Jesus saith unto them, My food is to do the will of Him that sent
me, and to
finish His work. Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then
cometh
harvest? Behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on
the fields; for
they are white already to harvest. And he that repeateth receiveth
wages, and
gatereth fruit unto life eternal, that both he that soweth and he
that reapeth
may rejoice together. And here is that saying true, One soweth,
and another
reapeth. I sent you to reap that on which ye bestowed no labor;
other men
labored, and ye are entered into their labors.
JOHN. 4:34-38
Click HERE for the Missionary Messages from the latest issue of First Church Windows.
The Missionaries & Missionary Programs Supported by First Church
Alaska Bible College
U.S.
Alaska Bible College equips men and women for Christian ministry. ABC's
goal is to supply Christian leaders and workers for ministries and churches
in the north country, especially the many towns and villages that have
no church or Christian witness. Alaska Bible College was founded by Vince
and Becky Joy who left First Church for Alaska in the 1930's.
Bob & Barb Alber
Wycliffe Bible Translators
U.S.
Bob ministers to the youth in the Dallas MK program. He leads Bible
studies, counsels young people, and helps to develop the overall program
to meet the needs of the many teenagers associated with the Dallas Center.
Barbara is a graphic designer in the international publishing department.
She works with translators to compose their finished New Testaments and
prepares them to be printed. Barbara also prepares literacy training materials,
international communications, and a variety of other translation-related
literature.
Rev. Alan and Barbara Bachmann
Avant Ministries
Brazil
Alan and Barbara Bachmann have been serving God in Brazil, while supporting
missions to other Latin American countries. The Bachmanns now call Brazil
home. Their children minister in other parts of the country. Alan presently
is involved in Global Ministry, teaching in seminaries and like-minded
institutions. They work with a retreat center that allows candidates to
learn about cross-cultural missions.
John and Alice Barcus (Retired)
Avant Ministries
U.S.
In 1947, John and his late wife Alice started a ministry to the Muslims
with the Gospel Missionary Union. Their work began in Morocco, and then
moved to Belgium and England. After the death of his wife in 1991, John
retired and relocated to Kansas City. John married a longtime friend, also
named Alice, with whom he is involved in prayer ministry and other efforts
to get the gospel message out to the Muslims of Kansas City. John and Alice
renewed their Permanent Residency Status in England, keeping alive the
option to return there to serve.
Scott & Rebekah Becker
Grace Brethren International
Ireland
Scott and Rebekah are currently working in a church- planting ministry
with the Irish to the Irish. They are involved with outreach, evangelism,
and Bible study. The Beckers' ministry targets students as well as families,
couples, and single professionals between the ages of 18 and 30.
Boxley and Joyce Boggs
CrossWorld
U.S.
Since 1971, the Boggs' have ministered in Haiti, Guyana, Ecuador, and
throughout the Caribbean. Boxley presently serves as Minister-at-Large,
pastoring CrossWorld missionaries throughout the world. Joyce assists him
by keeping the office running smoothly as he travels.
Don and Viv Bond (Retired)
Association of Baptists for World Evangelism
U.S.
Over many years, Don and Viv planted more than 30 churches along the
Amazon River in Peru. They continue to return to Peru where they teach
in the churches they helped plant, and assist the missionaries working
among the Peruvian people. They reside in New York state during the summer
and Florida during the winter months.
Vera Boodt (Retired)
CrossWorld
Belgium
Vera Boodt is a missionary nurse who ministered in Brazil. She retired
to her homeland of the Netherlands. She continues to lead Bible studies
and nurtures many in Belgium and Holland and is very active in her local
church.
Thelma Braun
Evangelism Resources
U.S.
The Brauns' overseas ministry began in Congo six decades ago. Since
then, it has spread to four Asian countries: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar,
and Nepal. Core ministries include the Schools of Evangelism, nine-month
courses for Evangelism and Church Growth, Portable Bible Schools, an eight-week
grassroots course for villages, and Decade of Advance, which trains pastors
for outreach and discipleship. Thelma continues to further these ministries
since Willys' passing in 2003.
