Joshua Vanrenterghem

Relax, God Doesn't Need You

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 03:30:11 +0000

June 2025 Newsletter

Ah Lord God, behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.

Jeremiah 32:17

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

Jesus has been transforming lives in Trujillo! June was a special month, full of joy and new works, relationships, and trials. Halfway through the month I was in the middle of a very difficult situation. I went to Henry’s birthday (one of the orphan boys from Mundo de Ninos, where I have been discipling them each week), and had a great time with them. Unfortunately, the director told how their over night shift caretaker is leaving, with a 1 day notice, and there is no one else to fill the spot! Because of that, she asked me to help her by seeing if there was someone at the church who could take the position. I talked with the church leadership, even though we had already decided as a ministry not to get involved in the home management itself because of differences in ideology, liability, and many other reasons. Though we wouldn’t be able to help, mainly because of liability with the church in case something happens, it still weighed on me very heavily. Having spent a lot of time each Sunday evening with them, I have grown to love the boys very much, and I know what kinds of things they could get into if no one is there to supervise. During my devotional time, the Lord brought the verse above to me. It was very hard to receive because of how helpless I felt in the situation, but I was reminded that God is able to work with or without me. And He did just fine without! I texted the lady I couldn’t help, and she responded they already had someone to fill the shift! I share this story to help stir up your faith in the lord Jesus. He is so mighty and good to us, He never fails us and we should always keep our hope in Him. We can be completely helpless, and yet God works mightily. What a freeing reminder that God doesn’t need you to do His work, but what a privilege that He has called you and every believer to be a part of it!

Transforming the Mind

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 17:06:26 +0000

May 2025 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

… do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

This last season has been one of transformation. I am not sure what your month has been like, but mine has been a constant, sometimes rough, sometimes smooth (depending on my willingness), rushing wind of change. Before I share some of the great things the Lord has been doing in Peru, I want to share a little bit of what God has shown me in this time about the transforming of the mind.

The Planting of a Jungle Church

Sat, 10 May 2025 03:00:16 +0000

April 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!…”

Luke 24:4-6

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

Getting stuck in the mountains, sharing Jesus at schools, and purchasing a new church property are just some of the many events of this month! But the greatest of all of them was, without a doubt, Resurrection Sunday. I got to take extra time to look back at the miracle that changed the world forever; the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The very center of our faith and the reason for my life.

Rise Up and Build!

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:27:12 +0000

March 2025 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

I went out… and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned with fire… Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies in waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.

We Need More Space!

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:33:13 +0000

February 2025 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

That power is prayer, which soars on high, through Jesus, to the throne, and moves the hand which moves the world, to bring salvation down."

James Wallace

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

God has brought me down to Peru at quite a season of ministry! God is moving greatly here in Trujillo, and though I have only been here about two months, God has been bringing many new people to the church to the point that we had to add a third Sunday service! For some of you that doesn’t sound too bad, as the church where I grew up had 6 services between Saturday and Sunday at one point. But it is a great encouragement and sign of revival.

An Incredible Sendoff

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 22:16:29 +0000

January 2025 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

… Yet, this alone is the true life of a Christian-its source, its sustenance, its fashion, its end, all gathered up in one word-Christ Jesus. Lord, accept me; I here present myself, praying to live only in thee and to thee. Let me be as the bullock which stands between the plough and the altar, to work or to be sacrificed; and let my motto be, “Ready for either.”

NEW YEAR 2025!

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:55:19 +0000

December 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

The heart of man plans his ways, but the LORD establishes his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

Happy New Year everyone! What a blessing it has been to look back over the year and see God amazing faithfulness, love, and provision. This concludes my last month before moving full time to Peru, and I am so excited for what God is going to do. But I also want to share some amazing things that happened in December!

Republicans, Democrats, and Communists

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:28:52 +0000

November 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient as ministers of the New Covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:5-6

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

This month was absolutely non-stop! Before I share anything, I first want to thank you for your support. The support I have received this month through prayers, encouragements, and financial partners was incredible. I had 2 great opportunities this month to share my testimony, and what the Lord has called me to in Peru. First I shared at the beginning of the month at Calvary Chapel North Texas, and, December 1st, at Calvary Chapel Saving Grace.

