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.

In Miracles of God’s Amazing Grace

An excerpt from Do You Believe…In Miracles of God’s Amazing Grace?
The story of the conversion of Davine Kemunto Nyamweya
By Carolyn W. Wade, Kenya, with Davine Kemunto
October–December 2011

On a Sunday at Immanuel Africa Gospel Church in Kericho, Kenya, Davine, a young lady I had never seen before, said to me, “I think I am supposed to talk to you. I want my life to change.” As we began to talk and she related her life’s experiences to me, huge tears began to fall.

God directed me to refer her to Pastor Gladys Mutai, one of my former students. Davine met with Gladys on Tuesday that week at the church and then wrote me the following text message: “I met Pastor Gladys who has been of great help to me. She prayed for me and I have been saved. I now love myself in God. I feel clean.” What a glorious testimony!

“I decided to work in the ministry so I can help my fellow youths who have no hope in life,” Davine shared. “I know through Christ, who gave me that second chance to live, that He will give me the strength I need to be a role model to them.”

The miraculous transformation in Davine’s life is part of what God has invited us to experience and enjoy. God is extending the boundaries of our ministry through the way He is using Davine. What a joy!

This isn’t Davine’s complete story. Learn more about what God is doing in her life at www.wgm.org/davine.

Flat Tires and Prayer

An excerpt from Do You Believe…In Changes: Flat Tires and Prayer?
By Zach Motts, Japan
October–December 2011

Some weeks ago, my wife, my daughter, and I began a trip to Colorado for three weeks of missionary training. It is a long drive from eastern Ohio to Colorado. In fact, that was the first time I had ever driven across the Mississippi River, so it seemed like a rather monumental trip to me. Also, it was the first long trip that we had taken with our daughter, who was about three months old at that time. However, we made very good time and arrived uneventfully at our destination.

Of course, if things ended there, this would be a rather boring story. The next day, we were told that our parked vehicle had a flat tire. I went out, hoping that there was some mistake, but, sure enough, the back right tire was deflated.

It took me a couple days to be thankful for that flat tire. Before we had left for Colorado, I had sent notes to ministry partners and churches asking them to pray for us as we headed out on this long trip. If that flat tire had blown somewhere along the road, I don’t think I would have seen that as God answering prayers for traveling mercies. On the other hand, with the trip being so uneventful, I almost missed God answering the prayers for safety that were prayed on our behalf. A tire that goes flat in the parking lot of your destination is one of the best possible places for that to happen. Sure, the flat was annoying, but I needed the annoyance to make me see that God had watched over us.

ACT: Visit www.wgm.org/safetravels to pray for the Motts family and other WGM missionaries who are currently traveling many miles on homeland ministry assignment.

Successful Ministry

An excerpt from Do You Believe…In Successful Ministry?
By Bob Margaron, The Center (Stockton, California)
October–December 2011

I think Jesus gauges His success through relationships. From His birth, to His death on the cross, to His resurrection, and even today, the life of Jesus is about building relationships.

Approximately 13 years ago, a young lady and her siblings started coming to The Center in Stockton, California. I remember they began attending during the week of Thanksgiving because when I was trying to get to know one of her brothers, he told me all they had to eat for Thanksgiving dinner was cereal.

As years went by, little Margie continued to go to school and get good grades. She graduated from high school and went on to college. Recently, Margie (not so little anymore) came to The Center to share with Lisa and me that she is graduating from college with her AA degree.

After serving God for well over a decade, I have had many people ask how I gauge success in ministry. Then I am reminded of little Margie.

ACT: When you reach for a cereal bowl in the morning, remember to pray for The Center ministry in Stockton, California. The little Margies in attendance that day will be grateful.

New Beginnings

An excerpt from Do You Believe…In New Beginnings?
By Laura Lea Sims, American Indian Field
October–December 2011

About eight years ago, I started attending All Tribes Church on the Gila River Indian Community outside Phoenix, Arizona. The pastor was an older Pima gentleman who led the church with the help of his wife. We worked together over the next three years. Most of our efforts were focused on one large family and some of their cousins and friends. God made me a part of this body. When I returned to the church after homeland ministry assignment in 2008, I didn’t know what to expect when I was informed that the pastor’s son, Tim, was now leading the church.

Our hope and prayer is that the seeds He is allowing us to plant will indeed take root in the lives of the children and the parents who are attending. The name of the church has been changed to New Beginnings because that is exactly what the Lord has given us.

ACT: Is God calling you to a new beginning? Be a part in breathing new life into the global church. Learn more at www.wgm.org/church.

Do You Believe?

An excerpt from Do You Believe?
By Brad Carter, Spain
October–December 2011

Have you ever come to a point in your life where you looked at the world and couldn’t find God? Perhaps you couldn’t believe in Him anymore. He let you down. He didn’t answer your prayer. He didn’t save your mother or your husband or your daughter. You were in a lot of pain and God was nowhere to be found. Perhaps somewhere along the way you began to question your faith.

Read The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis. Have a discussion with your small group or Bible study. Share your own feelings, thoughts, and doubts. It is okay to doubt. It is okay to struggle and question. In fact, it’s a healthy part of growing in faith. I believe even Jesus struggled with this very same issue throughout His life and ministry, up to His last breath and utterance, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” Is Andy’s plea really that much different?

Perhaps if we take the time to understand human suffering and mourn for those who are suffering, we might do something about it.

Power of the Church

Do You Believe…In the Power of the Church?
By Andrea Williamson, Student Involvement, Ohio Christian University
October–December 2011

I want to tell you about the best Christmas story I’ve heard in a long time. It involves Steve (my dear friend in Kenya who is more like a brother to me) and my church family at University Church on the campus of Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio. Steve’s teenage son, Tim, suffers from bilateral keratoconus, an eye disease that causes blindness.

Before learning about my 3-year-old daughter Rebecca’s arrival into our family, I was planning a trip to Kenya. After finding out I was expecting, my plans changed. Instead of raising funds for trip expenses, I was raising funds to help Tim receive his first corneal transplant. The Lord provided miraculously for him; he received the first transplant in 2008. I knew then that Tim was the reason God had me not go to Kenya.

On December 29, Tim received his second corneal transplant and had the sutures removed from the first transplant. He even walked out of the recovery room on his own.

Each time I talk to Steve, he can’t say “thank you” enough. God used His people at University Church to answer a father’s prayer for his son. “It’s as if a heavy weight has been lifted from my shoulders,” Steve told me, his voice bubbling over with joy.

