Unfinished Work

Jim Ritchie, Missionary, Kenya
The Call, October-December 2016

One day as I was on rounds at Chogoria Hospital, I saw a patient sit up, gasp for breath, and collapse.

Quickly, several of us hurried over to assess him and found him to be pulseless. Dr. Juliet started chest compressions, and I ran to my office to retrieve our only and well-broken-in defibrillator. When we attached the defibrillator pads, we saw ventricular fibrillation, which is a fatal heart rhythm. We shocked him and saw a return to a more normal rhythm—not really normal, but at least not fatal. His heart rate gradually decreased and even became a ventricular tachycardia, nearly pulseless. Dr. Juliet shocked him again. Ultimately, the patient’s rhythm became normal and his breathing resumed.

However, the man didn't wake up. His primary illness was heart failure. We had done an ultrasound on his heart a couple of days prior and had seen how poorly his heart was contracting. Now, after being in a fatal rhythm that required CPR and two shocks, his already underperforming heart was pretty beat up. His pulse was barely palpable and very little blood was going to his brain. We did another ultrasound. At times, his heart didn't even produce enough pressure to open the aortic valve. I honestly didn't expect him to live even an hour or two and strongly recommended that his family transfer him to a hospital with an ICU. And, of course, we prayed.

Two days later, I was stunned to see him sitting up and talking lucidly. Amazing! He is eating and feeling better. I did not speak his language, but with our nurse interpreting, we told him that he had essentially died and, by God's grace, we had been able to revive him. Surely, this man must have some unfinished work. He collapsed during one of the few hours of the week when he was directly observed and we could intervene immediately. People who are defibrillated do not often survive the "code," and his heart is badly diseased.

That night, we left the defibrillator on the ward, which is not our usual practice. Dr. Juliet was called by the nurses later that night; they were performing chest compressions on our patient. Dr. Juliet defibrillated him again. 

During my next rounds, I called Chaplain Roy for a consult. He came with Evangelist Mbae. I explained the situation, and they engaged the man in conversation. It turned out that our patient needed to reconcile with God, so they all prayed—fervent, active prayer.

Hopefully, our patient will live on and his family will be able to afford a transfer to an ICU. But even if not, I think he has had the immeasurable gift of some days to reconcile with the King. 

I am so grateful to work in this missions hospital. This community God has placed me in at this time is a blessing. My intern colleagues are compassionate and learn skills quickly, and my chaplain colleagues are also compassionate and can engage in the Great Work freely.

PRAY: Pray for the Chogoria Hospital community. This team is called to serve others in their desperate time of need. Ask God to grant them wisdom and skills for the cases they encounter so that more may know of His great love. 

Where Brokenness Abounds

Betsy Tejeda, Missionary, Texas/Mexico Border
The Call, October-December 2016

A single mother, terrified she’s pregnant again, is already being pushed by the father to get an abortion.

A teenager, so drugged up with his friends, can barely remember what happened one night.

A 23-year-old mother of six, evicted from a tiny one-room apartment because her husband made the choice to try cocaine and got thrown in jail, has no way to pay the rent.

A woman, sobbing, deals with the fact that her oldest son is involved in drugs and gangs.

A man, so overwrought from losing his job and not being able to support his family, turns to alcohol.

A teenage girl, holding on to a secret she should never have been told, struggles in her relationship with her parents.

As a missionary in McAllen, Texas, these are just a few of the heart-wrenching stories of the people in our community. The needs are overwhelming, and the amount of brokenness that abounds is astonishing. 

What can we do? How can we help? Is there a way to help them pick up the pieces of their lives?

For a brief moment, it’s tempting to have a “ride in and save the day” mentality. But, the truth is quickly clear. We cannot be their savior. Although there are many ways we can serve this community, the problems they encounter are God-sized. The reality is that no amount of money, counseling, clothing, or food can really repair the damage done and fix the underlying issue: SIN.

Our only hope is to point them to the true Savior. Share with them about the One who can forgive their sins and give them a second chance. Direct them to the Redeemer who will give them a new beginning, even as they face the consequences of their sin. Show them love: all-encompassing, all-fulfilling, all-enveloping love. Steer them to hope, and remind them that they are loved, seen, and valued.

