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 Giving Up the American Dream Worth It?

Steve Solheim, Missionary, Honduras
The Call, January-March 2017

Ah, the good ol’ American dream. There we were in our little house with our little family and our little dog. We were well on our way in our careers and livin’ the dream. What more could we want as we sang: “Our house, in the middle of our street”? We had two cars in the driveway, and we’d just completed our deck—the biggest one on the block, mind you. Yes, we were doing our best to keep up with the Joneses.

I started my career in the military and worked my way into a great position managing the battalion helpdesk. After I left the Marines, I landed a contract job in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Wow, I thought, these people are paying me to do what I love. How lucky can I get? For the next several years I bounced around from contract to contract, trying to land my dream job.

After 15 years I finally started my job as a systems engineer doing software deployment. But, there was one tiny problem with my dream job—I hated it. You see, I started out serving my country in the Marines. Then, I worked at various positions helping people with their computer problems. And now, I was stuck in an isolated corner way back in the IT department with no contact with the people I was there to help.

Meanwhile, we had just switched to a new church with a great youth program. Unbeknownst to us, it also had a great missions program. Through a series of well-orchestrated moves by God, we went on a two-week work team and a year-long volunteer assignment followed by a complete career change to honor and follow Him in Honduras. I was using my spiritual gifts of Helper and Service again as well as one I was completely unaware of: Faith.

With the extreme cut in income that we took going to the mission field, we thought we wouldn’t be able to do all the things we loved to do and that we would never be able to do the things we always dreamed of doing. That was a lie. For everything that we gave up, God has blessed us with more opportunities and even given us the opportunity to do things that we never even dreamed possible when we were trapped in the American dream.

ACT: This month, hide the words of 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 in your heart. Memorize this passage as a reminder for your missions journey.

Prayer Calendar March 12-18,2017

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

"Ah, the good ol’ American dream. There we were in our little house with our little family and our little dog. We were well on our way in our careers and livin’ the dream. What more could we want..."

Pray for steve and Kelly Solheim as they serve God in Honduras. p.4.

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.

Prayer Calendar March 5-11,2017

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

"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."

Pray for missionaries who are planting seeds of the gospel on the Texas/Mexico border. p.10

Has a Career in Missions Been Worth It?

Frank Martin, Retiree
The Call, January-March 2017

As we nudged closer to retirement, we were asked the question: “Has a career in missions been worth it?” Our answer was always: “How many ways can you say YES?” We would do it again in a heartbeat!

For Sharon and I, 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV) encapsulates our missionary career. 

However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

This verse is so true as we have “seen” much and “heard” much over our 39 years of ministry in America and around the world. In our heart of hearts, we never dreamed that we would be able to travel to 14 different countries and see God’s work there.

God’s faithfulness over the years to supply our spiritual, physical, and financial needs has caused our faith to continue to grow. Many times our only source of help was through Him. 

We had the opportunity to work with many people who had a variety of personalities and ministry styles. It took all of us to advance God’s kingdom. With ministering in so many different places, we were able to enjoy a variety of cultures. They were as varied as the people who lived there. The foods, the customs, the music, the smiles, the different means of travel, all drew us in. It gave us a greater appreciation for God’s creativity.

Of course, who can never forget jet lag! Everyone should get the chance to experience that: traveling hours and hours and then being five, eight, or 12 hours away from the time your body is used to!

A special blessing we received was the friendships we made with missionaries, volunteers, and nationals. Oh, how we have been blessed! We have laughed together, cried together, worked together, and worshiped together. Together, we have advanced God’s work for His glory.

ACT: This month, hide the words of 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 in your heart. Memorize this passage as a reminder for your missions journey.

Prayer Calendar February 26-March 4,2017

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

As we nudged closer to retirement, we were asked the question: “Has a career in missions been worth it?” Our answer was always: “How many ways can you say YES?” We would do it again in a heartbeat!

Praise God for retired missionaries who have set godly examples of service. p.5

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.

Prayer Calendar Feb. 19-25,2017

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

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

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

Pray for Kurt and Cynthia Zimmerman in their ministry at Santa Cruz Learning Center. p.20

Missionaries Answer the Hard Question: Why Go Overseas When There Are Needs in the United States?

Bill and Lydia Allshouse, Mexico

“We are all called to serve somewhere, and if God calls you to serve in another country and to another people group, then that’s where you need to be. Lydia and I didn’t know where we were going to serve, considering the needs in the U.S., but we were led to Mexico. God gave us a peace about being in Mexico, so we knew that’s what He had for us and where we should serve.

“We absolutely believe that even though there is a great spiritual need here in the United States, there’s also that great spiritual need in other countries. We believe what Christ said when He gave us the Great Commission—to go and make disciples in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the world. Wherever He calls you, we believe we have to be obedient.”

