Spain

Thank You, Father, that You are drawing Muslims to Yourself and preparing the hearts of so many to hear Your Word. The harvest is so plentiful; I ask that You will raise up more workers with a heart to reach Muslims living here in Spain with Your truth. Amen. 

A volunteer serving in Spain

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SPECIFIC NEEDS

Volunteer

Missionary

Administrator

Children's English Teacher

Maintenance

Outreach Coordinator

Spanish Teacher

Youth/Children's Worker

Media Production

Camera Operator

Director of Studio

Office Manager

Web Manager

An excerpt from...

Remember Whose Keys You Are Holding

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By Hubert Harriman, President
April-June 2015

Every household has keys lying around. One of the most exasperating things that happens with them is to forget what they were made for. We’re not certain if someone gave us one for some specific purpose or if those keys just wandered into the house. But there they are—useless until discovered what their purpose is.

When my middle daughter, Maria, was in college, she went to Kenya under the Volunteers In Action program with WGM. As part of that venture, she ended up on the campus of what was then called Kenya Highlands Bible College. Among many activities, she and another VIA girl were asked to take a bundle of keys that had been delegated to “the tomb of the unknown” and try to find where they fit. Someone needed to do it because that’s what keys are made for—to fit a purpose.

It’s amazing to witness how God fits willing Christians to His divine intention. It’s that moment when we know “He made me and prepared me for this.” Unbelievably, He made us an important key to something He wants to accomplish in other peoples’ lives and, in order for any key to work, it must fit the object of its purpose.

God has entrusted each of us with important keys for kingdom work, but all too often, we simply don’t mark it down in our hearts and have long forgotten what use they have. Perhaps someone asked us to pray for an open door of opportunity and we just laid it aside and forgot about it. That key was essential to opening doors, but we didn’t remember—and doors remained shut. Maybe someone shared with us a ministry crisis and asked us to get involved by giving. We felt the need at the time, but we let it slip by—and doors were locked. It might be that the Holy Spirit cut us out as a key to someone’s soul. We heard His voice to use the key—to go and speak a word of hope—and we let it pass—and doors were closed.

To have the right key and not offer it for its intended purpose is sinful. There is too much at stake for us to be holding vital keys and not putting them to their intended use. Jesus said, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” Oh Christian friend, use them!

Are you trying the wrong doors to find what you want? Remember Whose keys you’re holding! They will work only as they should when used with the right purpose. God knows where you fit! Let Him put your life to His good use.

ACT: If your key to missions involvement has gotten rusty and you’re not quite sure how to get started, WGM can help. Commit to completing the World Go! Manual study.

Inspirational Volunteers Needed

An excerpt from Inspirational Volunteers Needed

By Grace Yates, Volunteer
January-March 2013

Light University, the second-largest university in Burundi, opened in 2000. Over 3,000 students attend the evangelical university’s three campuses in the capital city of Bujumbura. The university is bilingual, with classes taught in both French and English. Light University offers degrees in theology, computer science, finance and accounting, marketing and management, law, communication and development, and audio visual communication.

Light University needs Christian professors or volunteers who can teach communications, computer science, law, and theology. It also needs a vice rector, who is the assistant to the dean. Professors would teach classes in their field, and the vice rector would assist the dean in managing the teaching schedule and contacting potential professors.

ACT: Learn more about the ministry positions available at Light University at www.wgm.org/go.

Paper Beads for Missions

An excerpt from Paper Beads for Missions

By Kayla Spencer, Volunteers In Action Participant
January-March 2013

I had the opportunity to visit Kenya as a Volunteers In Action participant in the summer of 2009. During my six weeks there, I worked with World Gospel Mission missionary Robyn Moore and the ministry the Least of These, as we cared for vulnerable children in Nairobi.

On one visit with Robyn to a children’s home, I met a tiny little boy named Samuel. He looked to be about 1 year old. As Robyn administered health checkups for the children, I had the opportunity to hold Samuel. He was wearing a thick sweater that covered his frail body. When I held him under his arms, I thought they might break off. He had looked decently healthy in appearance until that moment, but I realized then that this precious little boy was malnourished. That was my first experience with this kind of suffering.

