Teach and Disciple Others

An excerpt from...
Teach and Disciple Others

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By Scott Rambo, Missionary, Congo/Uganda
October-December 2014

I was minding my own business in my office, preparing a Bible story for an upcoming pastor’s training, when the watchman came to say that someone was at the gate to see me. Somewhat reluctantly, I left my desk to see who had come to visit. When I arrived at the gate, I saw a young man I knew I had met but couldn’t quite place. He introduced himself as Ishmael and reminded me how we had met at his uncle’s wedding four months ago.

Ishmael came looking for some Bible study books that he could use at his church where he led the choir and the youth group. I began telling him I didn’t have that kind of resource available and that we didn’t really use those kinds of materials in our ministry but that I would keep him in mind if I came across any. Then God smacked me in the head and reminded me that our ministry was Bible storytelling.

I invited Ishmael in and asked him if I could tell him a story from God’s Word. He said, “Yes,” and I told him the story from Mark 1:14-20 about Jesus calling His first disciples. After I finished telling the story, Ishmael told back as much of it as he remembered, and then we walked through the story together. As we discussed the story, asking and answering questions, I noticed he was struck by the way the disciples left their boats and followed Jesus immediately.

When we came to the point of applying this story to our lives, I asked Ishmael, “We saw how those fishermen left everything to follow Jesus; is there anything in our lives today that we need to leave behind to follow Jesus better?” He began to talk about several things he felt God was asking him to leave behind. After some more discussion, he said he needed to be going and we closed our Bible study in prayer.

When I finished praying, Ishmael said, “This story has touched me. Can I come again to hear another story?” He came back once every week or two to talk about another story, and it was a joy to watch him grow as he engaged God’s Word. But he didn’t stop there; he took what he was learning each week back to his church and used it there to teach and disciple others.

ACT: This month, use WGM’s speaker outline to share with others the ministry of Bible storytelling and invite others to get involved in this important discipleship cause.

Discipleship Takes a Team

An excerpt from...

Discipleship Takes a Team

By Kristi Crisp, Support Staff

October-December 2014

What do you do when your children’s ministry breeches the 100 mark? You call in the reinforcements! The Cristo Viene church in Paraguay and Pastor Nilda Vazquez did just that as this church began to see significant growth over the past few weeks. The World Gospel Mission missionary team responded, helping to fill the gaps.

The weekend I was there, I experienced firsthand why sometimes discipleship takes a team. The kids attending this Saturday morning worship service come from the community surrounding this modest church. These kids have street smarts. They come from broken, underprivileged families, some providing for themselves by stealing. Yet on Saturday mornings, the Cristo Viene church opens its doors and its hearts to these children, offering a safe, positive environment where Jesus can be seen in the lives of this body of believers. The church has seen the needs of the kids and started providing lunch for this crew so no one leaves hungry. All of these things, plus learning more about the God who created these little ones, started a growth spurt in this ministry outreach.

In comes the team to help minister….

Mark Donahue and his friend Hugo Leguizamón led a singing competition between the girls and the boys. Man, could they sing! There is not a more joyful noise than hearing little ones jump, shout, and praise Jesus.

Sharon Carr brought her puppet ministry team to share Bible stories with the little ones. The puppet team is made up of young leaders in a nearby church. It was a blessing to see these teens using their talents to share the love of Christ with those younger than themselves.

Larry Carr used illusions to share biblical truths with the kids. His sleight of hand kept the kids guessing what would come next. I mean who doesn’t like a good magic trick?

Pastor Vazquez and her family ended our service by blessing each little one with a shoebox from Samaritan’s Purse. It was a joy to see the kids open their boxes and enjoy the goodies that had been packed especially for them.

Sometimes it takes a team. Just as God used His team of disciples to minister to the hearts of the people they visited, Cristo Viene is following that same model. And what better reason than seeing children come to know Jesus as their personal Savior!

ACT: Get your “team” together for a ministry outreach opportunity. Encourage your sphere of influence to clean up a neighborhood park or serve dinner at your local mission. The way you serve is your choice, but take time to serve Jesus with fellow believers this year.

