Around the World
The Christmas Barrel
Christmas for our family was always centered around family. Parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles all gathered together for a time of sharing, laughing, and just plain fun. Throw in a huge meal and a few gifts shared around a Christmas tree, and our Christmas traditions were pretty much complete.
When we left the U.S. bound for Liberia, we thought we knew the sacrifices we would have to make. We had already made many of them: selling our home, liquidating most of our material belongings, and leaving behind friends and family. There couldn’t possibly be more to give up, could there?
As Christmas quickly approached that first year, we soon found out that what we had left behind was a minor annoyance in comparison to the intense poverty that surrounded us. We had known that our first Liberian Christmas would not resemble our American Christmases, but the thing that surprised us the most was the reactions of our children. We did not expect God to show us their hearts in such a special way. We had expected plenty of comments about how much they missed family, Christmas cookies, our huge traditional meal, the Christmas tree and decorations, and of course, the presents. The Liberian Christmas that lay ahead of us would not consist of any of these things in the manner to which we were accustomed. However, not one complaint was uttered from our children about what they did not have. They found themselves so heavy hearted by the extreme poverty we had been so engulfed by for the previous four months that our American Christmas somehow seemed petty and frivolous to them. We found them frequently stating that they did not want anything for Christmas.
Seeing that their Liberian friends lacked the basics of food, clothing, and healthcare, our kids would feel guilty facing them if they themselves were enjoying any item that was not a necessity. Our children’s hearts were torn. As a parent, it was heart-wrenching to watch them walk through this struggle. It seemed like such an adult issue to face. We wanted to rescue them from this pain, but what a beautiful work of art God was orchestrating within their hearts. We could not think of a better Christmas gift to receive than to watch God grow compassion in the hearts of our children. It was truly humbling to watch.
Like other parents, we enjoy the chance to surprise our children on Christmas. Thankfully, our Liberian Christmas included a huge surprise for our kids. It came in the shape of a big, blue barrel weighing close to 300 pounds that arrived just a few days before Christmas. We referred to this barrel as our “Christmas barrel.” The kids had no idea what was inside. We had warned them that the barrel was not packed with Christmas gifts but rather items we needed and tools that could help us with our ministry to the Liberian people. They didn’t care; their minds were still filled with excitement and anticipation for Christmas morning.
On Christmas morning, the barrel was opened and a variety of items began to spill out all over the counters and floor. Whoever would have thought that our kids would be so excited for basic necessities to keep life and ministry in Liberia moving forward? What a blessed Christmas it was.
Since that day, we have had the chance to discuss with our kids their thoughts. Ian shared:
Christmas was always me wondering what I was going to get instead of how I was going to encourage or bless others. Christmas in Liberia made me realize how much we have been blessed. It’s not about what we are getting; it’s about what we are giving. That’s why Christ came, to give up His life. He wants us to do the same, to shine His light and to help others.”
That pretty much sums up the reason for the season and the reason we are in Liberia: to be a light to shine for Jesus, to share His love and the gift of eternal life with our Liberian family. As Christmas comes this year, we are thankful that God has called us to Liberia to serve. We can think of no better place to be than right where He has called our family. If you would like to support the Welches, go to bit.ly/MVPwelch
By Jessica Welch
Jessica Welch is a woman consumed with her faith, family, and missionary life currently serving in Liberia, West Africa. She is currently using her passion for teaching and her training to manage the homeschool activities of her three beautiful children. Jessica looks forward to using that same background in the coming months in Liberia as she and her husband, Drew, begin work on the learning center in Liberia.
Africa is experiencing a remarkable spiritual awakening. Even in countries where believers face persecution, we are seeing more people come to faith in Christ and churches continue to grow.
What do Chad, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda have in common? INSTE. In each of these countries, churches are using INSTE to disciple their congregations, equip believers to follow Jesus, and develop godly leaders.
