2013 GP World View - The Wesleyan Church

Homeless No More
by Dr. Dennis Jackson, Executive Director
I
heard his words.
I saw his tears.
I joined his prayer of thanksgiving
and praise.
"For seven years," he said with tears,
"we were without a home ... without a
family. It was as if we were orphans . But
then God, after seven years of seeking,
has given us The Wesleyan Church to
belong to. We are now no longer without
a family. We now have a home."
What a privilege to welcome The
Wesleyan Church of Bangladesh into the
greater global Wesleyan family!
Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world-161 million
people occupy an area the size of the
US state of Iowa. Among the people,
89 percent are Muslim , 10 percent are
Hindu, and Christianity numbers less
than .5 percent. The country is made up
of 68,000 villages. Very few of these
villages have any witness for Christ
living among them.
Seven years ago it had been the dream
of Pastor John Bose to launch Wesleyan
churches in the country of Bangladesh.
His study of Wesleyan theology-and the
life of John Wesley-had given him a
passion to see the same kind of holy
transformed lives spreading the gospel,
planting churches, and initiating ministries
of compassion in his country. So he began
without a church family connection.
Churches were planted. Children's ministries were established, including an
orphanage, Home of Love, for 25 boys.
Evangelists went from door to door to
share Christ and
gather people together
to learn the Bible and
pray. The work was
growing-especially
reaching people with
Hindu backgrounds.
In the midst of
the work being established, tragedy struck
(I to r) Dennis and
Gwen Jackson, Joshua Bose
(front), Joshe Bose,
Ma Mina, Peter Moore,
Carol and Rich Schenck
in March 2010. Pastor John, his wife ,
Rita, and another passenger in their car
were killed in an accident. John 's mother
nearly died as well. The couple's fouryear-old son , Joshua, was injured but
survived. The deaths of John and Rita
left behind an infant church devastated
by the loss of their leader. But God was
not finished with the church!
Ma Mina, the mother of Pastor John,
intensified her intercession with God,
asking Him to raise up the church from
what seemed to be the death of the vision
and of the movement. Her times of intercession included a 40-day fast, even
though her critically injured body was
recovering from the accident. Pastor
George Bose, brother of Pastor John and
senior among the pastors , filled the gap
2
4
When She Smelled
5
5
6
7
8
Pastor Julias and Royce Kabayame
God in Our Midst
God Works in All Things!
Our First Month
Forgiveness among the Karis People
The Growing Wesleyan Church of Liberia
9 I Left My Heart in Pelgrim Kondre!
10 Not Forgotten
11 Giving to Make a Difference
12 An Increased Sense of Urgency
"!I twitter.com/gpnow
E
www.facebook.com/gpmissions
Homeless No More
in providing leadership of the
sacraments and spiritual mentoring.
Washington Bose, another brother of
Pastor John, made contact with The
Wesleyan Church through Global
Partners to initiate an invitation to gain
acceptance into The Wesleyan Church.
Joshe Bose, the youngest of the four
brothers, returned to Bangladesh from
Norway to give leadership to the
church, and he also adopted Pastor
John and Rita's son, Joshua.
The contact with Global Partners
led to an exploratory visit by Asia Area
Director Dr. Romy Caringal and Global
Partners Director of Operations Rev.
Peter Moore in March 2012. During
this time, meetings with the pastors and
leaders were surrounded with times of
worship and Communion. A positive
recommendation was made to invite
this fledgling group of churches in
Bangladesh to become a mission unit
of Global Partners. On April 23, 2012,
a formal letter of acceptance was
signed by Global Partners General
Director Dr. H. C. Wilson and General
Board installation
Superintendent Dr. Jo Anne Lyon.
This church in Bangladesh was now a
part of the global Wesleyan tribe .
In October 2012 I traveled to
Bangladesh on the first official visit
0
continued
I
Ordination service
with my wife, Gwen Jackson,
Rev. Peter Moore , and Dr. Rich and
Rev. Carol Schenck, GO-Net Volunteer
missionaries to Bangladesh. On October
13 , 2012, we were present to officially
welcome The Wesleyan Church of
Bangladesh into The Wesleyan Church.
With a plaque of recognition , prayers ,
and the unvei ling of a welcoming banner, the celebration took place. What a
joy to appoint the district advisory board
in this developing district. It was also
with great pleasure that we recognized
and began the transfer of ordination of
Senior Pastor George Bose and
ordained Rev. Putin to serve with
all of the rights and privileges of
ordained ministers in The
Wesleyan Church.
Strategy meetings were held
with the top leaders and all of
the pastors and evangelists who
are reaching out in two of the six
national divisions. Their vision is
to join with other like-minded
groups in multiplying believers,
churches, leaders, and ministries
of compassion in establishing the
Church of Jesus Christ in each of the
68 ,000 villages .
Welcome to The Wesleyan Church
of Bangladesh! •
n 2010, during an epileptic
seizure, Maria landed face-first
in her family 's cooking fire.
Soon after, Maria was admitted
to the Mt. Hagen hospital bums
ward. She was put in the bed
next to a friend I was already
visiting on a daily basis. In
Papua New Guinea's (PNG)
highly relational culture, I don't
know how you could visit one
person in the ward and not get to
know everyone else in the ward .
The inquisitive PNG side of me
wanted to know Maria's story. So
it wasn 't long until I made
Maria's business my business.
During the many months of
her hospital stay, Maria and I
spent a lot of time together. We
talked together. We laughed
together-funny things do happen in hospitals. We ate together.
One day I went to visit Maria;
she was extremely distressed.
The contracting scars were sealing her mouth almost closed, and
she was struggling to get a spoon
in to feed herself. She was desperately uncomfortable, and I
couldn't do a thing for her except
hold her hand while she cried.
That day, we despaired together.
Other times we just sat together.
Then we heard specialists from
overseas would be coming to
operate on the most severely
burned patients. So we began to
hope together. When the operations were over and the bandages
finally came off, we REJOICED
together. Maria had a functioning
face again.
Not long before leaving PNG
to begin home ministries, my
family went to visit Maria in her
village. When I arrived, we had a
very emotional reunion. Finally,
Maria began to take me around
and introduce me to everyone in
her clan. I was rather surprised
by the way Maria introduced me.
She didn't mention that I am
from America or that I work with
The Wesleyan Church. She didn't
refer to my educational background or say how many years
I've worked in PNG. Instead, she
said to each person, "This is my
Maria with her beautiful new face. We will never forget and never cease
to be grateful to God for sending Australian surgeons to help Maria.
This is in Maria 's village. She sp eaks no English, but note the message
on the secondhand shirt she w as wearing.
When She Smelled
by Cheri Floyd
friend Cheri. She's the one who sat
with me when I smelled."
That day, I learned that during the
darkest moments of Maria's hospital
stay, when her burnt flesh was literally
rotting faster than the hospital staff
could take care of it, Maria's own relatives had refused to come visit her
because of the smell.
More than 20 years in cross-cultural
ministry and this is it? We are known
as the missionaries who sit with people
when they smell?
Part of me wants to impress you with
statistics of how many clean water projects we have been involved with, how
many classroom have been built, and the
number of Wesleyan medical centers
that have been expanded in PNG. But if
I'm honest, Maria's description of me
was the finest compliment I have ever
received. And if we are never known as
stinks. Individuals can make wrong
choices and get mired in the rottenness
of sin . Sometimes we work with communities that are being ripped apart by
greed and the resulting stench of corruption and threats nearly derails the
vocational training opportunities we
are providing there. And sometimes
situations in the church stink.
But Don and I want to be the missionaries who will sit with people when
they smell , for as long as it takes , until
TRUE healing comes. If we jump in
with a quick American/Australian fix for
every situation in PNG, we are no wiser
than if I had gone to the burns ward to
spray Maria with cologne and said, "All
better now!" We want hearts willing to
experience the hard times together with
our PNG brothers and sisters. We want
to wait patiently for the Holy Spirit to
bring healing in a way that makes sense
I wish I could bottle the essence of joy that
Maria and I felt the day her bandages came off.
anything more than the missionaries
who sit with people when they smell,
then we will be okay with that.
I hope you will be okay with it also,
because it is not just PNG burns wards
that smell. Sometimes life in PNG
to a Papua New Guinean mindset. Yes, it
means we endure situations that stink.
We get involved with messy personal
situations while helping a widow and her
children. Don sits in community meetings where tempers flare and machetes
are swung. And I sometimes shed tears
over troubles in the national church. Yet,
we do not feel compelled to "fix" everything that is painful. We can trust God to
do that.
Our family likes to be happy. Who
doesn't? Don, our three boys , and I
love to celebrate with friends at pig
feasts for a birthday. We celebrate with
a village when the new classroom is
opened. And we celebrated for days
when The Wesleyan Church of PNG
held its anniversary in 2012, marking
50 years since the gospel came to
them. I wish there was a quick, easy
way to find that kind of joy. I wish I
could bottle the essence of joy that
Maria and I felt the day her bandages
came off. But this kind of joy cannot
be manufactured and bottled. The deep
joy that made us laugh, hug, and keep
touching Maria 's beautiful new face on
the day the bandages were removed
only came because of the long hours of
sitting together when she smelled. •
Don and Cheri Floyd are affiliate longterm missionaries appointed by the
Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia.
Don is from Australia, and Cheri is from
the Kentucky-Tennessee District. They have
three children: Stephen ('96), William ('99),
and Jonathan ('03).
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GOD
IN OUR MIDST
by Cindy Helvie
M
y breath came in deep gulps! felt like I was drowning. I was
so disappointed and hurt . I was not sure
what to do or who to tum to , so I called
Val , my prayer partner. Even though
she was in a wheelchair, her voice was
strong and welcoming. I told her what
was wrong. She said she would immediately go to prayer on my behalf, and I
believed her. Then I felt calmer and
more relaxed-a peace came over me.
This was not the first time I called
my prayer partner in a panic and felt the
relief of a prayer offered in faith. My
first prayer partner was in 1978. I was
attending George Fox College for two
years with plans to transfer to another
school to finish my nursing degree. But
after my first year of college, I did not
get accepted into the school where I
applied. I was devastated. I had planned
to be a missionary nurse in Nepal. Now
the "plan" was changed, and I did not
know what to do . I asked a fellow student
if she would be willing to pray with me
every night about getting into nursing
school and my future . So each night we
prayed together. I started to see answers
to prayer, and I became more serious
about my studies and my goals. Even
after we parted when my second year at
George Fox came to an end, the effect
of those prayers kept on going. I enter
nursing school at Marion College (now
Indiana Wesleyan University) and met
Mike who is now my husband .
After Mike and I were married and
started our family, I was challenged at
a camp meeting by Dr. Paul Mills to
establish a prayer partnership again.
Determined to follow his suggestion and
0
with God's leading, I found a prayer
partner at camp. The problem we faced
was distance; we lived about an hour
from each other, and we both had small
children. But we decided that if God
called us to pray together, we would be
obedient. We met twice a month . Our
prayer times were rich, and as we
prayed I sensed God calling me to a
deeper level of service for Him .
Mike and I had both been called to
missions at an early age. We had
planned on being missionaries, but Mike
had pastored a church for three years,
we had two children, and I was now
working at a hospital. We had a house
and a car-we felt settled. But something was missing. As I prayed with my
prayer partner, I could clearly see God
leading me to a different life . Mike and
I also began praying in this direction,
"Where in the world would you have us
serve, Lord?" In November 2012 it was
20 years since we came to Africa. God
led in a lovely way through our prayers.
When we came to Zambia in 2009, I
was looking for a woman to partner
with in prayer. God faithfully give me a
name-Mrs. Kazia. When she agreed to
be my prayer partner, she asked how
often I wanted to pray. My routine had
been once a week, but before I
answered I asked her what she had
done. Her routine was to meet with her
partner several times a week from 7:00
a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If one of them had
ministry to do that day, they would pray
before it. Also, if one of them woke in
the night with a need, they would call
each other and ask for prayer at 2:00
a.m or 3:00 a.m. After hearing that, I
took a deep breath (I felt like I had been
playing at prayer before). I just signed
up for prayer boot camp. I learned many
things about prayer from Mrs. Kazia.
She was an incredible intercessor; she
was persistent and committed to prayer.
We kept a notebook of our prayers and
saw many answers. My faith continued
to grow as a result; I was willing to give
more time to prayer.
Matthew 18:20 says: "Where two or
three are gathered together in my name
there I will be in the midst of them ."
I believe in prayer partnering. It has
changed my life! Here are some practical
suggestions about how to work well
with your prayer partner.
1. Decide on
• how many times a week or
month you want to meet;
• how long your meetings will be;
• when each of you will be
available to take calls for
urgent requests.
2. Keep confidences.
3. Keep a notebook for requests and
answers to prayer.
4. Persevere to keep meeting times.
Make adjustments when necessary
and make a plan to meet again.
Enjoy the friendship and answers to
prayer you see in this journey of prayer.
It may take you places you never imagined-it has for me!•
Mike and Cindy Helvie are long-term
missionaries with Global Partners in 'Zambia.
They are from the Indiana North District.
Pastor Julias
and Royce Kabayame
by Mike Helvie
P
astor Julias Kabayame and
his family have deeply
touched my life. His wife,
Royce, and my wife, Cindy, are
prayer partners. Pastor
Kabayame and I were both 53
years old this past August. He
is a third-year student at Pilgrim
Wesleyan Bible College
(PWBC) in Zambia and was in the pastorate for several years
prior to coming to PWBC. He only had a seventh grade education , but he is doing very well academically.
Pastor and Mrs . Kabayame recently celebrated their 30th
wedding anniversary, which is quite an accomplishment in the
Zambian culture. In Zambia a person gets married to have
children, but in their case they were not able to have children.
Because of her infertility, Pastor Kabayame was told , "Get rid
of your wife. She is stealing your food." But true to Pastor
Kabayame's character, he would not leave his wife . He stayed
true to her and loved her.
Thirteen years later Mrs. Kabayame became pregnant and
gave birth to a little girl, but sadly she only lived one month.
Pastor Julias Kabayame and Mike
This caused much pain and sorrow in their lives. Mrs. Kabayame
again became pregnant. This time the baby lived, and their
daughter is now 15 years old . Her name is Chipo, which means
gift. Three years later their son was born. His name is Ory, and
he is now 12 years old .
Pastor and Mrs. Kabayame are godly people. Their personal
relationships with the Lord and their marriage are fine examples
and role models for the students at PWBC. Pastor Kabayame is
the chairman for the student body for the second year in a row.
He will graduate this coming Jul y 27, 2013. •
God Works in All Things!
by Jason Blaikie
I
n language school, there was one person that I had a hard time getting along
with . We often discussed our religion. Even though he had gone to church
for 30 years, he did not understand my relationship with Christ, and it made
him mad. Repeatedly he would tell me that I had Christianity all wrong and
that what I was talking about was not what he had learned as a child.
We could barely talk without our conversation turning into a heated discussion .
I have discovered that God usually puts me in this kind of a situation to learn
something or to use me in it. In thi s situation, I could not figure out why I was
here. This man would not listen to me, and half of the time he would tell me
off and stop talking to me. A few days before I was finished with language
school, he asked me what church I attend in Thailand. I gave him the address
and offered to meet him at the bus station to show him the way. He said, "No! "
and that was the last time I heard from him.
Three months after Christine and I returned to North America for home
ministries , he showed up to the church because he decided he wanted to find
out more about the God I knew. He told the people at the church, "Jason said
this is a place where I can learn about God for real. Please tell me about Him ."
I never thought God would ever use this relationship for Hi s glory, but He
did! I learned that God works in all things-even when we don 't think it is
possible. •
Jason and Christine Blaikie are long-term missionaries with Global Partners
in Thailand, and they are from the Atlantic District. They have two children:
Aaliyah (' JO) and Noelle ('11).
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Our First Month
by Sarah Schmitz
Ryan and Sarah Schmitz, along with their
four children: Micah ('03), Eva ('04), Abel ('07) ,
and Esme ('09), arrived in Nicaragua in
February 2012 for their first term of missionary
service. They are from the Greater Ohio
and Central Canada Districts.
The Schmitz children with newfound friends.
I
tis 9:00 A.M. and a balmy 88 degrees. Birds are squawking
and pecking over a half-rotten mango on the dusty ground
outside the kitchen door. An orange bus laden with baskets and
dozens of sweating passengers is chugging around the comer,
beeping its horn in greeting as a taxi , a fellow friend, honks
back . The driver passes the bus with a wave and a grin leaving
a mere inch of room to spare between them. Our doorbell is
ringing for the third time this morning. I shake dishwater off of
my hands, wiping my fingers on my skirt as I walk through my
"new home." I inhale deeply as I open the gate praying that
God wilJ give me the wisdom and grace to communicate with
whoever stands precariously beyond my door.
An aging woman in a loose
fitting, faded cotton dress , a
washerwoman she says, with
dim eyes pleads her case. Her
story unravels in my mind as
liquid smooth Spanish spills
out of her mouth so rapidly
that my mind can only catch
every fifth or sixth word. Her
wrinkled hand produces a prescription from her calico
pocket. "Fecha" my mind
notes, that's the date. My finSarah
gers trace around an official
seal as I scan the rest of this slight piece of paper, my eyes
searching for familiar words. Ah , it is insulin she needs .. . for
her mother in the hospital ... I think. Tilting my head up, she
catches my gaze and for the first time since I opened the door,
she pauses uncertainly. "You understand now, don't you?"
"Yes," I nod, pressing my lips together as my stomach twists
into knots
Her frantic need, her urgency I understand, and the restoh, the rest is a muddle mess for someone that is trying to love
like Jesus loves in a country where I speak as a toddler and eat
the wrong foods at the wrong times of the day! Do I reach for
my wallet? Do I open it to a stranger in generosity? Is her
story true? If I give today, what about tomorrow? There will be
0
more knocks on my gate over the next few hours .... Do I need
a gardener? Do I need a guard? Will I buy these tomatoes? Do
I want my shoes fixed? Do I have clothes to spare? ... Will I
ever really "know" what to do?
Our family treks single file along the two short blocks to our
beloved neighborhood park-a simple square of dirt and mottled
metal playground equipment that we have come to enjoy and
find comfort. By 5:00 P.M. it is buzzing with energy. Children
are zipping around like bees as they kick soccer balls into
makeshift goals. Mothers are resting their tired bodies on the
broken concrete benches, smiling easily as they enjoy the gossip
and the jokes that are obviously abundant. Some men are enjoying a few minutes of sun with their children while others are
huddled in groups, whistling at pretty girls that pass by.
Abel lets go of my hand, dashing off to greet his friends, a
motley crew of boys that he has embraced with gusto. In
evenings past, they pretended to sword fight with sticks, taking breaks to suck on mangoes, or played a rowdy game of
football that kept them busy until the sun would sink below
the trees. But tonight was different. "AH-BELLLLL! !!"The
boys called after him patting the seat of a worn bike that they
formed a half-circle around. Before Abel could stammer a
simple hola, an older boy scooped him up, plopped him on the
front of the bike, and began to peddle him around the park.
This evening they did not take a break for mangoes from our
backyard- it was candy made by one of the mothers that they
savored as they sat on edge of the sidewalk. Dirty, happy, and
sitting smack dab in the middle of the boys, it was one of the
best nights of Abel's time here in Nicaragua. Managua is starting to become our home, and for a few hours, we felt as if our
Nicaraguan neighbors were beginning to feel like it, too!
Over the course of this first month, whether we were lost (yet
again!) in this sprawling city, find ing our way through the maze
of stalls in the market in pursuit of shoes, or simply trying to
order pizza at a restaurant, we have found the Nicaraguan people
to be truly gracious and friendly people. We are continually
blessed and honored to be here! •
D
uring a house church meeting , Cari,
a Karis Jesus-follower, shared a
recent testimony about the power of
forgiveness in her life. God has had her
on a journey, teaching her how to love
people who are difficult to love. This
lesson came to a head when she was at
a Christian conference in a neighboring
country.
People from many different
countries were attending the
conference, including a few
from a country that is a sworn
enemy of the Karis people.
Karis children are taught from a
young age to hate the people
from this country. When Cari
came in contact with them , she
knew she did not hate them, but
she also had no love for them.
Throughout the conference there was de{inite tension between the two groups.
On the second day of the conference, a
young woman from this enemy country
sprained her ankle. Cari felt prompted by
the Holy Spirit to go to the young woman's
room to take care of her leg in the same
way that Jesus washed His disciples' feet.
Cari realized that as she started talking
with girl and icing her ankle, she was
fi?f'ed with an incredible love for her.
During the last day of the conference,
there was a time of repentance and
reconciliation between these two groups.
They confessed to each other and forgave
each other for the hatred that exists
between their two countries . As believers
in Christ, they accepted each other as
brothers and sisters.
Thi s is a beautiful example
of how Jesus heals wounds
and breaks the chains of
· unforgi veness. Pray that Jesusfollowers among the Karis
people would see that forgiveness brings freedom and
healing in relationships. •
FORGIVENESS
AMONG THE KARIS PEOPLE
by GP missionaries living among the Karis people in the Turkic/Arabic Muslim area.
Names have been omitted or changed for security reasons.
F
ourteen years ago Darla's husband
left her and her two daughters. Since
that time, Darla and her daughters have
become Jesus-followers and Jive for Him
alone. Their father would still come to
visit their cousins, but he never treated
the girls like his own daughters. He
would barely even talk to them when
they came by to visit their cousins.
The girls had tried to forgive their
father, but they always felt the same
feelings of abandonment and anger ri sing up within them. For several months
the house church had focused on forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit spoke to
them abo ut their need to forgive their
father for Jesus' sake. The final motivating factor was when Cari shared her own
story of forgiving others and challenged
them to take the first step in forgiving
their father.
