United in Love

An excerpt from...

United in Love

Missionary serving in media
January-March 2014

In my first term overseas, I have partnered with five organizations in four countries. These partnerships were unexpected, but so beneficial. I worked on projects I never could have dreamed about. We were united in Christ, not in denomination or doctrine. We were united in love, not in culture or language.

This made things difficult. Communication wasn’t easy. Conveying complex ideas took time, and many mistakes were made. Forgiveness was a necessity. As the production unfolded, our Western and Eastern cultures began to butt heads.

I was too blunt. As an American, I am task-oriented. And in the fast-paced world of technology and media, this is an important aspect for project completion, but doesn’t always go over so well in the Eastern way of life.

They are more relational. They wanted to talk, to learn, to listen, to take the time to laugh. This is not to say they were lazy or avoided work. No, they indeed got down to business when it was time. They just have a different approach.

Each media project I participated in had one purpose, which was to further Christ’s kingdom. We all wanted to honor Christ; we just had different approaches.

The transformation I saw in the partnership was in me. I am beginning (only just beginning) to see myself from outside my own culture. It is a scary and intimidating process. I am learning to slow down and value slow conversations, getting to know someone a little deeper, rather than always worrying about what to check off my to-do list. And yet I know that my source of real affirmation comes from God’s unconditional love.

God created each one of us in the partnership perfectly. Our personalities, skills, and production approaches are of perfect design to further His kingdom. We must remember the words of Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (NIV).

PRAY: Are you seeking the Lord’s help in your partnerships? Has conflict taken over where love once overflowed? Take time to ask Jesus for guidance in redeeming the conflict and allow Christ to be glorified in your work.

The Discipline of Love

An excerpt from...

The Discipline of Love

Learning to reflect Christ’s character
By Rachel Elwood, Support Staff
July-September 2013

Most of us sane people would admit that something as strenuous as running 26.2 miles takes a certain measure of training. The body is just not naturally inclined to produce that kind of endurance quickly.

It’s the same with practicing the kind of sacrificial love modeled by Christ. There’s no question that we are called to love others, too. A gander through Matthew 25 reveals that distinguishing marks of believers include feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, and visiting the vulnerable. In Mark 21:31, Jesus emphasized the importance of loving and serving our neighbors as much as we would want the same for ourselves. Acts of service are not emphasized for their own sake, but they are to be done out of an attitude of love.

But our fallen nature means we are naturally inclined to be selfish. Without regularly committing to love others, we can easily fall into patterns of behavior toward others that are not Christ-honoring. Loving others as Christ intended takes practice and training.

Luke 2:52 gives us a great “training plan” as a place to start in the discipline of love: “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people” (NLT).

We have those four areas in which we can show love: by sharing wisdom and by meeting physical, spiritual, and social needs. But who are we supposed to reach out to? Think about the three primary social circles we all live in: our families, our church or other fellow believers, and non-Christian “neighbors.” Plotted out on a matrix, this creates a nifty guide we can use to brainstorm small expressions of service and love we can do for each of these three groups of people in these four different ways.

Growing in the discipline of love takes commitment, willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and creativity. But the repercussions of us becoming more intentional in loving others are huge! Think of how this world could change if we actually lived what we preached. So what are you waiting for?

Do you need to flex your service muscles? Fill out the Discipline of Love matrix with ideas to show your family, your friends, and your neighbors Christ’s sacrificial love.

Visit www.disciplenations.org to learn more about what God is doing through people who are committed to whole-person discipleship and reconciliation around the world.

Prayer Calendar: July 28 - August 3

Here is a missions prayer point to add to your personal reflection this week:

ASK God to help you take practical steps in loving those around you.

Follow. Trust. Worship. Trust.

Follow. Trust. Worship. Love.

By Jazmin Frank, Team Participant
January-March 2013

They say every story has two sides. Usually that involves two different perspectives of the same experience from two different people. But have you ever realized that as we experience things individually, there are also two sides to the story—the physical side, which is what we actually experience; and the emotional/spiritual side, which is the internal experience?

I want to share my internal experiences (the spiritual side) of my missions trip to Papua New Guinea. This side of the story revolves around four words: follow, trust, worship, love.

