A Living Altar

Rachel Elwood, Director of Communications

In 1952, Queen Elizabeth came to the throne of Great Britain, Singin’ in the Rain was a hit film, gas was only 20 cents a gallon, and Beverly Lewis was appointed as a missionary to the Texas/Mexico Border field. In 2017, she is celebrating an astonishing 60 years of missionary service to five countries.

Beverly was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1929, and continued to call Portland home throughout her years in Latin America. Raised in a Christian family, Beverly was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit at an early age and became interested in missions in high school when she heard a missionary from Bolivia speak and share a slide presentation. She attended Cascade College in Portland to major in education and minor in Spanish and history. She later earned a master’s degree in education from Azusa Pacific University (California) in 1983.

Beverly used her gift of teaching in every place she served, focusing on equipping church leaders. Her resume includes teaching at Taylor Institute on the Texas/Mexico border; teaching and serving in administration at Berea Bible Institute in Bolivia; and founding Wesley Evangelical Seminary, which later became part of Bolivian Evangelical University. In Argentina, where she spent most of the 1980s, Beverly designed a plan for training pastoral students, later doing a similar project in Paraguay.

In Bolivia, where she spent most of her years of service, she was also involved in radio ministry, working with the national church in preparing programs that were broadcast all over the country. She also trained Bolivians in camping ministries, producing one of many enduring legacies—today, thousands of children, young people, and adults enjoy camping ministries throughout Bolivia.

Beverly officially retired in 1995 and remained in the U.S. for five years to care for her mother. In 2000, she returned to Bolivia to teach at BEU. She wanted to do what she loved most—invest in young people in Latin America. Since 2009, she has been based in Paraguay, where she is the director at Wesley Bible Institute in Asunción, preparing leaders for World Gospel Church of Paraguay. After moving to the U.S. this summer, she will continue to teach theological classes online.

“I first responded to a mention in a slide that if someone doesn’t go to teach these people, they’ll not have the opportunity to learn,” Beverly said. “On each field, there has been an urgent need for a teacher; He opened the door for me to go. I love the promise of 2 Corinthians 9:8, ‘His grace abounds, and He generously provides what I need.’” 

ACT: What retirement? Even into her 80s, Beverly is active in Christian service. Are you in or approaching those “sunset” years? Pray that God will help you find ways to minister to others during your retirement.

The Adventure of Altar Living

Amanda Hoogkamp, Missionary, Bolivia

“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.”  ~ J. R. R Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

This quote reminds me of what it means to put your life on God’s altar. There is no knowing what God is going to use or when; He often takes a piece of my life and uses it in ways that I never could have dreamed of. 

One of these instances was during my first two years in Bolivia. I felt God calling me to Bolivia to work with the El Alfarero (The Potter) University Student Center as a counselor. However, I could not start counseling right away because I needed to understand the language and culture better, so I volunteered wherever I could. 

I began working in the café that served the students; making coffees and smoothies and serving food was my day-to-day living. It was an adventure. I had never worked in anything like that before. (I didn’t even like coffee at the time; although, that is a different story now!)

Then they asked if I could help in the onsite library that was used by students, counselors, and the public. Sure, I thought; I love books. As I started working, I realized that maybe God had a different plan. You see, I not only love books but also libraries. My family has a personal library in our house, and my mom had worked in a library for many years. I used to go in and help her with cataloging and shelving. It turned out that I knew more about running a library than most of those who were working in the one at El Alfarero.  

By the second year, I was working on updating the library and dealing with issues that had been there since the library first opened. God took my life experiences—ones I never thought would be used on the field—and swept them up into His plans. I had placed my life and experiences on His altar, and He took off what He wanted to use. 

What does God want you to place on His altar? Are you allowing yourself to be swept off into His great adventure?

GO: Is fear or uncertainty holding you back from the adventure God has for you? WGM is here to help you find your place in God’s Great Commission. Contact mobilization@wgm.org to get started! 

Bolivia

Lord, we see that there are needs in Bolivia that will only be met by those who not only pray and give but also come to this land themselves. May they hear and respond to Your call to share the good news in the heart of South America. Amen.

