Impact Nations’ ministry formally began in 2005. For a few years prior to that time, Steve found himself traveling and ministering more extensively in developing nations, and as he did, people from the West started going with him. Impact Nations’ first Journey of Compassion was to Eastern Kenya, a largely Muslim area, not far from the Somali border. From our first Journey, we were thrilled to see many healings and salvations as team members stepped out in faith to pray for the people. Our first mobile medical clinic was conducted out of a single suitcase in a small desert village where the camels had to be chased away in order to make room for caring for patients! From this small beginning, we have developed a system whereby we now provide medical care to about 7.000 people every year.
Our next few Journeys took us to more countries around the globe including the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Thailand, India and the Philippines. Each of these trips was a learning experience, helping us to develop the strategies and practices that would profoundly impact countless lives around the world. We see thousands come to Christ as we work closely with local leaders to ensure good follow-up and discipleship take place. On Journeys of Compassion the hungry are fed, the sick receive medical care, and permanent access to safe drinking water is provided. Meanwhile, every team member is trained and released into supernatural ministry. As of early 2020, Impact Nations has led teams to 20 nations; this year we will be adding more. So far, we have led 78 Journeys, with more than 1800 registrations.
What makes Journeys of Compassion so uniquely compelling? At one level, it is the hundreds of hours of careful planning that go into even the smallest details of every trip. But beyond that, it is our belief that in every possible situation, the gospel is meant to be preached and demonstrated both supernaturally and practically. Therefore, when people join us on a Journey, they find themselves on the front-lines of ministry everyday, where they are the ones bringing Heaven to Earth. The result is that men and women from all over the world tell us that being part of a Journey has been one of the most formative experiences of their lives.
Early on, we realized that as beneficial as Journeys are to the areas where we minister, there is often a need for an ongoing impact upon these communities after we leave. Therefore, we began to work with our local partners to develop strategies for long-term transformation.
Impact Nations has helped the poor start businesses, opened sewing schools for women at risk, and freed children from a life of slavery. We have also purchased three farms in Uganda, provided water tanks to schools and communities, and sent people to Africa and Haiti to teach agriculture, bio-intensive gardening, health education and sound financial practices. Schools have been constructed in Haiti and Uganda. And in every nation where we have gone, Impact Nations has worked with pastors and leaders, helping them to establish strong churches that are committed to making disciples.
There are times and situations where, before we can help create a development plan, we first need to come alongside the people with relief efforts. like clean water, food, and shelter. This has taken us to a number of nations, including Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, the Philippines after the 2013 typhoon disaster and Nepal after the 2015 earthquake.
In the past three years our response to natural disasters has taken us to northern and southern India, and, immediately after hurricane Maria, four relief trips to Puerto Rico where we distributed water filters to tens of thousands and did emergency house repairs. In these and other desperate situations, we have been able to provide over half a million meals for the hungry and 500,000 people with clean water.
We are thankful and, frankly, amazed at all that has transpired since our first Journey in 2005. The Lord continues to go before us, opening opportunities to both proclaim and demonstrate His beautiful Gospel.
He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, According to His power that is at work within us, To Him be glory. (Eph 3:20,21)