God can use your church family in missions this year. Ask your friends, your small group, or your pastor to partner with you in restoring sight to many more in Sudan in honor of Tim. Your gift of $150 will restore the sight of a Sudanese individual at an Eye Care Clinic and will give them a chance to hear about the One who opened the eyes of the blind.

ACT: Send your offering to WGM at the address listed below. Write project #25791-CALL on the memo line of your check. Thanks for blessing others like Tim with the gift of sight!

World Gospel Mission
P.O. Box 948
Marion, IN 46952-0948

God Works Miracles with Radio Equipment

Do You Believe…That God Works Miracles with Radio Equipment?
By Leon Amstutz, Volunteer Consulting Engineer
October–December 2011

I’ve been helping Radio Lumière in Haiti for over 30 years with various engineering projects. I was in Haiti in January 2010 when the massive earthquake struck. I was thrilled to go back in April 2011, but I sensed I was on the front lines of a great spiritual battlefield. We struggled with broken-down vehicles, lack of parts, missing documentation—more obstacles than I had ever faced before.

Signal coverage had been irregular since the earthquake. As I worked to diagnose and repair the two main transmitting antennas, I found many serious problems with the antennas, connectors, and transmission lines. My goal was to replace all the jumper lines with new cable and coaxial connectors. (For you non-radio engineers, these connectors attach the cable that carries the radio signal from the transmitter in the transmitter room to the antenna up on the tower.) In the process, we installed five new connectors, but we couldn’t find the last one needed to finish the project. We had begun with six, but the sixth was nowhere to be found. We hunted everywhere. It looked as if I wasn’t going to be able to complete this very crucial project.

On Wednesday, I asked the Radio Lumière staff to pray.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. I hurried to the Radio Lumière staff—who had gathered once more to pray—and told them about finding the two connectors. They immediately praised God for this answer to prayer. Does God answer prayer in ways we can’t explain in natural terms? I must testify yes!

Please keep the Radio Lumière technical staff in your prayers as they fight these battles every day. The enemy knows the importance of the radio and fights it ferociously. But our God is more powerful!

43 Cents

An excerpt from Do You Believe…43 Cents Makes a Missions Impact?
By Kenneth Hopson, Uganda
October–December 2011

I was driving in Kampala, Uganda, when I stopped at a red light (one of six in a city of 3 million people). The usual street vendors came to my window trying to sell me various items, and the normal beggars we often see at that corner also gathered. Some of these beggars have real physical and mental needs while some of them are just professional beggars.

On this particular day, a new beggar came to my window. He said something in Swahili, a language I know but don’t often hear in Kampala. So he was shocked when I responded in his language.

I knew I had a 2,000 shilling bill in my pocket and wanted to give these two beggars each 1,000 shillings, but I feared if I gave the Swahili man the 2,000 shilling bill, he would keep it all and not share with the mute boy. So I asked the Swahili man if I could trust him to share half of a gift with the mute boy if I gave him 2,000 shillings.

While I was having this conversation, the mute boy got very excited and made grunting noises while hopping up and down. I saw that he was holding two coins of 500 shillings each in his open palm. He had understood my question to the Swahili man about sharing and was trying to tell me to take the 1,000 shillings from him, give it to the Swahili man, and then give him the 2,000 shilling bill. I took the two coins and gave them to the Swahili man and gave the 2,000 shilling bill to the mute boy. Problem solved!

Well, you would have thought they both had just won the lottery!

Look at the needs around you and give freely in Jesus’ name so that He will be given glory and so that someone might feel jubilation like the Swahili man and the mute boy. Let’s make a difference in God’s kingdom.

This We Believe

An excerpt from This We Believe
By Hubert Harriman, President
October–December 2011

“What do you believe?”

This is a common question asked of Christian organizations and is generally clarified with a Statement of Faith. By this, we try to identify who we are. My great concern for World Gospel Mission is that our Statement of Faith not be about identification, but about incarnation.

WGM has a longstanding history in the Wesleyan tradition. A vital Statement of Faith we emphasize is “We believe in the present and personal ministry of the Holy Spirit, purifying and enabling Christians to live holy lives,” followed with “We believe God created man in His own image to reflect His glory.” But we all know this is nothing but doctrinal drivel if we can’t live it.

“We believe in the present and personal ministry of the Holy Spirit, purifying and enabling Christians to live holy lives.” The Holy Spirit is called “Holy Spirit,” not to distinguish Him from the Father and Son, for each of the Trinity is holy, but to describe what He does in us. The huge question is “Can God do something in us so we can reflect His glory?” Our declaration is a resounding “Yes, He can!” John wrote that “if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light…the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7 NASB). The doctrine and message of holiness is that, if we walk in the light, with full face toward God instead of self, with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, we can again reflect His glory!

To view WGM's Statement of Faith visit: http://www.wgm.org/page.aspx?pid=226.

Transformed Lives

An excerpt from Do You Believe…In Transformed Lives?
By Stacy Hall, Volunteer
October–December 2011

Buckets of water sat like hats on top of the children’s heads as they made their way uphill to the orphanage cistern. After Bob Heineman witnessed this sight in Haiti in April 2010 and saw the physical strain placed on the children, he thought there must be a better way to transport the water. After returning home, Bob talked to the chief of the Marion, Indiana, Fire Department, who donated a 100-foot fire hose. Bob took the hose to Haiti that October and gave it to the West Indies Self Help Foundation, and it has transformed the way they transport water.

In August 2006, when Bob was 40 years old, God used Bob’s wife to change his path. She told him to choose between his family and his addictions. Bob chose his family. A group of men from the church began an intensive accountability group with him, and he began to make progress. Realizing God desired to change his life, Bob walked away from his successful business and checked into a 130-day Salvation Army program in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he surrendered his life to Christ. His family moved to Marion, Indiana, and began attending Brookhaven Wesleyan Church, where Bob began serving in Haiti through the church.

ACT: Partner with WGM Haiti today!Because of Christ, Bob’s life was transformed and now he is helping transform the lives of others. You, too, can transform lives by partnering with WGM to go on a trip (www.wgm.org/teams) to Haiti or to financially (https://www.wgm.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=6325) or prayerfully (http://www.wgm.org/page.aspx?pid=6516) support missions in Haiti.

