Go Ye Into All The World

By Ted Wheeler

Ted Wheeler

Twenty years ago Renee and I decided we wanted to do “mission work” in Ghana, West Africa. We realized that in order to effectively communicate God’s word there was a need for us to prepare ourselves for the work. Thus the decision was made to attend the Florida School of Preaching (1982-1984). The time that we spent, the material that we studied, and the maturity that came from two years of in-depth studies proved to be a great blessing to us in our work. Twenty years later we are still working in Ghana. At times we have planted, at times we have watered; but God has been the one to provide all the increases that we have seen and enjoyed in this work.

Mission Classes

In the fall we will begin two semesters of mission related studies. Following is some of the material that will be covered during these classes.

The Great Commission

The foundation of all missions. A study of the greatest mission ever set before man.

Mission Minded Churches

We will be looking at a number of First Century churches (Jerusalem, Antioch, Philippi, etc.). Emphasis will be placed on the methods they used, their motivation, the message they preached and the resulting spread of Christianity.

Missionaries of the Bible

This class will look at the original apostles as they began their work in Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth. Special emphasis will be made on Paul’s work with the Gentiles. This class will also look at Jonah’s ministry and the problems that come when an individual is forced to do a task.

Mental and Spiritual Necessities For a Missionary

This class will set forth various personal qualities that are needed to be successful in missions. Mental stability, spiritual stability, a solid knowledge of God’s word, an understanding of the work that is before us, a willingness to learn, and a love for God and the souls of men.

Choosing a Location

A person cannot go everywhere, so where should one go to do mission work? Why choose one place over another? When considering a mission field – one also needs to consider the political, economic and social climate and how it will impact one’s work, family, etc.

Understanding Customs and Traditions

Paul said, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Cor. 9:22). There is a need to understand one’s own customs as well as the customs of those with which we are working.

Special Problems

There are a number of “family-related” problems that need to be dealt with in the mission field. There is a need to provide for your family – financially, spiritually, emotionally, education for children, health care, etc. There is a need to recognize certain moral and social pitfalls that are often unique or exaggerated in a mission field. What about language, translation, interpretation and how it effects one’s communicating the gospel?

Understanding The Providence of God

God has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”(Heb. 13:5). Paul realized that God would “supply all your need” (Phil. 4:19) In the mission field one must have a strong reliance on the providence of God. This class will also discuss the joys of missions and some of the disappointments one might experience.

Financial Considerations

How does one go about raising funds to support a mission work? What should be considered in choosing a congregation to sponsor your work? What do you do when no sponsoring congregation is available? Where do you look when your sponsoring congregation needs help with your work? How much financial assistance is needed to support the work that you are doing? How important is communication to supporting congregations?

Goals

This class will review the life and work of the apostle Paul. Emphasis will be placed on the goals that we need to have as we approach missions. There is a need to: 1) Establish a congregation, 2) Stabilize that congregation, 3) Develop teachers and leaders to care for the congregation, and 4) Communicate with the congregations you have helped to establish and worked with.

Materials Needed for the Field

One of the greatest tools that we have in any work are the materials we use in teaching. Bibles, study books, tracts, class materials can impact and multiply the work that we do in a great way. Computers and the internet are making an impact in world missions.

Religious Beliefs

An understanding of the religious beliefs of others can be a great help in reaching out to them with the gospel. This class will look at some of the various belief systems that are found throughout the world.

Cross-cultural Communication

A special emphasis will be made on communicating the gospel to others in light of the differences in languages, customs, traditions, religions, etc.

Ghana Campaign
June 21through July 8, 2003

On June 21^st we will be leaving to conduct our annual campaign to Ghana. This year Jackie and Joyce Stearsman will be working with us on the campaign.

Jackie and I will be conducting two seminars for preachers and church leaders. The first seminar will be held at the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi, Ghana’s oldest seaport. This seminar will be on the subject of Eschatology. The second seminar will be held at the Vertical Centre church of Christ in Tema. Tema is a modern city and the place that Renee and I lived from 1984 to 1989. This seminar will be on the subject of The Occult & Demons. Below are the schedules for the seminar.

In addition to the seminars, we will be conducting gospel meetings in the evenings and preaching on Sundays; we will be doing radio preaching in Tema; Renee and Joyce will be conducting classes for ladies in Tema, Ashaiman, Kpone and Takoradi; and Trisha and Troy will be teaching children’s classes.

Seminar Schedules