As I listen to their stories, I am reminded it is my story, also. I, too, came to a place of brokenness, realizing I needed a Savior. My choices were different. My consequences may not have been as public, but I needed forgiveness and a new start. Now I pray my life is a testimony to these dear ones so that they, too, can be forgiven and healed, full of hope with promising futures. In the midst of brokenness, may hope arise as we point them to the Savior.

GO: Is God calling you to serve this community? A family ministries coordinator is needed at Taylor Community Center in McAllen, Texas. The coordinator will focus on families in the community and will help start programs and organize activities that foster building family relationships and encourage spending time together. Learn more here. 

Prayer Calendar December 25-31,2016

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

"A single mother, terrified she’s pregnant again, is already being pushed by the father to get an abortion."

"A teenager, so drugged up with his friends, can barely remember what happened one night."

Pray for the lost of the world, that they will find hope and healing in Jesus Christ.

We Prayed

Leatha Jenkins, Missionary, Papua New Guinea
The Call, October-December 2016

We absolutely could not go to Papua New Guinea without our prayer team! No way. Let me tell you about some of the ways our people have prayed with us. 

At the beginning of 2016, nine of us agreed to meet once a month for 30 minutes of sharing and prayer. Butch and I had humbly asked these local friends to carve time out of their busy schedules to join us in prayer, specifically to seek God’s favor for our ministry in PNG: scheduling meetings, funding, health, and wisdom. 

God blessed us with His touch, again and again. As we prayed specifically, we saw specific answers, again and again. Work team travel and logistics were flawless. Funding spilled over the minimum that we hoped for. Burdens were lifted. We all shared concerns and heartaches, offering them to the Father together. Praying together strengthened us. 

Besides our monthly prayer group, there were prayer opportunities with so many of you along the way. These ranged from planned and spontaneous meetings and random moments to prayers by email, phone, or face to face. Often only two or three of us would pray. God is good, and the answered prayers are too many to count! For those situations and concerns of which we continue to hope and watch for a clear answer, I have found that praying together brings the peace that passes understanding.

The bond that develops between us as we seriously pray together will never be broken; it is eternal. Thank you, prayer partners. The community you provide is a blessing beyond measure. 

Matthew 18:18-20 (NIV): “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth shall agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three  gather in my name, there am I with them."

Pray: Form your own prayer community for missions. Every Tuesday, through Prayer Lifeline, WGM posts new praises and requests coming from our missionary staff. Gather your prayer team together once a week and pray over these concerns for the cause of missions.

Prayer Calendar December 18-24,2016

At the beginning of 2016, nine of us agreed to meet once a month for 30 minutes of sharing and prayer. Butch and I had humbly asked these local friends to carve time out of their busy schedules to join us in prayer, specifically to seek God’s favor for our ministry in PNG: scheduling meetings, funding, health, and wisdom.

Lift up a missionary you know in prayer today.

Living in Community

Dora Wesche, Retiree, Kenya
The Call, October-December 2016

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (Romans 15:5 NIV).

Sometimes it takes a heaping measure of grace to live on a foreign mission station. I didn’t get the hang of it in the beginning, but failure can be the back door to success.

My husband, Bob, our 1-year-old daughter, Dawn, and I first arrived in Kenya in 1967. As we faced challenges, some memories stand out, specifically in areas of obeying authority, loving your neighbor, and “keeping up with the Joneses.”

One day, Bob had come home from a long day at the hospital, and I was giving vent to a list of frustrations. As I paused for a breath, Bob, known for his one-liners, said, “You are saying you know how to run the mission better than the mission leaders.” Totally shocked, I thought it over. I was even more shocked to realize it was true–not that I could run things better than the leaders but that I thought I could.

A new missionary had arrived on the field. His ideas were different, feathers were ruffled, and there were some unflattering comments made. During a chapel service at a retreat, this strong impression came to mind: “Do you want him to accept you just as you are, with all your faults?” Well, yes; I hadn’t thought about that before. “Then accept him just as he is with all of his faults.” I applied that lesson many times in the years that followed.

