Ted and Patricia Grosbach
Since 1984, they have worked in Africa, starting their missionary journey in Malawi where they served as AIM furlough replacements for nearly two years. Ted supervised all the work in the country, as well as serving as Missionary Pastor for the headquarters church in Blantyre. During their stay in Malawi, Ted made a trip into the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). While visiting some church contacts there, the Lord gave Ted a great burden for this vast and unreached nation of over 60 million. In 1985 they were appointed as missionaries to Zambia and Zaire. After finishing their time in Malawi they arrived in Zambia in 1987. There were many obstacles registering the church in Zaire, therefore, they resided in Zambia. While living and actively ministering in Zambia, Brother Grosbach made frequent visits to Zaire. Zambia proved to be a wonderful experience. Ted served as missionary superintendent (alternately with Melvin Thacker), taught in the Bible College, established Home Groups throughout the country, and trained national leaders at all levels. It was while in Zambia that they began their aviation ministry, Wings Over Africa. They used the airplane to effectively reach remote areas, for training in leadership development, church growth, and Home Group Ministry. Their time in Zambia was very fruitful as they saw the church grew from around 1,000 nationwide to over 9,000 constituents. In one crusade alone, they were privileged to see 2,152 receive the Holy Ghost. After twelve tremendous years in Zambia they took up residence in Botswana in the year 2000. They were there two years while Ted rewrote the church constitution and helped resolve some problems in the national work. Upon completion of their mission in Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo's doors finally opened for the United Pentecostal Church International. A missionary calling that endured 17 years finally reached its destination allowing them to obtain visas and register the church in the DRC formerly Zaire. They took up residence in Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002. Though the country was and is presently war-torn and in financial ruins, the church is thriving. They utilized the Wings Over Africa Cessna 185 to access this vast nation that has very little road infrastructure. In addition to evangelizing and teaching, they also aided mission hospitals by delivering medicines and doctors into the interior. As of 2012 there are 12,000 constituents and 137 churches and 47 preaching points. Currently there is a 20 person motorized passenger dug-out canoe (made by pygmies) that cruises the Congo River establishing churches and preaching points. The GATS Bible College Program is currently active in 7 provinces. In August of 2010 at one provincial conference there were over 2,000 in attendance. 91 people received the Holy Ghost and 80 were baptized. The national church administration is operating very effectively in coordinating the revival in their nation. In 2007 they took up residence in Botswana to once again aid the national leaders in reestablishing the foundation of the work. The GATS Bible College Program is currently operating in Gaborone with plans of moving the program to other cities. Ted serves as the Area Coordinator for the South/Central Region of Africa. These nations include: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. As an Area Coordinator, Brother Grosbach is involved in leadership development in the South/ Central Region and assisting National leaders and Missionaries whenever called upon. He has also been involved in Leadership Development throughout various parts of Africa. Every year he writes new books to aid in the development of pastors throughout Africa. Ted currently serves as the UPCI Missionary Advisor to South Africa, superintendent to DRCongo and serves on the National Board in Namibia and Botswana. Together Ted and Patricia work to help national leaders develop their full potential in God's work and their ministry. Patricia has applied herself to training the wives of ministers, setting up the National Ladies work in several countries. She is actively involved in Women's Ministry. She is involved in compiling, writing and distributing various types of training and counseling materials to both ministers and their wives.