Berdine van den Toren-Lekkerkerker, Netherlands

In many parts of the world, the church is growing, sometimes in the face of violence, threats and war. In other places, Christians remain a tiny minority in the shadow of other religions and growing fundamentalism. This is why raising up well-equipped Christian leaders is vital to help Christians hold onto their faith and live out the gospel despite the challenges.

I spend a good portion of my time travelling to places like these in Africa and Asia and spending time at schools for mission and theology where teachers are doing a great job but are often overwhelmed, overstretched and isolated. In addition to some training and teaching, I get alongside these teachers, listening to them, encouraging them and helping them feel less alone and vulnerable.