Mike Brown, Missionary, Bolivia

SPECIFIC NEEDS

Volunteer

Missionary

Berea Bible Seminary

Bilingual Seminary Professors

Bilingual Spiritual Life Coordinator/Chaplain

Bolivian Evangelical University

English Teaching Assistants(TESOL)

El Camino Restoration Home

Bilingual Counselors

Bilingual House Parents

Educators

Maintenance Coordinator

El Alfarero University Student Center

Bilingual Counselors

Bilingual Friendship Evangelism Discipleship

Volunteers

Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center (K-12 International School)

Director

Teachers

Is Fulfilling Your Part in the Great Commission Worth It?

Nathan Schmidt, Missionary, Bolivia
The Call, January-March 2017

I admit, there are times I have wondered if it truly is worth it to serve the Lord as a career missionary. When I sleep on a hard church bench at night in an adobe church building in Bolivia, is it worth it? When I travel by bus on the dangerous mountain roads, is it worth it? When I eat foods that I am not accustomed to, is it worth it? To live so far from family, is it worth it? When I get sick due to the water, is it worth it?

But when I hear people respond to God’s Word and call out to Him around a church altar, it is worth it! When I hear a young man and his girlfriend pray the sinner’s prayer with me, it is worth it! When I see a new church form in the mountains of Bolivia, it is worth it!

When I see a wayward pastor’s son come back to Christ, it is worth it! When I see a new believer step into the cold waters of a mountain stream to be baptized, it is worth it! When I see a young man step up and say, “I have been called by God to be a pastor,” it is worth it! When I listen to a pastor share his burdens and am able to pray with him, it is worth it! 

It is worth the cost to be a missionary and a part of fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus said it this way in Mark 8:36 (ESV): “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

GO: Is God calling you to go? No matter the location or cause or the timeframe you have to serve, there’s a program to fit your calling and your needs. Your obedience is worth it!

CAREER: Serve 2+ years

• Missionary Discipleship Program: Through the MD Program, called individuals can become full-time missionaries.

VOLUNTEER: Serve 1+ weeks to a year

• Missionary Volunteer Partners:  Adults, age 30 or above, serve side by side with missionaries and nationals, partnering with established ministries and helping with new outreaches.
• Volunteers In Action: Individuals or couples, age 19-29, will get a taste of missionary life in a cross-cultural setting and in virtually any type of ministry.
• Teams: Teams are custom fit—work, college, youth, family, prayer—so there’s no end to the ways you and your group can minister. 

Prayer Calendar March 19-25,2017

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

"I admit, there are times I have wondered if it truly is worth it to serve the Lord as a career missionary. When I sleep on a hard church bench at night in an adobe church building in Bolivia, is it worth it? When I travel by bus on the dangerous mountain roads, is it worth it? When I eat foods that I am not accustomed to, is it worth it? To live so far from family, is it worth it? When I get sick due to the water, is it worth it?"

"But when I hear people respond to God’s Word and call out to Him around a church altar, it is worth it!"

Praise God for His strength and wisdom that enable us to follow Him - even through hard times. p.8

Is It Worth It to Be Seed Planters?

John Kunkle, Missionary, Texas/Mexico Border Ministries
The Call, January-March 2017

Here on the Texas/Mexico border, we think of ourselves as “seed planters.” Sometimes all we have is a few moments to plant the seeds of the gospel in a person’s heart. We are thankful for the sowers of God’s love whom He has provided to our field. In the past two years, the number of Texas/Mexico Border Ministries staff working with the Hispanic community in McAllen, Texas, has more than doubled. God is moving to reach this area in a fresh new way with the gospel message. Here are some of the challenges we face and stories of the harvest that God is giving us.  

In order to plant the seeds of the gospel of Christ and see results for His kingdom:

1.  The soil must be broken for planting. Betsy Tejeda, acting field director: “One of the most difficult barriers is trust. It takes time and a lot of effort to break down that barrier. Another challenge is how transient our neighbors tend to be. We have learned the turnover in our community is very high, so once trust is built, they often move away and we start all over. This has helped us be very intentional, though, in sharing the gospel when we have the opportunity. We’ve learned it may be the only chance we get. We have reached families with the gospel through both the soccer program and The Sparrow’s Nest. We try to share the gospel at each outreach, even if it’s extremely short. [My husband] Gerson and I sensed the Lord tell us that we are seed planters; He is the One who causes those seeds to grow. Our responsibility is to be obedient to share the gospel when the opportunity is there and pray that the seeds fall on good soil. God is the One who will make those seeds grow and grant a harvest.”