One day, the door flew open; our little toddler spread her hands out wide and in great frustration asked, “WHERE is my little red wagon?” Oh! We had brought dolls and lots of games but NO red wagon. However, since a neighbor’s child had one, Dawn wanted one, too! We all needed to learn about finding contentment in what we had. 

I learned to thank God that I didn’t have to worry about running the mission, and I marveled at leaders who were exercising their gifts of administration, of which I have none.

Today, some of my dearest friends are “old” retired missionaries as well as wonderful new “young” missionaries on the field. I am eternally grateful that God brought us together. I am also coming closer to learning to be content in all things. Being a missionary brought the greatest joys of my life. I love The One who taught me how.

ACT: Have your feathers been ruffled? Are you living in discontent? Do you need to repair your attitude toward your community? Take time this month to dig deeper into God’s Word and put into action His direction. Here is a good resource to get you started.

Prayer Calendar Dec. 11-17,2016

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

"One day, Bob had come home from a long day at the hospital, and I was giving vent to a list of frustrations. As I paused for a breath, Bob, known for his one-liners, said, “You are saying you know how to run the mission better than the mission leaders.” Totally shocked, I thought it over. I was even more shocked to realize it was true–not that I could run things better than the leaders but that I thought I could."

Pray for God's healing grace to cover a conflict situation in your life.

Finding Community, Making Real Connections

Nathan Vitatoe, Advance Volunteer
The Call, October-December 2016

I walked through the door, and I was immediately met with the delicious aroma of good food lingering in the air. Bright tables and chairs were coupled with the familiar sound of rapid conversations in Spanish. I had stopped by a local Mexican restaurant to see if they would be interested in having me volunteer once a week to teach an English as a Second Language class before they opened for the day. 

When my family and I first stepped back onto U.S. soil after serving North African immigrants in Spain for two years, I wasn’t sure how God was going to use us for cross-cultural ministry. However, we felt His presence and a peace about the decision to return and focus on bi-vocational ministry in WGM’s Advance Volunteer Network. The Lord has continued to expand our heart for the pilgrims of the world, this time in our own backyard of southern Ohio. There is a benefit to ministering to Spanish speakers in their own language, but many opportunities exist in communities all across our country in English. Your church might already have an outreach to immigrants that you could join. 

One of the main lessons that the Lord has taught me through working with immigrants in Europe and the U.S. is that in order to build a relationship where we can share the hope we have in Jesus, the connections that we make have to be genuine. This valuable principle of authenticity in ministry has stuck with my wife, Kenzie, and me as we approach every new ministry opportunity. Even as we began to plan for our vision trip to Spain, we utilized as a team the booklet Before You Pack Your Bag, Prepare Your Heart by Cindy Judge, which was very helpful to us.  

As travelers of the gospel, we demonstrate our love for Spanish-speaking immigrants through genuine friendship and an interest in helping prepare them for day-to-day life. Our Hispanic friends can feel isolated, both linguistically and culturally. The friendships that we have developed have opened doors to share the most important aspect of our lives, our faith and hope in Jesus Christ our Savior. 

Community isn’t something we necessarily create; it’s something that we find as we naturally connect with others. We just need to take the step—without expecting anything in return—when the Holy Spirit urges us to share the love of Christ.

ACT: Talk to your church missions department or pastoral staff about ways you can champion outreach to the pilgrims in your area or join an established ministry. It will be a personally stretching but rewarding experience.

Prayer Calendar Dec. 4-10,2016

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

I walked through the door, and I was immediately met with the delicious aroma of good food lingering in the air. Bright tables and chairs were coupled with the familiar sound of rapid conversations in Spanish. I had stopped by a local Mexican restaurant to see if they would be interested in having me volunteer once a week to teach an English as a Second Language class before they opened for the day. 

Ask God to help you reach out with His love to someone who needs Him today. 

God's Influence Showcased

Erin Curtis, Volunteer, with Bob Margaron, Missionary, The Center
The Call, October-December 2016

As a community outreach, The Center is catalyzing powerful shifts in the lives of people in Stockton, California. Evidence of God’s transforming power is touching many individuals and slowly replacing the brokenness of the multigenerational gang lifestyle. Recently, The Center held a special event that showcased God’s influence: the wedding of Ernesto “Daniel” and Becca De LaRosa, two community members who met at The Center as children.

