In March 1994 a miracle unfolded in Manila. Three friends reunited in Steve Murrell’s home. They were Steve Murrell Rice Broocks and Phil Bonasso. This seemingly ordinary gathering became the genesis of Every Nation. Every Nation Churches & Ministries wasn’t born from grand plans or hefty budgets. It began with a late-night conversation. A conversation fueled by a shared passion for world missions. A desire to plant churches across the globe.
Every Nation started humbly. It had no legal documents no headquarters no plan and no logo. It only had a clear call from God. A call to reach university campuses worldwide. This small group of friends—Steve Murrell Rice Broocks and Phil Bonasso—laid the foundation for a movement that would span continents. Their initial collaboration was christened Morning Star International. It would later evolve into Every Nation in 2004.
The early days were far from easy. They faced numerous challenges. Every Nation’s success wasn’t accidental. It was the result of intentional discipleship. A commitment to reaching campuses worldwide. A relentless pursuit of God’s calling. The impact is measurable in the lives transformed. The lives of individuals who heard the gospel and became disciples of Christ.
One interesting fact is that the movie God’s Not Dead was inspired by Rice Broocks’ book of the same name. This film despite poor critical reviews became a significant success. It showcased Every Nation’s impact beyond traditional church walls. It highlighted the power of faith in popular culture. Another noteworthy element is the emphasis on multigenerational leadership. Every Nation actively develops young leaders ensuring its vision continues into the future. The Lego Principle a book by Every Nation pastor Joey Bonifacio champions this concept. It emphasizes the importance of discipleship based on loving God and loving one’s neighbor.
Today Every Nation stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. A testament to the power of faith. The organization has grown significantly. From its humble beginnings in Manila it now boasts churches across 82 countries. It continues to fulfill its mission: reaching every nation with the gospel. Every Nation’s story is one of growth. It’s a story of impacting countless lives. It’s a story of faith in action. It’s a story that continues to unfold. A story of a global movement born in a Manila home.