Gift Exchange: Work Team

An excerpt from Gift Exchange: Work Team
By Serena Dunbar, Honduras
November/December 2010

God often wraps special gifts for those who serve on work teams to change people’s lives.

Gift one: Faith
Gift two: Relationships
Gift three: Ministry

God called me to the mission field while on a work team to Mexico. He chose to use high school students with poor Spanish to witness to the people there. Seeing their hunger for spiritual things convinced me that I needed to be part of God’s plan to take the good news to the rest of the world. In fact, if you ask those who serve as missionaries today, you will find that a large majority of them were called to service during a work team experience. God built in me a desire to serve in missions full time.

Can’t wait to open your missions gift? Go on a work team! You just might find God entrusting you with a greater mission than ever before.

A Missions Trip Changed My Worldview

An excerpt from A Missions Trip Changed My Worldview
By Chris Cunningham, Advance Volunteer
November/December 2010

I met the children of Manuelito. This article cannot do justice to the sights, smells, and a thousand struggles of these young people. An estimated 1.4 million people live in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, and 6,000 to 8,000 children live on the streets.

Yet God is there.

Pastor Jorge Pinto; his wife, Marta; and their church provide a safe haven for several street children. They took us on a trip to the streets where we gave simple food and water to the street children of Tegucigalpa. We found children who were poor beyond belief and yet rich in treasure through Jesus’ love. They had simple peace that only God can provide, and I found myself yearning for that peace.

My “self-motivating statement” is James 2:17 (NIV), “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” I had faith. I had faith, but without works. A missions trip changed my worldview, and it continues to bring passion to my life. If you don’t believe me and you, too, are feeling a little jaded, I invite you to go, see, and taste the riches that God provides.

ACT: Give yourself a gift of changing your worldview through a missions trip. Trips are available all year round. To view a schedule and pick a time, visit www.wgm.org/teams.

Where is Your Destination?

An excerpt from Where Is Your Destination?
How Do You Get There?
By Noritta Carter, Support Staff
November/December 2010

Perhaps you could take a trip as a family vacation or give your children or grandchildren a trip as a Christmas, birthday, or graduation gift. Your college friends, youth group, or Sunday School class could also make up a team. On the field, you and your team will work side-by-side with the missionary you support or may have heard speak in your church. If you are new to missions trips, WGM offers training for team leaders.

How do I get started?
1.Determine a time frame for the trip, giving yourself plenty of lead time. This will allow you to get a good team developed, trained, and financially covered.

2.Decide where you want to go. You can review what WGM teams are available at www.wgm.org/teams.

3.Determine the length of stay and possible dates for your trip.
Call 765.671.7204 or e-mail workteam@wgm.org to get your place and dates confirmed and approved.

MORE: If you have further questions or want to schedule a team, e-mail workteam@wgm.org, call 765.671.7204.

Missions in your Sixties

An excerpt from Missions in Your Sixties
Serving Is a Gift at Any Age
By John and Cherryl Mann, Advance Volunteers
November/December 2010

What were we thinking? People in their sixties should be ready for retirement, enjoying their grandchildren, and planning winter trips to warm climates. In God’s beautiful plan, we were able to go on a number of short-term missions trips. We attended a Finishers Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, and learned that many people were opening their hearts to the Lord’s call to short-term missions as an alternative to the typical retirement lifestyle.

We said yes to His call. The Lord led us through the applying, preparing, raising support, renting of our home, and building relationships with our family and friends. He will lead you, too.

The Manns had several excuses they could have given for why now was not the time for them to serve on the mission field. Instead, they said yes to His call. Are you offering excuses? Have you been missions-minded but not actively seeking God’s call in your retirement years? The World Go! Manual can help you get in the Word and spend time with the Lord, seeking your call. To order a copy, call Tara Mast at 765.671.7244.

The Gift of Salvation

An excerpt from The Gift of Salvation
A Short-term Trip Offering More Than Missions Experience
By Brandi Tevebaugh, Volunteer, with Allen Atkinson, WGM Partner
November/December 2010

Two years after returning from the short-term missions trip to Arizona, Allen Atkinson gave his life to Christ. Although he has not returned to the mission field since, he hopes to in the future.

“I would love to go back to the American Indian Field and see the changes that have been made and to experience missions as a Christian,” Atkinson said. “It helped me understand how missionaries work on the field and how much they trust in God. I truly believe a short-term missions trip is a life-changing experience.”

