18 American students had one week away from their busy school schedules. Many would have taken that week to kick back, relax and enjoy their well deserved leisure time. These few, however, chose to go to Turkey, a nation with a Christian population of less than 4 percent, and make a difference there for Christ.

Participants were not expecting the spiritual warfare and heaviness they encountered in Turkey.

“The darkness here is overwhelming,” said Jay Baker, a student volunteer. But despite the oppression, the IWC team was faithful to serve the people of Turkey throughout the week and shine the light of Christ through various ministry events and personal relationships they built throughout their time there. One young man the team met was a Muslim, along with 75 percent of the country, and not very familiar with the Christian faith at all. But every day he consistently met up with the IWC team wherever they were and spent the days with them, learning about who Jesus Christ was and the great love he has for the world. The team was able to give this young man a Turkish Bible and other resources so that he can continue to learn about Christ and hopefully one day accept Him as his Savior.

Relationships like this one are being built all around the world as students take a few weeks out of their summers to go to the nations and radiate the light of Christ. These students aren’t just leaving the footprint of IWC in Turkey; they are leaving the footprint of Christ.

Chile Valparaiso-

Though they were small in number, the IWC team that traveled to Chile Valparaiso this March for a week and half was able to do big things in the South American coastal country. Not only did they bring their passion, energy and a little bit of American culture to share with the Chileans, they also more importantly brought the Gospel.

In a country dominated by soccer as the national sport of choice, the IWC students were able teach the American game of basketball to the youth of the city at a basketball camp they hosted over the week that they were there. But basketball wasn’t the only thing being taught at the camp. The team used the camp as a platform to also share the Gospel and their personal testimonies with the youth. Along with the camp, students also witnessed at local colleges and public places handing out copies of the Gospel of John to whomever they met. In total the team was able to witness to more than 1,000 students. Not only was a country reached with the Gospel through this trip, God also used it to work in the lives of the American students who went to serve.

“My passion for the world and missions has increased a huge amount,” one IWC participant said, “and it all starts with prayer.”

United Kingdom-

Every college kid needs a breather now and then. This March, IWC sent student volunteers to provide just that for many university students in London, England.

28 students and staff members chose to sacrifice their Spring breaks in order to go to the United Kingdom and witness to the students there about the ultimate peace and rest that is found in Jesus Christ. The participants went onto local college campuses in London and set up stations where students could stop by and play games, win prizes and enjoy refreshments during the long school day. This was a very practical way to serve the students, and it also gave the IWC students a great opportunity to have conversations with the London students about their faith and the Gospel.

Some of the students that IWC participants talked with had various religious beliefs. One young man had even created his own religion. And some had never heard the message of Jesus before. In a place where the cultures of the world convene, the team from IWC was able to shine a light into the darkness and share about the love and purpose that are found in following the one, true God.

Shannon Worthy is an IMB Field Rep in Naples, Italy. Check out how She was blessed by the IWC team that served alongside her and her family this past summer.

It had been a tough day.  I had to keep Emma home from going with the World Changers.  Pneumonia has a way of making you feel like you feel O.K. but the minute you get to moving you feel horrible.  We know this because the day before we had meet up with one group that was down at the park bay.  Emma sat on the bench and just watched and by the time we got home she was worn out.  Wanting her to get better we decided staying at home, much to her disappointment, was the best option. 

Staying behind while a team was here was a new experience for Emma.  Micah and Emma, our two oldest kids, LOVE when teams are here, even more when the teams consist of teenagers.  This was World Changers week which meant a ton of teenagers!!  The kids love to be around the “cool, English speaking kids.”

While the kids and I stayed home, Micah and Charlie went out with their team.  Micah hooked up with some of the girls and off they went to find the kids they had been talking with all week long.  Someone snapped these pictures of Micah that day. [see pictures below]

When she came home she excitedly told me the story behind this photo.

 “Mom,” she began.  “I got to help someone know Jesus.” 

“Wow! that’s great,” I said.  “What happened?”

“You know, Mom.”  “He asked how to believe in Jesus.”  “And then we helped him ask Jesus into his heart.”

“Did you do all the talking,” I asked?

“No, I just translated.”  “But Mom, after he said the prayer, he said thank-you.”  “Do you think he believes now?”

“Well, Babes, I think you helped him begin to believe and have a real friendship with Jesus.”  “I’m so proud of you for being willing to translate and help lead someone to Jesus.”

“Yeah, Mom.”  The conversation ended there as she found her sister and told her all about the day.

