Sowing By Grace
Witnessing God at work!
January 2026
Bryan Bell
Sowing By Grace Relaunch
Many of you will remember our quarterly publication from years ago, called Sowing by Grace. We are excited to announce the relaunch of Sowing by Grace in a digital format.
As in the original publication, we aim to share stories of God’s work in the lives of individuals touched and transformed by compassionate, Christ-focused care. We hope to reflect on gospel advancement, share ministry opportunities the Lord places before us, and rejoice in the ways Christ continues to build His Church.
Fifteen years ago, when we chose the title Sowing by Grace, we intended to communicate several truths that continue to reflect GDMMissions purpose today. As a mission, we are “in the business” of sowing Gospel seeds; that’s what we are about, and that’s where it all starts. When Jesus sent out His disciples, He told them, “Go ye therefore and make disciples.” “Making disciples” begins with the sharing of the good news.
In 2026, we anticipate thousands will hear the Gospel message through the various ministries the Lord has committed to our trust. Sowing requires faithful proclamation and explanation of the Gospel. Proper sowing also demands working the soil before and after planting; it entails Christ-like compassion and care coupled with committed follow-up. In recognizing our responsibility to sow, we also recognize God as the only One who can produce an increase.
Nathalie Sawyer
Hope, Joy, and the Gospel in Ghana
Ghana opened my eyes and my heart in ways I didn’t know they needed opening. For two weeks, I watched God move in ways I will never forget. From the very beginning, I was surrounded by an incredible team from the US whose faith, humility, and servant hearts made this work such a joy. Walking alongside them — praying, serving, and celebrating all that God was doing — is something I will treasure always.
The people we worked with in Ghana were some of the most loving and joyful individuals I have ever met, with hearts eager to hear and share the good news that has set each of us free. The friendships formed — through laughter, prayer, shared stories, and worship — were such a gift. Though our time together was short, we know there is an eternal bond found in the unity of Christ.
One of the greatest joys for me was ministering to the children who patiently waited outside the clinics — their smiles, laughter, and curiosity brought so much light to each day. And the abundance of precious babies I was blessed to hold was such a sweet reminder of God’s tenderness and care.
We served many physical needs through the clinics, but the greatest work was sharing the hope of Jesus with every person who came. Seeing the Gospel proclaimed and lives respond in faith was a powerful reminder that God is at work everywhere. His Word and His grace are enough to save the nations, and witnessing those with so much less than we often have in the US find such deep, unwavering joy in Him was a beautiful reminder for me to consider where my own joy is truly found. And though I am so unworthy, I have been blessed beyond measure to be saved by His grace.
I am so deeply thankful the Lord allowed me to be part of this work — with such an amazing team and among such beautiful people. Ghana will always have a special place in my heart, and if it is His will, I know I’ll return.
P.S: This past Sunday (Jan. 18, 2025), three of the villages where we held clinics welcomed 18 first-time visitors who had been clinic patients—9 in Kataa, 1 in Koringyiri, and 7 in Jang. Hearing this was truly uplifting and a beautiful sign of how God is continuing to work.
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Matthew 9:37–38
Shelley Webster
Witnessing God's Work in the Philippines
I had the privilege of going to the Philippines this November with GDMM. It was a blessing to travel to a different country, meet other believers, and experience the bond of the Holy Spirit as friendships formed easily. We joined and worked with a team from the Philippines and were blessed to see their desire to serve Christ and their willingness to work with us in medical ministry and evangelism.
While there, God reminded us that He is in control of our schedules. We experienced two typhoons that interrupted our planned clinics. Fortunately, we were able to combine two clinics into one and did not have to cancel any. Through this, we had the opportunity to share the gospel and provide medical care to over 600 people.
It is our goal to be the hands and feet of Jesus and show His loving care to others through our actions, but this alone does not address eternal life. We need to introduce people to the Savior by showing them their need to repent from sin and develop a personal relationship with God. This is what truly changes lives forever. To God be the glory!
Bryan Bell
Medical Work in Missions History
January 8th marked 70 years since Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian gave their lives in an effort to advance the gospel to the unreached in the jungles of Ecuador. Medical ministry proved to be one of their most effective tools as they sought to build relationships and open doors for the gospel. Shortly before his death, martyred beside four of his fellow-missionaries, Nate wrote:
“We believe that even the most enthusiastic people underestimate the far-reaching implications of this work
[medical clinics] for the Gospel ministry here in the Oriente. Already, we have seen the tall walls of prejudice fall. [Our mission] will do everything in its power to make air transportation the bridge needed for reaching Indians through the medical ministry for Christ.”
“We believe that even the most enthusiastic people underestimate the far-reaching implications of this work
[medical clinics] for the Gospel ministry here in the Oriente. Already, we have seen the tall walls of prejudice fall. [Our mission] will do everything in its power to make air transportation the bridge needed for reaching Indians through the medical ministry for Christ.”
While the world has changed drastically since 1956, medical ministry continues to be an effective tool in the task of missions. God is still using men and women who stand in the way and who align their desires with His. Jim Elliot’s words continue to resonate with such clarity and conviction: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”.
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