Short-term missions allow people of all experience levels and at all places in their faith journey, even people who have yet to begin their walk with Christ, to experience the mission field and the love of Christ for His world.

ACT: Does a person in your life need the same sort of life-changing experience Allen had on his missions trip? Could you take him or her on a short-term trip and trust the rest to God? To find available trips, visit www.wgm.org/teams.

The Gift of Investing in Others

An excerpt from The Gift of Investing in Others
By Rachel Pyle, Volunteer, with Jonny Adkins, Missionary Kid and Volunteer
November/December 2010

In Kenya, Jonny found that he changed the way he used his energy by investing the time to see more of the culture and understand the people. Jonny reminisced fondly about a Kenyan coworker, “I was able to spend a lot of time working with (him) and building up his talents.”

The progression from short-term trips to a year-long VIA experience allowed Jonny to give more of himself. He invested more time, worked alongside fellow missionaries and nationals, and gained a different insight than that of his childhood.

“Any missions experience is different from the experience of growing up on the field.” However, Jonny stated about all his missionary experiences, “Every trip presents its own challenges and opportunities to draw you closer to God.”

ACT: Can you offer yourself as a gift, investing in the lives of others? Or maybe someone came to mind while reading this story. Pass this article on and together find out more about the VIA program at www.wgm.org/via.

Confessions of a Runaway Prophet

An excerpt from Confessions of a Runaway Prophet
The Gift I Almost Missed Out On
By Rachel Elwood, Support Staff
November/December 2010

Hi, my name is Jonah, and I’m a runaway prophet.

I’ve done a lot of dumb things in my life, many of which are chronicled in great detail in a little book you might have heard of. Yeah, it begins with me high-tailing it away from my calling and ends with me getting the scolding of my life from the Almighty.

And I’m here today to tell you not to be like me. Sure, I got the job done, but I was a piece of work, let me tell you. (And I wish I could have gotten it done without having to spend a long weekend in the belly of a whale!)

ACT: Read the book of Jonah, and then look up the places in the New Testament where Jesus mentions him: Matthew 12:38-45 and Luke 11:29-32. Meditate on how God used this reluctant man for His glory.

Read more of this story at www.wgm.org/call during the months of this issue.

Fundraising: No Novocaine Required

An excerpt from Fundraising: No Novocaine Required
By Kyle Dubois, WGM Partner
November/December 2010

I’m the finance and facility director for a nonprofit arts and entertainment facility. I’ve also been part of six short-term missions projects, both domestic and foreign. Does that make me qualified to write this article? Absolutely not! However, that just may be the point. A lot of times we don’t feel “qualified” to do missions work, but God uses us for His purposes anyway.

When going on any short-term missions trip, the first obstacle for many is the financial commitment that is often required to make it happen. Looking at what’s required financially to go can be overwhelming. When we set out four years ago to go to Jamaica with a large number of students from our youth group, our goal was to raise $24,300 for our group of 18 to make the trip.

While fundraising is part of working for any nonprofit organization, with my occupation and background in accounting, I’m close to it. However, it isn’t always on the top of the list of favorites for any of us. Fundraising for me rates just ahead of being in the dentist’s chair with gauze stuffed in my mouth, hoping that I’m numb as they come at me with that needle.

With that thought in your mind and your mouth now slightly sore as you think about it, I’m going to give you some suggestions for ways you can help make your missions goals a reality.

You’ll never get there if you don’t ask!
First and foremost, you need to come up with a fundraising letter.

Feed me!
A very successful fundraiser for groups wanting to raise money for missions is having a lunch or supper geared toward the cause. With getting some donations of food and local business sponsorships, you can raise a large amount of money in a short amount of time.

Pizza! Pizza!™
Little Caesars™ has a pizza kit program designed for fundraising that is really easy to organize. Go to www.pizzakitfundraising.com to learn how Little Caesars Pizza™ can help you raise “dough” for your next trip.

Shop ’til you drop!
If you like shopping, this one’s for you! Through Great Lakes Scrip (www.glscrip.com), you can get rebates from many of the stores where you shop on a regular basis.

These are just a few ideas that can help get your missions fundraising off to a good start. If you can survive the dentist, this will be no problem.

Christmas in Argentina

An excerpt from Christmas in Argentina
By Bonnie Gouge, Argentina
November/December 2010

You have come to see and understand that missionaries have a unique lifestyle, being available at all hours of the night and day. Dads and moms are pouring themselves into the people of Argentina, impacting lives through daily living, teaching, discipling, and much more. The responsibility of teaching their children on top of missionary service is overwhelming at times. And so, there you are, in Argentina, making a difference in the lives of missionary children as you teach and shape them; making a difference in the lives of missionaries who are freed up for ministry; and making a difference in the lives of the Argentine people you have come to know and love.

