Joe and Laura Pantaleo always believed they’d be missionaries—but every time they tried to go, God closed the door. Instead, He prepared them at home.
In Virginia, they began ministering to one of the largest Central Asian populations in the U.S., building friendships with refugees and internationals. “Every week Joe and I went to one family’s home and shared the entirety of the gospel,” Laura said.
Joe, a former youth pastor, led short-term mission trips, while their children grew up immersed in ministry. Eventually, each of their sons asked if the whole family could become missionaries.
That’s when they knew—it was time.
Now newly appointed IMB missionaries, the Pantaleos are headed to Malta to minister to students and young families in a culture shaped more by superstition than saving faith.
Through the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists help send families like the Pantaleos to share the gospel around the world.
Pray for fruitful ministry in Malta and for open hearts among the students and families they serve.