Many Hats: the Ministry of a Field Director

By Kevin Zirkle, Missionary, Japan
July-September 2015

When someone wears many hats, they have different roles or tasks to perform. This expression often gets played out, usually with a comedic twist, on TV or in the movies. One person wears many hats and performs several different functions.

Actual hats aside, that phrase certainly describes the responsibilities that I have. I am the regional director of the Asia, Europe, and Pacific Rim region. But in addition, I am also the field director for Japan, Papua New Guinea, Hungary, and Ukraine. Wondering how all this came about?

I have been the field director in Japan since 1979. After becoming a regional director for most of WGM’s smaller fields, it became clear that having another voice/perspective at field meetings can be helpful. Each field is different, and I in no way understand the cultures as well as the missionaries serving there. But I serve as a sounding board for ideas and can give input.

Another way I help a small field is by handling some of the communication with WGM headquarters and writing reports. On a smaller field, everyone has a full-time ministry, so a field director’s responsibilities are added onto an otherwise full schedule. (On larger fields, the field director is a full-time job.) Becky and I visit each field in our region once a year, which gives me the chance to see the ministry and understand the challenges and opportunities the missionaries have.

Because of the Internet, it is possible for someone based in Tokyo (where Becky and I live) to lead field business meetings in Ukraine or Hungary. Skype allows free voice communication that a few years ago would have been cost prohibitive. One of the responsibilities of a regional director is to approve the annual budget of each field. Since I am the field director of several fields, it makes it easier to understand what needs to be in the budget.

It seems as if there is always something to respond to, but email makes it easy and quick to respond. I certainly do not direct fields the same way an in-country person may be able to, but I can give advice and direction as long as I have an Internet connection. I may have many different hats, but the goal is the same—to see God’s kingdom advance.

PRAY: Field leaders are called upon to make decisions and support the missionary staff daily. Please pray that God will grant them wisdom and direction as they serve in this capacity.

Prayer Calendar: July 26 - August 1, 2015

"I may have many different hats, but the goal is the same—to see God’s kingdom advance." - Kevin Zirkle, regional director for Asia, Europe, and the Pacific.

July 26 – August 1: Pray for WGM’s regional directors as they provide leadership and encouragement to their assigned areas of the world.

Radio Lumière: Mouthpiece of the Gospel

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By Pastor Varnel Jeune, Director of Radio Lumière

In the family of God, I see the role of Radio Lumière (French for light) as a mouthpiece that spreads the message of truth across the nation of Haiti. We rejoice especially in the increased number of unsaved who actually came to the station to give their lives to Christ, among whom were several young prostitutes, thieves, and even murderers.

Recently I was visited by Jean Alexis, the pastor of a large church in Florida. Pastor Alexis was a former voodoo priest. He wanted to use his magic to kill a Christian sister who lived near his home. Her radio was always on as she listened to Radio Lumière. Jean Alexis—and everyone within hearing range—was constantly exposed to the messages, songs, and Bible studies. He was furious that business was so bad because of Radio Lumière. Then one day he overheard a message that said, “Satan has no power over the children of God.” He realized he would never be able to destroy the sister and immediately gave his life to the Savior.

A few weeks ago, a young man came to the station to give his testimony. He used to be part of a gang in Port-au-Prince whose express goal was to kill every policeman they met. Then one day this young man took three shots to his right leg, requiring amputation. While lying in a hospital bed, he heard the message of salvation on his roommate’s radio that was tuned to Radio Lumière. He gave his life to the Savior, and he is now the choir director in a church in Port-au-Prince.

This has been happening all year with many testimonies of people with wicked lives that have been completely changed by the message of salvation, pardon, and hope from Radio Lumière. Please pray for the ministry of Radio Lumière and support it so that this light, planted in 1959, will continue to burn brighter, farther, and stronger during these troubled times in Haiti.

GIVE: Radio Lumière needs your help to stay on the air. You can give to this ministry online atwww.wgm.org/radiolumiere.

GO: Radio Lumière is now fully staffed by Haitians, but volunteers are needed to serve on a short-term basis. Visit www.wgm.org/go for a list of available ministry opportunities.

