CCO Campus Ministry

Reaching the World from two U.S. towns (Part 2)

This article first appeared in the fall 2010 issue of On Campus magazine.

Ken and Rosie Wagoner have been reaching out to Chinese scholars for 22 years. Bill and Barb Saxton have been reaching internationals at Penn State for 28 years. Walt and Sue Johnston join Bill and Barb Saxton in working with international students at Penn State this fall. Before coming to the CCO, Walt and Sue were missionaries in the Philippines for 23 years.

“I don’t believe there is a more strategic ministry today. We all know China is a growing world superpower. A population of around 1.5 billion people, a growing economic giant, and a country which will be for years to come a leader in world politics. Although there is a growing church in China, the percentage of Christians in China is probably around 7-8%, so there is much work to be done. The future leaders of China are studying in the universities at our doorstep right now.” —Ken Wagoner

Philippines
“The testimonies of faith coming from various cultures were amazing. It made me realize all the more that regardless of color, age, gender or culture, we all have the same need for God.” —Irene Tanzo, Penn State University graduate, is now working with the Philippine Rice Research Institute.

Ghana
“Bill and Barb Saxton are a practical example of living the faith. My desire is for Christ to be seen in my work as I try to carry out my passion of improving the status of meteorology and climatology in Africa as a whole and West Africa in particular. God willing, I hope to play a key role in the setting up of a centre of excellence. I am living out my faith by relying on the Lord for promotion and not resorting to the various means people use to get to the top.” —Ben Lamptey, Penn State University graduate, is now Senior Lecturer at the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana.

South Africa
Bharath Belle, who is from a Hindu background in India, came to faith in Christ at Penn State. When he met with his intended wife through an arranged marriage, he promised to introduce her to his “best friend.” She later found out that was JesusÂ Â and has since become a Christian herself. They are active in their church, and he is a mining engineer employed by a mining company. Bharath checks on mine safety and stands up for the rights of blacks who can still be discriminated against in the society there.

Korea
Dong-Guk Paeng, now a professor at Cheju National University in South Korea, has developed an outreach to international students at his university based on the ministry he experienced from the Saxtons in the United States. He also helps coordinate a Korean Christian Conference (KOSTA) that is annually, this year in Chicago and Scranton, with 800 to 1,000 Korean Christian students attending at each location.

China
“With their help I believed in Jesus Christ, and I was baptized one day before I return to my home country China. That is the most precious gift I ever got in life.” —Dr. Sun Jianquin, Shanghai, China

South Africa
“Without commitment to the love of Christ, working in a hospital with a tremendous shortage of staff is challenging. But we can only love the work we do and do the work well through Christ who gives us strength. The Lord revealed a potential within me to encourage other students in their faith and this was cultivated and nurtured by Bill during my student days.” —Zo Mzolo, Penn State University graduate, is now a Maternal Health Facilitator in South Africa.

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