World Missions Overview

For over 50 years and in more than 50 countries, World Challenge Missions has helped spread Christ's love and extend his tender mercies to the poorest of the poor. With your prayers and support, the gospel continues to be preached from Afghanistan to Zambia. Churches are being planted, orphans are being rescued from the streets, schools are being built for youngsters who can't afford an education, and thousands of once-hungry children are being fed each day.

Below are good-news reports from several ministries that God has opened for us. We share them so you can know some of the wonderful things Jesus is doing in areas of great need:

ORPHAN CARE

Central Asia – In 1994 missionary Cindy was walking through the streets of a city in central Asia when she saw what appeared to be an abandoned building. Inside she found a maze of rooms holding hundreds of children with mental and physical handicaps – all of whom had been left there to die. Cindy immediately began providing care for them and prayed that God would send other workers. Today over 75 wonderful volunteers have turned this nightmare into a house of God's love. The workers feed, clothe and teach the children, who sing songs, perform dramas and make beautiful artwork. Many who once couldn't walk are now healthy and mobile. Even the most challenged of the 405 children at the orphanage know the love of Jesus, their days filled with laughing, learning, playing and singing.

Zambia – Statistics vary on the actual number of street children living in Zambia. Some organizations quote 75,000 while others believe the real number is well over 1 million. All agree that the number is rapidly increasing. Emma's Kids began as a Bible school but so many starving homeless orphans began coming that something had to be done. Today over 400 orphans have a place to live and be fed, and are taught and shown the love of Jesus. Every day a powerful prayer meeting is held, with the children crying out to God for their nation. Even 5-year-olds stand and pray that Jesus' love would shine through the country. These once-starving orphans are now intercessors for their land.

Romania – "Would you give us these children if we could care for them?" This simple request asked of a hospital director led to the opening of Sanctuary Orphanage. Dozens of orphans had lain neglected on torn cots in a run-down, understaffed hospital without supplies. The children were starving, neglected and longing to be loved. So World Challenge purchased a home and took in these precious ones. Today, the expanding ministry has touched the lives of hundreds of orphans. New buildings have been added, but the need is great with much more to be done.

CRISIS RELIEF

Haiti – After the devastating earthquake, hundreds of thousands of Haitians are living in makeshift tent cities. Now in the midst of the rainy season, these camps will become flooded, mud-filled swamps with a high risk for disease. Medical and food supplies are still difficult to secure. World Challenge, along with Times Square Church and New Life Church in Montreal, will send teams weekly beginning in September. We are in great need of medical personal, especially doctors, nurses and dentists. One week in Port au Prince can change the lives of many. If your church is interested in helping or sending people, please contact our New York Missions Office at haititoday@worldchallenge.org or (212) 245-6025 or (212) 245-6026.

Guatemala – Hurricane Agatha, the Pacaya volcano, and a recent earthquake have left many in this hurting nation in dire need of food, water and medical support. We are working with trusted missionaries on the ground to provide needed supplies. Some 400 "family relief packs" – containing 5 pounds of beans, along with sugar and supplemental vitamins – have already been distributed, along with 1,500 emergency food packs. The need continues to be pressing and great.

We are grateful for the continued and generous support that makes these ministries possible. As the world tumbles into greater and greater suffering, God is using His church to have a great impact on these pressing situations. Please continue to pray for these outreaches, that many will be reached with the love of Christ.