**The long-term effects of COVID-19 are still unclear, but the short-term effects have created a multitude of disruptions for ministries all over the world, and the IPHC has been no exception. Cancelled events, social distancing, and a season of setbacks has forced the Church to utilize new methods of engagement. We hope to highlight some of the ways that God has continued to open doors of ministry.**
Last November, Men’s Ministries Director, W.A. Mills, traveled to Zambia on behalf of IPHC Men’s Ministries. This opportunity grew out of a two-year mentoring relationship with the Zambia National Men’s Ministries Director, Moses Masese. Mills traveled to take part in the first National Men’s Ministries Conference in Zambia. Following the conference, a plan was made for Mills to continue ministering to the men of Zambia.
That opportunity came around this year. Starting on May 14, 2020, Mills conducted a 12-week training seminar with the men. The course was titled “God’s Guidance for Christians in Conflict.” Over the 12 weeks, Mills led the men through different sections of the New Testament that teach about healthy, biblical conflict. The final week of the course ended with a Peacemaker’s Pledge Ceremony where each man was challenged, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to apply the principles learned during the course in their daily lives.
Rev. Mills commented, “One of my highlights during the COVID-19 quarantine has been the opportunity to provide a weekly Bible study for the men of Zambia. Digital platforms such as Zoom, Facebook, and WhatsApp have provided a vehicle for discipleship that is now opening doors for similar training in the Southern region of Africa. It is my desire to provide similar discipleship opportunities for IPHC men across the nations of the world, including the USA. I am available to network, participate, teach, and lead men interested in a mentoring relationship.”
Moses Masese expressed his thanks for the training: “We are so grateful to God for Director Mills’ continued commitment to disciple the Men of Zambia. This training is transforming our lives and our churches. Surely God is at work in our lives, and we give him all the glory. We are thankful for his [Mills’] servant leadership. We have a focused group of 100 Men who will be disciple-makers from this training.”
Currently, Mills is leading another study with the men of Zambia called, “The Barnabas Factor.” Additionally, the opportunity in Zambia has opened new doors of ministry. In September, Mills will begin leading the men of South Africa through a book study of What is a Man? by Joaquin Molina.
Bishop Tommy McGhee stated, “This has been a unique opportunity for W.A. Mills, our Men’s Ministries Director. The COVID-19 scenario has limited W.A.’s ability to travel and reach men, but technology has allowed him to continue in ministry. The men of Zambia have been very open and receptive to his ministry, and W.A. has been blessed by the opportunity.”
If you are interested in scheduling a training series with the men of your church or conference, contact W.A. Mills via email at wmills@iphc.org or by phone at 405.787.7130 or 540.570.6086.
