Returning Home

An excerpt from...

Returning Home

An outreach checklist from a packing missionary
By Carolyn Wade, Kenya
October-December 2013

Transitioning from one’s home country back to the field of service is a major process, and the checklists vary from one missionary to the next. Having just experienced this for the sixth time, here is our checklist for this eventful, exciting, essential experience!

1. Pray and Partner with Others in Prayer
   As missionaries, we can begin sensing the time frame and items needed for packing when we begin bathing this process in prayer. Sufficient time is required to pack, so it must be part of the initial homeland ministry assignment schedule.
   
   We share updates often on Facebook. Frequent updates help partners pray.
   
   PRAY: Take some time each day to pray for a WGM missionary and for the people’s lives they are touching. Commit to this prayer routine for at least a month.
   
2. Plan and Pack
   Listing what needs to be done and when provides much-needed organization. My husband, Ken, is the master organizer and packer. I make my own list of what I need to do before we pack, and then we build the master list together.
   
   I construct a packing list as Ken packs so we know what is in each piece of luggage in case a customs officer may request it.
   
   Carolyn’s Packing Tips: I find it helpful to wrap any liquid in paper towels secured with tape and placed in a reclosable bag. I also put gelatin and pudding in reclosable bags. One experience of having lemon pudding granules penetrating all the items in the box was a valuable learning experience.
   
   ACT: Do you know someone going through a time of transition? Create a plan today to babysit, take them a meal, mow their yard, etc. Do something that will help lift their burden.
   
3. Purchase
   The Holy Spirit will remind you about something you need that was not on the “items to purchase” list or to add an item you had not planned on. We praise God for this discernment.
   
   GIVE: Contact the missionary you prayed for in the Pray section and ask them what you can purchase for those they are ministering to.

And at the end of the trip, of course, there is jetlag, but returning to your beloved country of residence where you fulfill God’s calling on your life makes all the praying, planning, and packing worth it.

God has Blessed Us

An excerpt from...

God has Blessed Us

By Debbie McKelvey, Texas/Mexico Border Ministries
October-December 2013

During one of my training meetings at World Gospel Mission, the group was asked to think of a champion who took real ownership in our ministry. My head began to spin because so many people have played an important role in what I did on the Tohono O’odham Reservation on the American Indian Field and in what I am currently doing on the Texas/Mexico border.

(The) one I thought of was Mary Jane Richards. At the time of the meeting, Mary Jane (she’s on my left in the picture) had not only been a prayer and financial supporter but also one who had scheduled three church services and one AWANA group and tried to get me into a high school social studies class. She also provided a place for me to stay with Ruth (the lady to my right).

Thank you to WGM’s many champions who have done so much, from mailing used clothes to visiting our mission fields. When you get to heaven, you’re going to be so surprised at how God has used you to bring others to heaven with you!

Debbie McKelvey mentions several practical missions-active ideas that her ministry partners have done to encourage her in ministry. Learning by their example, here is a monthly checklist that you and your family can do this year to be more intentional about your missions activities.

January: Spend this month praying for your missionary partner.

February: Encourage a missionary partner by sending a handwritten note to them, letting them know you have been thinking of them.

March: Planning an upcoming family vacation? Think about using this time to serve on the mission field together. Contact Noritta Carter at wgmteams@wgm.org or 765.671.7204 to find out what teams would be available for you to join.

April: In the article “The Path Is Waiting,” you are challenged to consider completing the World GO! Manual Bible study. Ask someone to do the study with you and complete chapter one on prayer this month.

May: A new Kids’ World article is released bimonthly, offering ways you can help kids get involved in missions. As you begin to plan your summer activities, visit the Kids’ World page to print out a few of the fun activities your family can do together for missions at www.wgm.org/kidsworld.

June: It’s Vacation Bible School time for many churches. How does your church plan to use the offering they receive from these boys and girls? Perhaps your church could donate a percentage of that offering to help children in need around the world. Find projects for kids at www.wgm.org/kidscatalog.

July: Take this month to put your “Yard Sale for Missions” checklist to good work and clean out some items you have in storage.

August: Consider sending a little piece of home to a missionary serving overseas. Many simple everyday items are not available in all areas of the world. Write to your missionary partner this month asking them for a wish list of items. Then go shopping! Mail this to your missionary family as a special care package.

September: This time of year often brings drought and famine to our brothers and sisters in Africa. WGM assists with caring for the physical and spiritual needs of others in crisis through the President’s Crisis Relief fund. Join this team by giving a financial gift at www.wgm.org/crisisrelief.

