My Journey in Marketplace Missions: How Prisca Publishing Was Born

I never believed business and mission were at odds. For me, they’ve always been intertwined—like Paul tentmaking with Priscilla and Aquila while preaching the gospel (Acts 18:3). Two years ago, that conviction became reality when I co-founded Prisca Publishing in Germany.

Our vision? To strengthen international churches across Europe by publishing biblically sound resources written by pastors and church members who understand life in multicultural contexts. Too often, churches rely on materials shipped from the U.S.—great resources, but written for a North American audience. We wanted something different: books that speak to the unique challenges of third-culture believers.

The Struggle Behind the Story

Starting a business in a foreign country was overwhelming. German price-fixing laws meant no discounts. Regulations piled up. Balancing entrepreneurship with parenting five kids, church planting in Aachen, and ministry felt impossible. There were days I wondered if we had misunderstood God’s call—because the obstacles felt bigger than our capacity.

Each challenge became an invitation to trust His good and sovereign plan.

But in those moments, God was teaching me something far greater than business strategy: to rely on His strength, not mine. If He had called David and me to launch this business, then He would also provide the wisdom, provision, and endurance we needed. Slowly, I learned to surrender my timelines and expectations, remembering Jesus’ words: “Do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34). Each challenge became an invitation to trust His good and sovereign plan—whether navigating German bureaucracy, meeting financial needs, or finding time for family.

God reminded me that success wasn’t about my hustle; it was about His faithfulness. He was shaping my heart to prioritize what matters most—family first, church second—and to rest in the truth that His purposes cannot fail. What felt like setbacks were actually stepping stones, teaching me that when I am weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Where the Vision Came From

Years earlier, while serving at IBC Cologne, I saw firsthand the gap in children’s ministry resources. U.S. curricula didn’t fit our international context, so we began creating our own—sermon-based lessons, memory verse songs, even puppet shows. It was hard work, but it unleashed creativity within the church and showed me how God equips His people to meet unique needs.

That experience planted the seed for Prisca Publishing: a conviction that local voices and creative gifts can strengthen the Kingdom far beyond what imported materials can do.

Our first book, The Heart of the Garden, was born during the COVID lockdown—a season when isolation felt suffocating and community seemed out of reach. As I wrote, God impressed on my heart that isolation was never His intention for His people. His Kingdom is a living vine, where every branch is connected to Christ and to one another. That truth became the heartbeat of the story: even when circumstances separate us, we remain united in Him.

Seeing that book published in both English and German was a milestone—not just for me as an author, but for the vision God gave us. It reminded me that creativity can bridge gaps and bring hope where loneliness reigns.

Since then, Prisca Publishing has released resources like Shepherd’s Journal, which helps pastors slow down and engage in screen-free, inductive study, and Doctrine and Discipleship, a Baptist-adapted Heidelberg Catechism designed for small groups and families. Watching these tools take root in churches across Europe—sparking Bible studies, shaping discipleship, and strengthening leaders—reminds me why we started. Every book is more than pages; it’s a seed planted for Kingdom growth.

What God Taught Me

Two years in, my focus shifted from chasing profit to stewarding impact. We choose mission-aligned books over bestsellers because our calling is clear: equip unknown pastors and churches with what they need most. Our dream is a sustainable model where business fuels translations, leader training, and church planting.

Your Invitation

If you’ve ever wondered whether your business could serve God’s Kingdom, I encourage you to count the cost (Luke 14:28), pray, and step forward boldly. Marketplace missions aren’t easy—but they bring light to economies and hope to communities.

Want to learn more or partner with us? Visit Prisca Publishing. Let’s use creativity and commerce to advance the Kingdom together.