WHOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER
“…they go back to their villages with a new outlook, a new hope. They go back proud of the opportunity they’ve had to study.”
– WDC co-director
The Issue
In many parts of Asia, young people from poor rural areas come to the “big city” in the hope of a better life. That better life too often turns out to be fifteen hours a day in a sweatshop or entrapment in the sex-trade industry. Most are vulnerable because they believe lies like, “Poverty is my destiny,” “I am unimportant,” or “If I just have enough money my problems will be solved.” In the midst of this reality, God is using the Wholistic Development Center (WDC) to help young people discover His truth and His best for their lives.
WDC provides youth with opportunities for both physical and spiritual development. Through vocational training and discipleship, young people become effective Christian leaders and are a godly influence to their families, communities and churches. Most of the students are from minority groups in the country; about half come from non-Christian homes. Some come from areas where there are no Christians. This presents a unique opportunity to reach isolated areas and people groups. Other students are the children of pastors and church leaders. They hope to learn more about the Bible so that they are able to take on leadership roles when they return home.
THE PROGRAM
WDC serves up to 28 students at a time in its two-year program, allowing for intensive discipleship and mentoring. Christian staff live at the boarding school, teaching students, modeling how to apply biblical truth as they deal with life’s challenges. Bible study classes are taught on weekday mornings and evenings, starting at a foundational level and guiding students to grow deeper. As they graduate, students have had the opportunity to grow closer to God and know they are loved both by Him and the staff.
Vocational training is provided in two tracks—construction-related skills for men, and health, nutrition, housekeeping and small business skills for women. Additional classes are offered in areas such as agriculture and sewing. A small business on campus allows students to practice customer services, basic financial management, and stock management. All students also learn basic life skills, such as work ethic, personal finance, time management and business etiquette. Students are able to use these skills either to get jobs in the city or to develop businesses in their home villages.
WDC serves up to 28 students at a time in its two-year program, allowing for intensive discipleship and mentoring. Christian staff live at the boarding school, teaching students, modeling how to apply biblical truth as they deal with life’s challenges. Bible study classes are taught on weekday mornings and evenings, starting at a foundational level and guiding students to grow deeper. As they graduate, students have had the opportunity to grow closer to God and know they are loved both by Him and the staff.
Vocational training is provided in two tracks—construction-related skills for men, and health, nutrition, housekeeping and small business skills for women. Additional classes are offered in areas such as agriculture and sewing. A small business on campus allows students to practice customer services, basic financial management, and stock management. All students also learn basic life skills, such as work ethic, personal finance, time management and business etiquette. Students are able to use these skills either to get jobs in the city or to develop businesses in their home villages.
Please Pray
The directors are both struggling with health problems. Please pray for healing and for wisdom about how to get the care they need. The medical system in their area is not great.
Please pray for the current group of students. That they would know the love of God and carry that with them always.
Please pray for wisdom for the leadership of WDC as they make plans for the future of the center.
More Prayer Resources
STORIES AND UPDATES
Below are two recent articles related to the Wholistic Development Center. You can read more related stories and updates on our blog.
