Reno Mission Trip

In June, during our NYC mission trip, I met evangelist Tom Miyashiro from the Luis Palau Association. He invited me to join an evangelical festival in Reno this August, and after prayer, I said yes. That “yes” led to a powerful weekend of ministry, connection, and seeing God’s handiwork on full display.

Reno, known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” surprised me from the start — with a casino right inside the airport. Though home to about 270,000 people, it carries a small-town warmth and friendliness. At 4,800 feet above sea level, the city is beautiful, welcoming, and yet, like every city, deeply in need of the Lord. The outreach was not only timely for Reno but also an encouragement to the local churches who had been preparing alongside the Luis Palau Association for more than two years.

Hundreds of volunteers came together to make the festival possible, but I was part of a unique team assembled by evangelist Tom Miyashiro. Though it was designed to be a group of Gen Z evangelists, Tom extended me a special invitation — and I jokingly called myself the “chaperone.” What struck me most was the passion, maturity, and spiritual depth of these young adults, each on fire to see lives transformed by Jesus. Though we came from cities across the nation — from Tulsa to Chicago, Orlando to Oregon — we quickly bonded as family in Christ. Serving alongside them was a true honor.

After two years of preparation by Reno’s local churches and the Luis Palau Association, the city hosted a powerful two-day festival filled with music, kids’ activities, and the life-changing message of the Gospel. An estimated 10,000–15,000 people attended, and hundreds made decisions to follow Jesus. Our team helped by inviting people from the community and counseling those who responded to Christ. It was a weekend that showed the power of unity, prayer, and God’s faithfulness.

Our team had two unique encounters with Mormon missionaries during the festival weekend. On Saturday, some of our group engaged two young missionaries in a thoughtful conversation about the true Gospel. Then on Sunday night, I had the privilege of counseling a young woman who came forward to receive Christ — only to learn afterward that she was also a Mormon missionary. Please join us in praying for these young people, especially Lydia, as God continues His work in their lives.

As many of you know, Blessing the Nations has been building partnerships with Bengali churches in Tulsa, New York City, Bangladesh, and potentially Dallas. On Saturday at the festival, I prayed for opportunities to share the Gospel — and God answered. I met a family from Bangladesh who identified as Muslims, and the Lord gave me courage to approach them. Our conversation opened the door to clearly present who Jesus is, and they listened with kindness and interest. Please pray that this family comes to know Christ. Encounters like this confirm the mission God has placed before us. Praise the Lord — He is faithful!

One of the greatest blessings from this weekend was the opportunity to invest in the lives of young evangelists. Spending time with Gen Z leaders — sharing ministry conversations, experiences, and encouragement — reminded me just how bright the future of the Church truly is. After more than 30 years in ministry, it was a joy to pour into the next generation and witness their passion for the Gospel. God is raising up bold young leaders, and it’s an honor to walk alongside them.