News & Stories
2026 Winter Newsletter & 2025 Impact Highlights
Astonished by God A message from Sean Thomé, Executive Director Have you ever been ASTONISHED, “gripped with a bewildering amazement,” because...
2026 Travel Blog: Uganda Ministry Trip
Day 9 Our teams have said their goodbyes and are heading home! Please pray for a safe trip back to the United States. Please also pray that the work...
How to Begin Building a Prayer Strategy
What if God’s people moved from praying only in moments of need to praying with intention—a strategic plan to see His kingdom expand? “Now Jesus was...
A Disciple-Making Journey in Action: Lives Transformed
Kyle Davies, Lead Pastor of Generations Church, shared a powerful story from their recent Pathway: A Disciple-Making Journey training that...
What Mike Taught Me Changed Everything
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust...
Three Practical Ways to Begin Spiritual Mentoring
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit...
Expand Uganda Mid Year Update
We’re celebrating what God is doing in Uganda this year! From training pastors to planting new churches, His Spirit is moving in powerful ways....
Anissa’s New Beginning
By Bonnie Ham of The Gathering in Springfield Massachusetts Anissa never planned to walk into a church again. Her past experience with religion had...
“Would You Come Pray for Me?”
By Pete Ziolkowski, Co-Planter of Restoration Church in Portland, OR What would you say if I told you that people in Portland are literally begging...
“When’s It Gonna Happen?!” – A Church Planter’s Story of Patience, Presence, and a Breakthrough
As told by Chris Harris from Story Church, Tulsa OK “When’s it gonna happen?!” I asked. A Slow Start My partner in crime, Josh Adsit—19 years my...
Grace in the Hospital Room: Thomas’ Turning Point
As told by Brenda Lyons of North Plains Church A Long Road of Struggle At North Plains Church, we’ve walked alongside Thomas for many years. His...
From “Nobody Cares” to New Life in Christ: Adam’s Story
A Winter Encounter In the middle of a Massachusetts winter, a simple lunch stop became the beginning of a transformed life. Jason, a church planter...
A Journey of Faith: Pastor Richard Majambere’s Story
Meet Pastor Richard Majambere, one of the pastors faithfully leading new churches in Western Uganda My Christian Background I grew up in the church...
A Joyous Milestone: The Ordination & Commissioning of Pete and Kristy Ziolkowski
Last Sunday, February 23rd, The Bridge Church NW and Expand had the privilege of ordaining Pete and Kristy Ziolkowsky and commissioning their entire...
Uganda Ministry Highlights: February 2025
Immeasurably More Our time in Uganda was filled with powerful ministry, deep connections, and life-changing moments. From pastoral training to...
Winter Newsletter & 2024 Impact Highlights
An Encounter with Jesus Changes Everything A message from Sean Thomé, Executive Director “After this I looked, and there before me was a great...
2025 Uganda Travel Blog
January 9th: Reflecting on our last ministry day in Uganda Our last ministry day in Uganda was a mix of joy and bittersweet goodbyes as we concluded...
2024 Fall Newsletter
From the Executive Director I loved watching the 33rd Olympic Games in August. Witnessing top athletes from all over the world compete was amazing....
Aug. 4th – Join us for a Prayer Journey with the Ziolkowski Family
Support Pete and Kristy Ziolkowski, Expand's newest church planters, by participating in a prayer walk in Northeast Portland. Let's come together in...
Pastor Jessica’s Story: Mother of 8, business owner and, pastor
Pastor Jessica of Bethania Community Church shares the joys and challenges of being a pastor in Uganda. Before Jesus: Because I became an orphan at...
Pastor Justus: From Alcoholic to Pastor
Before Jesus I grew up in a polygamous family and I had sixteen siblings. Because I wasn’t able to get a basic education, I learned to brew a local...
Pastor Gad’s Story: Grateful despite a life full of challenges
Pastor Gad of Kabuga Community Church in Kamwengye Districe shares the joys and challenges of being a pastor in Uganda. Before Jesus I was born in...
Ministry Update: Jason and Bonnie Ham, The Gathering Church
Jason and Bonnie Ham, The Gathering Church: Expand’s Church Planters serving in New England Since its launch in June 2022, The Gathering, a church...
Would you join us in praying for the Ziolkowski family?
At Expand we believe it is impossible to do God’s kingdom work through our own power, wisdom and strength. Therefore, we seek to prioritize our...
Ministry Update: Pete and Kristy Ziolkowski Portland Church Planters
A message from Pete and Kristy Ziolkowski, Expand's newest church plantersThe Z Fam is settling into Oregon! God continues to open doors for us for...
3 Key Practices for Equipping Christians to Become Disciple-Makers
63% of American adults claim to be Christians but only a meager 4% agree with the Bible's teachings,* revealing a striking gap where many identify...
Prayers for Easter Week
Happy Easter Week After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a...
Is Portland still a graveyard for church plants?
Is Portland still a graveyard for church plants? While precise figures and anecdotes range regarding the success rates of church plants in the...
Expand NW February Prayer Update
Expand Prayer Update: Please pray for wisdom, encouragement, and equipping for Mustard Seed Discipleship Training we will be doing with The Bridge...
Expand Uganda Impact Update
In January, our stateside team joined up with our dedicated colleagues in Uganda for an exciting two-week mission. Our Mission Serving Leaders to...
2023 Ministry Highlight: US Church Plants
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast support, both in prayer and financial partnership. As we step into 2024, let us take a moment...
Expand NW January Prayer Update
Expand Uganda Prayer Update: Thank you for praying for our team and time in Uganda. We praise God for the amazing work that was accomplished for...
Uganda Travel Blog: January 2024
January 13, 2024: Farewell Uganda! Praise Update: 1. Before heading to the airport, the team made one last trip to say farewell to brothers and...
How to Encourage Struggling Pastors
If you are a pastor or the spouse of a pastor, chances are high that you may be experiencing feelings of loneliness, stress, and discouragement....
Uganda: Pray for our team
(Follow the travel blog) Uganda, Here we come! We are thrilled to announce our ongoing collaboration with our dedicated team in Uganda! Our...
Dancing for Jesus: Samantha’s Uganda Story
Samantha's journey in dance began at the age of six. Over the years, she explored various styles such as Jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop....
Small Gesture, Big Impact: Annabelle’s Uganda Story
Annabelle glanced at the clock; it was the dead of night. Sleep eluded her in the stillness of Uganda, her mind wrestling with the ten-hour time...
$12 = One Bible for a family in Uganda
Be a part of bringing God’s Word to 31 church communities in Uganda. Expand Uganda's mission is focused on 31 churches in communities affected by...
Being Present and Known: Angel’s Uganda Story
On a mild and bright Sunday morning, Angel and the dedicated Expand team drove through the countryside of Uganda. They passed farmland filled with...
The Power of Connection: Naphtali’s Story
Naphtali is well-acquainted with the profound impact of commitment and connection. He knows the heartbreak when commitment is absent but also the...
Ministry Update: Uganda – Thank You! October 2023
THANK YOU! We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each one of you for your unwavering prayer and financial support for the Expand mission in...
NWCEA Rebrands to Expand Northwest!
NWCEA is rebranding to Expand Northwest! 'Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go...
