Answering The Call

A New Miracle at Tenwek

2012-02-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

An excerpt from A New Miracle at Tenwek
By Linda Spriegel, Kenya
January–March 2012

In the book Miracle at Tenwek, an early missionary nurse tells of a patient who told her he had passed up other medical facilities to come to Tenwek Hospital because “the hands here are kind.” Since that time, Tenwek has become a major medical referral center in western Kenya. Thousands of patients regularly forego other hospitals to come to a place with a growing number of specialties and where they still receive compassionate care in Jesus’ name.

People connected with Tenwek have been praying for years for a computed tomography scanner, a machine that combines a series of X-ray views taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images of body tissues. The steady increase in the sophistication of care offered at Tenwek in recent years has made it more important to have this level of technology. Could it really happen?

At the commissioning celebration, Dr. Mike Chupp challenged the staff to continue to make Tenwek Hospital a place where patients find kind hands. “A different CT scan, Christ’s Touch, is the great hope for Kenya, Africa, and the world.”

ACT: Pray that every patient who has a CT scan at Tenwek Hospital will truly experience Christ’s Touch.

MORE: The book Miracle at Tenwek is available through WGM for just $10 plus shipping. Contact Kristi Crisp at thecall@wgm.org.

Go: Jesus’ Last Command

2012-02-06T09:45:00.000-08:00

An excerpt from: Go: Jesus’ Last Command
By Gianetta Wright, Volunteer, Texas/Mexico Border
January–March 2012

“I have never worked harder in my life,” one volunteer said at the end of a month on the mission field last winter. “Nor enjoyed it more.”

What do volunteers do on a mission field? They do the same things they do elsewhere, plus they often learn a new skill or two. Cooking, baking, plumbing, wiring, construction, roofing, repairing, painting, teaching, reading stories, making handcrafts, sewing, trimming trees, raking, mowing, cleaning, helping with computers, stuffing envelopes, decorating, building bookcases, installing shelves, monitoring a school playground—the opportunities are endless.

Where were you and what ministry did you miss?

Here’s what happened in 2011:

62 Missionary Volunteer Partners served on 10 different fields
33 Volunteers In Action participants served on 10 different fields
95 total volunteers served on WGM fields

Here are some service ideas you can do in 2012:

Serve as the host or hostess at a guesthouse on a field
Help with support services by serving as a field treasurer
Teach art, math, or other subjects at an international school

Regional Update from the USA and West Indies

2012-01-30T06:43:00.000-08:00

An excerpt from Regional Update: USA and West Indies
By Tim Rickel, Vice President of International Ministries
January–March 2012

In August, our missionaries on the American Indian Field were excited to start construction on a multipurpose building on the Peoria, Arizona, campus of Southwest Indian Ministries Center. This will allow them to expand their Bible camp ministry to Native American children and their outreach to the whole community. Missionaries are also living on the Tohono O’odham reservation in Sells, Arizona, and near the Navajo Reservation in Farmington, New Mexico. Working as bivocational missionaries, a number of AIF missionaries are impacting Native American families in the reservation communities where they live. These are exciting days for the American Indian Field.

Stockton, California, has seen an upswing in gang-related violence, with 39 dead and over 150 wounded in what is being called a gang war. Bob Margaron is involved with community leaders, speaking in “town hall” meetings about community-wide intervention. One shooting in which an innocent bystander was killed happened just half a block from The Center, WGM’s community center in Stockton. Bob is working directly with the intended victim’s family to provide safety and resources.

To read more about what is happening in this WGM region read the complete article at www.wgm.org/call.

Regional Update from Africa

2012-01-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

Making Progress

2012-01-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Arrival...

2012-01-03T07:23:00.001-08:00

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

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

What God Can Do

2011-12-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-07T04:49:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-01T07:17:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-21T06:32:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-11-14T06:34:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-11T07:33:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-07T06:29:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-10-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-18T06:31:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-11T05:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-05-26T05:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-05-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-05-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-05-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-18T04:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-04-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-04T04:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-31T06:47:00.001-07:00

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

2011-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-01-27T06:39:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-24T10:20:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-01-20T05:02:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-19T05:50:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-13T04:49:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

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.

