, so they would come to know Jesus as the light of the world, not walking in the darkness, but having the light of life (Isaiah 2:5, John 8:12).

  • Pray for God’s kindness and mercy to be shown to the Quichua, especially those who face extreme physical suffering.
    O Lord God! behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for you. Show your loving kindness to the Quichua. You are the mighty God, the Yahweh of Armies is your name (Jeremiah 32:17-19).

  • Pray for God to sustain the faith of missionaries and indigenous believers through trials, persecution, and pressure.
    Lord, thank you for Pastor Fabian, his family, and their church who dedicate their lives to reaching the lost, especially the Quichua. We also thank you and praise for any indigenous believers among this group. Please give them endurance to persevere and continue to bear witness to Christ, regardless of the cost. Please preserve them by Your power and sustain their hope according to Your promises in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35, 37–39).

  • Pray for healthy churches and faithful pastors to be raised up among the unreached.
    Lord we pray for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully among Quichua communities, drawing individuals towards Christ and establishing them in the faith as self-propagating churches. Please raise up strong leaders among them, grounded in the Truth, to teach and disciple them (Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).

  • Pray for laborers to be sent into the harvest.
    Jesus, as you instructed your disciples, we pray that more laborers would be sent to the lost of the Quichua, Santiago del Estero. You have not forgotten them and neither do we forget them. We pray for the team from UBC, traveling to Argentina to work with Pastor Fabian this month. Please grant them safety, wisdom and boldness. Break down cultural barriers and allow them to speak the Truth of the Gospel plainly and with compassion (Mathew 9:37).

Highlight

UBC Welcomes New Director of Missions & Mercy Ministries

Brief Biography

Francisco Jimenez Peña was born in Madrid, Spain. He was saved at the age of 12 under the ministry of an American missionary, who later became his father-in-law and mentor for life. He was called to preach and do missionary work at the age of 15.

He and Shelley have been married since June of 1992. They have three grown-up and married kids, two grandsons, one granddaughter, and two more on the way! His eyes light up when he talks about his family and grandkids.

Francisco has served in a variety of ministry roles throughout his life. He moved to the US in February 2015 with a calling to reach and mobilize young people and adults from all cultures. The glory of the Lord is his passion and he has committed his life to making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Francisco is excited about bringing his heart and passion for missions and equipping others to multiply disciples for the Savior’s glory. He longs to see Christ worshipped by a people in all nations. If you’d like to connect with Francisco about ways to serve within mission and mercy ministries, let us know here.

Ministry Highlights

  • Pastor/Elder of Disciple Making - Butler Community Church - Dayton, OH

  • Word of Life Missionary - Youth Ministries - Dayton & Cincinnati, OH

  • Missionary to Equip in Evangelism English/Spanish - Time to Revive - Dayton, OH

  • Student Ministries Pastor - Vandalia Baptist Temple - Vandalia, OH

  • National Missionary/Church Planter - Southern Spain

  • Youth Director/Associate Pastor & Lead Pastor - Iglesia Bautista Biblica De Mostoles - Madrid, Spain

Education

  • Student of Hispanic Program - Masters in Divinity, Great Commission from SBTS, Louisville, KY

  • Ordination Certificate - 1995 from Iglesia Bautista Bíblica (Biblical Baptist Church) in Móstoles (Madrid), Spain

  • Graduate in Theology - 1992 from Calvary Baptist Bible Institute, Madrid, Spain

  • Bible Studies Certificate - 1990 from Calvary Baptist Bible Institute, Madrid, Spain

Mercy Highlight

UBC Sponsors Community Meal at One Bistro

On July 16, UBC had the opportunity to sponsor the community meal at One Bistro. Volunteers helped to serve 124 meals to Xenia residents who gathered around tables to eat that night.

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 in October. If you would like to serve please let us know here.

Opportunity

IFI Welcomes International Students for Fall Semester

We are excited to share two meaningful opportunities this August to engage with the global ministry of International Friendships, Inc. (IFI)—a mission dedicated to building Christ-centered relationships with international students.

1. IFI Dessert Fiesta

Join us for a joyful celebration of the ministry year at IFI’s annual Dessert Fiesta. This event offers a chance to hear powerful testimonies, enjoy a variety of desserts, and worship together. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about IFI and discover how God is working through this vibrant community.

Date: Friday, August 8, 2025

Time: 7:00 – 9:30 PM

Location: Faircreek Community Church

2400 Faircreek Ridge Dr, Fairborn, OH 45324

Registration: Please register here as an attendee and select “UBC” or “Megan Kilner” as your table host.

2. Wright State University Welcome Party

On Friday, August 23, IFI will be partnering with Wright State University’s UCIE for the annual Welcome Party at the Quad. This will be another excellent opportunity to meet international students and begin forming lasting friendships that can lead to meaningful ministry.

Date: Friday, August 23, 2025

Time: 4:30 – 9:00 PM

Location: The Quad at Wright State University

We encourage you to attend one or both events and be part of what God is doing among international students in our community! If you have any questions or would like to get more involved, please let us know at mmstaff@ubcbeavercreek.com.

Opportunity

Back to School Shop AND Build OCC Boxes to Bless Others

August is the perfect time to stock up on school supplies while sales are in full swing AND the perfect time to think ahead and get a head start on Operation Christmas Child (OCC) boxes for the 2025 Christmas season! OCC is an incredible initiative by Samaritan's Purse that brings joy and hope to children around the world by delivering simple, gift-filled shoeboxes with a gospel message.

Here are some ideas for your Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes:

  • Pencils & Sharpeners: Essential for writing and drawing.

  • Pens: Both blue/black and colorful pens are great.

  • Crayons & Markers: Bring color and creativity to their lives.

  • Notebooks & Paper: Small notebooks, composition books, or even just loose leaf paper are incredibly valuable.

  • Erasers & Rulers: Don't forget those!

  • Pencil Cases: A place to keep their supplies organized.

  • Coloring Books & Picture Books: Foster a love for learning and art.

  • Index Cards: Useful for various school activities.

  • Calculators: Simple, solar-powered calculators can be a huge help for older children.

While school supplies are crucial, remember to include a "wow" item that will bring immediate joy, like a deflated soccer ball with a pump, a stuffed animal, or a doll. Also, a personal note or a photo of your family can be the most cherished items in the box, letting the child know they are loved and prayed for.

For a full list of what is and isn’t allowed please refer to the resources available on the official Samaritan’s Purse website here. Stay tuned for more details this fall regarding official drop-off locations and National Collection Week dates.

Let's make this August a month of abundant blessings for children around the world! Start packing your Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes today!

Monthly Mission Quote:

"Let us see that we keep God before our eyes; that we walk in His ways and seek to please and glorify Him in everything, great and small. Depend upon it, God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supplies.”

- F. Howard Taylor in Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret

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? ~

Short-Term Trips for 2025

UBC is wrapping 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 each UBC team’s trip through “Stories from the Field,” a subseries of our UBC Talking Points podcast. Episodes are available now for the recent trips to Southeast Asia and Namibia with Uganda coming soon. 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 Jim Corbin (jim.corbin@ubcbeavercreek.com).

August 1-10, 2025

Argentina

Work with Pastor Fabian Santillan and his church as they share the gospel and plant another church. More information may be found here.

Contact: Jim Corbin

jim.corbin@ubcbeavercreek.com

Summer 2025

Builders for Christ

Serve in the mission field of church construction and help a church build their building in Sterling, MA. More information may be found here.

Contact: Dave Gneiser

davegneiser@gmail.com

Jim Corbin