God Will Bring Wholeness to Your Weakness

An excerpt from Do You Believe…God Will Bring Wholeness to Your Weakness?
By Kathy Owen and Melanie Miller, Honduras
October–December 2011

Arturo, a dynamic leading businessman in the Honduran city of La Esperanza, managed the largest agriculture, veterinary, and fertilizer store in the city. At least he did before his alcohol addiction affected all of his choices. Fallen from a life of respect and honor, Arturo’s days were now consumed with the lure of alcohol. The office of leadership he once managed became a dirty street corner where he lay in a drunken stupor. The respect he once garnered was exchanged for the scornful stares of passersby as he stumbled from the local tavern or openly abused the mother of his children.

Today, Arturo continues as the director of the Drug and Rehab Center while studying theology. He has dedicated his life to sharing God’s salvation to the lost, especially those being destroyed by alcohol and drugs.

Do you feel held back by your weaknesses? Are God’s purposes of hope and promise dimmed by the brokenness you feel? God is listening for your cry for help. In your moment of humility, God will come to bring the miracle of wholeness to your weakness.

...In Promises

An excerpt from Do You Believe…In Promises?
By Tracy Dubois, Support Staff
October–December 2011

Te veo en la universidad! This promise, meaning see you at the university!, is shared with students at Amor, Fe, y Esperanza (Love, Faith, Hope) in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The school, which began in the city garbage dump in 2001, has expanded to four buildings and teaches 130 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. In fact, AFE will hold its first graduation on December 10.

“God has made me a better person,” Merlyn shared. “Before AFE, I didn’t go to church and life was hard. I used to be angry and get into trouble. Since being at AFE and going to church, I am more understanding and my view of life is different.”

Congratulations to Yuri, Gaby, Mariela, Rene, Mirna, Mayra, Karla, Griselda, and Merlyn!

A grant of $5,000 will pay for a student’s tuition, books, transportation, food, and housing for one year. Contact elisewhitediaz@gmail.com to help an AFE graduate rise above the odds and bear witness to God’s promises!

In Following His Lead?

An excerpt from Do You Believe…In Following His Lead?
By Carrie Schmit, Honduras
October–December 2011

My husband, Joe, and I are missionary disciples with World Gospel Mission, planning to serve the Lord in Honduras, working with the Manuelito Project. This ministry rescues children from the streets of Tegucigalpa for rehabilitation. As we began our first homeland ministry assignment, we were unsure how this would work for us and the team of ministry partners we had yet to build. I am reminded over and over again that it is not Joe and me who need to come up with this master plan. Our Father already has it and we just need to be willing to follow His lead and do our part in fulfilling it.

The Lord was working His plan right before our eyes and we didn’t even see it...

As we spent more time together, Emily told me that she had been planning to have an orphan walk to help spread awareness and motivate people to really look to God for what their part might be. Her passion is with orphans, but she made it very clear that the need for building God’s kingdom goes beyond the walls of an orphanage or the child without a home. She is a champion of missions. And with her came more champions.

Emily never thought she could be used to impact our “going” in such a way or that she could start the ripples for our community and for His kingdom. We only need to be ready and willing to do our part. We still have a long way to go, but the load is much lighter when it’s shared by our champions.

Join Joe and Carrie’s team of champions by offering a financial gift for their ministry to Honduras. Give online at www.wgm.org/schmit or mail your check to World Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948. Be sure to write account #08154–Schmit–CALL on the memo line of your check.

September 25-30, 2011

This will be my final post for the special edition: prayer calendar issue of The Call. If you would like to continue receiving these requests sign-up for an email subscription to Lifeline (www.wgm.org/lifeline), where we will post the next request weekly.

This week's medical ministry from Mango Ministries in Sudan is pray that volunteers will answer the call to show the love of Jesus through excellent physical and spiritual care at mission hospitals where Mango Ministries partners.

September 18-24, 2011

As we continue in our month of praying for WGM medical ministries let's focus this week, September 18-24, 2011 on Tenwek Community Health in Kenya, East Africa.

Ask God to connect clients with Jesus through mobile health clinics and pray for adequate resources to maintain clinics that offer preventative healthcare and spiritual ministry.

Download the rest of the year's prayer requests at www.wgm.org/call until the next issue of The Call is published.

September 11-17, 2011

Your medical prayer request for September 11-17 comes from WGM's Uganda community-based healthcare ministry.

Pray that the Community Health Empowerment ministry team will be true servants of Jesus Christ, leading their local churches and communities toward transformation.

What would your community look like if lead toward transformation?

September 4-10, 2011

Your medical ministries prayer request for the week of September 4-10 comes from Barbara Pinkley for Tenwek Hospital in Kenya.

Pray that Tenwek Hospital will point people to Jesus through excellence in compassionate healthcare, spiritual ministry, and training for service.

August 28-31, 2011

As we finish out the prayer calendar for the month of August please remember this request from Emily Barlow serving at Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center in Bolivia:

Pray that students will learn to love the Lord with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Pray for teachers who will encourage students in their spiritual growth.

Next month's prayer focus: Medical Ministries

August 21-27, 2011

This week's missions prayer request comes to us from Kevin Zirkle serving in Japan: PRAY for God's Spirit will work in the lives of Christians who want to grow in their faith as well as those who are not yet believers attending Bible studies at the Kuba Student Center.

August 14-20, 2011

As you pray this week the Christian Union Bible College in Papua New Guinea would ask you to remember the pastoral training it provides to eight students in the traditional program and an additional 100 pastors studying by extension in their own villages.

Download the complete prayer calendar online at www.wgm.org/call.

August 7-13, 2011

Taylor Christian School located on the Texas/Mexico border would like you to ask God to shine through the teaching staff at the school, bringing students to discover a life in Christ.

Many WGM missionary staff members work at this school. Learn more here.

August 1-6

Your prayer request to remember the week of August 1-6 comes from Morrison Christian Academy in Taiwan:

Pray that Morrison Christian Academy will meet the educational needs of missionary children in Asia. Pray that staff members who live out their Christian faith to join the school.

July 24-31

Linda Spriegel asks for this request from Tabitha Ministries in Kenya:

Pray for more churches to help their local widows. Pray that the widows will be drawn closer to Him, seeing Jesus in the gift and the giver.

July 17-23

Paul Shingledecker offers this request concerning crisis relief happening in Haiti:

Pray that the homes built by World Gospel Mission teams will bring hope and blessings to Radio Lumiere staff, many of whom lost everything in the Haiti earthquake.

July 10-16

Your prayer request this week comes from the Olderkesi Development Project in Kenya:

Pray that the water pumping system at Olderkesi will continue functioning well to provide water for various church ministries and the local community.

