History / Timeline


The History of Global Ministries

During the first mission trip to Jamaica in 1979, traveling back from the crusade, Pastor Sam recalls hearing the voice of the Lord concerning Worship Center. As he looked out the window of the van, with tears streaming down his face, he heard these words in his heart: “I want you to go back, and I want you to build a missions-minded church.”

Since that time, tens of thousands of people have been touched as a result of this church family at Worship Center. God has sent us out to make a difference in people’s lives around the globe.

Timeline

1979 First Mission Trip
Our first mission team of 44 is sent to Kingston, Jamaica to build a 2,000-seat pre-fabricated church building for Brother V.T. Williams. Half of the team helps with building and the other half travel to the other side of the island to hold a crusade. As a result of this crusade, a church is planted there. A little while later TWC gives a church building to that congregation.
1980 First Trip to India
The Worship Center is further introduced to missions work through Pastor Sam’s first trip to India.
1980 First Missionaries Sent Out
Ray and Joyce Englerth go to live in Jamaica, becoming the first full-time missionaries sent out by The Worship Center.
1983 Behind the Iron Curtain
TWC begins its significant thrust of ministry into European countries still behind the Iron Curtain.
1985 Ministry to Asia and Africa begins
TWC begins reaching into Asia and Africa by sending people out, partnering with nationals, helping to establish Bible schools, and ministering in Bible schools.
1989 Cold War ends
The face of ministry changes dramatically in Europe with the end of the Cold War and the destruction of the Berlin Wall.
1997 Homecoming/Trip Around the World
An expo of foreign lands is presented at The Worship Center. The entire facility is designed to offer the experience of traveling to many nations of the world. Twenty-nine missionaries are home for Missions Homecoming.
1998 Bread Factory in North Korea
TWC contributes over $72,000 to start a bread factory and provide a one year supply of flour at one half ton per day. In all, more than $110,000 is received to feed the hungry in North Korea. (Though the bread factory is still in operation, The Worship Center is not involved with its funding.)
2002 Homecoming/Festival of Nations
Thirty-two missionaries from all around the world return to Lancaster. At TWC, regions of the world are represented by five tents, with a center stage to showcase cultural entertainment, a children’s tent, and a petting zoo.
2002 The Beckoning
Drama in memory of Elam Stoltzfus (father of Miguel Stoltzfus), a missionary in Guatemala, presented.
2003 Into The World
Through this drama, the congregation and community learn how Christmas is celebrated in several countries around the world by taking a trip with the Bryson family. An International Buffet is provided to taste the flavors of the countries visited.
2005 Disaster Relief Response
Offerings received to help the victims hit by the tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the Pakistani earthquake total more than $161,600. TWC sends several teams and supplies to the Gulf region.
2007 Thirty-nine missionaries stationed throughout the world, are reaching into over 128 nations on every inhabitable continent.

About Us | Partnership



2384 New Holland Pike • Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717.656.4271 • Fax: 717.656.4391
Email: globalministries@worshipcenter.org