During the Korean War, churches in the southern part of the country were a particular target. Communist armies tortured Christian pastors, executing many of them. Church buildings were destroyed, and congregations scattered.

As peace returned, the task of recovery and renewal was primary. One day when Bob Pierce was in Korea, a pastor's widow came to him. Though she had seen her husband murdered, out of her own grief she felt the need to provide a message of hope to the Church. Taking off her wedding ring, she gave it to Bob. "This is the only thing of value I have," she said. "Please use it to start a fund to bring the pastors together for encouragement."

From this precious seed, the pastors' conference ministry of World Vision grew, starting in Korea with its first conference in 1953 for 300 leaders. One of five "basic objectives" of World Vision activities in its formative years was Christian leadership development.

Today this ministry has taken on a more strategic role. World Vision continues to hold conferences and provide training for Christian leaders. Most of this work is done to support the Church in countries where Christians account for less than 10 percent of the population. The Gospel is clearly communicated by people who demonstrate the love of Christ in life, word, and deed.