July 3-9

Your prayer request for July 3-9 comes to us from Joy Phillips serving in Sudan through Mango Ministries:

Pray that the multicultural Mango Ministries team will be humble and sensitive as they walk with the Sudanese on their journey of transformation.

The Prayer Challenge

THE CALL
Special Edition: Prayer Calendar

God has equipped each one of us with the ability to communicate with Him. No mission activity has ever succeeded without being rooted in fervent and sincere prayer.

Please consider using this issue of The Call as a tool to help pray for global mission work for a year. Please print out the prayer calendar as your monthly guide here. Thank you for keeping World Gospel Mission rooted in prayer support.

I will be posting the weekly prayer requests here on the blog until the next issue reaches your mailbox.

Enjoy!

Seeing a Better World

An excerpt from Seeing a Better World
The power of a team
By Paul Yarger, Hillsdale Area Men With Vision
April/May/June 2011

Seeing a better world is the way the Hillsdale Daily News described our recent home improvement project. We completely re-roofed the home of a disabled neighbor lady in our village of Ossea, Michigan—the home of Hillsdale Area Men With Vision.

For about seven years, our local chapter of nearly 20 men, mostly retired, has been giving time and expertise to help the elderly and needy of our community by volunteering one or two days a week from April through November. We have been sharing our witness for Christ by helping many who can’t help themselves. Our Hillsdale County Community Foundation has helped us with funding for some of the materials, and donations from others have made this all possible.

By getting our hands dirty, we earn the right to pray and share with many recipients. It brings outreach ministry down to the local level. This is our Jerusalem, so to speak. God be praised!

Yes, our MWV group is making it a better world, both for today and, the Lord willing, for many more tomorrows.

ACT: Want to know more about the Men With Vision team (chapter) in your area and how to get involved? Contact Bill Bucher at mwv@wgm.org or 765.671.7217.

Tricks of the Trade

An excerpt from Tricks of the Trade
By Tracy Dubois, Support Staff
April/May/June 2011

Even if you’re not a sports fan, you’ve probably heard of the Harlem Globetrotters. They use insane basketball skills and humor to entertain audiences. However, basketball, and sports in general, can bring more to your life than entertainment. Sam Sisley, an education major at Ohio Christian University, uses his ball-handling skills to share the love of Christ.

“This is a great platform for getting children’s and youth’s attention. They see us do basketball tricks and then listen to the positive message we bring. Thousands of people have learned how much God loves them, and many kids have accepted Christ as their personal Savior.”

When asked what advice he would give to people wanting to get involved in sports mihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnistry, Sam used the slogan from the famous Nike ad—Just do it!

“Anyone can use the abilities and talents God gave them for something more than themselves. Your talent may not be basketball, but God gave you a gift and you should use it.”

ACT: Are you part of a team that wants to do more? Contact teams@wgm.org to find out how you can use your talents on a WGM team, either stateside or abroad. Start your journey today!

For the Love of the Game

An excerpt from For Love of the Game
By Robyn Moore, Kenya
April/May/June 2011

My team around the world is like a baseball team. We are the Least of These ministries, working with more than 1,000 orphans and vulnerable children.

Do you want to join our team? We welcome new fans and players.

Concession workers are needed to buy food for orphans. To give a gift, visit www.wgm.org/leastofthese.

Cheerleaders are needed to faithfully pray for those serving in Kenya working with the Least of These ministries.

More players are needed. Is God calling you to be a part of the team here in Kenya? He knows what is needed and what skills, gifts, and talents you have to offer.

Honduras Work Team Highlights

An excerpt from He Knows Them by Name
Honduras work team highlights
By Carol Mast, Short-term Volunteer
April/May/June 2011


Talanga is the location of the second phase of Project Manuelito. We spent a week with the 18 kids who live there. These kids had spent almost a year at the transition house, and then moved to Talanga where they live, are loved, and attend school. We hugged, played basketball, hugged, played soccer, made crafts, and hugged some more.

On our last night in Honduras, Pastor Pinto took us to the streets to see where the kids come from. The team passed out food, hugged some more, and prayed with some. Our hearts were broken.
God loves each person our team met, and He knows them by name. He heard and answered my prayers. He broke my heart.

ACT: Carol’s team showed the love of Christ in Honduras through playing sports, praying, and sharing food and hugs. This could be your experience, too. Trips to Honduras are available all times of the year. To join or schedule a team, sign up at www.wgm.org/teams.

An excerpt from The Bicycle
By Frank Martin, International Pastor
April/May/June 2011

The bicycle is a good example of what prayer should be in our lives. The frame represents prayer itself, attaching to all other parts of life.

The chain illustrates love, driving everything we do. Love grows as we spend time in God’s Word.

The rear wheel stands for our family. Everything we know about God must first be acted out in our homes.

The bicycle represents how prayer applies to our lives, but it is useless without the rider. And that rider is you! The bicycle and you make a powerful team! With prayer, you can show the world that this thing we call the spiritual life is real. Renew your team effort by taking the bicycle of prayer and putting your talents and gifts in motion. God wants to use you and your bicycle of prayer to change the world!

ACT: Get weekly bicycle (prayer) exercise for WGM missionaries. Learn more and sign up for Prayer Lifeline at www.wgm.org/lifeline.

It Takes a Team!

An excerpt from It Takes a Team
By John Muehleisen, Africa
April/May/June 2011

By this time, Ruthven’s heart had softened toward spiritual things. He and other families in the community agreed to offer their homes as security against the church loan. Soon, a church was started.

Ressie and her family prayed for Ruthven for over 30 years. In 1979 he was hospitalized with heart problems and black lung disease. Thinking he was near death, Ruthven asked a pastor to come pray with him. He was saved and he lived a few more years as a transformed man.

Ruthven and Ressie’s youngest child, a son named C.R., accepted Christ as his Savior and felt called to preach. He attended Asbury University (Kentucky) before going on to Asbury Seminary. He was a student at Asbury during the 1970 revival. As a result of this revival, many student teams went out to minister in churches on weekends. C.R. was a member of a team that went to a church in St. Clairsville, Ohio, for revival services, and at the end of the Thursday night service, a 13-year-old boy walked down the aisle. C.R. prayed with him as he gave his life to Jesus. That young man’s name is John Muehleisen.

Whose redemption depends on your obedience today?

What neighbor, family member, or stranger is waiting on you to persevere in prayer and to give of yourself, your time, your money?

