About Us
Learn about our past, present, and future
Our Beginning
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. – Zechariah 4:10
The idea behind First Follower Missions began quietly in 2020 by partnering with just one believer, Cyprian, a young man in West Africa with a vision to disciple and train others. With prayer, encouragement, and modest monthly support, he began building a Bible school from the ground up. What followed was a school with classrooms and dormitories, a growing number of students, and many native missionaries now serving in other areas.
Alongside the early efforts to support Cyprian and begin construction on the Bible school, practical steps were taken, registering a website, setting up a donation system, and creating ways for others to join in. In the beginning, the goal was never to build an organization, but to make it easier for one believer to say yes to his calling.
A small beginning. A big God.
Where We Are Now
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… - Ephesians 3:20
Cyprian’s success showed that the Gospel spreads most powerfully when it grows from within and is strengthened by faithful support.
Today, we’re expanding that vision. Our newest project, Eve’s Dawn, is launching to help support build beauty salon businesses in Pakistan to provide Christian women, many of them desperate and persecuted, with hope and meaningful work.
Time, energy, and resources are stretched thin, and we’ve reached the edge of what can be done alone. Now, we’re inviting others to join the Mission, to multiply what God has already begun.
Where We're Going
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. - Psalm 2:8
The needs of a dying world are great. We have the manpower in native missionaries to meet those needs. But most of these believers serve in hostile regions with little to no support, risking their lives daily to carry the Gospel forward. Without a steady foundation behind them, even the most willing hearts can only go so far.
We believe God is calling us to think bigger, to multiply what began with one partnership into a global movement. By 2030, we aim to:
- Support and mobilize 1,000 native missionaries worldwide.
- Launch 5 new Christian schools in underserved overseas communities, offering tuition free education, meals, uniforms, and materials to vulnerable children.
- Help create jobs for 50 Christians in countries where they face intense oppression and discrimination.
Why Native Missionaries?
When we support native missionaries, we aren't just giving. We're joining. We become co-laborers in the harvest.
Native missionaries are already where the Gospel is needed most. They speak the language, understand the culture, and walk the same streets as the people they’re reaching. But that doesn't make their path easy. In fact, it makes it harder.
Many of these believers face daily pressure and danger. Their churches and homes are burned down. They are beaten, rejected, falsely accused, or arrested simply for being Christians. They face discrimination in jobs, education, and housing. And yet, they keep believing.
Our Focus: The 10/40 Window
The 10/40 Window is a geographic region between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude in the Eastern Hemisphere, specifically encompassing parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It is estimated that 95% of the unreached live in this window.[3]
It's also home to roughly 80% of those living in the most extreme poverty. There's an incredible correlation between the unevangelized and the poorest regions of the world.[4]
First Follower Principle
Why we're called First Follower Missions
The Principle
The First Follower principle states that the first person to support a new idea or change is key to success. This first follower can be an individual or a group that introduces the idea to thers who may not know about it, might be unsure, or be indifferent. Simply stated, once there is a first follower, more people are likely to join in.
This first follower plays a crucial role in building momentum and credibility for the leader's vision. They inspire others to get involved and can even bring fresh ideas to the table, making the initiative more successful.
The theory emphasizes the importance of working together and forming strong relationships to achieve a common goal. Whether in business, politics, or reaching 3.2 billion unreached people with the Gospel, having a first follower's support can make a significant difference in gaining momentum for the Great Commission.
How is First Follower Missions a First Follower?
The First Follower Principle is the guiding philosophy behind FFM. Native missionaries remain an untapped resource for the cause of Christ. We come alongside each missionary as their first follower, providing them with the support they need. Together, we build momentum as more and more followers lend their support until every unreached person is reached.
The role of the first follower is not to follow, but to lead the way for others to follow. — Unknown
Let's Do This
Native missionaries are the manpower we desperately need; others, especially the West, have the resources they need. Our prayer is that others, too, will begin to see the enormity of native missionaries’ task with a lack of resources and support. Because we've seen it: reaching 40% of the unevangelized is impossible without them.