2.  The soil must go deep. Joey Bocook, ministry partner: “The youth need a deeper understanding of who God is and what He wants for their lives. I believe it is necessary when teaching the churched youth that they understand that God loves them regardless of their faults or failures but also desires for them to strive to do their best and give Him 100 percent of their lives. I feel that all teachings to youth need to include a challenge to help them strive to be closer to Jesus.”

3.  The soil must be cultivated. Esther Leininger, missionary disciple and former missionary kid from Bolivia: “Missionary kids struggle with the same question all young people have—Who am I? Finding that answer is very difficult without a Christian community to guide you. God used my parents [Tom and Karen Leininger, formerly with WGM’s Wings of Peace aviation ministry] and church community to help me find my identity in Christ; here at Taylor Christian School, I can help young people learn who they are in Christ, too.”

4.  The soil must be fertilized and nurtured. Debbie McKelvey, missionary: “Currently, I counsel at a local church that has a counseling ministry and am able to refer people here for free marriage therapy. I want to be sensitive to every opportunity to share God’s hope in every situation. It is a joy to share God’s unconditional love to those who feel hopeless because of past sin. I am also blessed to share the healing power of Jesus with those who have been abused, abandoned, or betrayed. People need to know our Savior understands, because He suffered the same things we suffer, and it is by His stripes we are truly healed (Isaiah 53:5).”

Even though the task is not easy, we consider it of high priority to plant the seeds of God’s Word wherever He directs us. Is it worth it in the end when we see the harvest that God has brought to us? Indeed! We are harvesting the crops of many generations of “seed planters” who have come to the border before us, those faithful missionaries who so long ago said “yes” to the call of God. 

GO: Short-term opportunities are a perfect way to help cultivate the soil on the Texas/Mexico border. Apply to be a volunteer at www.wgm.org/serve.

Is It Worth Investing in the Lives of Students Cross-culturally?

Cynthia Zimmerman, Missionary, Bolivia
The Call, January-March 2017

Throughout our years at Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center, we have seen the Lord work beautifully in the lives of our students.

• A second grader leading his parents to the Lord
• The mother of a kindergartner coming to Christ as she studied her child’s weekly Bible verses
• A third grader praying persistently for the salvation of her grandparents in China
• Seventh and eighth graders taking a clear stand for Christ and leading worship among the upperclassmen
• High schoolers confessing that nothing satisfies but Jesus
• Former students returning, excitedly sharing their acceptance of the Word of Truth that they first heard at SCCLC
• Alumni—now parents themselves—enrolling their children in SCCLC and thanking God for transforming their lives through His Spirit, at work in and through the school
• Graduates serving Christ literally around the globe; redeemed lives who received a quality education and are now being used by God to transform society

Remembering what God has done makes it easy to affirm that being a part of His work here has been worth it all!

However, sometimes we don’t see how God is moving. In 22 years of teaching in Bolivia, there have been many normal days as well as a few discouraging, bewildering, seemingly fruitless days—days when Satan tempts us to question if it is still worth it.  

Just as some days seem more fruitful than others, the “price” also seems to vary in the changing seasons of our lives. There is the sting of rising emotional costs each time one of our children leaves home to attend college in the U.S. Yet, God holds them in His hands and guards us all in His peace that truly is beyond our comprehension. There are times when the costs skyrocket, as they did for me in 2016. My father passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind my mother for whom he had been the sole caregiver in her struggle with Parkinson’s disease. For me, Mom’s only daughter, the emotional cost of teaching math in Bolivia increased exponentially.

Is it still worth it to continue serving Christ in Bolivia? What makes it worth it?  Favorable results? A reasonable cost? Simply the fact that it is what God has asked us to do?

It is interesting to consider that God undoubtedly knew that many would never choose to accept His gift of salvation. However, it was still worth it to Him to send His only Son to be the Savior of all who would believe. Likewise, it was worth it to Christ, who knew no sin, to bear the sins of all mankind—even the sins of those whom He knew would never accept the redemption that He provided for them—in His body on the cross. He paid an extravagant price, but it was worth it all because that was the Father’s will.  

SCCLC is a field ripe unto harvest. Though not every student will readily turn to Him, Christ came for each of them! It is our privilege to share the great news of the redemption and transformation that He freely offers. God still works mightily in the lives of our students and their families.

