Celebrating Sue Perkins’ 2 Year Anniversary in Nigeria. As we near Thanksgiving, it feels especially fitting to celebrate the two-year anniversary of Sue Perkins’ commissioning and ministry in Nigeria. Sue is thriving as she serves with the Leah Foundation, Hope and Freedom Center, and Masada House. We could not be more grateful for all God is doing through her.

In a recent conversation with Steve Thorne, her community group leader and Chairman of Black Rock’s Board of Elders, Sue shares how God prepared her for this calling and Steve reminds us that giving is a privilege: a way we trust God to be more than enough to us and through us.

Her S.H.A.P.E. (her Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences) now equips her to walk closely with women emerging from trauma and guide them toward hope in Christ. Her ministry has grown beyond what she imagined to include recovery groups, prison outreach, Masada House (for restoration and discipleship), and a literacy program where women learn to read Scripture for the first time and are equipped to return to their villages as disciple-makers.

Sue says she is sustained by prayer, and by the generosity of her Black Rock family. Steve highlights that every gift is a way we can participate in what God is doing through our partners, fueling ministry, providing Bibles, and literally changing lives. 

And you’re invited into this story. If you’ve never given to support Black Rock Missions, you can take that first step of generosity here.

Watch Sue and Steve’s conversation here!

Prayer is the unseen force that fuels every part of missions. In this opening video of our Fall Prayer Series, we explore why prayer is vital for Black Rock’s Global Partners and how we, as Prayer Partners, can support them.

Missions is first and foremost a spiritual work that cannot succeed by effort or resources alone. Jesus highlights this truth saying, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few… So PRAY to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.” (Matthew 9:37-38 NLT) God invites us to pray and promises He will hear and answer. As James 5:16 says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

The good news is that we can start right now. Watch this short video, then take one step forward this week. Pray for one Global Partner. Pray one minute a day. Open that newsletter in your inbox and read their latest update so you can know what to pray for. Each prayer, however simple, invites God’s power into the work of missions and moves us from good intentions to partnering with the power of the Holy Spirit.

God’s promises are like treasures inside a giant heavenly piñata, and prayer is our joyful swing of faith that breaks it open, releasing blessings we could never produce on our own.

Take that first step by watching this short video. Your prayers matter, more than you know.

“We believe the next wave of global missionaries will come from Africa. Our role is to encourage, equip, and walk alongside them.” – Kevin & Cami Zwart

Through decades on the mission field in Africa, Kevin and Cami Zwart have become increasingly convinced that African missionaries are the future of global missions. Their work now focuses on encouraging and facilitating Africans who are stepping into that calling. One powerful example of this movement is Lucky, a young South African whose step of faith to serve in Madagascar highlights the kind of leaders God is raising up across the continent. Watch it here.

After many years in Namibia, the Zwarts are in the U.S. this fall, reconnecting with supporters and preparing for their move to Capetown in early 2026. There, Kevin will continue serving as a unit leader overseeing AIM personnel in Namibia and Angola, building partnerships so new missionaries can work alongside local churches and organizations. He is also actively engaged in onboarding African missionaries through AIM’s South Africa office—an exciting role at a time when sending momentum is growing and more Africans are embracing their own call to take the gospel to the nations. 

Cami will step into a new role as Communications Director for AIM Southern Africa while continuing her leadership with AfriGO magazine, which encourages the African church to send and support missionaries through inspiring stories, available in multiple languages. Their sons are also preparing for new chapters: Toby is pursuing a master’s in counseling to serve as a trauma therapist, and Charlie is starting a sound design program in Cape Town.

Together, with partners like Black Rock, the Zwarts can keep mentoring and equipping African believers to take the gospel to their own communities and beyond.