Y'all Do Missions Work?

2010-11-10T05:16:00.000-08:00

An excerpt from Y'all Do Missions Work?
By Preston Masters, Men With Vision
November/December 2010

Men, I challenge you to get involved in a Men With Vision group, or start your own with others from your church. It’s a great time to pray together, support missions, do local outreach projects (help the elderly with yard work and fix-it projects, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, etc.), and study what it means to be missions active. You’ll be surprised how God can use you.

In 2006, Flint Hill Church received a gift. “We were pleasantly surprised when Flint Hill Church was honored with the Church of the Year Award at the Southeast Celebration of Missions on St. Simons Island, Georgia. We love our missionaries, and we want to make sure we can help them in any way we can,” noted Masters. The Church of the Year Award is given to WGM partner churches for achieving greater growth through their activities in the Great Commission.

MORE: Learn more about Men With Vision activities at www.wgm.org/mwv.

Where is Your Faith?

2010-11-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

An excerpt from Where Is Your Faith?
The Gift of Using Your Talents for His Purpose
By Deb Cunningham, Support Staff
November/December 2010

Are you ready for what the Lord will show you through cross-cultural service? Is the Lord whispering or even shouting at you to step out of your comfort zone? For me, it simply took my sister-in-law asking if I would be interested in going to Bolivia with her on a women’s work team. The Lord spoke through her by encouraging me to serve on this team. In the words from Isaiah 6:8 (NLT), “Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’”

Have you considered what God-given talents the Lord may be directing you to release through a cross-cultural experience? What excuses or justifications are you presenting to the Lord in defense of answering His call? Opportunities are available for any age, any skill, and anyone. God only requires that we be obedient. As Jesus asked of the disciples when they were in the boat after calming the waves in the lake in Luke 8, “Where is your faith?” Trust in Him and He will provide the resources, skills, and blessing through your obedience.

The Gifts Inside an Internship

2010-11-08T05:44:00.000-08:00

An excerpt from The Gifts inside an Internship
By Savanah Nisbett, Volunteers In Action Participant, Hungary
November/December 2010

On the hunt for a journalism internship for college credit, I stumbled upon WGM’s writing internship. I was excited about writing for a Christ-centered group and the possibility of doing the internship in another country. As the process unfolded, I decided Jesus was leading me to be at home in Arkansas for the summer. I was sad to not be serving internationally, but I knew God was at work in that decision.

Through my internship with WGM, I discovered that I loved writing about other cultures and issues that transcend national borders. I realized that my passion for writing is multiplied when it includes my passion for people of other cultures. This internship shaped my career plans through a personal realization that I desire to write about “big” things. Writing for WGM provided me a phenomenal outlet to achieve this, but I still had a desire to serve with them internationally.

ACT: Journalism internships are still available. To apply for a WGM internship, visit www.wgm.org/internships.

Show Me Where to Put the Sugar

2010-11-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

An excerpt from Show Me Where to Put the Sugar
By Daniel Tolan, Special Assignment
November/December 2010

Daniel and his wife, Cindy, served at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya for several years. Now on special assignment in the U.S., Daniel and Cindy often lead short-term teams for World Gospel Mission. In the wake of the January 12, 2010, Haiti earthquake, Daniel left on a short-term team to offer medical assistance to many hurting Haitians. Read more about his experience and listen to the advice he offers those taking part on a short-term team.

I kept looking for the sugar. Would it appear? Would it be used? I wish I could report to you that I saw hundreds of wounds now being treated with sugar. I wish I could say.… No, I cannot.

But there is sugar in Haiti. I know, because I drank it in my morning coffee and I watched as it was applied to one wound. My impatience told me to apply sugar myself everywhere, anywhere it was needed. I waited.…

The Good News must be like this. Missions must be like this. What we want to give, and even impose on others, will do no good unless the heart makes the decision as one’s own. It has taken me 53 years to learn something about this, and yet I still want to just have people do it my way or believe as I do.