I had to bite down a bit of jealousy at first as I was not there to see first-hand my child have a part in helping lead someone to Jesus. But as I reflected back on the conversation, I realized how thankful I am for my children and their willingness to go out and be translators for the “cool, American teenagers who love Jesus,” it doesn’t really matter if I’m there or not.  I pray that she, as well as the other three, will always be bold in their witness no matter what language they are speaking. 

The Bible says in Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”  My prayer for the World Changers, especially the other four in the picture with Micah, is that they will continue to set an example for others and that they will continue to share their faith.  I thank God that my 9 year old daughter, along with the World Changer kids, was able to be used to further His kingdom.

-          Shannon

 The call to heal the sick and love the broken is evident throughout all of Scripture. In today’s world of poverty, disease, and discrimination, the call is as important as ever.

This summer a team of 48 IWC participants sought to do their part in answering this call. Students and staff alike set out together to reach the hurting population in one of the largest cities in Romania through medical missions.

“Love is intentional. We do not love people by thinking about loving them, or by just saying we love them,” said Trey Corple, a participant on the project, “When we love through actions, we show Christ.”

IWC took to the streets of Cluj, home to a large Roma population, administering medical kits, providing medical care and sharing real love with the people in villages throughout the city.

The Roma are a hugely forgotten and discriminated people group in Europe who never receive this kind of care or attention. They are mistreated and cast aside, so much so that they are even refused anesthesia during medical procedures. A little bit of love goes a very long way, and the students on this trip understood the urgency to reach these people and meet both their physical and spiritual needs.

“Showing people real love means being there for them, and going out of your way for them if you need to. Whether that means flying across the world or helping a stranger in a small way, you can share love in the name of Jesus,” said Corple.

 The Roma people were not the only ones impacted by this trip. God was working in the hearts of students to reveal his love and plan to them as well. Matthew Gay is a college student who went to Romania. He has declared his major in pre-med biology and plans to be a pediatric surgeon.

Gay spent time in the gypsy villages providing medical care to needy families there. There were two children in one of the families he encountered with both physical and intellectual disabilities.

“It was when I saw this family and the young mother doing her best to care for them [the children] that I knew why God had brought me here,” said Gay, “I now know that I will be able to help families like this once I complete my medical degree, and I know that God has called me to serve through medical missions.”

The spiritual and physical needs are great. IWC participants saw God do many amazing things through the work he had prepared for them in Cluj. Katelyn Poston was another student on the trip who God used to minister to these people. Read her story of God’s provision and consider how He might use you to reach the hurting.

“God did amazing things in Romania! I saw God move before, during, and even now that our team is back from Romania! It was a privilege and honor to serve God through medical missions this summer in Romania! During our time in Romania, I was able to be apart of the medical team that worked together to meet the health care needs of the Roma Gypsies. They were an unloved people group who were very poor and needy.  The gypsies literally live off of what they grow and harvest.  I was part of a medical team that served in the village of Camarasua. We performed basic medical assessments and provided health care information regarding any of their medical concerns.  We were able to pray for them and we even had some occasional opportunities to share the plan of salvation. We were able to give each household a medical kit, which consisted of some basic health care amenities.

        We also saw God work in a mighty way.  From day one, we were running low on medical kits.  We were going in to many more homes than we had planned for. So, we started praying for God to multiply the boxes and for His will to be done.  We needed to provide kits for the gypsies in order to keep our word that we would be serving them just as the missionary had told them in advance. The numbers of homes and medical kits never seemed to add up correctly, but by God’s mighty hand, we were NEVER short on boxes.  At the end of the week, we had six boxes left. Now that is what you call the Lord working!  Being able to impact the lives of the Roma gypsies for the glory of the Lord has forever changed my life!  I would encourage anyone who loves the Lord to respond to the call to “GO!” and serve where He is calling you!”

-Katelyn Poston

Lizzy Fort traveled to Kenya this summer on an IWC project. This is her story of what God did while she was there.

I can’t believe it’s almost been a month since I went to Kenya.  The faces of the African people are still so fresh in my mind because seeing them and hearing their stories changed my life.  God is doing an amazing work in the lives of so many there and I was so blessed to be a part of it.  I’m writing this letter, not to tell you what I or our team did, but to tell you what our powerful and loving God did in my life and in the lives of so many Kenyans.   