Follow. Every day, we are taken out of our comfort zone in some way; we are changed by our experiences and the people we meet. It doesn’t matter if God calls us around the world or across the street. Following Him simply means laying down our lives for Him daily and trusting in His good and perfect plan.

Trust. Throughout my preparation for this missions trip and the trip itself, God kept asking me one question: “Will you trust Me?” Again and again, He would ask me if I would trust Him, and again and again, though my answer was a bit delayed at times, my answer was always, “Yes, I trust You. I commit to follow You wherever You lead, doing whatever You ask of me.”

Worship. The first Sunday we were in Hagen, I have to say I had never experienced a worship service as joyful as that one. I wished I understood Pidgin, the main language of PNG, so I could sing along!

Love. On the last night of VBS, I received so many hugs and handshakes, but what touched me the most was their tears. We had been with these people only a week. We had only sung songs, played a few games, done some crafts, and shared a few Bible stories, yet in that short time we had poured out love on them, and the people of Papua New Guinea had loved us in return.

This is the stuff that matters. The activities are fun, but sometimes the lessons are what stick with us the longest.

ACT: Saying yes to a two-week missions trip is just part of the experience. What God will teach through your experience may be the most important part. Join a team or create one of your own by sending an e-mail to Noritta Carter atteams@wgm.org.

Pure Love

An excerpt from Pure Love
By Larry Overholt, Honduras

July-September 2012

Throughout our years of ministry in Honduras, my wife, Angie, and I have witnessed a vast outpouring of love, both from the Hondurans with whom we work and from people in the U.S. who encourage and support us in ministry. I cannot imagine getting through the tough times without the encouragement of fellow missionaries, work teams, family, and the local church. There is no scale with which to measure the depth of love that springs from a genuine heart.

Our most recent encounter with unreserved love has come from our grandchildren, Quinn and Colin. As grandparents, we wanted this trip to have a positive impact on their young lives. We were concerned that they might be turned off by the heat in Choluteca, get bored, or wouldn’t like the food. We wondered, “How will they act around the Honduran children?” Upon their arrival, we quickly realized that we had no reason to fear. Quinn and Colin immediately became new little short-term missionaries. (Quinn had accepted the Lord when he was 4 years old and later led Colin to the Lord.)


But all too soon, the end came. Goodbyes, I have found, are the hardest part of missionary life. Upon leaving, Quinn said, “I sure am going to miss my best friend, Marvin.”  Even now, however, we realize they will impact children in the U.S. by sharing about their experience here and their new “best” friends.

MORE: You can teach your kids more about missions through WGM Kids’ World. Visit the activity pages at www.wgm.org/kidsworld.

Stay Awhile

An excerpt from Stay Awhile
For the love of ministry

By Frank Martin, International Ministries
July-September 2012


Sharon and I went to Southwest Indian School in the fall of 1977.

One day, as I was heading home for lunch, I walked past the junior high boys’ dorm. Then something unusual happened. It seemed as if the Holy Spirit jumped off the dorm roof and started walking with me. (Please don’t think I’m being disrespectful when I say He jumped off the roof. It seemed that way to me!)


As He fell into step with me, He started to talk to me and finally asked, “How do you like it here at SIS?” I replied, “I like it very much!” By this time, we were at my door. As I reached out to grab the doorknob, He finished His conversation by saying, “I want you to stay here awhile.” And then He was gone! As I opened the door, I knew in my heart that we were to stay at SIS.

How long did that “awhile” last? Believe it or not, Sharon and I and our three children ministered for the Lord on the American Indian Field for 19 years. Wow! During that time, we held many positions and were involved in many ministries. Although we had many ups and downs along the way, we wouldn’t change one bit of it!

ACT: Love to teach? Teachers are needed on the Tohono O’odham Reservation in Arizona.

Love Your Neighbor - Really

An excerpt from Love Your Neighbor - Really
By Melanie Miller, Honduras

July-September 2012

“Life isn’t fair!”

How many times have our spirits muddled in frustration over circumstances that just “wouldn’t have to be” if life was fair. We know—intellectually—that life isn’t fair, but our hearts still long for justice.

