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our HEART is GLOBAL
... because GOD’S HEART is GLOBAL 2
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River Valley Church Family, We are still in awe of the amazing blessings God has poured out in and through River Valley Church. In this season of the church, Becca and I have found ourselves constantly thanking God for the blessings He has given us and praising Him for using us to further His Kingdom. In the last chapter of Matthew’s gospel, we find what is commonly referred to as the Great Commission. It is the pinnacle of Jesus’ teaching, and it serves as the foundational purpose of the Church. The message, while short, gives a clear call with firm direction: “Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations…” We believe it is our calling– our mission to send our best to see the Great Commission, God’s Global Project fulfilled. Kingdom Builders is our way of bringing the Good News of the gospel to all nations through a faithful community passionate about generosity. Together, we will continue to aim at the bullseye God has placed on this house—to send out 500 missionaries from River Valley Church. In order to accomplish this, we believe
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we will need to grow to 20,000 people attending church each weekend—20,000 gathered, 500 sent. Together, we get to continue to set record years for Kingdom Builders’ over-and-above giving and watch God work miracles as we financially partner with Christ-centered ministries and missionaries all around the world. In this guidebook, you will see the heart of River Valley Church poured out. Our heart is global, because God’s heart is global. Through our Global Project and Kingdom Builders ministries, we all have the opportunity to participate in this great mission, the Great Commission, that Jesus Christ commanded us to be a part of. We are full of faith for all that God is going to do in the year to come, and are continually humbled that He would use us, this church, all for Jesus to be glorified. All of this is for Jesus! So that all may hear!
Rob & Becca Ketterling
PART ONE Global Project Edition
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Biblical Foundation The State of the World Changing the Statistics Global Impact The River Valley 500 Finding Your Role Pray Welcome Send Mobilize Go
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PART TWO Kingdom Builders Edition
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What is Kingdom Builders? Kingdom Impact Kingdom Builders Partners Plan, Vision, Dream One Day to Feed the World Miracle Offering Get Involved
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Lead Pastors of River Valley Church
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Global Project Edition
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Our Heart is Global
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BIBLICAL FOUNDATION All throughout Scripture, you can see God’s heart for the world and the nations. In fact, there are 1,600 Bible verses that show God’s passion for the world. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire is to make Himself known and show His love to all people on earth. In John 3:16, it says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son.” Christ’s last words, known as the Great Commission, can be found in Acts 1:8. He says, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” These words of Christ are our common mission as followers of Jesus. Our ultimate goal found in Scripture is depicted in Revelation 7:9-10, where it says that every tribe and
“There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from
nation would gather around the throne of Jesus, giving Him all of the praise and worship. Simply put, the aim of “missions” is to see God’s glory and the gospel advancement among all nations and people on earth. If God’s heart is for the world and the nations, are our heart’s in alignment with His mission? As followers of Jesus, we should be on mission for Him so that all may know and worship Him. Here at River Valley Church, our heart is global because God’s heart is global. Global Project is what we call our global missions efforts. Through Global Project, we all have the opportunity to participate in this great mission that Jesus Christ asked us to be a part of.
standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9
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a St THE STATE OF THE WORLD The State of the World paints a picture of a worthy work left unfinished. To understand this world, we must be aware of how many people have yet to hear the Good News of Jesus. Those that are waiting and have very little or no access to this gospel are known as the Unreached. At River Valley, we have a global heart because we understand the importance of the Great Commission and want to see all of God’s people reached with the Good News of Jesus.
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The unequal distribution of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest injustice on earth today.