The day before this , one of the girls
had told her cousi n that she would never
forgive him . The next day she called this
same cousin to tell her that she and her
sister were coming over talk to their
father. They planned to tell him that they
love and forg ive him. Her cousin thought
she must be joking .
At the same time , God was doing a
work in their father's heart. Days earlier
he wanted nothing to do with the girls,
but suddenly he was saying that he also
wanted to see them. The Holy Spirit was
definitely moving!
When the girls saw their father, one of
them told him that because she follows
Jesus, she forgave him for everything and
loves him. Much to the girls' surprise,
their father acknowledged that he had
been wrong to neglect them and asked
their forgiveness. For a man in the Karis
culture to put aside his pride and confess
this to his children and other witnesses in
the room was truly a miracle!
The girls' cousin witnessed the entire
thing. God is working in her heart since she
has witnessed the power of Jesus and what
it can do. She has asked many questions
and for a New Testament! Please pray that
God would open her eyes to the truth.
What a beautiful story of how God can
use the steps of obedience of His children
to bring about reconciliation and display
His power and love to others! Please pray
for God 's protection over this newly
restored relationship. Pray that the girls'
father would decide to follow Jesus. •
o
The Growing
Wesleyan Church
of Liberia
by Phil Nettleton
Pastors and church leaders being certificated after a one-week
Kpel/e Bible literacy training course conducted by Liberia 's
Wesleyan Church's district superintendent and missions director
R
ecently, Lucille and I were privileged
to visit Wesleyans in Liberia. We
served as Global Partners' missionaries
to Liberia in the 1980s until we were
evacuated in 1990 due to war. At that
time there were ten Wesleyan churches
in three Liberian counties. In September
2012 we witnessed the opening ceremony of Liberia's newest Wesleyan
church . The Wesleyan Church of Liberia
now has 44 churches in eight counties.
We listened as church leaders articulated
their vision of extending The Wesleyan
Church to each of Liberia 's 16 counties !
The Liberian Church has sent missionaries to Nigeria, and the church leaders
embrace the vision to send more missionaries into other nations in the future.
When the war in Liberia started, the
government schools closed. The leaders
in The Wesleyan Church knew the children needed to be educated , so
Wesleyans started several schools in the
Monrovia area to meet this need. Today
there is a network of schools called
the Wesleyan School System of
Liberia (WSSOL). The director of
WSSOL, Mustapha Seydou , reported
the progress made over the past two
decades . There are now 16 schools
in WSSOL, with more than 4 ,000
students and 300 teachers.
We also had the great joy of
attending a school assembly. This
school meets on the property of the
Gardnersville Wesleyan Church.
The school was started as a junior
and senior high school in 1997, with
e
13 students. The current student body
now stands at 700 students. When the
leaders started the school , they chose to
name it after me-which was truly an
honor and very humbling. The Phil A.
Nettleton Wesleyan School had its fifth
high school commencement program in
July 2012, graduating 51 seniors, all of
whom passed the national exam. This
school and the 15 other schools in the
system are a great testament to the Lord
and the determination of Liberian
Wesleyans to provide quality education
for the children of their communities.
Lucille and I spoke in the chapel
service at the Wesleyan College of
Liberia (WCOL). This school was
started early in the war as a Bible school
to train pastors. The school is moving
ahead under the capable leadership of
President Rev. James P. Toga, who was
the first Wesleyan pastor to be trained in
Liberia in the '80s. He later did graduate
studies at schools in Jackson ,
Wesleyan College of Liberia graduates' procession
into the commencement exercise at the Gardnersville
Wesleyan Church in August 2012
Mississippi, and Nigeria. While serving
as the director of Emmanuel Wesleyan
Bible College in Swaziland, Rev. Toga
studied for his doctorate from the
University of South Africa. He is
passionate about providing excellent
leadership training and education for
those in ministry. WCOL has grown
significantly and has added programs to
meet the needs of Wesleyan students
pursuing higher education in Liberia.
During our visit in Liberia, we
stayed in the district parsonage with
District Superintendent Rev. Peter and
Rachel Kollie , along with their three
children: Benjamin, Peter, and Fahnie.
The Kollies were newly married when
we lived in Liberia. Peter was employed
for many years with the Association of
Evangelicals of Liberia (AEL). One of
his duties was the preparation and presentation of a half an hour radio program
that was aired across the country
weekly. In his work with AEL , Peter
received a number of training opportunities in the areas of justice, peace
building, and community development. Clearly, God uniquely prepared
him to lead The Wesleyan Church of
Liberia in this new generation! Rev.
Kollie is currently studying for a law
degree. He feels it is important to be
able to speak truth to the lawmakers.
His training in Jaw will equip him for
important input with the national
leaders. He is also challenging the
Liberian Church to recognize that
people are their greatest resource.
He is helping churches mobilize people to work for the Lord and the good
of the nation.
Thirty dialects are spoken in
Liberia, and less than one third of the
people are fluent in the English language. District Superintendent Kollie
has a vision to provide Bible literacy
training for each tribal language
group. He stated, "We believe this
strategy of helping people read the
Bible in their mother tongue will be
used of God to bring a million more
people to Christ in Liberia."
Rev. Isaac Wheigar, a former district superintendent of The Wesleyan
Church, is the current general director of the Association of Evangelicals
of Liberia. In this prominent position,
he has significant influence in the
leadership of churches across Liberia.
Rev. Wheigar and Rev. Kollie, along
with other church leaders, are often
called to meet with the president of
Liberia, the Honorable Mrs. Ellen
Sirleaf Johnson. She is open to the
spiritual insights of these men of
God. We were amazed to see the way
God is raising up Wesleyan leaders
to have a far-reaching impact in the
fabric of Liberian society! Please
join us in praying for God to continue blessing His work in Liberia.
Lucille and I reflected on the power
of God in the work of missions. The
first Wesleyan missionaries went to
Liberia just over 30 years ago. Four
families served one term or less, and
because of the war, Global Partners
(Wesleyan) missionaries were in the
country less than a decade. Yet, out
of those early days of sacrifice, dedication, and hard work, God raised up
The Wesleyan Church of Liberia,
which now has a powerful voice in
the nation, calling people to righteousness and holiness.
Yes, there is a cost in missions.
Is the cost worth it? What we saw in
Liberia shouts the answer, "YES, a
thousand times, YES!" •
Phil and Lucille Nettleton are long-term
missionaries with Global Partners. They
are currently living in Europe where they
are pastors to GP missionaries living in
Africa and Europe. The Nettletons are
from the Pacific Southwest District.
I Left My Heart
in Pelgrim
Kondre!
by Doris Purcell
M
any years ago I married Ed Purcell,
an MK (missionary kid). His parents
were Edward and Louella Purcell , former
Wesleyan missionaries to Suriname. My heart
has been touched by the pictures of my
mother-in-law cleansing the putrefying sores
infected by the witchdoctor's "magic" potion
and the smiles on the faces of young men and
women receiving the first clothes they had
ever worn. I was proud just to know someone
who had cleared the jungle; improvised an
improved water supply; braved sleeping in the
dea dea houso (death house) , a hut where
dead bodies were kept until their native rituals
were performed; closely escaped death from
the bite of a bushmaster snake; and delivered
babies with God being the tutor.
My in-laws' mission was to start a school
for the people of the Suriname villages. These
people had never seen a white person. Alontu,
my husband's best childhood friend, was a
boy from that school. He died a few years
ago, and because of my in-laws' commitment,
he is now in heaven . I have been privileged to
hear testimonies of several who attended that
school and now hold very good positions both
in Suriname and the United States.
I was completely satisfied to be proud of
my missionary family, even though I thought
my aging mother-in-law was a little out of
touch when she concluded her missionary
stories by saying, "Oh, those were the best
days of my life!" ... And then my husband
felt a burden to lead a mission trip back to
Pelgrim Kondre, Suriname, South America.
I could think of a dozen excuses why I would
not be able to go with him, but he had two
dozen reasons why I should go. All my
excuses slowly evaporated, so I began to pray
that God would help my attitude. As I prepared for the trip, I realized one day that I
was looking forward to it. My health is not as
good as it once was, so I started praying for
strength to be able to participate in the painting project that was the primary purpose of
our trip. I also asked others to pray for me to
have strength.
Our small missions team arrived in
Suriname on a weekend and enjoyed God's
presence in Sunday 's worship services . It
didn ' t matter that we could not understand
Doris in Suriname
their praise; we saw and felt God in them .
Then plans were made to start the painting
project on Monday morning. I told my husband when we went to bed that I was afraid
that I had "bitten off more than I could chew."
I didn 't ever remember feeling so tired .
When we arrived at the school Monday
morning, God did an amazing work in my
body. I painted and cleaned for eight hours
every day, and I was not ready to leave at
quitting time. My heart was stirred as I
visited with the school principal and felt her
compassion for the children. I was filled
with joy as I watched the children work and
realized their excitement for learning and
the dreams they have for their future. But
my heart also was burdened as I painted
and cleaned. I saw that the children and the
teachers have very little to work with. The
children are too poor to buy supplies, and
there is not any money for the school to buy
them. Now I, too, have left my heart in
Pelgrim Kondre with the children , teachers,
and principal.
My husband kept busy leading seminars
during the week and preaching on Sundays.
At the close of a meeting, a lady with an
infant requested that my husband pray for her
and her baby. The church's pastor indicated
that she had been coming for the last two
weeks seeking help to forsake her long
involvement with witchcraft. After praying
for the infant, my husband, along with the
pastor, prayed for the woman-one prayed in
English and one in Sranan Tongo. Suddenly
the woman was delivered! And since our
return to the United States, the pastor has
e-mailed us with assurances of her complete
deliverance. To God be the glory! •
Rev. Ed and Doris Purcell are from the Kansas
District and attend BreakPointe Community
Church.
0
SUPPORT A MISSIONARY!
Romy and Linda Caringal (Asia Area Director) - WM04-0178
Kristina Hixson (Czech Republic) - WM04-0383
Joel and Tiffany Toonstra (Macedonia) - WM04-0384
Rick and Clara West (Ibero-America Area) - WM04-0122
SPECIAL PROJECT • SRI LANKA
Hanwella Church Property- WM06-1416 • Goal: $22,728
This project will provide a meeting place for the Wesleyans in Hanwella who lost their previous
meeting place. It will serve as a place for worship, training, and discipleship. This project will
also provide great strength and encouragement to the members as they not only seek a place
to worship but also a place from which to launch out into the commun ity.
Galaha Church Building Completion -WM06-1266 • Goal: $25,088
, Construction of the Galaha church building has begun, but more
L . " funds are needed for completion. This building will not only provide
a place of worship for the church in Gala ha, but will also strategical ly
-"'I
serve as a ministry and tra in ing center for the region. A library and
Sunday school will also be housed in t he three story building (1000
~: square feet per floor). Currently, the skeleton of the building has been
!~~, .
built, but financial partners are needed in order to finish construction.
:·:~ .".... ~ i --1 --111. -.
~~
•.
:r..··. •·.
-
I
~...
..
--
:J.._j
-. ··· ~·-
HOW TO GIVE
Online at www.globalpartnersonline.org/donate
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) through automated monthly bank debits
(go to www.globalpartnersonline.org/eft for instructions)
Mail donation to Global Partners, PO Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250
HONOR AND MEMORIAL GIRS
The following gifts of S100 or more were received Apri l- September 2012:
In honor of ...
Storer Emmett from Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Ankney Jr.
In memory of . ..
Alice Barnett from the Iowa-Minnesota District
Ruby Blankenship from Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Joiner • Ms. Frances Sulkosky
Tomas Childs from Liquid Floor Systems, Inc. • Thompson Construction Group
Donald Ensz from Dr. and Mrs. Harold A. Schneider
Dorothy Gillespie from Wesleyan Missionary Alu mni Fellowship
Nina Haywood from Wesleyan Missionary Alumni Fellowship
Cheryl Hudson from Atlantic District • Wesleyan Missionary Alumn i Fellowsh ip
Robert Kilmer from Mrs. Ethelyn Ki lmer
Clarence Knupp from Mr. Gareth E. Van Al len
Margie Legg from Mr. and Mrs, Samuel W. Turnboug h
Frances Little from Mrs. Carolyn S. Chandler
Claude Masters from Ms. Martha Carter • Ms. Miriam Masters
Mable McDaniel from Ms. Nedra A. Shelly
Mabel Morris from Mr. and Mrs. Bruce P. Peters
John Moses from Ms. Lorraine Forgione • Mr. Joseph W. Rutherford
Robert and Gertrude Muir from Muir Fam ily Foundation
Leon Smay from the Black Family • Ms. Cindy Bu ll • Ms. Elaine Smay • Mr. and Mrs. Jon W. Young
Stephen Smith from Atlantic District
Harold Swan from Mrs. Esther England
Herman and Helen Tellinghuisen from Ms. Janice Hobbie • Ms. Carla Holter
GP GIVING REPORTS UPDATE
Global Partners would like to express deep appreciation to District Superintendent Don Hodg ins
of the Centra l Canada District for the out-of-pattern administrative support of three former
mission f ields of the Standard Church over the past eight years. At the end of 2012, all fiscal systems
for serving these fields (Ghana, Egypt and part of Mexico-GEM) will fully align with t he standa rd
procedures and processes of Global Partners fund ing. During this eight-year period of t ime, the
Central Canada District has given an estimated $300,000 per year in support for these works, wh ich
A was not reflected in the GP Top 100 Giving Churches or Giving by District reports in the
W October-December 2012 issue of the GP WorldView. Thank you, District Superintendent
Hodgins and the Central Canada District!
C
om passion is what I feel every time I
look into the eyes of an elderly resident living in a cold , dark room , at times
alone or forgotten by his famjly.
Compassion drives me to love him even
when I struggle with so many questions.
Why doesn 't his caretaker wash him better? Does anyone brush his teeth? Who
helps hjm walk to the toilet safely? These
questions float around in my head on
every visit because the elderly are so
ignored. I hold onto the Father's Word and
strive for more of His great compassion
and mercy to love the elderly here.
My eyes smiled brightly at the new
man I met. He was very lonely and lived
in a room barely fit for a pauper-a
broken-down chair, curtains hanging by
a thread, mold that climbed up the wall
behlnd hjs bed . I massaged hjs arthritic
hands and trimmed hjs fingernails easily.
Across from me I noticed my colleagues
struggling to cut the tiger-length fingernails of another man. His fingernails
were rock hard from years of fungus. With
sheer determination and a gentle touch ,
they fin ished the job in twenty minutes.
The caretaker had told us it was not possible to cut his fingernails. It is odd how
such simple daily tasks, if ignored, can
affect a person's quality of life. Now the
tiny man was able to use his hands more
normally once again .
This is why my team visits the elderly
weekly. Cutting fingernails, shaving faces ,
giving haircuts, and applying lotion to dry
skin is all a part of showing the Father's
love to every resident we see. •
Then the ones who pleased the
Lord will ask, "When did we give you
something to eat or drink? When did
we welcome you as a stranger or give
you clothes to wear or visit you while
you were sick or in jail?"
The king will answer, "Whenever
you did it for any of my people, no
matter how unimportant they seemed,
you did it for me."
-Matthew 25:37-40 CEV
*Name omitted for security reasons .
JESUS Film Partnership
Giving to Make a Difference
Interview by Peter Moore, Director of Operations
What is it about the idea of
helping to plant a Wesleyan
church in Cuba that spoke to
you? What did you feel led to
give?
T
he JESUS Film Partnership of Global
Partners has inspired Wesleyans
across generational lines. Abigai l (Abi)
Smith is a 13-year-old from the Central
Canada District. During the summer of
2012, whi le on vacation with her fami ly
at Beulah Camp (Atlantic District), she
heard about the JESUS fi lm team that
was soon to be launched in Cuba and listened carefully to the incred ible impact
that every dollar donated would make.
God had spoken to her in the winter at a
youth convention about giving nearly all
of her personal savings to advance His
Kingdom in some way, but she didn ' t
know where. As Abi heard about District
Superintendent David LeRoy's commitment at General Conference for the
district to provide $6,000 for planti ng
one church in Cuba through the JESUS
film, she knew instantly that was where
God wanted her to give. In September
2012 Abi sent her offering towards the
vision of the Atlantic District in honor of
her grandfather, Papa Raymond Smith,
who passed away on September I.
Abi, when did you first learn
how God is at work in Cuba?
My dad had been involved with promoting another missions group that is do ing
a lot in Cuba, and I had heard about
how God is opening doors for the
Church there .
Where did you hear about the
JESUS Film Partnership with
Global Partners?
My family was on vacation
this summer in New
Brunswick. The first time I
heard about it was at Beulah
Camp where I saw a video
and heard a presentation
about it.
Abi Smith
Your dad mentioned you are
a rather unusual 13-year-old
young lady when it comes to
finances. Do you mind me
asking how much you had
squirreled away in your
savings this summer?
When I saw the story of how impacting
every dolJar is through the JESUS film, I
knew that was where I wanted to be obedient with what God had asked me to do .
I knew that Cuba was on fue and that thjs
church was going to be planted, and so I
gave it there. God led me to give $1 ,000
whjch has been sent to the Atlantic
District to support their vision for Cuba
and to help plant a new Wesleyan church
through the JESUS film.
Overall , I think it was somethjng around
$1,200. Actually, it would be more, but
I keep loaning money to my mom and
dad . They still owe me quite a bit.
Maybe , I should start charging them
interest!
Abi, that's amazing! I am sure
your family is very proud of
you. Thanks for setting such
an inspirational example for
us all. Does this gift have any
special meaning for you?
When did you first sense God
speaking to you about making
a significant investment somewhere in His Kingdom?
I hadn't thought about that before, but
when my grandfather, Raymond Smith,
passed later thjs summer, I knew I wanted
to give thjs in his memory. Papa loved to
pray. He wou ld pray and pray and pray.
Even when I was little he would say he
was praying for my husband already! He
loved music and hymns. He was proud of
the way I have grown spiritually and has
been a role model for me.
Earlier this year I went to a youth convention. I felt like God was calling me
to go up front to make a commjtment to
give a good amount of money. There are
a lot of organizations out there, but they
don ' t all have a great return or reputation . I wanted to make sure the money
would make a difference.
If God is leading a 13-year-old young
woman to join in the eternal momentum
of Campaign 300 , just
imagine what He must
• Net Caster Newsletter: Stay informed with the latest
have in store to see dark
GP JESUS film news and testimonies by signing up to
strongholds torn down as
rece ive the Net Caster, GP 's JESUS fi lm e-mail news letter,
churches are established in
at www.globalpartnersonline .org/netcasters or by e-mailing
their place for His glory! •
gphm @wes leyan.org .
• Give: There are two easy ways you can give to the JESUS Film
Partnership of Global Partners (fund number WM06-0695)
• Online at www.globalpartnersonline.org/donate
(go to the form at the bottom of the page)
• Mail a donation to Global Partners, PO Box 50434,
Indi anapolis, IN 46250
Global Partners
The Wesleyan Church Corporation
PO Box 50434 • Indianapolis, IN 46250-0434
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
by GP missionaries living among
the Karis people in the
Turkic/Arabic Muslim area.
Names have been omitted or changed
for security reasons.
T his past spring I signed up for a_month at a fitness cent.er. M~ roo~ate,
Susie, then signed up as well. While there, we formed a fnendsh1p with _the
cleaning lady, Cana. We gave her the Hope video, which she watched ~-d liked
very much . Susie continued going to exercise and had further opporturutJes to
share the gospel with Cana. She also gave her a Portions book that contains
selections of scripture that point to Jesus being the Messiah. Cana, her husband ,
and their daughter all started reading the book.
Then, one day in the summer Susie went to the gym and Cana was not
there. We called her family and learned there had been a tragedy. They had
gone swimming at the beach and Cana had drowned. We were shocked and
heartbroken. She left behind her husband , along with their young daughter
and son. Please pray that the Lord would meet them in this painful time.
Pray that they will return to the Word and would come to know Jesus .
Also, please join our ministry team as we desire to have an increased
sense of urgency to reach the Kari s people . We do not know where Cana
was spiritually when she passed away, but every day man_Y ?thers ~ho have
never heard the truth of Jesus die and are lost forever. This is a reality that
all of us must face and allow it to drive us to a response-going to our
knees in prayer, fulfilling the Great Commission (at home or abroad), and
financially supporting others so they can go. •
I
•
••
••
••
••
••
•
••
•
Susie to her
prayer partners:
I was shocked to find out from Cana's
husband that she died in a drowning
accident in the sea. Through this time
God has reminded me that we never
know when we may see someone for the
last time. I'm thankful for each moment
I was able to spend with Cana, for each
cup of tea we drank together, and for
each word that was spoken. It is a
reminder that the truth of Jesus needs to
reach everyone . Praise God that Cana
had the chance to hear the truth. Please
lift her husband and two children up in
your prayers.
Albanian Children-Lots of Them!
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
-Matthew 19:14 NIV
Missionaries Allan and
Sheri Stevens Update
A
s our mjnistry in Durres has developed over the past year, it has
become clear that the bulk of our ministry is with children. Many children have
been coming to our home for recreation,
English lessons , and Bible lessons.
For years people have been talking
about the J0/40 Window, meaning the
least evangelized areas of the globe that
fall between ten and forty degrees north
latitude. Now we are beginning to hear
about the 4/14 Window, meaning ages
four to fourteen-the age range when
most people accept Christ.
We have found that adults in Albania
are often apathetic to the Christian
message , but children eagerly attend
Christian meetings and soak up the truths
of the Bible. We have the opportunity to
influence the destiny of the people and
nation of Albania through the up-andcoming generation. Because children
grow up so fast, we have a sense of
urgency to reach them for Christ before
the cares of life choke out the seed
(Matthew 13:22).