Daniel and Becca met in 1997 as elementary students. Bob Margaron, director of The Center, fondly remembers Becca running up to him one day with tears streaming down her cheeks, saying, “Daniel won’t quit picking on me.” Knowing this to be uncharacteristic for Daniel, who was generally quiet and gentle-spirited, Bob asked, “Do you think he likes you?” Becca ran away, yelling, “Eww!” Little could anyone predict how Bob’s comment would foreshadow future events. 

Both Daniel and Becca came from broken households, and each family knew hardship and heartache well. Daniel grew up in a single-parent home, and Becca’s father was incarcerated for much of her childhood. Becca married a man in the Marine Corps and become a mother of two but left her husband and returned to Stockton after he became abusive. Daniel had remained unmarried and was working steadily. When Becca returned, they reconnected and moved in together. He embraced her two children as his own, and together they had a baby. 

As He grew their household, God also moved in Daniel and Becca’s hearts, burdening them with the desire to honor Him by being married. They sought Bob out. He agreed to officiate the wedding and walked with them through premarital counseling for three months. The couple also agreed to abstain from sex until they were married legally. 

Becca dreamed of marrying Daniel in the place where they’d met, so the Margarons joyfully opened The Center’s facilities for the wedding. The De LaRosas have been a testimony in Stockton. Together, they stood in front of the kids at The Center and spoke about their experience. At the wedding, friends and family witnessed their passion for glorifying God as they stepped away from sin and into His design for their lives. Bob hopes that those who see the De LaRosas will see “that God will be with them through any of their situations and that He carries them through.” 

PRAY: Pray for the missionary and volunteer staff who give selflessly to provide the children of this community stability and safety. Pray that Jesus will be lifted up and glorified in all the ongoing activities—Bible club, special events, tutoring, etc.—at The Center.

Community Health Evangelism

Angie Overholt, Missionary, Honduras
The Call, October-December 2016

For over two decades now, Larry and I have enjoyed working in Community Health Evangelism.

CHE is a model that takes a holistic approach toward community development. According to the CHE Network website, “CHE seamlessly integrates evangelism and discipleship with community health and development.” 

Evangelism and discipleship are the foundational principles that define CHE and set the model apart from secular health promotion models that have been used around the world by health extension workers. We believe that the CHE program in Choluteca, Honduras, has been successful because it is built on both biblical principles and sound community development theory.

The apostle Paul wrote, "Do not be conformed to this world, but continuously be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God’s will is—what is proper, pleasing, and perfect" (Romans 12:2 ISV). Real transformational learning is made possible when people accept Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. Accepting Christ leads to a dramatic change in worldview that will positively impact individuals as well as entire communities. 

As a result of applying CHE principles in Honduras, we have seen people’s lives transformed in ways that we could never have imagined. The multiplication principles apply to healthcare as well as spiritual evangelism and discipleship. New converts are always excited to tell others of the life-changing experiences that they are going through. Using the CHE model of education, the “good news” is communicated throughout the social system in the entire community. 

Community health evangelists perform many different services in the community. They collaborate with other organizations, including local churches, healthcare agencies, and local governing groups. One local governmental health center sent words of gratitude to us, saying that our lay health workers are filling an educational gap that existed in the community. The local health center staff had been overwhelmed and was grateful for the support.

Local pastors and community leaders have noted that our health evangelists treat every home that they enter in the same way; they do not attempt to get people to switch churches but encourage everyone to support the church that they attend. CHE teachers on the island that we visit noticed that the photos our regional coordinator was showing them of malnourished children looked very similar to their own children. On their own, they sought out extra help from the local health department and learned that many of the population’s children were undernourished.

Last year, we had the great joy and privilege of meeting Stan Rowland, the author and teacher who has had a great influence in making CHE popular. Stan confirmed that one of the primary concepts of CHE is participatory learning, which is the collective effort of facilitators and students learning together. The participatory model includes dialogue rather than a lecture or monologue by the teacher.

Above all, real transformation only comes through faithfully following Christ.

MORE: Learn more about the CHE Network and register for training. 

Prayer Calendar Nov 27- Dec 3,2016

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

For over two decades now, Larry and I have enjoyed working in Community Health Evangelism.