When Dr. David Topazian first invited missionaries into his family’s home in the early 1970s, he had no idea he was planting seeds that would one day grow into a movement impacting global healthcare missions. As a dentist turned oral surgeon—and a faithful member of Black Rock Church—Dr. Topazian modeled a quiet, steady life of service. What emerged from that legacy is a story not of sudden breakthroughs, but of what Eugene Peterson called a “long obedience in the same direction.”

David, a dentist turned oral surgeon, became increasingly involved in short-term medical trips with the Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA), serving rural communities in countries like Honduras and the Dominican Republic. His wife Deidre and their children—including son Mark—joined him on many of these trips. The experience opened their eyes to the needs of the world and planted a deep, personal connection to missions.

After retiring in his mid-50s, David and Deidre moved to Venezuela, where he pastored an English-speaking expatriate church. It was during this season that he began to notice a troubling pattern: Christian doctors and nurses wanted to serve overseas but couldn’t because of student debt since mission agencies required they pay off their loans first. Most hoped to work for a few years and save—but life often took over. Homes were bought, families started, and the calling to missions faded into the background.

David asked a revolutionary question: What if the Church could step in and pay off those loans while people served on the field? That vision became Project MedSend—a nonprofit launched with the support of CMDA and Black Rock Church.

From those humble beginnings, MedSend grew into a global ministry—fueled by faith, persistence, and a team of ordinary people taking faithful steps. Black Rock Church remained central to its development, providing leadership, funding, and spiritual support. In 2008, during a financial and leadership crisis, long-time church member Rick Allen stepped in to help guide MedSend through a turning point. Under his leadership, and with the backing of a prayerful board largely made up of Black Rock members, the ministry not only stabilized but flourished.

MedSend expanded its vision beyond paying off student debt. With the launch of the National Scholars Program, the organization began investing in the education of national leaders in the Global South. The Longevity Project followed—designed to support the emotional, physical, and spiritual resilience of missionaries serving in high-stress environments. Today, MedSend is a thought leader in global healthcare missions, with over 750 long-term healthcare missionaries supported worldwide.

Another way this family grew to impact medical missions is through Dr. Topazian’s son Mark, now also a doctor and Black Rock Global Partner. Mark and his wife Janet serve with SIM in East Africa, where he mentors Christian doctors, strengthens medical residency programs, and helps equip healthcare workers through tools like the Saline Process—training them to share the love of Christ with patients in everyday clinical settings. In all of this, he continues his family’s legacy of compassion, vision, and global service.

Mark said, “This is not just a story of one man’s vision—it’s the story of a church community that believed, a family that obeyed, and a God who uses small steps of obedience to create lasting, global impact.”

Find out more about MedSend and the Topazians in the Spotlight Partners section on our missions page here.

Click here to watch her video!

This summer, Black Rock is sending short-term teams to Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Kazakhstan, Egypt, and NYC—sharing the love of Jesus and supporting our global partners.
In a short video, Missions Intern Larissa shares why these trips matter—and how you can be part of them through prayer. She’s headed to Egypt herself and, having served overseas before, knows firsthand how powerful prayer can be.
“We don’t go alone,” Larissa says. “When you pray, you’re part of the mission.”

How to join in:

• Pick up a prayer brochure at the Missions Wall or download it here.
• Pray before, during, and after each trip
• Encourage team members with words and support

Not everyone can go—but everyone can pray. Your prayers make a difference!
Watch Larissa’s video here.
And if you see her around, say hi—and let her know you’re praying.

Click here to watch this video!

At Black Rock, we believe that prayer is where missions truly begin. Following Missions Week, we’re excited to share that 226 people have joined our prayer team for the first time—bringing our total to 1,300 prayer partners! These prayers are not just words—they are a lifeline for our global partners, offering them strength and encouragement.

Whether you’re a new prayer partner or a seasoned prayer warrior we’re so glad you’ve joined us.  Our prayer cards make it easy, with clear bullet points to guide your prayers. And remember, there’s no perfect time—you can pray during your morning routine, while driving, or at any quiet moment. God hears us and loves it when we remember Him and others in this way.

