called to reach souls in American Samoa
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Acts 13:47
We are the Smith family, called by God to be missionaries to the country of American Samoa. We feel so blessed that God has chosen to use us and our desire is to reach Samoan families with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We pray that our story can encourage you and that you come alongside us on this journey.
Get to know us
03
April & May Prayer Letter
Hello Pastors, Churches & Friends
Praises
Prayer Requests
- God’s leading for our church plant in American Samoa
- Salvation of our neighbor and other unsaved friends
- Salvation of people in American Samoa
- Over $5,000 given to Outfit and Passage Fund
- Safe flights
- Vehicle purchased in American Samoa
The month of April was less busy for us then we have been used to over the last 2 years of deputation. We were home for Easter, and enjoyed time with family and friends. The next Sunday we loved being able to participate in a missions Sunday at our very first supporting church. We finished getting our pallets of belongings packed with help from great friends. They were picked up on April 28th , and are expected to be in American Samoa in early July. In April, we picked up 2 new supporting churches and are now at full support. We are so grateful for all the Lord has done.
Our 1st few weeks in our new home have been eventful. The first day we woke up was Teddy’s 5th birthday. It was fun celebrating him in our new home. We have explored new villages, tried new foods, started to set up our home, rode in the back of trucks, and made some new friends. We have been attending a Bible study on Wednesday nights and attending church on Sundays. Everyone has been very kind to us, and they seem to be excited to hear what God has called us to do here in planting a new church. After renting a vehicle for the first week and a half, God allowed us to purchase a nice used truck, and we are extremely blessed to have it. Thank you for your prayers and support, and may God bless all of you!
First Weeks Here
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Prayer Letters
Family , Fellowship, and Farewells
We spent most of the month of May spending time with family, friends, and packing our luggage. We were able to sell both of our vans before we left which was a huge blessing. God blessed us with many sweet memories and opportunities to share the Gospel with friends and family these past 2 months. Would you please pray with us that they will accept Jesus as their Savior?
On May 17th , our sending church, Cornerstone Baptist Temple, had a going away service. Many friends and family showed up to hear what God has prepared us for in American Samoa, and to show our family support. We were truly blessed to enjoy this moment with them, and be loved on by so many people. Zach, along with our Preacher, was able to baptize our youngest daughter Charlotte in that same service. We pray she grows in the Lord, and we are very proud of her. We left for American Samoa on Tuesday, May 19th early in the morning, and our family arrived in American Samoa late Wednesday night. Thank the Lord for the safe travels.
Commissioning Service
I grew up in a Christian home in Dayton, Ohio. I am the 2nd of 4 children. My parents took me to church faithfully and helped me to develop a love for God. I thought that I was saved at the age of 5 but began to doubt as I grew older. In November 2006, at the age of 16, I made sure I was saved and placed my trust in Jesus. I surrendered to preach the gospel at a youth camp when I was 19. I got many opportunities to teach and preach at our church as I got older, but God began to show me that there was something else He had for me. Sarah and I knew each other for years because of going to the same church, but did not begin to date until 2009. In 2013 we were married and continued to serve together in various ministries at our church, Cornerstone Baptist Temple. In May 2022, after years of asking God to lead us to where He wanted us, Sarah and I walked to the altar and prayed, and we felt God calling us to missions. We began to search for where He desired for us to go. As we researched countries and prayed for God to show us where to go, we got the chance to speak with a former missionary to American Samoa and a current missionary. They both told us of the opportunity to serve in an already established church and the need for a missionary there. We began to pray and God has shown that American Samoa is our next home.
"In November 2006, at the age of 16, I made sure I was saved and placed my trust in Jesus."
Zach SMITH
MY testimonY
God has blessed us with 5 beautiful children, due to privacy concerns, we have chosen not to share details about them on this page.
"In 2011, at a youth camp, I surrendered to the call of missions."
sARAH SMITH
MY testimonY
I was blessed to grow up in a Christian family. I am number 4 out of 5 children. My parents were faithful at taking us to church and teaching us biblical truths. At the young age of 4 I made a profession of faith, but later I realized that I was unsure of my salvation and made assurance of salvation as a young adult at our youth camp. In 2011, at a youth camp, I surrendered to the call of missions. Zach and I were married in 2013. It wasn’t until years later, while serving in our local church, that God began to finalize that call. We are so excited to serve the Lord alongside our 5 children in American Samoa.
Baptist International Outreach
PO Box 587
Jefferson City, TN 37760
(865)262-0900
office@biomissions.org
Mission Board
Cornerstone Baptist Temple
1707 Ohmer Avenue
Dayton, OH 45410