For the first part of the trip, we were in western Kenya, going into a different village each day to build a new house for a widow. People from the community would come help build the house, which was just a small mud hut with a tin roof. The widows’ old houses were crumbling down, with huge gaping holes in the sides of the walls and the roof was made of thatch that was caving in. Thanks to God’s grace, 12 widows with children now have new homes that will provide shelter from the rain.  God is so faithful!  Each day after building the house, we would hold a dedication service in the new home, praying over the family and sharing our testimonies.  One widow I remember so clearly.  She told us that she had been praying for years for a new home for her and her children and that she never could’ve imagined that God would bring it all the way from America.  She said she was so proud of her new home (which was smaller than my bedroom) and so thankful to God for providing it.  It blows my mind that God would hear the prayer of a widow in a small village in the middle of the bush in Africa and answer it using me, a seventeen year old girl in Richmond, Virginia, along with the rest of our team, and all the people who gave to support this trip.   

One day after we had finished working on one of the houses we were packing up to return to our hotel in Ahero when our team leader, Shem Okello, who is a local pastor from that area of Kenya, told us we had to stop somewhere before returning to our hotel.  It had been an exhausting day in the hot sun, but how could we turn down another chance for ministry?  We arrived at a small hut with crumbling mud walls and a caving-in thatch roof.  A young boy named Jeffery greeted us at the door, which was just a hole in the side of the mud wall.  Pastor Shem translated for us as he shared Jeffery’s story.  Jeffery’s father passed away a few years ago from what they think was HIV AIDs and his mother had died just the week before, probably from the same disease.  Her grave was covered with fresh dirt, and was about twenty yards away from the front of the house.  Jeffery is 9 years old and is now taking care of his 5 younger siblings, the youngest of whom is a 5 month old baby.  Our team sat in the hut, weeping as we listened to sweet Jeffery’s story.  The children had not eaten in 2 days, their bellies swollen because of malnutrition.  They were given a loaf of bread, which they devoured in only a few minutes.  The 2 year old sister sat in my lap as she dug for crumbs out of a pack of crackers.  None of the children had ever been to school because they could not afford school uniforms.  We prayed for the children and packed up to leave, feeling pretty helpless with the weight of this situation.  After we had left, our IWC leader, Rob Cain, told us that International World Changers was going to buy school uniforms, a condition for attending the local school, and materials for a new house for the orphans.  Our team will never be the same after having this experience in Africa.  We continue to pray for these children that one day they will know the grace of God that sent our team to their hut that day.

The last part of the trip, we drove back to Nairobi, which was about a seven hour drive, to paint a youth center in one of the largest slums.  The youth center was run by a local pastor and the purpose of it was to teach children, up to 8^th grade, vocational skills so they could work their way out of the slum.  The youth center also teaches the children about Christ and Christian values even though many of the students are Muslim.  The school is able to provide one meal a day for every student; it is usually the only meal they get.  It was such a blessing to see how God is working in this youth center. 

The last day we went to a church service in the slum.  The members of the church were people who live in the slum; people who have nothing.  Never have I seen such joy as I watched them sing and dance as they worshipped God.  We serve a mighty, loving God who does not forsake His children.  Because of God’s grace, 64 people were saved by the end of the trip.  Thank you so much for your prayers and support because God used it in so many ways!  Please continue to pray for Jeffery and his family and also for the widows who have new homes. 

Lizzy

By Shiloh Lane

Posted Sep 12, 2011

In a Southeast Asian orphanage, a 20-year-old woman stands up. Her muscles are soft from disuse, and her feet wobble on the tile as she steps. She throws her head back and opens her mouth in a silent squeal of joy.

Jessica Newberry, Pleasantview Baptist Church, Derby, Kan., grasps the woman under one arm.

“You can do it, (Rohana),” she says. Rohana Azhar* grins again. She takes another step.

Jessica, 19, tightens her hold. She wishes she could call home and describe Rohana’s wobbles to her mother. But she can’t…

Read the rest of the story here on the ASIASTORIES website:

http://asiastories.com/features/changing-the-world-iwc/

Charles Folker served as an IWC participant in Rome, Italy. He was able to share the love of God with a young boy who had truly never heard it before!

The week before our group left for Rome we were instructed to get our hearts ready for what was to come. I didn't quite know what to expect since I have never been out of country before. Numerous times I’ve seen videos or specials on TV that show the poverty of the Romani people and the struggles they go through with the local governments. Being in the Marine Corps has taught me many things about self discipline, including being able to keep a professional attitude toward things I don't like or are unexpected.

