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When we think about missionaries, the image that often comes to mind is that of individuals or families leaving the comfort of their homes to spread the Gospel in unfamiliar lands. These brave souls answer a calling that many might find daunting, but what is often overlooked is the critical role that financial support plays in their ability to fulfill this calling. Faith-funded missionaries rely heavily on the generosity of believers to sustain their work, and without consistent support, their ministries could falter. Here’s why supporting these missionaries is crucial to their longevity whether they are serving in distant lands or locally in their backyards. 1. Enabling Focused Ministry Missionaries are called to spread the Gospel, build churches, offer education, provide medical care, and engage in countless other acts of service. However, without adequate funding, they might be forced to divert their attention from these vital tasks to raise money or cut back on their ministry efforts. Regular financial support allows missionaries to focus entirely on their calling, knowing that their basic needs are met and their ministry is sustained. 2. Creating Stability in Unstable Environments Many missionaries work in regions where economic, political, or social instability is the norm. In such environments, having a steady stream of financial support is not just beneficial—it’s essential. It provides them with the resources they need to navigate crises, whether that means purchasing emergency supplies, relocating for safety, or assisting those in immediate need. Consistent support from faith communities ensures that missionaries can respond to challenges without jeopardizing their mission. 3. Enabling Long-Term Impact The work of a missionary is not just about immediate results; it’s about long-term transformation. Building relationships, discipling new believers, and establishing sustainable ministries take time. Without continuous support, missionaries might be forced to leave the field prematurely, cutting short the progress they’ve made. By providing ongoing financial support, believers enable missionaries to stay the course and see their efforts bear fruit over time. 4. Fulfilling the Great Commission The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls all Christians to make disciples of all nations. While not everyone is called to go to the mission field, we are all called to support those who do. Financially supporting missionaries is one of the most direct ways we can participate in this commandment. By giving, we become partners in the mission, helping to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. 5. Building a Legacy of Faith Supporting missionaries is also an investment in the future. As they work to plant churches, disciple leaders, and serve communities, they are laying the groundwork for future generations of believers. By supporting their work, we contribute to the growth of the global Church, ensuring that the Gospel continues to spread long after our time. 6. Reflecting God’s Heart for Generosity God calls us to be generous with the resources He has entrusted to us. By supporting missionaries, we reflect God’s heart for generosity and His love for all people. Our giving is not just a financial transaction; it’s an act of worship that demonstrates our trust in God’s provision and our commitment to His mission. Conclusion Supporting faith-funded missionaries is not just a charitable act; it’s a crucial investment in the Kingdom of God. It enables missionaries to focus on their calling, creates stability in challenging environments, and ensures the longevity of their ministries. As believers, we have the privilege and responsibility to support those who have answered the call to go into all the world. By doing so, we become part of something much greater than ourselves—a global movement to bring the light of Christ to every corner of the earth. At THREE18 our staff is thankful for the opportunity to serve communities and campuses locally and abroad. Partner with our ministry by visiting www.givebutter.com/318give 
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 For over ten years, Brett and Mallory Bagwell have carried a dream in their hearts. Through countless prayers and unwavering faith, they have envisioned a ministry that would serve the beautiful people of Belize. Today, that vision has become a reality as THREE18 embarks on its inaugural trip to this vibrant Central American country. A Journey of Faith The journey has not been easy. Brett and Mallory have faced many challenges, but their faith never wavered. They believed that one day, they would be able to make a tangible difference in the lives of the Belizean people. Their perseverance and dedication are a testament to the power of faith and prayer. Serving the Community in Ontario Village The team at THREE18 is excited to begin their mission by serving a local church in Ontario Village. They will be conducting Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs, bringing joy, hope, and the message of God's love to the children and families in the community. VBS is not just a program; it is an opportunity to build relationships, inspire young minds, and create lasting memories. Partnering for Health & Wellness In addition to their work in Ontario Village, THREE18 is partnering with Hummingbird Medical Resources to perform Health & Wellness fairs across the country. These fairs will provide essential medical services, health education, and wellness resources to communities that may not have regular access to such care. This partnership is a powerful example of how collaboration can amplify the impact of service. A Message of Hope This inaugural trip is just the beginning. Brett and Mallory Bagwell, along with the dedicated team at THREE18, are committed to continuing their mission in Belize for years to come. Their story is a reminder that dreams, fueled by prayer and faith, can become a reality. As they embark on this journey, they carry with them the hopes and prayers of many. They are not just bringing services and support; they are bringing a message of hope, love, and faith to the people of Belize. Join the Journey We invite you to join us in supporting Brett, Mallory, and the THREE18 team as they serve the Belizean people. Whether through prayer, donations, or volunteering, your support can make a difference. Together, we can help them continue to bring light and love to the communities they touch. In the words of Brett and Mallory, "This is just the beginning. We believe that with God's guidance and the support of our community, we can create a lasting impact in Belize and beyond." If you would like to support the Bagwell family, THREE18, and those whom they serve, please click here. Conclusion The inaugural THREE18 ministry trip to Belize is a powerful testament to the impact of faith, prayer, and dedication. Brett and Mallory Bagwell's decade-long dream is now a reality, and their journey is an inspiration to us all. Let us continue to support and uplift them as they embark on this incredible mission, bringing hope and healing to the Belizean people. AuthorTHREE18 Admin Team If there’s one thing that comes with the territory of ministry, it’s travel! As we get closer to travel season, I thought it would be fun to share some of our best practices when it comes to planning for travel. Chances are you and the family are planning some vacation or holiday trips in the next few months. Whether you’re going on a three-day business trip or preparing for a two-week vacation, here are some guidelines for maximizing suitcase space, minimizing your load and cutting down on wrinkles!
