"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" (Romans 10:14-15 ESV)

In September of 2021, we were sent by our church to evangelize and disciple in Jaco, Costa Rica, primarily among Nicaraguan families in Cristo Rey. God used us in a number of ways, including youth sports (Jaco Royals baseball), the Activate! program, youth service projects, and free English classes (visit swiftsunrise.org). Faithful Christians are continuing to serve in these areas in Jaco, and God has called us to a new mission field.

When we began the process of partnering with ABWE, we prayed about whether God was calling us to a more desperate need. He answered our prayers and, in 2026, we will transition to The Gambia, West Africa, a small unreached country in the "10/40 window" with less than 1% evangelical Christians.

The Gambia is 96% Muslim with 2.5 million people and 29 distinct people groups. While The Gambia prides itself on religious tolerance, there are growing concerns about the increasing marginalization of Christians by the Muslim majority (sources: here and here). Often, people who have identified with Islam for generations can be passionately opposed to Christian evangelism, causing uncertainty, fear, and in some cases, persecution against those who accept or proclaim the gospel. Even so, our God is mighty to save. He is ever-present and powerful. We can rejoice with Gambian believers and remind them that God will comfort and encourage. He is sovereign and faithful to His promises.

In November 2025, the three of us traveled to The Gambia for the first time for an exploratory "vision trip." We met the ABWE team and the Gambian Christians there and our calling to The Gambia was affirmed. We will work alongside the existing ABWE team to disciple and encourage Gambian Christians in their faith, obedience and knowledge of God's Word. 

• Our desire is to see God establish a self-sustaining movement of biblically-healthy, nationally-led Gambian churches that disciple believers, evangelize the lost, send missionaries to rural communities, and plant new churches throughout the country. 
• As the Lord leads, we will also assist these churches in beginning new outreach programs including sports ministry.

We are grateful for God's guidance. As a family, we want to surrender to Him and stand faithfully and obediently in the center of His will. He will provide for us and equip us for the challenges ahead. We are resting in the promise that every trial will be overshadowed by the love and communion we have with Jesus the Son.

In truth and love,

Ron, Julie & Zoe Youde