our three areas of ministry
Following the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19.
1. Biblical Worldview Training.
Our aim is to have the Gospel present in every nation and every language, and often the best way to start is with worldview (the lens through which a person experiences the world). We accomplish this by investing heavily in local leaders who are able to disciple their own people and raise up new leaders around them to grow their community.
Depending on the location, this may be done by empowering schools, churches, training courses, or radio ministry. While radio has taken a backseat to other forms of media in the United States, it is still an extremely powerful form of communication in most of the developing world. Because of this, our broadcasting network World Radio continues to be a vital resource for changing hearts and minds.
Changing a culture is no easy task, so we are committed to long-term development in countries that are ambivalent or downright hostile to Christianity. We understand that such a delicate matter takes a great deal of time and patience, but we are certain that God will provide opportunities for growth in these communities.
Additionally, we also partake in several short-term mission trips each year. These are required in order for us to meet with our ambassadors, speakers, and partners to better understand the challenges they face in each unique culture. Each trip provides us with valuable insight that we would not otherwise be able to acquire and reinforces the truth that we are all one family under one God, working together for the betterment of our fellow man.
2. Disaster Relief.
Our relief ministry began in 1981 during Poland’s food shortage crisis. Since then, we have dedicated our resources to helping people in their greatest time of need wherever we can.
In the case of a storm or natural disaster, we typically employ a first-response team where we are able that can perform rescue and cleanup duties. Emergency resources are often sent, and we try our best to work in cooperation with local churches as they will know the immediate needs of their community.
Afterward, we invest in recovery, community building, and long-term development. Recovery from disaster can alter the trajectory of a person, family, or community for years to come, so we aim to stay committed to helping those affected to getting back on their feet. This can often be a lengthy process.
While we are always heartbroken during times of disaster, it can be a great opportunity to show an example of selfless love during these times of great distress.
For almost 40 years, we have been involved in disaster relief work. The ultimate goal in relief work is to make disciples—equipping them and empowering them to share the Gospel.
While One Kingdom takes part in the earliest immediate stages of relief, the goal of making disciples really happens in the long-term stages. That’s why it’s important for us to continue pouring into the affected areas through local church leaders.
Our calling is to reach out to those in need, share in Christ’s sufferings, and share the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
3. Cultural Development.
Developing a culture is a long-term process that requires patience, grace, trust, and perseverance. Each nation and people group have entirely unique traditions, customs, and belief systems. They also have different ways of viewing and using technology. For these reasons, we approach each partnership with a degree of respect and humility in regards to each individual culture.
Programs that fall under this area include empowerment initiatives such as job training for women, substance abuse recovery, and economic resources. Training for new and useful tools that will enable a people group to flourish are also encouraged. This includes agricultural education, safe cooking methods, new access to water, sustainable energy practices, and home construction.
Since we are called to disciple others and also to be good stewards of God’s creation, we believe these programs are a natural (if less orthodox) way to build God’s Kingdom.
A great example of this is the garri processing facility at Restoration Bible and Agriculture Institute in Monrovia, Liberia. No longer will Liberians have to import this important food staple. Instead, they will grow it, harvest it, and process it themselves. In turn, they will be able to impact their own economy with knowledge, stewardship, and technology.
