Contact: Rachel Elwood, World Gospel Mission, 765-671-7255

MARION, Ind., July 8, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Newly appointed president Dan Schafer shared his heart for the future of WGM at a service held at the Mission's headquarters in Marion, Indiana, on July 7.

"God is laying on my heart a vision for World Gospel Mission," Dan said before a packed house filled with retired and active missionaries, support staff, and other guests. "It will take all of us coming together in ways that amaze the world. God will do what we thought to be impossible."

As WGM's sixth president, Dr. Schafer takes the reins of an international, interdenominational missionary-sending organization with over 250 missionaries and volunteers serving in 23 areas of the world. Dan is replacing retiring president Dr. Hubert Harriman, who served from 2002 to 2016. As Hubert passed on the mantle of leadership, he gave Dan a compass and a Bible as tokens of respect.

"Dan, as you begin your tenure, there's nothing more important to this high responsibility than to know the daily leading of the Holy Spirit," Hubert said. "You now carry the tremendous responsibility of leading WGM into the future, and you well know that it is impossible without God's strength."

Rev. Dave Engbrecht, chairman of the board, encouraged Dan with these words: "We are installing you as the leader of a cause that has changed lives from one end of the globe to the other."

Dan asserted that his goal is to be a servant, which was illustrated as he and his wife, Pam, participated in a foot-washing ceremony. He went on to express his willingness to get to work in the cause of the Great Commission through the image of a trowel, referencing the story of Nehemiah.

Finally, he shared his heart for the task of missions: "We are known as the place with all the flags," he said, referencing the many flags outside the main building. "Those flags represent our heart, our mission. And they represent the lives of lost people—people who do not know the love of Jesus and their lives are devastated by sin. God has given us great opportunities to reach the world!"

About World Gospel Mission
World Gospel Mission disciples believers to become missions-active Christians. As an interdenominational missions 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.