quickly and effortlessly. With a high-quality carry-on bag, you can fit all your essentials, such as your passport, laptop, and chargers, while also leaving extra space for souvenirs or unexpected items. Additionally, a carry-on bag with a durable and sturdy design can withstand the rigors of airport security checks and potential rough handling, giving you peace of mind while traveling. By investing in a solid carry-on bag, you'll be able to streamline your packing process, reduce stress, and arrive at your destination feeling more organized and prepared for your international adventure.
security checks. A separate kit also allows you to easily carry only the essentials, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any medications, which can be especially important when traveling to destinations with limited amenities or language barriers. By keeping your toiletries organized and within reach, you'll be able to quickly and easily respond to any unexpected needs or emergencies, making your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Smarter, and faster packing experience. By tackling these essential items first, you'll ensure that you're not overpacking or forgetting anything crucial, while also freeing up mental space to focus on more important decisions. Additionally, packing socks and undergarments first allows you to establish a solid foundation for your luggage, making it easier to build upon and adjust as needed. By prioritizing these basics, you'll be able to pack with greater intention and efficiency, ultimately leading to a more streamlined and stress-free travel experience.
your toiletries bag easily accessible, you'll be able to quickly and efficiently remove it from your luggage or carry-on if the TSA requests to inspect it. This can help prevent delays and allow you to get to your gate on time, making your travel experience much smoother and less stressful.
streamlined travel experience. This means carefully considering the shape and size of each item, grouping similar items together, and using every available nook and cranny to minimize wrinkles and maximize space. By thinking "Tetris" while packing, you'll be able to fit more into your bags without sacrificing style or comfort, making your travels less stressful and more enjoyable. Checked baggage fees, small overhead compartments, and long waits at baggage claim are just a few reasons it pays to pack light. If your flight is canceled or delayed (something I’m all too familiar with), having your bag in hand can be the difference between getting on with your trip or spending a miserable night at the airport. Outside of an extend trip (14 days or more OR to an extremely cold climate) abroad, we nearly always travel without checking baggage. My hope is that these tips give you some insight into your own journey when it comes to travel! Question: Are you traveling anywhere this upcoming season? I’d love to hear where you’re going and what you do to keep travel manageable. Leave a comment or write me back, I’d love to hear from you!
A lawyer and a doctor -- a match living out an American success story by anyone’s standard. That might have been the story of Brett and Dr. Mallory Bagwell’s lives, had they not said “yes” to God’s call. Plucked from a prosecution office and a hospital respectively, Brett and Mallory Bagwell have chosen to let God lead their steps, not corporate America.
all-encompassing missional experience. From leading service teams to sports groups to medical missions, THREE18 will prepare a trip for anyone seeking to fulfill the command to “go and make disciples of all nations” -- Matthew 28:19-20. The foundational goal for THREE18 is to lead communities to “know, grow, and glorify Jesus Christ, one conversation at a time” within central Arkansas, the city of Belmopan, Belize, and ultimately across the globe. The idea and desire for the conception of THREE18 began even before the Bagwells were married. The calling on their lives to create their own nonprofit ministry was evident. “Neither one of us were content,” Brett explained. “We felt like God was calling us to something greater, we just didn’t know what that was.” Mallory, too, felt God’s call on both their lives: “we talked about and dreamed about something like this in the future.” She added, “the Lord has just opened a bunch of doors for us, and each step of my career and Brett’s career has been leading us to this point.”