Prayer Calendar: July 19-25, 2015

In the family of God, the role of Radio Lumière (French for light) is a mouthpiece that spreads the message of truth across the nation of Haiti. Please pray for the ministry of Radio Lumière and support it so that this light, planted in 1959, will continue to burn brighter, farther, and stronger during these troubled times in Haiti.

July 19 – 25: Praise God for using the voice of Radio Lumière to bring His light to Haiti.

A Ministry to Missionaries

An excerpt from:

A Ministry to Missionaries

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By Hillarie Hazelton, Volunteer, with Ned and Marlene McGrady, Member Health
July-September 2015

“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” (Exodus 17:11-12, NIV)

This passage explains how Ned McGrady views his work as director of the WGM Member Health team. He and his wife, Marlene, minister to missionaries, and their goal is to be Aaron and Hur when missionaries face conflict and crisis. Much of what they do is confidential, for privacy reasons, but their work is essential to keep WGM’s missionaries strong and healthy. Their tasks include leading retreats, communicating with college-aged missionary kids, and keeping lines of communication open for WGM’s missionaries.

Three times a year, Ned and Marlene help lead Renewal, a three-day session with the intent of helping missionaries to refresh, revitalize, and renew as they return to the U.S. on homeland ministry assignment. This allows missionaries to reflect, share, and look ahead.

Ned and Marlene also contribute to the twice-annual Orientation Camp, which prepares new missionaries to enter the mission field. At Orientation Camp, Ned and Marlene lead seminars on maintaining a healthy marriage on the field. They also hold seminars on child safety and protection.

The two travel frequently to respond to or prevent crisis situations. In August 2014, they traveled to Nigeria to minister to Shelley Chapman and Jennifer Bennett, missionaries in Nigeria who were assaulted and robbed at gunpoint. Immediately after the July 17 incident, they communicated with Shelley and Jennifer through the Internet to ease the situation. Both Shelley and Jennifer were dealing with post-traumatic stress and Marlene’s counseling experience immediately came into play. Although the quick response to the situation through the Internet helped, face-to-face counseling and sharing are always best in traumatic events.

When they arrived in Nigeria, Ned and Marlene walked Shelley and Jennifer through the healing process. With prayer, God’s love, and hard work, Shelley and Jennifer were prepared to continue their ministry in Nigeria. Ned and Marlene were an integral part of this success.

PRAY: This year, partner in prayer with Ned, Marlene, and the entire Member Health team. This support ministry is very much behind the scenes, so ask God to keep them encouraged and pray that they will continue to grow in their spiritual walks as they pour into the lives of others.

GIVE: Support Ned and Marlene McGrady’s ministry through a financial gift at www.wgm.org/mcgrady.

Prayer Calendar: July 12-18, 2015

“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” (Exodus 17:11-12, NIV)

Ned and Marlene McGrady minister to missionaries through the WGM Member Health Team, and their goal is to be Aaron and Hur when missionaries face conflict and crisis.

July 12 – 18: Ask God to guide the Member Health team as they care for WGM missionaries around the world.

The Ministry of Being Mom

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By Veronica Porter, Missionary, Papua New Guinea
July-September 2015

“Mama! I’m thirsty!” “Mama! I need help!” “Mama, will you read to me?” “Mama, I love you so much!” Crying, screaming, fighting, playing, hugging, kissing, cleaning, reading, homeschooling; someone always needs me, and these are just some of the things that make up my days. This is to be expected; I am a stay-at-home missionary-mom with three little ones ages 5, 3, and 1; and baby number four is on the way.

God has given my family the task of serving Him in Papua New Guinea, and I have the privilege of being Mama to missionary kids, which is a full-time job! However, I often struggle on homeland ministry assignment when people ask me what my ministry is. I always feel that being wife, mama, and teacher, and making friends with nationals is never a good enough answer. How have I truly impacted God’s kingdom with these roles?

I have really wrestled with this during our time on the field and here in the U.S. on HMA as we prepare to return home to PNG. Is what I am doing truly “ministry”? I have not yet decided if the answer is yes or no, but I have at least decided that it is necessary. Over and over, Scripture states how our children are a blessing and priority and that we have a responsibility to raise them in the Lord. My husband and I have decided that our kids must come before ministry. How can we effectively minister if we as a family are unhealthy? So, for now, keeping us healthy looks like me staying in the home without a lot of other official “ministry.”