Kevin was a quiet little boy whom we got to know through our ministry at AFE (Amor, Fe, Y Esperanza, meaning Love, Faith, and Hope). AFE is a ministry that educates the children belonging to the families who live and work at the garbage dump in Tegucigalpa. Kevin was rarely seen with a clean face, and his soulful eyes were void of purpose.

Life began to change for Kevin when he enrolled in kindergarten at AFE. His smile was infrequent at first, but he learned what it was like to hold a crayon and color a picture. Despite a speech impediment that seemed to keep him a boy of few words, he learned to read and write.

The injustice of children working in the dump meant that on January 16, Kevin’s young life was lost beneath the wheels of a dump truck as he worked among the garbage. He left behind a mother and five younger siblings, along with his grandparents who provided love and consistency in his life.

There is nothing you and I can do to rectify the “unfairness” of what happened to Kevin. But it can challenge us to face the reality of life’s inequity that much of the world’s impoverished population lives daily. How am I sacrificing my life to make life better for someone in need? When God calls me to love my neighbor as myself, does it motivate my every action?

ACT: We can’t solve the world’s problems, but we can make a difference in the lives of those whom God brings to our paths. Are you loving your neighbor? Ask God today how He wants you to minister to those in your sphere of influence.

Born with a Broken Heart

An excerpt from Born with a Broken Heart
By Shushan Richardson, Ukraine
July-September 2012

My nephew Isaiah was born with a broken heart. Actually, he had a number of problems that required hours of prayer and a number of surgeries, including two that doctors actually had to open his chest, sawing through his breastbone to repair his damaged heart.

Although things had been explained to him before the surgery, this was clearly more than he had signed up for. He was ready to be done. It hurt and he did not want it to hurt anymore. He did not want to be strapped to the bed; he wanted to get up. He was angry and upset. His mom sat by his bedside, stroking his face and trying to comfort him with words of love. Isaiah kept responding, “No love! No love!” as if he were crying, “This isn’t what love feels like.”


I often think of Isaiah’s statement when I share about God’s love with someone and they respond with questions such as “Where was God when this happened to me?” This world has so much brokenness. God is lovingly repairing our hearts, teaching us to love. Sometimes it hurts and it’s scary. Sometimes it is so much more than we “signed up for.” But God is right there, comforting us, stroking our faces, and telling us how much He loves us.

ACT: Love is one of the characteristics of a missions-active Christian. To teach your kids practical ways to love, study the love chapter in the Kids’ World Go! Manual. Visit www.wgm.org/kidsworldgo to learn more.

To Argentina with Love

An excerpt from To Argentina with Love
By Bonnie Gouge, Argentina

July-September 2012

“Take a piece of paper and write one word that describes the World Gospel Church in Argentina.” It was a tough assignment, but we felt that this small group of pastors needed to answer this question: how do you describe your organization, your church, and your roots?

Understanding the challenges facing ministers in general, and this group of pastors in particular, we felt that God was asking us to challenge them first in heart issues—living and serving with integrity of heart.


As we looked into 1 Thessalonians 2, we questioned why Scripture compares leadership to being a father and a mother. From there we built on relationships, asking them why God created man (for fellowship) and why Jesus came to earth (to restore relationship with the Father).

Through discussion and studying the Bible, they realized that the World Gospel Church in Argentina is on their shoulders and that they are the ones who must take the church forward, united in love for one another.

God truly honored us with His presence and His love. We were ready to go out into the world with love! In the World Gospel Church in Argentina and in your church and community, people will see Jesus when we love one another.


Tell me, how would you describe your church in one word?

ACT: If your church would like assistance with creating a plan to love one another, consider inviting WGM to guide you through a Global Outreach Weekend in which you will discover what areas of ministry your church is most passionate about. Contact Todd Eckhardt at church@wgm.org.

Love in Soccer Cleats

An excerpt from Love in  Soccer Cleats
By Tracy Dubois, Support Staff, with Gerson and Betsy Tejeda, MexicoJuly-September 2012


Carmen (name changed for privacy) woke up and wondered how she was going to feed her family. Her two children also needed new shoes and clothes, but she didn’t have the money. She was a new Christian and was feeling discouraged as she walked down her street in McAllen, Texas.

Gerson, who was born and raised in Bolivia, knows about poverty. He knows what it feels like to want new soccer cleats, and he knows what it feels like to be hungry.

