Missions
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Awaken is honored to support international and local missionaries alike as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission and bring the good news of Jesus Christ to all people.
International Missionaries
Gedion & Katie
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Gedion and Katie serve in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, laboring to strengthen their local Amharic-speaking church through the faithful teaching of God's Word, discipleship, and evangelism. Gedion serves full-time with Wongelu Ministry, equipping churches across Ethiopia with biblically faithful resources in the Amharic language to help build and strengthen Christ-centered churches. Katie serves in women's ministry through one-on-one discipleship and Bible teaching while continuing her Amharic studies toward greater fluency.
Gedion and Katie were married in June 2026 and are grateful for the privilege of serving the Lord together in Ethiopia. They desire to see Christ Jesus proclaimed, known, and loved throughout Ethiopia. "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!" — Psalm 96:3
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Brendan & Allie
Wycliffe Bible Translators (JAARs)
Brendan & Allie are Wycliffe members and serve in aviation roles at JAARs in Waxhaw, NC. One of JAARS' themes is Making Bible Translation Possible. Technology is improving efficiency of Bible translation, however, terrain in remote areas can be a major barrier for the translation work. Aircraft are often the best mode of getting missionaries and supplies to these locations. The Palmers help to keep the work going by improving, upgrading, and maintaining the aircraft needed for reaching the unreached.
Brendan uses his mechanical engineering background to help tailor aircraft to improve operations for rigorous environments. Allie uses her avionics experience to improve and upgrade the critical electronic, radio, and safety systems of the aircraft.
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Jake & Sarah
West Africa Medical Missions
Jake & Sarah serve as medical missionaries in West Africa. Other details are concealed based on the risk of persecution in that region.
Justin & Amanda
Il Rifugio Church (Italy)
Justin and Amanda Lehtonen are on mission in Milan, Italy as they help lead and disciple at Il Rifugio Church.
Partner Ministries
In addition to the individual missionaries we support, Awaken supports a variety of other local and international ministries through financial support, church member participation, and prayer.
Mike & Su
RUN Global (South Asia)
Tiffany Stempko
Central Ohio Cru
