It has been a blessing to serve as a missionary in the Third World for the past 16 years. One of the greatest joys is seeing local converts rise up to lead their people to the promised land. Filled with a simple faith and overflowing gratitude, these leaders have a burning desire to learn how to become more like Jesus in spite of the hardships they face living in the Third World — being kidnapped, surviving exotic diseases and natural disasters, and leading 500 people as the only full-time minister!
Many of the Third World ministry staff do not have the resources to travel and fellowship with other churches and church leaders. Facing these formidable challenges, they need so much encouragement and support from churches with spiritual and physical resources. It is important to help these spiritual heroes attend the International Leadership Conference so they can be spurred on to even greater deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25) and inspire First World churches with their hearts and sacrifice.
Value of Face Time
The ILC promises inspiring lessons, incredible worship services and innovative ways to take the gospel to all generations and villages. However, it is the life changing talks that inspires anyone, from both the First and Third World, that God can do anything. I am so grateful for the many “Face Times” I have had during these conferences from people who know my sinful nature, my family, and my dreams. Serving in the Third World is a blessing, but can also be very demanding. At times in the past, I have attended these conferences feeling “compassion fatigue” and not sure whether I can continue doing what I am doing. But it was the late night talks where I bared my soul, confessed sin, shed tears, and shared dreams among brothers who believed in me (the names are too many for this article, but you know who you are, thank you). These life-changing talks face to face, gave me the faith to look beyond the hardships of the Third World and see all the rich spiritual blessings. Can you help a Third World delegate attend the ILC?
Value of Vision
The ILC will help all leaders become better visionaries for God by “engineering dreams into a reality.” In the past four months God has done amazing things in the Third World:
- Northeast Region of Johannesburg: 375 disciples had 912 at church
- Liberia: President attended church
- Nairobi, Kenya: Daily baptisms
- China: 18 underground churches with almost 900 disciples
- Beirut: 25 disciples had 375 people at church.
- Vietnam: Underground church membership reached 106 disciples and will plant the church in the capital city, Hanoi, in June.
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia: 200 disciples witnessed 1,037 people attend Sunday worship service, and 200 signed up to study the Bible.
Can you help a Third World delegate attend the ILC?
Any Disciple, Any Amount
Thank you for those who give to the Third World churches. Despite the economic challenges, your continued sacrifice is an inspiration to many. We presently have Third World delegates requesting for financial aid, but only a few sponsors. Any disciple can give and any amount would help. The obstacles most Third World delegates face is visa approval, air fare, lodging, and food during the conference.
Creative ideas:
- Donate air miles.
- Hold a Third World arts and crafts auction party.
- Bible Talks can sacrifice 2 coffee drinks a week.
- Have your Bible talk members ask 10 people to donate $5- $10.
For more information to help Third World delegates attend the ILC in Denver this September:
www.icocconference.org – sponsorship