And you know what? I am happy with that because everyday life can be exhausting in a remote country like PNG. Power outages, little or no water at times, cooking everything from scratch, kids that are always filthy, and bouts of unexplained illness are just some normal daily occurrences. I also get to pour myself into my children. Missionary kids have some special challenges that many other kids don’t face: not knowing where they belong, saying goodbyes constantly, dealing with cultural challenges, and more. But they are also blessed in ways other kids aren’t, like growing up cross-culturally, being bilingual, having crazy pets, and many more amazing experiences. I get to be a part of every one of them, good or bad, and point our kids to the Lord through it all.

Another reality of ministering in PNG is that homeschooling is the only option for our kids’ education. The responsibility of their schooling falls on my shoulders. When we return to PNG, I will have my plate even more full with homeschooling my crew.

Since I focus on our house and kids, my husband is truly able to take part in some amazing ministry opportunities. Seth has done many building projects, taught classes, traveled into the bush to preach, and built deep friendships with young men in the area. And I don’t stay home all the time either. We go out as a family and fellowship with the amazing people we have been called to serve. I sit and visit with other mamas, and we watch our kids play together. I play sports with some of the youth while others watch our kids. We try to be a part of the Papua New Guineans’ community and live everyday life with them, as a family.

Is being a stay-at-home missionary-mom a ministry? I don’t know, but I am pretty blessed to be one.

PRAY: Raising kids is not for the weak. Take time to pray this quarter for those stay-at-home missionary-mamas who are balancing homeschooling, home responsibilities, and building relationships with others in their community. Pray that God will grant them small, still moments where He can continue to reveal Himself to them.

Prayer Calendar: July 5-11, 2015

From The Ministry of Being Mom, by Veronica Porter: "My husband and I have decided that our kids must come before ministry. How can we effectively minister if we as a family are unhealthy? So, for now, keeping us healthy looks like me staying in the home without a lot of other official 'ministry.'"

July 5–11: Pray that God will be close to missionary mamas whose primary ministry is raising their families and caring for their homes.

An excerpt from: 

Who’s Got Your Back?

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By Bonnie Gouge, Regional Director for South America
July-September 2015

Do you ever wish that someone would just listen to your heart and hear your concerns? Don’t you want to know that someone “has your back?” Do you wish you had a mentor?

Scripture gives us many examples of mentoring and of learning and gaining wisdom from others. For example, Elijah was a mentor to Elisha. Paul was a mentor to Timothy. These older men poured into younger men, shaping their lives and helping them mature spiritually so that they were better prepared for kingdom work.

World Gospel Mission believes in its missionaries and wants them to succeed. When our new missionaries go to the field, a mentor takes time to be with them, helping them in their transition to the new culture, place, and language. Many times, we just listen. Other times, we lend a helping hand. We are often called upon to share what we have learned as we have served.

My husband, Ron, and I have worked with new missionaries in Spain. And that has not been easy since we do not live there. Thanks to technology, we can still connect with new missionaries in Spain through Skype. We work with them through a written mentoring program, but also spend a lot of time just listening, helping them process their new life in a new place.

As a mentor, I am keenly aware of my own inadequacies. I realize that although I have served for many years in a “foreign” country, I do not have all the answers. In many ways, I just “press on” as Paul writes in Philippians 3:12: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on.…” Our hope is that in spite of our mistakes and inadequacies, our experiences can help someone else grow and mature and maybe even miss some of our pitfalls, helping prepare them to reach out to their world for Christ.

Perhaps you never had a mentor to help you along your life’s journey, but I imagine there are younger people around you who could use a helping hand. Will you “have their back?”

PRAY: Is mentorship the next step in your journey in helping you grow deeper in your walk? Take time this month to pray and ask God to direct your path to the right person who can help you with this process.

Prayer Calendar: July 1-4, 2015

When  new missionaries go to the field, a veteran missionary helps them transition to the new culture, place, and language. Many times, these mentors just listen. Other times, they lend a helping hand. They are often called upon to share what they have learned as they have served.

July 1–4: Pray for wisdom for veteran missionaries who are in mentoring relationships with new Missionary Disciples.