ACT: God used Team Ressie to make an impact in her community. What can you and your sphere of influence do to leave a missions impact where you live? The World Go! Manual is a great study to get you started. Call Tara Mast at 765.671.7244 to purchase a copy, or download it for free at www.wgm.org/
worldgo.

Get Off the Bench!

An excerpt from Get Off the Bench
By Rachel Elwood, Support Staff
April/May/June 2011

Sometimes you need a solid kick in the pants to get off the bench. I care deeply about issues in our world—creation preservation, women’s rights in Third-World countries, evangelism in cultural context, and lots more. But when it comes to actually—gasp!—doing…well, that’s a different story.

As it turned out, my “orphan” is a skinny 16-year-old girl who just needs some encouragement and love. Yep, I signed up to mentor a high school student, even though I’ve never thought of myself as a kid person! We meet once a week to munch on Taco Bell takeout and talk about school, boys, family, hopes for the future, and life in general.

It’s a small thing, you know? God is helping me see that I have to get in His work, changing hearts and transforming lives.

Consider this your solid kick in the pants. Get in the game, and go show someone some Jesus love!

ACT: Get off the bench! What’s a need in your community that you can help with? Contact your church for suggestions on a ministry where you can plug in.

Why Coach?

An excerpt from Why Coach?
By Troy Simpson, Support Staff
April/May/June 2011

Jesus had a team called the disciples. Jesus recruited and chose His team through a series of “tryouts.” Jesus coached His team daily, giving praise when things were done right and correction when needed. Jesus knew when His team was all on the same page, and He knew when at least one was no longer a team player. And talk about pressure! If Jesus’ team had not been ready, the salvation of the world could be lost. He did all of this without any all-Americans, not one all-conference player, or even an honorable mention. Jesus took players that nobody really wanted and worked through them to create His church.

ACT: Ministries come in all varieties, and often they are not what we would have chosen. Is God asking you to use something ordinary in your life as a ministry? Pray for guidance in this area.

Picking Your Team

An excerpt from Picking Your Team
By Kelly Hallahan, Uganda
April/May/June 2011


Every church needs a good team. Here are the key players and how you can maximize their potential:

1. Pastor
•Pray for him or her that God will increase his or her passion for missions.
•Sponsor his or her trip to visit missionaries your church supports.
•Pray for him or her to take the Perspectives course or a missions class at a local Christian college.

2. Missions Committee
•Global Outreach Weekend—WGM would be glad to help your church explore its missions plan for the greatest impact.
•Connect with other missions committees. Host a missions prayer breakfast and invite missions committee members from other churches. Perhaps have a missionary or someone who has been on a short-term trip share. Encourage one another in missions.

3. Missionaries
•Missionaries want to be involved in your life and in your missions journey.
•Invite a missionary to dinner while they are on homeland ministry assignment.
•Send personal and church prayer requests to your missionaries.

Living Links

An excerpt from Living Links Make a Team
By Joe Kunkle, Bolivia
April/May/June 2011

In less than 15 seconds from the time the human chain idea flashed through my mind, we had Isidro on the deck to safety. It took a minute or two for him to cough up the water from his lungs, but soon we knew he would be all right. We bowed our heads and thanked God for sparing this young man’s life. I have no doubt that God put the “human chain” idea in my mind. Some of us got wet and others remained on the deck, but all of us were vital links in this team effort!

Many of you joined hands with Ellen and me in ministry and have not let go! Without you who have remained on the “deck,” holding tightly to our hands, Ellen and I could not have gone into the “water” to grasp the hands of people drowning in the despair of sin. Thank you for joining hands with us to bring salvation to people in Bolivia and Paraguay.

ACT: To grasp Joe and Ellen’s hands, consider a financial gift to their ministry at www.wgm.org/joekunkle.

Teammate Wanted

An excerpt from Teammate Wanted: Treasurer in Uganda
By Jonathan Mayo, Uganda, with Rachel Elwood, Support Staff
April/May/June 2011

The field (that is, the operation of missionaries and national workers in ministry) could go for a while without a field director. Ministries can function and programs can continue, but we simply can’t operate without a treasurer. It’s one of the key positions on the field.

Opportunities abound to interact with nationals and minister to missionaries as we work together to share Christ’s love with Ugandans who need to know Him.

Volunteers are welcome! If you would like more information about serving in Uganda as the treasurer, please contact Jared Gleason at 765.671.7227.

Cheerleaders Needed!

An excerpt from Cheerleaders Needed!
Musings of a retired WGM missionary
By Anonymous
April/May/June 2011

And then other changes happened, such as churches that had supported us for many years on the field now wanted to support new “active” missionaries (and rightly so). An increasing number of friends who had faithfully supported us went to be with the Lord. Other faithful partners lost their jobs or retired and were unable to continue as financial supporters.

So, you get the picture—I am missing some cheerleaders! WGM has not diminished medical care or other benefits, but my account and others have increasingly larger negative balances. You can understand how the overall ministry of WGM is affected.

What can you do? Become a cheerleader for retirees by asking others to pray and give a special financial offering to a WGM retiree.

ACT: Give to a WGM retiree at www.wgm.org/retirees.

Special Teams

An excerpt from Special Teams
Making critical plays in time of crisis
By Hubert Harriman, President
April/May/June 2011

Like many others, I enjoy watching football games. A select group of players that I especially like to watch is called “special teams.” These players go in for certain critical plays in the game and often have a huge impact on the direction the game takes.

God has given World Gospel Mission “special teams” in strategic missions challenges—people who specialize in helping during critical moments in missions. One of those special teams is our Crisis Team. These players have a huge impact on the direction that events will take in the aftermath of a crisis. You know who you are because you’re energized, focused, and ready to play at a moment’s notice when the call comes for you to respond.

ACT: To give to the President’s Crisis Fund online, click here. To donate offline, send your check, with account number 41116-CALL in the memo line, to:

World Gospel Mission
P.O. Box 948
Marion, IN 46952-0948

Check your mailbox!

Your April-June 2011 issue is landing in mailboxes all over the US. Has your issue arrived?

You'll notice some changes with this issue - the size is smaller for starters. The Call is now more portable so take it with you while you wait at soccer practice with the kids, the doctor's office, or slide it in your Bible for prayer time - however you use the magazine we hope you find this feature to be helpful.

Let me know your thoughts on the other changes. I would like to hear from you.

