Regional Update from Africa

An excerpt from Regional Update: Africa
By Terry Duncan, Regional Director of Africa
January–March 2012

Kenya: WGM’s largest field with over 30 missionaries
A new eye and dental complex is being planned at Tenwek Hospital. The Africa Gospel Church Baby Center is providing good care and much love to orphaned and abandoned children of Kenya. AGC of Kenya has expanded its outreach with a new church plant in the coastal town of Mombasa, and they are reaching out to several new areas. AGC–Kenya has nearly 50 missionaries serving in cross-cultural ministry.

South Sudan: Africa’s newest nation
On July 9, 2011, the people of South Sudan celebrated as they became the 54th nation of Africa. These people have experienced persecution and fighting for decades, so this new freedom gives great hope. WGM has assisted several churches with training pastors and staffed three medical ministries with volunteers. Tenwek Hospital sent its eye team to do a clinic, and in four days they did over 170 cataract surgeries along with successful evangelism. WGM desires to work closely with local communities to do transformational development. In all of this, we need God’s help and direction.

Uganda: AGC Uganda is born
These are exciting days as AGC Uganda was granted its own registration and installed its first leaders in November 2011. Pray for these young leaders who are overseeing more than 150 congregations. Ministry on a group of islands is providing education, medical services, and spiritual care to isolated communities. More than 150 AIDS orphans are being educated through scholarships. A university in the capital city of Kampala has a discipleship ministry that touches several hundred students. Many other locations are targeted to expand the ministry, but we need more people who will obey God’s call.

Making Progress

An excerpt from Making Progress
By Hubert Harriman, President
January–March 2012

The most common question put to me is “How is WGM doing?” It’s a question about progress. One dictionary definition of progress is “gradual betterment.” I appreciate that definition because it allows for time, and progress is better measured over a period of time. I’m proud to say that—

WGM is rooted in history. You can’t be around as long as WGM has (just over 100 years) and not have strong, deep, far-reaching roots. An organization rooted in history is rich in personalities, partnerships, and possibilities. Even in failures, our history has taught us to keep our eyes on God because the tough times are where He is at His best.

WGM is anchored in theology. The most important thing about WGM is that we firmly believe and proclaim that God is holy and has called us to be a holy people.

WGM is involved in community. How do we measure progress? By asking the question, “Are we changing communities?”

To learn more about WGM's progress charted in this issue of The Call click through the online magazine at www.wgm.org/call.

New Arrival...

The Call has asked for your partnership with many needs over the years, but in the January/February/March 2012 issue, we report progress, development, improvement, and growth in some major areas of World Gospel Mission’s ministries. Taking a look back at what God has done is always a good way to begin a new year.

So go grab your favorite drink, and sit back and relax with some good missions news. Click here to read or listen (by podcast) to this issue now.

What God Can Do

An excerpt from Do You Believe…In What God Can Do?
By Shushan Richardson, Ukraine
October–December 2011

My church in Ukraine was given the opportunity to serve Jesus through the blind in our community. It started with a simple relationship and grew into an opportunity for ministry.

Blindness in Ukraine happens at a high rate. Many people who were once sighted have become blind from lack of adequate medical care.

In Berdyansk, Ukraine, a community center for the blind hosts different classes and activities. It began with a simple connection to one person and grew to the whole church being invited to hold a service at the center on Saturdays. Through the relationships built during these Saturday services, many of the blind started attending church. In one week, five ladies were saved—four from the ministry to the blind and one lady from the community.

God can do mighty things through a body of believers willing to minister to others in a community. Would you like to see the family of God grow? The World Go! Manual is a great resource to help you be the hands and feet of Christ starting right in your community. Share a copy with your pastor to discover what missions impact your church can have.

ACT: Get the World Go! Manual here!Purchase a copy of the World Go! Manual at www.wgm.org/worldgo.

There Are No “Accidents” in God’s Realm

An excerpt from Do You Believe…There Are No “Accidents” in God’s Realm?
By Rachel Kerney, Argentina
October–December 2011

Gaston (not his real name) was a bright-eyed 7-month-old baby boy. He was speedy and agile in his stroller; actually, too much so. One day when his mom was distracted, he rolled past the barrier that had been set up and plummeted to the cement on the ground level eight to ten feet below. It could have been a tragic accident. The Lord was merciful in that the stroller took the initial impact.

How could God turn this situation around for good? Romans 8:28 (NIV) states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God gave amazing healing to little Gaston, and within a month he was once again a normal, bouncing baby boy. However, God also did a deeper work in profound spiritual levels. The household of extended family where Gaston lived began to seek God more earnestly. His parents were reconciled in their relationship with God. An aunt sought God’s forgiveness in her life. The extended family now sets aside each evening to pray together. God was glorified through this accident, and the Berea Church witnessed it and praises God for how He can take a dangerous, critical situation and turn it around for good!

ACT: Make a difference on your knees!Is your family taking time to pray? Life is busy and schedules are full, but spending time together with the Heavenly Father will have immeasurable blessings for your family. Why wait until there is a crisis? Start praying together today.