Partnerships On and Off the Field

An excerpt from...

Partnerships On and Off the Field

By Don Moon, Argentina
January-March 2014

World Gospel Mission missionaries are required to return to the United States after their term (often three to four years) on the field has expired. WGM calls this time homeland ministry assignment, which is when missionaries reconnect and build relationships/community/partnerships with family, friends, ministry partners, and churches. It’s a different kind of ministry but an important part of the missionary experience. As you can imagine, missionary families travel many miles during this time and often look for assistance from ministry partners along the way. Don Moon shares below just a few of the ways the Moons’ ministry partners have helped them in the past, using practical means to minister to his family.

Chris and Deb organized a soup and sandwich supper that allowed us to invite people from the area to hear about our ministry as Mission Mobilizers.

John and Rhonda loaned us a small camper for a couple of months so we could save money on lodging while we traveled.

On two different HMAs, someone purchased a house for us to live in while we were in the U.S. for a year and then used the house as a rental property investment.

Dan and Regina offered us their home for a week of R&R while they went on vacation!

Mike offered to sell our vehicle for us after we left the U.S. to return to the field so that we could use it right up until the day we left.

God has used many people to provide for our needs during our homeland ministry assignment. Whether it is a bed for the night, a meal together, gas money, a goodie bag, or a word of encouragement, many champions have invested in us, and together we are able to help take the gospel to a needy world. Thanks to every one of you!

Is there something you could do for a missionary or your pastor or Sunday School teacher that would help them in ministry? Take time this month to host a dinner, send notes of encouragement, or offer to prepare goodies for someone in ministry in your sphere of influence.

ACT: The partnership doesn’t have to stop with just you. Grab your friends, family, or small group and challenge them with this same thought. What can you, as a community, do this month to help a missionary, a pastor, or a neighborhood in need?

What to Do to Be a Missionary

An excerpt from...

What to Do to Be a Missionary

By Jared Gleason, Mobilizer
October-December 2013

World Gospel Mission has a great program called Missionary Discipleship for those wanting to serve in long-term missions. This three-year program includes one year of training and fundraising in the U.S. and two years at your ministry location.

Just like the name implies, the MD program intentionally focuses on mentorship and discipleship. Our goal is to give you tools and support so you can have a successful ministry.

How do you get started?  Here’s a quick list:

1. Talk to your family, friends, and pastor. These individuals are essential in helping you pursue your calling into missions.
2. Apply with World Gospel Mission. Fill out the preliminary application available at www.wgm.org/md. We’ll then help you through the rest of the application process.
3. Attend a Candidate Review Weekend at WGM headquarters. We’ll meet with you face-to-face and talk about your calling and vision for ministry.
4. Be approved as a missionary disciple. A formal interview is held at the end of the Candidate Review Weekend. You are assigned a staff “coach” to help you the rest of the way.
5. Attend training sessions. Training events focus on mentoring ministry partners, fundraising, cross-cultural ministry and living, language acquisition, and more.
6. Develop your sending team. Talk with friends, family, your church, and others about how God has called you into missions. Help them become more missions-active. We’re all in this together!
7. Receive language training. Language is key in ministry. This usually takes place at your ministry location after you are fully funded.
8. Serve. Do what God has called you to do. You will not be alone; veteran missionaries will be with you to help and encourage you along the way.

I would love to speak with you and hear about how you’d like to use your gifts and talents to make an impact for Christ around the world. Contact me at recruiting@wgm.org or call 765.671.7226.

ACT: Click here to download, print, and share this becoming a missionary checklist with others.

Not Just a Coffee Table Prop

An excerpt from Not Just a Coffee Table Prop

How to make the most out of The Call
By Rachel Elwood, Support Staff
January-March 2013

If you’re like me, when a magazine comes to your home, you read through it quickly, looking for topics you’re interested in or writers you follow, and then you toss it on the coffee table.

But The Call isn’t just a magazine; it’s inspiration to be a more missions-active Christian. The Call can be a teaching tool. Here are a few suggestions for using it to introduce others to missions.