To this end, we have two meetings
per week iH ·our home specifically for the
children to learn from the Bible, and we
cosponsor a third meeting at the home of
our coworkers, GP missionaries Matt and
Caryl Aukerman. Jn addition, we assist at
two other ministries that are teaching
biblical truth to children and youth.
Fellow team members also have meetings in other parts of the Kenete with
chjldren and youth.
There is a growing knowledge of the
Bible among the younger generation in
Albania. They enjoy singing "The B-1-BL-E , yes that's the book for me" and
"Jesus loves the little children, all the
children of the world." One of their
favorite songs is "King of Kings and
Lord of Lords ." They are learning who
Jesus is and what He did for them. The
ground is both being prepared to receive
the seed and, at the same time, receiving
the seed.
continued on page 2
Leadership Longings
No More Idols
Second Generation Disciple
MP4: Four Essential Pathways for
Mission Fulfillment
6
7
Finding the Ultimate Life Source
8
OKWU Students Experienced Church
Planting among the Fotizo People
9
Passing through the Valley of the
Shadow of Death
God Came to Dwell in Us
10
Inside Global Partners
12
Macedonian Bible Available on YouVersion
"!#
twitter.com/gpnow
www.facebook.com/gpmissions
Albanian Children-Lots of Them!
continued
Missionaries Matt and Caryl Aukerman
Update
U
pon our return to Albanjan last
July, we opened our home again for
a twice-weekly kids club. By the end of
the summer it had nearly doubled in
size! Cruldren who had regularly
attended, others who had not attended
for some time, and new children-as
many as 27 children one day-gathered
for each club, including boys who had
been fewer in number in the past. We
were pleasantly surprised when our
landlord, previously reluctant to have
children at the house, invited many of
them himself!
We praise the Lord for the new
interest in God in our neighborhood.
We are also thankful for the opportunity
to hand out children's Bibles to those
who did not have one. What a blessing
to hear that the children are reading
these Bibles!
We have continued to host a
kids club during
the school year
as well.
Albanian children go to
school in
shifts-some
grade levels in
the morning and
Paolo sho\NS off her craft other grades in
the afternoon .
As a result, we open our home for a
morning club on Tuesdays and an afternoon club on Fridays. Both clubs have
been well attended, and our packed living room is filled with the sounds of
children singing and learning the
weekly memory verse, while a Bible
story each week challenges them to follow Christ and to share Him with their
friends. Many of these children have
also attended a weekly worship time
either in our home or in the home of
our teammates Allan and Sheri Stevens.
We had just started
getting to know Paola at
the end of our previous
Matt leads game time
mjssionary term. Since we
have been back, she has become a conrerrunding the others that Christmas is
not about parties and presents, but about
sistent part of kids club, weekly worsrup
the Savior born for us. Our daughter
time , and any other opportunjty for spiriGrace and three of her friends performed
tual input that presents itself. When Luis
Palau spoke in Albarua's capital city last
a ballet dance to Christian music.
Griselda, one of the girls that
fall, Paola was among those that went
with us. As she filled out her comment
danced with Grace , has been involved
with our rrunistry from the time we first
card that evening, she indicated that she
moved into our current neighborhood
had previously comrrutted her life to
over three years ago. On a recent
Christ, and that she wanted to reaffirm
Sunday morning, she shared her testiher decision that everung. Paola is now
influencing her two younger
mony about coming to
sisters and younger brother,
personal faith in Jesus
often bringing them along to
Christ with the group
assembled in our home for
kids club or worshjp time.
Last fall our teammate
worship . Griselda talked
Katie Hawkins decided to
about hearing the gospel for
organize a Bible quiz comthe first time at kids club. At
petition for any children that
first it had seemed like a
were interested. Several
beautiful fairy tale to her,
Girls with their craft
members of our rrussion
but over time she began to
project from
understand that it was real!
team studied John 3:1-21
weekly kids club
with groups of cruldren,
She prayed and gave her
heart to Christ. She continues to seek
forrrung them into teams and preparing
Him and grow in her faith. Griselda and
them for the contest. On September 29,
2012, the big event took place, with 19
two other girls now meet with Caryl
and Grace for a time of discipleship .
cruldren comprising four teams competIt has been exciting to see cruldren
ing and demonstrating how well they
growing in their understanding of and
had learned the story of Jesus' encounter
with Nicodemus, as well as memorizing
enthusiasm for God's Word! During their
formative years, Albanjans adults who
several key verses . For a second compelived under comrnurusm were derued the
tition held in December, the cruldren
opporturuty to learn about God and His
studied John 14 and learned the books of
great love for them. We prruse God that a
the New Testament. A competition at the
new generation has an opporturuty to
beginning of February 2013 focused on
have their lives and eternal destinies
John l and the names of the books in the
changed by the gospel. •
Old Testament.
At Christmastime, Child Evangelism
Allan and Sheri Stevens are long-term missionFellowshjp, with whom we partner in
aries with Global Partners in Albania. They are
our kids club rrunistry, hosted a
from the South Coastal and Atlantic Districts.
Christmas party at their facilities. There
Matt and Caryl Aukerman are long-term
were 103 children in attendance; the vast
missionaries with Global Partners in Albania,
majority came with Global Partners misand they are from the Indiana North District.
The Aukermans have three children:
sionaries. One group of children from
Noah
('99), Grace ('01), and Hannah ('09).
our kids club performed a short skit
Leadership Longings
by Dr. Dennis Jackson, Executive Director
I
Gwen and I had the joy of serving
In the midst of social, physical,
love leadership. I am motivated by
of
Europe,
three
years
on
the
continent
intellectual,
spiritual, and religious barbooks, resources, and talks on leaderwhich was once the gospel-sending conriers that create resistance or numbness
ship. I love practical tools I can add to
tinent to the world. Now Europe is far
to the gospel , He longs to see those
my "leadership toolbox" along the
from God-the prodigal continent. But
barriers broken down and people freely
way-especially if there are instant
of
the
Father
has
not
changed.
coming
to Him for new life . In the
the
heart
applications for the use of the tool.
He longs for the prodigal to return home.
midst of human failings-sometimes in
I enjoy setting the goals, building
It was the longing of Jesus that made
the Church that He said He would
team ownership and buy in, and figuring
Him
weep
over
Jerusalemlongi
ng
that
build - He still has a longing for
out the strategies for reaching the mishealth, healing , restoration, and the
the people would respond to His desire
sion. However, I recognize that, at best,
beauty of a spotless bride. He is the
to gather them close like a hen gathers
leadership is important, but it is not as
her
chicks
(Matthew
23:37).
It
was
the
one
who longed so deeply for the peovital as the most important element of
of
Paul
that
the
followers
of
ple
of
the world He created that He
longing
what matters. That is why I have to be
disadvantaged Himself, taking on the
Christ would exhibit His life in theirs.
spending time in the Word and listening
penalty
Paul related his longing for this in the
for the Spirit's voice and leading (which
of our sin so that we could experience
picture a mother experiencing the pains
is the harder of the two). It is the convicof
childbirth
until
Christ
is
formed
in
life forever.
tion and challenge of John 15 reminding
So, be a leader-be a followeryou (Galatians 4: 19).
us that we lead , we live, we love, we
who
shares in His longings. Increasingly
As
the
Father
God
gazes
over
the
minister out of the overflow of abiding
learn
about leadership, but most of all
of
those
He
lostness
and
brokenness
in Christ. It is the potent reminder that
lean into His longings. They will inspire
created- He longs for them to come to
not all things rise and fall with leaderknow Him. For it is not his will that any
and shape you. His longings will keep
ship but by the unexplainable-but fully
your leadership marked by the One we
should
perish
(2
Peter
3:9).
He
is
the
experienced-God Factor. Unless God
one
who
draws
us
with
lovingkindness
first
choose to follow. •
moves , draws, convinces, and convicts,
(Jeremiah 31:3).
no one comes to Christ. Unless He leads ,
guides, and empowers, we are lost for
direction and impact. Unless
God breaks down barriers ,
whatever we do is insufficient
for the task. God often
inspires and leads us in establishing goals and strategies,
but ultimately it is His work
and timing. We simply are
invited to be a participanta partner with Him.
So , increasingly I am
challenged to learn, to listen, to
GWEN JACKSON
wait for His leadings . I am also
DENN\$
&
"ECUTIVE DIRECTOR
challenged to expose myself to
RTNERS £,..
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"de and director
Him and to experience more of
G d's people as they gw
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Id like to invite those w
ovet the prayers of o
His heart. I experience that most
Dennis and Gwen c f Global Partners. They woud f them in prayer. For those
the ministry o
rtner with them an or I . n up by e-mailing
by attempting to share in His
longings.
interested, ~o·p~ their prayer partners.,;1m~ y ~~ Prayer Partners."
interested in ein I
org and saying Jae so
globalpartners@wes eyan .
0
T
wo years ago, a young man named
Pabon laid down his idol making
tools for good. He had devoted his
youthful years to making idols in one of
the 68,000 villages spread across the
nation of Bangladesh . The village where
Pabon made and sold his idols in the
marketplace is located in the Khulna
District and is also the home of the
Love Your Neighbor organization,
the compassionate ministry arm of
The Wesleyan Church of Bangladesh.
Pabon sold idols in the village to
Hindu families to earn money to pay for
school and food. At one point, he tried
to commit suicide because he had not
passed hjs exams and felt like a failure
in life. It was during this time that
Pastor Bimal, a Wesleyan pastor in the
neighboring Satkhira District, tried to
encourage him to see that his life was
worth saving. Pabon stopped his suicide
attempt, yet he continued to make and
sell idols in the marketplace.
In the meantime, one of Pabon's
brothers moved into the Home of Love
Orphanage, an outreach of Love Your
Neighbor ministries located near the
village where Pabon was making and
-
This idol is similar to the ones made by Pabon
selling idols . So Pastor Bimal referred
Pabon to Pastor George Bose at the
Home of Love Orphanage and encouraged him to go and live there.
Throughout his journey of idol making, Pabon had pastors from the village
who consistently showed love and concern for him , especially through the Love
your Neighbor ministry and the Home of
Love Orphanage. They persistently
reached out in order to draw Pabon away
from his ties to the Hindu community,
and they witnessed to him that Jesus provided a better way to live. One day in
March 2011, Pabon was introduced to
John 3:16: For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish
but have eternal life (NIV). This verse
came alive to Pabon and resulted in his
full surrender to Christ and his deterrrunation that he would never again be
involved in the idol mabng business.
Pabon continues to grow in his faith,
and he has been able to lead Hindus to
The Wesleyan Church of Bangladesh is the
newest members of the international Wesleyan
Church, with 14 established churches. Pastor
Joshe Bose, the Wesleyan national leader,
states, "It is our burden and our commitment
to preach the gospel and save souls for His
kingdom. Our pastors, assistant pastors, and
evangelists go to the nonbelieving communities
to preach the gospel. We share the gospel and
establish churches where no churches are
established, and we preach the gospel to them.
Presently we have 19 prospective evangelistic
centers in our target areas, and we average
20 persons at each of these preaching sessions."
Jesus, as a result of his dedication to the
Savior. Now whenever he is confronted
by Hindu families who want him to
make idols for them, he witnesses to
them saying, "No, I don ' t do that anymore because salvation comes from the
living God and not from these idols."
After his conversion, Pabon began to
talk with Pastor Joshe Bose, the national
leader of The Wesleyan Church of
Bangladesh, and in the process he was
enlisted to serve the church as an evangelist. He began to work with his
spiritual mentor, Pastor Bimal, in the
Satkhira District. As a result, Pabon has
been instrumental in the starting of three
prospective evangelistic centers (PEC)
across that district. These PECs reflect
the intentional church planting strategy
of The Wesleyan Church of Bangladesh ,
historically referenced in other mission
units as preaching points. Pabon is just
one example of multiple stories of conversion from among Bangladeshi
Wesleyans. Many of them have been
saved from Hinduism or other nonChristian backgrounds. In fact, in
December 2012 there were 85 new
Hindu converts baptized in the northern
Bangladesh region of The Wesleyan
Church. •
Rich and Carol Schenck are GO-Net
missionaries with Global Partners to
Bangladesh, and they are from the Indiana
Central District. For information on how
you or your church can partner with
Bangladesh, please contact Rich and Carol
at [email protected].
Second Generation
DISCIPLE
by a GP missionary* living and ministering in Bosnia
MP4: Four Essential
Pathways for
Mission Fulfillment
by Dr Dennis Jackson, Executive Director
D
eep down, most Christ-followers understand
the mission of Jesus Christ-to make
disciples of all nations (Matthew 28: 19-20). All
around the world, Global Partners' missionaries
and national workers are striving toward mission
fulfillment. They know that it matters to the
Father that the lost are found. We also get that
"finding" is only the beginning, and that the
"next" is vitally important to building healthy,
sustainable, multiplying churches.
In light of this, Global Partners is initiating
a challenge this year to all our fields to establish/strengthen four essential missional
pathways (MP4):
• Foundational Grounding: new believer
follow-up
• Ministry Equipping: training and
deploying beUevers into service
• Pastoral!fheological Training: training
persons in the character and competencies
of pastoral ministry and grounding them
in biblical theology
• Leadership Development: intentionally
training, coaching, empowering, and
multiplying leaders
On many of our fields, this missional focus
is fully established and growing. On other
fields, one or more of the pathways are weak,
not yet developed, or in need of refocus.
Sometimes we assume that one of the pathways
will "automatically" (hopefully) care for one of
the other pathways (e.g., the Bible school will
care for leadership development or ministry
equipping will care for pastoral training).
Pray with us that Global Partners will see the
MP4 focus present in each of our works around
the world. •
A
nna* had came home for the summer. On her first day back, I went out for
coffee with her and her mother, Jana.* She was so excited to tell us that she
had been reading the Bible every night before bed. I thought it interesting that
she had picked up her dad's old habit. She bubbled over with delight as she told
us about all of the amazing things she was learning for the first time, particularly as she read through the book of Acts. With a big grin on her face, she
rubbed her hands together excitedly and said, "I'm praying for some people to
read the Bible with me regularly when I get back to school!" We talked about
her roommates and how spiritual conversations were going with them . She said
that sometimes when she comes across a striking passage of Scripture she will
say, "Hey, listen to this!" and then read it aloud to her roommates. "What are
they going to do ... tell me not to read it?" she said with a mischievous grin.
She also mentioned that friend Tina ,* who lives here in the city, started reading
the Bible after Anna had encouraged her to read it. "Now that I'm back, I'm hoping
Tina and I can read together!" she said beaming.
Our conversation went on and we talked about other things. We covered all
the bases from spiritual warfare to subjects like sports, fashion, and boys. It is
so exciting to see how Anna is maturing into a missional disciple-maker. It is
also exciting for me to see how Jana and I get to speak into her life at this point
of her spiritual journey.
I have reflected back on our interactions with Anna over the eight years that
my family has known her, looking for the secrets to how we have perhaps influenced her journey with Jesus. I am not looking to take credit for Anna's spiritual
growth, yet I see that she is following our example. How did that happen? Anna
spent her preteen and teenage years watching how we lived and how Jesus and
God's Word were a part of every area of our lives. She was there in the background when her morn and dad started praying and studying God's Word with
us. At the time she never really engaged with us in it, but she was watching.
Then , with her father's death, she witnessed the power of Christ and His
Resurrection to give hope both to the dying and to those left behind. She has no
doubt been influenced by her mother 's strong faith in Jesus through pain and
loss-a testimony to the joy of living close to Christ.
Whether it has been our example or that of her parents, the secret all seems
to boil down to incarnational ministry and the power of modeling. We tend to
have the greatest influence on those with whom we share life together in their
context. The ways of Jesus are caught as much as, or even more than , they are
taught. Praise the Lord for His ongoing work to draw people to Himself. May
He use Anna to make many followers of Jesus . •
*Nam es omitted or changed for security reasons .
Finding the
Ultimate Life Source
by Jessica Lord
In February 2012 the Redoubt Wesleyan Church, where Jessica works with kids
and the youth, started Drop In, a time after school from 3:00-5:00 P.M. where
kids can hang out at the church. The church provides video games, snacks,
crafts, board games, pool, ping-pong, basketball, and much more! The goal is
for the kids to have a safe place to hang out after school and get to know the
Drop In staff. Hopefully, through this connection, the kids will become involved
in some of the other ministries that the church offers.
I
first met Samuel* and Jane* when I started volunteering in
the public school as a physical education teacher. When
Drop In began in February 2012, they both started coming
every week. Samuel would spend the whole two hours playing
pool with a few mates, and Jane would enjoy the board games
and sidewalk chalk. They loved coming to Drop In so much
that on a weekly basis they would ask their mom to take them
to church on Sunday mornings . Their mom , Mary,* had never
been to church before, and she had no intention of starting
anytime soon. I guess nagging sometimes works because in
September Mary brought the kids to church. And then she
returned the next week and the week after that!
She does not worry any more about
the tides pulling her under because she
is connected to the ultimate life source!
After church on one of those first weeks, Mary asked me if
I would meet her for coffee during the week. She had some
questions about God that she wanted to talk through with me.
We met and talked for several hours. At the end of our conversation, Mary decided to accept Jesus into her life! Over the
next few weeks, I met with Mary every week. We read the
Scriptures, prayed together, and talked through what it means
to be a follower of Christ. It is so fun to read through the Bible
with someone who is experiencing and hearing it for the very
first time! Two weeks after Mary accepted Jesus, she was able
0
Mary with Samuel and Jane
to help lead her children, Samuel and Jane, into a personal
relationship with Christ! Mary has come to church every week
since she accepted Jesus, and each week she seems to have
another member of her family with her.
In November 2012 I had the opportunity to baptize Mary.
Her baptism service was one of the coolest things I have ever
been privileged to take part in. Mary invited all of her family
and heaps of her work friends to her baptism. She knew they
were not Christians, but she wanted to share the God Who had
changed her life with them. Before her baptism, Mary shared her
testi mony. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard! She
compared her life to the tides of the ocean. At high tide she felt
like she was drowning and going under. The low tide would then
come, and she could once again get her footing. But the high
tide always returned and she was again drowning. Now, since
finding God , He is always holding her up. She does not worry
any more about the tides pulling her under because she is connected to the ultimate life source! She described how she never
felt truly loved, but after accepting God she knows that she is
loved unconditionally. She then challenged all of her friends and
family to accept the love that Christ has for them as well.
God is working here, drawing lost and hurting people into
a relationship with Him. I want to be able to be a part of that
for as long as I can! •
*Names changed.
Jessica Lord is an intern missionary with Global Partners in New
Zealand. She is from the Western New York District.
by George and Sheree Wuertz
L
ast summer we passed through the valley of the
shadow of death (Psalm 23) with a family from our
church body in Ecuador. They tragically lost their 17-yearold son, Michael, to a logging accident. There are never
words adequate enough to fill the gaping, aching hole left
from a tragedy. The only words that can suffice in times
like these are ones that never fade . We are reminded in
Isaiah 40:8 (NIV):
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the
word of our God stands forever
As a church body, we experienced God 's Word by
standing in the gap of such unexplainable hurt and pain to
bring peace and comfort that comes only from Jesus, our
trustworthy Shepherd who also passed through His own
valley of death.
In the midst of hopelessness, we experienced a living
hope only found in Jesus that is described in 1 Peter 1:3:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new
birth into a living hope through the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from the dead (NIV).
Just a little over a year ago, Michael, along with hi s
older brother, sister, and mother, were baptized in a local
river. We remember Michael's smile after he came out of
the water declaring an inner hope that he had found in hjs
relationsillp with Jesus. Tills living hope that Michael
found in knowing and following Jesus was also shared at
his funeral service that filled our blue tent sanctuary. Many
people, who had never had a chance to know that our God
is one to be sought after and found as a personal God
instead of just fulfilling a religious duty, discovered that
Michael's baptism with missionaries
Tom Hines and Sheree Wuertz
night that Jesus is the one who deserves our faith and in
return He offers us a living hope.
In the midst of a very dark hour, we experienced a
penetrating light illuminating a way out of the seemingly
dark and endless tunnel of such an unexpected death .
Isruah 60: 1-2 remjnds us of thjs great light:
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the
glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness
covers the earth and thick darkness is over the
peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his
glory appears over you (NIV).
God did not let us down in thjs hour of despair. Instead,
He arose and shined llis light and glory upon us through the
church family coming together and truly being the hands ,
feet, and heart of Jesus to the grieving Medina family and
friends. Some cooked. Some cleaned the blue tent. Some
stayed through the night during the customary all-rught
visitation/vigil. Some prayed. Some sang . Yet, all arose
and brought light to tills dark moment as we served and
loved as the body of Christ.
God also arose and shined over us through a Christian
rap song that Michael and his brothers had written and
filmed on their cell phone just prior to his death, again
testifying to how Jesus lit up their world with sometillng
new and different-a Jiving hope.
As we have passed through tills valley now stronger and
more unjted, we encourage you in the midst of your valley
to seek out and find Jesus, the living hope that will lead you
through just as He did us and the Medina family. •
George and Sheree Wuertz are GO-Net missionaries with Global
Partners in Ecuador and are from the Kansas Distract. They have
three children: Daniel ('06), Nathan ('08), and Joel(' 12).
SUPPORT A MISSIONARY!
Lowell and Robin Adams (Haiti) WM04-0336
Mike and Angela (Security Sensitive
Country) - WM04-0339
Randall and Linda Freeman (Pastors to
Missionaries) - WM04-0144
Jessica Spicer (Albania) - WM04-0388
SPECIAL PROJECT
Democratic Republic of Congo
Ministerial Scholarships - WM06-1291
Goal: $S,685
Th is project will provide funding for the
education of those who wish to become
past ors and who study at either the Wesleya n
Bible school known as "Faw eth " (Faculty of
Wesleyan Theology) located in Likasi or the
Campus Crusade for Christ Bible College in
Lu bumbashi.