CHE is a model that takes a holistic approach toward community development. According to the CHE Network website, "CHE seamlessly integrates evangelism and discipleship with community health development."

Pray for Community Health Evangelism workers in Honduras as they seek to transform communities with Jesus’ help.

Birdies for Babies

Pam Chupp, former missionary, Kenya
The Call, October-December 2016

Anna Redding came to Tenwek Hospital in 2014 with her father, Dr. Mark Redding. He is a neurosurgeon who was serving on his third short-term medical missions trip to Tenwek. When they returned home, Anna wondered if she could do something to make a difference in the lives of the babies and moms in Tenwek’s nursery. She was entering her senior year of high school in North Carolina, and one of her senior assignments called for a community service project.

Anna and her dad thought and prayed about it, and Dr. Redding had an idea: "Anna, you love golf and are pretty good at it. Why not ask for people to pledge a gift for every birdie you make in your senior year golf season?" Anna looked carefully at her junior year performance and thought that for her senior year, she could possibly get three birdies per round. (A birdie is scoring one stroke under par per golf hole.) She counted up all the matches and tournaments she would compete in and predicted that she might get 30 to 35 birdies that season. She went to work making phone calls and talking to friends at church, school, and in the community. They decided to call this project "Birdies for Babies."

Dr. Redding and Dr. David Hoover, president of the Friends of Tenwek organization, are good friends, and Dr. Hoover suggested that this would be an exciting project for FOT. Pledges starting coming in for $1, $5, and $10 a birdie, and the fall high school girl’s golf season began. Anna had kept her project a secret from the other golfers with whom she was competing, but she was determined and focused to help those babies! She played at a level that amazed her coach, teammates, and the competition. She averaged SIX birdies per round and led her team to many victories. Halfway through the season, Anna had already reached her prediction of 30 birdies. She asked her dad, “Should I stop, because we told the donors that I would drop around 30 birdies? Will they be upset with me?" 

Mark and Anna decided that she should push on and work harder, letting the donors decide what to do about their pledges. Every time she leaned over to sink a difficult putt, she thought about those tiny, premature babies in the Tenwek nursery. She was a putting machine! By the end of the season, Anna had dropped 63 birdies and three eagles (scoring two under par) and was the number one female high school golfer in North Carolina! She was named female golfer of the year in that state and was mentioned in Sports Illustrated as one of the young female golfers in the U.S. to watch in the future. At the final tally, Anna had raised over $22,000 for the Tenwek nursery through “Birdies for Babies.”

After consulting Tenwek pediatrician Dr. Chuck Bemm on the top need for the Tenwek nursery, Anna and her father purchased a brand new GE Giraffe incubator. In January 2016, Anna and her father returned to Tenwek to see the incubator in use and found a tiny baby named Kipkoech Bett thriving inside. Kipkoech was born prematurely, weighing only 750 grams (about 1.65 pounds) at birth. By Anna’s visit, the little one had reached a healthy weight and was nearing discharge. In a dedication and appreciation ceremony for Anna, the Tenwek nursery staff and members of the FOT Board gathered for prayer around the new incubator with Kipkoech sleeping inside. There was not a dry eye in the room as the following letter was read to Anna by my husband, Mike:

Dear Anna, 

We haven’t been properly introduced yet, but we will forever be linked. My name is Kipkoech. I just woke up a few days ago. I was placed in a wooden box the day I was born because I needed help surviving this big world right now. Then, all of a sudden, I was given a new, shiny home. I asked them why and how. They told me that a very special girl came to Tenwek once and fell in love with us little ones. They say she worked really hard to purchase a new home for us while we are here. I couldn’t believe how amazing this girl was and the feats she accomplished. I just had to meet and write this hero of mine. So I found out her name—Anna Redding. That’s you, Anna Redding. I had to tell you how much I love you! You saw a need and fought to see it met. Because of you, I have a home. A home that is safe, clean, and warm. Through you, hundreds of infants will inhabit this same home I live in and survive because of it. Thank you, Anna Redding, for your love for Jesus Christ—a man that I hope to one day follow and love just as you. I love you, Anna, and I thank you for allowing God to work through you.

