Haggai Leader Nhin* was speaking with a man who wanted to attend church, but he was surprised by the reason the man had hesitated, “I wanted to come to church, but I dare not come because of some of your church members.”

The conversation stayed with Nhin. In his community in Southeast Asia, people observe the lives of Christians closely. Their actions can either support or undermine what they say about the Gospel.

For Nhin, sharing the Gospel begins with being genuinely changed by it. The Gospel has shaped his mindset, transformed him to be more like Christ, and gave him hope. Driven by that conviction, he spent four years engaged in frontline evangelism before answering God’s call to plant his own church in 2018.

The church began with just two families: four adults and five children. There was no dedicated place to worship, so Nhin turned to sharing the Gospel in the workplace. The early years were difficult, but he chose to continue to trust God as the church began to take shape.

The beginning of this church plant brought to mind the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish. Both have a theme of surrendering something small, trusting that God can do so much more. Nhin’s church started with two families, and over time, the ministry grew.

In the eight years since, more than 200 people have been baptized. 

He has also seen people reconnect with God, churches planted, and disciples raised to serve Christ. What began as a small gathering has grown into a ministry that continues to impact people and communities around it.

The ministry also responds to practical needs. Nhin is a carpenter by trade and has helped people build small houses. The church also provides food and medicine to people in need, as well as school supplies and uniforms for students.

Nhin’s experience at the Haggai Leader Experience helped shape how he understands his calling and serves his community. After attending the HLE in 2024, he began a sports ministry and found new ways to reach communities he had not focused on before. 

Through humility and faith, God has used Nhin to plant seven churches and continue sharing the Good News to the people that need it most. 

*name changed for privacy

written by Leah Spivak