"I Don't Know If I'm Saved"

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:19:21 +0000

October 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

Spending these last few months in the States, God keeps reminding me that He has me exactly where He wants me. The constant temptation when preparing to move overseas is to only be focused on the next season, and end up missing out on the things God still has here.

A Present Pillar

Earlier in the month I got a chance to go to a worship/prayer service called Orange County House of Prayer, and during that time the Lord spoke to me. The word He used was ‘pillar’, that I am a pillar where I am right now, and He is going to use my words for supporting others here. That really shocked me, especially because I felt like I couldn’t be depended on because I will be moving so soon, and that I can’t be too rooted. But He used this word to remind me to really seek Him for the things happening now in States and not miss all the work He still wants me to do here, and that a pillar can be moved wherever, and still be a support and strength for others.

Miracle In Progress

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 22:50:56 +0000

August 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

This last month and a half I have seen miracle after miracle of the Lord moving in this new ministry beginning in Trujillo. This newsletter will not be able to contain half of the things I would like to share, but I will do my best!

Hell Before Hell

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 16:17:02 +0000

July 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know

Jeremiah 33:3

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

I just returned from my visit to Costa Rica for the purpose of learning how a children’s home functions from an existing home for children rescued from sex and organ trafficking. Since the beginning of the year I have been praying and waiting for this trip. I arrived in Costa Rica 2 days before the team, Cory my pastor from Peru, Danielle his wife, and Andy, a missionary in Peru. This gave me the opportunity to follow and learn directly from Gabriel, the local pastor who runs the home. After the rest of the team arrived, we spent a lot of time speaking with different people about all the different functions of the home, as well as spending time with the children. It was a very enlightening and fruitful time. I learned so much valuable information, and I have also been sobered to the realities and difficulties of this calling. As a team, the Lord gave us this verse in Jeremiah as we sought His direction for this new work. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

Ready for Takeoff!

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 20:10:03 +0000

But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

2 Cor 3:15-16

I want to begin this update with a wonderful story. Last month I had the opportunity to go to an event hosted by Voice of the Refugees, a Christian non-profit dedicated to helping refugees get on their feet. The event was a ‘cultural celebration’, where my friends Tori, Katia, and I went to learn about a bunch of different countries and make relationships. It was an exciting event with dancing and a bunch of different desserts and food to try. Through it I met an Afghani refugee who wanted to talk about Christianity and Islam, so the next day we went to talk at a cafe! We had a great, respectful discussion and we both learned a lot about each other and our respective religions. Though he is still blinded to the truth that Jesus is God, we have a good connection and we will meet again. That evening during my devotional time with the Lord, He gave me a great encouragement as the Spirit brought 2 Corinthians 3:16 to mind, though I didn’t even know what it said! Even though it is addressing he Jews, Muslims have the same blinders, denying the deity of Jesus. Yet, as this verse says, when they turn to the Lord, He will take away the veil! Also, that same time I was reading a Spurgeon devotional, and he says at the beginning “the great fact on which genuine faith relies on is, that ‘the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.’” God comforted me greatly after taking that anxious step of going out and speaking with this kind Muslim. His name is Jafar, please be praying with me that he would come to faith in Jesus!

Lighting a Match in Mexico

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 06:35:21 +0000

May 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Ephesians 1:5-6

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

This month was packed with exploring unknown territory! Though, with every new work of God, there is always the enemy ready to steal, kill and destroy. May was no exception! From seeing demonic manifestations at an In-n-Out and prayer meeting, to randomly experiencing spirts depression, the enemy has been using every tactic, obvious and subtle, to thwart God’s plans. Yet, God always wins! God ministered to me greatly through Luke 10:18-20, especially verse 19 which describes how God has given us authority over all spiritual wickedness. “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” But even greater, what the Lord has shown me in order to conquer attacks in my mind through depression, anxiety, fear, has been the reminder of my identity. One evening, after working hard all day and thinking through all my plans for the summer, and everything I had been doing recently, I felt lost in it all. I doubted whether God could use me and if I was really being lead by Him. Finally, I just wrote down on a piece of paper, “who am I Lord?”. Obviously, I knew the theological answer to that question. But I wanted to hear it from the Lord Himself. The next morning my devotional reading was Ephesians chapter 1, and I could just hear the voice of my heavenly Father as I read the words. I pray God ministers to you the same way as you go through this next month. No matter how far the enemy tries to separate you from God’s love, He is still your Father, and you have been accepted before Him. Go before your heavenly Father! He wants to be with you. He paid everything to be with you.