As E.M. Bounds said, “The key of all missionary success is prayer.” Thank you for choosing to support our global partners in this powerful way.

Dear Black Rock,

We are grateful for how God blessed us during Missions Week. Our Global Partners brought with them the excitement of stories about all God is doing in their frontline ministries. You lavished them with your hospitality. And God stretched our vision to hold more of His heart for the unreached.

Click here for a little thank you from our Missions team.

Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, you make the faith visible. They report…about your love. It’s good work you’re doing, helping these travelers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself! They set out under the banner of the Name, and get no help from unbelievers. So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth. (3 John 1:5-8)

MISSIONS WEEK MESSAGES

Here are a few of the Missions Week messages, available to watch in case you missed them.

Reaching the Unreached – An update from Joshua Project

Meet unfoldingWord – ALL NATIONS

Check out this video!

In this video, Pastor Jeremy gives you an overview of the nine different mission trips Black Rock has available this summer. Trip leaders have also prepared videos to help you prayerfully consider which trip might be a good fit for you. Each trip has an introduction/invitation from the trip leader, as well as a video with more details and frequently asked questions (FAQs). You can sign up for all of the mission trips here.

Each of us has the opportunity to make a global impact by GO-ing.

Invitation to Honduras #1  (June 27-July 4)

• FAQs video

Invitation to Honduras #2  (July 11-18)

• FAQs video

Invitation to Egypt  July 16-29

• FAQs video

Invitation to the Dominican Republic – Sanctuary   June 14–21

Invitation to the Dominican Republic – Family   July 12-19

• FAQs video

Invitation to ShalomNY in New York City   July 26 – August 1

• FAQs video  

Invitation to Kazakhstan   August 15-26

• FAQs video

You can also sign up for these two trips:

North Carolina   March 2-8

Dominican Republic – Ignite  March 8-15

Check out this video!

Missions Week is coming to Black Rock from March 22-30, 2025. We’re excited to welcome our Global Partners and celebrate how God is working around the world. In the video above Dawn shares different ways we could use your help:

• Greet and register guests at events.
• Assist with meals by decorating, setting up, serving, or cleaning up.
• Support our Global Partners by hosting them in your home for the week, treating them to a meal (in your home or at a restaurant), offering a car for the week, or providing airport transportation.
• Tackle administrative tasks like making copies or organizing materials.
• Prepare the space by helping with set construction or hanging flags.

Ready to help? Sign up below and let us know how you’d like to get involved. Thanks!

Sign up to volunteer at Missions Week 2025!

We hope you’ll join us for a special week of devotions on the topic of persecution, leading up to the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, Sunday, November 3. Mission India has prepared seven daily devotions and prayer prompts from Sunday, October 27 – Sunday, November 3. Each devotion includes stories of persecuted Christians in India and offers a glimpse into their struggles and unwavering faith. We invite you to participate:

• Receive daily emails from Missions in Action with guided prayer prompts (If you’re not already receiving them – sign up here.)
• Pick up a copy of the brochure in the lobby under the missions wall

Throughout Scripture and even today, Christians endure profound suffering for their faith, yet God provides strength in every trial. While their struggles might seem distant from our own, God commands us to “remember” them (Hebrews 13:3). In doing so, we can learn from their steadfastness. We hope as you participate you’ll feel encouraged about your own struggles and equipped to stand alongside persecuted believers, especially in India.

Commit to praying each day as we approach International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Sunday, November 3. Let’s lift up those enduring hardship for the name of Jesus.

Black Rock Church sent its first missionary 92 years ago, and our missions program continues to impact the world for Jesus through your PRAYING, GIVING, and GOING. Years ago, the Missions Board, entrusted by the congregation to lead our missions efforts, identified four key priorities to guide our global partnerships. These priorities keep us focused on God’s call to bring the gospel to ALL NATIONS and make our Global Missions Program uniquely Black Rock.

