International (MNN) ― A legacy is something you leave behind that will benefit others. It provides a foundation for future generations to build upon.
David Shibley with Global Advance credits his father with that nearly a half century ago in his own church. "The legacy that my father, Warren Shibley, began continues to the present day. From the very first offering that church ever received, 50-percent went straight to missions."
Today, it is STILL a missions-minded church in the Hispanic community of Tulsa, Oklahoma. More importantly, the elder Shibley set the example for a global body of Christ. His son, David, founded Global Advance, a ministry geared at helping the under-resourced church.
Since its inception, the ministry has seen exponential growth in more than 75 countries. This year, "Global Advance will be involved in equipping pastors in Colombia, Tanzania and Ivory Coast."
David cites a Barna research report that estimates roughly 8% of the two million pastors in the developing world have formal ministry training. The Global Advance team is focusing on the 92% that have nothing, with the goal of equipping one million church leaders and pastors.
They now have over 150 strategic international relationships that have opened the door for ministry in over 75 nations.
Why? The resulting Frontline Shepherds and Marketplace Missions conferences along with the Global Advance Ambassadors Network lay the groundwork for future evangelism. Shibley is also following his father's example by creating a rich spiritual heritage for his son, Jonathon.
Jonathon heads up the Marketplace Missions side of Global Advance. Through a marketplace leadership conference, national business leaders will be better equipped to understand their role in the marketplace from a Kingdom-perspective, operate their businesses with integrity and character, and better understand both spiritual and technical aspects of doing business.
David explains that's why they are determined to continue. "It's extremely vital that we make preparation not only for our own home-going, but also that we make preparation for the generations to come, that the Gospel will impact them and change them."
There's more to this story. You can help. Click here.