Forget-Me-Not

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 22:26:38 +0000

April 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15

Dear friends, family, and loved ones,

What a thrilling season! Celebrating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus was glorious! There is something very special about this year’s Resurrection Sunday celebration. I have never had such a profound time seeking Jesus and His Word.

Joyful Suffering

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:09:37 +0000

March 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, an glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory

Give

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:34:09 +0000

A Wet Vision?!

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:10:04 +0000

February 2024 Newsletter

Joshua Vanrenterghem

“having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”

Ephesians 1:5-6

It’s 2024! All I can say is THANK YOU! Thanks to all of you who have supported and followed me this crazy year.

The sad part, this marks the end of my bible training season in Peru. But the fading of one season buds the flower of a new one! God graciously led me to return to the states after a year of study in Peru to continue my training with Saving Grace World Missions in California. Since December I have been studying missions and the Word in their Missions Training Program. It has been a very joyous experience.

Taking Over the Church

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 00:20:03 +0000

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:42

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

The fellowship of God’s people is a special communication. I had many opportunities to try my Spanglish with a lot of sisters and brothers in Culiacán this week. Seven Calvary churches have been planted in Culiacán, and we attended services from almost all of them. Although the communication was awkward and difficult, it was always a joy to share a common Savior with others in a different language. I had taken 2 years of Spanish in High School, yet I am still very far from fluent. During most of the church services we served and help take a load off the local leaders. Pastor Trent Douglass (founder of Saving Grace World Missions) also gave his special sermon on the ‘Purpose of the Church’ at most of these services. Seeing the church in action and actually doing what the Bible teaches, planting churches, has given me a much deeper understanding of why we need to do missions through the church. Although we should be regularly continuing in Acts 2:42, and it is a blessing to do so, our main purpose as a church is actually found in the previous chapter. Acts 1:8 says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Fields Are White!

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 05:12:41 +0000

“… I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh”

Romans 9:2-3

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

What a joy and privilege to deliver the gift of salvation to dying, immortal souls. Yet, how often we settle in our hearts to walk by them without even a glance! If the apostle Paul was willing to give up his own salvation so that his fellow Israelites might be saved, how much more should we long for the salvation of those who have not even heard the gospel! I often find it impossible to share Jesus with anyone while I am busying myself with other things. But, when I simply set my mind everyday to share with anyone God puts me with, it becomes so simple! A conversation can change a life forever, and the main battle is just starting it. Tuesday, the team headed out to the beach to street witness. Many of the locals here are very open to gospel, though most have a misguided view of it. To show God’s love and expound the full gospel is one of the greatest blessings I now see I have most neglected. So many are white for harvest here. I was able to share with four people throughout that day.

Picking Up Speed

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 23:30:29 +0000

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Revelation 12:11

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

The last week of hearing the testimonies of current missionaries on the field has been exciting! We have had many people come to teach classes and give their testimony. The R Family are two missionaries from Africa who came to help disciple us. Their experience in a Muslim country has given us invaluable knowledge about reaching this people group. Pastor Bond and Heather visited and shared about their works of planting churches and Bible schools all around India, Nepal, Pakistan, and more. Pastor EZ from Living Waters shared about the calling of every Christian to a full-time ministry of being an ambassador of Jesus, the heart to always share the gospel. Through all of these men and women, we have gotten an inside view of the work of missions.

Learning Child-like Faith

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 23:57:30 +0000

Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:2-3

Dear Friends, family and loved ones,

Dire. If I had only one word to describe the situation of the unreached, this would be the one. The past week I have learned so much more about the tragic situation of the unreached in the world. The mere idea that there are over 3 billion people who have never heard the name of Jesus is shocking, almost half the population of the world (1+ billion of which are in India alone). What is more shocking, is that only 3% of missionaries are going to those unreached places, the rest are going to places already reached with the gospel. Every day 120,000 unreached people die. If you held your finger on your pulse, for every heartbeat you feel, one unreached person has passed into eternity. I could keep going with these statistics, but my hope is not to discourage you, but to stir your heart up for the unreached like mine has been.