Great good can come out of Haiti. The people are beautiful. They are fully capable of managing their lives, making decisions, and bringing about change that can lead to restored relationships, productive land, and a brighter future. Will we give them permission to do so? Will we communicate that we believe in them and support their decisions? Will we allow them to discover the joy of the kingdom of God that He wants for the Haitian people?

Change takes patience over time.

On the last evening before I left Petit Goave, as I was helping clean up from the day’s work, I noticed something. Sitting on a table under the white tarp in the wound clinic that was held under a large mango tree was a small coffee cup. It was not mine. The spoon in it was not mine. The sugar inside the cup was not mine. But there it was.

There is sugar in Haiti.

MORE: There is still much to be done in Haiti. To learn more click here: http://www.wgm.org/page.aspx?pid=6423

Life-Changing Experiences

2010-11-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

An excerpt from Life-Changing Experiences
By Hubert Harriman, President
November/December 2010

The thing about these experiences is that they not only changed me, but also I know in my heart that they somehow changed those I connected with. God used little ol’ me! It just doesn’t get any better than that. I think this is what the apostle Paul must have felt when he went on short-term ministry experiences, taking others with him, such as Luke and Timothy. Do these names mean anything to us? You see, these short-term experiences changed these men, but these men also helped change the world. And look! Short-term experiences led them into careers. Once experiencing missions, they would always be involved in missions. How could it be otherwise? They had life-changing experiences and they would never be the same again.

One of the things I really like about WGM is that we offer the possibility of short-term service for anyone who wants to have a life-changing experience personally and relationally. Do you wish for an experience like that? I think every believer does. The beauty of these life-changing experiences is that you can do them when you’re young, but you don’t have to be young—just young at heart! WGM carries an abundance of stories and memories, both on and off the field, with the difference a short-term experience made in the life of a VIA participant, an MWV member, an MVP, or an MD. It somehow changed some part of the world—then and later.

Do you want to know what the initials VIA, MWV, MVP, and MD stand for? Do you want to know what these experiences hold? Go to www.wgm.org/go to learn all about it. But don’t just learn what they mean. Listen. Listen! Listen quietly. Listen carefully. Another Timothy? Another Luke?

Gifts Bigger Than the Super Bowl

2010-11-03T04:49:00.000-07:00

An excerpt from Gifts Bigger Than the Super Bowl
By Todd Eckhardt, Support Staff
November/December 2010

But do not think you have to leave the country to impact missions as a volunteer. WGM wants to be sure that you can find a role in the Great Commission to offer your skills and service. One of our volunteers regularly hosts missionaries in their home. What a great service they offer. Another regularly works to be sure missionaries are part of their church’s outreach plan. Without volunteers such as these, WGM could never be the extension of the local church that God has asked us to be.

To be sure we maximize the gifts of our volunteers, WGM has designed programs to fit the needs of the volunteers. For believers who have a burden to see their churches or communities go far in the Great Commission, WGM has a program to assist. We have tools to help others go deeper with their role in missions. This program is the Advance Volunteer Network. For the ones the Holy Spirit has touched to go to a country or field of service and offer their God-given talents, the Missionary Volunteer Partners program is designed with their burden in mind.

The great thing about volunteering short term in missions is that the impact lasts a lot longer than if you volunteer at this year’s Super Bowl.

MORE: To learn more about the Advance Volunteer Network, visit www.wgm.org/avn.

The Gift of Love

2010-11-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

An excerpt from The Gift of Love
Sharing Jesus on the Mission Field as a Short-term Volunteer
By Chrissy Greenwell, Mexico
November/December 2010

Some people believe they have nothing to offer on the mission field. Nevertheless, letting people see Jesus in you is what ministry is all about. So if you know Jesus, you can have an impact on lives. I moved back to Saltillo in August 2009. When some of the children saw me on the street, they came running to me to ask if Kevin was back. I have never met Kevin, but I found out he was on a team that ministered in Saltillo. The interest Kevin expressed and the love he showed for Jesus made a huge impact on the children in my neighborhood. Kevin opened a door for further ministry on the field. Although this is wonderful news, it also leads to a huge need: more missionary workers.