Patiently waiting to meet you,

Kipkoech

We don't know how many dozens, if not hundreds, of babies' lives will be impacted/saved by this new state-of-the-art incubator in the Tenwek nursery. What we do know is that Anna has encouraged and energized our nursery staff to the max. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV): "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." 

God can use any gift or skill or talent that we have to bring glory to Himself. Placed in the Master's hand, a talent for putting a golf ball into the cup can make for a wonderful story like Anna's. God asked Moses: "What is that you have in your hand?" and Moses gave up his shepherd's staff to be used to demonstrate God's power. A putter may not seem very divine or useful in God's kingdom, but if given to the Master for His purposes, it can accomplish kingdom purposes.

What is in YOUR hand right now? What training, skill, giftedness, or availability can you offer to the Lord Jesus for His purposes? Anna Redding now has a full ride golf scholarship to the University of Virginia. Keep an eye out for this young lady. I have a feeling God isn't finished with her yet! I also have a feeling that He isn't finished with you and me either.

GIVE: Help more patients like Kipkoech get the medical care they need through the Tenwek Needy Patient Fund.

Prayer Calendar Nov. 20-26,2016

Anna Redding came to Tenwek Hospital in 2014 with her father, Dr. Mark Redding. He is a neurosurgeon who was serving on his third short-term medical missions trip to Tenwek. When they returned home, Anna wondered if she could do something to make a difference in the lives of the babies and moms in Tenwek’s nursery. She was entering her senior year of high school in North Carolina, and one of her senior assignments called for a community service project. 

Praise God for Anna Redding's heart - and impact she made for the Kingdom. p.14

Abilities-Gifts-Success

Gary Knox, Men With Vision
The Call, October-December 2016

Gary has served on over 100 short-term missions trips, and he continues to add to that number. He values sharing other cultures with the younger generations, encouraging a community of next-generation missions-active Christians. He shares some insight and challenges other adults to invest in the teens in their spheres of influence for the cause of missions.

There are three verses I use during missions trip orientations:  

• 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT): “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.”
• 2 Timothy 1:6: “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you….”
• Acts 4:13: “The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures.”

It is quite common for young people to have doubts about their abilities to do the variety of jobs required on a missions project. Most have never mixed concrete, laid bricks or blocks, hung drywall, installed lighting fixtures, taught school, led Vacation Bible School, etc. However, they all want to do their best. And when the trip is over, they want to leave knowing that the job was done to the best of their abilities and that it was done right.

Every team member has God-given abilities (1 Peter 4:10), and on the mission field those abilities flourish (2 Timothy 1:6). When given the opportunity, it is amazing to see the transformation from doubt to absolute confidence (Acts 4:13). Abilities are God-given, and spiritual gifts are Spirit-granted. Combining them with volunteering brings about remarkable results that are life-changing and rewarding. It also brings great blessings to those who are served. Ordinary team members who have been with Jesus do extraordinary things. God requires it.

Parents and grandparents, there is no greater gift for a teen’s graduation, birthday, or Christmas than the gift of a missions trip. Just do it. Better yet, go with them!

GIVE: Give the gift of missions to someone this year. Trips to most WGM locations are available throughout the year. Teams are custom fit—work, college, youth, family, prayer teams—so there’s no end to the ways you and your group can minister. Learn more at www.wgm.org/teams.

Prayer Calendar November 13-19,2016

It is quite common for young people to have doubts about their abilities to do the variety of jobs required on a missions project. Most have never mixed concrete, laid bricks or blocks, hung drywall, installed lighting fixtures, taught school, led Vacation Bible School, etc. However, they all want to do their best. And when the trip is over, they want to leave knowing that the job was done to the best of their abilities and that it was done right.

Ask God to help you trust Him in using your abilities for Him.

Food, Friendship, Faith

Tracy Dubois, Support Staff, with Cathlene Strong, Missionary, Peru
The Call, October-December 2016

Throughout the world, community is built around food. When it comes to hanging out and connecting with teenagers, food is an essential ministry tool. But underneath the frappés, pizzas, and cookies, lies a foundation of friendship and faith, rooted firmly in God’s love for the kids.