Crazy, Radical or Biblical?

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 21:40:12 +0000

Dear Family, Friends, and Loved Ones,

When I applied for the Calvary School of Missions, I did it with no intention of having a change of mind on any major conviction. Yet, having been through only a week of instruction, I am left with no other option. The motto of this year, Romans 15:20, “And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation.” This gives a summary of my time so far. We are called, the entire church, to do missions. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” Mat. 28:19. Though not everyone is called to be missionaries, the role of the church in missions is as a cornerstone. With that being said, I am so happy that many of you are so willing to be partnered with me as I am here in Mexico learning and serving.

Letting Go

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:53:40 +0000

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me”

Philippians 3:4

Dear family, friends, and loved ones,

The last two days have been uncertain, yet the LORD has graciously provided. Arriving at Saturday morning in Orange County, CA, I was picked up by my sister Aleah, the financial assistant for CSOM, and rode with her throughout the day as she prepared for the upcoming trip. We ended up being exposed to CoVid that day, which caused us to have to wait in case any symptoms would surface. The group left Sunday afternoon to head to Mexico as me and my sister stayed at a hotel.

Update Blog Posts

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 23:55:48 +0000

Picking Up Speed - August 1, 2022

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Rev 12:11

Ministry Background

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 23:36:12 +0000

After spending 6-weeks training in Mexico at the Calvary School of Missions, Joshua began to pursue serving as a bush pilot by saving for college, but shortly after returning from Mexico, God redirected him to, instead, pursue full-time, on the ground, serving in church planting and discipleship in the mission field. Since then he spent a year studying at Calvary Bible Institute, Peru, and is currently preparing to return to serve full time by studying as a student in the Missions Training Program in Southern California.

About Joshua

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 23:27:41 +0000

Joshua Vanrenterghem was blessed to be raised in a God fearing, Christian family in Oregon. Joshua knew the LORD has had a calling on him to do mission work since his first short-term missions’ trip in Mexico. That, combined with his love for practically serving others has led him to pursuing living and serving full-time on the mission field. Currently, he is preparing himself by studying in the Mission Training Program at CC Saving Grace, with the goal of partnering with different ministries to raise children rescued from sex and organ trafficking, as well as plant churches among the unreached!

Become a Financial Partner

Tue, 24 May 2022 23:31:05 +0000

If you feel the Lord has lead you to financially support me while I prepare to serve full-time on the mission field, you may do so by following the directions below.

“For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” 2 Cor 8:12

Check

The best way to donate is through check, this bypasses any credit card fees.

Purpose of the Present

Sat, 14 May 2022 16:02:30 +0000

Matthew 26:28 “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Dear family, friends, and loved ones,

Each day the Lord has been leading me graciously in His wisdom, showing me more exhaustively that my life is not about knowing every detail ahead, but simply and earnestly seeking the Lord and giving him the reign over my life.

For a long time I have felt the call to spread the gospel to the farthest reaches of the Earth, but more and more I have learned that the farthest reaches of the Earth are not just in third-world countries, or hostile lands, but right here where I am. I have come to understand that regardless of where I am, the Lord has me here for a reason, and as long as the Lord has me where I am, I should be diligently fulfilling that purpose. Sometimes, I forget that reason, but the Lord always directs me back to it, the blood of Jesus. I sacrifice myself as a love offering for the Lord because he sacrificed Himself for me. It reminds me of a favorite song of mine, ‘Do Everything’ by Steven Curtis Chapman. In the song he says “let me remind you, it all matters just as long as you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you, ‘cause He made you to do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face, and tell the story of grace with every move that you make”.

Joshua Vanrenterghem

Fri, 13 May 2022 22:53:28 +0000

Joshua Vanrenterghem was blessed to be raised in a God fearing, Christian family in Oregon. Joshua knew the LORD has had a calling on him to do mission work since his first short-term missions’ trip in Mexico. That, combined with his love for aviation, has led him to believe that it is God’s calling for him to be a missionary pilot. Currently working as an electrician, he is saving money for flight school and preparing for whatever the LORD has ahead in the meantime. Hearing of his sister’s experience at Calvary School of Mission lead him to prayerfully apply and is now accepted.