For over 16 years, Scott and Andrea Sward have faithfully served in Cambodia, investing their lives in making disciples, strengthening the Church, and raising up local leaders. Through their ministry, we have seen God at work in powerful ways, including the development of a growing, indigenous movement of believers and leaders who continue to carry the gospel forward.
In recent months, due to family needs and changing circumstances, the Swards have sensed the Lord leading them to return to the United States. While this transition comes with the sadness of leaving a place and people they deeply love, it also comes with a clear sense that God is opening a new door for ministry.
After much prayer and discernment, we are grateful to share that the EFM Board has approved a new role for Scott and Andrea: EFM Great Commission Mobilizers.
In this new season, the Swards will continue their calling to cross-cultural ministry by focusing on three key areas:
- Engaging unreached people groups in diaspora communities here in the U.S., particularly among Muslim populations
- Mobilizing and equipping Friends churches to rekindle a passion for the Great Commission and send workers into the harvest
- Continuing to mentor and invest in emerging leaders in Cambodia
This is not an ending, but a continuation of the same calling in a new context. We believe this role uniquely aligns with the Luke 10 vision God has given EFM, as we seek to send workers into the harvest and participate in what he is doing among the nations.
I invite you to hear directly from Scott and Andrea as they share how God has been guiding them into this next chapter:
Last year, Andrea and I sensed a shift coming. We assumed it meant staying in Cambodia and redirecting our focus to another unreached people group. But God had a different plan. Months later, we realized we were being called back to the US—a move that left us confused and uncertain.
In time, the Lord made his direction clear: our calling to serve unreached people groups (UPGs) hasn’t changed—only the place and the approach. While remaining connected to Cambodia, we’re now excited to serve diaspora UPGs in the US, and to help mobilize others to join God’s work among the world’s 7,000+ remaining people groups with little to no knowledge of Jesus. God is faithful, and we’re eager to see what he has in store in this next season.
As the Swards step into this new season, we invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with them in a few meaningful ways:
Become or Continue as a Financial Partner
Ongoing monthly support will sustain their ministry as they establish this new work in the U.S. and continue investing globally.
- If you are a new financial partner, you can set up your gift here:
https://friendsmission.givevirtuous.org/donate/sward. Click on the “Donate Now” button and select “Sward Support Great Commission Mobilizers” from the dropdown. You will be given the opportunity to make a monthly or one-time gift. - If you are already a financial partner and would like to continue at your current amount, no action is needed. Your giving will continue as is.
- If you would like to increase your support, you can either cancel your current gift and set up a new one or contact the EFM office at efm@friendsmission.com and we’re happy to assist.
- If you need to stop your giving, please reach out to the EFM office so we can take care of that for you.
- If we do not hear from you, your current giving will continue uninterrupted.
Become a Prayer Partner
Commit to praying regularly for the Swards as they transition, build new relationships, and step into this calling. Your prayers are a vital part of their ministry.
- Fill out the form at https://friendsmission.com/sward/ to receive news and updates from the Swards.
Give a Transition Gift
A one-time gift will help cover the significant costs of relocation, reestablishing life in the U.S., and launching into this new ministry season.
- Go to https://friendsmission.givevirtuous.org/donate/sward. Click on the “Donate Now” button and select “Sward Transition Gift” on the dropdown menu and select one-time gift.
Your partnership has been vital to the Swards’ ministry over the years, and we are deeply grateful. We are confident that God will continue to use them in powerful ways as they follow his leading.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
In him,
Stan Leach
Executive Director
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