Joe and Noemi have been in cross-cultural ministry (missions) since 1990. After completing language training in Costa Rica, they and their children moved to the Canary Islands (seven volcanic islands belonging to Spain located off the northwest coast of Africa). There they planted two churches--one near the city of La Laguna and the other in city of Los Cristianos. Both churches have grown and are pastored today by nationals. Joe also traveled among the islands preaching regularly as well as teaching in various Bible schools in Europe.
Following their years in the Canary Islands they moved to Madrid, Spain to plant a new church. From the start the church attracted people from many nations such as international students, guest workers, embassy and military staff, new immigrants, and long time residents from other countries. After four years of leading Madrid International Church, the Szabos turned the congregation over to a new pastor.
Today Joe and Noemi are working with Global University (GU), the premier distance education school of the Assemblies of God. Global's materials and courses are being used to evangelize, disciple, and train people in over 150 countries. Joe leads the Global Operations division which overseas its 227 offices around the world. He travels often to the foreign field to preach, teach, and oversee the work of GU offices.
Currently Global University provides--at very little cost to ministerial students overses--excellent Bible training to over 5,000 enrolled men and women. Plus, Global provides course material to over 7,000 other students who are studying in 158 Assemblies of God bible schools around the world. Also, over 200,000 people are learing about Jesus and growing through Global's evangelism and discipleship courses. in 2007 over 2 million downloads of free evangelism and discipleship courses took place from our our webstite www.globalreach.org.
The Szabos have three children and two grandchildren.
Joe graduated from North Central University (B.S. in Pastoral Studies) and Trinity Theological Seminary (Masters in Theology). Joe is currently working on a doctorate in missiology at AGTS in Springfield, MO.
The Szabos need the ongoing prayers and support of their US supporters as they reach the lost and serve believers, churches, and bible schools around the world.