THE UNREACHED More than 7,000 people groups in the world are considered unreached Over 3 billion people live among the Unreached
��% of the world
has yet to hear the Good News of Jesus Around 3,500 of the
over 7,000 languages
��% of the world’s
spoken around the world have little or no Scripture
unreached people live in the 10/40 window*
About 125 million people do not have a single verse of Scripture translated into their language
10/40 WINDOW A geographic region of the world located between 10 & 40 degrees latitude from West Africa to East Asia
*Map and statistics gathered from JoshuaProject.net
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So much good work is being done, and we believe the best days to reach our world are still ahead of us. 13 13
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
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CHANGING THE STATISTICS By choosing to make our heart global and because of the generosity of our church, together, we are helping change the statistics. Here is a snapshot of some of our efforts. Since 2010, over ��� Global Teams & Virtual Global Teams have been sent Since 2010, over 7,800 people have served on a Global Team or Virtual Global Team We financially support over 1,200 missionaries on a monthly basis
$6,8��, on average, is sent out
from River Valley per day to support missions work around the world So far, those in the River Valley ��� have served or are currently serving in over 45 different countries, with more being added every year
Carl F. H. Henry
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Our Global Impact So that ALL may hear
As of December 2023 = 10/40 Window * Statistics gathered from JoshuaProject.net ** Past and current River Valley 500 18
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As of December 2023 = 10/40 Window * Statistics gathered from JoshuaProject.net ** Past and current River Valley 500 20 20
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ORIGIN William Borden, born in 1887 to a very wealthy family, gave his life to Jesus Christ as a young man. He studied at Yale University and went on to Princeton Seminary. After graduating, he decided to dedicate his life to reaching the Muslims of China. His first stop on that journey was Cairo, Egypt. But at the age of twenty-five, less than a month after he arrived, Borden contracted spinal meningitis and died. Found in the back cover of his Bible were three important phrases that would define his life. In response to a friend saying that he was wasting his life as a missionary, he wrote two words: No Reserves. Later, after turning down his dad’s offer to take over the multi-million dollar family business, he wrote two more words: No Retreats. And shortly before his death, he wrote two final words:
Pastor Justin, Pastor Rob and Elder Mark Pahl at the William Borden gravesite in 2013
This word from God was where the vision of the River Valley 500 was born.
No Regrets.
William Borden gravesite restored
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During a visit to the Borden gravesite in 2013, Pastor Rob, Pastor Justin Mack, Elder Mark Pahl and a small group of pastors they were visiting with were yelled at by the graveyard caretaker. He was mad because a group of Christians said they would pay for Borden’s grave to be restored but never paid the bill. Not knowing how much the bill was and wanting to defend the Christians, Pastor Rob said, “We’ll pay it!” The bill was $500. Pastor Rob grabbed the money and paid it on the spot. At that moment, one of the missionaries said, “I believe you’re supposed to raise up 500 missionaries from your church–one for every dollar you just paid to restore this grave.”
Five hundred individuals, couples and families who will serve God overseas for at least one year and who will pray about a lifetime. We believe it is our calling– our mission to send our best to see the Great Commission, God’s Global Project fulfilled. 23 23
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NEXT STEPS: THE MISSIONARY ACTION PLAN Is God calling you? The Missionary Action Plan (MAP) is a multi-phase, multistep process designed as a resource to help you discern if God is asking you to serve Him overseas for at least a year, if not a lifetime, as part of the 500. The MAP isn’t just for those who already know that God is calling them to serve Him overseas someday, but for anyone who feels stirred to explore missions at a deeper level. The MAP will take you on a journey of simple obedience to Jesus, growing and developing your global heart and helping you further discern the individual role God wants you to play in the Great Commission.
Learn more about and register for the Missionary Action Plan here!
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No matter where you are in your life, you can serve God overseas as part of the River Valley 500.
Learn more about the 500 here! Take a look at the chart on pages 18-21 to see where the River Valley 500 have served and are currently serving.
