75 Years of Engaging the Unreached

SEND International was started as Far Eastern Gospel Crusade (FEGC) shortly after World War II by a group of young men and women. Many were soldiers who, burdened for the spiritual needs of Filipinos and Japanese, returned to Asia after the war as missionaries. The vision was to reach the lost in the Pacific Rim which was recently war-torn and broken.

FEGC focused on evangelism and discipleship, with an emphasis on leadership development so that one day the indigenous church could lead the local work.

The early years of FEGC were marked by church-planting growth and expansion, as well as helping to establish new schools for Missionary Kids in Asia. In the 1970’s, God introduced new opportunities to work collaboratively with others of like mind. FEGC joined with Central Alaskan Mission, expanding the work to include Alaska and Northern Canada.

In 1981, the organization took on its new name, SEND International, based on John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." The scope of ministry continued to grow over the next two decades as SEND expanded ministry into other Asian countries. This continued in Spain and Eastern Europe when countries behind the Iron Curtain began to open up to mission work. The gospel was proclaimed, and new churches were started!

As newly-planted churches matured, the believers’ desire to send out their own missionaries grew. What a joy to work with believers sent out from churches planted by SEND missionaries! Today our multi-national teams are rich in culture, gifts, and experience, reflecting the global Body of Christ. This beautiful mosaic continues to grow and includes workers from Europe and Latin America. All of this has led to the opening of new ministries and redeployment of missionaries and resources to continue engaging unreached people groups.

Today God continues to faithfully lead SEND into new opportunities. Recent examples include Business as Mission (BAM), and outreach to Diaspora and refugee communities in North America and abroad. Wherever SEND missionaries are serving, our goal is the same: to be the presence of Jesus and bring the message of Jesus. The gospel is being proclaimed, churches are being planted, and local leaders are being trained and equipped.

What’s ahead for SEND? Our International Director, Warren Janzen, is optimistic about God’s plan to advance His work through SEND! With faith in God’s direction and provision, Warren is leading the vision of deeper collaboration with other agencies, increased mobilization of non-North American workers, and courageous innovation in these changing times. 

As we look back and reflect, we thank God for all He has done through SEND over 75 years. He has been faithful! Now, in our generation, we press forward with eager expectation as He continues His work to reach the nations! 

View the SEND Canada Annual Report