We're on a mission to

From opposite sides of the world, our co-founders Wayne Hilsden and Michael Mistretta realized the same thing. God began weaving together the stories of these two people while writing the story of FIRM.

Wayne had been serving in Jerusalem for decades as a local pastor. God called Wayne and his family to serve in Israel in 1983. Throughout his pastoral work, Wayne was able to come alongside others in the Land who were also serving in ministry.

Years later, God spoke to a young, Great Commission-minded Michael about the importance of Israel to his faith and to the gospel. After that prompting, Michael saved up and took his first trip to Israel. It quickly became clear that God was calling him there for a reason. Once Michael returned home to Canada, he sold his online advertising business, bought a one-way ticket back across the world, and set off to discover God’s plan.

Michael realized something when He was in Israel: many Christians come to Israel to experience the sites of the Holy Land, but never meet local believers or connect with the people. He thought, “How can it be that the people to whom Jesus came and the very place where Jesus walked, could be home to so many who have never known Him?” Something needed to change. He had no idea where to start.

Then, Michael found Wayne. Once they finally met in Jerusalem, they were able to begin. Separately, God gave both Michael and Wayne the name “FIRM” for the work they were about to do.

God brought Wayne and Michael together in Israel with this same vision: uniting and strengthening the local believing body in Israel, through the global Church--until all Israel believes.