Rev. Keith and Charlotte Brown
OC Ministries
U.S.
The Browns have been living in the Atlanta area for several years. They
return to their former fields of service (Philippines, Singapore, and Hong
Kong) about 3 times a year. Keith guest teaches at the Cross-Cultural Training
Center in Macao and checks on the radio ministry to China. Charlotte contacts
the ladies in Hong Kong whom she taught in Bible Study Fellowship.
David and Andrea Brunner
Biblical Ministries Worldwide
U.S.
David and Andrea Brunner's primary ministry is bringing the gospel to
people of the Latter Day Saints (Mormon) faith. David is an EMT and Andrea
works part-time in a nursing home in order to interact with more people.
They help with a camp ministry in the summer.
Larry and Fay Buckman
HCJB World Radio
U.S.
Larry and Fay Buckman have been with HCJB World Radio since 1974. Larry
has worked in television planting, prison ministry, and with medical caravans.
Fay has been teaching and now works with learning-disabled children. Larry
is presently assigned to Central America and selected countries in South
America, where he trains pastors and represents resources in furthering
education.
Luis and Elsie Centeno
American Missionary Fellowship
U.S.
Luis and Elsie Centeno evangelize their neighborhood in the inner city
of north Philadelphia. Luis leads the fight against drug addiction by using
a faith-based approach to prevention and recovery. He has begun a ministry
to the Muslim community, as well as a ministry to Philadelphia police officers
through the Law Enforcement Support Fellowship.
Dana and Debbie Cherry
Greater Europe Mission
Germany
Dana and Debbie Cherry use e-DOT (electronic-discipleship, outreach,
and training) to provide Biblical education to pastors and lay leaders
in local communities throughout Ukraine and Romania in their own language
at an affordable price. The Cherrys help to train volunteer youth leaders
throughout Europe.
Curt and Carol Detwiler
Trans World Radio
Monaco
The Detwilers and their 2 small children, Katie and Ray, began their
career service with TWR in January 1983 in the country of Swaziland.
After several other positions with TWR in those 20+ years, in 2004 Curt
accepted a position with TWR Corporate, serving as Ministry Appraisal Coordinator
and as part of the internal audit function. He is helping TWR evaluate
the effectiveness of existing programs, and the potential for new programs.
Carol serves faithfully in the finance area for the office in Monaco.
Their children are grown, and working in the United States.
Corky and Georgianna Eddins
Campus Crusade for Christ
U.S.
Corky works with the Christian Embassy, a branch of Campus Crusade for
Christ, which brings the gospel to government leaders in Washington, DC.
The staff facilitates over 40 weekly Bible studies on Capitol Hill, in
the White House, at the Pentagon and in various foreign embassies. Through
creative outreaches, seminars and events, this apolitical ministry is winning,
building and sending leaders to make an impact for Jesus Christ.
Lorraine Enright
Enright Flight Ministries
Zambia
Though well past the age of retirement, Lorraine continues her active
ministry in Zambia. At the Pastors' Training School, pastors from six African
nations join together to learn and worship. They hold "camp meetings" for
the non-pastors as well. Lorraine works with women and children at the
AIDS orphanage. They are growing bananas so that the Pastors' School will
have food and income to help support it. When in the U.S., she lives in
Florida.
Tim and Jackie Faulkner
CB International
Italy
Tim and Jacki plant churches in Italy in partnership with local Christians.
Their vision is to establish daughter churches in collaboration with church
leaders in Lago Patria and then throughout Italy with other "Movimento"
churches.
Fellowship House (S. Camden Christian Fellowship)
U.S.
Fellowship House is a faith mission begun in 1965 by the First United
Methodist Church of Collingswood for the purpose of bringing adults and
children into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Fellowship House offers Bible clubs and mentoring programs for children,
adult Bible studies, summer camping programs, Sunday worship, health counseling
and education, addictions counseling, as well as a clothing and food distribution
program. Minister Harrison Davis is the current Director.
