If we could see the invisible, supernatural power unleashed by persevering prayer, we would be astounded at our intercession’s impact.

Consider this example. In 1727, a German nobleman named Nikolaus von Zinzendorf set in motion what became known as the 100-Year Prayer Meeting. Zinzendorf challenged the community of Protestant refugees living on his estate to form bands for Scripture reading, discipleship, and prayer. This effort healed the community’s former spirit of dissension. With renewed passion for the Lord, 48 men and women pledged to pray daily. A 24-hour-a-day prayer chain ensued, and others continually joined them.

It continued around the world for more than 100 years.

Truly, the impact of those prayers have shaped Christianity to this day. One of the most profound transformations was on missions. In 1732, two of Zinzendorf’s community members surrendered to take the gospel to the West Indies’ slave population—with a willingness to become slaves themselves to reach them. In a flood of surrender, more community members answered the call to worldwide missions, sparking the world’s first major Protestant missionary movement.

Sixty years later, William Carey left for India, citing inspiration from these missionaries. The 100-Year Prayer Meeting also played a key role in the salvation of John Wesley. And it is likely that these centuries-long prayers laid the groundwork for the Great Awakenings of England and America in which hundreds of thousands of people were saved and Christianity was reinvigorated in these lands.

During Baptist Mid-Missions’ 100th anniversary celebration in 2020,
BMM President Patrick Odle issued a missions challenge for our own time:

He laid out Advance the Vision—a 20-year goal offering five ways churches and individuals can partner with Baptist Mid-Missions to advance the gospel worldwide. We are asking God to provide:

• 20,200 Prayer Partners 

Pray daily for the Lord to send missionaries from our churches through Baptist Mid-Missions into His harvest.

• 2,020 Donors Giving $20/Month 

Become a corps of new donors giving to the Global Impact Fund to support the cause of Christ around the globe.

• 202 Donors Giving $200/Month 

Store up treasure in the best investment of all—one that shapes lives for eternity.

• 20 New Missionaries/Year 

Join the ranks of a mission agency founded on unchanging biblical principles, and take the Good News to the billions of souls for whom Christ died.

• 20 New Fields and Ministries 

Expand with us in the next century by bringing your passion and creativity to reach new places with the gospel.

Catch the Vision!

We can make a difference in our own time just as the people of the 100-Year Prayer Meeting did! Become part of God’s work through Baptist Mid-Missions. 

• Sign up to be a daily prayer partner at info@bmm.org or call 440-826-3930.

• To set up monthly giving online, visit www.bmm.org/advance-the-vision

• We’d be glad to speak with you about missionary service. Contact us today!