GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Greg and Rachel Vruggink

Ministry Description

Greg and Rachel Vruggink work with Asia Biblical Theological Seminary (ABTS), which seeks to equip pastors and Asian leaders to go to their churches and provide a firm Biblical foundation so that they can then go out and share the gospel effectively. The vision is to equip leaders in Asia for ministry, giving them the tools they need to create strong, Biblically-rooted, reproducing churches.  They can then go to their people and “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). By equipping Asian leaders and—by extension—their churches, they empower them to reach their own culture.  Because there is no need for them to learn a new language and culture, church planting and reproduction happens more quickly.

As Biblically-rooted Asian churches take up the task of reaching their own people in obedience to Christ’s commission, the expansion of God’s kingdom in Asia will not only be exponential, but this growth will also be built upon a solid foundation that isn't "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).

Ministry Calling

 Their missions journey began when they were both young and felt God's calling overseas. After college they spent 3 years ministering in China, followed by 6 years ministering in Chinese-American churches in the US. While ministering in Long Island, New York, Greg and Rachel felt God's calling to join the ministry of ABTS and began the process of transitioning into their current ministry, where they’ve been serving since 2017.

Family Life

Greg and Rachel have four kids: Christian, Abbie, Isaac, and Hannah. Christian was born in July of 2007 and is talkative, smart, and funny. He enjoys reading, games, coding, airsoft, and spending time with friends. Abbie was born in February 2009 and is spirited, hard working, and creative. She enjoys playing piano, painting, baking cookies , and playing with friends. Isaac was born in March of 2013 and is determined, happy, and adventurous. He loves to ride his scooter, shoot nerf guns, and make lots of crafts. Hannah was born in January of 2015 and is happy, confident, and affectionate. She loves puzzles, bubbles, books, coloring, and playing outside - especially if she discovers snails.

Prayer Points for Greg and Rachel

  • Pray for the effectiveness of ABTS as they seek to train pastors throughout Asia. 
  • Pray for effectiveness in ministry as Rachel is involved with a local homeschool co-op, which serves a large number of international families, and as they both work with youth in their international church in Chiang Mai. 
  • Pray for the people of Thailand. Thailand is a mostly Buddhist country in desperate need of the Gospel.