For the first few days we toured the beautiful city of Rome, familiarized ourselves with the interpreters, and went over the plans. The first day of ministry with the Gypsies (Romani) went well. At first, only a few of us were allowed into the village due to paperwork issues from the Italian government. I was fortunate enough to be there. The next few days went better than expected, with only a few hiccups here and there. Our ministry seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary as far as teaching Scripture or the telling of the Gospel (which we did often). Each day I asked God to let me be a light unto these children--to help anyway I could and for Him to use me for His purpose.

Then, on the last day we were scheduled to be with the Romani, I met this beautiful young boy who grew very attached to me. He liked to get on my shoulders and playfully taunt the other kids through his gestures. For the longest time I didn't think much of his silence until I asked an interpreter to help me learn his name. He pulled me aside and said, "Charles, I think he’s deaf."

Instantly I became aware of the situation, why he never spoke and why he only pointed and slurred words which I took for Italian. The interpreter covered the young boy's eyes and spoke to the boy, but he didn't respond. He just removed his hand and smiled at me.

I’ve always been steadfast when it comes to emotional moments, but this one took me by surprise. I lifted him on my shoulders and began to weep. I cried briefly stepped out of view for a short while, understanding this was why God wanted me there. A little later, I took the boy off my shoulders and pulled him aside. I knew he wouldn't understand my ASL (American Sign Language), but I wanted to teach him something and pray that he understood. I showed him an Evangecube, pointing to the pictures and having him repeat the signs back to me. I taught him to ask when he wants on my shoulders and explained to point out where he wanted to go.

Eventually I asked Tim, our leading interpreter, to take me to the boy's house and meet his parents. We were able to share what we could about God, and even talked to the father about his life direction. We didn't accomplish much in the meeting, but I learned that his son's name was Elvis (like Elvis Presley) and he attended a school for the deaf.

I had time to take Elvis out to play a little longer before we left. Soon we had to say our last goodbyes, which was another emotional moment for me. I squatted down to his level and signed clearly, "God Loves You... I Love You." As I looked into his young eyes I could only hope and pray that he understood. I clearly remember that he stared at me as if hearing it for the first time. I cannot guarantee that he understood, but I felt just by his look that maybe he did.

Today I still pray for young Elvis and that someday someone will come along and sign to him. It truly is a tragedy to see children who have never known about the gospel, but it is even more heart-breaking to know that there are deaf children who have no real way of communicating in their society. This makes the challenge of spreading the Word even harder.

Pray for those like young Elvis in Rome who have may little to no way of ever knowing who Jesus Christ is, and what He died for. 

        Thank you, 

        Lcpl Charles C Folker USMC 

After beating her nearly to death, he took a sharp tool and gouged out her eyes. Even this did not cause her to lose her faith. She trusted in the Lord, even in the midst of this intense persecution. Later she led her three sons to faith in Christ as well! She had lost her physical sight, but her spiritual eyes were opened to the goodness and providence of God. Now she and her sons witness to God’s faithfulness.

IWC participants were surrounded with stories and testimonies of people who had been cut off from their families or kicked out of their schools just for being Christians. The IMB host was not exempt from suffering either, previously experiencing a loss in the family while on the field. Yet still the example and the testimony was to press on to labor and bring the Gospel to this people in need of Christ.

“[God] showed us countless examples of lives given totally to Christ,” said one participant.

The American students along with local students were able to go into schools teaching English and building relationships in order to share the Gospel. Being in a place where it was illegal to be a Christian or missionary gave them a new perspective on their personal walks with God and God’s heart to reach out to these closed countries.

“They learned in very personal ways the reality, value, and challenge of being part of a greater process of God’s work,” said the project coordinator on the mission trip.

There is work yet to do. There are still many unreached people groups in this prominent country. The work of IWC will continue in 2012. Click here to see your opportunity to GO BOLDLY.

American students and South African youth teamed up to bring the Gospel to the city of George. Check out all the amazing things that God did during the week in this recap from the IMB field reps!

July 01-10, 2011

Higher, higher, higher, higher, higher, higher, higher, lift Jesus higher!!  These words rang out as 61 Baptist USA and South African youth/adults came together for the IWC George 2011 project!  Thank you so much for your faithful prayers!  We truly believe that as you prayed for each young person, adult, ministry site and community, you were preparing the way for God’s message to be heard.  Here are some highlights of the week:

July 01-02:  Team USA (29 youth/leaders) and Team RSA (31 youth/leaders) arrive at Scripture Union Camp in George.  Excitement fills the air as names are shared, hugs are given and received, bags are stowed, new friendships begin that will last a lifetime!  By the time of ‘lights out’, there were no longer 2 teams, but One team ready to share HIStory using their “One Life” to make a difference in eternity!  Thank you for praying for traveling safety and friendships to flourish!