David “Daudi” and Cathlene Strong have been feeding and fellowshipping with Peruvian youth since 2010. They hold meetings in their home two Saturdays each month. Roughly six to eight youth, ranging in age from 12 to 22, attend. The group is currently studying Old Testament heroes of the faith. (I wonder if King David would have liked pizza?)

In addition to food, youth group always includes a devotional and often a game, object lesson, and/or craft. The youth also usually participate in an outreach project each Christmas with the adults of the church. Upcoming community outreach ideas include volunteering at an animal orphanage and cleaning up trash in local neighborhoods.

“About half of our youth are unchurched, and more than half come from broken homes,” shared Cathlene. “They are exposed to a lot of negativity in their lives. We want to expose them to the truths of the gospel and show them Jesus’ love in tangible ways so they will recognize their need for a Savior. Lord willing, they are taking what they learn in youth meetings and sharing it with others in their homes while applying it to their own lives.”

The youth group also expands its community and witness through relationships with family and friends.

“Every now and then, we hear from parents of how the kids are sharing with them what they learned in a youth meeting,” stated Cathlene. “This encourages us that what we are teaching and sharing is being heard and passed along. I also see our unchurched and church youth interacting with each other on social media. Slowly but surely, the gap is being bridged between these two groups of youth, and community is being built.”

PRAY: During a recent trip to Starbucks, Daudi and Cathlene had the youth write down a prayer request before they could order (we’ve listed them below). Please join this community through your prayers as you lift up a different request each day of the week. 

• Sunday: “Pray for harmony in my family and that there will always be love and peace in my house.”
• Monday: “Pray that I will overcome my fears.”
• Tuesday: “Pray for my brother as he is going down bad paths.”
• Wednesday: “Pray that I will forget the ‘old’ youth that I was before.”
• Thursday: “Pray for my spiritual life that I won’t alienate myself from the Lord.”
• Friday: “Pray for better relationships with God and my parents.”
• Saturday: “Pray for my character.
  
  ”

Prayer Calendar Nov. 6-12,2016

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

Throughout the world, community is built around food. When it comes to hanging out and connecting with teenagers, food is an essential ministry tool. But underneath the , pizzas, and cookies, lies a foundation of friendship and faith, rooted firmly in God’s love for the kids.

Pray for David and Cathlene Strong as they reach out to youth in Cusco, Peru.

An Unexpected Gift

Susana (Bev) Donahue, Missionary, Paraguay
The Call, October-December 2016

“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” ~ Hudson Taylor

It would not be found on the list of Top 10 appropriate gifts to give a man. In fact, it would most likely show up on a list of gift suggestions for a new mother and her baby.

We were in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, visiting some friends from our years in ministry there. I always try to stop by and greet my former hairdresser. This year, knowing that she and her husband would want to see our son, Andrés, too, the whole family paid a visit to her beauty salon. After we spent some time with her and her husband, she presented us each with small gifts. My gift was lotion, but Mark and Andrés both received a bottle of Johnson’s baby powder. We graciously said “thank you” (what else could we say?!) and went on our way. 

Back home in Paraguay, it was a hot, hot summer. Some people do fairly well with the heat while others suffer with uncomfortable heat rashes. Such was the case one evening when Mark encountered our next door neighbor, standing behind his wall with no shirt on, looking miserable with a heat rash. Mark soon learned that our neighbor had been exposed to too much sun and was suffering its effects. The neighbor said that he needed some Johnson’s baby powder for his rash but that he did not have “ningún peso”—not one cent—to purchase it. 

Seeing the need and hearing "Johnson’s baby powder," Mark was alerted by the Holy Spirit that he could be a part of the solution. Mark promptly retrieved an unopened bottle of Johnson’s baby powder. After Mark placed it in the neighbor’s hands, the neighbor asked, “Is this a gift for me?” With a rejoicing heart, Mark affirmed that it was and watched a big smile spread across the man’s face. 

A gift from one friend in Bolivia is impacting our new community in Paraguay! God provided just what was needed.

We pray that God will show us how to help our neighbor see a greater need in his life. We so desire that he sees his need to know our Jesus. Sometimes we have to see ways to help meet the physical needs before we have the privilege to speak to the greater need. How does God want to use you today? It may be to pass along an unexpected gift to someone in your community that needs it now. Don’t miss the blessing!

