Joe and Lynn Wilkey gave birth to World Compassion Network on January 1st 2001. They want to tell you the story about the birth of a ministry.  Giving birth to a ministry is almost like giving birth to a child.  There is excitement, apprehension, and anticipation. Here is their story: 

 

After pastoring churches in three states we were convinced that God wanted us to work in compassion ministry.  We took every opportunity to join with ministries that helped the poor and victims of disasters. After five years of volunteering in these ministries I (Joe) was hired full time with Feed the Hungry in South Bend, IN.  During the next ten years, I gained valuable experience and became Director of Development and Disaster Relief. He gave me the vision and mission for a new ministry.  It was clear that God wanted us to use compassion ministry to open the door for the Gospel.  Our mission was to assist local churches to reach out to victims of disaster and the poor.

 

We finally came to our senses and in early January 2002 decided to do it.  We had no money and I didn’t even have a job.  We wrote a letter announcing our intentions and sent it to 147 people. We took our first trip to the post office and there were four envelopes inside. In the first one there was $25, the second $50, the third $75.  I turned to Lynn and said” Honey, I believe God for $100.” There was a check for $10,000 in the fourth envelope. We have never looked back on our decision and have never doubted God.  He has always provided what we needed and still does to this day.  

 

Today: 

Since beginning this journey in 2002, World Compassion Network has worked to help victims of disaster all over the world. They have grown from a team of 1 to a team of 5 and have reached thousands of victims through our growth and support from individuals and churches all over the world. The compassion of our donors has helped us reached victims in several states and countries worldwide.