Global Reach Conference 2025
Understanding Islam: Missions in the 21st Century
William Borden was the son of extremely wealthy parents who owned several silver mines in Colorado. When he was 10 years old, his mother trusted Christ. William responded to the gospel shortly after, under the preaching of R. A. Torrey at Chicago’s Moody Church. Throughout his education at Yale University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Borden was dedicated to serving Jesus. One professor said, “His judgment was so unerring and so mature that I always forgot there was such a difference in our ages. His complete consecration and devotion to Christ were a revelation to me, and his confidence in prayer a continual inspiration.”
At Yale, Borden committed to reaching Muslims in China and remained steadfast through seminary. On the way to the field, he first stopped in Cairo, Egypt, to learn Arabic and study the Qur’an. During his time in Egypt, he contracted cerebral meningitis and died three weeks later at the age of 25. A portion of his wealth, $800,000, was given to the China Inland Mission to support others to go in his place.
According to a well-known story, after Borden’s death, his mother found in his Bible the words “No Reserve” and a date suggesting they were written shortly after he had given up his fortune for missions. Later, he was said to have written “No Retreat,” after his father allegedly told him he would never hold a position in the family business. Finally, just before he died in Egypt, he is believed to have added the phrase “No Regrets.”
Even in his time, Borden’s dedication to the Islamic world was uncommon. Muslim territories were seen as slow, challenging, and risky areas for spreading the gospel. Still, Borden believed that the gospel is effective regardless of the people group. Today, we need a generation to rise like Borden and declare that the gospel is the power of God for all people, including Muslims.
Followers of Islam number over 2 billion people today which makes up about 24% of the world’s population. They are present on every continent. Many people live in countries where traditional missionary work faces restrictions. The church needs bold, creative, gospel-believing ambassadors to reach difficult locations for the sake of His name.
We pray this year’s missions conference will open eyes, hearts, and ultimately mouths to the largest unreached mission field on earth.
Satisfied in Christ alone,
Brian Trainer
VP for Global Initiatives
Schedule
Monday, October 20th:
2:00 – 4:00 PM Displayer Setup
7:00 – 8:30 PM General Session
Tuesday, October 21st:
9:00 – 10:00 AM Chapel
11:30 – 2:00 PM Lunch
7:00 – 8:30 PM General Session
Wednesday, October 22nd:
8:00 – 8:20 AM Student-Led Prayer
8:30 – 10:00 AM General Session
10:00 – 10:30 AM Break/Refreshments
10:30 – 11:00 AM The Gospel Works
11:10 – 12:00 PM Workshops
12:10 – 1:00 PM Workshops
11:30 – 2:00 PM Lunch
6:00 – 6:50 PM Exhibitor’s Dinner
7:00 – 8:30 PM Exhibitor’s: Prayer Time and Discussion
Thursday, October 23rd:
8:00 – 8:20 AM Student-Led Prayer
8:30 – 10:00 AM General Session
10:00 – 10:30 AM Break/Refreshments
10:30 – 11:00 AM The Gospel Works
11:10 – 12:00 PM Workshops
12:10 – 1:00 PM Workshops
11:30 – 2:00 PM Lunch
6:00 – 6:50 PM Theme Dinner
7:00 – 8:30 PM General Session/ Multi-Lingual Reading
Friday, October 24th:
8:00 – 8:20 AM Student-Led Prayer
8:30 – 9:15 AM Gospel Works Testimony
9:15 – 9:45 AM Break/Refreshments
9:45 – 11:00 AM General Session
11:00 – 11:30 AM Student Testimonies
11:30 AM Dismiss
Exhibitors
Like-minded missionaries and mission agencies are invited to exhibit at this year’s conference. Exhibit space will be limited.
Workshops
Exhibitors are invited to participate in this year’s conference and represent your ministry by offering a
workshop for our students and attendees. Workshops can echo the conference’s theme, but do not
have to be specifically related to Islam. We desire for our students to be exposed to an array of
missional topics. Workshop submissions will be received through the exhibitor registration form.
Questions?
Contact Faith Lewis
events@faith.edu
(515)-330-6117
