By Joel David
VP of International Missions
As Paul and Tanya Gericke conclude their service as NAB missionaries on January 31, 2026, we pause with deep gratitude and joy to celebrate what God has done through them in Romania. Over more than a decade of faithful service, Paul and Tanya have been used by God to advance his Kingdom through the NAB’s continuing partnership with the Convention of Hungarian Baptist Churches in Romania (HBCR).
One of the most visible and lasting reflections of their ministry is Camp Falcon Rock, which stands as a testament to their vision, leadership, and commitment. Paul and Tanya modeled exemplary partnership as North American missionaries, serving alongside Tomas and Tunde Modi, Romanian nationals and directors of Camp Falcon Rock, who also serve as NAB Global Missionary Partners. Together, they demonstrated what healthy, Christ-centered collaboration across cultures can look like.
Throughout their years in Romania, Paul and Tanya invested deeply in people—especially in teaching, training, and mentoring youth leaders, most notably at Szentkiraly Baptist Church and through Camp Falcon Rock’s ministries. We rejoice that two of the many leaders they mentored, Miriam Modi and Robi Bálint, have recently been appointed as NAB Global Missionary Partners, a beautiful reminder that spiritual multiplication continues across cultures. [. . .]
While Paul and Tanya have returned to Canada and are concluding their term as NAB Missionaries, we are grateful that Paul will continue serving in a limited, part-time role from February through August 2026, working out of Edmonton, Canada, to assist with ministry transitions. We are thankful for his willingness to continue serving during this season.
Though their term of service is formally ending, the relationships they built, the leaders they nurtured, and the example they set will continue to bear fruit for years to come. The NAB’s partnership with the HBCR remains strong and full of promise, and both the NAB and the HBCR are eager to see this partnership grow across multiple ministry pathways. God is already leading us into an exciting future. . . .
NorCal churches of the NAB are cordially invited to attend the first-ever International Mission Pop-Up.
Experience an evening of engaging conversation and connections around international missions. Hear from Joel David, the NAB VP of International Missions, and Shan Reed, NAB mobilization director and former NAB missionary to Japan.
It can be easy for our churches to feel isolated or like what we do doesn’t seem to make any kind of global impact, particularly when it comes to the Kingdom efforts regarding international missions. This Pop-Up will help your church grasp the larger picture of NAB International Missions, help connect you with other local NAB churches who share a similar interest in missions, and hopefully promote awareness of and engagement with NAB International Missions and missionaries.
This FREE pop-event will take place 6:30–8:00 p.m. on January 26 at First Baptist Church in Lodi, California. Refreshments will be served.
Last year, Andrew and Jenn MacDonald were part of the NAB’s Fit Assessment in NorCal. They submitted their online application in advance; attended the multi-day, in-person experience hosted by a diverse collection of trained leaders; and communally discerned with the team their best fit for ministry. Ultimately, the MacDonalds received a green light to plant a church in Roseville, California.
One year later, the next NAB Fit Assessment is taking place in Northern California, only this time the MacDonald’s are playing another part in the process rather than attending as applicants. Their church plant, Grace Collective Church, is hosting the Fit Assessment taking place February 24–26 in Roseville, California.
Fit Assessment is a communal discernment process designed for potential church planters like the MacDonalds, but also for potential church revitalizers and international missionaries. If you’re interested in beginning the Fit Assessment process, your first step is completing the online application, either in English or Spanish, found at the link below.
If you have questions, contact Carissa Steinhart.
find more info about fit assessment
Bonfire 2026 registration is open! This year, Bonfire will be taking place May 5–8, 2026, in Medina, Ohio.
What we call Bonfire has taken on several different iterations over the years. At its core Bonfire was always designed to gather NAB leaders together around a shared purpose – a commitment to our missional/formational journey as the NAB.
Just like a bonfire itself brings people together who may not otherwise interact, these gatherings have morphed and expanded as different NAB groups – Multipliers, Governing Board, Missions Advisory Team, just to name a few – have caught wind of and bought into the shared purpose of mission and formation.
This year, based on much feedback, we are streamlining this event in a way we hope reflects this purpose. “Bonfire” will now be the name we use to refer to the overarching event, the main umbrella under which these various gatherings of NAB leaders meet. There will be two main evening sessions for the entire group, including dinner, fellowship, worship, and a unified speaker. During the days, each attendee will join their specific group gathering, or Ministry Track – Multipliers Summit, MAT, Missional Initiatives alum, etc. – to engage with each other.
It is our hope that Bonfire 2026 will serve you, equip you, and encourage you in ways both specific to your individual group but also in broad ways as a vital member of our conference of churches.