It’s a sad irony that in our fast-paced, hyperconnected social media age, people increasingly feel isolated and lacking meaningful social connections. We’ve discovered an innovative way to spark meaningful connections—one conversation, one heart, one game at a time.

In cities around the world, our missionaries are using a simple but powerful tool to nurture deep relationships and hold gospel conversations: board games. We’ve realized that few things connect hearts quite like sitting around a board game table. For enthusiasts, it’s not just a hobby—it’s a meaningful way to meet new people, share life, and build bridges across cultures and generations.

We regularly hold dinner and board game nights at our ministry space in Sydney, Australia. Our missionary Rebekah Bronn has been ministering to Sarah* for nearly two years and recently brought her to church for the first time. Board game nights, as well as other events like Shabbat dinners, have been pivotal in helping Sarah build relationships with Jewish believers in Jesus and find a sense of community. Pray that these relationships help Sarah come to faith in Messiah.

Meanwhile, our missionaries in Toronto, Canada, have found that board games are increasingly playing a role in engaging newcomers to the country, especially young Israelis. One of our interns meets with contacts regularly to play board games, which almost inevitably leads to conversations about faith. Since then, a few of them have accepted his invitation to come to church.

In Tel Aviv, what began in 2019 as a small social initiative launched by three staff members and a few volunteers has grown into a vibrant community of around 500 people. Each week, about 50 participants gather in multiple locations across the city, with many also hosting smaller gatherings in their homes.

While there are tens of thousands of board games in the world, only a handful are Bible-based. That realization led our team to create our own game, Book Surfers, which, by God’s grace, won first place among Israeli board game developers in 2024. As our community grew, we expanded from one location to three, creating more opportunities for relationships and sharing the hope of Yeshua (Jesus).

A missionary and one of the creators of the game, Vladimir Mitnitsky, tells us about Abel*, an atheist who joined one of our game nights in Tel Aviv for the first time:

“After we played, Abel shared, ‘Playing the Bible-based board game with someone who truly believes was a unique experience. It drew me in and made me reflect on faith.’

“That one comment sparked ongoing conversations about God, creation, and the purpose of life. Please keep Abel in your prayers that our friendship would lead him to faith!”

Since the war broke out following October 7, 2023, participants have often thanked us for the hope and healing they’ve experienced through this initiative. Our gatherings have become a safe space where people can find connection, joy, and meaning in difficult times. Through this, the Lord has opened doors for us to share the gospel, pointing many to Jesus as our true refuge.

Several from the community have stepped up to serve as volunteers. About a dozen have gone through the Alpha discipleship course, and many more are now attending local churches and home Bible study groups. The transformation we’re witnessing is real and ongoing.

Yulia Tselisheva, missionary in Tel Aviv, reports:

“One day during the war with Iran, we met to play board games at one of our contact’s homes. Suddenly, the sirens wailed, and all 11 of us ran to the shelter together to wait out the missile attack. After that, we created a group chat for everyone we played with that day and stayed in constant contact throughout the war. Some even asked for prayers for difficult situations. We still stay in touch regularly. Please be praying for this group!”

We’re seeing God move powerfully through this initiative all around the world. Communities are forming, relationships are deepening, and so many seekers are being met with Messiah’s love.

Please pray for all those God speaks to through this ministry. Pray that the seeds we plant through these games will bear eternal fruit, and pray for more innovative strategies to reach our Jewish people around the world.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.