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STORIES of the RIVER VALLEY 500
“We both had careers we loved. Our whole family is here in the Twin Cities area and all of our friends. So all of our networks collided here in the Twin Cities. We were very comfortable here. It was our dream! We had everything that we wanted and then slowly we just felt like the Lord had something better for us. I think sometimes we think and get hung up on, “should we stay or should we go? Is God calling us to this or this?” And I just think that’s the wrong question. I think the right question is, “are we willing to sacrifice everything?” My career, dreams, family, living closely to them, our kids and what we envision for them, wealth and preparing, security, safety. Are we willing to give it all up? Because there is no resurrection without death. It all needs to be sacrificed and to whatever level we’re willing to sacrifice, God will give those things back to us in a resurrected way.
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It’s a hard life, but I wouldn’t ever go back. How God made us and used us here, He’s made us and is using us there. I can confidently say that we wouldn’t be overseas if it weren’t for the support of River Valley.”
Numbers 111, 112, 113 & 114 of the River Valley 500 serve here.
Check out their full story here! 29 29
Jesus’ last words spoken on earth were, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News.” These words are known as the Great Commission and were not given to a group of missionaries, but to those who called themselves followers of Jesus. With 42% of the world still waiting to hear that Jesus loves them, we ALL have a part to play in the Great Commission. Whether that be praying, welcoming, sending, mobilizing or going on the field, God’s heart for the world is what spurs us on to play our part in bringing the Good News to the ends of the earth.
Learn more about specific ways to engage in each role here. 30
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PRAY Prayer is something we all can do! Let’s ask God to extend His Kingdom to the ends of the earth.
Join us in praying for the River Valley 500! Adopt any number from 1 - 500 and commit to praying for them every day. Your faithful prayers will help them stay focused and faithful to what Jesus has asked them to do.
E.M. Bounds
WELCOME As a welcomer, befriend others from different ethnic backgrounds, who don’t know Jesus. Learn about their culture and, over time, share Jesus with them.
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SEND As a sender, you are helping make it financially feasible for missions work to be done all around the world. You can do this by supporting missionaries on a monthly basis and giving to Kingdom Builders. Sending is a financial sacrifice and a choice to live on less in order to give more. As senders, we ask God to help us steward the resources He has given us with the greatest measure of His wisdom.
Matthew 28:19
MOBILIZE To mobilize means to help others discover their role in the Great Commission. Humbly share with others the need to reach those who have not heard about Jesus’ love and encourage those who are obeying God in their journey overseas.
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GO God can use each one of our unique talents, skills, vocations and personalities to minister to those all around the world.
SHORT-TERM: GLOBAL TEAMS Every month, teams of volunteers from our church travel around the world to help meet physical and spiritual needs and share the love of Jesus Christ. We offer a variety of team options — one for everyone in the family. You can choose from short, 3-day domestic teams, longer, 14-day international teams, virtual teams from the convenience of your home and everything in between. Going is always worth the investment! Scan the QR code for our current Global Team opportunities.
LONG-TERM: THE RIVER VALLEY 500 It is our vision to raise up and send out 500 individuals, couples and families who are willing to serve God overseas for at least a year and pray about giving Him a lifetime. The River Valley 500 sacrifice their time, convenience and comfort to obey the Great Commission. If you feel God may be stirring something in you, registering for the Missionary Action Plan is your next step. Scan the QR code and see page 26 to learn more.
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GLOBAL TEAM TESTIMONIES 38 38
“Global Team Spain was impactful to me in ways that I didn’t expect. God of course showed up in big and miraculous ways, but it was in the subtle and quiet moments where I found myself feeling closest to God – in the warm interactions with the locals, slowing down to take in the beautiful Spanish culture happening around me, and the genuine friendships that were formed, both on my team and with the locals. I felt a love and appreciation for a culture that wasn’t my own in ways that I’ve never experienced before.”
Global Team Spain
“It created in me a desire to live more frugally in order to be more generous to so many people in need. It increased my confidence to speak and use the gifts God has placed in my life. It increased the love in my heart for the local church here and abroad.”
