Articles
Why Translating the Bible Continues to Be Important
Article by Dave Hare, Bible Translator in Cameroon
Current surveys indicate that there are over 7,300 living languages in the world today. Of these languages, only about 700 languages (less than 10%) have a full translation of the Bible.1 Although this statistic is staggering, you might wonder if there is a need for the Bible to be translated into all the world’s languages. The answer is: No, not every language needs a Bible translation. In fact, as some languages are dying out, it is not the best use of resources to pursue translating the Bible for all of these groups.
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Character: Why Is Having a Godly Character so Foundational for Missionaries?
The 4 C’s: Calling, Character, Chemistry, Competency
Article by Daniel Topf, PhD
Growing in godly character is part of God’s salvific purposes for us as followers of Christ. As born-again believers, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, empowering us for service and leading us on a path toward sanctification, with the goal of becoming more like Jesus. Having fellowship with God and growing in godly character is an expression of God’s grace in our lives, which is of foundational importance when doing any kind of ministry. Growing in sanctification is therefore one of the most valuable things you can do as you are thinking about becoming a missionary, and it is something you can begin to do right now! Here are some questions and suggestions regarding important areas in which we all need to continue to grow.
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Stories From Miss Ginny • Witness
The Boy Who Became a Witness
It was not unusual for sick people to walk great distances or be carried on stretchers to our clinic. Along with giving medical help, we often shared verses from the Bible and prayed with our patients. We also took opportunities to teach basic principles of good health. The reputation of the “Rumah Obat” or “House of Medicine” went to many other villages, even some where they had not yet heard the gospel.
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Called to Obedience
Pat and Jeannie Hartsfield are ordinary people. Long-time members of Davisville Church, they were used by God in many ways at church and in their local community. Pat earned a degree in Sports Medicine, became a manager of medical offices, and grew into the role of elder at Davisville. Jeannie received a Masters degree in family counseling, enjoyed homeschooling their three children, and led the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) ministry at church. Whether through work or church, they loved telling others about Jesus.
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Calling: How Do I know Whether God Is Calling Me to Become a Missionary?
The 4 C’s: Calling, Character, Chemistry, Competency
Article by Daniel Topf, PhD
Many believers wonder, “Am I really called to missions?” It’s an important question because a sense of calling can sustain us in difficult times when the going gets rough. Becoming a missionary usually requires careful preparation and a sacrificial lifestyle, which is why it is crucial to have a high level of conviction regarding being in the center of God’s will. In the following, let’s look at a few principles that can help you in identifying God’s calling for your life, especially regarding cross-cultural ministry.
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What Should I Expect and How Can I Prepare for Short-Term Missions?
Article by Daniel Topf, PhD
A crucial aspect in cross-cultural ministry and when going on a mission trip is to manage one’s expectations. Serving in missions can be one of the most exciting things you will ever do in your life, but it can also be extremely challenging.
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Bringing the Gospel to Milan
World Team began ministry in Italy in the city of Sicily and moved it’s ministry efforts to Milan in the 1990s. Milan is the second largest city in the country and is a center for culture and commerce, boasting the third-largest economy among European Union cities.
While Milan may be a hub for many things, that’s not the case for the evangelical church.
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A Light in the Darkness in Spain
Throughout Spain, large Roman Catholic cathedrals tower over the cities and towns. Many Spaniards, however, have stopped going to church and no longer believe in God. Though the evangelical church has experienced recent growth at a rate higher than the global average, it still struggles to be relevant in society.
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Following Jesus’ Example with Church-Based Teams
World Team’s vision of church-based teams follows the pattern of Christ’s twelve disciples: training and commissioning leaders for ministry among the unreached people of the world. In a church-based team, World Team works in partnership with the church and the team that is doing cross-cultural ministry.
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Decades of Commitment Bearing Fruit in Trinidad
When Beulah and Siddhant first arrived in Trinidad with World Team in 1980, there was only one church among the East Indian community in Trinidad. Over the past four decades, they have been able to help plant several reproducing churches on the island, leading to many lives being reached by the gospel.
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