Social Networking: Did you read something that gave you new ideas on how to share Jesus with others? Post it in your Facebook status. The entire issue is online at www.wgm.org/call, so you can post a link to an entire article. Publicly sharing your passion for missions can have a significant impact on others.

Give It Away: After you’ve enjoyed reading The Call, why not pass it on? Give your copy to a friend or neighbor and help spread the message of the Great Commission. Need more copies? Contact us and we’ll send you additional copies at no cost to you.

Action Step Challenge: Get practical! Every article in every issue of The Call has an action step that relates to the story. That may be praying, giving a financial gift, studying a Bible passage, or doing a specific task, such as writing an encouraging note to someone who gets on your nerves. Get a group of friends together, such as your Sunday School class or Bible study group, and have each person select one action step to complete that week. The next time you meet, talk about your experiences. Prepare to be amazed at what one small group can do for the kingdom!

ACT: Can God use something as simple as a magazine to speak to someone’s heart? We sure think so! Renew your free subscription today or sign up a friend.

Children to the Mission Field?

Children to the Mission Field?

By Pastor Ryan Bash, Team Participant
January-March 2013

Someone asked me a great question regarding the purpose of churches sending a team to the mission field. He inquired about the benefit to the missionaries and the benefit to the team itself. Given that our church was sending 15 workers (including six children!) to McAllen, Texas, to help with the ministries of Taylor Christian School, I counted it a wonderful opportunity to share my heart for missions. He, in turn, encouraged me to share this answer with others. So why do we go? And in particular, what is the value in sending children?

For the Missionaries…

Most career missionaries have made tremendous sacrifices to serve where God has called them. One of the greatest gifts short-term teams can offer these missionaries is the reminder that they are not alone. When we come and serve alongside them, we communicate that they are not forgotten, that their ministry matters, and that the church back home is ready to do whatever it takes to help them succeed in spreading the gospel. In short, our mindset must not be one of a gracious benefactor, but that of a humble learner. We need to be people who want to help in any way we can—both while onsite and once we get home.

For the Team…

The team gets to enjoy a week immersed in a different culture. The greatest benefit to the members of a short-term team is that they return as missions-minded people. Our Lord has called His followers to go into all parts of the world to make disciples and to be His witnesses. Going to the mission field, as opposed to simply sending money, serves to instill in us a passion for God’s children all over the world. Ideally, such an experience will lead us to give even more, be emboldened to share our faith at home, and grow more sensitive to God’s specific invitations to Christian service in our own lives.

For the Children…

When they are at a young and impressionable age, we are teaching them the value of Christian service. We are teaching them how to work and serve in difficult conditions. We are introducing them to the varied faces of world Christianity. We are inspiring a whole new generation to care about what God is doing in neighborhoods all over the world. Thus, when they are grown and making decisions about their own time and resources, we will have established a foundation for selflessness and missions-mindedness. We are benefiting not only them, but also the church.

ACT: Want to help your church become more missions-minded? Take charge and invite others to take a short-term trip in the coming year. Explore the places you can go atwww.wgm.org/teams.

On the Prayer Journey

An excerpt from On the Prayer Journey

By David Engbrecht, WGM Board Member

October-December 2012

I love partnerships! I love partnerships that have lots of letters; letters like WGM, AGC, NMC, and LFF. While World Gospel Mission, Africa Gospel Church, and Nappanee Missionary Church have a strong partnership history with the AGC Baby Center in Ngata, Kenya, something new and fresh is happening. It’s uncharted territory! It’s Mombasa, Kenya.

When Dr. Robert Langat was installed as the new bishop of Africa Gospel Church, he shared a stirring visionary message calling the church to expand its borders. He called the church to press forward into Mombasa, a dark, difficult coastal city of nearly a million people with a large Muslim population. His passionate call resonated in my heart, and I, along with others at Nappanee Missionary Church, began to pray for Mombasa. We answered the Macedonian call and committed to partnering in the area.

While all of this was happening, God laid Mombasa on the hearts of Dennis and Gladys Mutai who were pastoring with AGC. After visiting with the bishop, the Mutais accepted the challenge and moved to Mombasa. As a result, a new church plant has emerged there.