In this particular season of my life, when family concerns pull at my heart and the cost of being here is more noticeable than before, I’m realizing that the appropriate question isn’t “Is serving in Bolivia worth it?” but “Is this still what God would have us to do?” We will seek Him and follow Him however He leads. He orchestrates the plan and produces the fruit. He sets the price and provides the joy in paying it. Doing God’s will is always worth it. He is God!

GO: Each year, SCCLC needs committed Christian educators to fill vital roles on its staff. Whether you are a current student teacher or teacher, a retired teacher, or just love kids, SCCLC needs you! Contact recruiting@wgm.org to learn more.

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.

Embrace His Next Adventure

Emily Barlow, Missionary, Bolivia
April-June 2016

I like the familiar. Knowing what will happen next is comforting to me. So when God hinted that a change in ministry was coming, my first reaction was frustration, not excitement. I had been at Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center (SCCLC), teaching, mentoring, and loving high school students since 2005. I couldn't imagine doing anything else; I didn't want to imagine doing anything else. But in 2011, for the first time, I began to feel disconnected from my ministry, and it scared me. What followed was a three-year process of prayer, trust, discovery, and frustration as God revealed that while I was staying at SCCLC, my ministry was becoming more than I had ever imagined. As I sought God's purpose, He changed me in three major ways so I could embrace His next adventure.

1. God deepened my heart. Being a teacher extended far beyond filling students with information. I mentored some of them on a weekly basis, went on retreats and camps with them as a counselor, hosted movie nights, and helped with fundraisers. I rejoiced in their victories, mourned with them in sorrow, listened, encouraged, and advised. That started to change in 2011. While I still had many students stopping by my room needing to talk, I also found that teachers, both new and experienced, came by to pray together, talk through ideas, or share frustrations. I discovered a new, growing love for the teachers. I rejoiced with them in victory, hurt with them over their pain and frustration, and counseled them to the best of my ability. I wanted them to experience victory, both in their professions and in their relationships.
2. God widened my vision. God soon took the desire to see teachers succeed and created a vision of how I should help make it happen. He had blessed me in the classroom. Now He wanted to use me to help other teachers see Him do the same for them. I wrestled with the idea of being principal because of my own inadequacies and because of how daunting of a task it is. I wanted to help SCCLC be the very best school it could be, both academically and spiritually, but I was scared I wouldn't be up to the task.
3. God strengthened my faith. So God reminded me once again that I'm a jar of clay filled up with a priceless treasure. He would do the work through me if I would only follow Him. As I took my perspective off my fears, the responsibilities, and the journey ahead and put my eyes back on my Creator, Sustainer, and Provider, I obeyed in faith. 

For the last 18 months I've been on homeland ministry assignment, planting seeds of missions and asking God to bring more teachers and partners in ministry. I completed my master’s degree in educational leadership to better prepare me for my new role as principal. As I write, I'm still uncertain what my next step will be, but I'm praying for God's perfect leading in His timing, just as He's led me from the beginning. I'm certain as my new ministry gets tough, I will have to revisit the lessons I've learned. But I'm also certain that with each relearning, my love will go deeper, my vision wider, and my faith stronger. When God is our true teacher and we are His true students, that's the inevitable, consistent result.

GIVE: Partner with Emily as she walks in obedience in this new adventure by supporting her with a monthly gift to her ministry. 

Bumpy Road Ahead

Rachel Kerney, Advance Volunteer Network
April-June 2016

Big changes ahead! That is what David and I both felt in Argentina in 2011, but at that fork in the road, we weren’t exactly sure where God was taking us. God directed our journey to serve with the Bolivia missionary team. Now, in 2015, He has guided us through an open door to minister in the United States as a pastor and director of international missions for Refuge Ministries in Copperas Cove, Texas. Those changes have had many layers of transition. Some of the recent ones have been adapting to the status of Advance Volunteer Network after 24 years as career missionaries, adapting to the culture of Texas, adjusting to an empty nest, and living in a home remodeling project.

The funny thing about transition is that you see it coming and you think you know what to expect. Life as missionaries has conditioned us for many changes and made us pretty flexible. Even though we may think that we are ready for the changes, there is something somewhere that catches us by surprise and throws us off balance. Then we are in the spinning mode, sort of out of orbit. That trigger can be as simple as getting a fine for not sorting trash correctly, trying to figure out your new banking system, or undefined expectations.

