Wichita Christian News and Information

“Hadi Bahram,” a former Muslim and now born again Christian, is an alumni of the well known Perspectives Study Program which has recently launched in the greater-Wichita area. He does not want his name revealed because of the potential for harm that may come to his family for his conversion to Christianity.

As a four time student, “Hadi” says the class is more than simply theological study, but it is personal.

“The people have faces for me. I see my family back home, in the Middle East,” he says, “It’s made me pray a lot more.”

Prayer has strengthened “Hadi’s” faith in Christ and his relationship with his wife and children who have also committed to taking the course.

Stories like Hadi’s are not uncommon. Since its launch in 1974, more than 80,000 North Americans have taken the Perspectives course. The curriculum involves an extensive approach to various worldviews, while placing an emphasis on the importance of the Christian worldview of missions. Students hear from several experienced speakers throughout the course and are encouraged to find their specific purpose in missions.

Westlink Christian Church in Wichita and Newton-based Grace Community Church are taking an in-depth look at what God has to say about different cultures. Over the course of 15 weeks, organizers say students participating in the Perspectives Study Program will gain a greater biblical outlook on God’s plan for every nation.

Grace Community Church (GCC) is hosting the national class for the fourth time in six years. Senior pastor, Dave Reimer says he has experienced Perspectives first hand and has seen how the class has impacted people in past years.

“To see a person going from almost zero understanding of missions, and then to see them get involved is amazing,” says Reimer, “I can think of one couple in particular whose first perspective of missions was the Perspectives course. Since then, they have been on mission trips to Africa and have been very involved in local missions as well.”

These are the type of results the ministry hopes to continue to produce in churches across the nation.

GCC Perspectives Coordinator Gail Voth says, “[This class] moves your heart. By the end, you are challenged to plug in whether that is through prayer, financial support or going on a missions trip.”

GCC provides free childcare for enrollees which incorporate the Perspectives curriculum. Kindergarten through sixth grade participates in “Outside the Lines”—a children’s Perspectives curriculum that includes crafts—making it fun and exciting for the kids. Nursery is also available for preschool and under.

For most Perspectives host churches, the location of the course shifts from year to year. But despite GCC’s efforts to allow other Newton churches to host the course, none have offered.

“GCC members have really gravitated to Perspectives, but to get other churches in the community to take ownership of it has been a struggle,” says Voth.

Voth says GCC is committed to doing whatever it takes to keep Perspectives in Newton because they view its message as invaluable.

The Perspectives course at GCC meets Monday evenings at 6:30pm. Everyone is invited to the free class on January 24. The total cost for the entire course is $250. College credit may be requested. For more information about other locations, visit www.perspectives.org.

Christina Siriwardena is a student at Dallas Theological Seminary where she is pursuing her Masters in Media and Communication. She is currently an intern at Christian Press and a copyeditor for her church. When she’s not writing, she devotes her time to mentoring teenage girls. She resides in Kansas with her husband and two dogs.