spiritual calling over a secular career “opened up opportunities” for Bagwell to grow in his love for international missions. Having attended Henderson State University and earned a degree in political science, Bagwell planned for a long and successful career in the field of law. “I graduated with zero ministry experience,” Bagwell said, “and there was a reason for that.” Throughout his teenage and college years, Bagwell ignored the calling on his life toward ministry. Witnessing many family members serve in ministry and several uncles serve as pastors, Bagwell wanted no part of it, saying, “I never wanted to be a pastor; as a young child growing up, I felt like they were underpaid, underappreciated, and had little to no value.”
Bagwell desires to “reach the one who is not a dedicated, fruitful, passionate follower of Jesus Christ.” Through the ministry and discipleship of THREE18, they seek to impact others to “wake up and have as much passion for reaching someone else that is as broken as I was,” Bagwell finished. Bagwell has extensive connection to his local Arkansas community through leading bible studies, serving as chaplain to a state championship high school softball team, and guest pastoring at local churches. These opportunities offer THREE18 the chance to “build relationships'' and “disciple young students,'' in addition to serving as a recruitment tool for THREE18’s largest pillar, Belize.
the landscape” of the community of Belize through their love, relation, and commitment to Christ Jesus. “When I get off an airplane in Belize City, and I head out the door of Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, I don't see what people see on Google,” Bagwell explained. “People see the beautiful islands, the crystal clear blue water, and the fancy resort locations. I see a broken city that needs Jesus.” Mallory Bagwell approaches the need in Belize through the eye of a medical resident.
Belmopan and the entire nation of Belize to God: “I believe that God has given me a lens of seeing what's needed” he stated: “there is a need, and that need is for Jesus.” Despite Belize being his first mission experience, Bagwell attributes his heart for international missions largely to a trip to Athens, Greece in 2012. Bagwell recalls witnessing the refugee crisis unfold, watching “hundreds if not thousands” of people pour into the city. Without a proper home, food, or access to healthcare, Bagwell and his team of missionaries offered them what they could: the love of Jesus Christ. “That’s where my passion comes from,” Bagwell explained. “No one should have to endure that. No one should ever be faced with lying on a bench, no family or friends, and having some random missionary from the states hanging an IV bag from a tree to give you the last ounce of earthly life possible.” Bagwell recalls sharing the love of Jesus with the refugees as they took their final breaths, his own hands hanging the IV bag from a tree. This trip to Athens “radically” changed Bagwell’s life: “while Belize caught my heart, Athens changed my perspective,” he stated.
THREE18 “truly come to life,” Brett said. “It really felt like God was saying ‘this is the time to start something’,” he finished. While founded and based in the Bagwell’s home in Arkansas, THREE18 aims to have a compound on the ground in Belize by 2025, partnering with Hummingbird Medical Resources and 3H Ministries among others. Hummingbird Medical Resources serves in a medical missions capacity led by founder Ashley Ott. Having obtained her RN license in Belize and served with the Belize Red Cross, Ott and Hummingbird Medical Resources are knowledgeable and familiar with the community of Belize and together with THREE18, have exciting plans and projects for the future of medical missions in Belize. 3H Ministries, founded by Roy and Melanie Hale, are based in Benton, Arkansas, but serve the nation of Belize internationally. With a residential complex located in San Pedro, Belize, 3H will serve as a housing partner for groups traveling with THREE18. This partnership presents the opportunity for THREE18 to extend their ministry to the island of San Pedro, something the Bagwells eagerly look forward to.
see the work of Jesus Christ transform the people and community of Belize. WHAT'S NEXT? The Bagwells and THREE18 have multiple trip dates planned throughout the first half of the year, available for sign up. Available project dates include June 4-11, June 18-25, and July 2-9. Despite the option of pre-planned trip dates, THREE18 is willing to work with any group between the sizes of 10 and 25 individuals to schedule additional trip dates. At the cost of $175 per day, THREE18 covers pre-project training, food and lodging, in-country transportation, and administration fees. THREE18 is happy to work with groups or individuals needing help booking airfare. There are other ways of serving and supporting the ministry of THREE18. If international travel is not feasible for you, your family, church group, or service group, donations can be made at three-18.org or by mailing a check made payable to THREE18 at 1708 Pleasant Pointe Circle, Bryant, Arkansas 72022.
Article by: Rose Comstive
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