SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Gideon Mwale

Eight months ago, I visited the International Bible College of Zambia to teach a 2-week intensive on Youth Discipleship. On my first day, I walked into the classroom, greeted the students, and went to work setting up my equipment – powering up my laptop, switching on and lining up the projector, connecting speakers, and so forth. Within a few seconds, a  young man was out of his chair and helping me. He did this willingly and joyfully every day I taught that class. Servant leadership and humility were constantly demonstrated by him throughout those two weeks.

From an academic  perspective, he is one of our brightest and highest-performing students. In every class discussion, he had thought-provoking comments that challenged his classmates – and me, as well – to think on a new level.

That is Gideon Mwale.

Born to a Gospelink-sponsored national preacher (Abel Mwale) and a godly mother, Gideon had the benefit of being raised in a solid Christian family. From an early age, Gideon knew the truth of the Gospel. For years, though, that knowledge sat in his mind and  had no affect on his life. One night, the Holy Spirit stirred his heart and caused him to realize the gravity of his sin. The next day, Gideon sought out a Godly man, who explained to him what he needed to do for salvation. From that day forward, Gideon had a peace and joy that he’d never before experienced. He pursued Christian community and had a deep desire to grow in Christ.

Today, he is 10 weeks from graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. After graduation, Lord willing, he’ll come to the states to pursue a masters degree from Columbia International University. Pray with us for Gideon! This transition to America and to a masters program will not be an easy one. Pray that he’ll be used to do great things in Jesus’ name!

-Tyler Cooper

Senior Spotlight: Isaac Muswala

In just 3 months, Gospelink will hold its inaugural graduation service for the first 12 young men who have labored, studied, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. Today, we want to show our appreciation for these men by shining a quick spotlight on one of them. Featured today is Isaac Muswala – one of the campus’s most talented worship leaders and preachers.

Known as “Big Isaac,” this young man has a joy-filled heart that belongs to the Lord alone. It only takes a moment with Isaac to realize that the hand of the Lord is on Him and big things are ahead for him. Among his many talents, as I said before, Isaac is a fantastic worship leader and he has led men and women in worship for years – at the Bible College and at his home church. In his time at the International Bible College, Isaac has also discovered that the Lord has made him a gifted speaker. He knows the Word of God well and handles it properly anytime he has the opportunity to preach from it.

Isaac put his faith in Christ after a speaker from Gideon’s International came to his high school and preached from John 14:6. The love of Jesus drew Isaac in like a magnet and he confessed his sins, repented, and turned to Christ.  Today, his life is filled with peace and joy and compassion for the lost.

Isaac has already been called to pastor a church after he graduates in January! We’re thrilled for him as he sets out to do this great thing. No doubt about it…this man will make a massive impact.

Click here to see the entire senior class!

Senior Spotlight: Joshua Daka

Nearly 4 years ago, our first senior class stepped foot onto the campus of the International Bible College of Zambia. Each one was unique, bringing something to the table, and each one has set the bar high for the younger classes. Today, we want to continue to show our love and support for this senior class (who will be graduating in less than 4 months).

In the spotlight today: Joshua Daka

Joshua is the son of Davis Daka, Gospelink’s national director in Zambia and the first among Gospelink’s national preachers. He had the benefit of being raised in a good Christian home. But as often happens, Joshua assumed that because he came from a Christian family, he had nothing to worry about. “I had taken for granted my heritage and was sure that I was saved, no matter how I lived my life,” explains Joshua. God got ahold of young Joshua’s life when his sister came to visit and shared with him the true Gospel. Joshua remembers how hearing about the love and goodness of God landed on his heart and he could not but give his life to Christ.

Joshua is a natural leader, and he comes by it honestly. His father and older brother are great leaders as well. Even among his childhood friends, Joshua emerged as the leader. That kind of leadership, however, can be a dangerous thing if the leader’s heart is not controlled by the Spirit. He admits that he convinced his friends to do things as a child that were wrong. After his salvation, however, this leadership became a powerful tool that Joshua has used (and will continue to use) for the glory of God. When he is on-campus, he is a leader of the younger students, and when he is home, he is an active leader in his youth ministry.

Among his other skills, Joshua is one of the stars on the IBCZ football team and he sings in the school choir.

This young man has made a difference on his campus, he is making a difference in his youth ministry, and he will be used by the Lord in MIGHTY ways – of this we are certain. Please pray for Josh’s future – that God’s will would be done in His life, and that many lives would be changed forever because of his ministry.

To see photos of the whole senior class, click here.

Senior Spotlight: Moses Banda

In January 2013, Gospelink’s International Bible College of Zambia (IBCZ) will hold its first graduation ceremony. Yes, after much hard work, the 12 bright young men that began their studies in January 2009 will have earned their Bachelor Degree in Theology. Each one of them will be the first in their family with a college degree. Today will be the first of 12 posts which will express our great appreciation for these 12 young men.

In the spotlight today: Moses Banda

Like every other student at the IBCZ, Moses was recommended to us by an esteemed Zambian national preacher who thought he deserved a spot at the school because of his call to ministry and his great leadership potential. And a leader he certainly is. Moses is a leader in the classroom and in the church. He is also the captain of the IBCZ football (soccer) team.

