Taking Part in the Kingdom
As I think back upon my history with One Kingdom, my first awareness of this ministry was formed in the late 70s and early 80s. Soon after Joneal and I were married, we traveled to visit my parents who were living and working for an oil company in Balikpapan, Borneo. It was a new adventure in our new life together. Upon arrival and settling into the small compound, carved out of the jungle to provide a living area for the expatriates, I inquired about church services. What I learned was that a small group would meet at my parents’ home and listen to a preacher give a lesson on a program called World Radio Gospel Broadcasts.
The second event occurred in the early 80s. I had heard about a group of men (led by Don Yelton) from West Monroe traveling to Poland to provide emergency famine relief. One of the men was my brother-in-law, John Howard. He was to be one of the drivers for the 40 trucks delivering food supplies to churches that provided for their communities. They would return a second time to deliver relief supplies, hope for the future, and the Gospel message.
My next exposure to this amazing ministry came in the early 90s when I was invited to travel to Venezuela. This trip was planned to visit with our missionaries Bob Brown and Ron Cox, as well as visit and encourage churches in Caracas, Maracay, Maracaibo, and Barquisimeto.
What I experienced was not what I expected. I think a better statement would be it was much more than I expected. I have always appreciated ministries that provided help when people were in need as well as ministries that shared the good news of Jesus Christ. As I stated earlier, I witnessed both of these ministry efforts in action by One Kingdom in Poland and Borneo. However, what I witnessed in Venezuela was the next step. It was the connection of a new believer with a church family. A family that lived alongside them, walked with them, studied with them, shared Jesus with them and loved them and their families.
I was approached at every stop by individuals that had tears in their eyes thanking me with gratitude and hugs for what One Kingdom (at the time, World Radio) had done for them by bringing Jesus into their lives and introducing them to a forever family. Their lives now had a purpose, forgiveness, hope, and the promise of eternity.
Upon returning home, Joneal and I decided we would be a part of the One Kingdom effort to reach every nation with the Gospel in their language by donating every month. I believe that every Christian that sits in a pew wants to be a part of the Kingdom work of telling others about the saving grace of Jesus.
One Kingdom is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Over its 60-year history, it has proven to be a highly effective ministry while at the same time exercising great financial responsibility. It now reaches over 45 nations with the good news from 115 speakers in countless languages.
Already this year, One Kingdom has responded to multiple disasters and provided much-needed relief and supplies to tornado damage in Little Rock, Arkansas and earthquake devastation in Turkey. So, if you also wish to be part of Kingdom work and are looking for a place to make a difference, join me by being part of One Kingdom.