The concept is simple: we give so others can speed the light of the gospel to a world in darkness. This is accomplished by providing the “essential transportation and creative communication" equipment for missionary evangelism. Through modern transportation, radio, television, print, audio, and digital equipment, our missionaries can help make Jesus known.

Speed the Light is the student-initiated, volunteer, charitable program that provides much-needed equipment to missionaries across the nation and in over 180 countries around the world. It began in 1944 after Ralph Harris, then head of the National Youth Ministries department, prayed for a way to give Assemblies of God students the opportunity to help missionaries in their work.

Nearly 75 years later, Speed the Light is one of the most effective youth missions ministries in existence. Since its beginning, over $300 million has been raised for missionary equipment around the world. And, Speed the Light is still helping to disciple students to live a life of generosity as they become personally responsible for the mission of God by helping our missionaries make Jesus known throughout the world. 

Speed the Light operates with one guiding principle: all assistance must go to purchase equipment directly related to evangelism (“evangelism" is defined as propagating the gospel and instructing converts). Speed the Light equipment has not been nor is presently given for promotion, solicitation, or normal administrative functions.

If our missionaries are going to get to those who do not yet know Jesus, it will be because of Speed the Light. Every missionary in the Assemblies of God will at some point fly, drive, or float to their destination in transportation that has been provided to them by our churches and students through Speed the Light. Airplanes, cars, vans, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, buses, boats, horses, camels, donkeys, wheel barrows, etc…if it has wheels or hooves and can carry a missionary to a country, city, town, village, or under a card board box where someone is waiting to hear about Jesus, Speed the Light has provided it.

Simply put, we give so our missionaries can travel faster, preach clearer, and be heard louder in order for all to know Jesus.