July 03:  A 3 ½ hour worship service!   Yes, that is how Day 1 of the IWC project ended!  Students shared their hearts, released burdens, revealed hurts, claimed scripture and challenged each other to use their “One Life” for God’s glory!  We discovered that we all have to leave our ‘baggage’ of distractions, struggles, fears, or anything else that hinders us so that we can be free for God to use us!  Awesome time!!  Thank you for praying for those involved in leading the Bible studies, devotions, music and worship times!

July 04-08:  Four teams (15 youth/leaders per team) travel to the 4 ministry sites – Blanco, Thembalethu, Touwsranten and Mossel Bay.  Each day of the project, the teams will share Christ with other young people, focusing on ages 15-24, through sports (rugby, football), making salvation bracelets using the various colors to share Christ, playing games, music and drama.  They will also go throughout the communities inviting all the youth to the week’s activities, especially focusing on the weekend rallies for each of the ministry sites.  Thank you for praying as these young people boldly shared Christ, some for the first time, with other young people!  It was so exciting to witness God at work in the hearts of USA and South African young people together sharing Christ!

July 07:  “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded.  For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.”  Habakkuk 1:5.  The Thembalethu Youth Rally was held at Thembalethu High School.  Awesome music and worship led by the IWC band/worship leader – amazing how God brought young people from USA and SA together with such talent!  Then, the youth had a drama which demonstrated the tug-of-war between Christ and the enemy in our lives – but Jesus Christ is the Victor!!   A powerful message was shared by one of our South African IWC youth pastors and 2 young people accepted Christ!  Thank you for praying that young people will accept Christ as their Saviour!

July 08:  The second Youth Rally was held at the Blanco Community Hall.  Our IWCers canvassed the community inviting everyone to attend!  Special speakers Bevin Fortuin, rugby player, and Manie du Toit, www.livingball.co.za, gave their testimonies.  These young men shared what a difference Christ has made in their lives – truly awesome stories as one of these young men grew up in the Blanco community.  Again, the music, worship and drama were Spirit-filled!  Another South African IWC youth pastor brought the message and 7 young people asked Jesus into their hearts!  Thank you for praying for every person involved with this IWC project – both USA and SA!  God heard your prayers!

July 09:  El Shaddai Baptist Church was the site for the third Youth Rally.  The church was filled to over-flowing!  There was such a sweet spirit as voices filled the building singing praises to our King!  Drama, testimonies by some of the IWC youth and a powerful message by a former youth pastor of the church prepared the way for children, young people and adults to make commitments for Christ! The morning was made complete as 2 of our IWC youth were baptized by one of their pastors (and father)!  Truly a memorable day for all!

July 10:  The village of Touwsranten was the ministry site for the Fourth Youth Rally.  While there is no Baptist work in this village at present, the Dutch Reformed Church welcomed our IWC team as they shared Christ with the youth during the week.  This is an example of partnering with another Great Commission Church as they, too, have a desire for their community to know Christ.  The Youth Rally took the place of the morning worship service.  The IWC youth had taught their drama to the youth of the Touwsranten church during the week, so these young people presented it to their own church.  Jeff shared that everyone was truly moved and more decisions were made for Christ.  Praising God for what He has done!

Many tears and countless hugs filled the afternoon as both US and SA travellers prepared for their return trips back home.  One young person said it best, “I now understand what it means to have friendships based on Christ. I have grown closer to many of you than others I know for years. I have matured so much. I thank you all for refreshing my faith. It's like I can hear God laughing to himself and saying "I'm so proud of all of you!" Thank you for being there for my baptism. So let’s keep growing in Christ and spreading His gospel to others.”  Thank you for praying that life-long friendships will be formed and that these young people will make a difference in the world for Christ!

Please continue to pray for the more than 70 young people who made commitments for Christ during the week.  Pray for the follow-up currently underway and for the churches as they disciple them.  Pray for US and SA IWC youth as they continue to encourage one another and keep in touch through email. 

See, your prayers do make a difference – a difference for God’s Kingdom!  Praying for you as you make a difference with your “One Life”!

To God be the Glory, Great things He has done!

Jeff and Lynne Holder

Garden Route Evangelism Area Team

George, South Africa