HOW TO GIVE
·········oiliiile..at"~:9·ic;·ba.ii)a.riii·e;:5·(;-riii"rie".·c;;:9r·· · ·· ·
donate
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) through
automated monthly bank debits (go to
www.globalpartnersonline.org/eft for
instructions)
Mail donation to Global Partners, PO Box
50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250
HONOR AND MEMORIAL GIFTS
The following gifts of $100 or more were
received October-December 2012:
In honor of ...
Charles Day
from Mr. and Mrs. Tom Mitchell
In memory of . . .
James Barefoot
from Rev. and Mrs. Howard G. Barefoot
Keith Serda from Ms. Pamela J. Schultz
Ralph and Olive Coleson
from Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Crawford
Marie DeWent from Ms. Mary Lou DeWent
Mr. Larry TerAvest
Robert Lytle from Mr. and Mrs. Ph il Huber
Sam Newby from Mrs. Ruth Newby
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Parks
from Mrs. Ruth Newby
Jim Ridgway
from Atlantic District Wesleyan Women
A
Rev. and Mrs. David W. LeRoy
V
Mr. and Mrs. Duane LeRoy
OKWU Students Experienced
CHURCH PLANTING
among the Fotizo People
D
id you know that billions of
people have never heard about
Jesus Christ? Did you know that
billions of people do not even have
access to a Bible or information
about who Jesus is? We call these
populous groups "the unreached"
or "unengaged."
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
"Yov don'.f jJs.f J.o.ve o. """ir!Js.fry,"
(OKWU) has a deep passion for
church planting. Throughout the past yov /'f{e Miltis.fry . . . Yov o.re o. wo.Ikillj
l"linis.fry .fo people wl,o J.o.ve never
few years, they have sent students
to assist in church planting efforts
even hew.rd .fJ,e /VJ..trie. of Jesvs."
among North American Wesleyan
churches. During the summer of
2012, OKWU partnered with Global Partners and sent four students to assist in grassroots
church planting efforts among the unreached Fotizo people of Central Asia.
This experience changed the lives of the students selected to represent Oklahoma
Wesleyan in this difficult Muslim country. Global Partners asked Austin, Amanda, Ashleigh ,
and Ryan* how they are different as a result of this experience and what they learned.
-Al"IO.f'v.h
AUSTIN: I have gained a much larger perspective as a result of last surnrner. I seem to
look at everything differently. I worship differently. I eat my food differently. I spend my
money differently. I have radically altered the way I view wealth, possessions, and success.
This trip has forced me to reconsider many of the things I believe and to think more
carefully about the things that I do and why I do them.
I have realized the absolute need for long-term missions. Short-term trips may work in
some areas, but the Fotizo people wiU never trust people who come in for a week and then
leave. People must be there for the long haul if they hope to reach people with the gospel.
AMANDA: I think that every young person considering missions wants to be greatly
used by God. That's just part of the job description. But instead of focusing on success,
we need to desperately and humbly ask Him to work. We need to pray. If anything, this
experience changed my view of missions by teaching me the value of faithfulness and
perseverance in God's kingdom .
RYAN: I am different because my heart now breaks for the world. I saw the need for
Christ; I saw people pouring their lives into false gods and now I can see it everywhere.
This makes me want to step up for Christ, in whatever capacity He calls me to.
The most meaningful experience was the first time I shared the gospel with a Fotizo
person. What a privilege to go through the story of Jesus Christ and share what He has done!
ASHLEIGH: One of my most meaningful experiences was the conversation I had with
two young Muslim university students. The Lord provided the opportunity for me to share
the gospel with those two beautiful ladies. This single experience shaped me in more
influential ways than any other event. I gained more valuable understanding of the Fotizo
culture and beliefs than I could have ever acquired, even from hours of study.
Last surnrner awakened in my spirit an urgency for spreading the love of Jesus that I
failed to possess before. In identifying with another culture, I gained a deeper understanding
for the love He has for all people.
The time we spent in the Fotizo country gave me realistic insight into the lives of the
missionaries in a creative access country. We experienced the highs and lows of everyday
life in this atmosphere. Overall, this past surnrner has given me an even more sincere
admiration for those who respond to the Lord's call to go. •
*Last names omitted for security reasons.
JESUS Film Partnership
God Came to Dwell in Us
by John Croft, Director of the JESUS Film Partnership of Global Partners
U
ndeniably the JESUS fi lm has been the most effective tool for evangelism and church planting in
church history. However, behind this tool are people. There are those who give generously to resource
the JESUS film ministry. There are the translators and those who dub the film (now in more than 1,160
languages). There are those who equip the teams that travel fro m village to village and town to town with
the film. Then there are the JESUS film teams themselves who are made up of dedicated men and women
sold out to Christ, ministering on the frontlines-often in hostile areas of the world. They are national
evangelists with a heart for the lost, taking the JESUS fi lm to their own countrymen and women so they
may hear the gospel in their own language.
In his own words, here is the story of one JESUS fi lm evangelist. His story has been translated and
edited for this article.
My name is Ajay. I live in Nepal, and I am from a Hindu family. From the time I was a
young boy all the way through my early teens, my mother suffered from a terrible disease. Her
illness dominated our lives. According to Hindu culture, we visited many witchdoctors and
[were given] every possible medicine and treatment to cure my mother, but without success.
Instead of helping, it seemed she become worse. She was losing both her mental and physical
health. It was even affecting my father in a very negative way.
Years passed and it seems that nothing would ever change. Then one day a Christian man
Ajay
came to our village and shared the gospel with my mother. He told her how Jesus healed the sick,
and if she believed in Him, Jesus could free her from all her diseases. So that day my mom believed in Jesus. And
just as the man had said, she was cured. As a result our whole family believed and became Christians. However,
in our country it was a crime to change religions.
Some days later the people of our village learned that we had become Christians. They came to our home and
attacked our family. We were beaten and exiled from our village. After many days we found our way to [a different]
town. We have been able to live here, and we are quite happy.
Our family has had many problems, but God came to dwell in us and our problems were taken away by Him.
God has helped me every step of the way, and I am so thankful. I have learned to trust Him a lot. At first I was
unknown to God, but gradually I got a chance to know him very well. I was baptized in 2005. I started to help in
church, as I used to go out and preach to people in the villages just like the man that came to our village.
After one year I attended a leadership training course and gained much knowledge, and I came to know Him
even more deeply. It was there that I learned about the JESUS film and was given the opportunity to use this in
my ministry. I went to various rural places that have never heard about Jesus and preached to people about His
great work in my life and His love towards us. With the JESUS film , we are providing them with a golden opportunity to know about the true God. It gives me great joy to talk to people and help them to believe in Jesus.
My aim is to use the JESUS film to promote and
preach the gospel and to see people in many new places
• NetCaster Newsletter: Stay informed with the latest
saved from their superstitions and false religions. My
GP JESUS film news and testimonies by signing up to
heart's desire is to work more efficiently and effectively
receive the NetCaster, GP's JESUS film e-mail newsletter,
with the JESUS film team. I praise His name for His lovat www.globalpartnersonl ine.org/netcasters or by e-mailing
ing kindness to me . Jesus has loved me and helped me, so
[email protected].
I thank Him for His glory on my life. •
• Give: There are two easy ways you can give to the JESUS Film
Partnership of Global Partners (fund number WM06-0695)
• Online at www.globalpartnersonline .org/donate
(go to the form at the bottom of the page)
• Mail a donation to Global Partners, PO Box 50434,
Indianapolis, IN 46250
NOTE: Ajay has planted six churches. He is 22 years
old.
e
Inside Glob
Nigeria: Executive Director Dr. Dennis Jackson gave the
following report:
On Sunday, November 18, 2012, Liberian Wesleyan
Superintendent Peter Kollie, Ghana Wesleyan Superintendent
Joe Ocran, Global Partners Africa Area Director Dr. Bob
Bagley, and I officially launched the first two Wesleyan
churches in the country of Nigeria, West Africa. We also
dedicated Nigeria's first Wesleyan church building . The
Wesleyan Church ministry in Nigeria began in 2005 when
Pastor Andrew Bondo was commissioned by The Wesleyan
Church of Liberia. The Wesleyan Nigerian Church now has
five pastors and a second church has been planted in a
nearby community of more than 20 million people. With a
population of 160 million, Nigeria is the most populated
country on the African continent and strategic in making an
impact around the world.
A special thank
you goes to the
members of the
Faith Wesleyan
Church in
Atkinson,
Nebraska, who
have partnered
(I to r) Bob Bagley, Peter Ko/lie, Gbolu Bonda,
with this
Andrew Bonda, Joe Ocran, and Dennis Jackson
expanding work.
Congratulations to Pastor Bondo and the members of Faith
Wesleyan and Lighthouse Chapel Wesleyan for their diligence
in making disciples in this new work.
Mozambique: This past November the national church leaders
went to visit a Wesleyan church that they had just found out was
started five years ago in Tete. It was started by some laymen who
moved from Zambezi a for work. This church now has 110 members
and a completed building. They are in the process of planting a
daughter church! Two couples from this church are attending
XaiXai Bible College.
dents at WCCG. Another woman was expected to join the
first-year students at the beginning of the next school term.
I was encouraged to see so many women being trained for
ministry, and I believe the husband/wife pastoral teams will
be a strong influence in The
Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone.
Zambia: On September 15, 2012,
Dr. Alfred Kalembo, the national superintendent of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church
of Zambia, was elected the president of
the Council of Churches of Zambia for a
three-year term. The Council of Churches
of Zambia is made up of 22 denominaDr. Alfred Kalembo
tions with 19 affiliate organizations. Dr.
Kalembo stated, "It is humbling to note that The Wesleyan Church is
being recognized in such a manner in Zambia."
-reported by Africa Area Director Bob and Brenda Bagley
Mongolia: The Wesleyan Church of Mongolia has four churches ,
and each church is pastored by a woman. The mother church is
overseen by four leaders-three are women. These sisters in the
Lord are committed and passionate about their call to the ministry.
-reported by Asia Area Director Romy and Linda Caringal
Yawfa People: A GP missionary couple* working with the
Yawfa people ministry reported that the year 2012 was very fruitful
for the nursing home work. A total of 120 people made decisions to
accept Jesus as their Savior. Praise God! Thirty-one of them have
since passed on to their eternal home with Jesus.
- reported by missionaries Jim and Karen Pickett
Sierra Leone: The following report is from missionaries
Fred and Carol Comer:
Wesleyan Christian College Gbendembu (WCCG) in
Sierra Leone has been in existence since 1932. In those 80
years, only one woman has graduated from the institution ....
When I [Fred] visited WCCG for their 2012 graduation, I
taught Doctrine of Holiness to the first-year students. There
were four women in the class, all who were married to stu-
0
Haiti: During the first week of October 2012 , John Croft of
the GP JESUS Film Partnership traveled to Haiti to train a new
Wesleyan JESUS film team. According to missionary Greg
Edmonds, close to 20 Haitians were trained to show the film and
do evangel istic work. The team showed the fi lm for the first time
on October 18 and then continued showing it throughout Haiti in
the months to follow.
al Partners
Albania: My parents , Donald
and Robin Schara, were able to come
to Albania in October 2012 to lead
and join our missionary team in
Jericho-style prayer walks around the
Kenet , with the hopes that the walls
of oppression would fall. We committed to walking every morning for
six days once around the Kenet, the
area where the GP missionary team
Lap seven on day seven
lives and ministers. On the seventh
of the prayer walk
day, we walked around the Kenet
seven times. Rain or shine -we circled the Kenet in prayer.
- reported by missionary Nicole Schara
Quintero and Lucia Espana
Lopez were ordained by General
Superintendent Dr. Jo Anne Lyon
this past September in Bogota.
They are the first women to be
ordained in The Wesleyan
Church of Colombia. Both
(I to r) Rev. Lucia Lopez Espana,
women have been members of
Or. Jo Anne Lyon and
The
Wesleyan Church for more
Rev. Luz Angela de Quintero.
than 20 years, and they are
actively involved in ministry as co-pastors. Both are graduates of the
Wesleyan Bible Institute in Bogota, and both started their ministry in
the Bogota North Wesleyan Church.
-reported by missionaries Jim and Julie Eckhardt
Papua New Guinea: Pacific Area Director John Connor sent
the following update:
At the same time that challenges battle to overcome the
church, great strides forward are being made. New churches
are being planted in Kimbe Rabau l, Yaluba, Nipa, Goroka,
and three in Taguru . Taguru also is employing a portable
sawmill to bui ld a district center for the church. For a church
that had plateaued , this is indeed a burst of new energy.
Praise the Lord!
Karis People: Our missionary team* sent the following praises
for the ways God worked among the Karis people in 2012 :
• The missionary team grew significantly with the gain of four
long-term missionary fami lies.
• The team established 144 new relationships with locals ,
shared the good news of Jesus 133 times, and distributed
70 pieces of Christian literature.
• Fifty-six individuals took significant steps towards accepting
Jesus as Savior.
• Eleven individ uals associated with our house church movement accepted Ch rist!
• There were 30 major discipleship breakthroughs as believers
were encouraged to go deeper in their walk with God .
• One extremely important area of growth has been the group
of committed young women who started meeting every
Saturday for Bible study, prayer, and encouragement.
IGNITE 2013
New Zealand: IGNITE 2013, the annual evangelistic youth
camp held by the Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand ,
took place on January 11-14, 2013. Missionary Amber Livermore
sent the following report:
• Commitments to follow Christ totaled 115 , including approximately 20 first-time commitments, 65 rededications , 23 to
specific lifestyle changes, 3 to ministry/leadership in the
church, and 4 seriously considering becoming a Christian.
• This was the largest camp in IGNITE history, representing the
largest number of local churches in its history.
• Many young leaders were identified and are being developed
through camp.
• Several youth have asked to be baptized .
• An offering was given by the campers that will provide water
sources for 16 villages in a developing country.
• Many youth worked through a month-long follow-up devotional/
discipleship tool.
*Names omitted/or security reasons.
Global Partners
The Wesleyan Church Corporation
PO Box 50434 • Indianapolis, IN 46250-0434
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
MACEDONIAN BIBLE
Available on YouVersion
by Matt Boyer
A
Lmost three years ago,
one of our Macedonian
friends told us how long and
hard she had to look before
she was able to find a Bible
in Macedonia. It took her
months of looking in
Orthodox churches and
bookstores. Her problem
started us on a journey to
fmd a way to make the Bible
available to the Macedonian
people in their own language and, almost as equally important, to
give them a tool to help them read the Bible.
We set our sights on You Version.com. It is the world's most
popular Bible application available in over 100 languages, and
it is fully equipped with hundreds of reading plans. Not only
that, it is free and available to download on computers and
phones of almost any kind. In a country with more Facebook
and smartphone users per capita than America, the Bible available in Macedonian on You Version has the ability to penetrate
into almost every other home in Macedonia!
More than a year ago, I sat down for the first time with
someone in Macedonia to talk about bringing You Version to
Macedonia. We wondered out loud what it would be like for
someone to have a concordance in the Macedonian language
for the very first time and the Bible as close as a computer or a
smartphone. And how about
a devotional reading plan?
How about 70+ reading
plans? These may seem like
simple things for those of us
from the North American
Church, but many people
here have no concept of a
devotional reading plan,
know about a concordance,
or even spend time reading
the Bible. This project opens
the door for Macedonians to have physical access to the Word
to an extent that has never before existed, and spiritual access
to the God of the Bible (through reading plans and helps) that
have never before been imagined .
So, with the.help of two copyright holders, four other
volunteers, and hundreds of man-hours, You Version is almost
completely translated into the Macedonian language. Two
Macedonian translations of the Bible went live in November
2012! There is still plenty of work to be done to take advantage
of everything that is available through You Version , but we want
to give God the glory for what has been accomplished! •
Matt and Sarah Boyer are long-term missionaries with Global
Partners in Ma cedonia , and they are from the Tri-State District.
They have one daughter, Sabina ('04).
G
lobal Partners Health
Network (GPHN)
exists to identify, inspire,
motivate, and mobilize
healthc-are professionals
to partner with Global
Partners' medical initiatives around the world.
We are looking to
identify healthcare professionals who are called
to impact others for
Christ cross-culturally
and connect them with
opportunities to make a
real difference. Many
professionals are active in
our congregations but are unaware of
the medical ministries supported by The
Wesleyan Church. There are three hospitals supported by Global Partners with
ongoing needs for short-term and longterm medical teams.
Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital in
Sierra Leone, Africa
Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital opened
its current building in 1959. The hospital
serves a population of more than
600,000 people and is the only inpatient
medical facility in over a 50-mile radius.
It is a 102-bed full-service hospital with
wards in pediatrics, obstetrics, men's
surgical, men's medical, women's surgical, women's medical, and a malnutrition
program. The outpatient clinic, laboratory, and x-ray departments are all very
busy. In addition to staffing the hospital,
the employees reach out to the communities, screening patients, helping with
doctor's clinics, and offering community
education programs. The ambulances for
the community are based at the hospital,
and staff members ride out to pick up
patients that are seriously ill.
The Wesleyan Church of Sierra
Leone operates four outpatient clinics.
One is located at the hospital and is open
six days per week . A second clinic is
located in Gbendembu and is staffed by
a nurse and a community health officer
(similar to a physician's assistant in the
United States) . Another clinic is located
in the capital city of
Freetown in a community
called Kissy. The fourth
clinic is in a very rural
area called Medina and is
staffed by a nurse and a
community health aid.
The doctors make a
monthly visit to the clinics
to see patients and refer
cases into the hospital as
needed.
The medical ministry
is supported by Global
Partners but managed by
the Health Care Ministry
of The Wesleyan Church of
Sierra Leone. The hospital is fully staffed
by Sierra Leone national healthcare
workers. Dr. David Dyer and his family
have recently been appointed to serve at
the hospital as GO-Net missionaries with
Global Partners.
continued on page 2
Our Trip to Myanmar and Bethany Clinic
4
Community Health Evangelism
5
6
7
8
8
9
9
We Keep Running ...
10
Stepping Out on a Limb
Panama Canoe
More Than the American Dream
Taking a Stand
Great Leadership!
Drinking Tea and Shining the Light
People Living in Darkness See a Great Light
twitter.com/gpnow
IJ www.facebook.com/gpmissions
Global Partners Health Network
currently no GP personnel serving in
the hospital on La Gonave.
Zimba Mission Hospital in Zambia,
Africa
The Dr. David and Dahlia Dyer family
la Gonave Wesleyan Hospital in Haiti,
Caribe Atlantic Area
La Gonave Wesleyan Hospital is
located in Anse-a-Galets on the island
of La Gonave, Haiti. It was founded in
1958 and has provided medical care and
health education to the people of La
Gonave since its inception. It continues
to be the only full-service hospital operating on the island, serving an estimated
120,000 people. The stated purpose of
La Gonave Wesleyan Hospital is to
communicate the love of Christ through
caring for the sick, promoting preventive medicine, proclaiming the gospel
of Jesus Christ, and training Christian
caregivers and technicians.
A new hospital is nearing
completion to replace the one
damaged by the January 2010
earthquake. Once completed, it
will have 48 inpatient beds,
including two isolation rooms
and six private rooms. There
will be two operating suites and
a four-bed labor and delivery
unit. There will also be an eightbed ER/outpatient unit complete
with x-ray. Basic laboratory services and ultrasound studies are
also available. The outpatient
clinics include maternal/child health, TB ,
and HIV, as well as an extensive community health education program. There is
also a full-time chaplain at the hospital
that leads regular staff devotions and visits hospital inpatients.
The medical ministry is supported
by Global Partners; however, the
administration of the medical
ministry is provided by the national
Wesleyan Church of Haiti. The hospital
is fully staffed by Haitian healthcare
workers , including nurses, two full-time
doctors, and one resident. There are
0
Zimba Mission Hospital (ZMH) is
located in Zambia, Africa. It was
founded in 1960 and was started as a
clinic, but it upgraded to a hospital a
few years later. For the past 50 years ,
thousands of patients have received
physical and spiritual healing at ZMH .
The purpose of Zimba Mission Hospital
is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ
and demonstrate the love of Christ
through Christians working in the ministry of medicine. The population for
the town of Zimba is 11,000. The hospital has the only operating room in the
area for three health districts. The
catchment population for surgical and
obstetric patients is 330,000.
ZMH has 100 inpatient beds. There
is a surgery department , as well as an
outpatient department with clinics for
HIV, TB,
continued
administration of the medical ministry
is provided by the Pilgrim Wesleyan
Church of Zambia. The hospital is fully
staffed by Zambian national healthcare
workers. Drs. Dan and Joan Jones
currently serve at the hospital as GP
missionaries. The ZMH's website is
www.zimbarnission.org/partnerships/pwcz.
Additional Clinics in India and Myanmar
There are two clinics that are also
supported by Global Partners. One is a
leprosy clinic in India , and the other is
Bethany Clinic in Myanmar. (See Dr.
Storer Emmett's article in this publication
about his trip to the Bethany Clinic.)
Currently GPHN is in the process
of identifying healthcare professionals
who attend Wesleyan churches in
North America and Canada. If you are
a healthcare professional, please help
us by filling out a short survey and
sharing it with any colleagues who
are interested. The survey is at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/gphn2013
or scan the QR code at the end of this
article.
eye patients.
