Global Heroes

Interview with a Missionary

On Jan. 10, 2016, at 10 o’clock, I had the honor of meeting and talking to missionary Jeff Boesel. In order to raise awareness for our family in Christ across the globe, Liberty University hosted a Global Emphasis Week. Eager to promote God’s work, Boesel is here with One Challenge. One Challenge is a global organization that focuses on all aspects of the church and Christian development. The interview took place at 10 a.m. in the Grand Lobby of Demoss.

1. What would you say One Challenge’s primary mission is?
   “ We’re concerned about the growth, impact, and multiplication of the local church.”
2. What is it that One Challenge specializes in? 
   Boesel replied, saying that One Challenge does not specialize in one particular thing. Rather it reaches out to other churches and ministries and help in many aspects. “A lot of it boils down to training, coaching and facilitating at the core.” One Challenge focuses on provided the resources need for the church to grow. An example that Boesel uses to explain One Challenge is their contribution to church planting. Boesel explains that they do not plant churches, but rather provides the research need to start the church off in the correct direction.
3. When and how was One Challenge founded? 
   According to Boesel, One Challenge was founded in 1951. One Challenge was originally located in Taiwan. At that time, it was called “Formosa Gospel.” As the ministry grew, and after a number of names, One Challenge was moved to America. It is now part of an allegiance of 11 sending countries.
4. What are some things that One Challenge has done so far? 
   “One of the first things we did was crusade sport ministries,” explained Boesel. One Challenge is also involve in several levels of education and research. “There isn’t a lot that we aren’t involved with,” Boesel said.
5. What are some future plans of One Challenge? 
   While One Challenge has many great plans for the years to follow, Boesel mentioned two that were particularly of interest. The first one being to increase justice and mercy. One Challenge is looking for a way to be justice to those living in oppression. This includes being involved with the end of sex trafficing. Another future mission of One Challenge is to help assist government move towards justice. Boesel points out that the world need leaders who are compassionate, and just. “Reaching the World Together,” is one of the saying on One Challenge’s banner. However, Boesel said that One Challenge also strives to “Transform Nations.”
6. What brought you to One Challenge? 
   “I grew up in this agency,” Boesel explains. Both his parents were involved in One Challenge.
7. What was it that initially called you into the missionary field?
   Though Boesel grew up in One Challenge, and had always been a part of the church, it was not until he was 35 that he felt that God wanted him to go into minitry. “I would shy away from the word calling,” Boesel said. He explains that God has equipped us with certain talents. It is our duty to use the resources God has given use to fulfill His propose, which is much what One Challenge focuses.
8. What is you role in One Challenge?
   Boesel is the director of mobilization, which means that he is in charge of recruiting.
9. What are some your favorite parts about working with One Challenges?
   “I taught schools when I was in Gutamala. I directed a choir, and took them on tour,” Beosel replied, reflecting on the warm memory. Then he added, “I enjoy what I do now. Talking to people like you and helping them in taking the steps in obedience and becoming who God wants them to be.”
10. What are some of the challenges you face working for One Challenge?
    “Support raising,” Boesel replied, “and dealing with the politics of the office. Even though it is a God-honoring place, it is still an office.”