Rev. David and Elizabeth Givens
SEND International
U.S.
David and Elizabeth Givens have served with SEND International since
1976. They have traveled to all 20 countries in which SEND is active. David
currently serves as assistant to the U.S. Director for Special Services
and focuses on the mobilization of students and churches for missions in
the northeastern part of the U.S. He teaches seminars on evangelism and
godly decision-making. Elizabeth is the primary writer and editor for SEND's
print material, web page, video scripts, and national missions publications
Rev. Neale and Barbara Goetsch
Christian Mission in Many Lands
England
Neale and Barbara have been in England since 1968 working among international
students and Hindu and Muslim families. They use the outreach of International
Teas, Bible studies, home visits, and opening their home to friends and
neighbors. Neale also teaches a group of English language students.
Greiners
Family Christian Inspiration
U.S.
In 1969, Claire & Ruth Greiner began a faith ministry to families
across the United States and Canada. They traveled extensively sharing
the gospel across America through music, literature, preaching, and teaching.
Family Christian Inspiration also employs the internet and a monthly publication
"Hearthstone" in its outreach. Today their home-missions outreach is continued
by their sons Larry and Bevan, their daughters-in-law Sharon and Betty
Lou, their daughter Wendy and her husband Bob Lefko.
Mark and Carol Hepner
Wycliffe Bible Translators
Papua New Guinea
In 1982, Mark and Carol began working among the Bargam people of Papua
New Guinea doing linguistic research, literacy training, and Bible translation.
After nearly twenty years of work, the Bargam New Testament was dedicated
and initially distributed in 2002. Mark has also served as a translation
consultant, while Carol has worked in the high school library and registrar's
office. Both served for nearly three years as Regional Assistant Directors
for the Madang Province.
Ken and Jan Hibbs (Retired)
South America Mission
U.S.
Ken worked with Bible Institute in Peru, currently led by Walter Meza,
a 1990 graduate. Jan volunteered in the OR at a local hospital in Pucallpa,
Peru. The Hibbs retired from active service in 2001. Ken and Janhelp care
for their aged parents and for their grandchildren and serve on the steering
committee and the missions committee in their local church. God has allowed
them to continue to return to Peru each year with medical/surgical teams
including ENT specialists and OB/GYN doctors.
Art and Dorothy Jackson (Retired)
Wycliffe Bible Translators
U.S.
Arthur and Dorothy Jackson worked as support members of Wycliffe Bible Translators for 52 years. They are now retired volunteers at Wycliffe's southeast regional office. Art built and ran a power station in Peru for twenty-one years and
managed the Wycliffe Center in Papua New Guinea for 6 years. The Jacksons
travel back to Peru in retirement. Art is currently involved in a program
to provide cars to Wycliffe missionaries on furlough.
Norm and Sue Kapp
The Evangelical Alliance Mission
U.S.
Norm works in the stewardship department at TEAM in Wheaton, Illinois,
where he is involved in donor relations. Norm and Sue are also involved
in an ISI ministry to international students studying in the Chicago area.
KCAM Radio
SEND International
U.S.
KCAM Radio is a 5,000-watt station covering the Copper River Valley
from Glennallen, Alaska. Programming includes national and local news,
weather, community news, family, teen and children's programs, and a wide
variety of music ranging from country to contemporary Christian to classical.
KCAM was founded in 1964 by Vince and Becky Joy, missionaries to Alaska
from First Church.
Rev. James and Diane Larkin
Crossworld
The Larkins have administrative oversight of the Missions Fellowship
Office. Jim is serving as the Papua Ministry Area Coordinator. Included
in this job description are helping member missionaries with visas, residence
and police permits, and financial services. They also have a writing ministry
for the national church Bible school.
Armand and Jean LeBlanc
Christar
U.S.
