WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (BP) -- Because Mark met Mike, the Gospel is moving toward the "T" people in Southeast Asia.

Mark Harrison, missions pastor at Old Town Baptist Church in North Carolina, met Mike*, a missionary in Southeast Asia, during an International Mission Board regional training conference. Harrison was stirred by Mike's work so much so that he subsequently visited the country where Mike is stationed to learn more about ministry needs in that part of the world.

Now, three years later, Old Town is working with Mike and his wife Beth* to engage a people group in Southeast Asia that the church identifies as the "T people." The T people have not been the focus of any known church-planting strategy and they have an evangelical presence less than 2 percent. About one year ago Old Town began their journey to engage the T people, and the church has affirmed God's leading in that direction.

The missionary couple, who are stateside for several months, recently participated in a Sunday morning worship service at Old Town that focused on international missions -- and celebrated God calling the Winston-Salem church to Southeast Asia to share the Gospel with the T people.

"There's a lot you can do. More than you can imagine," Mike said. He voiced appreciation for Old Town's commitment to "embrace" -- as the International Mission Board describes it -- an unengaged, unreached people group.

"We [the IMB] can't get to all the people groups," Mike said. "We don't have the time or the resources."

Volunteer teams are crucial because many missionaries serve in places where they can't risk too much public exposure that might cause the government to force them out of the country.

"You can do things we can't do," Mike said. "You can help give our national workers an audience [among the T people]. Everyone wants to hear what the foreigner has come to say.

"Volunteers are an essential part," he added. "We need you to come alongside us."

Beth shared how God has allowed her to reach out and serve the women on their missionary team. Some of them spend many hours home alone, caring for children. She has helped them connect with one another and find ways to minister to those around them. Read More