Blessings,
Kristi Crisp
The Call editor
World Gospel Mission

www.wgm.org/call

Camping on HMA

An excerpt from Camping on HMA
A Ministry to Missionaries
By Don Moon, Argentina
January–March 2011

As missionaries consider what is affectionately called the Homeland Ministry Assignment (HMA) trail, a major question often looms in front of them—Where are they going to stay each night as they travel many miles over a period of time that often turns into months?

Occasionally they stay in motels along the way, and several have spent a night in their car. Most often, ministry partners, people just like you, provide for them as they make their way from state to state. This is a great ministry to missionaries, and several hosts have declared that they, too, received a blessing from having a missionary in their home.

ACT: Have an RV you’d be willing to share with a missionary? E-mail your missionary friends and let them know.

Does the MWV Annual Project Really Make a Difference?

An excerpt from Does the MWV Annual Project Really Make a Difference?
By Todd Eckhardt, Support Staff
January–March 2011

The 2011 MWV annual project is to remodel and enlarge the dining area and kitchen at El Sembrador, a school for underprivileged Honduran boys. This project meets a physical need, but it goes much deeper—the school meets the boys’ spiritual and educational needs as well.

What about your need? Past MWV annual projects have consistently changed lives—they make a difference. Check out the list of ways you can be involved.

ACT: I will commit to supporting the 2011 MWV annual project with a gift to account 31116-CALL. Send gifts to: WGM, P.O. Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948.

ACT: I will commit to leading a WGM team to work on this project in Honduras.

ACT: I will commit to deepening my prayer life by praying for this project throughout 2011.

Physical Needs to Spiritual Health

An excerpt from Physical Needs to Spiritual Health
By David Hawk, El Salvador
January–March 2011


World Gospel Mission entered El Salvador in 2006 as the partner of the yet-to-be-built David V. King Surgical Center. When David King heard stories like Alicia’s, he became burdened for the people of El Salvador. Medical teams regularly travel to Jucuapa to serve but have limited facilities in which to work. David decided to do something about it and earmarked funds for the purchase of land and the construction of a surgical facility.

David has passed away, but his legacy lives on through a family foundation led by his son Bradley. As you read this article, the facility is nearly completed and doctors are seeing patients for general care and referral for surgery. The medical center has two operating rooms, two procedure rooms, a full lab, a pharmacy, dental facilities, and a general medicine area. All this serves to help people of all walks of life get the help they need to be healthy, productive members of society.

On many occasions, Jesus met people’s physical needs in order to impact them spiritually. Through the David V. King Surgical Center, WGM missionaries and volunteer health workers will do the same. We want to be God’s hands working in El Salvador.

ACT: Do you have medical skills that could be used in El Salvador? Contact Troy Simpson at recruiting@wgm.org and tell him that this is where you would like to use your talents.

Hands and Feet

An excerpt from Hands and Feet
Missions-active Christians Making a Difference in Their Communities
By Tim Rickel, Support Staff
January–March 2011

As I write this, my wife is just finishing radiation treatments for breast cancer. The journey started with a heart-stopping phone call in April, surgery in May, and radiation therapy in July and will continue with hormone therapy for the next five years. No chemotherapy, praise God!

In this journey, we have been blessed by many friends who made a difference when we were feeling lost and out of control. From our experience, here are some practical ways you can make a difference when you feel overwhelmed by a prayer request.

*Pray. It makes a difference.

*When you pray for someone who is going through a trial, write them a quick note telling them you just prayed for them.

*If someone’s life is disrupted by an illness or disaster and you think of something you could do to help, call them and say, “I’d like to stop by with supper for you this week. When is a good day?” If you freeze a dish like a casserole, they can use it when they need it. Other ideas are cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, or watching the kids so a couple can have an evening alone. It all depends on the situation and the personality of your friend.

*One church sent Laurie a quilt to use when she went for treatments. It has gone with her to every appointment and has been a huge comfort in the car. I would never have guessed.

*Give the gift of normal conversation. If someone who is going through a trial needs a shoulder to cry on, be that shoulder. But if they are putting on a good face, let them know you are praying for them, and then take your cue from them. If they are smiling, smile back!

Stepping into New Territory

An excerpt from Stepping into New Territory
By Kristy Weinert, Argentina
January–March 2011

Every so often we need to step back and evaluate where we’ve been and where we think we need to be. That kind of thinking can turn our lives upside down, but it’s worth it. In February 2009, the Argentina Field felt God’s direction to a new ministry focus. That meant stepping into new territory in order to have a greater impact on Argentina. The youth of a nation are its future, and we want to mark this generation for Christ.

As we look to the future, pray with us for God to provide more personnel with a burden and preparation to work with students. Ask the Lord to begin preparing a couple to replace us as residence directors during homeland ministry assignment as well as to meet the demand for a residence for young men. Outreach to students could look like many things—Bible studies; a Christian coffee house; music, computer, or English lessons—the possibilities are as endless as our God is creative.

Would you get involved with our steps into new ministry territory by committing to pray? By being willing to go? By sharing these opportunities with others? It’s your turn to step out.

ACT: Is God calling you to campus ministry in Argentina? To learn more about the ways you can serve on this field, contact Troy Simpson at recruiting@wgm.org.

Radical Service

An excerpt from Radical Service
Life Lessons from the Howell Boys
By Daniel Galat, Kenya
January–March 2011

In the summer of 2010, World Gospel Mission welcomed Daniel and Heather Galat and their family into the Missionary Discipleship Program. The Galats will serve as orthopedic medical missionaries to Tenwek Hospital in Kenya, East Africa.

Before a WGM missionary can follow his call and leave for his field of service, he must enlist people who will commit to supporting his ministry through prayer and regular financial gifts. The following story is a lesson learned while the Galats shared their missions call with believers.

As the week wore on, the Howell boys continued their relentless service. I could tell they were getting tired and the trays were heavy. Moreover, there were many other fun activities around the camp for young boys to occupy themselves with besides carrying people’s dirty trays with melted ice cream, half-eaten sandwiches, and stray dollops of mayonnaise greasing fingers and staining clothes. But they persevered in a way that puts me to shame and reminded me of the truth that our walk with Christ is sometimes hard, sometimes discouraging, and, in a word, paradoxical. But the joyful treasure that is gained (that is, Christ Himself) is so worth it in the end.