Jean and Armand are recruiting new workers for the least-reached Muslim,
Hindu, Buddhist and Asian nations. Since 2000, they have helped recruit
over 100 new career workers for Christar and more than 400 short-term workers
have worked on mission teams.
Rev. Woody and Sue Lewis
Crossworld
France
After a 10 year absence, Woody and Sue are back in the small church
in France they helped start 17 years ago. They want to train leaders to
carry on the ministry. Woody teaches in a local, lay Bible instituteas
well as several modular courses at Geneva Bible Institute. Woody and Sue
monitor the interns from Geneva Bible Institute, who work all over France.
Dave and Sue Linton
Leadership Development International
U.S.
Dave and Sue Linton are serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators. After
13 years in China, they have taken an assignment with the Americas Area
doing Leadership Development and Training. The goal is to work with leaders
in the Bible Translation movement to meet the goal of our Vision 2025 statement:
to have a Bible translation project in every language group that needs
one by 2025. At our current rate, it will take about 50 more years to reach
that goal so we have to change our attitudes and ways of doing things and
include other organizations in the process. Dave and Sue are part of a
team that focuses on getting the job accomplished by 2025. Their immediate
focus is in North, Central and South Americas to complete the task. It
is not just that we will work harder but that we will work more strategically
and look for ways to multiply our efforts.
Bert and Hazel Lohr (Retired)
Christar
U.S.
Having served the Lord in Pakistan for 33 years, Bert now witnesses
to veterans, Muslims, and Hindus at the malls in Georgia, serves as chaplain
for the American Legion, and visits veterans in the hospital. Hazel teaches
English one day a week to Pakistani women.
Thomas and Glenda Lowell (Retired)
Trans World Radio
U.S.
Although "officially" retired from active responsibilities, Tom serves
as chairman of the board of Trans World Radio, which is now broadcast in
186 languages. Tom is also involved in the City Lights project which encourages
churches to adopt a city in Latin America that is blanketed by TWR's broadcasts.
Glenda works in donor recognition, corresponding with supporters of TWR's
missionaries. She also writes and records scripts for TWR's women's ministry
called "Project Hannah." These "Women of Hope" programs are translated,
adapted, and then broadcast in 23 languages throughout the world.
Dick and Mary Ann McCloy
The Evangelical Alliance Mission
Zimbabwe
Dick and Mary Ann McCloy, though retired from ministry in Zimbabwe,
Africa, are now continuing to minister in Columbia, SC with teaching the
ABC Bible Study method and are available for seminars similar to those
done in Africa.
Helen Miehle
Wycliffe Bible Translators
Helen has served in Southeast Asia as a translator, trainer, and consultant
since 1982. She hopes to produce a picture dictionary and conversation
book and organize a seminar to promote the Am language. Currently, she
is involved in facilitating the translation of much-needed health booklets
and Scriptures into the Am language spoken by over 600,000 people. She
has also facilitated inner-healing seminars for people who have suffered
the traumatic effects of prolonged conflict.
Neighborhood Crusades
U.S.
Melvin Floyd is the founder and Director of Neighborhood Crusades, an
evangelistic outreach in Philadelphia. Mel's daughter, Esther, and her
husband Daniel Sawyer are also actively involved in the ministry. Through
street corner preaching, school assembly programs, prison visits, and tract
distribution, Neighborhood Crusades seeks to reach the unsaved with the
Gospel. They operate a School of Evangelism to train and commission urban
missionaries. Neighborhood Crusades also provides counseling to strengthen
families and encourage troubled youth.
Menzie and Winsome Oban
Teamwork Associates
Jamaica, W.I.
God planted a vision in the heart of Menzie Oban while he was living
in England to go home to Jamaica and set up a Christian Centre. Shortly
after his return in 1973, Teamwork Associates was established. The ministry
focuses on children and youth and is carried out by mission teams from
different backgrounds. Under the guidance of Menzie as Chairman and Winsome
as Executive Director and School Principal, Teamwork Christian Centre aids
and educates many to carry out God's plan.