The Lord also prompted Gerson to ask Carmen if she needed any rice or clothing.
“God sent you, didn’t He?” Carmen asked. “I was praying this morning because I didn’t have food to put on the table.”

“We realized that we can have all our programs and all our projects, but what really touches people is when we meet them where they are,” shared Betsy Tejeda. “They aren’t going to listen to the gospel until we feed them and clothe them and meet their needs."

ACT: With the help of a local Christian radio station and food and clothing donations from churches around the States, Gerson and Betsy want to start a clothes closet at Taylor Community Center. Want to help? Contact Gerson and Betsy at wgm@wgm.org to show Christ’s love in McAllen.

The Blessings of a Work Trip

An excerpt from The Blessings of a Work Trip
By Gary Knox, Men With Vision
July-September 2012


A few years ago, I had an experience that totally convinced me that the blessings received as a result of a work trip come in many ways, at unexpected times, and never end.

In 1992, I led a work team to Paraguay. Much was accomplished on the trip, but the true highlight for me occurred at a Sunday evening church service. As we were waiting for the service to begin, I scanned the sanctuary and soon caught the eye of a little girl sitting across the aisle. I smiled, she smiled, and soon she was sitting next to me. Her name is Fabiola. She was 5 years old and as cute as cute can be.


Following the service, I met her parents and found out they were very active in the ministry of the church. I also found out that she and I have something important in common: we share June 29 as our birthday. Since then, we have stayed in contact through birthday cards, letters, and small gifts.

In 2004, I returned to Paraguay and was delighted when Fabiola joined our team and we were able once again to spend time together. Our communication abilities had improved and we were blessed with a joint birthday party her parents had for us. She was celebrating her 18th birthday, and I was celebrating, well, another year.

Fast forward to 2007. No, not another trip to Paraguay (regrettably), but a blessing some 15 years in the making. It happened this way:


While searching for a suitable container in which to ship an odd-shaped item I had sold on eBay, I came across an old suitcase that I had used during my trip to Paraguay in 2004. It was the perfect size. I worked on packing the item, and, in the process, a piece of paper fell out of a small pocket along the inner edge of the suitcase. It was a note from Fabiola. The note said, “1 Corinthians 15:58, Love, Fabiola.” I stuck the paper in my pocket, finished packing the item, and began to get ready for a meeting at the church.

The meeting was one that I really didn’t want to go to because I “knew” (truly led by the Spirit) I would have to take a stand on a subject that the rest of those at the meeting would not agree with. I was tempted to stay home, but I simply could not.

As I had anticipated, my point of view was not popular, but circumstances since have assured me beyond a doubt that it was the right thing to do. A few days later, I came across the note from Fabiola and looked up the verse. It says, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (NIV). Wow! That was exactly what I needed!


God blessed me when I met Fabiola. God has blessed me through our communications since.

ACT: Do you want a blessing? Then go on a work trip. To schedule your work team, contact Noritta Carter at 765.671.7204 or teams@wgm.org. Teams travel year round.

Honor your Father and Mother

An excerpt from Honor Your Father and Your Mother
By Rachel Powdrill, WGM Partner
July-September 2012


Remember learning the Ten Commandments when you were a child? For those of us who grew up in the church, we were taught from a very young age that these were God’s standard for all Christians. However, the commandment “Honor your father and your mother” is often relegated to children’s lessons or pointed out to teenagers.

This commandment is given to us for the lifetime of our parents, not just when we live under their roof as children or teenagers.

Generations are living longer due to medical advancements. Therefore, there is a greater need for more care for the elderly in their latter years. Often, missionaries are faced with the dilemma of needing to return home to care for aging parents. Sam and I have been in this position for almost five years.


We could have said to our needful parents, “We are doing good by spending our lives on the mission field.” Although we were dedicated to the “temple” (for us, the mission field), Jesus desired us to live in obedience by caring for our parents.

We definitely grieved over the loss of serving overseas in ministry. When missions has been your entire life and you leave it all behind, a huge amount of loss floods your being. We have grieved as our parents have aged and lost their memories and ability to communicate. But Jesus still whispers, “Honor your father and your mother.”