As I held that precious child, God broke my heart. It was not one of those experiences like at a conference or camp where you have a “Jesus high” that lasts a couple weeks and then fades away. This is one of those experiences that completely changed my life.

After arriving home, God gave me an incredible idea as I looked down at the paper bead necklace I was wearing. It was a beautiful necklace with beads made of recycled magazine paper. I had purchased it from a street vendor in Kenya. I could use my money to buy paper bead necklaces that I could give as gifts for donations. I’ve now been selling necklaces for a few years. With each necklace, I ask for a $10 donation. The necklaces cost me $3, which leaves $7 per necklace to give to the ministry.

It has been incredible to see how God used my time in Kenya to have even greater impact on the ministry after I returned home. I love knowing that the money I am raising is helping such a good cause—helping little children like Samuel.

ACT: Partnering with a ministry is as easy as selling paper beads like Kayla has discovered. If God is calling you to raise funds for a missions need bigger than your “$100,” then The Great Co-Mission Catalog may be a good resource for you. Find your project at www.wgm.org/catalog.

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.

God's Economy

By Paul Shingledecker, Haiti, with Rachel Cox, Team Participant
January-March 2013

“Why spend $20,000 to send a work team to Haiti to build a house? The same house could be built using local labor for half that, and it would provide jobs for the Haitians as well.”

BUT

Rachel Cox would disagree. She helped build a house in Haiti with Adopt a Home, and what she discovered is worth far more than $20,000.

“I must share with you what the short-term missions trip has done in my professional life. I have been a pharmacist for 24 years. In June, I was privileged to see the poorest of the poor in Haiti. My heart was crushed - I saw my world with fresh eyes. My time in Haiti opened my eyes to the needs of the people in my world.”

In God’s economy, a work team makes dollars and sense. Work teams are still needed to build homes in Haiti! Sign up today by contacting Noritta Carter at 765.671.7204 or teams@wgm.org.

Discover Missions

An excerpt from Discover Missions

October - December 2012

Here are some of the ways you can be involved with World Gospel Mission. Choose the option that best fits your current status.

STAY

• I would like to represent WGM in my hometown for six months to a year. If you have a passion for making a difference in your local community, become involved in the Advance Volunteer Network. Contact Kristina Gleason at 765.671.7227 or visit www.wgm.org/avn.
• I am a college student wanting to gain professional experience. Do you need an internship for college credit? Use your skills for missions. WGM offers internships in graphic design, writing, marketing, and Web design. Contact Kristi Crisp at globallink@wgm.org or visitwww.wgm.org/internships.
• I am willing to donate only $30 a year to help WGM missionaries in their times of need. The Minutemen/Minutewomen program is for you! You will receive a maximum of three appeals each year, highlighting urgent needs from WGM fields of service. We ask that you send in a minimum of $10 for each appeal. To join, contact Bill Bucher at 765.671.7217 or visit www.wgm.org/mwv.

GO

• I am an adult willing to serve three years or more. Through the Missionary Discipleship Program, called individuals become full-time missionaries with WGM. The program consists of one year of fundraising, training, and orientation and two years of field service. Contact Jared Gleason at 765.671.7226 or visit www.gowgm.org/md.
• We are a family committed to serving for a week. WGM teams are custom-fit to you and your group. Family teams are designed specifically for parents and children to travel together and experience missions as a unit. Several families can even join forces to form a team, allowing all ages to experience the joy of serving God on the mission field. Contact Noritta Carter at 765.671.7204 or visit www.gowgm.org/teams.
• I am 29 years old or younger and willing to serve at least six weeks. As a Volunteer In Action participant, you can serve in almost any type of ministry. You can also earn internship credit through your VIA experience. Contact Kristina Gleason at 765.671.7227 or visitwww.gowgm.org/via.
• I am over 30 and prepared to serve four weeks or more. The Missionary Volunteer Partner program is designed to give you a taste of missionary life. You’ll work side-by-side with missionaries and nationals, getting involved with established ministries and discovering new ones. Contact Kristina Gleason at 765.671.7227 or visit www.gowgm.org/mvp.