Don and Esther Parsons
SEND International
Ukraine
Don & Esther Parsons have been serving since 1997 in Kiev, Ukraine.
They helped plant Hope Church in Kiev, where Don served as pastor and Esther
worked in the areas of children's and women's ministry. That church grew
quickly and is now looking to reproduce itself under national leadership.
Don and Esther are seeking the Lord's will as to future church plants.
They are developing a missionary training center while still assisting
at Hope Church.
Ken and Karen Pregizer
SEND International
U.S.
After serving in administration with Alaska Bible College for three
terms, the Pregizers felt God's call to short-term missions for SEND International
of Alaska. Ken and Karen are working to expand SEND's eleven-week Summer
Missionary Program. This program is designed for college-age youths who
want to experience ministry in rural villages.
Ranch Hope
Board of Global Ministries
U.S.
Founded in 1964, Ranch Hope serves "at-risk" children and their families
throughout the Delaware Valley. It provides a continuum of Christian services
including out-patient counseling, residential treatment, special education,
independent living, and day camps. Ranch Hope's Residential Treatment Center
in Alloway, NJ, serves adolescent males who are experiencing emotional
or behavioral problems. The Residential Treatment at Victory House in Williamstown,
NJ, provides a group-home environment for adolescent females. Founder Dave
Bailey continues to serve as executive director.
Dave and Connie Randall
SEND International
U.S.
Dave and Connie serve in the International Office of SEND International.
Dave is involved in financial administration. He and Connie mentor Taiwanese
international students. They are also involved in men's and women's ministries
at their church.
Ken and Donna Rudy
CrossWorld
Cambodia
Ken is teaching advanced English at the University of Law and Economics. Donna works with Kairos House, a ministry of refreshment and renewal for cross-cultural workers in Cambodia.
Together, they continue their ministry of hospitality among the student
population.
Saints Prison Ministry
U.S.
The Saints Prison Ministry uses softball, basketball, and soccer to
reach inmates who refuse to attend more conventional religious programs.
Their athletic teams have ministered in 250 different prisons in 17 states.
They operate a Bible Correspondence School and a successful aftercare program.
A Saints branch was started in Colorado in 2004.
Rev. David and Phyllis Schmid
CrossWorld
Haiti
David is a professor of Bible and Theology at the Evangelical Theological
Seminary of Port-au-Prince. He coordinates the continuing theological education
program and teaches seminars for lay leaders. David serves as team leader
for a ministry team of 10 missionaries. Phyllis works with street kids,
in addition to serving as the field office secretary, campus hostess, and
secretary for David's theological curriculum development. The Schmids began
their missionary career in 1976.
Shaf and Cheri Shafir
Arab World Ministries
France
The Shafirs work in Marseilles, reaching out to the Muslim Arabs and
Berbers of North Africa, many of whom have migrated to Europe. They employ
a literature street stand, children's club, women's meetings, fellowship
meetings, hospitality, and visitation as tools for witnessing.
David and Erika Sheaffer
World Harvest Mission
U.S.
David serves as the Chief Development Officer and raises additional
funding to offset the ministry expenses of the 131 missionaries serving
on 13 different fields. This work strengthens WHM's church-planting efforts
and enables future growth of the ministry.
Tim and Kathy Sheetz
Handi*Vangelism Ministries International
U.S.
Since 1973, Handi*Vangelism has shared and equipped the worldwide church
to share Christ's love with people around the world who have disabilities,
medical or mental health challenges, or broken hearts so that they may
become growing and serving members of the body of Christ. Some of the current
ministries include disability training, Handi*Camp, grief counseling and
support, and resources for parents of children with disabilities. Tim and
Kathy were sent out from First Church, where the "God's Special Children"
ministry was begun by Handi*Vangelism.
Lorraine Stirneman
BCM International
U.S.