ACT: Do you know someone who is a caregiver for an elderly spouse or parent? Give them a call or send an encouraging note today, thanking them for their loving service.

No Blessing Lost

An excerpt from No Blessing Lost

Sharing love on a missions trip
By Victoria Henderson and Alexandra Keister, Work Team Members
Photographs by Jer Nelson
July-September 2012

Our work team of nine seemed an unlikely group. Our ages ranged from 11 to 63 and our backgrounds were varied. Most of us met as strangers, but 18 days later, we parted as friends who had shared an unforgettable time on the mission field of Kenya.

Kenya is littered with many tragedies. Due to poverty and AIDS, many Kenyan children have been orphaned or abandoned. Our group visited the town of Salgaa, where prostitution is rampant.
The good news that Jesus Christ changes lives is penetrating the dark places of Kenya, thanks to Christians who are sharing their faith within their culture. Two of the tireless workers for Christ our team met were Staci Keter, director of the Africa Gospel Church Baby Center; and Meshack Habib, senior pastor of Ngata Africa Gospel Church. Both were inspiring in their passion for their ministries, their knowledge of their mission field, and their seemingly unending energy to fulfill their calling.

ACT: WGM teams are custom-fit for you and your group. Most teams minister on the field for one to two weeks. Are you ready to put love into action?

The Business of Miracles

An excerpt from The Business of Miracles

---

Jesus revealing His love to His people

By Dr. Jan Grzeszkowiak, Volunteer, with Lizz Bramble, Volunteer
July-September 2012

Have you ever thought about how God uses His supernatural powers of conversion and healing to go hand-in-hand with the wonders of modern medicine? Let me tell you the miraculous story of Tapnyonbi Kipkemoi Borowo and how the Lord provided her with whole-patient care.

After arriving at Tenwek, we traveled with a mobile eye clinic to the village of Dikirr, about two hours away. More than 70 people were already lined up, waiting for us outside the local health center, which was nothing more than a rough concrete block house. These people were eager to receive the medical help we could give.

Earlier that morning, before we arrived in Dikirr, the Lord spoke to my heart and revealed He wanted to heal a deaf person that day. After sharing the gospel message, I asked the large group if anyone among them was deaf. All fingers pointed to an elderly lady sitting under a tree. She was known to many in the village because of her deafness. Richard and I laid hands on Tapnyonbi Kipkemoi Borowo and commanded the spirit of deafness to leave her body and asked God to completely restore her hearing.

As soon as the prayer was finished, a surprised Tapnyonbi announced with joy that she could hear again. Everyone who witnessed the miracle was astonished at what the Lord had done. Jesus came once again and revealed His love and power to His people.

Our God is in the business of miracles. He performs them every day and everywhere; we just aren’t always looking for them. Praise to the One who healed a woman’s deafness and poor vision and her soul in the same moment! May we not forget to look for God’s daily miracles in our lives.

ACT: Share with others the amazing ministries and miracles that are happening at Tenwek Hospital. Go to www.wgm.org/outlines for a speaker outline about Tenwek and other WGM ministries.

President's Perspective: The Call to the Abandonment of Love

The Call to the Abandonment of Love

By Hubert Harriman, President
July-September 2012

John Wesley said, “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen, such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven upon earth.”

If the world will sometimes give themselves with such abandonment to certain causes, God’s people ought to be at the front of the line in complete abandonment for greater causes. We shouldn’t have to coax believers into missions. They ought to pounce on divine opportunities like a dog on a bone. Why don’t we?


Does the love of Christ dominate you? As you read through The Call, will you answer the call to the abandonment of love? To that end I pray! If we will, we can, as Wesley said, “shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven upon earth.”

ACT: Have you become too self-seeking? This is the time to make it right. Spend time in prayer with the Father. Return those things that are rightfully His and seek the call to the abandonment of love.

Missions - Love is a verb.

The July/August/September issue will be landing in mailboxes and inboxes next week. Here's a little taste of what is coming...

“If you love each other, everyone will know that YOU are my disciples.” ~John 13:35 (CEV)


We serve in ministry because of love. That’s at the core of missions. It’s the love of our Father for us and the call to share His love with others. In this issue of The Call we explore ministry, love as a verb.