Tim Drinkard

CHURCH-PLANTER

PORTLAND, OREGON

Portland Minsitry

PortlandMinistry

1. Homelessness & Drug Use

Unsheltered Homelessness Rate: The Portland region (Multnomah County) features one of the highest rates of unsheltered homelessness in the nation. According to federal Point-in-Time data, roughly 60% of Portland’s homeless population sleep unsheltered (on streets, in tents, or in vehicles) rather than in emergency shelters, placing it near the worst tier among major U.S. metro areas.
Overdose Spike: Propelled by illicit fentanyl, Oregon recorded a catastrophic 1,500%+ increase in synthetic opioid overdose deaths between 2019 and 2024.
The National Bottom for Treatment Access: According to federal SAMHSA data, Oregon historically ranks 50th (dead last) out of all 50 states for access to substance abuse treatment, meaning it has the highest unmet need for addiction care in the country.

2. Witchcraft

Data study by LawnLove: Portland boasts the second-highest number of witch, Wiccan, pagan, and magic groups in the nation, trailing only New York City.
Concentration of Metaphysical Infrastructure: Portland is widely cited by cultural trackers as the top location in the country for witchcraft and occult resources. The city features a dedicated, officially recognized "Mystic District" containing an unparalleled density of magic supply shops, tarot rooms, and grimoire retailers, alongside prominent institutions like the Portland Psychic School.
Public Cursing Rituals: During periods of intense civil unrest, radical occult groups in Portland have organized synchronized public mass hexings. These events are specifically designed to direct destructive magical intent, bindings, and curses toward local law enforcement, government buildings, and political opponents.

3. Religious Unbelief

Portland: The epicenter of secularism in the United States, competing directly with Seattle for the title of the nation's most non-religious metropolitan area.
The "Nones" Outnumber Christians: Data from the Pew Research Center Religious Landscape Study shows that 44% of adults in the Portland metro area identify as religiously unaffiliated (atheist, agnostic, or "nothing in particular").

What's Happening Now

Almost ready to plant a Church in SE Portland & continue street evangelism
23 Souls saved through street outreach & evangelism in Southeast Portland
Survey Completed of Portland Metro Area
Contacts made for Church Plant
Currently Seeking additional funding to secure a storefront lease amid rising commercial rental costs

Panama Ministry

For five and a half years, I had the honor of serving as a missionary in Panama. During my time there, I worked with the Emberá people, who live in the Darién jungle. Working at the edge of the jungle, I discipled the indigenous people and eventually trained a national, Pastor Chango Cascares. By God's grace, Chango was commissioned and ordained to be the pastor of the first-ever independent and self-sustaining Baptist church in the history of the Emberá people.

During my time training Pastor Chango, the Lord opened a door for me to meet face-to-face with the highest immigration official in Panama. Director General Samira Gozaine of the National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) signed a letter giving me unhindered access to three large-scale refugee camps within the country. In the camps, I had the opportunity to witness to people from all over the world including to memebers of ISIS. I witnessed an amazing work especially among the people of Cameroon Africa in which hundreds came to Christ.

Today, the Darién Independent Baptist Church is planting its first church. It is located two hours by river into the jungle, in a community called El Río Salto del Chucunaque. Please pray for the safety of Pastor Chango, as this area has a heavy presence of human and drug trafficking.

Beliefs