Go: Jesus’ Last Command

An excerpt from: Go: Jesus’ Last Command
By Gianetta Wright, Volunteer, Texas/Mexico Border
January–March 2012

“I have never worked harder in my life,” one volunteer said at the end of a month on the mission field last winter. “Nor enjoyed it more.”

What do volunteers do on a mission field? They do the same things they do elsewhere, plus they often learn a new skill or two. Cooking, baking, plumbing, wiring, construction, roofing, repairing, painting, teaching, reading stories, making handcrafts, sewing, trimming trees, raking, mowing, cleaning, helping with computers, stuffing envelopes, decorating, building bookcases, installing shelves, monitoring a school playground—the opportunities are endless.

Where were you and what ministry did you miss?

Here’s what happened in 2011:

62 Missionary Volunteer Partners served on 10 different fields
33 Volunteers In Action participants served on 10 different fields
95 total volunteers served on WGM fields

Here are some service ideas you can do in 2012:

Serve as the host or hostess at a guesthouse on a field
Help with support services by serving as a field treasurer
Teach art, math, or other subjects at an international school

Tricks of the Trade

An excerpt from Tricks of the Trade
By Tracy Dubois, Support Staff
April/May/June 2011

Even if you’re not a sports fan, you’ve probably heard of the Harlem Globetrotters. They use insane basketball skills and humor to entertain audiences. However, basketball, and sports in general, can bring more to your life than entertainment. Sam Sisley, an education major at Ohio Christian University, uses his ball-handling skills to share the love of Christ.

“This is a great platform for getting children’s and youth’s attention. They see us do basketball tricks and then listen to the positive message we bring. Thousands of people have learned how much God loves them, and many kids have accepted Christ as their personal Savior.”

When asked what advice he would give to people wanting to get involved in sports mihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnistry, Sam used the slogan from the famous Nike ad—Just do it!

“Anyone can use the abilities and talents God gave them for something more than themselves. Your talent may not be basketball, but God gave you a gift and you should use it.”

ACT: Are you part of a team that wants to do more? Contact teams@wgm.org to find out how you can use your talents on a WGM team, either stateside or abroad. Start your journey today!

Honduras Work Team Highlights

An excerpt from He Knows Them by Name
Honduras work team highlights
By Carol Mast, Short-term Volunteer
April/May/June 2011


Talanga is the location of the second phase of Project Manuelito. We spent a week with the 18 kids who live there. These kids had spent almost a year at the transition house, and then moved to Talanga where they live, are loved, and attend school. We hugged, played basketball, hugged, played soccer, made crafts, and hugged some more.

On our last night in Honduras, Pastor Pinto took us to the streets to see where the kids come from. The team passed out food, hugged some more, and prayed with some. Our hearts were broken.
God loves each person our team met, and He knows them by name. He heard and answered my prayers. He broke my heart.

ACT: Carol’s team showed the love of Christ in Honduras through playing sports, praying, and sharing food and hugs. This could be your experience, too. Trips to Honduras are available all times of the year. To join or schedule a team, sign up at www.wgm.org/teams.

Next Steps

An excerpt from Next Steps
By April Hershberger, Kenya
January–March 2011

Are you wondering what God has in store for you next? Last year I was wondering this same thing. I was praying about what God wanted me to do, whether it was another short-term trip or something more long term in nature.

For years I have known that God gave me a passion for orphans, especially those in Africa. My VIA experience gave me the opportunity to see how I could use my God-given gifts, skills, and passions on the mission field on a daily basis to help the missionaries who already work there. During my time there, God opened my eyes to the new possibilities for my future, and I am now in the Missionary Discipleship Program.

God wants to use and challenge all of us in new and exciting ways. We just have to be open and willing. The VIA program is a great way to experience missions. This experience allows you to bring your skills and gifts to the mission field to work alongside missionaries and nationals from six weeks up to a year.

Could serving abroad be the next step God has in store for you? Just think about where God could take you in 2011!

ACT: Are you willing to serve six weeks to a year on the mission field? The VIA program may be the way for you to serve. Click www.wgm.org/via to learn more.

