They came to mourn. They left with hope.

Introduction

We want to introduce you to Larry and Hillary Green. For the last 5 years, they’ve been busy sharing the gospel with the ‘U’ people group. Their work toward planting a church there led to a story too good to keep to ourselves.

Let’s take a look!

“God works in mysterious ways.”

Larry and Hillary Green had heard it said before. They’d even experienced it in their time serving the unreached in Central Asia. No surprise—God’s work shines bright in spiritually dark places.

But sometimes He shows up in ways neither the Greens nor their teammates can explain. 

It happened just a few weeks ago at a funeral in a yurt. 

One of the Green’s teammates, Bea*, received a funeral invitation from their friend in town, Shay*. Her father had passed only days ago, leaving Shay to invite their community to grieve. Bea knew local culture and tradition demanded her presence, so she accepted. 

When Bea arrived at the funeral, she found a yurt—think a small, round structure—full of women mourning. Shay called them to attention and began telling a story about her father. 

The day before he passed, he found a strange book in his home. He’d never seen it before. No one had. Inside were verses about God and mankind that stirred his heart. He read the entire book and rushed to his family. “You must listen to these words!” he told them. “This is truth!” 

Bea sat in awe as Shay tearfully revealed the truth: The book was hers. She’d hidden it from her family ten years ago out of fear, yet remained curious about its good news for years! Only now, after hearing her father’s acceptance of it, was she ready to talk about it. And so she did.

Shay told the crowd in their language (one Bea was only half proficient in) about the book’s truth: the life of Jesus, the Prince of Peace and spotless Lamb of God who died and rose from the dead. As she shared, she’d ask Bea to confirm the accuracy of her words—words Bea should not have been able to understand at her stage in language learning! Something seemingly impossible was happening in real time. 

By the time they’d finished their message, the yurt was captivated. Shay ended the funeral by passing around a sign-up sheet for anyone interested in learning more about what they’d just shared. Every person in the yurt filled out the sheet! 

Larry, Hillary, and Bea are giving God the glory for all of it. From the strange book’s discovery, Bea’s miraculous understanding of language, and so many hearts being open to the good news under one roof. It’s all in His control! 

“This is a great reminder to us that God is working today. He is doing the impossible in many different ways, in many different lives, and even in different languages. Would you pray for Bea, her friend, and those they shared with?” – Larry + Hillary Green

*actual names changed for security purposes

Happenings at AIRO.

📄 Make a Will Month
August is National Make-A-Will Month—a time to think intentionally about your legacy’s impact on eternity. This month, we’re providing resources that help you discover yours! If you’re looking for ways to make a will that counts toward the Kingdom, check out our recorded Purposeful Generosity Workshop, and visit our website for more information on Legacy Giving at AIRO.

✝️ CROSSCON 2026 | Like No Other
We love CROSSCON—that’s why we’re going back! We have seen God do amazing work in the lives of young people every year Just imagine: 15,000 18-25 year olds worshiping and listening to the Word taught, considering how they might take their role in The Great Commission! It’s truly special, and we’d love to see you there! 

If you’re a student or church leader, make plans for this January and bring a group of 18-25 year-olds to learn why our God is truly like no other. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours before they’re gone!

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We send with great joy.

It’s our greatest privilege to help send missionary partners like Parker + Eliza to the field and to keep them there long-term! We don’t want you to miss out on it.

Want to get in on the action? Make a gift today and advance the gospel to the unreached!