Please keep praying for missionary workers for WGM Mexico. Great possibilities for ministry exist but nobody to fill the need…or are you available?

ACT: Here are three ways you can support Chrissy in Mexico. Pick one and let her know you want to be her partner in ministry.

* Contact Chrissy at www.wgm.org/greenwell and ask to be added to her prayer letter list so you will know how you can better pray for her.

* If you would like to financially partner with Chrissy, go to www.wgm.org/greenwell and click on the Donate button.

* Work beside Chrissy on the field. Are you available to serve God in Mexico? Contact Troy Simpson at recruiting@wgm.org to ask what opportunities are available.

Gift Exchange: Work Team

2010-10-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

A Missions Trip Changed My Worldview

2010-10-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

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

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

Yet God is there.

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

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

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

Where is Your Destination?

2010-10-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Missions in your Sixties

2010-10-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

The Gift of Salvation

2010-10-26T09:13:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

The Gift of Investing in Others

2010-10-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Confessions of a Runaway Prophet

2010-10-22T04:02:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fundraising: No Novocaine Required

2010-10-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas in Argentina

2010-10-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

Called to Serve

2010-10-19T05:04:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bigger Than Us

2010-10-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zambia: Rural Education

2010-10-15T04:34:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

No Missionary Presence

2010-10-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kenya: A Million Orphans

2010-10-13T05:35:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

Say this prayer for Kenya:

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

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

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

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

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

Honduras: Disadvantaged Youth

2010-10-12T04:45:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

Ukraine: Unemployment

2010-10-11T05:25:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

Paraguay: Prostitution

2010-10-10T13:25:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

Peru: Flooding

2010-10-09T04:23:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

Hungary: Depression

2010-10-08T05:01:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Japan: Suicide Rate

2010-10-07T09:29:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

Bolivia: Street Children

2010-10-06T03:52:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Taiwan: Social Pressures

2010-10-05T05:24:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

PNG: Superstition

2010-10-04T04:16:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

Hispanic Ministries USA: Immigration

2010-10-03T04:39:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

Mexico: At-Risk Families

2010-10-02T06:06:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Kazakhstan: Alcoholism

2010-10-01T05:03:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

Stockton Peniel: Violence

2010-09-30T06:57:00.001-07:00

Stockton, California, has one of the highest crime rates in America. Residents have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of a violent or property crime. Stockton also has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Gang violence, substance abuse, addictions, and transient families are issues faced by thousands of people in this city.

World Gospel Mission is investing in the lives of children and families at risk due to this reign of violence. Through the ministries of The Center, at-risk kids from preschool through high school have a safe place to be after school. The majority of these children are from single-parent families, many of which are consumed by drugs and/or alcohol and the gang lifestyle.

Act: Interested in learning more about the ministries at The Center? You can visit www.wgm.org/thecenter to see what a “normal” day at The Center looks like and to download a speaker outline so you can share this ministry with others in your community.

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

Sudan: Sight

2010-09-29T03:11:00.001-07:00

A health report in 2005 stated that Sudan has more than half a million blind people out of a total population of 40 million. Undoubtedly this figure has only increased due to having no eye specialists working full time in South Sudan.

Can this trend be stopped? WGM Sudan thinks it can. Sixty percent of blindness is caused by cataracts, which can be treated with surgery, while 18 percent is caused by trachoma, a preventable or treatable disease when diagnosed early. However, another 17 percent of patients have glaucoma, which is not treatable. Those people need extra prayer support. For those whose blindness cannot be treated, the WGM Sudan team has also developed an option of providing them with talking Bibles.

This compassionate outreach provides wonderful opportunities to impact both the physical and spiritual needs of the Sudanese.

ACT: Give someone the gift of sight. With a gift of $200, you can provide cataract surgery for someone in Sudan. Please write account # 25791-CALL on the memo line of your check.

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