October: The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Pray over the list of ministry opportunities WGM has globally (www.wgm.org/go) and ask God to call more workers to the mission field.

November: This month reminds us of God’s richest blessings on our lives. Have you been blessed by The Call magazine? You can share this resource with others. Sign them up for a free subscription at www.wgm.org/callsubscribe.

December: It’s the season of giving! Consider a special gift to WGM as a year-end gift. You can donate online at www.wgm.org/donate.

Just a Bowl of Cereal

An excerpt from...

Just a Bowl of Cereal

By Chrissy Greenwell, Mexico
July-September 2013

Three years ago, Francisco moved to another town for work because, as a truck driver, he had found that no job was available for him in the city. His wife, Betty, and two daughters remained behind. Betty picked up odd jobs here and there, but making ends meet was difficult.

As the weeks went on, things took a turn for the worse. Francisco, a diabetic, started losing his vision. His truck flipped over and he was wounded; he ended up having an amputation. Betty was no longer able to work outside the home as she had to take care of her husband.

God placed it on my heart to send them a care package to help with some of their needs. I prayed over what I should get them. Over and over again, “cereal” came to mind. Whatever else would be included in that care package, a huge bag of cereal would be there! I gathered the items and left them at the church the following day. I had no idea of the impact this box of items would have on the family.

Weeks later, I chatted with Betty and asked how her daughter Rebeca was. Betty started to cry as she shared about their struggle. Rebeca had been angry, questioning God’s love. She asked her mom why God wouldn’t even allow her a bowl of cereal. Betty told her to pray about it and ask God for the cereal. That was the night I went shopping. The following day when they received the care package, Rebeca realized how much God loved her and that He always hears our prayers.

It’s those little things that make a difference; those seemingly insignificant acts that have a huge impact for the kingdom of God.

Is the Holy Spirit leading you to complete an act of love to make a huge impact for His kingdom? Ask the Lord to show you what you can do to help someone’s faith grow deeper.

Where Do Your Interests Lie?

An excerpt from...

Where Do Your Interests Lie?

By Debbie McKelvey, Texas-Mexico Border Ministries
April-June 2013

God loves to use the things we’re excited about to build His kingdom.

What captures your attention? Do you enjoy playing soccer or football? Maybe God would like to use your love for sports to donate sports equipment to Taylor Community Center so missionaries like Gerson Tejeda, Tim Benner, and Jorge Vaca can use them to reach kids and adults.

Click Give to donate sports equipment through the Sports for the Savior—Mexico Great Co-Mission Catalog

project.

Do you like to do crafts? Taylor Community Center and Taylor Christian School would love donated craft items. Better yet, McAllen, Texas, has a Michaels arts and crafts store. Gift certificates to Michaels would greatly help Betsy Tejeda, Christina McBride, Kim Benner, and me in doing Bible clubs, ladies teas, etc., at the center.

Many of you are concerned about education. Missionary Marsha Hartley would love to see more funds donated to our student sponsorship program at Taylor Christian School. The director of Taylor Christian School would like to receive funds to help pay our hard-working teachers. As far as education goes, I must warn you that if you even begin to discuss Campbell’s soup labels or Box Tops for Education with Bill and Betsy Tarr, you may not get them to stop talking! 

Provide student sponsorships to Taylor Christian School through the It’s Either the School of Hard Knocks or…—Mexico Great Co-Mission Catalog project.

Do you like to eat? Of course you do! I have a wonderful supporter who sends me fast-food gift certificates to hand out for ministry. The point is, ask God to show you how He can use your interests to reach people for Jesus on the Texas-Mexico border or another mission field where He would like you to make a difference. 

Maybe He wants you to regularly support one of the above-mentioned missionaries or one of our missionaries who lives in Mexico, or to send them goodies they can use. Above all, please pray about whether God would have you personally use your interests by visiting a field.

To support any of the missionaries serving on the Texas-Mexico border, visit the field pages at www.wgm.org/mexico and click on the Connect and partner with those who serve link.

If God would have you visit a field, learn more at www.wgm.org/go.

Prayer Calendar: April 7-13, 2013

The Call's prayer calendar offers this mission's prayer point for this week:

ASK the Lord for the name of someone who needs your encouragement today.

"If you are wondering if encouraging others is really important, look around your house and see if you have any of the following: a ribbon-wrapped stack of love letters or cards from your spouse, copies of letters your grandparents wrote to each other during World War II, or silly notes or birthday cards from a deceased loved one. If the ministry of encouragement is not important, why did you keep these mementos?" ~An excerpt from If You Have a Card...Share the Ministry of Encouragement, Tracy Dubois, Support Staff~

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.