Transitions are charged with emotion. There is the sadness of what has been left—ministry and friendships. There is the frustration of the hundreds of little changes along with the big ones. There are great opportunities of seeing God touch peoples’ lives and experiencing personal growth. It is exciting to think of the possibility of going back to school to learn a skill. All these emotions seem to be magnified in transition, and they change quickly from day to day. So how do you get through this very bumpy season of life’s journey?

• God’s Word! I joined a Bible study at one of the Refuge Ministry locations. I wanted to get to know some people, but God knew exactly what I needed. The study has taken me deeper into God’s Word and is equipping and strengthening me for the challenges. 
• Finding good activities is important. I have been trying to learn some things about American football, since they tell me there is more to it than guys wrestling over an oval ball. This is Texas! I have learned quite a bit, thanks to the patience of my family to explain things to me.
• Let people know that the changes you are going through are a big challenge. You will find they reach out to encourage you in your turbulence. One friend invited us to his garden for “poppers.” I imagined some kind of microwave pop in, pop out food. Texan poppers are jalapeño peppers cleaned and filled with cream cheese and onion. They are wrapped in bacon and grilled. Texas food is great! The steaks remind me of Argentina!

I understand better now that transitions are a part of life; all people in all cultures experience them, not just missionaries. I believe that God wants me to use these lessons to help others slow down and recognize transition as the emotional upheaval that it is. I can help them see how God can turn it around for good in their lives just like He is doing in my life.

What can you do this month to help someone going through transition? Invite them to a Bible study, over for dinner, or to your favorite activity.

Prayer Calendar 17-23,2016

Coming to The Call blog tomorrow:

Big changes ahead! That is what David and I both felt in Argentinain 2011, but at that fork in the road, we weren’t exactly sure where God was taking us. God directed our journey to serve with the Bolivia missionary team. Now, in 2015, He has guided us through an open door to minister in the United States as a pastor and director of international missions for Refuge Ministries in Copperas Cove, Texas. Those changes have had many layers of transition. Some of the recent ones have been adapting to the status of Advance Volunteer Network after 24 years as career missionaries, adapting to the culture of Texas, adjusting to an empty nest, and living in a home remodeling project.

PRAY for someone in your life who has made a recent move and is in the midst of transition. p. 6

Let's Meet on the Highway

Hubert Harriman, President
April-June 2016

As a missionary kid, my life was a steady stream of transitions—from Bolivia (my birthplace) to the United States (for my parents’ deputation) and back to Bolivia several times as my parents moved from one ministry to another, to boarding school and back several times, and then on to college. After college, I did graduate work in Israel and then finished in Anderson, Indiana. That’s where Sarah and I met and were married. We soon went to Argentina for a year of missionary service, then to Ligonier, Indiana, where I pastored a church for the next 26 years. I’ve served as president of WGM for the last 13 years. And now, here we are, looking at another transition. The Lord willing, July 31, 2016, Sarah and I will enter into a new phase of life—free to do whatever we want! Wait a minute. Did I say “free”?

The apostles Peter, James, and Paul introduced themselves as “bondslaves” of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1; James 1:1; Romans 1:1; Titus 1:1). This was an Old Testament concept—one who had willfully given himself back to his owner after given his “freedom.” They were free from living for themselves, and free to live for another with all their heart. 

The most pathetic kind of bondage is the bondage to self. A bondslave knows the freedom of love—a freedom, like that of a husband and wife, that says, “I joyfully choose to give myself to you!” They enter into this constraint on their lives with full, glad abandonment. This love doesn’t feel any bondage. All they see are the great advantages and adventures of life together. Until one knows a complete love—with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength—for the LORD, they will never be free to know the joy of a bondslave lifestyle. They will always be chained to self-centered drives that shrivel into nothing more than “me.” Now, that’s pathetic.  

I’ve been marked! I’m not my own. I’m bought with a price, and I want to spend my life “repaying” the debt I owe Him. This is one debt I know I can never repay, but I will die trying—because I count it all joy. I love Him because He first loved me—even me! I’ll never forget that moment of transition from “my way” to “His way” and, believe it or not, it’s called a “highway”—the highway of holiness. I aim to stay on that way wherever it may take me. It’s the best way—it’s a complete oneness with the One. It’s where Jehovah God blesses and keeps you. It’s where His face shines on you and is gracious to you. It’s where He lifts His countenance on you and brings peace to you.  

Transitions? I’m free! Free to do whatever God wants. Meet me on this highway and let’s see where our God takes us. 