As gifts are exchanged, you are thankful for God’s gift to you—His Son, Christ Jesus. You rejoice in the gift of a year in Argentina that God has given to you. And you are thankful that your life has been a gift to the missionary families and to the people of Argentina. You smile and wonder what next year will bring. When you are following Jesus, you never know!

You don’t have to just imagine Christmas in Argentina—you can be the gift for a missionary family. WGM Argentina desperately needs teachers willing to give a year or more investing in the lives of missionary kids. Will you ask God if this is the ministry to which He is calling you?

Called to Serve

An excerpt from Called to Serve
The Gift of Serving as a Family
By Joey Nunez, Volunteers In Action Participant, with Steve, Lori, and Caylah Baldwin, American Indian Field
November/December 2010

Lori stated the following as final encouragement for you and me.

“I think that every person is a missionary in his or her own way, whether it’s walking across your yard, working in your community, or going across the country or across the sea. But remember, God didn’t have a Plan B after Christ died on the cross. We were His Plan A. We were it.

“It’s our job to carry out His plan and spread His Word throughout the world for all mankind. We serve because we are called. God asks each of us to help evangelize the world. The job belongs to every Christian. We all have been called to serve.”

ACT: What is God calling you to do? Maybe it’s going on a short-term missions trip, ministering to children in your church, or serving alongside the Baldwins in Arizona. Several existing ministry opportunities need willing people to become partners. Contact Troy Simpson at 765.671.7226 or recruiting@wgm.org for more info on ways you can serve.

To learn more about the Baldwins ministry click: www.wgm.org/baldwin

Bigger Than Us

An excerpt from Bigger Than Us
Good Things Come in Small Packages!
By Laura Nelsen, Work Team Member
November/December 2010

Five months later, I was across the aisle from Shelly on another plane ride, this time to Kenya and to a little boy named Jesse. It always amazes me that the most beautiful experiences in life are orchestrated by God, not by me. All He requires of us is to listen and obey Him. God says this perfectly in Zechariah 4:6 (NIV), “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.”

It turns out that by listening to God’s simple request on the plane to Florida, I have been able to connect other people to Kenya. I love how God works. One of my best friends from college needed to fulfill an intercultural nursing requirement for school, so I told her about Kenya. She went in May, and now our friendship is even stronger as we share a love for the Kenyan people.

Our God has amazing plans for all of our lives. If we are in tune with His Spirit, He can take us to places that we could never even dream of. Listen for Him today. Let Him guide you to life-changing experiences or to people who need to hear from Him through you.

MORE: Learn more about the work at the Africa Gospel Church Baby Center at www.agcbabycenter.org.

ACT: To plan your own trip to Kenya, contact Noritta Carter at workteam@wgm.org.

Zambia: Rural Education

Kids who live in the Zambian countryside can’t get to school. It’s not that it’s too far—it’s that there are no schools to get to.

Rural education development is one of the most pressing needs for many communities throughout Zambia. Access to quality education is a challenge for many. Lack of a nearby educational facility has been a long-standing issue. As a result, classroom attendance, participation, and performance are all significantly low.

WGM will be working in partnership with the Samfya Bible School in Samfya, Zambia. Samfya Bible School is an institution run by Christian Missions in Many Lands and equips men and women for Christian ministry, focusing on rural church ministry. Billy Wayne and Jenny Fuller, veteran WGM missionary couple from Kenya, have relocated to Zambia to assist with pastoral training.

ACT: Send the Fullers your prayers and well wishes in their new ministry at wgm@wgm.org.

No Missionary Presence

BURUNDI, TANZANIA, INDIA, NICARAGUA, HAITIAN AMERICAN MINISTRIES,
AND MUSLIM MINISTRIES USA

Burundi: Light University, located in Bujumburu, Burundi, offers quality education intertwined with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. However, the university is in need of short-term professors.


Tanzania: This East African nation has benefited from a growing economy over the last few years but is still lagging behind on key development goals for safe water, income, and health.


India: Did you know that one out of every seven people lives in India? Over 83 percent of the population practices Hinduism or animism, and India also has one of the largest populations of Muslims in the world. India is a country with tremendous opportunities for evangelism.


