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Sun Hwang graduated from Global's Berean School of the Bible. Today he is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God and pastors a Korean church in Augusta, Ga. He completed the necessary courses to earn a diploma in 1999. The following year he and his wife, Joyce, began pioneering the new church. "I am still working as an engineer to support my family financially," he says. "Within a couple of years, I will be 'retiring' as an engineer to the ministry full-time."

Around the world, the majority of Global learning centers and courses are still identified as ICI ministries. ICI courses range from introductory lessons on Christianity to master's-level degrees. Each level touches lives in a powerful way.

Stella, in Europe, was oppressed by demons and bound by prostitution and fortune-telling until Jesus set her free. Her pastor urged her to study ICI materials to strengthen her faith. "Today Stella is excited about her studies in the Christian Life Series," missionary Joe Szabo, who serves as ICI director in Spain, says. "Now she is an active witness for Jesus as she continues to learn through ICI."

In an East African nation where gospel witness is limited, 56 graduates have received ICI college degrees, and another 225 students are enrolled in college-level courses. "Without the help of ICI University," says the Assemblies of God general superintendent of that country, "the phenomenal growth of our church would not be possible."

J.R. Lee graduated from ICI's Master of Arts program in 1999 with a dream to provide biblical training to leaders of house churches across Northern Asia. With the help of Chinese churches in northern Europe, Lee now teaches televised ICI courses in Chinese. The broadcasts are accessible by satellite in Northern Asia.

Lee's ministry illustrates another aspect of Global University's mission: to utilize every major media tool to spread the gospel.

"Our desire," says Iwasko, "is to prepare and present courses and programs that allow people in any culture to learn in the way that is most natural to them so that it becomes part and parcel of their lives. We want to provide high-quality, effective training that will prepare students in whatever capacity they serve. We use every means of instructional technology that will best address their needs. Our hope is that everyone-of whatever tongue, tribe or status in life-has access to the best in education so they can be adequately prepared for anointed ministry to the glory of God."

Global University now provides access to its resources through print, the Internet, CD-ROM, videoconferencing and audio and video delivery systems. Because of Global University's efforts, people from all walks of life are finding Christ as their Savior and sharing Him with others. This mission is carried out primarily through the generous help from partner churches and ministries. U.S. Assemblies of God ministries such as BGMC, Speed the Light and Light for the Lost are strong supporters, as are many churches and individuals.

"We function as a mission," Iwasko says. "Half the world lives on less than $2 a day per person; about 1.3 billion people on only $1. These people could never afford to pay for our materials, but they are receiving them because of other believers who give sacrificially."

More than 420 men in Cambodia would personally thank Global University donors if given the chance. Inmates at a national prison, they recently received certification for completing the course "The Holy Spirit: Your Helpful Friend." Each graduate received a Bible.

This ministry outreach, begun in 1994, is gaining momentum. Recent requests from government officials are opening the doors wider for the Assemblies of God to enter other Cambodian prisons. In Bolivia's Palmasola Prison, 53 inmates received certificates for completing ICI's Christian Life and Christian Service studies.

Global also is a catalyst for church growth. Recently in Honduras, ICI Director Alver Rance awarded certificates to 58 students who had completed 313 Christian Life courses and 23 students who had completed 110 Christian Service courses at Centro de Amista, an Assemblies of God church in La Ceiba pastored by A/G missionaries Mike and Karen Hines. These graduates will use their studies to lead home ministry groups, teach evangelism and Sunday school classes and offer an array of lay leadership ministries to the church. In Latin America, many churches have grown to more than 5,000 in attendance through this kind of ministry multiplication.

Global University is positioned to provide the Assemblies of God worldwide a seamless system that will enable anyone, anywhere, anytime with access to evangelism, discipleship, ministerial training and academic programs. Global is the largest distance-education undergraduate and graduate program among evangelicals.

As tomorrow dawns at the international date line and the sun makes its way across the horizon, nearly half a million men and women, young people and even children will open a booklet, turn on a cassette player, watch a video or sign on to the Internet to study Global University materials. In 114 languages they will interact with curricular tools that introduce them to Jesus Christ, deepen their understanding of their faith and prepare them to share the gospel with others. During the past 34 years, 9.4 million people have enrolled in ICI courses, and 1.4 million have accepted Christ as Savior. Only God can see how Global University will grow into His plan for the new millennium.

Scott Harrup is an associate editor of the Pentecostal Evangel Missions World Edition. Isaac Olivarez is a staff writer.

Reprinted with permission of the Pentecostal Evangel.