Jim and Becka Johnson, Papua New Guinea

“Mission work, both overseas and here at home, is important, but you have to go where God calls you to work and how you fit into God’s plan. That’s the main thing. Whether He calls you to go overseas or whether He calls you to work here at home, both are very important. One goes with the other.”

Dan and Dana Jacobs, Kenya

“God places that special calling in your heart that you just can’t shake. Our special calling was to care for orphans and abandoned children in Kenya. Yes, there are needs here and there are abandoned and orphaned children here, but that’s not what God called us to do. He calls each of us to do something.”

Shelley Chapman, Africa Region

“Rather than looking at this question as either/or, I would rather look at it as both. I believe that as missionaries, we serve both in our host country and all of our friends and family in the United States. I also think that it’s important to be embedded in the context over a long period of time in order to see the greatest impact of transformation and change. So, I want to live in the culture where I’m working in my field, which is leadership development in Africa. And then when I come home on homeland ministry assignment, it’s a time for me to invest in the lives of people that I know here in the U.S. Rather than looking at it as one way or the other, it’s the kingdom of God that we’re working on. And the kingdom of God is here in the United States and it’s all around the world. I want to be involved in that process—in that kingdom of God work—wherever that may take me.”

PRAY: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). The WGM missionary staff depends on your prayer support. Partner with them in prayer through Prayer Lifeline, an email that is sent to your inbox every Tuesday with urgent needs from those on the front lines. 

Prayer Calendar February 12-18,2017

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

Why Go Overseas When There Are Needs in the United States?

"We absolutely believe that even though there is a great spiritual need here in the United States, there's also that great spiritual need in other countries. "

Pray for a missionary you know personally. p. 12

Are Short-Term Missions Worth the Cost?

Nathan Waggoner, Missionary, Albania
The Call, January-March 2017

Summer 2016 was a busy season for short-term volunteers in Albania. We were blessed to host a university team and two families for one- to two-week trips each and three Volunteers In Action (VIA) interns who stayed for seven weeks! Thousands of dollars were invested last summer in these short-term trips as the volunteers came alongside of us in the village. Was it worth it?

If you Google the question “Are short-term missions worth the cost?” you will find thousands of 

articles —some thoughtful, some cynical—debating the question. Many articles claim that short-term missionaries benefit much more than their host communities. Most compare the funds used for travel to local wages and consider what else (presumably better) could be done with that money. Some of the examples cited would turn me off from short-term missions completely if I hadn’t experienced the other side.

The team from Asbury University (Kentucky) brought youthful enthusiasm with special skills in worship arts. A student majoring in worship arts along with Jonathan Powers, WGM’s Student Involvement director at Asbury, led a workshop for our young congregation. As a result, a committed group of youth and adults meet weekly to help plan our church services. Not only is the church service enriched and more orderly with the planning but also more people are involved each week.

The team also helped us launch a new children’s program in a neighboring village. (Incidentally, we learned about this community through distributing Christmas shoeboxes—another short-term missions outreach.) We had hoped the draw of our American visitors would help our numbers, but we were amazed when more than 80 kids and adults showed up! Our daughter, Ellie (age 11), played her guitar with Jonathan as they taught the first praise songs ever sung in that community! The youth from our village church caught the vision and have faithfully continued leading this weekly kids’ club outreach. 

Nathan (WGM Board member) and Anne Lowe and their children came to Albania on a family missions trip, and they plugged into our village ministries like they had been here from the beginning. Each family member was involved, whether preaching at church, facilitating youth Bible study, holding a chess tournament, leading a workshop for young mothers on childhood brain development, or visiting village homes. I know they left tired, but they helped encourage us and our neighbors.

Since the VIA interns were here for seven weeks, they were involved in all of the above ministries as well as starting a weekly Bible study fellowship for the young ladies in our village. They were also instrumental in helping our church’s youth prepare and lead the ongoing kids’ club meetings in our neighboring community. Both ministries have continued since they returned to the States, because people are following the patterns they set while they volunteered here with us.All of these “short-term” missionaries have left a long-term impact in our community! They strengthened our hands as career missionaries as they used their skills and abilities for the kingdom of God in Albania!

Only in eternity will we see the full dividends from the investments made this summer by short-term missionaries in Albania. But based on the returns we have already seen in this short time, the answer to the question “Was it worth it?” is a resounding YES!

GO: Ready to make your long-term impact on a short-term team or as a volunteer? Visit www.wgm.org/teams and www.wgm.org/via to learn more!

Is the Cost of Missions Worth It?

Shelly McCollum, Support Staff
The Call, January-March 2017

How do you rate a mission organization’s impact and effectiveness at achieving its purpose? Many times, financial indicators and ratios are used to measure impact. Financial partners may ask, “How much of every dollar goes directly to programs?” While these overhead to program ratios may be beneficial as one type of measurement, they do not tell the whole story and are not the best indicators of effectiveness.