Nicaragua: WGM would like to establish ministries in Nicaragua alongside the Honduran Holiness Church and AMSLA (Latin American Holiness Missionary Agency). Evangelism will be a main thrust with the ultimate goal of developing and establishing churches.


Haitian American Ministries: Identity is a big problem among Haitian American youth. As children of first-generation Haitian immigrants, they live in a mix of Haitian and American cultures.


Muslim Ministries USA: More than 7 million Muslims live in the U.S., and 99 percent have never heard the gospel message presented in a way in which they understand it.

ACT: To review the ministry positions available in these areas, visit www.wgm.org/go.

Kenya: A Million Orphans

The AIDS epidemic in Kenya has left more than 1 million children orphaned. Poverty and disease leave innocent, helpless children in their wake.

In response to this serious need, Africa Gospel Church partnered with World Gospel Mission and opened the Africa Gospel Church Baby Center located in Nakuru, Kenya. The AGC Baby Center provides hope to orphaned and abandoned babies through loving care.

The baby center opened its doors to the first two babies in April 2006. The need for abandoned children to find a safe haven continues to grow, so the AGC Baby Center Board decided to allow babies up to 24 months old to enroll, up from the previous maximum entrance age of 12 months old. Today, enrollment is over 30.

ACT: You can partner with the AGC Baby Center and share love with a precious little one. Your commitment to give $10 a month for six months will provide support and care to one baby living at the center (account # 21193-CALL). You can learn more and choose the baby you would like to “adopt” by e-mailing Staci Keter at director@agcbabycenter.org.

Say this prayer for Kenya:

Dear Lord, thank You for meeting with us as we pray for the needs of our world. Thank You for helping us understand how we can bring the life-changing message of Your love to the nations. Today, we bring before You the country of Kenya. Many things break Your heart about this area of the world, and today we want to lift up the 1 million children who have been orphaned due to the AIDS epidemic and other diseases.

We know how important a child’s growing-up years are and how those years form who the child becomes and the direction of the child’s life. What happens if they have no parents and are shunted to relatives or orphanages or are simply abandoned to fend for themselves? Lord, thank You for leading the Africa Gospel Church to establish the Baby Center. It’s so wonderful to know that there is a place where these orphaned or abandoned little ones can be taken. Thank You for rescuing these children. Thank You for the Kenyan and American caregivers who minister to them until they can be adopted into good Christian homes.

Lord, I ask that You will continue to lead Kenyan men and women to adopt these children. Help the staff of the AGC Baby Center as it is almost at capacity with the number of babies right now. Thank You for leading churches in the U.S. to partner with this ministry, helping it to grow and be sustainable.

This center is just one of many homes for orphaned or abandoned children in Kenya. Lord, it seems so overwhelming. Help us to know how we can be a part of restoring the future of these children. Help us to trust You and believe that our efforts to help even a few have kingdom benefit.

We read in Your Word that we are to help the powerless and the oppressed and that You are the Defender of the weak. Thank You for that promise. Help us to remember that as we go from here. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Honduras: Disadvantaged Youth

The Honduran constitution formally stipulates that minors have to have their educational needs met; however, many Hondurans arrive at adulthood without learning to read or write. More than half a million people in this country are illiterate, which is the equivalent of the entire population between 15 and 40 years old.

Many children find themselves in single-parent homes with a necessity of increasing the family income. Children are often required to leave school prematurely to work.

WGM Honduras has responded to this issue through Escuela El Sembrador (School of the Sower). El Sembrador is a boarding school for underprivileged Honduran boys founded in 1954. The primary purpose of the school is to teach the Word of God with love and a genuine concern for the boys.

ACT: Consider sponsoring a student at El Sembrador. WGM Honduras invites sponsors to take an active role with their students—writing letters and praying for the students on a regular basis. Just $125 per month provides a student with an academic scholarship (account # 23493-CALL). Other options for sponsoring are available as well. Learn more at www.escuelaelsembrador.org.

Ukraine: Unemployment

In 2009, Ukraine’s unemployment rate was at 10.5 percent. With approximately 50 percent of the population under the age of 25, that’s a lot of youth with spare time on their hands. Alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic abuse, and lack of jobs have demoralized young people, giving them little hope for the future.

WGM Ukraine has a vision to provide a safe environment for troubled youth to interact with each other and with Christian counselors, and also to create a base for other community-oriented ministries through the Home of Hope Ministry Center.

ACT: Share the Home of Hope ministry needs with others. Download a free speaker outline at www.wgm.org/ukraine.