First things first! The starting point of any effective partnership is prayer. A day of prayer was declared that included a prayer walk in Mombasa.

On that day, prayer partners were literally praying around the world. In Indiana, a host of people, many who had connected via Facebook and the Internet, were crying out to God for Mombasa. By phone, we connected with Little Flock Fellowship in northeast India where many of their leaders had gathered in prayer for Mombasa. Escuela El Sembrador in Honduras had a special prayer time for Mombasa. Pray Mombasa has become far more than a day in Africa. It has become a movement of partners committing to claim new territory.

The morning after Pray Mombasa, the team gathered to debrief and process, and it was apparent that this was far more than a Pray Mombasa event, but the birth of a partnership whose mission it is to impact the entire east coast of Kenya.

ACT: Form your own partnership. Scripture makes it clear that when two or more partner together in His name, great power is there because He is with us. We are called to fellowship in ministry just as WGM, Nappanee Missionary Church, and Africa Gospel Church have. Organize a community-wide, faith-based outreach project that includes more than your local church. Here are some ideas to keep the Pray Mombasa idea going: volunteer in a homeless shelter or hospice; provide meals, babysitting, and transportation for military families in your area; or build or sponsor a youth center in your community.

Does the MWV Annual Project Really Make a Difference?

An excerpt from Does the MWV Annual Project Really Make a Difference?
By Todd Eckhardt, Support Staff
January–March 2011

The 2011 MWV annual project is to remodel and enlarge the dining area and kitchen at El Sembrador, a school for underprivileged Honduran boys. This project meets a physical need, but it goes much deeper—the school meets the boys’ spiritual and educational needs as well.

What about your need? Past MWV annual projects have consistently changed lives—they make a difference. Check out the list of ways you can be involved.

ACT: I will commit to supporting the 2011 MWV annual project with a gift to account 31116-CALL. Send gifts to: WGM, P.O. Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948.

ACT: I will commit to leading a WGM team to work on this project in Honduras.

ACT: I will commit to deepening my prayer life by praying for this project throughout 2011.

I'll Always Remember

An excerpt from I’ll Always Remember
By Hubert Harriman, President
January–March 2011

I don’t think I’ll ever forget June and July of 2010 either. Let me tell you why.

World Gospel Mission turned 100 years old!
Some of you attended WGM’s 100th anniversary celebration, June 24-27, which was a huge event in every way.

My son-in-law Nate Lowe broke his neck.
We thank the Lord that this pool accident resulted in only a three-month neck brace, but this incident created a turn of events resulting in me traveling to Honduras on a work team with my daughter, Anne.

Dr. Joseph Rono, bishop of Africa Gospel Church in Kenya for 18 years, passed away from complications with diabetes on July 22.
After several days with the Africa Gospel Church and with the time they gave me to say some words at each service, a wonderful bonding took place between us. They were so appreciative of my coming. I was so moved by their kindness.

ACT: You can make June, July, and August months you’ll never forget in 2011. Here are a few suggestions to get you planning.

June: Get in the Word. Take this month to study Scripture where Jesus’ loving acts are recorded. Journal your thoughts on love as you study the Scriptures. Then pray that God will show you how to share love to those in your community.

July: Organize a community-wide outreach project. Grab your neighbors and volunteer at a local hospice facility, offer babysitting to military families in the area, or serve meals at a homeless shelter. Whatever you do, do it together, serving the needs of your community.

August: Pray for your leaders. Write, e-mail, or call people who have leadership or authority in your community. Ask them to share prayer requests with you. Ask them how they would like you to pray for them. Pray earnestly the whole month. Contact them at the beginning of September and ask them how things are going in the areas you prayed for.

