Update 05-06-13

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Praise - Right on Lake Superior: 
The Upper Peninsula knows how to roll out the “white” carpet for us! We were greeted by a blizzard and we were sent off with a blizzard, but the time in between was greatly blessed. Thank you for your prayers. We had a very productive meeting with the UMC missions committee in L’Anse, MI and look forward to how God will now lead them as they pray about their involvement in short-term missions. Our time in the pulpits of Zeba, L’Anse, and Sidnaw United Methodist Churches was a special privilege as we shared God’s call on our lives. 

Prayer - Transition to Headquarters ~ Greenwood, IN
Please continue to pray for our transition. Working with the Men for Missions office remotely did not work well for the things that Doug needs to do. Therefore, after much prayer we decided to put our house on the market. When it sells, we will move forward in faith that housing will be available on the OMS campus in Greenwood by August 1. Currently, everything is full. Please join us in praying that housing will open up for us if this is the Lord’s will. Having Doug commuting the 2:45 travel time each way and spending extending periods of time from home is not our preference. 

Praise - David
Receives Funds Thank you for your prayers. We are rejoicing that David will be receiving funds for his internship and a scholarship for his summer school tuition. He was originally denied, but thanks to answered prayers they reconsidered and awarded him the co-op funds. 

David will begin his internship on May 31 at Cornerstone Community Outreach in Chicago and he would greatly appreciate your prayers. http://www.ccolife.org/ 

Prayer - Trinidad
Cindy is preparing to lead the girl’s Field Hockey team from Houghton College to Trinidad on June 1 for a week of ministry. Please pray for her as she prepares and as they minister on the field. She is leading without Doug and is a bit apprehensive since he usually handles all the details.

Prayer - Colombia
Doug has been asked to consider leading an evangelism team going to Colombia, July 20-27. Please pray for discernment and direction, as we are also hoping to move to Greenwood, IN the last week of July. 

Praise - Birthdays
We are celebrating David’s 21st birthday on May 16th, and Jonathan’s 18th birthday on June 12. They are growing up!! Please pray that they will always keep their heart open to the Lord. Praise - Funding

Praise – Back in Black
The financial support we received this past April has put us back in the black. This is the first black balance we have had in 7 months. God is ALWAYS so faithful to provide. We thank God for each of you that support our ministries with your finances and prayers. 

Blessings to You!
Doug and Cindy

Ministry Update 04-03-13

Do you ever wish that God would just tell you what He wants you to do? We’ve all struggled with wanting to know what God’s will is for our lives and how to discern as we seek to make the right decisions.

Our call to missions was one of SURRENDER! Unlike many, we weren’t called to a specific country or people group. We simply surrendered our plans for God’s plans and wherever the door opened, we would enter. In 2005, the door opened to serve our first term in Ecuador. In 2010, a very unexpected door opened to serve stateside in Gibson City, IL ~ although we were somewhat reluctant, we walked through. Now as we begin to plan for our third missionary term, we’ve struggled to know what God has in store for us. That’s why we love this picture:

However, at this time, God opened two doors: to return to Ecuador as church planters or fill an immediate, critical need in the Men For Missions headquarters in Greenwood, IN. We desire both! We could see ourselves doing either one. So, how do you choose? We don’t believe that one is right and the other is wrong. We don’t believe that one is right and the other is better. Our hearts are in both ministries. So, after much prayer, we’ve decided to walk through the door that brings more peace at this time in our lives and the lives of our family. This is not to say that the door has been completely shut to returning to Ecuador.  We are always open to the Lord's leading.

We are very excited to announce that we will be making our way to Greenwood, IN to accept two critical needs in the Men for Missions office. Doug will join Bill Evans in handling logistical details of ministry teams in the US and special teams that originate out of the MFM office. Last year there were 112 teams. Cindy will join the Follow Up department and will work to provide follow up for the folks that served on these short-term mission teams. Last year there were 750 people.

However, the details about relocation verses commuting are still very fuzzy. We have several regional commitments through August, Cindy is leading a team to Trinidad in June, and Doug may be heading to Colombia in July, so we will once again wait for doors to open. Please pray as we begin to transition. Please pray that if we are to move soon, that our house would sell and we would be able to find housing on OMS campus before Jonathan begins his senior year. Until that time, we will continue to work remotely from home and make frequent trips to Greenwood. In the midst of the “struggle” to decide, we were greatly humbled that God would continue to allow us this incredible privilege of serving Him, let alone give us choices. Our God is so abundant and we are thankful for EVERY opportunity He puts before us to honor Him with our lives.