In Miracles of God’s Amazing Grace

An excerpt from Do You Believe…In Miracles of God’s Amazing Grace?
The story of the conversion of Davine Kemunto Nyamweya
By Carolyn W. Wade, Kenya, with Davine Kemunto
October–December 2011

On a Sunday at Immanuel Africa Gospel Church in Kericho, Kenya, Davine, a young lady I had never seen before, said to me, “I think I am supposed to talk to you. I want my life to change.” As we began to talk and she related her life’s experiences to me, huge tears began to fall.

God directed me to refer her to Pastor Gladys Mutai, one of my former students. Davine met with Gladys on Tuesday that week at the church and then wrote me the following text message: “I met Pastor Gladys who has been of great help to me. She prayed for me and I have been saved. I now love myself in God. I feel clean.” What a glorious testimony!

“I decided to work in the ministry so I can help my fellow youths who have no hope in life,” Davine shared. “I know through Christ, who gave me that second chance to live, that He will give me the strength I need to be a role model to them.”

The miraculous transformation in Davine’s life is part of what God has invited us to experience and enjoy. God is extending the boundaries of our ministry through the way He is using Davine. What a joy!

This isn’t Davine’s complete story. Learn more about what God is doing in her life at www.wgm.org/davine.

Hands and Feet

An excerpt from Hands and Feet
Missions-active Christians Making a Difference in Their Communities
By Tim Rickel, Support Staff
January–March 2011

As I write this, my wife is just finishing radiation treatments for breast cancer. The journey started with a heart-stopping phone call in April, surgery in May, and radiation therapy in July and will continue with hormone therapy for the next five years. No chemotherapy, praise God!

In this journey, we have been blessed by many friends who made a difference when we were feeling lost and out of control. From our experience, here are some practical ways you can make a difference when you feel overwhelmed by a prayer request.

*Pray. It makes a difference.

*When you pray for someone who is going through a trial, write them a quick note telling them you just prayed for them.

*If someone’s life is disrupted by an illness or disaster and you think of something you could do to help, call them and say, “I’d like to stop by with supper for you this week. When is a good day?” If you freeze a dish like a casserole, they can use it when they need it. Other ideas are cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, or watching the kids so a couple can have an evening alone. It all depends on the situation and the personality of your friend.

*One church sent Laurie a quilt to use when she went for treatments. It has gone with her to every appointment and has been a huge comfort in the car. I would never have guessed.

*Give the gift of normal conversation. If someone who is going through a trial needs a shoulder to cry on, be that shoulder. But if they are putting on a good face, let them know you are praying for them, and then take your cue from them. If they are smiling, smile back!

Zambia: Rural Education

Kids who live in the Zambian countryside can’t get to school. It’s not that it’s too far—it’s that there are no schools to get to.

Rural education development is one of the most pressing needs for many communities throughout Zambia. Access to quality education is a challenge for many. Lack of a nearby educational facility has been a long-standing issue. As a result, classroom attendance, participation, and performance are all significantly low.

WGM will be working in partnership with the Samfya Bible School in Samfya, Zambia. Samfya Bible School is an institution run by Christian Missions in Many Lands and equips men and women for Christian ministry, focusing on rural church ministry. Billy Wayne and Jenny Fuller, veteran WGM missionary couple from Kenya, have relocated to Zambia to assist with pastoral training.

ACT: Send the Fullers your prayers and well wishes in their new ministry at wgm@wgm.org.

Gloves

An excerpt from Gloves
By Zach Motts, Japan
July/August 2010

Yet, as I thought about why I felt so empty and used, I wondered if I was just like that homeless man. I’m a missionary who is supported by a large number of amazing people who believe in reaching out to other people. So, I asked myself, “Do my supporters feel that way?” Is that what I do to them? Do I say, “God will bless you. God will bless you,” and then walk away without even asking their names? Are they just expected to give and not know where the money goes?

I would feel like a selfish idiot if I started yelling at a homeless man that he should ask me my name. However, if our interaction was more than a simple transaction of money or goods, if our interaction was on the level of a dignified human exchange, if it was something that transformed both of us, then we would care about each other, and then we would both receive.

If you are a missionary, has it been a while since you have contacted certain members of your support team? Who on your contact list could benefit from a call or a handwritten letter? Is there someone who has been faithful to you whom you know very little about? Take time to contact that person this week.