something.” He started seeking the Lord for what that“ something” might be.
A New Season, A Bigger Vision
His first post-retirement role was serving as a church multiplication facilitator( CMF) with OMS. He once blogged that it felt like a“ glide path to retirement.” But God had other plans. In 2019, while on a CMF trip to Ethiopia, the OMS Global Ministries executive director asked Chuck a surprising question:“ What would you think about the Africa regional director role?” As he prayed, Romans 15:1 – 2( MSG) echoed in his spirit:“ Strength is for service, not status.”
That phrase became a personal commission. And when he shared the opportunity with his wife, her response sealed it:“ I can see how God has been preparing you for this.”
Today, Chuck serves as the Africa regional director for OMS. The most extensive ministry he oversees— Village Church Planting— is entirely led by Africans and operates in 36 nations, with more than 875 training centers.“ I get a front row seat to what God is doing in Africa,” he says with joy.
As an itinerating missionary, Chuck spends about three months a year in Africa and traveling— five trips in 2025 alone. The rest of his work is done from home via email, WhatsApp, and Zoom calls.
Whether you’ re fresh out of college or approaching retirement, missions isn’ t reserved for the few— it’ s an invitation to the faithful. And sometimes the most powerful ministry begins with simply asking,“ How has God prepared me for this? How can I help?”
photos, page 16-17: Chuck Rapp travels to Africa several times each year to oversee
OMS ministries there. page 17, bottom: Chuck and Pam Rapp
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