We Make It Our Ambition To Depend Upon God

The World Mission Prayer League Handbook states: The Mission’s finances are received, acknowledged, managed and disbursed in a manner consistent with our spiritual values and commitments. We might call it “the Prayer League way.” One practical implication of the Prayer League way is our policy of non-solicitation. We make it our ambition to depend on God in prayer for all things. This policy is based on Hudson Taylor’s fundamental faith conviction that “God’s person, doing … [Continue Reading]

Against All Odds

But God raised Jesus from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him (Acts 2:24). – The Apostle Peter, preaching publicly for the first time on the day of Pentecost. Have you ever considered the incredible audacity of those first followers of Jesus? The odds against them were enormous. Honestly, their prospects looked absolutely dismal! They were a tiny minority made up … [Continue Reading]

Dr. Eugene Bunkowske Called Home

The workers, members, and friends of World Mission Prayer League are saddened by the news that our dear friend and brother in Christ, Dr. Eugene Bunkowske, has departed us after some months of a painful battle with cancer. He was called home by his Creator on Tuesday morning, March 27, 2018. We join his wife Bernice and their family in grieving their loss, but we are also greatly comforted and heartened, as are they, for … [Continue Reading]

“Every Good and Perfect Gift Is From Above…”

We are amazed at the various ways the Lord finds to channel his gifts to us, but the principal means is through our praying membership. Once again, we thank the Lord for meeting our financial needs throughout the year 2017. We also thank you for responding to his prompting and being the vehicle by which he did that. Once again, you were the answer to our prayers. In 2017 Missionary Support payments were down from … [Continue Reading]

Mission Musings From Mexico

What a privilege it was to gather with other faithful prayer partners of the World Mission Prayer League (WMPL) at our “Annual Celebration and Prayer for the Nations” on February 18, in Minneapolis. Now, just a few days later, I’m with another fine group of Jesus followers in Rosario, Sinaloa, Mexico, where the Alianza Apostólica Luterana Mexicana (AALM) is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. Different language, different food, different people, and a strikingly different setting, but … [Continue Reading]

“Fellow Workers”

A few weeks ago, I received a sweet letter from an elderly contributor. This fine lady carried in her heart for many years a desire for missions, but she was unable to “go.” At a recent Prayer League event her passion was reawakened, but now over 90 and in poor health, going herself is out of the question. Even so, Betty has found a way of going in spirit: she will pay for others to … [Continue Reading]

“Lean and Mean”

What will the next generation of WMPL missionaries look like? I suspect you’ve heard the reports about the shrinking nature of the church in North America, and you very well may see it happening from where you sit on Sunday mornings. Increasing numbers of Americans are simply saying “no” to church. In particular, more and more of today’s young people claim no religious affiliation whatsoever. The percentages are startling, to be sure, and many find … [Continue Reading]

From the Business Manager

It is good to mark the end of one year and the beginning of another. In 2017 some of our workers completed their assignments and returned home; others retired. With them we celebrate persevering faith and the advance of the Kingdom. We also sent out new missionaries to begin new work in faithful obedience. We experienced some shortages in allowance but finished the year secure, ready to start anew. As we reflect on the past … [Continue Reading]

Who Moved My Mountain?

Big changes. Generally, we like to avoid them, but we can also acknowledge that they might just be part of God’s plan. After all, our God is unchanging, but he most definitely is not unmoving. We can count on both of these truths in the midst of changes that might unsettle us. Perhaps he’s changing us, too! And in his hands that can’t be a bad thing. Moving to Minneapolis from the Pacific Northwest certainly … [Continue Reading]

Do Not Be Anxious

Have you ever been anxious about something to the extent that you lost sleep, or had an upset stomach, only to discover that there really wasn’t anything to worry about, that everything was going to work out anyway? I know I certainly have. In the early days of my flying career, whenever I had a flight scheduled I would check the weather the night before, and if it was questionable I would worry all night … [Continue Reading]

How Do You Want Your God Wrapped?

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 The Message) Under your Christmas tree you likely have a small mountain of gifts, each one wrapped in … [Continue Reading]

November Milepost: Passing the Baton…

Over the past few months, we have marked a series of important historical milestones… • the 80th anniversary of those heady days in which we created the South American Mission Prayer League; • the 150th anniversary of the famous “Ebenezer Stone,” and the dawn of the Santal Mission; • the 500th anniversary of Luther’s wonderful theses, and the breakthrough that made us evangelical “sola-ists.” This month our milestone takes a very personal turn. Twenty years … [Continue Reading]