ABAD Quarterly Watch — Q3 2025
- keziahtabelisma
- Sep 15
- 5 min read
The harvest is plentiful!
One of the most powerful forces behind the growth of the Christian faith throughout history has been the intentional sending of missionaries. This model began with the early church in Antioch, where the first international missionaries were sent out.
Imagine if every believer played a part in sending missionaries. The impact on this generation, and generations to come, would be extraordinary. Those called to serve as missionaries need faithful partners who will support them in fulfilling God’s command to make disciples of all nations.
At A Buck a Day, we want to help make that vision a reality.
Our mission is to encourage every believer to take part in building up Christ’s kingdom by:
Partnering with mission organizations to raise up missionaries.
Engaging believers as senders in the Great Commission.
The financial need to fulfill God’s global mission is immense. It requires the participation of the whole body of Christ. We believe that when every believer gives consistently, even just a small amount, we can sustain missionaries in the field for the long term. As Jesus said to His disciples:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few...” — Matthew 9:37
Your generosity continues to make a lasting impact through A Buck a Day, helping missionaries bring the gospel to Asia and beyond. We are deeply grateful for your faithfulness and support.
Together, we are building up Christ’s kingdom.
Eben Tabelisma
Cofounder, A Buck a Day
MISSIONARIES IN HISTORY
Mary Slessor was one of the most influential cross-cultural evangelical missionaries in history. Born in 1848 in Scotland, she grew up in poverty. After the death of her father when she was just 11 years old, Mary began working in a textile mill to help support her family. Raised by a devout Presbyterian mother and inspired by stories of missionaries like David Livingstone, she developed a strong Christian faith and a desire to serve.
At the age of 27, after years of volunteering in local church outreach, Mary applied to the Foreign Mission Board of the United Presbyterian Church. Motivated by Livingstone’s work in Africa, she enrolled in and completed a missionary training program.
Mary went on to serve in southeastern Nigeria, particularly in regions like Itu and Ikot Ekpene. Through her efforts, Christianity spread throughout the area. She helped establish churches, schools, and medical facilities, and became a beloved figure in the communities she served. Mary also adopted numerous children, especially orphans and abandoned twins, raising them as her own.
Though she had no formal college education, Mary’s practical wisdom, compassion, and linguistic abilities made her an effective teacher and communicator.
Mary Slessor died on January 13, 1915, in Itu, Nigeria, at the age of 66. Her funeral was widely attended, a testament to the profound impact she had on the people she served. She was buried in Calabar, where her grave remains a place of reverence.
Thanks be to God for the legacy of Mary Slessor and for all who labor to advance His Kingdom.
MISSIONARIES IN THE FIELD
A New Beginning
It is inspiring and uplifting to witness our missionaries in Thailand, led by Sherwin, baptizing new believers into God’s kingdom.
Empowering Women in the Himalayas
In the Himalayas, a simple sewing machine can become a tool for healing, dignity, and transformation in the lives of underprivileged women. Our mission partner in Nepal, RHMI, empowers women through this initiative.
Here are just a few voices from those whose lives have been transformed:
Gita:
“I was widowed at a young age and left with nothing. The church welcomed me like family. Through the sewing program, I learned not just to sew, but to dream again. Today, I run a small tailoring shop and can support my children’s education.”
Sapana:
“As a low-caste woman, I was always pushed aside. But here, I was valued. I started my sewing journey with fear, but now I teach others and even set aside my tithe joyfully. Jesus gave me worth, and this training gave me purpose.”
Kalawathi:
“I escaped years of domestic violence with nothing but shame. Now I sit among sisters, sewing hope with every thread. I’ve started earning, and for the first time, I believe my life has a future and it’s bright in Christ.”
Missionaries in Action
Our missionaries in Thailand are making an impact on the lives of those they serve.
Mission Work Continues
Prabhat and his team continue their outreach efforts in India, with New Delhi as their base of operations. Through a modular Bible school, he trains leaders who, in turn, are equipped to impact their own communities.
ABAD UPDATES
Eben’s Corner
Eben has transitioned from working online to working onsite. With his new employer, he now provides accounting support to K–12 charter schools in Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Although his new role keeps him busy, he continues to oversee the operations of A Buck a Day.
Partnering with Benevity
As mentioned in our Q2 newsletter, A Buck a Day is now a member of Benevity—a platform that connects nonprofits with millions of supporters. Benevity makes it easy for companies and their employees around the world to donate to charitable organizations like A Buck a Day. Check if your employer offers donation matching through Benevity and help amplify your impact!
GOMakeDisciples in Bolivia
Our local church, La Casa Church, adopted GOMakeDisciples for their mission trip to Bolivia in July. Here are some pictures of the team.
Be an Ambassador
Join us as a GOMakeDisciples ambassador. Become part of a movement inspiring Christ’s followers to pursue God’s call to make disciples of all nations. Our mission is to encourage believers to actively engage in Jesus’ final command.
With customizable t-shirts, hats, bottles, and mugs, our designs serve as a bold, visual representation of your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Together, we can build up Christ’s kingdom.
Online Stores
In the US:
Stay Up to Date with Us
If you would like to view past newsletters and keep up to date with what’s going on with A Buck a Day, visit our website below!
THANK YOU!
Our goal is to support missionaries’ efforts to reach every nation with the truth of God’s love. Your faithful partnership helps make our mission possible. We greatly appreciate you!
Please stand with us in faith and prayer for the following:
For the expansion and success of the GOMakeDisciples store.
For ABAD to build strong connections with local churches in Nashville, Tennessee.
For the growth, fruitfulness, and health of the missionaries we support as they serve their communities.
For more individual and corporate partners to join ABAD in supporting missionaries worldwide.
"No higher honor could be imagined than to be an instrument in the hand of Jesus Christ, to be at His disposal for the furtherance of His purposes, to be available whenever wanted for His service." (John Stott, 20th century theologian) |