There are also
radiology and
laboratory
departments
atZMH. The
chaplaincy
program is an
Dr. Joan Jones with a
integral part of
patient in Zambia
the ministry. In
the mornings, daily chapel services in
the local language of Chitonga are
provided for patients and their family
members. There is a Chitonga Bible
distribution program . At night the
JESUS film in Chitonga is shown in
the patient wards.
The medical ministry is supported
by Global Partners; however, the
GPHN is also in the process of
building a GPHN Task Force to
develop principles of medical
missions for Global Partners and to
help coordinate the mobilization of
short-term medical teams. If you are
interested in serving on this task force,
please contact Dr. Diane Foley, the
GPHN director, at [email protected]. •
Steven,
in Colorado
Springs,
Dr. Dianelive
Foley
and her husband,
Colorado. She is a former
Wesleyan MK (missionary kid)
from Haiti.
~·
[!]:·[!]·
:
•.
·.
·
Our Trip to Myanmar
and Bethany Clinic
by Storer and Wilma Emmett
Some locations and last names of nationals are omitted for security reasons.
D
uring the years since our retirement as
Global Partners missionaries, we had
been privileged to return on several occasions to the mission hospitals where we had
served and to follow along with the development of these hospitals . However, there
was one medical clinic and program that
we had not visited or ever expected to visit:
Bethany Clinic in Myanmar. Through our
involvement with the Wesleyan Medical
Fellowship (WMF), we had been in contact
with the Bethany Clinic and its staff. WMF,
in partnership with World Hope, had been
able to assist the clinic with the purchase of
an x-ray machine. On a fairly regular basis,
WMF had also been able to send indigent
funds to the clinic.
(Heritage Wesleyan is
involved with the Galilee
Orphanage in Myanmar.)
Our travel went smoothly
until we reached Bangkok,
Thailand, where we discovered that a
Myanmar visa could not be obtained on
arrival in Myanmar as we had understood , and the next day was a holiday.
We also learned that it usually took two
to three days to obtain a visa and the only
possible flight up country in Myanmar
was in two days. We were stranded!
Our GP missionaries in Bangkok,
Rev. Dan and Pada Merillat, came to our
rescue . Pada, a native of Thailand , was
able to obtain visas for us in two to three
hours-a tremendous miracle
and answer to prayer! We took
the late afternoon flight to
Myanmar, arriving in time to
make our two-hour flight to join
Dr. Jackson and the team in
northwestern Myanmar the next
morning .
Our first duty on arrival was
(I to r) Dennis Jackson, Storer Emmett, Or. Esther, Dr. Ryan,
to take our five large rolling
Wilma Emmett, and Romy Caringal in front of the Bethany Clinic
By June 2012 we had decided that we
had served WMF long enough and that
the organization needed newer and
younger leaders. Dr. Diane Foley agreed
to assume the leadership of our medical
group under the auspices of Global
Partners, known as Global Partners
Health Network.
We suspected that some mention of
our retirement and Dr. Foley's appointment as the new director might be made
at General Conference 2012. But we
were not prepared for the magnanimous
gift that was given to us by Global
Partners and The Wesleyan Church-an
all-expense-paid trip to Myanmar and the
Bethany Clinic. To say the least, we were
greatly surprised, grateful, and somewhat
overwhelmed by the offer. It was decided
by Global Partners that we would join
GP Executive Director Dr. Dennis
Jackson, GP Asia Area Director Dr.
Romeo Caringal , and Rev. Eric Mills,
missions and outreach pastor at Heritage
Wesleyan Church , Rock Island , Illinois.
duffel bags with medical supplies to the Bethany Clinic . Four
of these bags were from home and one
was borrowed in Hawaii where our
daughter's church had given an offering
of nearly $600 to purchase sterile bandages and gloves for the clinic. On arrival
at the Bethany Clinic , we were able to
meet two Wesleyan Burmese doctors, Dr.
Ryan and Dr. Esther, who are operating
the clinic with the longtime faithful staff.
The young doctors, who seemed welltrained in general medicine , aided Dr.
Caringal and me in consulting a number
of interesting cases.
The clinic building is very adequate,
occupying a two-story building located in
the downtown area. There are several
consulting rooms and a fairly wellstocked pharmacy, with most of the
medicines purchased from southern India.
Dr. Ryan's quarters are in the clinic.
There is a maternity delivery suite , and
the clinic is in the process of painting and
preparing an operating room. They need
much help, however, in purchasing OR
equipment. There is no on-site laboratory
Storer and Wilma Emmett with the founders
of Truth Biblical College and Fellowship,
Rev. Rahming and his wife, Muani.
and specimens need to be sent out to
laboratories. However, basic tests are
available.
We found the people of Myanmar to
be very gracious and kind, especially to
two old people. Myanmar is generally a
Buddhist country, but the population is
four percent Christian and three percent
Muslim . The national conference of The
Wesleyan Church of Myanmar was held
in a large Baptist church. We were able
to attend the ordination of four Wesleyan
ministers and the graduation of the Truth
Biblical College and Seminary. Twentytwo students received bachelor 's and
master 's degrees. I was asked to help
confer the degrees , and we were appropriately dressed in academic robes.
Our stay at the conference and the
clinic was only two days because of the
limited airline schedule. We were able to
spend the last two days in Yangon, the
capital city of around six million . We visited the Galilee Orphanage and the Union
Biblical Seminary in the outskirts of the
city under the direction of Dr. Maurice
and Sonya. We visited shopping malls,
attended the Wesleyan Sunday service,
and visited the golden Shwedagon
Pagoda -a Buddhist shrine which stands
326 feet in the center of Yangon. As we
observed several thousand visitors
milling around , we saw many offering
prayers and bowing to Buddha, burning
incense , and pouring water; our hearts
were heavy for the people of Myanmar.
We are greatly thankful for this
opportunity to visit the Bethany Clinic
and view our Wesleyan Church and its
Christian outreach in Myanmar. •
Dr. Storer and Wilma Emmett served as
missionaries in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe),
Haiti, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. Dr. Emmett
was the director of the Wesleyan Medical
Fellowship from 7996-2012.
A
V
C
ommunity Health Evangelism (CHE)
is based on the belief that health has
four foundational elements: physical,
emotional, social, and spiritual. In order
to achieve optimum health, one must be
healthy in these four areas. The primary
goal of CHE is to teach people that they
can take care of themselves by giving
them the knowledge and the tools to do
so. Through a structured form of accountability, we train village leaders who train
others to in turn train others; there is a
multiplication that takes place so that
many people can hear the lessons . It is a
strategy that seamlessly integrates evangelism , discipleship, and church planting
with community health and development.
People become followers of Jesus, and
whole communities are lifted out
of cycles of poverty and disease.
We were first trained in the
CHE method in 2006 and were
excited when God opened the
door for us to begin the
process of going to Haiti with
Global Partners. We had developed a plan and a timeline for
the introduction and progression of the CHE principles on the island
of La Gonave in Haiti. When we went
to Haiti in 2010, the goal was to establish one or two communities on La
Gonave with the CHE principles . We
had a four-year goal to have Haitian
leadership carrying 50 percent of the
training and community communication
responsibilities.
In the first year, we started working
with the Fantina community; they were
very motivated and worked hard to
solve their problems. Some major problems identified by the community and
trainers were the need for clean water
and sanitation. Our goal was to use
local resources to solve these problems
so that the solutions could be multiplied
throughout the island .
After many hours of reading through
Internet resources, a solution was found .
It is called SODIS. SODIS is the process
of filling clear bottles , such as used Coke
bottles, with water. The bottles are then
placed in the sunlight for six hours. The
UV rays of the sun kill all of the bacteria
and germs in the water thus providing
clean, safe drinking water. We started
e
Community
Health
Evangelism
by Lowell and Robin Adams
Community leaders from several villages who
earned CHE training certificates
this process during the time of a cholera
outbreak. No cases of cholera were
reported from the communities using
SODIS for clean water.
The other half of the problem is lack
of sanitation because less than ten percent
of the homes have latrines. We told the
communities that for every family who
dug their own pit for a latrine, we would
do our best to provide them with cement
to cover the pit with a slab. They would
have to do all the work and pray with us
for God to move on the hearts of people
to give money for the cement.
God answered our prayer for Haitian
leadership. Two gentlemen, Met Yves and
Mikenson, quickly learned the CHE principles and began training others. Both of
them brought so many good things to the
team , and we are blessed to work with
them. By the second year, all CHE training was done by Haitians! And all
community outreach was done by
Haitians! Our time is spent training and
mentoring these two Haitian leaders.
God's timeline blew ours apart! Our goal
was four years and 50 percent of the work
done by Haitians; God's goal was two
years and 100 percent of the work done
by Haitians. During this second year, we
grew from two communities to over 30.
Year three brought more advancement. Evangelism had become the main
focus of the community training. During
years two and three, 1,500 families built
latrines and more than 1,500 people
accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Each month the communities are given
four lessons. Three lessons are physical
in nature, such as how to prevent
malaria or first aid and treatment for
children with diarrhea . One lesson is
always spiritual and the first lesson
taught in each community is the plan
of salvation with subsequent months
bringing discipleship lessons.
One thing we learned is that
God's plan is always bigger
than ours . Now as we look to
the future, we try to make our
goals more God-sized.
The plan is to expand the
CHE project to the mainland
of Haiti with every church
using CHE as an integral part
of their outreach.
We are totally convinced there is
also place for CHE beyond the borders
of Haiti. CHE is a template that can be
used in every community to help meet
the needs of people, both physical and
spiritual. The goal is to assist other GP
missionaries and fields by training
nationals of each country in CHE.
We want to see North American
churches begin to adopt CHE principals
for their community outreach and for
the purpose of church planting.
All communities worldwide share a
common issue-they have problems.
Problems pull them apart and create
heartache. Haiti , South Africa, Europe ,
Southeast Asia-even mainstream
America-have communities where
people need change. The principals of
CHE bring restoration and renewal
through God's Word. •
Lowell and Robin Adams are long-term
missionaries with Global Partners, and they
are from the Central New York District. Lowell
is also a registered nurse. They have three
children: Lance ('97), Cassandra ('93), and
Madalyn ('07).
T
herefore, since we are surrounded
by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders
and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the
race marked out for us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer
and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he endured
the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of
the throne of God.
-Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
In my recent journeys , I have been deeply
impacted by the "witnesses" that have
gone before us, and by so many who are
great runners in the race!
Transforming Lives, Multiplying
Disciples
The picture captures the summary but
not the story. These teens were part of a
Filipino indigenous tribe that was completely marginalized, uncared for, and
unreached . Few could read or write. There
were no school s in the area and few
churches. But someone had a vision.
Compelled by God , and with the mission
of the Filipino Church and the assistance
of World Hope International, they ventured
into these communities to bring the love
and care of Christ. Eighteen years later
nearly 4 ,000 children have been educated
through schools that were launched .
Sustainable community development and
agricultural projects have been establi shed .
Students have gone to universities.
Churches have been planted and pastors
have been trained through Wesleyan Bible
colleges. Where there was once only death
and despair, there is now a song of life and
hope. In fact, these very teens sang- in
amazing harmony-this song ...
In the streets of every village
Every city's soaring tower
Empty people live in darkness
Every minute every hour
Hear the cry of desperation
From a billion broken hearts
With a need so great, how do we even start?
Let it start with me
Open up my eyes
Fill my heart with your compassion
Free my mind from all distractions
Use my hands, to set the captive free
Move my feet to follow after you
Lord change the world and let it start with me
("Let It Start with Me"
-by Sam and Laura Allen)
On Mission
The statue of David
Livingstone and this year's
200th celebration of his birth
remind us of the power of
the mission. David was not
alone in initiating the modem-day mission of reaching
Africa. He had prayer partners and limjted financial
partners- but most of all, he
partnered with the God who
is always on mi ssion.
Relentlessly he reached out to people of
the interior of southern Africa where "the
smoke of a thousand villages" burned a
vision into his heart to share the lifechanging gospel of Christ.
Zambia on Mission
In a conference of nearly 300 pastors and
local church leaders in Lusaka, one of the
North American guests challenged the
churches to have
•- Ml8810
-·
a clear mission
I TAICINC THE WHOLE '
COSPEL TO THE
for their church.
WHOLE PERSON. TO THE
In actuality,
WHOLE WORLD BY
All MEANS AM>
nearly every
BY TIE POWER
church I visited in
· THE HOLY
the city had their
mission on the fro nt wall of their church
building. But more than on their walls, I
sensed the mission in their hearts and in their
actions. I was compelled to stay in the race
with these men and women of mission . I
am encouraged to run with endurance .
Dan and Nancy on Mission
Among the many
missional endeavors of
Dan and Nancy
Gorrnong (missionaries to Zambia from
1979-97) was the start
of a city church in
Pastor Dan and
Lusaka. They were
Nancy Gormong
compelled to reach the university area and
another unreached division of the society.
Today, this church is thriving under the
leadership of
_....,....... _ __. Pastor
Kingsley
Munsanje. On
the Gormongs'
return to North
America, they
(I to r): National Superintendent
Alfred Kalembo, Pastor Kingsley ran the misMunsanje, and Dr. Dennis
sion race so
Jackson
fervently that
the Faith Wesleyan Church of Terre Haute ,
Indiana, became one of the leading
churches in our denomination in supporting
missionaries and the missional efforts of
Global Partners around the world . Even in
their retirement from Faith Wesleyan, they
keep on running and continue to challenge
all of us to keep in the race.
---
Orai and Linda-On the Run
What a privilege to
be motivated again by
missionaries Orai and
Linda Lehman who
have inspired so many
in this amazing race
of mission . At the end
Orai and
of 2013, after more
Linda Lehman
than 45 years of work in Africa (and for
Orai , quite a few more years of living
there with his missionary parents), the
Lehmans are " retiring" from missionary
service-but not from the mission! They
will be transitioning to OkJahoma, but
they continue to inspire all of us to
Keep on Running. •
e
Jim and Lori (right) outside the
church in Fortin, their first Sunday
living in Guayaquil, Ecuador
These reflections were written in December 2012 as Jim and
Lori Rice (South Coastal District) were completing language
school in Costa Rica. They were preparing to return to the
United States before leaving for their long-term missionary
assignment in Ecuador. On February 25, 2013, they left the
United States for Ecuador.
I
t is hard to believe that it has been a year since we said
good-bye to our family and friends in the United States and
moved to Costa Rica to attend language school. What a year it
has been! We came to Costa Rica only knowing our GP teammates , Isaac and Amy Thompson, and we leave with so many
other very special friends, both missionaries and Costa Ricans.
We came only speaking and understanding a few words in
Spanish, and we leave understanding much of what people are
saying. And we speak Spanish much more than we did! We
have a long way to go in our language learning, and now we
realize it will be a lifetime of learning.
When we think back
over the past year, we are
so thankful for the Lord's
many blessings. He gave us
dear missionary friends
who will be all over Central
and South America, Spain,
and the United States. The
Lord has blessed us with
Jim and Lori (center) with two Tica friends, dear Costa Rican friends
Victor and Marlen, in Costa Rica
from our school, church ,
and the community.
This year has been about so much more than language
learning. I don 't think we have ever been in a situation where
we truly had to depend on the Lord for everything, every
day. For the first time in our lives, every day of our lives,
o
we lived in a world where we did not know the language, we
did not know the culture, and our lives were anything but normal. Many times every day we cried out, "God help!" We knew
that without Him we could not do it. There were days when all
we wanted to do was go home to where we were comfortable.
We have seen His faithfulness , His love, His compassion, and
His grace every day. We have learned that we can't, but He can .
We have learned that in our weakness, His strength shines.
We are packing up, saying good-bye, and after a brief visit
to the States, we are heading to Ecuador. We are so excited to
finally get there, but we would be lying if we did not say we
have some apprehensions and are nervous about yet another
move to another country-and this time without other gringos .
But then we think back to a year ago and remember having
these same feelings, and now we see how the Lord has blessed
us so much over the past year. We realize that just as He came
before us to Costa Rica and was with us every day on this part
of our journey, He has gone before us to Ecuador and will be
with us every day on that part of our journey also. Our prayer
is that He is glorified through our obedience to Him every day.
Today in a little devotional I use, it was talking about being
willing to go out on a limb if that is where the Lord is leading
you, because if He is leading you, that is the safest place to be.
In order to follow the Lord wholeheartedly, we must relinquish our tendency to play it safe. I have found that no matter
where I live, I have the tendency to want to play it safe. I
don't like taking risks. I like to be comfortable. I have learned
over the past year that when I step out and take the risk, I am
blessed and so is someone else.
I challenge you to step out and take the risk the Lord is
calling you to take. No matter how ill-equipped you feel, if the
Lord is calling you (and yes, He does call us to do things we
are totally ill-equipped to do) , step out on that limb because
there is no safer or better place you could be. •
PANAMA CANOE
by Perry and Nancy Hubbard
E
It became apparent to Pastor Eudilio and the New Life
udilio Guardia, pastor of the New Life Wesleyan
congregation that it would be much easier to reach the
Church in Panama, has an incredible passion for
other villages if the church had its own boat and motor. So
reaching his people group-the Kuna Indians. Shortly after
Pastor Eudilio challenged each member of his congregabecoming the pastor of New Life , he began to chalJenge
tion to commit to giving one dollar a month for a year to
his congregation to be involved in reaching a group of vilraise the money. They needed $3000 to buy the
lages in a remote part of the country. This area,
tree for the canoe, to hire someone to "dig it
called Bayano, is inhabited by the Kuna tribe
out," and to buy the motor. The church accomand consists of seven villages located on the
plished their goal! In November 2012 the
banks of several rivers. Only one of these vilcanoe was finished and the motor purchased.
lages has a church.
Over the past months, Pastor Eudilio has
Pastor Eudilio began to visit the village of
visited one of the other villages called
Piria where the one church is located. His plan
Diwarsicua and shared the gospel message
was to encourage and help this church grow
Pastor Eudilio and Marily Guardia
wt"th
. th em. Th ere h as been a goo d response
while learning more about the other villages .
and now a small group of believers lives there.
We were privileged to visit Piria with him.
Several
of
the
believers from Piria and Diwarsicua have
To get to Piria, we traveled three hours by bus, fortyexpressed
an
interest
in leadership training. Pastor Eudilio
five minutes in the back of a pickup truck, and four hours
hopes to teach four to five Bible classes to this group over
in a rented, dugout canoe. We reached the village just as
the next year. With God 's help, they will grow in their
the sun was setting. We bathed in the river, enjoyed a meal
spiritual walk and help reach the other five villages in the
of freshly caught fish, and slept in hammocks in the comBayano
region.
munity building. The next morning we visited all seven
headmen who proudly showed us around the village. One
We are trusting that the headmen and the Kunas of
of the headmen said to Nancy, " You see this rock? This is
these villages will no longer pray to a lifeless rock, but
what we pray to."
they will one day be able to say, "The Lord lives! Praise
be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!" (Psalm 18:46
Pastor Eudilio , his family, and members of his congregation made many more trips to Piria. They encouraged
NIV). •
the children through vacation Bible schools and taught disPerry and Nancy Hubbard are long-term missionaries with
cipleship classes to the church members . But the other
Global Partners in Panama. They are from the /owavillages were always in the back of their minds , and they
Minnesota
District.
were anxious to go to them.
Taking a Stand
by a GP missionary living among the Karis people in
the Turkic/Arabic Muslim area.
Names have been omitted or changed for security reasons.
A
... God gave Cari the grace and
courage to stand up to them and
respond with a calm, firm voice.
bra is a friend that I do not get to
see often because she is busy
attending a technical school for medicine.
When she has exams, it is, of course , a
stressful time just as it is for most students. However, there is an added stress
for university students in this country.
Students can expect their professors to
request a bribe in order to receive a good
score on their exams.
Abra has, in the past, caved in under
the pressure and given money for her
grades . For her January 2013 exams, her
mother, Cari , encouraged her to pray and
ask the Lord for help. After praying, Abra
determined she would not pay the bribes.
Each day of the exams, Cari invited
Abra to pray with her before leaving the
house. The first two days Abra was not
interested, so Cari prayed alone. On the
third day Abra joined her, and then Cari
accompanied her to school. When the
professors learned that Cari was there,
they asked to meet with her. They were
very upset to learn of the refusal to pay,
but God gave Cari the grace and courage
to stand up to them and respond with a
calm, firm voice. Afterward, one of the
professors approached Cari and complimented her on the response; this professor
also said that she would like to get
together some time!
In the end Abra passed all of her
exams because the Lord had given her
favor with her professors. Please pray that
Abra would recognize this as the demonstration of the Lord 's perfect love. Pray
that she would have a renewed desire to
deepen her relationship with the Hirn. •
More Than the American Dream
F
ourteen years ago on January 16, 1999, I got out of bed
after a sleepless night, ate a small breakfast, and had a
friend do my hair and makeup . I put on a simple white dress
and drove to a small chapel near Pacific Beach, California.
My brother took my arm and walked me down a short aisle
where I was given in marriage to the man I would spend my
life with. I remember feeling very young and uncertain. Six
months after we were married, we discovered I was pregnant. Life was moving fast! I gave birth to a quiet , gorgeous
baby girl. Now we were a little famil y.
When our little girl was six months old , we discovered, to
our surprise, that we were expecting again. As I said before,
life was moving fast-VERY fast. I gave birth to a loud, cute
boy. We became busy with lots of diapers , lots of tears, and
lots of laughing. Our children have changed us in so many
ways. We are better people having them in our lives.
A few years later we were able to buy our first home.
Life was good. A happy marriage, beautiful children (one of
each) , a nice house , two dogs, I even drove a Volvo-it was
the American Dream at its finest.
