Reaching the Unreached: Over a third of the world’s population has yet to hear the gospel. At Pioneers Austalia, we believe God’s love is for everyone, and we are passionate about sharing it with those who have never had the opportunity to hear. Our mission is to reach these unreached people groups by sending missionaries who build relationships and plant churches, meeting both spiritual and physical needs in communities around the world.
The story of Pioneers began when God stirred Ted and Peggy Fletcher with a vision to reach the unreached. Leaving behind a secure job at The Wall Street Journal, Ted - alongside Peggy - stepped out in faith to pursue missions. When every traditional door closed, they started something new. From the basement of their home in Virginia, they founded Pioneers in 1979 - a movement built on prayer, creativity, and a willingness to go where others would not.
Driven by a deep love for Jesus and a passion for the nations, the Fletchers poured their lives, resources, and energy into seeing the gospel reach the forgotten corners of the world. In doing so, they inspired hundreds of others to do the same - including their own children, all of whom have served as cross-cultural workers and continue in full-time ministry today.
That same vision still propels us. The God of the nations longs for every people and tongue to worship Him - and that worship is still incomplete. Today, over 3,000 Pioneers members across the globe are carrying that call forward. From business to education, healthcare to the arts, they use their skills to serve, disciple, and share the gospel in culturally meaningful ways - whether in busy urban centres or remote villages far from home.
“There are no closed doors; only opportunities for creativity.”
Florence Young receives the first financial gift for the South Sea Evangelical Mission. Moved by God’s call, she began sharing the gospel with Pacific Islanders working on Australian sugarcane plantations, starting with a small Bible study.
In 1904, German doctor Karl Kumm and three colleagues launched the Sudan United Mission (later, Action Partners), driven by a passion to reach the unreached in north central Africa. Through hardship and perseverance, the work grew - today, over 10 million believers worship in churches that trace their roots to that vision.
In 1931, the Unevangelised Fields Mission (later, Asia Pacific Christian Mission) was formed in England to plant churches among the unreached. A year later, Australian bible college student, Albert Drysdale, arrived in Papua New Guinea with £12 and began work in the remote Western District. Despite the challenges of World War II, the first believers were baptised - laying the foundations of the Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea, which continues to grow today.
Ted Fletcher (1931-2003) and his wife Peggy stepped out in faith and founded Pioneers, driven by a desire to see unreached people come to know Christ.
The formation of the first International Council, with sending bases established in the United States, Canada, Europe (Hungary), Africa (Ghana), and beginning to be established in Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, laying the groundwork for a global mission structure.
Asia Pacific Christian Mission and South Sea Evangelical Mission formed Pioneers of Australia and Pioneers New Zealand
Pioneers International Formed
Action Partners joined Pioneers Australia
Pioneers Australia moved to our new purpose built offices in the Outer East of Melbourne.
Pioneers International and Arab World Ministries merged to strengthen the mission to bring the gospel to the Middle East and North Africa, focusing on this critical region where many remain unreached.
Pioneers Australia celebrates 25 years
Pioneers International has over 3000 ‘field members’ from 88 countries (including 230 Australians) serving on 390 teams in 105 countries among 259 distinct people groups.
With deep roots in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands when missionaries served with Asia Pacific Christian Mission and South Sea Evangelical Mission, and in Africa through Action Partners, we now have Australians serving in 40 countries, including in some of the toughest places on earth.
At Pioneers Australia, we believe that church planting is a calling for the whole body of Christ. Whether through going, sending, praying, or supporting, you can be a part of seeing church planting movements take root among the unreached.
Ask God to reveal His leading. Surrender your fears, hesitations, and expectations to Him.
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Come alongside and advocate for those God has sent. Your support helps sustain mission efforts in some of the hardest-to-reach places and strengthens workers as they share Jesus with those who’ve never heard.
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If God is leading you to go, we will equip you through training, community, and support—so that you step out with wisdom and faith.
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