PRAY: Ask God to open your eyes to a need in your community and to help you do your part to help others with an unexpected gift.

From Jerusalem to the Ends of the Earth

Victoria Herring, Support Staff
The Call, October-December 2016

"Why should I donate so that someone gets to take a glorified vacation?”

Coordinating missions trips as a job has allowed me to hear a lot of feedback from people who are not only preparing to go on missions trips but also donating to make these trips possible. Recently, it seems there is a lot of criticism toward short-term missions trips. I hear this a lot: “I think you should help people right here before worrying about people in other countries.”

The reality of the situation is that we are called to do both. “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NIV). It’s not an either/or situation. It’s also not a choice. It’s a command to do both. How can we work together to ensure that we are carrying out the Great Commission not only in our local community but also globally? 

I believe one way we can accomplish both of these goals is through teamwork. Not everyone is called to serve outside their community, whether long or short term. However, there are ways we can support those who are called to share Jesus with cultures outside of their own.

1. Pray: All missionaries will tell you that their prayer partners are a vital part of their ministry.

2. Give: It doesn’t always have to be financially. We can give our time, talents, and spiritual gifts too. And while we are doing this to support our partners around the world, we can at the same time help those in our local community. Consider volunteering at a local food bank, homeless shelter, or after-school program. 

Even though we all have our differences, our goal of the Great Commission is the same. God in all His wisdom made us unique with talents that He will use to work toward that goal. Whether you are called to serve people right here or to travel across the globe, working together is teamwork at its finest. 

GO: Gather your team and pack your bags. Short-term trips are available. Start the application process and pick a location at www.wgm.org/teams. 

ACT: Choose a local nonprofit to volunteer at this month. Food banks, homeless shelters, and after-school programs are always looking for volunteers.

Prayer Calendar Oct 30-Nov 5,2016

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

"Why should I donate so that someone gets to take a glorified vacation?”

Coordinating missions trips as a job has allowed me to hear a lot of feedback from people who are not only preparing to go on missions trips but also donating to make these trips possible. Recently, it seems there is a lot of criticism toward short-term missions trips. I hear this a lot: “I think you should help people right here before worrying about people in other countries.”

Pray for opportunities for you to be a part of the Great Commission, both locally and globally. 

Wrapping and Warming Hearts

Tracy Dubois, Support Staff
The Call, October-December 2016

Across the country, women of all generations get together in church basements to make quilts for newborns, newlyweds, orphans, and local hospitals. Other small groups stuff pillows for those in need while some fill grocery bags with food for hungry children to eat on the weekends. In Albania, a group of women meet to knit products they can sell to help support their families.

“Economic opportunities for women in rural communities are difficult to come by,” explained missionary Cydil Waggoner. “Where we serve in Albania, limited education and resources, not to mention the expense and difficulty of commuting and responsibilities for family care, all represent barriers for women to contribute financially to their families. Our attempt has been to develop skills (or take advantage of existing skills) to empower these women to create commodities that can be sold to help their families economically.”

When Cydil first became a part of the women’s crafting ministry, the ladies were making jewelry. Their creations had a very low profit margin, and the earnings were split evenly among the women. The ministry switched to knitting, which the ladies were already skilled in, allowing each woman to earn based on her ability, labors, and creativity.

Knitted items for sale include scarves, headbands, legwarmers, hats, fingerless gloves, and even a few pieces for men. Proceeds from past sales have enabled Albanian wives, moms, sisters, and aunts to buy necessities like heating oil and medicines as well as luxuries like their family’s first indoor kitchen sink!“

To those who have already purchased from Village Knits, thank you for making a difference in the lives in this little corner of Albania,” Cydil stated. “For those of you who are reading about Village Knits for the first time, see what we have to offer at the Village Knits website."

Although final sales are the goal of each knitter, there is much more going on behind the scenes as this winter wear is purchased and worn around the globe.

“As I photograph, tag, catalog, and post new merchandise, I breathe a prayer that each item will be bought, that faith will grow with each sale, and that answered prayers will wrap and warm hearts just like the products wrap and warm bodies,” Cydil shared.

MORE: Christmas is just around the corner. Visit Village Knits to start knocking items off your shopping list. You can also follow this community on Pinterest.