This was a life I had been striving for since I was 11 years
old. I wanted to have a stable life , to be married, and to be a
mom. When I was 11 , my Dad died suddenly, and the world
I thought I knew fell apart. Soon afterwards, my family lost
our home, and I thought I was losing my brother as a result of
choices he was making. My mom was also going through very
difficult times while she worked four jobs and did her best to
care for us. I longed for the family that I once had .
A few years back an amazing couple prophesied over me
telling me that I would have my inheritance restored to me.
I would have the life that I once had. It happened! I had the
life that I missed so much restored to me. Then God started
showing me that He has so much more for me than the
American Dream. He began asking me to leave it all
behind-to give up everything and follow Him (Mark
10:21). I have to believe that His Word is true .
So here we are; God has led our family to take the good
news of Jesus to the Nune people, a Muslim people group
in Central Asia. We are now ready ... . We will step out
and go . •
This family is GP's newest long-term missionary family to the
Nune people. They left North America on March 15, 2013, to
begin their ministry among the Nune people. Names have been
omitted for security reasons.
GREAT
LEADERSHIP!
by Curtis Williams
T
he two men pictured here are
leaders in the South Fugwa
District of The Wesleyan
Church in Papua New Guinea
(PNG). Pastor Pendene is the
district superintendent and
Pastor Gibson is the district secretary. They are committed to
seeing the gospel go forth and to
see more people throughout
Yaluba and the South Fugwa
District come to know Jesus.
This district was started 12 years
ago with seven churches. Now
there are 13 churches with four
fellowships.
These men lead by example.
They hike up and down Mount
Ki constantly, and they travel
over other mountains and across
lakes visiting the churches and
their people. There are no roads
where these churches are
located. Any needed supplies
must be carried in on people's
backs and shoulders. Because of
the hard work of the leadership,
all of the churches now have
metal frames.
Pastor Gibson and I talked
many times during the week that
I spent with him. When he spoke
of the Lord and His work among
the district, his eyes always filled
up with tears. Both of these men
are graduates of our Wesleyan
Bible College in PNG. One of
their biggest prayer request is to
see a road built up Mount Ki to
Yaluba. Please pray for this need
and these two men. •
Curtis Williams is a Jong-term
missionary with Global Partners
in Papua New Guinea. He is
from the North Carolina West
District.
Drinking Tea and
SHINING THE LIGHT
by a GP missionary* to the Kai people, a Muslim people group in Asia
D
rinking tea is an important pastime here.
Each ethnic group has its own way of
drinking tea. The Asians use tiny bowls and
sip it, enjoying the flavor to the fullest. An
Asian friend invited me to her home to drink
tea with some of her friends. We stayed and
talked for four hours. I had several opportunities to share some of my beliefs during the
conversation.
There was a sort of ceremony
to making the tea . Using utensil s
like those in the picture, my friend
poured boiling water over everything to clean them and warm
them up . Then she put dry loose
tea leaves and boiling water into
the bowl with a lid on it. She
immediately poured the water off
of it to rinse the leaves . She
poured in fresh boiling water, covered the bowl , and let it steep. She
poured the steeped tea through the
Tea
strainer and into a small pitcher. Then from
the pitcher she poured the tea into the tiny
bowls. She carefully handed each of us our
bowls , and we sipped our tea .
She poured more water over the same
leaves and gave us another bowl full. Of
course thi s tea was weaker since the leaves
had already been used. She repeated this four
times , until the water really had no flavor.
Then she started again with a different kind of tea. We drank six kinds
of tea during the afternoon, all the
while enjoying each other's company.
For me, this was time well
spent. It is for days like this that I
came here-to make relationships,
to establish trust, to have good conversation , pointing to the Father and
shining the Light. •
Utensils
*Names omitted for security reasons.
e
SUPPORT A MISSIONARY!
Romy and Linda Caringal (Asia Area
Director) - WM04-0178
Jarvis and Sue Ferguson (Ibero-America
Area Director) - WM04-0126
Christy (Secure Sensitive Country) WM04-0390
Joel and Tiffany Toonstra (Macedonia) WM04-0384
SPECIAL PROJECT
T
hrough the ministry of Wesleyan JESUS film teams, villages, towns, and
cities around the world are being changed for the glory of God! In 2012
our teams showed the film 1,095 times , 324,125 people saw the film, and
126,871 people responded to the invitations that followed the showings. As a
result of the labors of our faithful and effective teams and the grace of God ,
there were 82 new church plants in 2012.
India
Badami Neighborhood Nursery WM06-1436
Goal: $4,466
The nursery will provide childcare and early
education and will benefit the community.
The building is a rental and needs small
repairs and purchases to begin the nursery.
HOW TO GIVE
·········ariiirie··a1·w-ww:;;iia"ba.iil.artne.rso.nil"ne".·e:;-r9T······
donate
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) through
automated monthly bank debits (go to
www.globalpartnersonline.org/eft for
instructions)
Mail donation to Global Partners,
PO Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250
HONOR AND MEMORIAL GIFTS
The following gifts of $100 or more were
received January-March 2013:
In honor of ...
Thomas Putman
from Hospice Chautauqua County Inc.
In memory of . ..
Donald Cavaness
from Mrs. Naomi A. Cavaness
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert B. Heavner
Mary Faith Jennings
from Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Bryson
The following reports are from various
Wesleyan JESUS film teams throughout Africa.
Liberia
During the JESUS film team tour in the southeast of Liberia, the team leader met 105-year-old
Pastor Sarah Geeteh who was the founder of the
Gbalawein Wesleyan Church. Despite her old age,
she praised God for answering her prayer.
According to Pastor Geeteh, her prayer had been
Pastor Sarah Geeteh
that one day The Wesleyan Church would bring the
JESUS fi lm to minister to her people in their mother tongue before her death.
The arrival of the JESUS film team in Gbalawein with the Kru version of the
film was an answer to Pastor Geeteh's prayer. She ecstatically declared, "I
praised God when I heard my Lord Jesus speaking to my people in our own
native tongue. Then I believed that my prayer and suffering for the church has
not been in vain." (One week after the departure of the JESUS film team, they
received news that Pastor Geeteh was now with the Lord in eternity.)
Mozambique
In March 20 l 3 one of our JESUS film teams showed the JESUS film at the
Maganaga village to over 900 viewers. More than 600 people responded to
the invitation. Ali, the village chief, invited the JESUS film team to show the
film after listening to the testimony of the chief of
the neighboring village. One year ago the JESUS
film was shown in Rimbane with a very positive
impact. Ali, a Muslim since childhood, hoped for
similar results in his village, so our team went to
Maganage to show the film.
When the team arrived, there were many people
waiting to see the JESUS film in their mother language, and most of them were Muslim. After the
showing of the film, many Muslims accepted Jesus
Ali, the village chief
by John Croft Director of the JE.SUS Film Partnership of'Glob I ~rtnetS
Christ and received Him as Savior. Now the Maganga village is
changed for the glory of our Lord! Our team started a new
church in Chief Ali's home with 20 new converts!
Sierra Leone
Alimamy served as traditional healer for more than 35 years.
He was notoriously known by all the people in the area as a man
who carries six gods that assist him in his ventures. He proudly
testified that these six gods give him success and blessed him in
the spirit world with 62 different herbs to heal 62 different sicknesses. He was deeply moved and convicted by the Holy Spirit
when he watched the JESUS film in February 2013. During the
film, He gave his life to Jesus and openly testified, "What
moved me so much are the wonderful miracles of the man called
Jesus Christ. His power covers the power of my six gods. My
six gods are only limited to some physical problems, but the
man call Jesus Christ cures all forms of diseases and sickness.
He could even raise the dead. I want to live for Him and realize
His great power in my life." Alimamy has denounced everything
in his past and is now part of the village fellowship.
Zambia
We had no plans to start a
church in Yambani, a village
located on the roadside as we
go to Mn ' gona where we were
doing follow-ups on our church
plant there. Yambani has a bad
reputation of being a hostile
environment to religious
groups. Even the Jehovah's
Witnesses , who are quite strong
in the area, had failed to penetrate this village. We did not feel
led to do work here. We heard a lot of bad stories about this village, and most of what we saw as we passed through was not
very attractive. This village attracts a big police presence
because many crimes are committed by its people.
On a recent follow-up trip to Mn'gona, we had a rare visit
from the headman ofYambani. He asked us why we had not
made plans to visit his village with the film. He said that the last
time a group like ours had gone to the village was in the early
'90s, and, since then, churches continue to shun his village. "We
know we are sinners, but are we condemned to hell?" he asked.
We expressed our reservations to him because of the reputation
of his village, and we didn't feel we were ready to risk working
in a place prone to violence like his village. Having failed to
convince us, the headman went away-a very sad man.
That night I [the JESUS film team leader] could not sleep; I
had no peace. I kept hearing the headman's his question-"Are
we condemned to hell?" I saw myself as a man closing the door
of heaven in their faces-did I have the right? Were there exceptions in the Great Commission? Must I fear for my life or
equipment when the Master said there would be risks? So many
questions ran through my mind. Then and there I resolved that
the following day I would drive to Yambani and make arrangements with the headman for the team to show the JESUS film.
On our first day of the show, we had great resistance as we
competed with the nearby bar for an audience. However, our
equipment was louder, so we got the message across. That night
only nine responded to give their lives to Jesus, but on the second and third days we saw greater attendance and
responses. Most of those who responded requested that
we start a church. There was a spirit of freshness about
the village. Our first church service was on the grounds
where we showed the film-83 adults and 167 children
attended. From Yambani, with their help and testimony,
we were able to extend our ministry to nearby Tsekwete
and Mpando. Now people living in darkness have indeed
seen a great light! •
• NetCaster Newsletter: Stay informed with the latest
GP JESUS film news and testimonies by signing up to
receive the NetCaster, GP's JESUS film e-mail newsletter,
at www.globalpartnersonline.org/netcasters or by e-mailing
[email protected].
• Give: There are two easy ways you can give to the JESUS Film
Partnership of Global Partners (fund number WM06-0695)
• Online at www.globalpartnersonline.org/donate
(go to the form at the bottom of the page)
• Mail a donation to Global Partners, PO Box 50434,
Indianapolis, IN 46250
8
Global Partners
The Wesleyan Church Corporation
PO Box 50434 • Indianapolis, IN 46250-0434
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Wesleyan Medical Fellowship (WMF) is now
0
GLOBAL PARTNERS
NETWORK
GPHN exists to
"It's what Jesus did. He went to heal and preach."
- Dennis Jackson
"Medical missions opens doors.
It provides a level of contact and credibility"
-Dan Irvine
GPHN is looking for healthcare professionals
interested in opportunities to impact
others for Christ in adifferent culture!
Interested? Start here!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/gphn2013
•
.
It's All About Partnership!
by Dr. Dennis Jackson, Executive Director
S
everal years ago, for a number of
reasons, Wesleyan World Missions
changed its name to Global Partners.
Though I was "outside" the organization at that time, I celebrated the ideaespecially because I like the word
partners. All over the world there are
partnerships that are making a difference in moving the work forward.
I see partnership in the work
of the JESUS film. National leaders
partner together with individuals in
a community to reach out in sharing
the gospel and planting churches.
JESUS Film Partnership Director John Croft (I)
in Panama with two church laymen
I see partnership in a local church
in Panama-Casa de Gracia-sending
a team to Journey Church in Grand
Rapids, Michigan, to teach on the
power and impact of prayer. Pastor
Jose McKella from Panama has partnered with Pastor Jon Allen and Pastor
Ben Ward (GP's new director of
Communications and Innovations
Architect) to make partnership truly
a reciprocal journey. Journey
Church has sent teams to Panama
for leadership training , and now
they are the recipients of prayer
training.
I see partnership everyday in
prayer with people like Don and
Anne Morris who pray daily for our
teams in Europe and the Turkic/ Arabic
Muslim world. The Morrises are part
of Stoney Creek Community Church
where Mick Veach is pastor. They have
recently adopted five siblings from a
broken family even though Don has
multiple sclerosis. Yet, his continuing
passion is prayer-by name-for real
missionaries on the frontlines.
I see partnership in hundreds of
individuals and Wesleyan churches
who invest regularly in the support
of missionaries- 240 of them-in
order to see the message of hope and
holiness through Jesus Christ shared
and churches planted across seemingly
impossible barriers .
I see partnership in a growing
number of churches who are passionate about forming self-sustaining
churches around the world. One of
Don and Anne Morris with their adopted children
Global Partners top priorities is to
facilitate these partnerships.
I see partnership when I see
critical and crisis needs met with
deep compassion in places like
Mozambique where hundreds were
continued on page 2
4
5
6
The Devilish Maze of Poverty
7
7
8
Top 50 Giving Churches Per Capita to GP
Top 100 Giving Churches to GP
9
Top Giving Churches to GP
12
In a House of Mourning
In Spite of the Challenges, JESUS Film
Teams Press On!
Giving to GP by District
What Are the Odds?
twitter.com/gpnow
lj
www.facebook.com/gpmissions
SIDETRACKED
by a GP missionary to the Nune people in the Turkic/Arabic Muslim area
Names have been omitted or changed for security reasons.
I
had an experience where I got "sidetracked" playing
the piano (which no one but God appreciates) and
worshipping. I remembered that a pastor had recently
prayed 2 Chronicles 20 over my husband and me, which
seems to be a theme of our missionary career. King
Jehoshaphat, overwhelmed by the army advancing to
annihilate them, humbles himself before God acknowledging, "We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on
you" (2 Chronicles 20: 12 NJV).
God's response? "Do not be afraid or discouraged .. .
the battle is not yours" (2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV). Then ,
as the Israelites worshipped their Almighty God, He went
ahead and won the victory while they stood by and
watched. I suddenly wondered if there might be a tune to
go with those words. Before long I was belting out,
It's All About Partnership!
homeless and churches were lost
because of severe fl ooding. Over
$135 ,000 was given to The Wesleyan
Church of Mozambique to rebuild.
I see compassion partnerships in the
rebuilding of our hospitals in Haiti
and Zambia.
Mozambique flood relief distribution
I see partnership when I look at
those who are being deployed to the
work because countless people have
become prayer and fai th promise
"Stand still and watch the Lord's victory !" - feeling like
I could see God conquering the enemy as I sat there
praising.
Before I knew it, I was nearly late to visit Camilla
who was in the hospital for treatment. Honestly, I was
not sure if her health or her faith was in worse condition.
I did not have time to prepare anything for her or to print
out a passage of Scripture like I had wanted , because I
had "wasted" my time .
Since I was late , I was concerned about finding my
way to a hospital I had not been to before. I asked God
to help me and then pulled over to ask directions from
the only lady on the side of the road. She was headed
that way and jumped in the van. After giving her name
(Kary) she said , "I'm in Christ too." Well , I had not even
continued
partners- like new missionaries
Jessica, Joel and Tiffany, Christy,
Mike and Angela, Lisa, Nanci,
and Carl and Vicki .
I see partnership when I
watch The Wesleyan Church of
Sierra Leone partner to train not
only their district leaders but the
future district leaders of Ghana,
Liberia, Nigeria, and the new work in
Burkina Faso.
I see partnership when I see the
work of the national missionaries
in Zambia, Costa Rica, Myanmar,
Colombia, and the British Isles
reaching out to neighbors and
neighboring
countries to
build up
existing
churches and
start new ones.
Jessica Spicer and the
Joel and Tiffany Toonstra family
I see partnership when I read
this issue and think of the stories of
partnership that exists between so
many in the work of Global Partners.
Partnering Together-we can
make this happen! •
"Stand still
and watch
the Lord's
victory!"
(I to r) GP Missionary, Kary, and Zora
said anything about anything, and there are only about 15
Nune believers in the entire city of half a million people.
I would recognize most of them. But thjs lady was a
stranger. What are the chances?!
I told Kary I was going to visit a girl who needed to
be encouraged in her faith. "I've always got time for the
Lord's work," she said and came along to share her testimony. She had very much resisted Jesus. Then, five years
ago, she was in surgery and bleeding to death, with the
medical staff scrambling to save her. Jesus appeared to
her, put His hands on her head, and said, "Don't be
afraid. You'll be fine." Later Jesus appeared again at the
foot of her bed, reassuring her.
While Kary was talking, I glanced over at Camilla
who was obviously "weirded out" by my bringing in this
stranger off the street. Looking back at Kary, who was
missing all but a few of her teeth, I mused at the irony of
how God works. Camilla appreciates beautiful, popular
people. If I had orgallized this little meeting, I would
have brought along a well-put-together, successful
believer-someone Camilla would readily listen to.
But I hadn't organized this crazy scenario, had I?
Leaving Camilla's hospital bed, we headed over to
Kary's apartment where she invited me to pray before
going our separate ways. As we turned the comer, Kary
said something like, "Aha, there's another one!" I looked
up to see Zora, a believer from the Ukraine who is serving here for two years. I had only met her once or twice.
"You two know each other?" I assumed, judging from
Kary's comment. No, they had never met. The only thing
I can figure is that Kary must have the ability to see the
Spirit of God in fellow believers.
Now Zora was invited to Kary's apartment to pray.
Tums out, Kary's whole farllily has come to faith. A
house church used to meet in their home until the neighbors threatened to tum them in. Kary beamed, "God has
blessed our home so much."
With only a few minutes to spare, we sat down, and
each one began praying in her own language, all at the
same time. I could tell they were just as tickled as I was
with our impromptu prayer meeting. They, even more
than I, probably feel alone and overwhelmed by the lack
of light in our city. Zora suggested we take a picture and
then we said our farewells.
I went home with my heart so full. Camilla's response
is God's concern, not mine. I felt sure of that. God had
orchestrated a miraculous encounter, and I honestly felt as
if I were living out the Little song I had sung in God's
presence that morlling. Whlle I praised Him for His holy
splendor, llis love, and His faithfulness, He won a victory
before I even stepped out the door.
8
11
We must learn to regard people less in the
light of what they do or omit to do, and
more in the light of what they suffer.
11
- Dietri ch Bonhoeffer
The Devilish Maze of
POVERTY
by Sarah Schmitz
I
fit wasn't for that raven hair that cascades to her knees when it
isn't haphazardly slung into a bun on the top of her head or her
ornery eyes, two deep pools of oil that twinkle with delight at the
sight of a bowl of sugar-laden fruit loop cereal, she could be my
daughter. We toss our heads back and belly laugh at both the
obtuse and the clever. We take pleasure in each oozing bite of tres
leche cake, savoring each morsel in our accompanying chubby
cheeks. In the depths of our hearts, we simultaneously harbor a
loathing distaste for all things mathematical and numerical. Why
settle for cold hard facts, figures, and predictable outcomes when
there are poems and fairy tales beckoning with knights decked out
in shining armor and fire-breathing dragons waiting to pounce
around any bend in the road?
Maria had spent the better half of a muggy afternoon squealing
and running barefoot with my children on the cool, concrete floors
of our house. Being barefoot is an absurd thing for any Nicaraguan
child to do since it invites nothing but the possibilities of dirty,
stubbed toes and certain infirmities, the least of which are small
worms, too small to be visible to the naked eye. It is as if our
home is the US embassy, a small plot of American soil where the
rules here do not apply and peanut butter sandwiches and pickles
flow like honey.
As the sun begins to drop-which it does as if
slamming the door on another toilsome day, not lazylike with shimmers of pink and orange blazing through
the Ohio skyline of my childhood-and the smell of
chicken being fried in vats of hot oi l settles like a thick
blanket across our neighborhood, we pad down the
street hand in hand, silently, wearily, like two day
laborers that haven ' t even the energy to talk over the
days wages. The seven-year-old, without a care in the
world , ages ten more years as we edge closer to her
home where the responsibilities she carries often dwarf
those of my own.
Like two scared mice, we scurry across a major
highway, the proverbial "train tracks" that divide our
worlds. The sticky scent of fresh tar plugs my nose as
we climb down a stone wall, carefully placing our toes
on the small ledges between the bricks that make a
barely possible decent to her one bedroom, plywood
house capped with a corrugated tin roof. The tranquil
sound of falling water is betrayed by its putrid stench.
The opening to a sewer rushes directly beside us, leaving a trail of cast-off debris-unmatched, broken
flip-flops and cracked glass bottles-the incessant
reminders that life has broken them up and spit them
out onto this blistering and fetid piece of land. There is
but a few feet of flat terrain before the door of the
house, enough room for a washbasin to hand scrub
clothes and dishes but not for a few rows of yucca or
onions to help supplement their meager diet.
"Mama! Mama!" Maria yelps out in greeting to a
closed door. Quite abruptly a man appears, lopes past us
in two big steps, and disappears into the shadows. I
catch barely a glimpse of his bare shoulders and sagging
blue jeans, his face hidden, turned downward, leaving
(I to r) Eva Schmitz and Maria
In a House of Mourning
by Kerensa McFrederick
February 2013 ushered my family into
deep tragedy and opportunity....
me to assume he was just another
one of "them," the numberless,
expressionless men that filter in
and out. It is plain as day that
Maria's mom works as a lady of
the night, and as I greet her with a
smile and a small peck on the
cheek, an awkward silence passes
between us. Juggling a baby on one
hip, I pass her a grocery bag of
food that she rests on the other. It
is not much, just some beans, rice,
a bit of vegetable oil, and some
bananas. It costs nothing more than
a cup of Starbucks coffee in the
States, but it is a half a day's wages
for the average Nicaraguan. I am
hoping that if I am lucky, it will be
enough to keep Maria's infectious
smile from begging for spare
change on the street tonight, but I
am not hedging my bets.
"Maria is welcome to play at
our house tomorrow afternoon after
school," I say as Maria squeezes
my side. The mother nods and
smiles as the baby begins to wail. I
trudge back to the safety of full
cupboards, high speed Internet, and
a full tank of gas; I am already
wishing that morning was dawning
with Maria chirping "Eva! Eva!
