New Tribes Mission (Founded July 17, 1942)

On July 17, 1942, Paul W. Fleming organized New Tribes Mission during a season when headlines were filled with global war and uncertainty. While nations fought for territory and survival, Fleming’s burden was for peoples still beyond the ordinary reach of churches—small, often isolated communities with little or no access to Scripture, preaching, or Christian witness. The mission’s organizing conviction was straightforward: the gospel must go to every people group, not merely to the easiest places.

That conviction required more than enthusiasm. It called for settled faith, courageous obedience, and a willingness to embrace obscurity. Many who joined did so knowing they might spend years learning unwritten languages, building trust across deep cultural differences, and laboring without quick results. Their service echoed the prayerful readiness of Isaiah: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?’ And I said: ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8).

Work Among Remote Peoples

New Tribes Mission became known for entering difficult regions—jungle river systems, mountain valleys, and sparsely mapped interiors—where travel could be dangerous and communication limited. Missionaries and support teams often faced malaria, isolation, rough terrain, and the slow work of language study. Their “heroism” was rarely dramatic; it was the steady courage of showing up, listening carefully, serving practically, and refusing to abandon a people when progress felt small.

The mission emphasized church planting rooted in the local language and led by local believers, aiming for congregations that could stand on Scripture and endure without dependence on outsiders. This included literacy efforts, Bible translation, discipleship, and training leaders who could teach faithfully.

Growth, Support, and Enduring Hope

As an interdenominational agency, New Tribes Mission grew to support more than 1,000 staff members serving across many countries, including roles in aviation, education, logistics, administration, and member care—quiet callings that make frontier ministry possible.

Its long-range hope reflects the promised outcome of the gospel among the nations: “After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…” (Revelation 7:9).