A Grand Celebration

An excerpt from A Grand Celebration
WGM Celebrates 100 Years
By Rachel Pyle, Volunteer
January–March 2011

In June 1910, World Gospel Mission’s first missionaries, Cecil and Ellen Troxel along with Woodford and Harriet Taylor, felt the call to reach the people of China. These brave souls were the forerunners of WGM and its legacy that strong Christian men and women still carry on today.

On June 24-27, 2010, missionaries, retirees, support staff, and nationals from all over the world gathered together to celebrate WGM’s 100th anniversary. Meeting in Marion, Indiana, at Indiana Wesleyan University, the International Celebration of Missions was four days of fellowship, worship, and community among brothers and sisters in Christ.

Since WGM’s beginning in 1910, the organization has been built on answering the challenging call of the Great Commission. As we approach 2011, let us also push to continue WGM’s legacy through ministering, preaching, teaching, and healing.

Where is your mission field?

MORE: Learn about ways to serve with WGM at www.wgm.org/getinvolved.

Where is Your Faith?

An excerpt from Where Is Your Faith?
The Gift of Using Your Talents for His Purpose
By Deb Cunningham, Support Staff
November/December 2010

Are you ready for what the Lord will show you through cross-cultural service? Is the Lord whispering or even shouting at you to step out of your comfort zone? For me, it simply took my sister-in-law asking if I would be interested in going to Bolivia with her on a women’s work team. The Lord spoke through her by encouraging me to serve on this team. In the words from Isaiah 6:8 (NLT), “Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’”

Have you considered what God-given talents the Lord may be directing you to release through a cross-cultural experience? What excuses or justifications are you presenting to the Lord in defense of answering His call? Opportunities are available for any age, any skill, and anyone. God only requires that we be obedient. As Jesus asked of the disciples when they were in the boat after calming the waves in the lake in Luke 8, “Where is your faith?” Trust in Him and He will provide the resources, skills, and blessing through your obedience.

Life-Changing Experiences

An excerpt from Life-Changing Experiences
By Hubert Harriman, President
November/December 2010

The thing about these experiences is that they not only changed me, but also I know in my heart that they somehow changed those I connected with. God used little ol’ me! It just doesn’t get any better than that. I think this is what the apostle Paul must have felt when he went on short-term ministry experiences, taking others with him, such as Luke and Timothy. Do these names mean anything to us? You see, these short-term experiences changed these men, but these men also helped change the world. And look! Short-term experiences led them into careers. Once experiencing missions, they would always be involved in missions. How could it be otherwise? They had life-changing experiences and they would never be the same again.

One of the things I really like about WGM is that we offer the possibility of short-term service for anyone who wants to have a life-changing experience personally and relationally. Do you wish for an experience like that? I think every believer does. The beauty of these life-changing experiences is that you can do them when you’re young, but you don’t have to be young—just young at heart! WGM carries an abundance of stories and memories, both on and off the field, with the difference a short-term experience made in the life of a VIA participant, an MWV member, an MVP, or an MD. It somehow changed some part of the world—then and later.

Do you want to know what the initials VIA, MWV, MVP, and MD stand for? Do you want to know what these experiences hold? Go to www.wgm.org/go to learn all about it. But don’t just learn what they mean. Listen. Listen! Listen quietly. Listen carefully. Another Timothy? Another Luke?

The Gift of Love

An excerpt from The Gift of Love
Sharing Jesus on the Mission Field as a Short-term Volunteer
By Chrissy Greenwell, Mexico
November/December 2010

Some people believe they have nothing to offer on the mission field. Nevertheless, letting people see Jesus in you is what ministry is all about. So if you know Jesus, you can have an impact on lives. I moved back to Saltillo in August 2009. When some of the children saw me on the street, they came running to me to ask if Kevin was back. I have never met Kevin, but I found out he was on a team that ministered in Saltillo. The interest Kevin expressed and the love he showed for Jesus made a huge impact on the children in my neighborhood. Kevin opened a door for further ministry on the field. Although this is wonderful news, it also leads to a huge need: more missionary workers.

Please keep praying for missionary workers for WGM Mexico. Great possibilities for ministry exist but nobody to fill the need…or are you available?

ACT: Here are three ways you can support Chrissy in Mexico. Pick one and let her know you want to be her partner in ministry.

