Jews for Jesus is blessed to be launching a new branch in Boston. Praise God! This new branch will be led by Garrett and Nici Smith, longtime ministry leaders whose work in the city over the past two decades has them perfectly positioned for this exciting new step.
While the Boston branch is a new venture, in a way, Garrett and Nici are returning to their roots. Garrett came to faith as a young adult, and Nici as a young teen growing up in Namibia. They met while serving with Jews for Jesus in the 90s: Garrett was visiting South Africa as a mentee of then-CEO David Brickner, while Nici was serving there as a missionary. After marrying in 1999, they served as missionaries in Washington, D.C., where Garrett was branch leader. In 2003, they moved to Boston to lead the branch there, but a few years later, they both felt called to step away from Jews for Jesus to serve the church. For the next 18 years, they served on staff at a local church where Garrett pastored, and Nici led the departments of outreach and community life.
Though the former Boston branch would close, Garrett and Nici maintained their connection with Jews for Jesus over the years, hosting gatherings in their home, counselling new believers and Jewish-Gentile couples and supporting outreach efforts. Eventually, Nici began serving again, on a part-time basis, with Jews for Jesus on the Haredi Women’s team. When the Lord began tugging at Garrett and Nici individually to return to missionary life, the move back to full-time service with Jews for Jesus felt natural. As Nici puts it, ‘In many ways we feel like we never left.’
That continuity is part of what makes this new branch significant. Instead of starting from scratch, they are drawing on the deep network of relationships and opportunities they have built over decades in Boston. ‘We have this depth of relationship and trust and a renewed vision to use those relationships for Jewish evangelism,’ Nici says.
Boston carries significant social, historical and spiritual weight. It is home to more than 60 universities and draws students, academics and future leaders from around the world. Garrett describes its unique influence this way: ‘If DC is the government seat and New York’s the cultural seat, Boston is the education seat. Everyone comes through there.’ That concentration of intellectual and global influence makes Boston not just a local ministry opportunity, but a strategic one with far-reaching impact.
Historically, Boston has also been a place where movements begin. From early American revivals to the American Revolution, to raising influential leaders, the city has repeatedly played a role in shaping broader spiritual and cultural shifts. Garrett and Nici see their work as part of that larger story and a continuation of gospel witness in a place known for outsized global influence.
At the same time, the current cultural moment presents challenges and opportunities. In recent years, rising tensions and increasing antisemitism, particularly on university campuses, have created a complex environment for Jewish students and young professionals. Many find themselves navigating questions of identity and belonging in new ways. Garrett says, ‘There’s a radical discomfort, but also part of that is a spiritual openness.’ While the environment can feel uncertain, it also creates space for meaningful conversations about faith.
Garrett and Nici have noticed that many churches and campus ministries want to engage with Jewish people but are unsure how to do so in ways that are both sensitive and informed. That gap between willingness and understanding is where Garrett and Nici see a key role for the Boston branch going forward.
As they prepare to officially launch, Garrett and Nici are intentionally beginning with a season of prayer and discernment. Rather than assuming they know exactly what is needed, they plan to pray, listen, learn and identify where God is already at work in the city’s Jewish community.
Looking ahead, they hope to one day establish a ‘third space’ near Boston’s academic centre – a welcoming environment where Jewish identity is nurtured, relationships can form and conversations about faith can happen naturally. They are also praying for people to join them in building a team for this new work.
Ultimately, this new branch represents a continuation of what God has been doing for years. In a city known for shaping ideas and influencing the world, Garrett and Nici are stepping into this opportunity with a clear sense of purpose: to reach Jewish people with the gospel and equip others to do the same.
Please pray for the launch of this new Boston branch. Pray for the Lord to give Garrett and Nici clarity and favour as they walk into the work He has prepared for them. Pray that the right people will be called to join their team and that many people in Boston and worldwide will come to know Yeshua through them.
Photo: Boston branch leaders Garrett and Nici Smith with their three children