In this new series of videos, Pastor Jeremy and members of our Mission Board give us a more in-depth look at each priority:

1. Taking the gospel to those with least access – Watch Now
2. Taking the gospel to the poorest of the poor 
3. Reaching the most vulnerable and exploited
4. Equipping global Christians for evangelism and church planting among unreached groups

The first priority is “Taking the gospel to those with least access” to it. This means reaching people in countries where less than 2% of the population has heard of Jesus. More than half of our missions giving goes directly to this work, supporting creative partners who bring the gospel to these difficult-to-reach areas in what’s referred to as the 10/40 Window (the box or “window” that runs from northern Africa through the Middle East and to Asia, around 10° north through 40° north of the equator.) 

The first video is available now, with the rest releasing over the next three weeks. Watch them on our YouTube page or follow Missions In Action (MIA) for updates.

As Jeremy mentioned, one of the partners we support is Chikondi. The show has been so popular that episodes are now available on Amazon!  Take a look.

At Black Rock, we want everyone to be part of sharing the gospel, whether it’s around the world or right here in our community. We offer many ways to get involved in Community Engagement and Global Missions. It’s not about choosing between local or global outreach; it’s about doing both. 

While Global Missions supports overseas partners who are bringing the gospel to people and places with little access to it, Community Engagement gives you the chance to serve locally. Their goal is the same: to get everyone involved in God’s work. Whether you’re thinking about joining a mission trip or starting with a local service project like Second Saturday, there’s a place for you.

On Community Engagement Sunday, August 25, you can learn more about how to get involved. Visit the booths in the lobby between services to meet our local partners, organizations that serve our community right here in Fairfield county, and find out how you can help. 

For more information on how to serve locally, visit blackrock.org/servelocal. For a brief video of Pastor Jeremy discussing how community engagement and Global Missions can work together for greater impact watch this video.

Check out these videos.

Our nine Summer Trips have begun taking off to various parts of the world, and we are eager to share their stories. You’ll be encouraged to hear how our teams make an impact as they support the work of our global partners, preach the gospel, and help the poor. Check out our latest Blog Post where you will find recap videos of teams that have returned from the Dominican Republic (Sanctuary), Namibia, and Egypt. Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you are sure not to miss upcoming videos from soon-to-return teams. You won’t want to miss it!

Check out this video.

This summer, Black Rock is sending numerous mission trips all over the world. You might be asking why? Here are five reasons why we go and why you may want to join us on a future trip.

1. Our Global Partners are asking us to come. They want our help to share the gospel with the communities they serve. Let’s answer the call to support them!
2. God calls us to go and share the gospel with all nations. As a church, we are committed to following God’s call to go into all the world. We can start by going on a short term trip.
3. Mission trips strengthen our faith. Serving in a new place and in new ways deepens our faith and reliance on God.
4. Families can serve together. There is no greater joy than serving alongside your spouse and children.
5. Trips expand your worldview. Immersing yourself in a different culture helps you gain a broader perspective and see how BIG God is.

See the list of where and when we are going here along with some prayer prompts. We hope you will join us in praying, and consider going on a trip soon.

Check out this video.

This year, our missions program has achieved some milestones. More of you are praying, giving and going than ever! 

• Over 1,100 people are now praying for our global partners, with more than 200 new prayer partners signing up for the first time during Missions Week.
• Financially, we exceeded our goal by raising nearly $1.35 million, allowing us to provide additional support to our partners in the form of special year-end grants. (Check out our MIA posts below) 
• Our summer mission trips are set to take the gospel around the globe.

On behalf of the Black Rock Board of Missions and staff, Pastor Jeremy expresses his enthusiasm and thanks for YOUR prayers, generosity, and willingness to go. Together, we’re making an impact to see “His kingdom come” and we look forward to what God will do next. 

To read more about our special end-of-the-year grants click below:
What’s New With The Global Missions Budget of $1.3M?
Because of Your Generosity