Overview

Work & Witness is one of the greatest movements in the history of the Church of the Nazarene. It was not a planned program of the World Mission Department but a ministry that began with a group of concerned laymen who wanted to meet the needs that they saw around them. As global access became easier, so did the opportunity to experience missions first hand through personal involvement.

Work and Witness is all about connecting teams with needs. Help with construction, medical, technical, and evangelistic needs may be offered by teams of 2 or more people. The team’s willingness to be available for up to 21 days and to pay all of their expenses is a key dynamic of the Work and Witness ministry. This self-funded movement has given Nazarene missions a huge boost into the 21st century.

History

During the General Nazarene Missions International Convention in 1972, Dr. Paul Gamertsfelder was given the assignment of getting men involved in missions. In January 1974, the first official “Men in Missions” team was organized and went to Panama. On that trip, awareness of the tremendous need for buildings emerged. The team returned home to promote the idea of sending teams to construct buildings on the mission field. What began as “Men in Missions” officially became “Work and Witness” in 1984.

Today, Work and Witness is a ministry that has literally changed the face of missions in every corner of the world. Churches from many different nations participate each year. What a joy it is to see thousands of people giving of themselves to reach our world!