WEC International

Overview

WEC International is an interdenominational mission agency of evangelical tradition, primarily focused on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. Founded in 1913 as the Heart of Africa Mission by Charles Thomas Studd, the organization has grown to operate in over 80 countries worldwide, emphasizing reaching people with limited or no access to the Christian gospel.

History

The organization's origins trace back to the Belgian Congo, where Studd aimed to spread Christianity among the indigenous populations. After Studd's passing in 1931, Norman Percy Grubb took leadership and expanded the mission's reach from 30 missionaries in 20 countries to over 800 missionaries.

In 1939, a branch was established in the United States, located in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, which has since contributed significantly to the organization's global initiatives.

Mission and Activities

WEC International is dedicated to taking the good news of Jesus Christ to unevangelized peoples, demonstrating Christ's compassion through a variety of ministries, including:

• Evangelism
• Church planting
• Bible translation
• Discipleship
• Medical work
• Leadership training
• Literacy and education programs
• Support for children in crises

The agency employs multicultural teams to collaborate with local communities and works towards establishing sustainable church structures.

Values and Beliefs

WEC International operates under a core set of beliefs that affirm the Bible's authority, the deity of Christ, and the need for salvation through faith. They uphold the importance of prayer, servant leadership, and active participation among all members, regardless of background. The organization's theological framework emphasizes the unity of believers in the Church and a strong commitment to biblical truth.

Motto and Vision

The motto of WEC International, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him,” reflects the organization's commitment to sacrificial service. The vision is to see Christ known, loved, and worshiped among unreached peoples globally, driven by a sense of urgency in their mission work.

Financial Practices

WEC International is known for its unique financial approach, which includes not making appeals for funds and ensuring that resources are fairly distributed among missionaries. This non-soliciting model has allowed them to maintain integrity and focus on their missionary work without the pressure of fundraising.

Current Leadership and Structure

The organization is governed by a team of international directors and operates with a decentralized decision-making structure that encourages local initiatives. WEC International's headquarters are located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, guiding their global efforts.

Conclusion

With over a century of history, WEC International continues to be a prominent player in the global evangelical mission scene, dedicated to reaching the unreached and fostering vibrant Christian communities worldwide. Through their diverse programs and commitment to partnership with local Christians, WEC aims to not only spread the gospel but also to empower others to share it effectively across cultural boundaries.

[1] https://fulfillurministry.org/partner/details/wec-international [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WEC_International [3] https://operationworld.org/what-we-do/about-wec-international/ [4] https://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=22705 [5] https://missionguide.global/org/wec_international