Missionary Andy*, together with a team of African leaders, regularly trains INSTE group leaders serving Open Bible churches and other denominations throughout Africa. After completing their training, these leaders lead their own groups through INSTE’s biblically grounded and culturally adaptable program.
Training sessions are planned for leaders in Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, and Cameroon in the coming months. We believe these trainings and subsequent INSTE groups will help spark growth across these nations. The time is right. We see God moving throughout Africa and raising up a new generation of courageous believers who are prepared to advance God’s kingdom.
Here are two of the testimonies from the Ugandan students, facilitators, and pastors:
“Formally I suffered with prayer. I used to doubt while praying. But with the way the manual guided as I studied, I now pray with boldness. I feel confidence, accurate with my prayers and they are free-flowing. Even my ministry has changed, all thanks to INSTE Lessons.”
– Sister Hilda, a student from Luwero
“INSTE has exposed me to a desire to pray for people and share the Gospel. I find myself waking at night to pray for friends, neighbors, and church members as the Spirit guides me. The Lord has now sent me for street preaching in the middle of Kampala town Taxi-Park in the evenings for thirty minutes every evening. At the start I felt fear, then when I turned to the Lord in prayer, He literally referred me to the part of WITNESSING in the INSTE manual. I can’t be more grateful and honored to share the Gospel every evening!”
– David, a Group Facilitator
Reaching Difficult Places
Through Andy’s ministry, INSTE has also reached believers in some of the most challenging places to serve. Years of translation, preparation, training, and patient guidance are now bearing fruit.
This summer, Andy participated by Zoom in a Level 1 graduation ceremony in Pakistan. We are grateful to partner with our brothers and sisters there, knowing they endure significant hardship for the sake of the Gospel.
One Pakistani graduate shared:
“I was young when my mother passed away, so I was raised by my father and stepmother. Because of my stepmother’s harshness, I often felt unloved. I became discouraged and lost interest in spiritual matters. One day, a friend invited me to join an INSTE group. There, I experienced acceptance and encouragement from the other students and from the Word of God. I began growing in my faith and saw God answer our prayers. Today, after many years apart, I have reconciled with my father and stepmother.”
Through INSTE groups around the world, students experience more than spiritual growth. They also find healing, renewed hope, and restored relationships.
Ministry in Focus
Because Andy and Nancy* minister in sensitive areas, their faces are often blurred in photographs. Their commitment to building the Church, however, is unmistakably clear. They have served faithfully in many challenging places, and through INSTE they continue to equip believers, strengthen churches, and help reach nations with the Gospel.
$6,000 is needed in coming months to cover upcoming training trip costs in Africa. Would you consider partnering? Additional funds will help with future trainings throughout Africa. Your investment today can make a difference for tomorrow and eternity.
To participate, click below. Thank you for your partnership.
*Last name withheld for protection.
“We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation
to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done”
(Psalms 78:4 NKJV).
On March 1, 1967, Melvyn and Barbara Kelderman moved to Trinidad and Tobago. That step of obedience began a family legacy that decades later led us—their son and daughter-in-law—to return as full-time missionaries serving with the School of Global Leadership (SGL). Looking back, we see God’s faithfulness from one generation to the next.
Before being appointed as missionaries in 2024, we both taught secondary school while serving at Open Bible Church in Omaha, Nebraska. During those years, God gave us countless opportunities to grow in ministry and deepen our calling. Having served in cross-cultural ministry in several countries, we were grateful when He opened the door to join Global Missions full time. Today we serve with the School of Global Leadership, helping believers discover their role in God’s global mission and equipping those who are moving from called to sent.
School of Global Leadership
Since its beginning in 2010, SGL has helped revitalize the vision for missions within the Open Bible Standard Churches of Trinidad and Tobago. Their work in Trinidad and beyond has helped SGL to become a partner with the Global Missions department in helping connect, expand, and reach into other countries around the world with the Gospel.
