Chad & Sonya Owens

Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are God’s masterpiece, He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

We are so excited to share with you how the Lord has been leading our family. Over the last three years we have been involved in a ministry called Teen Missions International (TMI) volunteering in various capacities. Every time, we have been impressed by the heart of their mission of discipling young people for the work of sharing the Gospel and being a light around the world.

In the spring of 2022, our youngest son, Jaxon expressed an interest in going on a mission trip with Teen Missions. Despite some apprehension about this endeavor since he was only 12, we wanted to embrace what God was stirring in his heart so he signed up for Guatemala. Sonya decided to volunteer at Boot Camp, and Chad agreed to get involved (with initial reluctance). Within a few days of involvement, we were stirred by the intentional discipleship of young people and their heart to follow God with an inspiring fervor. We immediately began talking about getting involved by leading a summer team and, after returning from that trip, praying about joining staff.

In the summer of 2024, our family went global with TMI. Chad and Sonya lead a team to Colombia with Joylynn, Jasmine and Jayla. Julia served in Zambia with medical missions. Jaxon served in Germany. After that summer, Julia joined the Bible school, Sojourner School of Ministry, located on the TMI base. It was at that point we began to sense a call to join Teen Missions staff, and we began prayerfully asking for clarity and the right timing. God confirmed this calling after we attended First Step training at TMI in November of 2025.

We have served in the local church in youth ministry for almost 25 years and have dearly loved the chance to impact the kingdom of God and how it has shaped our family. We have particularly enjoyed raising our children in Tennessee at Grace Bible Church for many years and engaging in missions in various ways. We see how these experiences have prepared us for an opportunity to share in this ministry for such a time as this. We’re so grateful for how God is using us to be a bridge between our diverse backgrounds and our passion for youth, missions, local and global churches, medical experience, and hospitality. We believe that our unique blend of skills and experiences will help us spread the love of Christ and expand the kingdom of God. We would love to have you partner with us in this endeavor to do what only God can do in our lives within the ministry of Teen Missions International.

Currently, there are over 500 missionaries in 19 countries across five continents serving full-time with TMI. Teen Missions has five main areas of ministry: Boot Camps/Missions Trips (Globally), Sunday Schools, Bible Schools, Matron Units and Rescue Units.

When we join staff full-time time we will be based in Merritt Island, FL. Chad will start in the HR department and be the Volunteer Coordinator and work on program development. Chad is excited about the potential to encourage the volunteers, as we have volunteered the last three summers and understand what it's like. Other exciting opportunities include discipleship of the Sojourner students, helping write Bible study curriculum for summer teams, being an encourager to overseas missionaries, and pastoring/mentoring/counseling/ encouraging staff. With her medical training, Sonya will be able to help with summer teams and beyond. Our family will be involved in summer mission trips around the globe annually.

How can you join us in this work?
Our family needs to form a team of ministry partners who will support us with prayer and monthly financial commitments. Is God calling you to join us and serve alongside us through prayer and financial support? We cannot do this alone and ask that everyone who receives this letter will become a prayer warrior for us.

Our goal is to be on site June 1, 2026.
We appreciate your prayers as we sell our house and as we prepare to move away from our home and a portion of our family. Also pray for our transition from Grace Bible Church.

Thank you so much for your prayers and partnership with us! Please let us know how we can pray for you as well. We will be sending out regular updates every four months once we are on site.