* Contact Chrissy at www.wgm.org/greenwell and ask to be added to her prayer letter list so you will know how you can better pray for her.

* If you would like to financially partner with Chrissy, go to www.wgm.org/greenwell and click on the Donate button.

* Work beside Chrissy on the field. Are you available to serve God in Mexico? Contact Troy Simpson at recruiting@wgm.org to ask what opportunities are available.

Gift Exchange: Work Team

An excerpt from Gift Exchange: Work Team
By Serena Dunbar, Honduras
November/December 2010

God often wraps special gifts for those who serve on work teams to change people’s lives.

Gift one: Faith
Gift two: Relationships
Gift three: Ministry

God called me to the mission field while on a work team to Mexico. He chose to use high school students with poor Spanish to witness to the people there. Seeing their hunger for spiritual things convinced me that I needed to be part of God’s plan to take the good news to the rest of the world. In fact, if you ask those who serve as missionaries today, you will find that a large majority of them were called to service during a work team experience. God built in me a desire to serve in missions full time.

Can’t wait to open your missions gift? Go on a work team! You just might find God entrusting you with a greater mission than ever before.

A Missions Trip Changed My Worldview

An excerpt from A Missions Trip Changed My Worldview
By Chris Cunningham, Advance Volunteer
November/December 2010

I met the children of Manuelito. This article cannot do justice to the sights, smells, and a thousand struggles of these young people. An estimated 1.4 million people live in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, and 6,000 to 8,000 children live on the streets.

Yet God is there.

Pastor Jorge Pinto; his wife, Marta; and their church provide a safe haven for several street children. They took us on a trip to the streets where we gave simple food and water to the street children of Tegucigalpa. We found children who were poor beyond belief and yet rich in treasure through Jesus’ love. They had simple peace that only God can provide, and I found myself yearning for that peace.

My “self-motivating statement” is James 2:17 (NIV), “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” I had faith. I had faith, but without works. A missions trip changed my worldview, and it continues to bring passion to my life. If you don’t believe me and you, too, are feeling a little jaded, I invite you to go, see, and taste the riches that God provides.

ACT: Give yourself a gift of changing your worldview through a missions trip. Trips are available all year round. To view a schedule and pick a time, visit www.wgm.org/teams.

Where is Your Destination?

An excerpt from Where Is Your Destination?
How Do You Get There?
By Noritta Carter, Support Staff
November/December 2010

Perhaps you could take a trip as a family vacation or give your children or grandchildren a trip as a Christmas, birthday, or graduation gift. Your college friends, youth group, or Sunday School class could also make up a team. On the field, you and your team will work side-by-side with the missionary you support or may have heard speak in your church. If you are new to missions trips, WGM offers training for team leaders.

How do I get started?
1.Determine a time frame for the trip, giving yourself plenty of lead time. This will allow you to get a good team developed, trained, and financially covered.

2.Decide where you want to go. You can review what WGM teams are available at www.wgm.org/teams.

3.Determine the length of stay and possible dates for your trip.
Call 765.671.7204 or e-mail workteam@wgm.org to get your place and dates confirmed and approved.

MORE: If you have further questions or want to schedule a team, e-mail workteam@wgm.org, call 765.671.7204.

Missions in your Sixties

An excerpt from Missions in Your Sixties
Serving Is a Gift at Any Age
By John and Cherryl Mann, Advance Volunteers
November/December 2010

What were we thinking? People in their sixties should be ready for retirement, enjoying their grandchildren, and planning winter trips to warm climates. In God’s beautiful plan, we were able to go on a number of short-term missions trips. We attended a Finishers Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, and learned that many people were opening their hearts to the Lord’s call to short-term missions as an alternative to the typical retirement lifestyle.

We said yes to His call. The Lord led us through the applying, preparing, raising support, renting of our home, and building relationships with our family and friends. He will lead you, too.

The Manns had several excuses they could have given for why now was not the time for them to serve on the mission field. Instead, they said yes to His call. Are you offering excuses? Have you been missions-minded but not actively seeking God’s call in your retirement years? The World Go! Manual can help you get in the Word and spend time with the Lord, seeking your call. To order a copy, call Tara Mast at 765.671.7244.

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.