At the last service on Sunday morning, the results were in—the Howell boys had collected, after an entire week of carrying trays at every meal, over $1,000. Additionally, five other anonymous donors had agreed to match the amount given by 20 percent (for a total of 120 percent), making the grand total raised for Tenwek Hospital over $2,300! More than the funds (although the generosity of all the camp attendees was incredible, and we are thankful for the money to help the poor at Tenwek), were the lessons that I (and others) learned from two boys, ages 11 and 8, about perseverance, radical service, finishing well, and ultimately loving Christ and others. I look forward to what God does through these boys in the future.

ACT: Can you match another 20 percent of the Howell boys’ efforts? A financial gift of $200 to the Galat ministry will support these medical missionaries in service at Tenwek Hospital. Write Account 03814-CALL on the memo line of your check and send it to: WGM, P.O. Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948.

Fad or Faith?

An excerpt from Fad or Faith?
By Lisa Fish, Uganda
January–March 2011

On the last day of school, we held a special chapel for the baptisms. The school family and many parents watched as a local missionary pastor, John; HIS principal, Keeley; HIS board chair, Tim; and the father of one of the baptizes and another pastor baptized the 14 students, four from the elementary school joining 10 from the secondary school.

After the service, we divided across the field and prayed for each of the kids. There were tears, joy, and an overflow of love as they considered the witness this was to others and the meaning this had for their own walks of faith. Altogether, it was a wonderful testimony to non-Christians and Christians alike.

ACT: Heritage International School (HIS) is making a difference in the lives of young people in Uganda. You can, too. HIS is in need of Christian men and women willing to teach and share the love of Christ. Is this your mission field? To learn more, contact recruiting@wgm.org.

Be In The World

An excerpt from Be in the World
By Brad Carter, Spain
January–March 2011

I recently had an opportunity of a lifetime. I was invited to go to Hollywood, California, to be the director of photography in the production of a feature-length film. Along the way, I would spend time with a number of people who had very different outlooks on life than I do. Should I turn down this opportunity simply because I would not be working with other Christians?

As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to get to know the people who share this world with us. I was blessed to have an amazing opportunity to spend a month with people from very diverse backgrounds. But I also have those chances here in Kansas City, as my wife and I prepare to move to Spain. We have become more intentional in spending more time with our neighbors, our coworkers, and other acquaintances. Some of these people follow Christ; others do not. But by eating with them, spending time with them, and loving them, we are able to give them the opportunity to see Christ in us.

Traveling the Andes Mountains

An excerpt from Traveling the Andes Mountains
Reflections from a Trekker
By Rachel Kerney, Argentina
January–March 2011

To tell the truth, I was not looking forward to the trip with my team into the Andes Mountains in July 2010. I had been involved with each team that my husband, David, took out, helping with lesson planning, preparing visuals, and printing invitations and verses. Now it was time for me to go with my team of Alan, Carina, and Micah. David goes on all of the trips as the driver, leader, and contact person. After a frenzy of preparation at home and with the team, we began the trip into the mountains early one morning. I asked God to help me change my attitude and to help me be open to what He wanted to do in my life on this trip.

On the final day, we were all ready for the activities. We arrived in Villa el Monte and found out that the community leader would let us use the sports complex for our presentation. Our team divided up to invite children to the program. A 7-year-old girl named Magali walked with us through the whole town with her younger sister in tow. She was enthusiastic about the program and wanted to make sure everyone was invited. She pointed out each home where kids lived. She made sure no one was missed. My heart was warmed. We had prayed as a team for someone who would respond to God and seek Him. Was this eager little girl that person?

After that program, it was time to drive home to Salta. It had been a good trip and we were confident that all parts of it, including the delays, had been orchestrated by the Lord. As a team, we had presented God’s Word and had blessed others, and now we were also full and blessed as we returned home. The drive home seemed short as we joked, laughed, and listened to music. Maybe it was also the prospect of a shower, clean clothes, and our own bed that had us excited. One of the songs we listened to on the way back was a ballad about the parable of the sower. That song hit home because we had been intentionally sowing the seed of God’s Word in a hard and thirsty land. I believe God will bring fruit from our labors.

Has God been calling you to serve in a way that you aren’t really looking forward to? Matthew 25:40 (NLT) says, “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Take time today to ask God to change your attitude and ask Him to work through you. God will bring fruit from your labors too.

Restoring Sight and Growing Vines

An excerpt from Restoring Sight and Growing Vines
By Joy Phillips, Sudan
January–March 2011

Ben and Jenny Roberts, missionaries at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya, had a growing interest in Sudan. Last March, Ben and the Tenwek Eye Team flew to Akot, South Sudan, to hold a cataract clinic. Jenny was not able to travel with the team because she was taking care of their three children, but she and many others at Tenwek joined the team through their prayers.

The Robertses’ own son had suffered an eye injury just months before this Sudan outreach. Because of this, Jenny recalls feeling strongly led to pray for a Sudanese child to receive sight-restoring surgery during the week of the clinic. One of the last patients to be seen was a 4-year-old boy who was blind in one eye due to an injury. Under a local anesthetic, this boy bravely laid still while his cataract surgery was performed, restoring his vision. Father and son had the opportunity to experience the love of Jesus as they listened to Bible stories, as staff prayed with them, and through expert physical care.

Would you like to join the next cataract clinic in South Sudan? A gift of $150 will enable one Sudanese to experience the gift of sight. Your prayers will also ensure that Sudanese families are given the opportunity to know and experience Jesus personally. As sight is restored, both physically and spiritually, I see the vine getting stronger.

ACT: Send your gift of $150, with account 25791-CALL written on the memo line, to: WGM, P.O. Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948.

Next Steps

An excerpt from Next Steps
By April Hershberger, Kenya
January–March 2011

Are you wondering what God has in store for you next? Last year I was wondering this same thing. I was praying about what God wanted me to do, whether it was another short-term trip or something more long term in nature.

For years I have known that God gave me a passion for orphans, especially those in Africa. My VIA experience gave me the opportunity to see how I could use my God-given gifts, skills, and passions on the mission field on a daily basis to help the missionaries who already work there. During my time there, God opened my eyes to the new possibilities for my future, and I am now in the Missionary Discipleship Program.

God wants to use and challenge all of us in new and exciting ways. We just have to be open and willing. The VIA program is a great way to experience missions. This experience allows you to bring your skills and gifts to the mission field to work alongside missionaries and nationals from six weeks up to a year.

Could serving abroad be the next step God has in store for you? Just think about where God could take you in 2011!

ACT: Are you willing to serve six weeks to a year on the mission field? The VIA program may be the way for you to serve. Click www.wgm.org/via to learn more.