We are very thankful for those of you that give to us and pray for us, so that we can serve in opportunities such as these.

Blessings,
Doug & Cindy

Update 03/25/13

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Happy Easter ~ What a joyous time of year!
Cindy has been studying Revelation and much time has been spent this lent season on Jesus returning for us. Easter is proof of that promise. He has RISEN!! He conquered power over death. The grave could not hold Him. He has RISEN, indeed!

John 14:1-4
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Health
Back issues, head colds, and stomach issues have paid us visits.
Please pray for us as we recover. 

Equip 2013
Thank you for your prayers as we led four sessions on how to plan and lead a short-term mission team. While we were there, we were also able to network with others and discuss how we can partner together to become more effective in advancing the Great Commission.

Anniversary & MFM Staff Meetings
We celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary with Men For Mission staff at our annual meetings beginning last Thursday through Saturday. Folks made their way from Oregon, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky to meet up with Indiana folks for a time of celebration. Not just for our anniversary but for MFM Staff meetings. We spent a large amount of time listening to how God brought each one to One Mission Society. What beautiful testimonies of God’s incredible intervention!
Please pray as we seek God’s direction for the upcoming year.

 









Michigan Trip
We are making preparations for sharing in 3 churches near L’Anse, Michigan on Sunday, April 7. These churches have the desire to learn more about how they can become more involved in missions. Please pray for our travel as well as sharing about our call to missions and short-term missions possibilities.

David’s Update
David was able to visit Asbury Theological Seminary during his Spring Break and God confirmed His call on David’s life to begin a Master of Divinity degree in Spring 2014.  Please pray for him as he finishes up this semester and prepares for his 12-week internship in intercity Chicago working with the homeless. 
Please pray especially for availability of co-op funds during the summer.

Grateful Hearts
We are rejoicing that we received more financial support than expenses this month. Even if we told you everyday how important you are to our ministry, it wouldn’t be enough. We thank God for you and your part in our ministries. Thank you for your faithfulness. 

Easter Blessings to You,
Doug & Cindy

Update 02/14/13

Dear Prayer Warriors,

“We love because He first loved us.”  1 John 4:19

Oh, How He loves you and me.  He gave his life, what more could He give.  Oh, how He loves you. Oh, how He loves me.  Oh, how He loves you and me. 

The opportunities that God gives us to serve Him are one of the many ways He allows us to love Him back.  We are so thankful for these opportunities, and thankful that we have the prayer support needed to be obedient.  Thank you for faithfully standing with us.   

Haiti Trip ~ Last Week

Thank you for your prayers while Doug was in Haiti.  He had the wonderful opportunity to join a team from North Dakota, along with other folks from Indian and Illinois.  The week was filled with opportunities to work hard, while also being an accurate testimony for Christ.

They were blessed to have the opportunity to work alongside their Haitian brothers and sisters in Christ as they worked on house #’s 37, 38 and 39.  It was hot, humid and their muscles were sore as they used picks to breakup rock-like soil, toted buckets of concrete, climbed steep hills with heavy loads, and endured blazing sun.  But what a joy it was for them to be a part of helping to improve the lives of some Haitian families that had been displaced from their homes during the devastating earthquake of Jan. 2010. 

We rejoice with Haitians - Eddie who has since come forward to accept Christ, and Gina who rededicated her life to Christ this week.  The minor discomforts the team endured seemed to pale in comparison to having a new brother in Christ.  What a gift from Jesus.  Additional photos can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/b89v3ys  

[Update 02/15] Yesterday, Pastor Peter from the Montana team, shared his testimony yesterday morning, and they had five people come forward to put their trust in Jesus.  The Holy Spirit was moving in a mighty way.  One of the Haitian guys, Joclyn, has been working with Homes for Haiti since the beginning.  So many people have prayed for this ministry, the teams and the people of Haiti, and Joclyn has probably heard over 150 devotions from all the work teams.  Many seeds were planted by many people, and yesterday was the day he took the big step.  It is such a blessing to be part of this ministry!