What do we mean by overhead and program ratios? Every dollar you give to World Gospel Mission is apportioned to various cost categories. Overhead and fundraising costs are not associated with any particular program and include infrastructure costs, such as technology and financial systems, building maintenance, fundraising, legal costs, and administrative support salaries. Robust infrastructure systems are critical to supporting WGM missionaries who serve around the world. Gifts must be receipted to donors, expenses reimbursed, grass mowed, email systems checked, and travel costs incurred as missionaries build support teams.

Rather than focusing on low overhead and fundraising cost ratios, more value should be placed on whether funds are being used to achieve organizational effectiveness, public accountability, and proper governance. Low overhead and fundraising ratios could have adverse impact if adequate systems are not in place to support the mission of WGM.

WGM’s ratios for 2015 to 2016 include:

• 82 percent for program costs
• 12 percent for administrative costs
• 6 percent for fundraising costs

However, what does that really tell you about the impact WGM is making toward achieving its goals? Are people hearing the gospel? Are infrastructure systems in place to adequately support missionaries serving around the globe? Are missionaries funded quickly enough to keep the costs of fundraising low? Overhead and fundraising costs that are too low may mean the missionary or ministry project does not have adequate support to succeed. Overhead and fundraising expenses should be based on whether these costs increase the organization’s net mission value. One organization with an 82 percent program ratio may be accomplishing its goals while another with the same ratio may not.

Donors should not use these ratios as the “sole” basis for measuring impact and for making philanthropic decisions. These costs have no meaning apart from their contribution to the whole effectiveness of the Mission. Hearing the “soul” impact WGM and the missionaries you support are making around the globe should be the driving factor in your charitable decisions. Impact is what matters most! 

GIVE: There are many ways to partner with a WGM missionary, volunteer, ministry, project, or location. Learn more about giving a tax-deductible gift.  

Prayer Calendar Feb 5-11,2017

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

How do you rate a mission organization’s impact and effectiveness at achieving its purpose? Many times, financial indicators and ratios are used to measure impact. Financial partners may ask, “How much of every dollar goes directly to programs?” While these overhead to program ratios may be beneficial as one type of measurement, they do not tell the whole story and are not the best indicators of effectiveness.

Praise God for ministry partners who support missions financially. p.19

Is It Worth It for Missionaries to Serve Overseas When There Is Need in the U.S.?

Larry Overholt, Missionary, Honduras
The Call, January-March 2017

The mystery of God’s call has continually intrigued me. From our early teen years, Angie and I have each sensed that God was calling us to be missionaries to a culture outside of the one into which we had been born. God’s call for us to serve as missionaries has developed over the years, but it has never wavered. We continue to serve in Honduras because God leads us in that direction. 

Throughout our careers as missionaries, people have periodically asked us to explain why we continue to be missionaries overseas when there is such a need at home. The question has come to us in a variety of contexts. Perhaps, you have even wondered about these things from time to time.

1. WELL-BEING

There is ongoing concern about whether we will be safe. Family members, close friends, and even new acquaintances have expressed their concern for our physical welfare. Angie and I became missionaries 36 years ago because we understood that missionary service is our spiritual calling from God. We dare not be missionaries to Honduras without that call, and we dare not stay home if God is calling us to go to Honduras. For us, the decision to become missionaries has never been rational or calculated.

2. ACHIEVEMENT

At times, people have wondered if we have fulfilled our missionary obligation and it is time now to return home. On occasion, we have even been offered jobs at home, assuming that missionary service was a short-term obligation.

For us, missions was not a training ground to do something else as a real career. Angie and I weren’t motivated to serve as a way to “find ourselves” or to use our experience as a springboard to a better career. This is what God called us to long-term.

3.CURIOSITY

Sometimes people are merely curious to know why someone would leave their home country and spend their entire career elsewhere. People have confided that they enjoy missions but have no idea how we can do it full time. Why would we continue to give up the comforts of home?

We’ve heard the sentiment that missionaries are no longer needed in other countries. Through modern communication technology, it is assumed that everyone can now “hear” the gospel. That assumption is based on the idea that the gospel comes primarily by hearing alone. There is still no more effective way of sharing Christ than by meeting people face-to-face in their communities and showing them that we care enough about them to be willing to become uncomfortable and that we desire to understand their needs.

We cannot underestimate the value of building relationships among members of Christ’s body worldwide. Working as multinational missionary teams contributes to a better understanding of each other and changes our worldview—for the better—in both directions.

4. COST

We depend on a strong support team of faithful champions who provide economically for us to continue as missionaries. Many of them also come on work teams, and hundreds of people we know invest time in praying for the ministry in Honduras. 