Men With Vision Expands into Honduras

An excerpt from Men With Vision Expands into Honduras
By Mark Dunbar, Honduras
January–March 2011


Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35 NIV). That is the truth proven time after time. The biggest change is that in the face of a daunting need, the church is now starting to ask itself, “What can we do to make a difference?” instead of “Who can I find to help us out?”

Our purpose is to provide a means by which the thousands of laymen in Honduran churches can serve God with their passion. We look forward to working side-by-side with team members from the U.S. Will we have to sacrifice to go on work teams? Don’t you? Will it be worth it? Yes, a hundred times over! God has never failed us.

ACT: I pray that You will bless the Honduran Holiness Church as they seek ways to serve You through the MWV–Honduras ministry. As men are mobilized to serve the church and their communities, may many come to know You as their personal Savior. We will give You the glory for what You will do through this ministry. Amen.

Making a Difference Together

An excerpt from Making a Difference Together
Haiti after January 12, 2010
By Paul Shingledecker, Haiti
January–March 2011


Maybe one of the biggest things we at WGM have done is just to be there for them and with them. I don’t know how many times Pat and I have been thanked for caring enough to come to their plight and walk through this tragedy with them. Those first 10 days were especially critical as I went and just lived in the courtyard with them and saw and photographed and suffered their pain with them. I was there to encourage and to speak a word of comfort, as well as a word of counsel and direction, when many were still too dazed to even think clearly.

But neither Pat nor I nor Sheryl can take all the credit for much of this. You see, it wouldn’t have been possible without the outpouring of gifts to the Haiti Crisis Fund and the prayers and support of so many of our WGM champions. You cared about Haiti in 2010 and it showed.

So where do we go from here? What impact will we have on Haiti in 2011?

We still need to help Radio Lumière. We still need your gifts to the Haiti Crisis Fund so we can continue to help them buy diesel and so Pat and I can continue to go to Haiti and be there for them.


We need churches, Men With Vision groups, and you in your sphere of influence to raise funds to build homes. Together, we plan to build houses for over 40 Radio Lumière staff who need help either rebuilding or repairing their homes. It won’t be cheap. Building material costs have skyrocketed due to the demand. We’ll need committed champions who’ll be willing to raise up to $8,000 per home.


We need you to pack your bags and go to Haiti to build or repair a home. It won’t be easy. Team members will have to work in the heat, without much in the way of amenities, to rebuild. Are you up to the challenge? Bring your friends, small group, and others because the need is great.

Georgette and her three children and many of the other staff tonight are still sleeping in tents. The tents you provided in 2010 are showing wear and probably won’t last far into 2011. We need to get these people into secure homes with a roof over their heads. Remember, we can’t do it for 1.5 million people, but we can make a difference in 2011 for one, two, or even 30 or 40 if we do it together.

ACT: Can you rally your sphere of influence and together raise $8,000 to provide a new start to a Haitian family in need? Make an impact in Haiti today!

The Body of Christ

An excerpt from The Body of Christ
World Gospel Church of Bolivia Celebrates 50 Years
By Betsy Phillips, Bolivia
January–March 2011


The World Gospel Church of Bolivia has a vision to grow from the current 121 congregations to reach all nine departments (states) in Bolivia with the good news of salvation and the scriptural doctrine of holiness. The church sees the need to grow at a national level, reaching new heights both institutionally and spiritually. It also desires to widen the scope of social ministries, deepen the reach of educational ministries, and expand the range of international ministries through missions in the future.

Together, WGM missionaries and the World Gospel Church of Bolivia have seen God’s mighty acts in establishing a vibrant, growing, and mature church in Bolivia. Won’t you pray now for a new generation to rise up to meet the challenges of building up the body of Christ in the coming years? Pray for discernment as the church in Bolivia seeks God’s guidance in fulfilling its vision and for strength and encouragement as it steps into the next 50 years of ministry.

A Grand Celebration

An excerpt from A Grand Celebration
WGM Celebrates 100 Years
By Rachel Pyle, Volunteer
January–March 2011

In June 1910, World Gospel Mission’s first missionaries, Cecil and Ellen Troxel along with Woodford and Harriet Taylor, felt the call to reach the people of China. These brave souls were the forerunners of WGM and its legacy that strong Christian men and women still carry on today.

On June 24-27, 2010, missionaries, retirees, support staff, and nationals from all over the world gathered together to celebrate WGM’s 100th anniversary. Meeting in Marion, Indiana, at Indiana Wesleyan University, the International Celebration of Missions was four days of fellowship, worship, and community among brothers and sisters in Christ.

Since WGM’s beginning in 1910, the organization has been built on answering the challenging call of the Great Commission. As we approach 2011, let us also push to continue WGM’s legacy through ministering, preaching, teaching, and healing.

Where is your mission field?

MORE: Learn about ways to serve with WGM at www.wgm.org/getinvolved.

I'll Always Remember

An excerpt from I’ll Always Remember
By Hubert Harriman, President
January–March 2011

I don’t think I’ll ever forget June and July of 2010 either. Let me tell you why.

World Gospel Mission turned 100 years old!
Some of you attended WGM’s 100th anniversary celebration, June 24-27, which was a huge event in every way.

My son-in-law Nate Lowe broke his neck.
We thank the Lord that this pool accident resulted in only a three-month neck brace, but this incident created a turn of events resulting in me traveling to Honduras on a work team with my daughter, Anne.

Dr. Joseph Rono, bishop of Africa Gospel Church in Kenya for 18 years, passed away from complications with diabetes on July 22.
After several days with the Africa Gospel Church and with the time they gave me to say some words at each service, a wonderful bonding took place between us. They were so appreciative of my coming. I was so moved by their kindness.

ACT: You can make June, July, and August months you’ll never forget in 2011. Here are a few suggestions to get you planning.

June: Get in the Word. Take this month to study Scripture where Jesus’ loving acts are recorded. Journal your thoughts on love as you study the Scriptures. Then pray that God will show you how to share love to those in your community.

July: Organize a community-wide outreach project. Grab your neighbors and volunteer at a local hospice facility, offer babysitting to military families in the area, or serve meals at a homeless shelter. Whatever you do, do it together, serving the needs of your community.

August: Pray for your leaders. Write, e-mail, or call people who have leadership or authority in your community. Ask them to share prayer requests with you. Ask them how they would like you to pray for them. Pray earnestly the whole month. Contact them at the beginning of September and ask them how things are going in the areas you prayed for.