Moses was born into a non-Christian family and knew nothing of Jesus until he was nearly a teenager. He was initially resistant to the Gospel, but after some persistence from his family and a good conversation with his sister, he would surrender his life to Jesus. When Moses understood grace and God’s great love, he couldn’t keep it to himself.  He now has a passion for evangelism and a heart to disciple young believers.

Moses has been a great blessing to the students and staff at the International Bible College of Zambia. We are excited about what the Lord has for him on the other side of graduation.

We invite you to pray for Moses this week – that God would rain down blessings on his life and be his guide, comforter, and strength as he enters the ministry.

ZAMBIA 2012 // Group 1 Headed Home

The first of Gospelink’s mission teams are departing Zambia TODAY to head home after a fruitful and fun time at the International Bible College. While there, a few on the team taught intensive courses, others did construction and painting around the campus (specifically on the Library), and still others did ministry work in the neighboring villages.

The next Gospelink Mission Team will arrive at the International Bible College on Monday, May 21 and will be working on unloading medical supplies and preparing our clinic for use. In 2013, we are blessed to have a doctor and a nurse MOVING to Zambia to live on the college campus and operate this clinic. It will be a major way for us to minister to the people around the Bible College.

In the coming days, we will post updates (stories, photos, and news on arrivals and departures). Stay turned!

*UPDATE* T-Shirts and Newsletters

Hey Gospelink Community! It’s been a while since we’ve posted to the blog, but the last entry carried enough weight, I hope everyone had a chance to read over it. Wanted to bring a couple things to your attention though – we’re VERY excited about both:

1. T-SHIRTS ARE IN!
Yes, our new t-shirts are here! They’re hip, they’re soft, they fit spectacularly! Many of our shirts are already out the door and people are LOVING them!  Not only that, the funds we’re receiving from these t-shirts are helping us continue to empower nationals to reach their own people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ; it helps us continue doing what we’ve been doing. And what better cause is there?

Want to buy your own Gospelink T-Shirt? Click here!

2. The ALL-NEW Advance… [ Gospelink's monthly newsletter ] is ready for print!
That’s right! September’s edition of Advance… will feature full-color, eye-popping graphics, great articles, a special recognition of our sponsors and donors, and a list of several of our more urgent needs. It will also have information concerning our new t-shirts and a promotion for the month of September. So keep your eyes on your inbox (or mailbox)…you won’t want to miss it!

Gospelink Community: A Force For Good In the World

“On our own, we each can make a difference in the world. But together we are a force for good that exponentially surpasses what we can do alone. Moving together, small sacrifices from each of us can make a huge difference in the lives of the people around the globe.” – Do Something Now, Passion Conferences

If you have prayed for, given to, or otherwise supported Gospelink, we are overjoyed to call you a part of the Gospelink Community!  Up to now, we have had so many great causes for you to participate in! With every cause, our ultimate goal is to take the name of Jesus to as many hearts, as many villages, as many cities, and as many nations as possible. We exist to bring Him maximum glory.  The Gospelink Community has been a great force for good in the past! We have taken the Gospel to hundreds of thousands across Africa and Asia. Together, we have equipped the pastor, reached the lost, fed the hungry, cared for the orphan, provided for the widow, and brought hope to many. We rejoice in what God has done, but we look forward to what He WILL do! We are soaring to new heights! We invite you to engage with us in one of our many causes:

Project Anja 2011 // Watch the Video

Anja means LOVE in the heart language of many in Zambia and Malawi. We want to reach 25 schools with the Gospel of Jesus Christ – each school having at least 500 children. Do the math – that’s 12,500 kids! We want to put a copy of the Scriptures in their hands and the Gospel message in their hearts! We will also be purchasing soccer balls for every school.

The cost of reaching ONE school: $300.

We have had several individuals contribute to this cause.
Many, however, are teaming up to be a greater force for good.
*VBS Offerings, Sunday  School Classes, Youth Groups, Small Groups, Neighborhoods, etc.

Yes! I want to give online to Project Anja // Line 22, specify “Project Anja”
If you would like to give by check, make it payable to Gospelink, Inc. and write “Project Anja 2011″ in the memo line.

National Preacher Sponsorships // Watch the Video

Since its inception in 1998, Gospelink’s main thrust has been the preacher sponsorship program.  We want to free every Gospelink-sponsored pastor up from having to work a second job (and focus solely on ministry). We want to equip him with the tools he needs to effectively reach the lost in his community. We want to do everything we can to empower our preachers to have an explosively fruitful ministry!

We aim to get every preacher 3 Ministry Sponsorship (@ $35/month), 1 Outreach Sponsorship (@ $25/month), and 1 Training Sponsorship (@ $15/month)

Click here to meet our preachers!

Orphan Sponsorships // Watch the Video

True religion means seeing and being moved with compassion for the distressed orphan and widow. Every precious child we seek sponsorship for has lost both parents and until a Gospelink preacher took them in, they had no one to love them or care for them. These children need to see the unmatched LOVE of God; they need to be provided for (food, shelter, clothing, education, and spiritual development).

We have a number of orphans ready for sponsorship.
CLICK HERE to read their stories!

**COMING SOON!**
Gospelink will launch a ministry that trains up men and women who are passionate about discipling YOUTH! We want to reach and mobilize an entire generation to multiply the Gospel and become a force for good in their world! Stay tuned for more information!