SOUTH AFRICA

With a team of 20 devoted people that came from not only Florida, but all across Michigan, we all met in Durban with a united goal in our hearts, to serve the children in the squatter villages of South Africa with Key of Hope Ministry.  We took to camp the children that needed it the most, and this year saw the greatest transformation in the children that attended.

Coming in a day earlier this year, we were able to be a part of Key of Hope's Friday night youth service. This was an incredible experience as we witnessed hundreds of teenagers worship God with an intensity we will not soon forget.

We participated in Saturday Kids Club,  where Key of Hope buses in hundreds of children by taxi to be involved, discipled, taught and loved.  This is a safe place for them and they love coming.

Then it was off to camp, where our team took two bus loads of children to camp.  Most of them did not even know what "going to camp" actually meant, but many had seen pictures of previous years and were excited to go.  Once we were at camp, each morning began with  Jonathan leading a group of us into worship of our Lord; a beautiful way to start our days.

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After worship we had our morning exercise routine, led by the teenagers.  These kids practiced for hours before camp and were a blessing.

At camp, we enjoy our meals in a family setting.  Some of these children do not get three meals a day.  In fact most of them do not even have tables to sit at, let alone adults to listen to them as they enjoy the meal prepared for them.  Some of them are the caretakers in their homes.  So this week was a wonderful retreat for many of them.

Climbing the mountain each year is always a wonderful experience.  To watch children accomplish something they think is impossible is such a blessing.  This year the teen age boys took turns carrying a girl bound to a wheel chair up the mountain so she could participate.  She was elated.

Having fun is a big part of camp.  We participated in many fun filled activities where  much ministry and teaching takes place.

Children's lives transformed before our eyes.  The first day we could not get one volunteer to pray for the meal or volunteer to help in the night ministry.  But the last night the entire crowd was eagerly volunteering.  What a glorious sight.  We ended camp with prayers filled with tears by both the children and our team as we prayed over their lives and the future God holds for them.  

TANZANIA, AFRICA

After being home only 5 days from Lebanon, Terry headed off to Tanzania, Africa. He was invited to the Baptist National Conference for pastors and leaders in Dodoma.  

This was a historical conference as it was the first national conference to bring all the ministers together along with their wives to be strengthened and encouraged.

Terry had the honor of ministering with Pastor Davis Mathews, our friend and pastor from India. This was his first trip to Africa. Pastor Davis ministered a great word and has always been a great blessing to Terry and I.

Terry not only had the opportunity to preach, but had special moments of individual prayer for these precious mighty men of God.  

Here is a picture of Terry in the midst of some of the pastors in Tanzania.

Terry also had the opportunity to preach at Mount Meru University Chapel service in Arusha.

Below is a video of the Pastors and leaders on a prayer walk over the land for their national headquarters in Dodoma.

A time of prayer at the conference.

A time of worship.

 Terry is so thankful to God to have had the opportunity to be around men and women who give their all to their Lord and the people of their nation. 

LEBANON

Terry and Pastor Bob have just returned from a pioneer trip to Lebanon to see the needs of the people and how we might be able to minister to them.  With 4 million refugees living in the midst of 4 million Lebanese, the diversity of people groups is great.  They were able to visit some refugee areas where families live in challenging circumstances.

They found and met many adults and children living in extreme poverty.  A place needing love and hope in an area of the world where most are found hopeless.

These young ladies work the fields for sparse wages that often comes with abuse.

They connected with two different ministries in the midst of the poor and refugees. Terry was able to minister a message entitled "The Chief Corner Stone" in the midst of those who have rejected Him.

The Cedars of Lebanon with their biblical historic value were majestic.

This Cedar Tree was 4,000 years old.

There is a great need in Lebanon and doing God's Will is important to us as we plan for the future.  

Isaiah 29:17-18 "It is not yet a very little while until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall regarded as a forest.  In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. "

ROMANIA 2015

AUGUST
We just arrived home from a 13 day missions trip to our beloved Romania. Along with Brian and Beth we spent the entire time with our family and friends in Tragoviste. Upon arrival we met with families and friends downtown, coffee shops and in their living rooms.  It was a delight.  We spent three days in the beautiful mountains of Romania with several families for a get away that included a marriage seminar.  Brian and Beth ministered a beautiful series on marriage and family.

Below is a picture of the families at the retreat in the beautiful mountains.

 We ministered both Sunday church services, men's and women's meetings, and a few sessions to the Master's Commission of Romania.  These young people were passionate for the Lord and His work.
Also many blessed times with leaders in the church.

We love to worship with our Romanian family.

Traveling with the Master's Commission to a gypsy village they have been working in for a couple of years, was a wonderful experience.  It is an amazing work there.

Life of Hope Church and Masters Commission Romania welcomed us into their lives and the precious times of fellowship and ministry will not be soon forgotten.  It was hard to leave but God willing we will return.  We will continue to pray for all and hold them in the depths of our hearts.

CHAMPIONS FOR LIFE - 2015

JULY
Two weeks of camp touched 120 little lives of the children that deserve it most.  So many wonderful volunteers made this incredible camp happen.  But all the glory and honor goes to our Lord Jesus Christ for the heart transformations.  Here is a video of those incredible 2 weeks.