Global Team Cuba
“It was affirmed to me more on this trip my calling to pray – to pray for the nations, pray for leaders, pray for the spread of salvation. This trip reignited the Holy Spirit within me and strengthened my obedience muscles in stepping out as I felt led by the Holy Spirit – whether that was praying for something specific that the Holy Spirit put on my heart or having a conversation with someone on the street. I feel this trip has strengthened the momentum of my faith.”
Global Team Romania 39 39
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Kingdom Builders Edition
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So That All May Hear
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WHAT IS KINGDOM BUILDERS? Kingdom Builders is our way of bringing the Good News of the gospel to all nations through a faithful community passionate about generosity. From kids to adults, the profile of a Kingdom Builder is the same. This community, open to all, is built of individuals and families that prayerfully commit to give over-andabove their tithes to global missions, local church expansion and future Christian leaders.
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Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge (MNTC), Kingdom Builders’ Partner
“God took my addiction, placed it outside of me, and then put His spirit in me.” Kris, MNTC Graduate
Check out River Valley attendee, Kris’, full story of transformation here! 46 46
Kris’ life was radically transformed through Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge and the power of God! 47 47
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Kingdom Impact Your generosity through Kingdom Builders is changing lives and helping build the Kingdom of God all around the world! Here is a glimpse into the impact of your generosity:
Since 2010, over 16,900 families have given to Kingdom Builders
Since 2010, over $77 million has been given to Kingdom Builders
Over $11.5 million was given to Kingdom Builders in 2023 alone
Since 2010, Kingdom Builders has helped plant over 14,000 churches locally and globally
In 2023 Kingdom Builders sent more than 57% of the funds raised to global missions 50 50
As many as 165 partners and projects have been funded each year 51 51
YOUR GENEROSITY IS...
Through our Kingdom Builders’ partners, 52 52
Bringing the hope of the gospel to people all around the world Expanding the church locally Planting the church globally Helping people gain freedom from addiction and mental health challenges
Gospel Culture Cafe + Restaurant located in Central Asia was funded in part by Kingdom Builders.
Resourcing those experiencing homelessness and poverty Training and equipping Christian leaders around the world Investing in the next generation Putting God’s Word into the hands of those who don’t currently have access to it
Priority One’s Ministry Training Center in Tanzania was funded in part by Kingdom Builders. 53 53
Kingdom Builders’ Partner Story
INTERNATIONAL CHURCH OF BARCELONA (ICB)
**Picture will be here
After an unexpected array of circumstances that only God could orchestrate, Pastor Rob and Becca, along with their son Logan and Pastor Justin Mack ended up with a stop in Barcelona, Spain on their way to visit another church. After flipping a coin to decide which missionary partners they’d reach out to to visit with that day, they landed on John and Brandi Carrano. The Carranos had just moved to Barcelona and hadn’t even opened their first box yet. Since that day, River Valley has had the privilege of partnering with John and Brandi as monthly supported missionaries and also through Kingdom Builders. Our love for them has not only grown but so has their vision for the International Church of Barcelona! Here is what John and Brandi said about the partnership with Kingdom Builders, as well as some updates on what God is doing through the International Church of Barcelona.
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International Church of Barcelona (ICB), Kingdom Builders’ Partner
When we first arrived, we were greeted by other missionaries and pastors with these words. “Don’t get your hopes up!” They told us that Barcelona was a graveyard for missionaries, and since less than 1% of people believe in Christ, it seemed like an impossibility. We knew our human limitations, but we trusted that God was the one crafting the story. God had given us a promise to hold onto that he was going to make streams in the desert and rivers in the wasteland. We prayed and asked for direction from the Holy Spirit, and he put on our hearts “I build my church, you love people, and do what you’re told!” And that is what we have been doing since that time – showing the authentic love of Christ in real and practical ways. We have seen the International Church of Barcelona (ICB) grow into a vibrant and life-giving community of faith. River Valley has been with us every step of the way, supporting us with monthly missionary support, project support from Kingdom Builders, sending Global Teams multiple times a year and standing with us in prayer and strategic partnership to celebrate and accelerate what God is doing in Barcelona.
