Our Story

A Legacy of Faithful Partnership Since 1995

In 1995, Rick and Janet Via stepped out in faith to establish World Reach Partnerships with a simple vision: partner alongside local churches to advance the Gospel throughout the world.

Over the past three decades, God has opened doors in more than 55 countries, allowing World Reach Partnerships to work alongside missionaries, pastors, and churches to strengthen local ministries and make disciples of all nations.

From Cuba to Cambodia, from Burma to Brazil, and from South Africa to Southeast Asia, hundreds of volunteers have joined this mission, planting churches, training leaders, encouraging believers, and proclaiming the hope of Christ.

Today, World Reach Partnerships continues to build long-term relationships that empower local churches to reach their communities and advance God's Kingdom.

Meet Dr. Rick Via

A Life Dedicated to the Gospel

Rick Via served as pastor of Rainbow Forest Baptist Church for 13 years, during which it became one of the fastest-growing churches in Virginia.

In 1995, he stepped away from pastoral ministry to follow God's call as a missionary evangelist, dedicating his life to proclaiming the Gospel wherever God opens doors.

Since then, Dr. Via has preached in more than 55 countries across six continents and continues to serve churches both in the United States and around the world through evangelism, leadership development, and missions partnerships.

Rick and his wife Janet have five children and twenty-five grandchildren. Together they continue to invest their lives in advancing the Gospel among the nations.

Meet the Team

  • Rick Via

    President

  • Josh Via

    Vice President

  • Janet Via

    Chief Financial Officer

  • Jared Via

    Ministry Director

  • Smooth Via

    Missionary to Uganda

  • Joy Ezelle

    Communications Director

Endorsements

“Over the past 10 years that I have been associated with Rick Via I have seen God work through this ministry in a powerful way. I have had the privilege of working with Rick both in Uganda and India. He is a Spirit-filled man that walks with God. He doesn’t just talk about evangelism, he practices it. God is using him all around the world to win people to Christ and to train pastors and leaders to disciple those who are committed to Christ.”

— Jonathan Grooms,
Global Partners in Peace & Development

“As a former President of the Southern Baptist Convention I am often asked to endorse a book, but I do not always agree to do so. In this case, I was eager to do it. Rick’s book [God Still Moves] will bless you. I also know the author as a man of integrity. So get his book – read it and be encouraged.”

— Dr. Bailey Smith,
Evangelist/Former President of the Southern Baptist Convention

“In his book, God Still Moves, Rick Via has given us a treasure house of encouraging thoughts built around personal illustration from his life and ministry.  Short, concise, and easy to read, these words will bless and lift the spirit of all who read them.”

— Junior Hill,
Evangelist, Junior Hill Ministries

“Rick Via has a heart for God and a passion for the lost. His book God Still Moves reflects both. Read and be blessed.” 

— Dr. Daniel Akin,
President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Rick Via is one of the most gifted and exciting preachers of our day. He loves Jesus, and unashamedly shares Him with others at every opportunity. I have known Rick for over twenty years and have watched his life and ministry. It has been consistent and throughly Christ-like. Rick has been in our church on several occasions and each time we have been greatly blessed If you are seeking a dynamic harvest evangelist. I recommend Rick Via without hesitation.”

— Terry Harper,
Former Executive Director, West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists

“Anything Rick Via writes comes from a warm heart and a sound mind.  This is partly why God Still Moves is a book every Christian should read.  It is a good combination of truth, humor, and inspiration.” 

— Dr. Roy Fish,
Distinguished Professor of Evangelism Emeritus, Southwestern Seminary

“I have had the privilege to travel around the world with Rick Via. His passion is contagious; his stories are inspiring and sometimes riveting. His impact will surely outlive him. His life is evidence that, God Still Moves.”

— Vernon Brewer
Founder & President, World Help

Our Beliefs

Mission Statement:
Rick Via World Reach Partnerships is committed to use every available means to reach every available person with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our goal to walk through every open door in proclaiming God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.

Statement of Faith
Rick Via World Reach Partnerships is committed to building this ministry on God’s unshakeable truth. These are our core beliefs:

  • We believe that the Bible is God’s infallible, inerrant and eternal word. We are committed to teaching and preaching it without compromise or apology.

  • We believe in the absolute Deity of Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God and also God the Son, the second person of the Trinity.

  • We believe that Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our salvation. His sacrifice on the cross was for all mankind for all time.

  • We believe that all men are lost in sin and have no hope of heaven until they repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ.

  • We believe in heaven and hell. Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. Hell is the eternal destiny for those who reject God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.

  • We believe in the soon return of Jesus Christ. He will come visibly, personally and powerfully. His return will crush Satan and establish God’s eternal Kingdom.

  • We believe in the local church. It is God’s means to disciple believers and fulfill the Great Commission.

  • We believe in the urgency of missions and evangelism. It is God’s command and our call to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

  • We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He indwells all believers at the moment of salvation and baptizes them into the body of Christ.

  • We believe in the security of the believer. God is able to keep and complete those He saves.

Join Us in Advancing the Gospel

Whether you're interested in missions, church partnerships, or supporting ministry efforts around the world, we'd love to connect with you. Submit the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.