Gifts Bigger Than the Super Bowl

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

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

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

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

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

The Gift of Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

Enroll Your Church in Missionary Boot Camp

World GO! Manual
Enroll Your Church in Missionary Boot Camp
By Tracy Dubois, Web Writer/Writing Internship Coordinator
July/August 2008 Call to Prayer

Sound off…1, 2! Sound off…3, 4! Sound off…1, 2, 3, 4! Throughout the July/August 2008issue of Call to Prayer, WGM’s bi-monthly magazine, readers were invited to return to school as WGMU taught them about educational ministries around the globe. In this edition of Church Challenge, we’re not sending you back to the comforts of a classroom with desks, chairs, heat, and A/C. No, we’re sending you off to boot camp—WGMU style.

Attention! File in, shine those shoes, and drop and give me 30!

As Christians, we are called by Christ, our CO—commanding officer—to minister. Whether we live in the hills of West Virginia or the streets of Budapest, Hungary, we are called to preach the gospel wherever we are. WGMU works to support missionaries who serve in faraway places, but we also exist to train and equip Christians who minister in their daily lives as waitresses, bankers, salesmen, etc. This is where the World GO! Manual and your church come in.

Just as the military’s boot camp is intended to train soldiers, the World GO! Manual is designed to train us in the church to be witnesses for Christ right where we are. Our CO set out a missionary-training model in Acts 1:8, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Our Jerusalem is where God has planted us right now—our hometowns, neighborhoods, and workplaces. Our Samaria is the people we have the least desire to help, and the ends of the earth are where we train other soldiers for battle.

Attention! Time to suit up for missionary training. Meet me at the track at 0500 (that’s 5 a.m.) for a five-mile run, and drop and give me 20!

In order for us in the church to accomplish our call, we need to develop specific skills—praying, witnessing, serving, loving, giving, partnering, enduring, teaching, and planting. And guess what? Each skill is covered in a section of the World GO! Manual.

As you study the book, you will follow the fictional life of graduate student Mark Evans. Each section features a story about Mark as his notion of a missionary is revolutionized through his encounters with missionary to Africa Randall Volarez.

Attention! You are to be commended for your faithful service! Now drop and give me 10!

Just as military personnel earn medals for their service, you will receive a reward as you complete each section of the World GO! Manual. After reading each section, you will complete one of four action items, each of which includes questions to answer before, during, and after the process. Complete your assignment and receive a missions merit pin as a reminder of the skill you learned.

The World GO! Manual can be used by small groups, Sunday School classes, youth groups, or the church as a whole. You can go at your own pace and even work through the manual several times, choosing a different action item each time. Remember those choose-your-own-ending books from the ’80s?

This manual is a resource every church can and should utilize. Now is the time for your church to enroll in boot camp as you pray, witness, serve, love, give, partner, endure, teach, and plant for the Lord. We are His witnesses to the ends of the earth!

Contact WGMU’s Development Office at development@wgm.org or 765.671.7244 to learn more about this great resource or to secure your own copy of the World GO! Manual. Be prepared so your church can answer “Aye, aye, Sir!” the next time our CO asks, “Who will go?” Get started on the manual today!

Is your church creatively “doing missions”? Let us know so we can possibly feature your church in an upcoming Church Challenge. E-mail your comments to tellthecall@wgm.org.

Ready for an Empty Nest?

An excerpt from Ready for an Empty Nest?
By Shelly McCollum, Support Staff
July/August 2010

I look at those sad parents at high school graduations and weddings differently now. I know what they’re going through! Perhaps you have friends who are about to become empty nesters. Share your experiences with them and let them know you have a shoulder they can lean on during that time. It is said that time heals wounds, and as I look back over my experience, I can say that it’s true. I actually started to get used to this new phase in my life and was really beginning to enjoy it and then—she moved back! Next time she moves out, it will be different. I will be prepared!

Are you an empty nester looking for ways God can use you and your newfound spare time? Here are a few of my suggestions:

* Take a long walk through your neighborhood and pray for your neighbors. Have you taken time to get to know them? Are they Christians? Think about ways they can become your mission field close to home.

* Get some other empty nesters together and plan a short-term missions trip. Plan your trip at www.wgm.org/teams.

* Start a small group at your church for empty nesters. Study the World Go! Manual and discover how you can have an impact in your sphere of influence. Download the manual at www.wgm.org/worldgo.