Here are some key stats about the International Church of Barcelona. It is through your generosity to Kingdom Builders and faithfulness to the tithe that this can happen! •
The church has grown from 150 to several thousands in the last decade with salvations every week and hundreds taking the next step to get baptized
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ICB meets in three physical locations and has two online gatherings every weekend
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They have 50 community groups in 14 different languages
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ICB has several ministry centers that reach out to the urban poor, singles, mothers, the homeless and the marginalized
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Their specialty coffee shop is ranked 13 in a city of 5 million people and is directly supported by Kingdom Builders
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ICB is in the process of opening an accredited school of ministry to train pastors and leaders and launch them to Europe and around the world
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They recently purchased a new building within feet of the geographical center of the city of Barcelona
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“River Valley has been a fresh breath. You have greatly helped accelerate the gospel in a place where people said, ‘Do not get your hopes up’ – in a place where they said it’s a graveyard for missionaries and pastors, dry bones are coming to life, but God is only getting started with what’s on His heart to do here!” Pastor Rob and Becca with John and Brandi Carrano during their latest visit to ICB
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John & Brandi Carrano International Church of Barcelona, Kingdom Builders’ Partner
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Global 500 SENDERS FUND Our vision is to send out 500 missionaries from our church. This fund helps fill gaps in financial support to assist some in getting to the field quicker.
CENTRAL ASIA PROJECT Developing evangelism and discipleship tools across various mediums to reach the Unreached.
AFRICA’S HOPE Provides biblical training for leaders of the growing Church in Africa, equipping them with knowledge and the power of the Holy Spirit.
CHANGE30 Inspiring purpose in Russian orphans by providing them with the love, guidance and resources they need to lead lives serving Jesus.
ASIA PACIFIC CHURCH PLANTS Raising money for projects and church plants amongst the Unreached throughout Asia Pacific.
CHANGE THE MAP Bringing awareness to and inspiring prayer for the more than 1 billion Buddhists across the world so that all may become disciples.
BUSINESS AS MISSION TRAINING IN EUROPE Teaching Christian leaders and missionaries in Europe how to lead Kingdom-focused businesses.
CONVOY OF HOPE Providing disaster relief and support around the world and bringing hope in the name of Jesus.
BARCELONA INTERNATIONAL CHURCH Supporting the continued expansion and growth of the International Church. BETHANY GLOBAL UNIVERSITY A private Christian college in Minnesota focused on training and sending missionaries. BOYS & GIRLS MISSIONARY CHALLENGE (BGMC) Beginning the process of missions awareness, concern and stewardship in young lives by training kids to give sacrificially. BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL Partnering with the Assemblies of God to send short-term teams to help build various ministry structures around the world.
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CUBA CHURCH PLANTS Partnering with the Cuban Church on projects such as construction, school of theology and pastoral training. EQUIP LEADERSHIP Training Christian leaders and mobilizing them to impact their families, businesses and communities. ESWATINI CAMPUS AND CHILDREN’S CUP CAREPOINTS Investing in our Eswatini church plant and surrounding local churches to change communities through holistic child development and the hope of Jesus.
EUROPEAN CHURCH PLANT Planting a life-giving church in Toulouse, France, and working with area pastors to come together and care for the refugees that flee to France.
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF MISSIONARY KIDS Bringing support to missionary kids as River Valley believes every member of the family is part of the on-field mission.
FIRE BIBLE TRANSLATION Full-featured study Bible with an emphasis on the Holy Spirit.
INDONESIA CAMPUS MINISTRY A training center in Indonesia that teaches young people English and disciples them in their growing Christian faith.
