Astonished by God
A message from Sean Thomé, Executive Director
Have you ever been ASTONISHED, “gripped with a bewildering amazement,” because of who God is and what He has done?
“For he (Simon Peter) was gripped with bewildering amazement (astonished), and all who were with him, at the haul of fish which they had made; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon (Peter). And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Have no fear; from now on you will be catching men!’”
Luke 5:9–10 AMPC
Let me remind you of Luke’s recording of the encounter with Jesus and Simon. Jesus came across some fishermen washing their nets. He got into Simon Peter’s boat, and He began teaching people about the kingdom of God. When He was done teaching, He instructed Simon to “put out into deep water and let the nets down for a catch.” Simon politely reminded Jesus they had been fishing all night and hadn’t caught anything. But because Jesus said so, Simon listened and obeyed. And wouldn’t you know it—they ended up catching such a large number that their nets began to break and filled up two boats with fish! As a result, Simon fell at Jesus’ feet with awe and humility. And Luke reminds his readers that Simon and his companions (James and John) were ASTONISHED, experienced a bewildering amazement, at the catch of the fish. And Jesus instructed them not to be afraid, because now they would move into a kingdom role of fishing for people! So…
Where is God inviting you to “drop your nets into deep water” so you can be ASTONISHED, gripped with a bewildering amazement, and experience His presence and power?
May God speak to you and invite you to drop your net into deep water.
May you hear God’s voice and respond in radical obedience.
May you be ASTONISHED with God’s presence and power in 2026 for His glory!
As Expand enters our 70th year of ministry, I believe God is inviting us to expand God’s kingdom by “dropping our nets into deep water” so we can be ASTONISHED by His presence and power, and more people will encounter King Jesus! Thank you for your ongoing prayer and financial partnership, and I would love to invite you to lean into the journey with us as we seek to encourage pastors, train disciples, and plant churches for God’s glory in 2026!
Blessings,
Sean Thomé
Expand Network 2025 Ministry Impact Report
At Expand Network, we believe an encounter with Jesus changes everything. In 2025, God has continued to move powerfully through our three core ministries—Encouraging Pastors, Training Disciples, and Planting Churches—both in the U.S. and Uganda. We are grateful to share a snapshot of what God has done through your prayers and partnership.
Encouraging Pastors
Pastors and church planters often carry heavy loads as they shepherd God’s people. Through personal care, prayer, and relational support, Expand Network comes alongside pastors and their families so they are not walking alone.
2025 Impact:
• 60 churches served
• 100 pastors encouraged in the U.S. and Uganda
Training Disciples
Healthy churches grow from spiritually grounded, equipped leaders. Through discipleship training and ministry coaching, Expand Network invests in leaders who are growing in faith and equipping others to follow Jesus.
2025 Impact:
• 228 leaders received discipleship training in the U.S. and Uganda
Planting Churches
Church planting remains central to Expand Network’s mission as we seek to establish gospel-centered communities in diverse contexts—locally, nationally, and globally.
Uganda Impact:
• 5 churches planted
• 52 baptisms
• 83 confessions of faith
• 27 child dedications
Pacific Northwest Impact:
Restoration Church continues to grow with a healthy monthly rhythm and a clear vision to serve the outer east side of Portland. The church is faithfully discipling believers and engaging the neighborhood with the love of Christ.
New England Impact:
• Second house church expected to launch in January
• 15 baptisms celebrated in 2025
Small Town Network Impact:
• 2 churches planted in 2025 (Tennessee and Idaho)
• Next church plant planned for Flagstaff, Arizona in 2026
Across every region, we are encouraged by God’s faithfulness as He builds His Church—one community, one leader, and one life at a time.
Staff Introductions
As we step into a new season at Expand, we’re excited to reintroduce you to the people who make up the Expand family. Each member of our staff plays a vital role in the work God has entrusted to us. We’re grateful for the ways God is working through this team, and we’re glad to invite you to get to know them a little better.
Directors Team
Gary Barrett, Director of Operations: Oversees operations and finances, ensuring systems, processes, and resources are managed effectively to support the organization’s mission.
Naomi Federiuk, Director of Discipleship Training: Leads the development and implementation of services that support Jesus followers in discipleship and ministry leaders through coaching.
Wilson Parrish, Director of Pastoral Encouragement and Prayer: Leads the organization in supporting pastors and their families through holistic care and oversees organization-wide prayer initiatives.
Sean Thomé, Executive Director: Overall leadership and direction for the organization, guiding vision, strategy, and mission impact.
Pastoral Encouragement Team
This team supports pastors, church planters, and their families. Through prayer, events, and relational care, they help nurture and strengthen those in ministry, ensuring our holistic support reaches every individual effectively.
Administrative Support Team
Adele Wilcox: Provides essential administrative support to our directors, helping ensure services, communications, and operations run smoothly.