One of SGL’s greatest joys is hosting teams from Open Bible Churches in the United States. These short-term ministry experiences allow participants to encounter Trinidad’s diverse religious landscape, including Muslim, Hindu, and African-derived faith communities, while discovering how God may be calling them to serve. SGL also equips future missionaries through online courses and hands-on training. Whether you’re exploring God’s call, preparing for long-term service, or simply wanting to learn more about His work among the nations, we’d love to help you take your next step.
Looking to the Future
While Trinidad remains our training base, we believe God is expanding this vision. Our hope is to establish SGL training hubs in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa so that future leaders can be equipped within their own languages and cultures. As we continue partnering with Global Missions, we believe God will open doors to train and equip missionaries from everywhere to everywhere.
We are deeply grateful for the churches and individuals who pray for us and faithfully support this ministry (Philippians 1: 3). Together we are helping prepare the next generation of workers who will carry the gospel to the nations. Just as others invested in us, we now have the privilege of investing in those God is calling today – and we believe He will continue telling His story from generation to generation.
About the Authors
Brent and Sara Kelderman are pastors and missionaries with Open Bible Churches USA. After serving as teachers at a public high school in Nebraska and as associate pastors in their local church, God expanded their calling into full-time missions. Throughout their marriage, God has woven a passion for the nations into their hearts. They currently serve within the School of Global Leadership (SGL) in Trinidad and Tobago. Their ministry includes hosting missions teams, leading missions training, and partnering with local churches. They are grateful for all God has done and look forward to all He will continue to do in and through their lives.
In parts of Nigeria today, land is no longer just a livelihood – it’s a battleground. In search of increasingly scarce water and grazing land, semi-nomadic Muslim herdsmen are moving their flocks south into areas already inhabited by Christian farmers. This encroachment has intensified conflict, resulting in thousands of deaths, the displacement of millions, increased kidnappings, and deepening ethnic tensions. This is the environment in which Open Bible’s ministry continues day after day.
Despite these challenges, the Gospel is advancing.
Okon Obot, Open Bible’s Superintendent in Nigeria, shared the following story with me:
Recently we held an evangelistic crusade in one of the affected regions. Despite security concerns, people came looking for hope and peace. Evangelistic crusades remain a powerful and effective way to share the Gospel in village communities where fear and uncertainty are a part of daily life.
The theme of the crusade was “Arise and Shine,” and over 300 people gathered. By the end, sixteen people had given their lives to Jesus and fifteen were immediately baptized and welcomed into the church, each a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
A high point of the crusade was the reconciliation of a family of brothers divided for five years. Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit as the Word of God was shared, they chose forgiveness and were restored to one another. They returned to their homes with joy and peace.
In response to God’s work in their lives, the brothers donated a large piece of property in their village, Mbabuu, for the construction of a church building.
This is where the 2026 Global Harvest Offering, “Build Hope for Africa,” comes in. When we reach our goal of $200,000, Nigeria will be one of the recipients. Open Bible will partner directly with Pastor Okon to build a new church building in a place like the village Mbabuu.
This is more than a construction project – it is the next step of what God is doing. Despite hardship, churches in Nigeria are growing and new buildings are needed to serve expanding congregations and reach their communities.
Your gift to “Build Hope for Africa” can help provide a visible witness of Jesus in a region marked by instability and equip local leaders like pastor Okon to continue evangelizing where the need is great.
In a place where land is fought over, God continues to build His Church!
Snapshots of the vibrant ministry happening in Nigeria:
About the Author
Tammy Swailes is passionate about cross-cultural Christian education, so working with INSTE Bible College to disciple and equip leaders throughout Europe and beyond is a great fit! Tammy has lived in Europe since 1999 – first in Hungary and now Ukraine. Before that, she was in Japan, as well as Spokane, Washington. She now serves as INSTE regional director in Europe, assisting INSTE programs in five languages. Tammy has her undergraduate degrees in both Missions and Christian Education and a MA in Intercultural Studies. Photography, good coffee, multi-cultural experiences, and the family’s Yorkie are some of Tammy’s favorite things.