John and Deborah serve as Regional Project Managers for Latin America/Caribbean with Builders International/MAPS Construction. Every 45 minutes a new Assemblies of God church is planted around the world, that is over 11,000 churches per year! As Project Managers, they assist in the building of Bible schools, churches and training facilities that help meet the needs of this rapid church growth. They serve in the areas of project management, team leading, and development of training facilities that will carry the Gospel to the nations. The Sims have served over 19 years as missionaries to Latin America in church planting, evangelism and building, giving them a wealth of knowledge and experience to help facilitate reaching the lost.
Reflecting on the places in my life that evoke strong memories, both positive and negative, I am reminded of the profound impact a place can have on a person’s life. This could be a church, orphanage, hospital, childhood home, educational institution, or even the moon—all places that have the potential to have a life-altering impact.
We’ve had the privilege of working with Builders International, a faith-based, non-profit missions organization that is building places where people find HOPE, many of whom are hearing the gospel for the first time. We’ve witnessed countless lives transformed as projects have been completed.
Life transformation doesn’t happen by accident. Every person deserves a place to find hope. When that place is built… everything changes. Yet around the world, many hurting people have nowhere to turn when they need it most. That’s why ten years ago the Builders International Foundation was launched—to carry forward a legacy that began in 1966.
In just 10 years…
Projects have moved from vision to reality. Leaders have been trained. Children have been educated. Families have been restored. Communities have been reached. Lives have been transformed. This work doesn’t stop at an idea—it ends with doors open.
A decade of faith. A decade of building. A decade of transformation.
Check out this video to see how God has worked over the past 10 years—and why this is only the beginning.
In 2025, you generously gave, traveled with teams, and prayed! Here is a recap video from the past year showing the completion of all the projects and their ongoing progress across the world!
Thank you for an incredible year. Thank you for helping us builded places where people find hope!
What a remarkable year it has been! We are incredibly blessed to witness the work of God around the world through our partnership with you in building Hope. The videos below serve as a testament to the transformative work of God in Poland through one of our global projects.
POLAND
Why Poland and why 700 cities?
Pastor Filip Sobotka’s Story!
THANK YOU for helping us and Builders International finish building projects that are changing lives worldwide. Your support has been instrumental in bringing hope and change to countless communities in need. Each brick laid and each structure built is a testament to the compassion and generosity of our supporters.
As we approach this holiday season, we reflect on the incredible impact made possible through our joint efforts. It is encouraging to know that your contributions are not just building physical structures but also creating spaces where families can thrive, children can learn, and people are being introduce to Christ.
Our prayer is that your Christmas is blessed and full of the hope and joy Christ brings. THANK YOU once again for being a vital part of this journey.
In the last 16 years of our missionary service, we’ve been privileged to be a part of Builders International, a team of individuals who passionately believes in building places where people find hope. Through your partnership and generosity, communities across the globe have experienced the tangible love of Jesus firsthand, leading to the transformation of countless lives.
Listen to Vladimir Dramicanin’s story as he tells how his life was transformed!
Meet Vladimir Dramicanin
Every brick laid, every classroom built, and every church dedicated is more than construction — it’s the foundation of transformed lives.
This year’s project complete and dedicate:
➔ Bahamas: 1 Church
➔ Cuba: 2 Churches
➔ Honduras: 1 Church + 1 Safe House
➔ Panama: 4 Churches
➔ Serbia: 1 Rehab Center
➔ Uruguay: 4 Churches
That’s twelve churches, one safe house, and a rehab center — each now a beacon of hope to the community it serves!
Projects
Currently we have 41 project, in 27 different countries!
Behind every project is a story of lives being changed.
During my recent trip to Guatemala, I had the privilege of connecting with missionaries David and Debbie Amsler and visiting several new construction sites to determine how Builders International could contribute. One location that particularly captivated me was located in the indigenous village of San Juan La Laguna, nestled on the shores of the volcanic Lake Atitlan.
Waiting on the dock for us we were greeted by Pastors Juan and Diana Bocel, who are products of the Amsler ministry. They answered God’s call to make a difference in this village so deeply affected by alcohol, drugs, and steeped in religious/paganism. In this environment, human abuses are widespread. They began their ministry by reaching children. Later, as they grew and were able, they purchased a property where the first level of the “Doorway to Heaven” church was built. This is the first AG church established in this community, the only ministry that reaches children and a place where people can receive licensed counseling. It’s an amazing place God is using to transform people’s lives.
The facility is used as a clinic, after-school program, counseling center, feeding center, and church on a weekly basis.
For some time now, this church has been at capacity and is ready to begin the construction of the second floor, which will serve as the sanctuary. Pastor Juan and Diana are visionary leaders, and God has positioned this church to reach beyond its current boundaries. With a little assistance, their already effective ministry can expand and make a greater impact. Thank you for making this possible without you we could not help this great ministry go forward.
If you are interested in helping with this project, please feel free to contact me for information to give or bring a team. Your prayers for the completion of phase II of the Doorway To Heaven Church are greatly appreciated.
Questions? John Sims 417.207.5753
Victory for the Antigua New Life Youth Center
Six years ago we went forward on this project with anticipation of God’s intervention. Missionaries Billy and Havila Roman are pioneering the first AG Ministry on the island and have dedicated their lives to reaching the youth of Antigua. Now as we pour concrete for the long-awaited new Antigua New Life-Youth Center, we are filled with overwhelming excitement. A brand-new 50×100 ft. steel building is awaiting on site in shipping containers. Once assembled this building represents the next step towards bringing hope to the youth and people of this island. This project is now open to teams eager to join us in constructing a desperately needed facility for this remarkable ministry. We are grateful for your support, which enables us to make a positive impact and bring freedom where hopelessness holds people captive.
johnanddeborahsims.com 