Global Partners

On August 15, 2007, a devastating 8.0 earthquake killed more than 600 people and left 37,000 families homeless. On August 30, 2009, two years to the day after the first shipment of relief supplies and volunteers from the Lima Wesleyan churches went to San Clemente, 80 people from Lima traveled three hours to witness the first baptism in San Clemente and then participated in the inauguration of the new Sweet Refuge (Dulce Refugio) Wesleyan Church. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s anointing upon Pastor Guevara and this new congregation.

Since March 2009, four new congregations have been started, making a total of 17 churches started in Peru since January 2005. Praise God!

Picture:  Pastor Felipe praying with earthquake victims in 2007.

Beginning in September 2009, the chaplain at the Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital began showing the JESUS film to patients, their families, and the hospital staff on Saturday evenings. A high percentage of patients are Muslims. According to missionaries Tom and Karen Asher, 90 people watched the film on the evening it was shown in the Krio language and 160 watched when it was shown in the Limba language. Because of the film, the patients and their families have been more receptive to talk to the chaplain and hospital staff about salvation. The donation of a new projector from the East Michigan District is making this ministry possible.

“And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved” (Acts 2:27b NLT). Through the showing of the JESUS film, the preaching of pastors, the testimonies of new believers, miraculous healing done by God, and the works of love and compassion done in the midst of the community, God is adding to the number of believers in Ghana. In fact, within the past year the Wesleyan churches have grown from 1,725 to 2,603—an increase of almost 900. A majority of these people have backgrounds in Islam or African traditional religions, and many are hearing about God’s love and Jesus for the first time.

“The infilling of the Holy Spirit is overwhelming.” These are the words that Pastor Dennis Siakapwaye (pictured here) used to recently describe what God is doing at Jembo Wesleyan Church near Pilgrim Wesleyan Bible College (PWBC). He reports that eight people in the Jembo church have been filled with the Holy Spirit at camp meeting.

Last term, PWBC students were preaching from Acts about the life of the Spirit in the early church. They were also taking a course on the doctrine of holiness and began seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit. “We saw God do some amazing things. We continue to hear some powerful stories of how God is working in the lives of people in Zambia.”

Myanmar and Nepal:  In August Dr. H. C. Wilson and GP Asia Area Director Romy Caringal traveled overseas, meeting with pastors and leaders of The Wesleyan Church of Myanmar and The Wesleyan Church of Nepal. Romy reported that they connected with at least 140 pastors and leaders in Myanmar. “As we listened, answered questions, held services, and prayed with our people,” Romy stated, “we gained deeper insights about the challenges of living in a ‘military-ruled nation.’” The newly elected national superintendent* of The Wesleyan Church of Myanmar took office on June 1. Pray for him and the Church as they keep the Light shining in Myanmar. Pray for God to encourage them as they follow Jesus.

Twenty-three delegates, representing 29 congregations/fellowships, attended the annual national conference for The Wesleyan Church of Nepal. The conference was held in a new sanctuary in which members contributed to the actual construction of the building. However, after the next five years, the owners of the property can either sell it to the church or simply take it back. Pray that this property will eventually belong to the church. Pray that the people of Nepal, the majority of whom are Hindu followed by Buddhist, will come to know Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

*Name withheld for security reasons.

Praise God for His powerful presence during the IX Ibero-America Missions Conference and the launching of the Ibero-American Wesleyan Fellowship in Panama on October 13-16. People attended the gathering from sixteen nations. Dr. H.C. Wilson, Global Partners’ general director, preached a stirring message on the opening night. Orlando, a missionary from Nicaragua working in the 10/40 window country of Mali, Africa, challenged young Latinos to dedicate their lives in service to the King of Kings. Several responded by making a public commitment. God used a report by a pastor from Cuba to touch hearts. A spontaneous offering of over $1,400 was received for Cuba. JIBACAM, the Wesleyan missions movement among Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, is planning an exploratory trip to Cuba in 2010. Plans are also under consideration to begin ministry in the country of Uruguay. Pray for the initiatives of the Ibero-America Wesleyan Church in their area, as well the transcultural outreach to Spain, and the African countries of Mali and Equatorial Guinea. The X Ibero-America Missions Conference is planned for Medellín, Colombia, in 2011.

On September 21, 2009, twenty pastors and church leaders gathered just outside of Split, Croatia, for a week of sharing, learning, and being challenged. These men and women, called by God to serve the body of Christ, came from six different language groups, representing ministry in eight countries across Europe. The focus was God’s Church and how we, as ministers, can be the most effective and God-honoring servants and leaders to His body. The pastors took this opportunity to share how God has been leading and teaching in their lives. Jarvis Ferguson, the GP Ibero-America area director, facilitated discussions with principles from the life of David and lessons learned in the history of the Church in Peru. God blessed our time with wonderful fellowship in His Spirit.

A work team from the Kansas District helped construct a building that will enable the Wesleyan Bible College to begin a chicken project that will help the school be more self-supporting. This is one of the steps towards helping the Papua New Guinea Church generate resources to run their theological education program. With a joint effort from students, the staff, and the work team, cement was laid, walls were constructed, and siding and paint were applied. The PNG Church is grateful to the Kansas District for their major contribution towards the completion of this dreamed about and prayed for project!