Eva!" at our front door, ready to
start another morning at school.
Like an old VHS that keeps being
rewound, we will "play" this scene at
least three more times this week, and
I will keep racking my brain for
more constructive ways to help , to
navigate through this complicated,
devilish maze called poverty, all the
while doling out hugs, grins, and
simple afternoon snacks. •
Ryan and Sarah Schmitz are long-term
missionaries with Global Partners in
Nicaragua and are from the Greater Ohio
and Central Canada Districts. They have
four children: Micah ('03) , Eva ('04),
Abel ('07), and Esme ('09) .
The following days were filled with
helping Filip with many arrangements and
practical things. At one point, Jason said to
I was home alone and heard a terrible
him, "I don 't know why this terrible thing
cry in the hallway. I rushed out to find a
happened
, but I believe in God and that He
man screaming in agony and asking for
loves
you."
He replied, "Somehow I can
help. He did not speak Czech, and, as
feel
this,
and
I see it in you."
things unfolded, it was
This was the same time
apparent that God had me
we were planning a twothere to help since I could
day get-away for Jason's
speak with him in English.
40th birthday. Ecclesiastes
Ironically he and his fam7:2
kept rolling through
ily lived in our old
my mind: It is better to go
apartment where we were
to a house of mourning
for five years. I quickly
than
to go to a house of
followed him up the stairs
feasting,
for death is the
to find his wife dying (perdestiny of everyone; the
haps already dead) in the
living should take this to
bathroom. I helped
heart
(NIV). As much as
encourage him with CPR
we
welcomed
that celebraand then ran to ask the
tion
and
a
bit
of
reprieve
neighbors gathered in the
Baby Julia
from the grief, we were
hallway to call for an
drawn into the mourning and compelled
ambulance. Those moments of waiting
to simply be present with our new
were truly agonizing-and as I sat with
friend.
Perhaps one reason wise King
him, holding her head and crying out to
Solomon urged us in this is because of the
God, I heard another cry. Lying on their bed
deep relational intimacy possible when
was a beautiful ten-week old baby girl. I
sharing such sorrows. You see, we had
ran for the baby and held her close while I
never met this precious family before.
tried to comfort her father and pray for this
Now
they have become family to us. What
young mother on the floor. The paramedics
a profound opportunity Christ gave us in
arrived. After 30 minutes of trying, they
the middle of such loss!
determined there was no hope. This beautiWe later learned that Kristyna suffered
ful woman, Kristyna,* just 31 years old,
from
an embolism and died instantly. We
had died. I was in a house of mourning.
keep in close touch with Filip. While he
The waiting! Many difficult moments
went to Romania for the funeral, we were
followed. The paramedics did not remove
able
to help him move and store his
the body, and we had to make phone calls
belongings
at the Majak Ministry Center.
and decisions that we were ill-equipped to
In May 2013 he returned to Brno and
make. A neighbor friend (thank the Lord!)
briefly stayed at Majak. He has attended
was instrumental as I coaxed her into the
our
international church and conversation
apartment. The others gathered there were
clubs,
and it is evident that God is working
reluctant to assist and rather stunned by the
in
his
heart
- drawing him closer. Filip bas
tragedy. I knew Jason would come as soon
recently brought his baby girl and mother
as I could reach him, but it was at least
back to live in Brno. He does not know
three hours before this happened. I held
how
long they will manage to stay here ,
Julia,* the precious baby, for seven hours
but
as
long as they are here, we have more
that day. Filip* and his family are Romanian
opportunities! •
and had no friends or family in Brno.
*Name changed.
After Jason arrived, we wept together
and did everything we could think to do.
Jason and Kerensa McFrederick are long-term
Jason asked if we could pray. (Filip had not
missionaries with Global Partners in the Czech
mentioned God in any way.) I put the baby
Republic and are from the Kansas and Pacific
in his arms with a bottle. Jason and I put
Southwest Districts. They have two children:
our hands on him and pleaded with God for
Mollyn ('03) and Nehemiah ('05).
comfort and strength. After our prayers, he
said, "That was so beautiful. Thank you."
0
JESUS Film Partnership
In Spite of the
Challenges. JESUS Film
Teams Press On!
by John Croft, Director of the
JESUS Film Partnership of Global Partners
Setting up to show the JESUS film in Papua New Guinea
T
he JESUS film teams press on in spite of the challenges. Many of our teams work in countries that have
"rainy" seasons. This could mean rain every day for months on end. They work in areas where roads are
often difficult or, in some cases, nonexistent. They wrestle against spiritual darkness in the face of witch doctors
and hostile religions (Muslims, Hindus, animists, Buddhists, and others) . They have to deal with equipment
failures and technical problems, often in remote areas where little or no assistance is available. They work in
areas where malaria and other bacteria-borne illnesses are a constant threat. Yet they press on!
Currently there are 36 JESUS Film Partnership teams in 21 countries. When you pray for our teams, you are
enlisting the hosts of heaven against the onslaught of Satan who fights them on every hand. But God remains
faithful! The strength and commitment exhibited by these men and women are a direct result of God's grace.
Your prayers are petitions on behalf of these soldiers of the cross. With God's help they press on!
Every month , on average, the JESUS film is shown 102 times. Approximately 40,000 viewers see the film
each month and more than 12,000 people respond to the message. Our JESUS film teams are responsible for
42 new cell groups started every month, resulting in an average of six new church plants each month. This is
in spite of the challenges. They simply press on !
Here is a list of the countries and the number of teams operating in these countries:
*Bangladesh (1)
Burkina Faso (1)
Cameroon (1 )
Colombia (1)
Costa Rica (1)
Cuba (1)
Democratic Republic of Congo (1)
Equatorial Guinea (1 )
Ghana (2)
Haiti (1 )
India (1 )
Indonesia (1)
Liberia (1)
Mozambique (6)
Nepal (7)
**Panama (1)
Papua New Guinea (1)
Philippines (2)
Sierra Leone (2)
South Africa (2)
Zambia (2)
*Team starts September 20 13
**Not funded through the JESUS Film Partnership
e
Will you please pray for these countries and these teams by name?
Let us lift their hands up while the battle rages. Let us be faithfu l to
pray and to give as they go into dark places to face the Enemy of Light.
There will be a new village reached with the gospel message this week
through the JESUS Film Partnership teams. This month alone 1,000
people will respond to the message and over 40 new cell groups will be
started. Six new churches will be planted in the next month.
This is a partnership. We are holding up our end of the commitment
in prayer. We are making sure that the necessary funding is available to
train, equip, and resource these teams . Somewhere, right now, one of our
teams is preparing to show, is showing, or is following up on a showing
of the JESUS film. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:6"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" (KJV).
To God be the glory! •
• NetCaster Newsletter: Stay informed with
the latest GP JESUS fi lm news and testimonies
by signing up to receive the NetCaster,
GP's JESUS film e-mail newsletter, at
www.globalpartnersonline.org/netcasters or by
e-mailing [email protected].
• Give: There are two easy ways you can give to
the JESUS Film Partnership of Global Partners
(fund number WM06-0695)
• Online at www.globalpartnersonline.org/donate
(go to the form at the bottom of the page)
• Mail a donation to Global Partners,
PO Box 50434, Indianapolis, IN 46250
Top 50 Giving Churches
Per Capita to GP
Giving to GP
(Based on district fiscal year ending in 2013)
,
t
by District
(Based on district fiscal year ending in 2013)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
22.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
32.
34.
35.
36.
38.
39.
40.
42.
43.
44.
45.
47.
48 .
49.
50.
Wesley Chapel Wesleyan Church
Penfield Wesleyan Church
Crossroads Wesleyan Church
Blissfield Wesleyan Church
Wesleyan Community Church
Faith Wesleyan Church
Journeys of Faith
Central Wesleyan Church
Alva Wesleyan Church
Eau Claire Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Baywood Wesleyan Church
Allegan Wesleyan Church
Brooksville Wesleyan Church
Anoka Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Oak Hills Wesleyan Church
Tulsa Wesleyan Church
Fall Creek Wesleyan Church
Herrickville Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church
New Beginnings Wesleyan Church
Campo Wesleyan Church
Weedville Wesleyan Church
Medicine Rocks Wesleyan Church
Southdowns Wesleyan Church
Sunshine Valley Wesleyan Church
Living Hope Wesleyan Church
Eastlawn Wesleyan Church
Bethel Wesleyan Church
orth Park Wesleyan Church
Ashland Wesleyan Church
HaU Wesleyan Church
Plains Church
Colby Wesleyan Church
Warren Wesleyan Church
Grace Fellowship Wesleyan Church
Community Wesleyan Church
Asheville Wesleyan Church
Rushville Wesleyan Church
Stockton Wesleyan Church
Lancaster Wesleyan Church
Olive Street Wesleyan Church
New Hope Wesleyan Church
Trinity Wesleyan Church
Lebanon Wesleyan Church
Bakers Comer Wesleyan Church
Cedar Ridge Wesleyan Church
Fountain Inn Wesleyan Church
St. Paul , IN
Penfield, NY
lmperial, NE
Blissfield, NB
Bird City, KS
Terre Haute, lN
Rogers, AR
Anderson, lN
Alva, OK
Eau Claire, WI
Wichita, KS
Galax , VA
Allegan, Ml
Brooksville, FL
Anoka, MN
Gastonia, NC
Rochester, MN
Tulsa, OK
Fishers, IN
Wyalusing, PA
Denver, CO
Johnson, KS
Raymond, WA
Campo, CO
Weedville, PA
Baker, MT
Kokomo,lN
Windsor, NY
Cedar Rapids, lA
Indianapolis, lN
Harrisburg, PA
Evansville, lN
Osceola Mills, PA
Delphos, KS
Argonia, KS
Colby, KS
Warren, PA
Princeton, lN
Lewellen, NE
Asheville, NC
Rushville,lN
Stockton, NJ
Huntington, IN
Kansas City, MO
New Castle, PA
Jackson, MS
Lebanon, IN
Sheridan, IN
Enid, OK
Fountain Inn, SC
$613
$(i()4
$586
$559
$524
$478
$446
$43 1
$394
$381
$374
$358
$349
$34 1
$319
$318
$3 11
$301
$300
$300
$300
$293
$293
$288
$284
$282
$277
$275
$272
$271
$271
$266
$266
$262
$253
$250
$250
$246
$243
$240
$240
$239
$237
$236
$227
$227
$223
$215
$214
$203
Atlantic
Central Canada
Central New York
Chesapeake
Dakota
Distrito Hispano Suroeste de La lglesia Wesleyana
East Michigan
Eastern New York I New England
Florida
Greater Ohio
Illinois
Indiana Central
lndiana North
Indiana South
Iowa I Minnesota
Kansas
Kentucky I Tennessee
Mountain Plains
North Carolina East
North Carolina West
North Michigan
Northwest
Pacific Southwest
Penn-Jersey
Shenandoah
South Carolina
South Coastal
Texas I Louisiana
Tri-State
West Michigan
Western New York
Western Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
$446,288
$94,158
$485,900
$110,488
$425 ,885
$4,160
$236,384
$109,968
$217,027
$163 ,098
$244,869
$348,.572
$497,.515
$250,285
$248,752
$398,191
$30,984
$160,.542
$170,825
$336,625
$126,.544
$104,122
$388,872
$215,084
$138,947
$143,225
$100,319
$30,431
$288,859
$785,225
$381 ,650
$335,497
$286,895
0
Top 100 Giving Churches to GP
(Based on district fiscal year ending in 2013)
I. Central Wesleyan Church
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
e
Heritage Wesleyan Church
Spring Lake Wesleyan Church
Brooksville Wesleyan Church
Skyline Wesleyan Church
Faith Wesleyan Church
Stoney Creek Community Church
First Wesleyan Church
Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church
Moncton Wesleyan Church
GracePoint Wesleyan Church
Victory Highway Wesleyan Church
Eau Claire Wesleyan Church
College Wesleyan Church
New Hope Wesleyan Church
Mitchell Wesleyan Church
Sandy Lake Wesleyan Church
Houghton Wesleyan Church
Wesleyan Community Church
Crossroads Wesleyan Church
Spooner Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Fall Creek Wesleyan Church
Brookhaven Wesleyan Church
Lawrence Wesleyan Church
Mt Zion Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Penfield Wesleyan Church
Hyde Wesleyan Church
Greeley Wesleyan Church
Lakeview Wesleyan Church
Calvary Wesleyan Church
Trinity Wesleyan Church
Buena Vista Wesleyan Church
Wesleyan Church of Orchard Park
First Wesleyan Church
Christ Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Linwood Wesleyan Church
Hayward Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Plymouth Wesleyan Church
Impact Fellowship Church
Colby Wesleyan Church
Brevard Wesleyan Church
Halifax Deep Water Wesleyan Church
Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church
El Cajon Wesleyan Church
Trinity Bible Wesleyan Church
Cedar Ridge Wesleyan Church
Big Tree Wesleyan Church
Holland, MI
Rock Island , IL
Spring Lake, MI
Brooksville, FL
La Mesa, CA
Terre Haute, IN
Washington, MI
Bartlesville, OK
Williamsville, NY
Moncton , NB
Brookings, SD
Painted Post, NY
Eau Claire, WI
Marion, IN
Williston, ND
Mitchell , SD
Sandy Lake, PA
Houghton, NY
Bird City, KS
imperial, NE
Spooner, WI
Tuscaloosa, AL
Fishers, IN
Marion, IN
Lawrence, KS
Thomasville, NC
Battle Creek, MI
Penfield, NY
Clearfield, PA
Greeley, CO
Marion, IN
Harrington, DE
Indianapolis, IN
Canisteo, NY
Orchard Park, NY
High Point, NC
Milton, PA
Wichita, KS
Sioux Falls, SD
Hayward, WI
Gastonia, NC
Plymouth, IN
Overland Park, KS
Colby, KS
Brevard, NC
Halifax , NS
Johnson, KS
El Cajon, CA
Cedar Falls, IA
Enid, OK
Blasdell, NY
$362,325
$197,982
$161,754
$159,348
$159,130
$140,529
$138,789
$109,349
$108,973
$10 1,561
$90,933
$90,133
$89,430
$87,378
$68,720
$65, 195
$63,578
$58,390
$57,160
$56,87 1
$56,050
$56,027
$53,160
$52,346
$51,919
$49,675
$49,080
$46,489
$46,264
$46,016
$45,613
$45,204
$44,988
$44,907
$44,565
$43,721
$39,820
$39,230
$37,655
$37,455
$36,520
$35,316
$34,479
$34,296
$33,815
$32,859
$32,800
$32,733
$31,583
$30,959
$29,848
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
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68.
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70.
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87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
BreakPointe Community Church
Weedville Wesleyan Church
Eastlawn Wesleyan Church
Alva Wesleyan Church
ALIVE Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Cedar Valley Community Church
Living Hope Wesleyan Church
Cornerstone Wesleyan Church
Sooner Park Wesleyan Church
Hartford City Wesleyan Church
Allegan Wesleyan Church
Herrickville Wesleyan Church
Bethany Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Fountain City Wesleyan Church
Brookhill Wesleyan Church
Armbrust Wesleyan Church
Community Wesleyan Church
North Park Wesleyan Church
Waite Park Wesleyan Church
impact: A Wesleyan Church
Avon Wesleyan Church
Sheridan Wesleyan Church
Trinity Wesleyan Church
lmpact Worship Center
Baywood Wesleyan Church
Central Wesleyan Church
New Life Wesleyan Church
Lifeway Wesleyan Church
Fellowship Wesleyan Church
Darrow Road Wesleyan Church
Trinity Florenceville-Bristol Wesleyan Church
Kentwood Community Church
ew Hope Wesleyan Church
Hillside Dartmouth Wesleyan Church
Concordia Wesleyan Church
Hess Road Wesleyan Church
Christ Center Wesleyan Church
LaOtto Wesleyan Church
Sweetwater Community Church
Spencerport Wesleyan Church
Big Flats Wesleyan Church
Berkley Hills Wesleyan Church
Houghton Lake Wesleyan Church
Parkway Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Pickens View Wesleyan Church
Chapel Pike Wesleyan Church
Overland Park, KS
Weedville, PA
Indianapolis, IN
Alva, OK
Central, SC
Bessemer City, NC
Waterloo, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Hammonds Plains, s
Bartlesville, OK
Hartford City, IN
Allegan , MI
Wyalusing, PA
Cherryville, PA
Kings Mountain, NC
Richmond, IN
Forest, VA
Hunker, PA
Newark, OH
Evansville, IN
Mi1111eapolis, MN
Lowell , MI
Avon, NY
Sheridan, WY
Tipton, IN
Mansfield , OH
Galax, VA
Anderson, IN
Chesterton, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
West Seneca, NY
Superior, WI
Florenceville-Bristol, NB
Grand Rapids, Ml
New Castle, PA
Cole Harbour, NS
Concordia, KS
Appleton, NY
Sedona, AZ
Laotto, IN
Bonita, CA
Spencerport, NY
Big Flats, NY
Grand Rapids, MI
Houghton Lake, MI
Staunton , VA
Rapid City, SD
Pickens, SC
Marion, IN
$29,783
$28,635
$28,461
$28,000
$27,915
$27,417
$26,820
$26,375
$26,218
$26,131
$26,105
$25,815
$24,890
$24,806
$24,300
$24,058
$23,780
$22,709
$22,63 1
$22,085
$21,965
$21,405
$2 1,300
$21,260
$21,058
$20,986
$20,760
$20,708
$20,678
$20,000
$19,967
$19,579
$19,421
$19,219
$19,095
$18,957
$18,910
$18,677
$18,270
$18,211
$18,121
$17,910
$17,812
$17,500
$17,455
$17,37 l
$17,280
$17,126
$17,022
J
Top Giving Churches to GP
(Based on district fiscal year ending in 2013)
Giving $10,000 to $16,500
I0I .
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
114.
115.
116.
117.
ll8.
119.
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124.
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128.
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132.
133.
134.
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140.
141 .
142.
143.
144.
145.
146.
147.
148.
149.
150.
15 l.
152.
153.
154.
155.
Sussex Wesleyan Church
McAdenville Wesleyan Church
Mt Zion Wesleyan Church
Emmanuel Wesleyan Church
Brookside Wesleyan Church
Liberty Wesleyan Church
Warsaw Wesleyan Church
Grace Point Church
Hayworth Wesleyan Church
Shady Grove Wesleyan Church
Merrill Wesleyan Church
First Saint John Wesleyan Church
North Collins Wesleyan Church
Park Place Wesleyan Church
Croswell Wesleyan Church
Sandy Ridge Wesleyan Church
Chichester United Wesleyan Church
Pulaski Wesleyan Church
Athens Wesleyan Church
Sharon Springs Wesleyan Church
Crossroads Wesleyan Church
Firestone Wesleyan Church
Shiloh Wesleyan Church
Faith Legacy Church
North Rome Wesleyan Church
Trinity Wesleyan Church
Wesley Chapel Wesleyan Church
Community Wesleyan Church
Whiteford Wesleyan Church
Beech Creek Wesleyan Church
Sand Lake Wesleyan Church
Long Lake Wesleyan Church
Flintwood Wesleyan Church
Trinity Wesleyan Church
Anoka Wesleyan Church
Kernersville Wesleyan Church
Sturgis Wesleyan Church
Canisteo Wesleyan Church
Fairmount Wesleyan Church
Trinity Wesleyan Church
Wesleyan Church of the Cross
First Wesleyan Church
Grant Wesleyan Church
Footh.ills Community Wesleyan Church
Lancaster Wesleyan Church
Mt Union Wesleyan Church
Lisbon Wesleyan Church
Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church
Hillside Wesleyan Church
ew Life Wesleyan Church
Christian Faith Fellowship-A Wes Ch
Hillside Wesleyan Church
Waterford Wesleyan Church
Living Hope Christian Fellowship
Sonlight Wesleyan Church
Sussex, NB
McAdenville, NC
New Castle, IN
Roanoke, VA
Julian, PA
Summerfield, NC
Warsaw, IN
Topeka, KS
High Point, NC
Colfax, NC
Merrill, MI
Saint John, NB
North Collins, NY
Pinellas Park, FL
Croswell, MI
Hickory, NC
Aston, PA
Pulaski, NY
Sayre, PA
Sharon Springs, KS
Rapid City, SD
Gastonia, NC
Plymouth, IN
Sacramento, CA
North Rome, PA
Central, SC
St. Paul, IN
Baldwinsville, NY
Ottawa Lake, MI
Beech Creek, PA
Onalaska, WI
Long Lake, NY
Columbus, IN
Greenville, OH
Anoka, MN
Kernersville, NC
Sturgis, MI
Canisteo, NY
Fairmount , IN
Jackson, MI
Carlisle, PA
Denver, CO
Grant, MI
Tucson, AZ
Huntington, IN
Mount Union, PA
Lisbon, NY
Gillett, PA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Gillette, WY
Tucson, AZ
Clyde, MI
Waterford, NY
Lakeside, CA
Bluffton, IN
$16,449
$16,400
$16,294
$16,177
$16,047
$16,025
$15,845
$15,825
$15 ,770
$15 ,745
$15 ,670
$15,582
$15,581
$15,065
$15,015
$14,747
$14,710
$14,575
$14,470
$14,350
$14,330
$14,300
$14,220
$14,163
$14,100
$14,100
$14,100
$14,056
$14,012
$14,001
$13920
$13900
$13,842
$13,831
$13,7 15
$13,549
$13,350
$13,331
$13,250
$13,230
$13,200
$13,180
$13,102
$13,100
$13,010
$12,979
$12,895
$12 ,725
$12,723
$12,625
$12,617
$12,520
$12,519
$12,459
$12,380
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
163.