Each day, the WGM website will highlight a specific compassionate ministry during the concert of prayer. Come back often to learn more and to share your prayer for the field.

Paraguay: Prostitution

Prostitution is legal for adults in Paraguay. Late at night in certain parts of each city, young people will congregate around street corners and work by selling their bodies. Young women are enticed into going to neighboring countries and, while being away from family ties, are often forced into prostitution. New cases of this are exposed regularly in the Paraguayan press.

WGM Paraguay knows that these lives can be transformed through the love found in Christ Jesus. Paraguay has one of the smallest percentages (3 to 4 percent) of evangelical Christians among South American countries. WGM Paraguay and the national church are looking for ways to evangelize and bring hope to the hopeless.

ACT: You can support the ministry efforts of WGM Paraguay through financial partnership. Consider a love gift to the field as an encouragement to those serving. Please write account # 46695-CALL on the memo line of your check.

Peru: Flooding

In January, a record amount of rainfall caused flooding in the southern portion of Peru. Thousands have been affected by heavy rains. In the Cusco region, downpours prompted landslides that trapped 3,500 visitors in and around the tourist site of Machu Picchu. The railway that ferries 90 percent of the 1,000 people that visit Machu Picchu each day was damaged in the floods, and Peru Rail warned that repairs could take several months. Peruvian businesses that rely on the influx of tourists have reportedly suffered from the heavy rains.

ACT: In order to better equip national pastors to evangelize their own people, WGM Peru and the national church are seeking to start a center for pastoral instruction. This training would include courses on conducting children’s and youth ministry, basic theological training, and other outreach needs in the community. Do you know someone who needs to be involved in this opportunity? Invite them to visit www.wgm.org/peru.

Beginning at 8 a.m., WGM’s Prayer Lifeline will feature a prayer for Peru. Call 671.7232 (Marion, Indiana, area) or 1.800.426.0846 (toll free) to join the prayer intercession. You may also access these prayers at www.wgm.org/lifeline.

Hungary: Depression

Due to the prevalence of depression, Hungary has been called the “gloomiest nation on Earth” by writer Krisztina Fenyo. The widespread problem of depression in Hungary can be attributed to the vast social changes that the country has undergone since the 1950s. According to the World Health Organization, Hungary currently has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Economic uncertainty and the breakdown of the family have added to the problem.

ACT: You can be the hands and feet of Christ in Hungary. Consider serving six weeks to a year in Hungary’s church ministries. To learn more, visit www.wgm.org/gowithwgm.

Pray this prayer for Hungary:
Father, having the title of “gloomiest nation on Earth” is a heavy load to bear. We know that You can bring light and hope to Hungarians. God, we ask that You will help the churches to rise up and bring encouragement to a nation that needs to hear from You.

We ask that You grant wisdom to the small WGM missionary staff serving in Hungary. We pray that You will guide and direct as they minister to the hurting through Your church. We pray that they will be able to share Jesus to those with whom they come in contact and that Your light, joy, and hope will shine brightly through them.

I want to pray for others today in our lives who are struggling with depression. Give us the courage to pray for them by name. As we lift their needs before the throne today, help us to remember those in Hungary who are sharing those same feelings and burdens. Jesus, we ask that they will cry out to You and that You will provide care for their needs. We ask this in Your name. Amen.

Japan: Suicide Rate

Recent figures released by the Japanese authorities show that the country's suicide rate continues to climb despite government efforts to reduce the figure by 2016. The fastest rise of suicides appears to be among elderly Japanese, a growing sector of the population that is also experiencing rising poverty.

Over 33,000 Japanese committed suicide in 2007. This indicates a rise of 3 percent from 2006, and it is the tenth year in a row that the figure has exceeded 30,000, says Japan's national police agency.

ACT: Missionaries and national Christians need your help to continue expanding ministries in Japan. Is the Lord leading you to support the efforts of WGM Japan through a financial gift? Please make checks payable to World Gospel Mission and write account # 26400-CALL on the memo line.

Interested in hearing more about WGM’s compassionate ministries? Listen to podcasts online or download podcasts to your computer and listen to them later. You will need iTunes to download the podcasts.

Bolivia: Street Children

According to the 2001 census, 45 percent of Bolivia’s population is children and adolescents under the age of 18. Children’s rights are not widely recognized in Bolivia’s culture. Children are often viewed as objects and their parents' property.