GLOBAL UNIVERSITY Equipping, educating and training thousands of pastors globally to plant churches. GOOD BUREAU Helping Romanian leaders to make a change in their country by offering funding, networking and support while introducing them to Jesus Christ. HAND OF HOPE Helping to fund water wells in third world countries while ministering the love of Jesus Christ. HEALING HAITI A Christ-centered ministry leveraging resources to elevate and unify Haitian families to end the cycle of poverty and strengthen the community. HEALING HANDS GLOBAL (JUNGLE HOSPITAL) Christ-centered missions hospital meeting physical and spiritual needs by providing care and support for the impoverished people of Honduras. HOPE INTERNATIONAL Empowering those in poverty through training, micro-loans and Christ-based resources. LIVE DEAD Planting churches among unreached people groups through intercultural teams in Russia, the Arab World, Israel, Southeast Asia and many other countries without access to the gospel.
JAPAN & ASIA CHURCH PLANTS Helping to plant new churches through a vibrant bilingual church called Lifehouse International. MESSENGER INTERNATIONAL Providing believers worldwide with access to life-changing messages and discipleship tools through various mediums. MIDDLE EAST CHURCH PLANTING Using a Business as Mission approach to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those without access to the gospel in the Middle East. MOROCCO TRAINING CENTER Supporting the church planting movement in Morocco. NETWORK211 Using cutting-edge technology to spread the gospel in the most difficult places in the world by helping people discover and grow in their journey. NORTHERN ASIA COFFEE SHOP A growing coffee shop that serves as a cultural ministry center in Northern Asia, providing gospel access to the Unreached.
ONEHOPE Reaching children and youth worldwide with the gospel message through print, films, storytelling, audio and mobile apps. ONE MILLION MEALS A partnership between Venture and Feed My Starving Children to provide the gospel and meals to refugees of Thailand and Burma. PAN-AFRICA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Seminary that focuses on training African leaders for greater effectiveness and growing the African Church. PRIORITY ONE Educating and equipping pastors of the global Church through Bible colleges, schools and leadership development organizations. PROJECT42 Raising awareness and resources for the 42% of the world still waiting for access to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
SPEED THE LIGHT Youth raising money for missionary projects around the world, including essential resources, transportation and creative communication equipment. THAILAND CHURCH EXPANSION Expanding the national Church in Thailand. THE GO FUND Helping mobilize missionaries to the Unreached by relieving some of their student debt. THE WARRIOR’S JOURNEY A Christ-based ministry that provides biblically based resources to military members and their families. TURKEY CHURCH PLANTS Bringing the gospel to Istanbul, Turkey through a live music cafe, Business as Mission approach. WORLD CHURCH PLANTING INITIATIVE Planting Assemblies of God churches around the world.
PROJECT RESCUE Rescuing and restoring victims of sex trafficking through the love and power of Jesus Christ. REACHING INDIANS MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL Reaching the unreached of India with the gospel message and developing Christlike leaders to change lives and transform communities. SAT-7 Using satellite technology to present the gospel among the most difficult-to-reach Muslims in their own homes through television and online platforms. SCRIPTURE TRANSLATION Providing access to the gospel for various people groups throughout the world who do not yet have access.
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Local ABILITY TREE Bringing the gospel and biblically based resources to families whose children have disabilities.
ALPHA A discipleship course that explores the Christian faith through a series of questions designed to create conversation. ARRIVE MINISTRIES Training and equipping people to welcome, extend love, serve and walk alongside refugees and immigrants that come to Minnesota, all while witnessing the gospel of Jesus Christ. ASSOCIATION OF RELATED CHURCHES (ARC) Churches working with church planters and church leaders to provide support, guidance and resources to launch and grow life-giving churches. CHURCH MULTIPLICATION NETWORK (CMN) Equipping and funding leaders to plant healthy, Spirit-filled churches across the U.S. EMERGE COUNSELING MINISTRIES A place of help, hope and healing for individuals on a journey to mental health healing and awareness through the presence of God. FREEDOMWORKS Helping former offenders who are returning to society reconcile to God, family and community.