Several years ago, an older couple visited us on a work team in Honduras. They had supported us for years. As we said goodbye to them at the airport, they turned to us and said, “We came to see how our investment in missions was being used. We are going home knowing that our investment has been worthwhile.” The investment in missions is one that we gladly share with those who support us.

We recognize that there are many needs at home and that we could surely become involved in ministry there. Our specific call to serve as foreign missionaries does not make us any less responsible to those in need in the U.S. The call of God on us to be ambassadors of Christ wherever we “go” applies equally to every Christian.

Just as numerous people have asked us why we decided to become missionaries, a number of them have come to us with tears in their eyes, telling us that they had not been obedient to God’s call on their lives to become missionaries. It is never too late to contribute to the missionary cause. Angie and I will tell you, “It’s worth it!”

GO: Join Larry and Angie by serving on the Choluteca team. Career and volunteer opportunities are available for grant writers, small business facilitators, and vocational educators. Learn more at www.wgm.org/honduras.

Prayer Calendar January 29- February 4,2017

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

"The mystery of God’s call has continually intrigued me. From our early teen years, Angie and I have each sensed that God was calling us to be missionaries to a culture outside of the one into which we had been born. God’s call for us to serve as missionaries has developed over the years, but it has never wavered. We continue to serve in Honduras because God leads us in that direction."

Pray that those whom God has called to serve Him cross-culturally will respond to that calling. p. 6

Prayer Calendar Jan. 22-28,2017

Coming tomorrow on The Call blog:

"When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a flight attendant, a beautician, and even a cardiovascular surgeon. But never once, not even for a second, did I want to become a teacher. My older sister is a teacher, and, contrary to popular belief about younger siblings, I did not want to be just like her. But all of my plans failed. When I decided on a career path, God closed the door. Feeling confused and lost, I was growing frustrated. But then God placed a summer Volunteers In Action trip to Saltillo, Mexico, right in my lap."

Ask God to show you what special skills He has given you to serve others. p. 18

Is It Worth Sowing Seeds among Troubled Kids?

Tracy Dubois, Support Staff, with Terry and Colleen Hawk, Regional Directors
The Call, January-March 2017

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 RSV)

When you plant pumpkin seeds in your garden, you expect to harvest pumpkins. If you plant sweet corn seeds, you expect to eat sweet corn soon. However, when it comes to sowing the seeds of God’s love in the hearts of children, the harvest is not always immediate or what you expect.

According to www.churchleadership.org, the average age of when people become Christians has steadily dropped over the years. Roughly 80 to 85 percent of people who become Christians do so by:

• the age of 18 (1978)
• the age of 16 (1988)
• the age of 15 (1998)
• the age of 14 (2008)

Didier is living proof of this promise and these statistics. He was born in Honduras and lived with his grandparents. The family was very poor, forcing Didier to dig through garbage to find food. His grandma died when he was 8, and Didier started getting into trouble. Three years later, Didier was sent to Escuela El Sembrador by his grandfather, who was unable to care for him. Didier studied at El Sembrador from 1993 to 1997, when he completed sixth grade.

Didier accepted Christ during a church service at El Sembrador when he was 13. Jorge Pacheco, a former El Sembrador student who was serving as a counselor at the school, helped lead Didier to the Lord. Terry and Colleen Hawk directed the school at the time.

Didier later walked away from his faith and moved to the U.S. But, by God’s grand design, Didier returned to the truths he learned at El Sembrador. He and his wife, Lourdes, began attending church and decided to renew their commitments to God and raise their two young sons in His light.

In May 2016, at age 35, Didier was baptized by Jorge—the same man who helped lead him to the Lord in 1997—in a Hispanic church in New Orleans. The Hawks were present for this grand celebration.

“It was a special God moment when Jorge baptized Didier,” Terry and Colleen recalled. “May this be a call for people to invest in the lives of young children, because you never know what the seed you plant will bring to harvest. It is truly worth it!”

Jorge added: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58b NIV).”

“I feel very blessed walking with the Lord,” shared Didier. “I have established a Christian home and have my own construction company. Lourdes teaches a Sunday School class, and I am waiting for the Lord to show me what He wants me to do in the church.”

PRAY: Pray that Didier and Lourdes will remain strong in the Lord, that Didier will find his ministry niche, and that their family will be a testimony of God’s love and faithfulness.

GIVE: Help other boys like Didier and invest in the life of an El Sembrador student today. 

Prayer Calendar Jan. 15-21,2017

Coming Tomorrow on The Call blog:

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 RSV)"

"When you plant pumpkin seeds in your garden, you expect to harvest pumpkins. If you plant sweet corn seeds, you expect to eat sweet corn soon. However, when it comes to sowing the seeds of God’s love in the hearts of children, the harvest is not always immediate or what you expect."

Pray that the seeds planted by the gospel in the lives of students at Escuela El Sembrador will grow into solid faith. p.9