Lorraine works with the Bible Club Movement in inner-city Philadelphia
reaching the unchurched with the gospel. She directs the summer ministry
of 5 Day Bible Clubs which reach as many as 2000 children. Lorraine teaches
Bible classes for teens and adults. She recruits teachers for weekly Bible
Clubs for children and teens and leads training seminars in Philadelphia
and overseas.
Greg and Sue Stowers
Greater European Missions
France
Greg and Sue Stowers have been serving in the northwest suburbs of Paris
since 1977. Their mission is to spread the gospel by mobilizing the local
churches to start daughter churches while encouraging evangelism throughout
the region. They are starting a new church in the town of Sannois (pop.
25,000).
Dr. Walter and Patricia Stuart
CrossWorld
France
Walt and Pat Stuart have been serving in Europe since 1974, when they
planted a church outside of Lyon, France. After 9 years in France, they
moved to Germany where Walt served as Pastor of the Black Forest Christian
Fellowship. He was also Chaplain of Black Forest Academy, a school for
missionary kids, where Pat was a counselor for the middle school. While
in Germany, the Stuarts started the International Family and Church Growth
Institute, which provides consulting and counseling services for pastors
and missionaries throughout Europe. One of their areas of expertise is
Biblical marriage and family counseling. Pat and Walt also travel the world
(Haiti, Brazil, Papua, Africa, etc.) ministering to CrossWorld Missionaries.
Dr. Neil and Wannee Thompson
Overseas Missionary Fellowship
U.S.
After 22 years of surgical missions ministry at Manorom Christian Hospital
in central Thailand, God has called Neil and Wannee to a new ministry--mobilization.
Neil is OMF's USA National Director, mobilizing prayer, people and provisions
for the urgent evangelization of millions in East Asia. Wannee is involved
in OMF Serve Asia, sending short-term missions teams of individuals and
churches to Asia.
Don and Norma Toland
Wycliffe Bible Translators
U.S.
Don and Norma served for 30 years in Papua New Guinea, doing Bible translation
and literacy work. Don is currently serving as the Associate Director for
Stewardship Ministries in 14 northeastern states.
Rev. Charles and Bev Truxton
SIM (Serving in Mission)
Nigeria
Chuck and Bev began their ministry in Nigeria in 1973. Bev is a physician
at Evangel Hospital, a medical facility started by SIM in the late 1950's.
She enjoys helping people with physical problems and is never too busy
to give spiritual counsel. Chuck is a counselor at the Spring of Life Counseling
Centre, where many HIV/AIDS patients receive assistance every day. Sub-Saharan
Africa has 70% of the world's AIDS cases. Of these 10% are in Nigeria.
Chuck and Janice Walton
Wycliffe Bible Translators
U.S.
After serving for almost 40 years in the Philippines as Bible translators,
Chuck & Janice are serving the new members of Wycliffe and the Summer
Institute of Linguistics through teaching and personnel ministry.
Fred and Julia Wentz (Retired)
The Evangelical Alliance Mission
U.S.
Since retiring from the ministry in Taiwan in 1998, Fred and Julia have
helped recruit staff for the "missionary kid" school in Taiwan. They have
a ministry of prayer and participate in mission conferences and children's
camps. Currently both are involved in an outreach to Chinese people in
their local area.
Rev. Lowell and Claudia Wertz
Joy in the Harvest
Tanzania
Lowell and Claudia's ministry has four main objectives: evangelism and
church planting, refugee and compassion ministries, apprenticeship and
vocational training, and technical support for the church in Africa. They
are located in a poverty-stricken area on the edge of two war zones.
Elmer and Beverly Wolfenden (Retired)
Wycliffe Bible Translators
U.S.
Elmer & Beverly have worked with the Masbatenyo people in the Philippines
for many years. They published a Masbatenyo dictionary in 2001 and the
Masbatenyo translation of the New Testament in 1993. The latter is currently
being used in churches among the 600,000 people in Masbate. Presently,
they continue translating Old Testament books beginning with the book of
Psalms.