Carrie and Kurt Smalley have been appointed as associate missionaries by American Baptist International Ministries (IM). They are serving as church planters through Pioneers, an organization that glorifies God among unreached peoples by initiating church-planting movements in partnership with local churches. The Smalleys' home church is First Baptist Church in Everett, Washington.

As part of their ministry in Hungary, the couple provides support and encouragement to a growing church related to the Baptist Union of Hungary, an IM partner. There, they serve through leadership development and discipleship ministries, teaching English and reaching out in friendship evangelism in their community.

Charles Jones, IM’s area director for Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, says, “We thank God for making this partnership possible, and we are excited about the Smalleys and their ministry with our partners in Hungary!”

When asked why the couple feels called to this ministry, Carrie responded, “God has led us to Hungary to reach out primarily to Hungarians, but also to the other internationals we meet and with whom we share the gospel. Europe is quite a melting pot–people from all nations flood into Europe to have a better life, or to help their families and villages with the wages they earn there.”

“I could not be more thrilled by this official appointment of Kurt and Carrie as associate missionaries by IM,” commented Dr. Brian Harpell, pastor of First Baptist Church. “I believe the he church is at its best when it is sending its members into the world with the hope that is in Jesus Christ! As a congregation, we are very proud of the Smalleys' service for Christ in Hungary.”

As associate missionaries, the Smalleys are employed by Pioneers and are appointed to work in association with IM as well as their employing agency. This type of joint appointment, along with standard missionary appointment, enables IM to support the mobilization of greater numbers of American Baptists into God’s work throughout the world.

The Smalleys have two adult children, Alexander and Zachariah.

More information about the Smalleys and their ministry is available on their IM profile page. You may email them at Kurt.Smalley@internationalministries.org.

For more information, contact Catherine Nold: catherine.nold@internationalministries.org.