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FUTURE RIVER VALLEY CAMPUSES Our vision is to launch new campuses in the Twin Cities metro area and in key communities throughout greater Minnesota. HOSPITALITY CENTER Sharing the love of Jesus Christ through hospitality with international students and scholars in the Twin Cities. ICCM LIFE CENTER MINNEAPOLIS Urban ministry center in Minneapolis committed to transforming impoverished people through the power of Christ. L.A. DREAM CENTER Focusing on sharing the love of Jesus by finding solutions for homelessness, hunger and a lack of education. LIFE REBUILDERS Sharing the gospel while providing hope and transformation to offer the opportunity for men and women to find a safe place to renew their spirit, emotional and physical strength. MINNESOTA ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE A Christ-centered organization focused on helping people gain freedom from chemical addictions and other lifecontrolling issues. NATIONAL BLACK FELLOWSHIP A movement of hope transforming communities by developing and deploying African American leaders, planting and revitalizing churches, advancing biblical justice and restoring families.
NEW LIFE FAMILY SERVICES Honors the sanctity of human life by assisting clients in lifeaffirming decisions with the love and compassion of Christ. RIVER VALLEY WORSHIP Supporting the River Valley Church worship team as they create and perform albums, recordings and other projects locally and globally. SAMARITAN’S PURSE A Christian-based organization that helps victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love by providing spiritual and physical aid. SERVE DAY A nationwide initiative that provides opportunities to serve our local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness. SERVE OUR COMMUNITY The department of River Valley Church that supports and funds local Christian-based and Christian-purposed non-profits. THE DWELLING PLACE Offering safe, transitional housing and Christ-centered supportive services for those who have suffered domestic abuse.
Future CHINESE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS Supporting Chinese student immersion and success as they attend North Central University.
CHURCH MATCH SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarship funds donated by River Valley Church for students pursuing a major in ministry and attending Christian universities that match church funds. KINGDOM BUILDERS YOUTH GLOBAL TEAMS Sending youth students to other countries and exposing them to what God is doing around the world in order to build their faith in Jesus Christ.
NORTH CENTRAL UNIVERSITY A university in Minneapolis focused on equipping and sending leaders into the world to bring the love of Jesus. RIVER VALLEY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE Developing future Christian leaders by providing interns with community, training and growth opportunities. WILDWOOD HILLS RANCH A ranch in Iowa transforming lives and strengthening communities by providing healing, hope and God’s love to children and at-risk youth.
LAKE GENEVA BIBLE CAMP The expansion of the Assemblies of God District campground at Lake Geneva, Minnesota. MINNESOTA FOSTER CARE Providing material needs to those involved in the process of foster care and adoption.
TOGETHER FOR GOOD Bringing hope and healing by creating pathways for the church to come alongside vulnerable families with Christ-centered ministry. UNION GOSPEL MISSION Exists to provide Christ-centered, discipleship-oriented pathways and programs that restore dignity and wholeness to men, women and children. U.S. OUTREACH TOUR Outreach events around the nation intended to build up and encourage local church communities.
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Kingdom Builders Partners As of December 2023
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HOW DO I MAKE A COMMITMENT TO BEING A KINGDOM BUILDER? PLAN First, make a plan to give. When you have plans and are diligent, it leads to plenty (Proverbs 21:5). God is excited when you have a plan! Whatever the amount is— have the plan in place, work the plan and be obedient to it. Start there.
VISION
Always remember every gift matters to God. It’s not the size of the gift but the obedience to God’s voice that matters most.
Next, ask God to give you a vision for what He could do through you with His help. This is beyond what you can do with your natural income. This requires you to take a step of faith. Additionally, Habakkuk 2:2 tells us to write that vision down and pray about it! God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Stepping out in faith pleases God. When you look at what He has in His hands, it goes to another level!