Pray for World Gospel Mission during this time of leadership transition. Ask for His blessing on the organization and on the new president.

Prayer Calendar April 1-2,2016

Pray for God's blessings on World Gospel Mission as we prepare for a new president.

As a missionary kid, my life was a steady stream of transitions—from Bolivia (my birthplace) to the United States (for my parents’ deputation) and back to Bolivia several times as my parents moved from one ministry to another, to boarding school and back several times, and then on to college. After college, I did graduate work in Israel and then finished in Anderson, Indiana. That’s where Sarah and I met and were married. We soon went to Argentina for a year of missionary service, then to Ligonier, Indiana, where I pastored a church for the next 26 years. I’ve served as president of WGM for the last 13 years. And now, here we are, looking at another transition. The Lord willing, July 31, 2016, Sarah and I will enter into a new phase of life—free to do whatever we want! Wait a minute. Did I say “free”?

WGM’s History in Pictures

Tracy Dubois, Support Staff
January-March 2016

“If we are to know where we are going, we need to know where we have been.” Retiree Burnis Bushong used this paraphrased quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln to introduce his book R.U.N., Reaching the Unreached Now: A Brief History of World Gospel Mission. As we look ahead to another year, let’s gain inspiration and encouragement from our strong, steadfast history.

June 1910: The Missionary Department of the National Association for the Promotion of Holiness was founded June 10, 1910, in University Park, Iowa. That same week, Rev. and Mrs. Cecil and Ellen Troxel and Rev. and Mrs. Woodford and Harriet Taylor were appointed to China as the Mission’s first missionaries. In 1920, the China Field had 15 missionaries and hundreds of Chinese Christians working to win souls for the Lord.

November 1910: Beatrice “Mother” Beezley became the first American staff member. Her title was Secretary of the China Bureau, and her office was simply her briefcase. On July 10, 1913, Mother Beezley and Iva Durham Vennard organized the first Prayer Band in Chicago. The group met for six hours every Friday to pray for missions.

1919: Call to Prayer was first published by Mrs. Beezley as a bimonthly magazine. In March 2009, the magazine was renamed The Call (www.wgm.org/call). It is now a quarterly resource that encourages readers to become missions active wherever they are.

1926: The Mission separated from the Christian Holiness 

Association and became incorporated in Illinois as The Missionary Society of the National Association for the Promotion of Holiness. In 1937, the organization’s name was changed to the National Holiness Missionary Society. The name officially became World Gospel Mission in 1954.

1946: WGM reported 102 missionaries on seven mission fields, including China, Kenya, India, Burundi, Honduras, Bolivia,
and the Texas/Mexico border.

1956: Men With Vision was founded as an outreach of WGM. Today, MWV has 15 active chapters in the U.S. In 1963, six young people served on the mission field, starting Summer Career Corps. This outreach later became known as the Volunteers In Action program. In 2015, WGM’s mobilization team appointed 13 missionary disciplesand sent out 28 Missionary Volunteer Partners, 30 VIA participants, and 64 ministry teams with 664 team members.

1967: WGM was actively working on 16 fields, including China, Kenya, India, Burundi, Honduras, Bolivia, Mexico, Japan, the American Indian Field, Taiwan, Lebanon, Peniel Missions, Egypt, Haiti, the Texas/Mexico border, and Brazil.

1969-1992: Ministries were started in Indonesia, Argentina, Nicaragua, Haitian American Ministries (in Florida), Israel, Tanzania, Paraguay, Hungary, and Uganda.

June 2010: WGM celebrated its 100th anniversary during International Celebration of Missions in Marion, Indiana. Partnering with local churches and Indiana Wesleyan University, WGM commemorated the past 100 years of doing God’s work together. An estimated 1,000 people from 19 different countries attended the milestone event.

Present: WGM partners with individuals, groups, and churches worldwide to make disciples of Christ and to encourage believers to become missions-active Christians. Visit www.wgm.org/locations and www.wgm.org/causes to learn more about where and how WGM’s nearly 240 missionaries are impacting the world with Christ’s love.

MORE: Take the children in your life on an in-depth trip down memory lane by following our Kids’ Curriculum for 2016: Time Travel Adventures (www.wgm.org/time-travel). Join siblings Bethany and Gabe and their tour guide, Dr. B, as they travel back in time to meet some WGM heroes, including the Troxels and Taylors, Ernie and Sue Steury, and Donald and Twana Hawk.