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.