CrossWay Community Church
North Lakeport Wesleyan Church
Faith Wesleyan Church
Hope Wesleyan Church
Living Word Fellowship
The River Church
Dixonville Wesleyan Church
Oak Hills Wesleyan Church
164. Hillview Wesleyan Church
165. Calvary Wesleyan Church
166. Hopeton Wesleyan Church
167. Fillmore Wesleyan Church
168. Dayspring Wesleyan Church
169. Richland Wesleyan Church
170. Presque Isle Wesleyan Church
171. Westview Wesleyan Church
172. Living Springs Church
173. Bayview Wesleyan Church
Desert Hope Wesleyan Church
175. Community Wesleyan Church
176. Millerton Wesleyan Church
177. Pine Grove Wesleyan Church
178. Life Stream Church
179. Forest Hills Wesleyan Church
180. Fremont Wesleyan Church
181. Baker Street Community Church
Trinity Wesleyan Church
183. Flint First Wesleyan Church
184. Brookview Wesleyan Church
185. Perth-Andover Wesleyan Church
186. First Wesleyan Church
Willow Grove, PA
Lakeport, MI
Lakeland, FL
Independence, IA
Vancouver, WA
Sacramento, CA
Dixonville, PA
Rochester, MN
Lock Haven, PA
Bethlehem, PA
Hopeton, OK
Fillmore, NY
Marion, OH
Mina, SD
Presque Isle, ME
Jonesboro, IN
Spring Lake Park, MN
Traverse City, MI
Phoenix, AZ
Kirkville, NY
Millerton, PA
Pine Grove, PA
Allendale, MI
Evansville, IN
Fremont, MI
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Allentown, PA
Flint, MI
Irondale, AL
Perth-Andover, NB
Bridgeton, NJ
$12,355
$12,250
$12,210
$12,130
$12,073
$12,000
$11 ,924
$11 ,831
$11 ,720
$11,589
$11 ,490
$11 ,468
$11 ,396
$11 ,078
$11 ,013
$10,994
$10,955
$10,850
$10,850
$10,824
$10,786
$10,703
$10,400
$10,372
$10,325
$10,267
$10,267
$10,245
$10,242
$10,125
$10,000
South Ohio, NS
Bridgeport, JL
Mayo, SC
Warren, PA
Emily, MN
Colfax, IN
Baker, MT
Spokane Valley, WA
Rice Lake, WI
Windsor, NY
Princeton, IN
Jacksonville, NB
College Park, MD
Lower Brighton, NB
Festus, MO
Grand Manan, NB
Oakdale, MN
Jackson, MS
Watsontown, PA
Mechanicsville, MD
Kansas City, MO
Horseheads, NY
$9959
$9,902
$9,785
$9,750
$9,655
9,600
$9,600
$9,505
$9,375
$9,360
$9,330
$9,323
$9,315
$9,255
$9,150
$9,124
$9,120
$9,065
$9,020
$9,000
$8986
$8984
Giving $7,500 to $9,999
187.
188.
189.
190.
191.
192.
194.
195.
I%.
197.
198.
199.
200.
20 I.
202.
203.
204.
205.
206.
207.
208.
Brazil Lake Wesleyan Church
Bridgeport Wesleyan Church
Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church
Warren Wesleyan Church
Emily Wesleyan Church
Colfax Wesleyan Church
Medicine Rocks Wesleyan Church
Spokane Valley Wesleyan Church
Red Cedar Community Church
Sunshine Valley Wesleyan Church
Grace Fellowship Wesleyan Church
Woodstock Wesleyan Church
College Park Wesleyan Church
Lower Brighton Wesleyan Church
Good News Community Church
North Head Wesleyan Church
Oakdale Wesleyan Church
Trinity Wesleyan Church
Delaware Run Wesleyan Church
Real Life Wesleyan Church
Olive Street Wesleyan Church
Community Wesleyan Church
8
Top Giving Churches to GP
(Based on district fiscal year ending in 2013)
209.
210.
211.
212.
213.
214.
215.
216.
217.
218.
219.
220.
221.
222.
223.
224.
225.
226.
226.
228.
229.
230.
231.
232.
233.
234.
235.
236.
237.
238.
239.
240.
242.
243.
244.
245.
246.
247.
247.
249.
250.
Wesleyan Community Church
The Cross
Cheny Street Wesleyan Church
Loganton Wesleyan Church
Lebanon Wesleyan Church
Capital Park Wesleyan Church
Nelson Street Wesleyan Church
Hartland Wesleyan Church
Riverside Wesleyan Church
St Johns Wesleyan Church
West Berlin Wesleyan Church
Black's Harbour Wesleyan Church
Grace Lee Memorial Wesleyan Church
North Park Wesleyan Church
Living Water Wesleyan Church
Amherst Wesleyan Church
Central Grand Harbour Wesleyan Church
Ashland Wesleyan Church
Christ Wesleyan Church
Evergreen Wesleyan Church
May Avenue Wesleyan Church
New Heights Community Wesleyan Church
Northgate Wesleyan Church
Crosspoint Fredericton Wesleyan Church
Open Arms -AWesleyan Church
Springfield Wesleyan Church
Southview Wesleyan Church
Kingswood Church
Golden Grove Wesleyan Church
Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church
Lakin Wesleyan Church
Crosswinds Wesleyan Church
Memorial Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Campo Wesleyan Church
Fairfield Wesleyan Church
Faith Wesleyan Church
Brown's Flat Fellowship
Hall Wesleyan Church
Providence Wesleyan Church
Bentley Wesleyan Church
Edgerton Wesleyan Church
Blacksburg, VA
Rochester, IN
Ottawa, KS
Loganton, PA
Lebanon, IN
Salem, OR
Marion, IN
Hartland, NB
Sacramento, CA
Portland, OR
Lake Odessa, MI
Black's Harbour, NB
Beaver Dams, NY
Cuba, NY
Dunnellon, FL
Amherst, S
Grand Manan, NB
Osceola Mills, PA
Greensboro, NC
Lafayette, IN
Oklahoma City, OK
Santee, CA
Salem, OR
Fredericton, NB
Scottsdale, Al
Springfield, MA
Indianapolis, IN
Blaine, MN
Liberty, SC
Stroudsburg, PA
Lakin, KS
Canandaigua, NY
Weippe, ID
Randleman, NC
Campo, CO
Fairfield, OH
Cedar Falls, IA
Brown's Flat, NB
Delphos, KS
High Point, NC
Burton, MI
Woodburn, IN
$8,868
$8,800
$8,780
$8,700
$8,685
$8,672
$8,653
$8,626
$8,615
$8,595
$8,590
$8,560
$8,446
$8,370
$8,345
$8,319
$8,293
$8,260
$8,260
$8,248
$8,230
$8,215
$8,190
$8,173
$8,110
$8,020
$8,005
$8,000
$7,952
$7,869
$7,850
$7,840
$7,840
$7,800
$7,781
$7,762
$7,755
$7,728
$7,600
$7,600
$7,576
$7,536
La Porte City, IA
Kalamazoo, MI
Stockton, NJ
Piedmont, SC
Maple Ridge, NB
Clarkston, WA
Atkinson, NE
Crooksville, OH
Wallace, NY
New Braunfels, TX
$7,470
$7,440
$7,422
$7,416
$7,405
$7,363
$7,250
$7,215
$7,180
$7,156
Giving $5,000 to $7,499
e
251.
252.
253.
254.
255.
256.
257.
258.
259.
260.
Heartland Community Church
Spring Valley Wesleyan Church
Stockton Wesleyan Church
Piedmont Wesleyan Church
Maple Ridge Wesleyan Church
Himmelright Memorial Church
Faith Wesleyan Church
Oakfield Wesleyan Church
Wallace Wesleyan Church
Dayspring Christian Fellowship
261.
262.
263.
264.
265.
266.
267.
268.
269.
270.
271.
272.
273.
274.
275.
276.
277.
278.
279.
280.
28 I.
282.
283.
284.
285.
286.
287.
288.
289.
290.
291.
292.
293.
293.
295.
2%.
297.
298.
299.
300.
301.
302.
303.
304.
305.
306.
307.
308.
309.
310.
31 I.
312.
313.
314.
315.
3I6.
Burr Wesleyan Church
Oakway United Church
Mt Airy Wesleyan Church
New Beginnings Wesleyan Church
Columbia View Wesleyan Church
Coleman Wesleyan Church
Brown's Chapel Wesleyan Church
Kings Valley Quispamsis Wesleyan
Harvest Church
Hickory Comers Wesleyan Church
Lakeview Drive Wesleyan Church
Bumips Wesleyan Church
Mountain View Wesleyan
Clinton Wesleyan Church
Park.view Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Brinker Heights Wesleyan Church
Journeys of Faith
Southdowns Wesleyan Church
Tulsa Wesleyan Church
Buffalo Wesleyan Church
Schuyler Avenue Wesleyan Church
Central Wesleyan Church
Laurel Wesleyan Church
Winchester Wesleyan Church
Crown City Wesleyan Church
Fusion Community Church
Asheville Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Mountain View Wesleyan Church
Syracuse Wesleyan Church
Mentone Community Church
Lighthouse Wesleyan Church
Wesleyan Church of the Redwoods
Parkway Wesleyan Church
Friendship Wesleyan Church
Lamont Wesleyan Church
The River - AWesleyan Church
Yarmouth Wesleyan Church
United Wesleyan Church
Conner Wesleyan Church
Plains Church
Amazing Faith Christian Fellowship
Brookside Wesleyan Church
Six Points Wesleyan Church
Mount Etna Wesleyan Church
Corbett Avenue Fredericton Wesleyan Church
New Hope Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
CrossPoint Church
Fellowship Community Church
Wheaton Wesleyan Church
Harvest Christian Fellowship
Levant Wesleyan Church
Northgate Wesleyan Church
Solid Rock Mount Pearl Wesleyan Church
Hillsboro, WI
Westminster, SC
Mount Airy, NC
Raymond, WA
Portland, 0 R
Coleman, MI
Greenfield, IN
Quispamsis, NB
Fortville, IN
Hickory Corners, MI
Noblesville, IN
Burnips, MI
Hamilton, MT
Clinton, PA
Chesterfield, IN
Kannapolis, NC
Marion, IN
Rogers, AR
Kokomo, IN
Tulsa, OK
Buffalo, WY
Lafayette, IN
Jackson, MI
Laurel, DE
Winchester, ON
Crown City, OH
Cobleskill, NY
Asheville, NC
Charles City, IA
Aumsville, OR
Syracuse, KS
Mentone, AL
Jersey Shore, PA
McKinleyville, CA
Roanoke, VA
Plainwell, MI
Lamont, KS
Minong, WI
Yarmouth, NS
Easley, SC
Darby, MT
Argonia, KS
Poway, CA
Wellsville, NY
Sheridan, IN
Mount Etna, IN
Fredericton, NB
Columbia City, IN
Forest City, NC
Watford City, ND
Spring Hill, FL
Wheaton, IL
North Platte, NE
Falconer, NY
Owosso, MI
Mount Pearl, NL
$7,127
$7,080
$7,066
$7,030
$7,013
$6,960
$6918
$6903
$6,893
$6,815
$6,813
$6,800
$6,775
$6,750
$6,742
$6,717
$6,702
$6,697
$6,639
$6,623
$6,580
$6,576
$6,550
$6,510
$6,501
$6,500
$6,480
$6,471
$6,417
$6,366
$6,346
$6,300
$6,214
$6,214
$6,176
$6,059
$6,030
$5960
$5943
$5912
$5,858
$5,825
$5,810
$5,781
$5,760
$5,741
$5,730
$5,700
$5,699
$5,680
$5,674
$5,662
$5,645
$5,640
$5,600
$5,582
Top Giving Churches to GP
{Based on district fiscal year ending in 2013)
317.
318.
319.
320.
321.
322.
323.
324.
325.
326.
326.
328.
329.
330.
332.
333.
334.
335.
336.
337.
338.
339.
340.
341.
Central Nova Truro Wesleyan Church
Bethany Wesleyan Church
Princeton Wesleyan Church
Kingston Wesleyan Church
Central Wesleyan Church
New Life Wesleyan Church
Faith Church
Memorial Circle Wesleyan Church
Memorial Wesleyan Church
Christ Community Church
Faith Wesleyan Church
Sweetser Wesleyan Church
Benytown Wesleyan Church
Hancock Wesleyan Church
Trinity Wesleyan Church
Wesleyan Community Church
Milton Wesleyan Church
First Wesleyan Church
Main Street Wesleyan Church
Nebo Wesleyan Church
Higgins Wesleyan Church
West Chester Wesleyan Church
Anchorage Wesleyan Church
Hillside Wesleyan Church
Blissfield Wesleyan Church
Truro, NS
Indianapolis, IN
Princeton, IL
Kingston, MI
Thomasville, NC
Columbia Station, OH
Lansing, MI
Anderson, IN
New Castle, IN
Toano, VA
Williamsport, PA
Sweetser, IN
Gillett, PA
Hancock, WI
Salisbury, NC
Oak Lawn, IL
Milton, DE
Burlington, NC
Elwood, IN
Hamlet, NC
Freedom, NY
West Chester, OH
Anchorage, AK
Olean, NY
Blissfield, NB
$5,.565
$5,.550
$5,.501
$5,.500
$5,452
$5,444
$5,440
$5,432
$5,417
$5,400
$5,400
$5,330
$5,295
$5,250
$5,250
$5,229
$5,206
$5,166
$5,149
$5,121
$5,117
$5,115
$5,084
$5,055
$5,03 1
Mukwonago, WI
Greensburg, IN
Fayette, IA
Wood's Harbour, NS
Marion, IN
Middleburg, PA
Seneca, SC
Sioux City, IA
Colorado Springs, CO
Barberton, OH
Hamilton, OH
Kokomo, IN
Gold Hill, NC
Warrenton, MO
Lake Luzerne, NY
Roch.!ster, NY
Fountain Inn, SC
Cincinnati, OH
Plano, TX
Saint Peters, MO
Watford City, ND
Mitchell, IN
Kannapolis, NC
Sahuarita, AZ
Houlton, ME
Hamlet, NC
Tolstoy, SD
Kalamazoo, MI
$4,982
$4,970
$4,965
$4,915
$4,906
$4,900
$4,884
$4,Sro
$4,853
$4,840
$4,820
$4,8 14
$4,770
$4,770
$4,766
$4,752
$4,674
$4,673
$4,650
$4,645
$4,ro6
$4,.592
$4,.5(i)
$4,.5(i)
$4,.555
$4,480
$4,472
$4,450
Giving $3,500 to $4,999
342.
343.
344.
345.
346.
347.
348.
349.
350.
351 .
352.
353.
354.
354.
356.
357.
358.
359.
3ro.
361.
362.
363.
364.
366.
367.
368.
369.
Our Savior's Wesleyan Church
Greensburg Wesleyan Church
Fayette Community Church
Wood's Harbour Wesleyan Church
West 8th Street Wesleyan Church
Port Ann Emmanuel Wesleyan Church
Welcome Wesleyan Church
New Hope Wesleyan Church
Mountain View Wesleyan Church
Calvary Wesleyan Church
New Miami Wesleyan Church
Trinity Wesleyan Church
Gold Hill Wesleyan Church
Warrenton Wesleyan Church
Hadley Luzerne Wesleyan Church
Life Stone Wesleyan Church
Fountain Inn Wesleyan Church
Northview Wesleyan Church
Collin Creek Community Church
Gateway Church
Johnson Comers Wesleyan Church
Mitchell Wesleyan Church
Bethel Wesleyan Church
My Church
Houlton Wesleyan Church
Spring Hill Wesleyan Church
Tolstoy Wesleyan Church
Lighthouse Community Church
370. New Creation Church
371. Community Wesleyan Church
372. Cornerstone Community Church
373. Augustaville Wesleyan Church
374. Fredericton Journey Wesleyan Church
375. Lakeshore Community Church
376. F C Hill Memorial Wesleyan Church
377. Spirit Alive Wesleyan Church
378. Crane Community Chapel
379. Carrollton Wesleyan Church
380. Bolivar Wesleyan Church
381. Owosso Wesleyan Church
382. Daybreak Community Church
383. Pinconning Wesleyan Church
384. Grace Community Church
385. New Beginnings Wesleyan Fellowship
386. Macon Wesleyan Church
387. Carwick Wesleyan Church
388. Rock Hill Wesleyan Church
389. San Dimas Wesleyan Church
390. Aberdeen Wesleyan Church
391. Faith Wesleyan Church
392. Bryant Wesleyan Church
393. Northridge Wesleyan Church
394. DeKalb Wesleyan Church
395. First Wesleyan Church
3%. Crossroads Christian Fellowship
3%. Forestville Wesleyan Church
3%. Mt Zion Wesleyan Church
3%. Northern Lakes Community Church
400. Pocono Lake Wesleyan Church
401. Norfolk Wesleyan Church
402. Vantage Pointe Church
403. Heritage Park Wesleyan Church
404. Northcrest Community Church
405. Clay Center Wesleyan Church
406. Stone Lake Wesleyan Church
407. Christiansburg Wesleyan Church
408. Cypress Wesleyan Church
409. Brockway Wesleyan Church
409. Mt Pisgah Wesleyan Church
411 . The Camey's Point Wesleyan Church
412. Westwood Wesleyan Church
413. First Wesleyan Church
414. First Wesleyan Church
415. Lennon Wesleyan Church
416. Bethel Wesleyan Church
Westside Wesleyan Church
418. Hart Wesleyan Church
419. First Wesleyan Church
420. Wesleyan Church ofHamburg
Canby ,OR
$4,415
Lewellen, NE
$4,370
Bismarck, ND
$4,350
Paxinos, PA
$4,332
Fredericton, NB
$4,330
Madison, WI
$4,300
Miltonvale, KS
$4,265
$4,2(i)
Yakima, WA
Austin, MN
$4,250
Carrollton, KY
$4,240
Bolivar, OH
$4,191
Owosso, MI
$4,167
Lapel, IN
$4,150
Pinconning, MI
$4,120
Medford, OR
$4,110
Ringwood, OK
$4,108
Macon, GA
$4,103
Rimersburg, PA
$4,100
Rock Hill, SC
$4,099
San Dimas, CA
$4,091
$4,Q(i)
Aberdeen, SD
Orefield,PA
$4,054
Bryant, IN
$4,050
Dayton, OH
$4,044
Dekalb, IL
$4,025
Greenville, SC
$4,005
Fair Oaks, CA
$4,000
Forestville, NY
$4,000
Seagrove, NC
$4,000
Cumberland, WI
$4,000
Pocono Lake, PA
$3,975
Norfolk, NY
$3,950
Queensbury, NY
$3,945
Topeka, KS
$3,865
Flower Mound, TX
$3,772
Clay Center, KS
$3,770
Stone Lake, WI
$3,750
Christiansburg, VA
$3,700
Galloway, OH
$3,677
Morley, MI
$3,650
Columbia Crossroads, PA $3,650
Carneys Point, NJ
$3,645
Ashland, KY
$3,627
Waterloo, IA
$3,615
Blacksburg, VA
$3,611
Lennon, MI
$3,.530
Harrisburg, PA
$3,.520
Bristol, SD
$3,.520
Hart, MI
$3,.505
Mooresville, c
$3,.504
Hamburg, NY
$3,.500
Global Partners
The Wesleyan Church Corporation
PO Box 50434 • Indianapolis, IN 46250-0434
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
What Are the Odds?
by one of the newest missionaries joining the GP missionary team
among the Fotizo people in the Turkic/Arabic Muslim area
Names have been changed or omitted for security reasons.
I could not help but see the parallels
he new guys on the Fotizo
between
thi s incident and the prayers
team, Brett and I, were getting
our
team
prays for Fotizo Jesus-folan orientation from the more expelowers.
There
are national Christians
rienced guys on the team about the
living
here
,
but
many times they are
major historical locations in the
alone.
They
have
been rejected by
city where we live. While we were
their
families,
and
their closest friends
walking , I said to Brett, "Do you
do
not
understand
them
anymore. In
know what I wish would happen? I
it
is
extremely
difficult to
some
cases
hope that sometime I will be walkfind
an
employer
who
will
risk hiring
ing around this city and bump into
them
.
Fotizo
Jesus-followers
battle
an old friend who does not know I
with
the
idea
of
keeping
their
faith
(I to r) GP missionary and Jeff
live here and who I do not know is
secret when in their hearts they want
travelling here. What are the odds?"
to
share
it.
They
desire
Christian community-the chance to
We continued to make our way through busy streets, and,
stand
beside
another
Fotizo
person who has given up everyabout 15 minutes after my comment, someone bumped into
thing for Christ's sake. However, they often stand alone in
my arm. "Jeff? What! Are you kidding me?" After a big hug ,
danger of giving way to the storm of life around them. Join
introductions to the other guys, and contact information
the Fotizo miss ionary team in prayer as we ask God to create
exchanged, I walked away with my mind blown . How could I
meetings between Fotizo people who have put their faith in
have just bumped into an old friend from my home church in
Christ
but stand alone. Pray for encounters where they bump
the middle of a busy square in a city of 15 million people?
into each other by divine appointment.
On a usual day for me, I am more than an hour's travel
I have heard stories from other places where two solo
away sitting in a language lesson . Yet, because of the historibelievers begin to share the gospel with each other. Then, in a
cal orientation excursion, it just so happened that Jeff and I
moment, they realize that they are brothers in Christ, and the
were in the exact same place at the exact same time. I totally
is born! What are the odds? Let's thank God that no
church
did not see it coming! I literally felt Jeff bump me before I
matter
the
odds He is greater than them. He can and is worksaw and recognized him. It continues to blow my mind.
ing
to
build
a strong church among the Fotizo people. •
Coincidence? Gift? Providence?
T