Even then, many parents are discarding their “property.” According to UNICEF, an estimated 3,700 children and adolescents live on the streets in the cities of La Paz, El Alto, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Tarija, and Sucre. This represents a growing social problem in Bolivia. The living conditions of street children are deplorable, affecting their physical and emotional well-being. Street children are susceptible to sniffing glue, consuming drugs and alcohol, and being involved in prostitution. Most of these children have been living on the streets since their birth.

ACT: You can partner with WGM Bolivia’s ministry to street children. Support Rick and Lori Lampen with a monthly gift to account # 21620-CALL. Please note the account number on the memo line of your check.

Beginning at 8 a.m., WGM’s Prayer Lifeline will feature a prayer for Bolivia. Call 671.7232 (Marion, Indiana, area) or 1.800.426.0846 (toll free) to join the prayer intercession.

You may also access these prayers at www.wgm.org/lifeline.

Taiwan: Social Pressures

In 1949, 2 million Chinese people fled to the island of Taiwan to escape Communism and find religious freedom. Today, nearly 23 million Taiwanese enjoy that freedom, but it is coupled with new societal pressures to seek wealth, power, and the mysteries of traditional religions. The Taiwanese are searching for the truth, and that truth can only be found in the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

ACT: The Taiwanese are searching for the truth. Will you help shine God’s light in Taiwan? Short-term opportunities for serving in Taiwan are available. Please contact Troy Simpson at recruiting@wgm.org.

Click on the comments link below to tell us how you are using the concert of prayer in a small group, a Sunday School class, or another creative way.

PNG: Superstition

Papua New Guinea’s culture is steeped in superstition. Because people from Papua New Guinea believe in many spirits, they are open to hearing about Christ and the Holy Spirit, but the truth of Christianity often becomes entangled with traditional tribal beliefs. Once a person embraces the Lord as their personal Savior, they often struggle to stop worshiping and fearing other spirits.

ACT: Could Papua New Guinea be waiting for you? Career ministry opportunities are available for those interested in church planting in PNG. To learn more, visit www.wgm.org/png or call Troy Simpson at 765-671-7226.

Interested in hearing more about WGM’s compassionate ministries? Listen to podcasts online or download podcasts to your computer and listen to them later. You will need iTunes to download the podcasts.

Hispanic Ministries USA: Immigration

Of Hispanics living in the U.S., 62 percent are native-born citizens, and the remaining 38 percent are immigrants. Approximately half of the 38 million immigrants living in the United States are of Hispanic or Latino origin.

WGM’s outreach to Hispanics in the United States will focus on leadership training with the goal of starting more Hispanic churches. As Hispanic church leaders are trained, they will be able to take that spiritual foundation and leadership training with them. Whether they go to another state or return to their home countries, they can use their training to plant churches and lead others into the kingdom.

ACT: This is a ministry happening in your community and likely in your church. Start bridging the gap between cultures by inviting a Hispanic family in your neighborhood or church to have dinner with you this month.

Beginning at 8 a.m., WGM’s Prayer Lifeline will feature a recorded prayer for Hispanic Ministries USA. Call 671.7232 (Marion, Indiana, area) or 1.800.426.0846(toll free) to join the prayer intercession.

Mexico: At-Risk Families

Mexico is the most heavily populated Spanish-speaking country in the world. With approximately 24 million Mexicans living in extreme poverty, many families have turned to drugs, alcohol, and even physical abuse to cope with their circumstances.

Desperate families are making decisions that are affecting the family structure. There is a great need to reach out to all ages, but especially the children. Some have been abandoned in orphanages (including newborns), while others have been left to the streets.

God has given the Mexico national church a burden for at-risk families. These families need an outreach of God’s love.

ACT: Career opportunities for serving alongside the national church in Mexico are available. Is God calling you to minister to families in Mexico? Contact us at recruiting@wgm.org to apply for or obtain more information about these opportunities.

Each day, the WGM website will highlight a specific compassionate ministry. Come back often to learn more and to share your prayer for the field below.

Kazakhstan: Alcoholism

Among many problems in today's Kazakh society, the problem of alcoholism is one of the top-ranking issues. Alcoholism damages and separates families. The Apple Tree House serves as a safe haven for underprivileged and abused children who are often living out the effects of alcoholism in their homes. As the children experience a few hours in a loving, healthy environment, may they establish the next generation of alcohol-free families.

ACT: The Apple Tree House ministry shares several needs in The Great Co-Mission Catalog. Find out ways to partner with this ministry at www.wgm.org/catalog or request a copy at wgm@wgm.org.

Click the comments link to tell us how you are using the concert of prayer in a small group, a Sunday School class, or another creative way.