What happens when people from dozens of nations, cultures, and church backgrounds come together in a foreign country, seeking community, purpose, and a deeper relationship with God?

This week on Advancing the Mission, we sit down with Pastor Kenneth, founder of Agape Faith United in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Kenneth shares his remarkable journey from Cameroon to Russia, Ukraine, and ultimately Bulgaria, where God led him to start a ministry focused on reaching international students studying far from home.

Together, we explore the unique opportunities and challenges of ministering to a diverse community of students from across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Kenneth discusses how Agape Faith United has become a spiritual home for many students through weekly Bible studies, worship gatherings, choir rehearsals, and Sunday services, which foster both faith and a sense of belonging.

One of the key themes of this conversation is the power of unity amid diversity. Kenneth shares how the ministry navigates cultural and denominational differences by creating space for every voice to be heard and by leading with love and respect. We talk about the importance of building bridges across backgrounds and how the gospel creates a deeper bond than culture, nationality, or tradition ever could.

At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reminder from Kenneth’s own ministry journey: there is always potential in any given situation. No matter where someone finds themselves spiritually, God is still at work, writing new chapters and inviting people into His greater story.

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What does it look like to confront some of the darkest forms of injustice in the world while holding onto hope that lasting change is possible?

This week on Advancing the Mission, we sit down with Leo from the International Justice Mission (IJM) to discuss the global fight against human trafficking, modern slavery, and violence against vulnerable people. Together, we explore how IJM works alongside local authorities and justice systems to rescue victims, bring perpetrators to justice, and help communities build safer futures.

Leo shares his personal journey to IJM, including how growing up in Ghana and learning about the legacy of slavery at Elmina Castle shaped his passion for justice. We discuss some of the most common misconceptions about human trafficking, why many people believe the issue is distant from their lives, and the reality that exploitation continues to impact millions of people around the world today.

One of the key themes of this conversation is the power of partnership. Leo explains how IJM's model focuses not only on rescuing victims but also on strengthening local justice systems so that communities can better protect vulnerable people long after individual cases are resolved. We talk about the challenges of working in complex cultural environments, the importance of advocacy, and the role everyday people can play in creating change.

Leo also shares practical ways individuals can get involved in the fight against human trafficking through prayer, awareness, advocacy, and support for organizations working on the front lines. We discuss IJM's ambitious goal of helping protect hundreds of millions of people from violence and exploitation by 2030 and why systemic change is essential to achieving that vision.

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What does it take to cultivate a church that doesn't just grow—but multiplies?

This week on Advancing the Mission, we begin a special two-part conversation with Glen Robinson, the newest pastor on staff at County Line Church, serving as our Pastor of Church Multiplication. In Part 1, we get to know Glen's story—his journey of faith, ministry experiences, and the path God used to bring him to County Line.

Glen shares the people and moments that shaped his calling, the lessons he has learned through years of ministry, and why he believes multiplication has always been at the heart of God's mission for the Church. We also discuss what excites him most about joining County Line and the opportunities he sees for reaching people with the gospel in our communities and beyond.

In Part 2, we shift our focus to Glen's vision for church planting and multiplication. Together, we explore why planting new churches remains one of the most effective ways to reach people who are far from God, what a multiplying culture looks like inside a local church, and how every believer has a role to play in advancing the mission.

Whether you're passionate about church planting, curious about the future of County Line, or simply want to get to know one of our newest pastors, this conversation offers an encouraging glimpse into how God is calling our church to think bigger about His Kingdom.

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