Contact: Rachel Elwood, Media Relations, World Gospel Mission, 765-671-7255, mediarelations@wgm.org 

MEDIA ADVISORY, June 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- World Gospel Mission has been involved in evangelism and humanitarian work for all of its 99-year-history, but recently the organization has made steps to integrate the meeting of human needs along with evangelistic efforts by appointing Dr. Philip Renfroe, physician and public health officer, as director of Compassionate Ministries.

"The problems that are being faced in third world countries require more than just preaching -- and more than just a caring heart," said Hubert Harriman, president of WGM. "Jesus Christ calls us to care for the whole person in a way that transforms lives, communities, and nations."

While many of the ways to do this -- clean water sources, education, medical care, and micro-loans -- are not new to WGM, the Compassionate Ministries program will focus on working with communities in developing solutions to problems or crises.

"Because these communities will themselves help develop the solutions -- like better agricultural methods, a new well, or a school -- it won't create the dependence that could be caused by simply handing out aid. This model requires relationships to be built, which is how we can share the gospel," said Harriman.

The appointment of Dr. Philip Renfroe illustrates a trend in missions to carry out community transformation and evangelism with intentional precision. Dr. Renfroe has served as a missionary doctor in Kenya at Tenwek Hospital, and he is completing his masters degree in public health at the University of London, England, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

"He carries an evangelistic fervor for both the spiritual and physical needs of humanity as individuals and communities. I look forward to working closely with the Renfroes in this great and redemptive cause," said Harriman.

Dr. Renfroe plans to return to Kenya for a year to develop community health before implementing it in other countries where WGM is present. For more information about WGM's Compassionate Ministries, email wgm@wgm.org.

About World Gospel Mission
World Gospel Mission disciples believers to become missions-active Christians. As an interdenominational missionary organization, WGM partners with individuals, small groups, college groups, and churches to intentionally address the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. Learn more at www.wgm.org.

Rachel Elwood, Media Relations
World Gospel Mission
(765) 671-7255
mediarelations@wgm.org