EBMI Mission Council
The God who provides
114 participants (53 delegates and 61 guests) from 26 countries were guests at the Kreuzkirche in Norderstedt from May 6–9, 2026. They gathered there for the annual Mission Council of EBM INTERNATIONAL to discuss their joint mission work, elect new members to the Executive Committee, and approve the budget. The conference was held under the theme “The God Who Provides.” Through Bible studies, worship services, and inspirational workshops, it became clear: God calls, sends, and provides.
Trusting in God’s Provision
Guest speaker Rev. Kehinde Ojo from Nigeria provided key insights on the conference theme. The coach, trainer, and mentor has worked for many years with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) and is an expert in fundraising and mobilizing local resources. Ojo encouraged participants not to rely first on other people when finances or resources are scarce, but on God. The God who provided for Hagar and Ishmael in the desert, who gave Elijah and the widow food, and who fed the people of Israel with manna and quail, still provides today: God provides for his church and his mission with talent, finances, time, and the opportunity to share his blessings with others. Ojo rejected the notion that one has nothing to give. From God’s provision, everyone can draw on sufficient resources not only for themselves but also for others.
Changes in Staff and the Executive Committee
Elizabeth Mvula (Malawi), Marc Deroeux (France), and César Sotomayor (Austria) stepped down from their volunteer roles on the Executive Committee. They did not stand for re-election. Stephanie Fischer-Desamours (Germany) and Lise Kyllingstad (Norway) ran for another term. Both were re-elected; Lise Kyllingstad remains Vice President of EBMI. Barbara Paolucci (Italy), Hervé Turquais (France), and Yosvany Padrón (Cuba) were newly elected to the board.
The successors to two Regional Representatives who will be retiring in the coming years were unanimously confirmed. Rufus Kamalakar (India) will succeed Dr. Judson Pothuraju (India) starting in January 2026. Dr. Claiton Kunz (Brazil) will replace the current regional representative for Latin America, Carlos Waldow (Brazil), in January 2028.
The former missionary Sarah Bosniakowski was also bid farewell; she had already concluded her eight-year service at the Hospital of Hope in Garoua, Cameroon, in 2025.
Not in the picture: William Bhatti, Barbara Paolucci.
A Community That Inspires
General Secretary Michael Kißkalt expressed his deep gratitude for the wonderful hospitality of the Baptist congregation in Norderstedt and their excellent organization. “Furthermore, I was once again impressed by the strong atmosphere that developed over these days: in our fellowship, in our exchanges, and in our singing and praying together.”