DREAM Lastly, what would be a dream amount you could give? Hold on to it. This number is only between you and God. Watch as each step of faith you take, God moves you closer to that dream. God can do exceedingly abundantly more than all we can ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). 66 66
Now more than ever, make a plan to give, ask God for a vision in your generosity and hold on to the dream of what God will do as you step out in faith! 67 67
Kingdom Builders YTH Global Teams
“When I was 13 years old I went to YTH camp, and a woman tapped me on the shoulder and said, “God wants me to tell you that you’re called to India someday.” I knew this was from the Lord and prayed about it often. Flash forward to today, and I just finished serving 2 years in India with plans to return for another term!
KINGDOM BUILDERS YTH GLOBAL TEAMS River Valley believes in raising up the next generation of Christian leaders who will go into all the world and make disciples. Every few years, we offer the opportunity for juniors and seniors in YTH to go and serve on a Global Team fully sponsored through Kingdom Builders. Here is the story of Grace, a student who went on a YTH Global Team in high school and is now serving as part of the River Valley 500.
River Valley has been an integral part in stirring up the call of God on my life and providing opportunities to engage with global workers. One of these pivotal experiences was through a Kingdom Builders YTH Global Team to the country of Georgia. During this week, the Lord continued to tug on my heart and remind me of what He had spoken over me when I was 13. Perhaps the greatest highlight of the trip was meeting a missionary couple located there. By getting to know them, I realized what mission work was actually like. The façade of needing to be a certain way to be a missionary was released as I saw that these new friends were just normal people who said ‘Yes’ to a call of missions. I witnessed what daily life on the mission field looks like, the challenges and the triumphs, the joys and the heartbreaks. Seeing first-hand the fruit of their labor, as well as how the Lord was working in their hearts,
helped me to see that I too, could go. My time in Georgia opened my eyes to see that this call was truly possible. If you are contemplating whether to go on the field yourself, invest your resources, or send and mobilize others, I would say just do it! Something so profound happens when we step away in faith from “our world” and step into “God’s world.” Our eyes are aligned with His, and we see the heart of God in a new way. Secondly, there is no greater investment than a Kingdom investment! I praise God for those who give generously. Even if you cannot tangibly see the effects of your giving, know that it is making a difference and enables so many to go, share and “make disciples of all nations.” Together we will see the nations turn to Him! I am so thankful River Valley values the next generation and encourages them to go. Thank you, River Valley, for investing in youth!”
Scan here to learn more about the impact of Kingdom Builders YTH Global Teams! 68
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Because of your generosity, youth are being called to the mission field! 27 of the students who went on YTH Global Teams in 2023 felt called to be a part of the 500! Many students over the years have gone into ministry, used their entrepreneurial gifts to raise money for missionaries and Kingdom Builders and simply lived a life of openness to the leading of the Spirit every day. It is our joy to invest in the next generation that God is raising up!
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One Day To Feed The World As a church and as Kingdom Builders, we want to do what we can to care for those who sadly aren’t sure where their next meal might come from. In September, Pastor Rob challenges each of us to pray about giving one day’s wage to help feed the world! Together, we can help end poverty and hunger around the world through our partnerships with various feeding programs and organizations. Join us as we give our ‘one day’ to transform their every day!
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MIRACLE OFFERING Each year, as a church, we set aside one weekend in November to participate in our Miracle Offering. As Kingdom Builders, this is the biggest weekend of the year. It is an opportunity to give generously and experience a miracle together through our Kingdom Builders’ partners. Throughout the year, commit to praying about the part God has for you to play in the Miracle Offering and continue to work your plan, vision and dream for Kingdom Builders!
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Get Involved LEARN MORE Learn more about Kingdom Builders and the impact your generosity is making all around the world.
GIVE Give online to Kingdom Builders by scanning here or texting ‘KBGIFT’ to 94000.
SHARE YOUR STORY
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
We want to hear stories of generosity! Share your story of what God has done in and through you or someone in your life and allow it to impact and inspire others along their journey of living “blessed to be a blessing.” Scan here to share your story!
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