Equip Conference ~ Next Week

We will participate in the Equip 13: Christian Workers Conference on February 22 & 23.  Each day, we are leading a two-part workshop on Preparing & Leading Short-Term Mission Teams.  Please pray for the conference and for all those that attend.  You’re welcome to join us. http://www.equipconvention.org

Men for Missions staff meetings in March

Please pray for our annual staff meetings.  What a blessing it is to come around the table and rejoice in all that God has been doing.  Please pray for us as we seek His direction for the year to come.  Join us in praying that each one will have a heart after God’s own heart.

Church Visits to Michigan & Alabama in April

We will be putting the miles on the car in April.  We are promoting missions in three churches in the upper peninsula of Michigan.  The following weekend, we hope to head down to a friend’s church in Alabama for their Global Impact Celebration. 

We recently shared in one the local churches here in Gibson City to help expand their mission vision.  As Regional Directors, this is one of the things that we love to do.  It’s our desire that EVERY believer has opportunities to serve and love God and participate in His mission for the world. 

Konstruction Kids Project Update

The Konstruction Kids project continues through April.  To date, they have raised $1333.54 to help feed poor children in Medellin, Colombia.  They have local sponsors that are matching funds to the Gibson City Food Pantry.  Please pray for the givers and the recipients.  Search “Konstruction Kids” and ‘Like us’ on Facebook.

Our Boys ~ Pastors & Butcher

We know that you pray for our boys, and for that we are grateful.  God is working and providing for them in mighty ways.  God has been really working in David’s life these past few months.  He recently phoned home to share that he has surrendered his life to being a pastor.  It was such a beautiful thing to hear of His love for His Savior and how he desires that all should know Him.  Please pray for him as he begins this journey. 

Jonathan continues to amaze us in the talents that the Lord has given him.  He recently began working somewhat as a construction apprentice.  He apparently has quite a natural talent for this kind of work.  He is also planning to learn how to be a butcher for a new business in Gibson City and has taken the initiative to seek a co-op program for this position.  If all goes as planned, he will go to school for part of the day next year and co-op the other part.  It is such a beautiful thing to see him maturing and utilizing his gifts and talents.  We are so thankful for the Godly men that have been put into his life.

Blessings to you,

Doug & Cindy

Update - Happy New Year 2013

January 2013 - Happy New Year

Dear Prayer Warriors,

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”   (Heb. 10:25)

Rejoicing with Men For Mission Year End Stats
114 teams
18 countries
762 people

We work with an incredible homeland staff that makes Life Changing Journeys possible for those that have been led to serve overseas on a short-term mission trip.
Please pray for missionaries serving stateside.

First Presbyterian Church – January 6
For the 3^rd year in a row, we were asked to share a ministry update with the First Presbyterian Church in Gibson City.  We are so thankful for their encouragement and support to our ministries.  Our relationship continues to grow as we continually seek ways to serve together. 
Pray that God will expand their mission vision. 

Trip to Haiti – Leaving February 1
Doug and a long-time friend, Rod, have been preparing to join a team from North Dakota for a week in Haiti to help build a home for our Haitian brothers & sisters.  MFM led 57 work teams to Haiti last year.  Please pray for the field missionaries as they continually receive teams.

Equip Conference/Peoria, IL – February 22, 23
We are preparing for our presentations at the Equip conference this year.  We received permission to provide 2 seminars on “Preparing for a Short-Term Mission Trip”.  We highly recommend this conference for any ministry leader.  There will be something for everyone.

Church & Pastor Visits
Our calendar is quickly being filled with several church visits as well as quality time with some of the pastors and leaders.  We strive to be an encouragement to them by praying with them and for them, and for the congregations that they lead.
Please pray that more connections can take place. 

Small Group Ministry – Kick off in February
Discipleship is always on the front burner of our lives.  We desire that people would learn more about God and His truths and love for them, and apply it to their lives.  We have been asked to prepare leaders for a small group ministry.  We are very excited about that and ask that you pray for us as we lead them.

Needs in Colombia – April, July, November 2013
We are in need of short-term mission teams to evangelize in Medellin, Colombia.  If God is touching your hearts to help supply this need, please let us know.

Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy

2012 - Tankersley Christmas Quiz

Dear

a. Family

b. Friend(s)

 

This year Doug and Cindy

a. Celebrated 25 years of marriage where they honeymooned

b. Entertained their Ecuadorian pastor during his first visit to the USA

c. Prepared and led teams to Ecuador & Colombia

d. Were very healthy & didn’t have a single health insurance claim

e. Led multiple small groups in their home

 

While Doug was out of the home office, he was

a. Going door-to-door with the Gospel in Medellin, Colombia

b. Taking his family to Six Flags for a rollercoaster marathon (w/ Dramamine, of course)

c. Preaching in a revival in southern Illinois  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cindy would do anything to get out of the home office, even if it meant

a. Getting her motorcycle license.

b. Teaching a 9-week Spanish course (hard to believe, I know)

c. Speaking in conferences, camps and college classes 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David enjoyed getting his hands dirty working for the city and

a. Spent a week in Copper Island, BC ministering to First Nation Kids

b. Is hoping for an internship this summer in ministry

c. Has 2 new loves: Erin & country music 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Jonathan wasn’t in school or working, he was

a. Catching 70+ fish on a trip to Minong, WI with his dad

b. Providing deer for his family & others

c. Working out to stay big & buff 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For us, celebrating Christmas is about

a. Jesus, our Lord & Savior

b. Spending time with family & friends

c. Sharing the love of Jesus with others

 

In looking to 2013, we are excited about

a. Building a home in Haiti

b. Feeding Colombians physically & spiritually

c. Hosting small group studies in our home

d. The possibility of the Lord’s return! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love & Blessings,

Doug, Cindy, David & Jonathan

 

PS – All the multiple choice answers are true!

Update 10/19/12

Dear Prayer Warriors,

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

THANKS FOR YOUR EXAMPLE
As we disciple and minister to others, we are reminded of how much we rely on your prayers. Thank you for praying God’s will into our lives and ministries. In our humility of God’s incredible grace on us, we have found ourselves praying more for those that are so heavily burdened around us. Thank you for your example in our lives. Your prayers enable & equip us to serve!

COLLEGE KIDS

We had a great week at Greenville College as we represented our mission at their Global Impact Week. Please pray for the hearts that God touched during that week to step out and serve him. We especially had a great time with our son David, and getting to know some of his college friends better. Being on-site helps us to know how to pray with insight. So many college students are trying to make their faith their own. Pray for God to protect our college students and open their eyes to His plan for their lives.  

PRAYER WALKING

Once again, we have been convicted that we are not doing the things at HOME, that we are encouraging others to do ON THE FOREIGN FIELD. One Mission Society sends entire teams to other countries to prayer walk and pray for the needs in that area. So, during the month of October, we have been leading prayer walks in our community. Join us in praying that this will become a habit for many. We look forward to seeing what God is going to do in our community for HIM.

SMALL GROUPS
Over the past few months, we have been enjoying leading weekly small group ministries in our home, including ‘Not a Fan’ and ‘I Am Second’ groups. It has been a wonderful opportunity to challenge folks to deepen their relationship with Jesus by getting into the ‘Word’. We continue to praise God for providing us with a house that we can use for ministry. Please pray as new groups are formed and for additional leaders.

MISSIONS CONFERENCE

We are preparing for our annual mission conference at Gibson City Bible Church. As we represent One Mission Society and Men For Missions, we are also behind the scenes working with the missions committee. If you are in the area, we welcome you to join us on November 9, 10, & 11 to see what God is doing around the world. http://www.gibsoncitybible.org/

TEAM NEEDS

We are currently in a respite of leading and preparing teams for short-term mission trips. This is NOT our desire, nor does it fulfill the many needs that we have overseas. If God has been tugging at your heart to serve on a short-term trip, please let us know. We currently have great needs for evangelism in Medellin, Colombia: April 13-20, July 20-27 and November 2-9. Preparations must begin soon. For additional trip opportunities, please let us know or check our Mission’s website: http://www.menformissions.org/go/current_opportunities.asp

YEAR-END SUPPORT
We praise the Lord for providing some new support during September and October. It has really helped to offset the payment of our annual health insurance premium. However, our support continues to decline and we ask that you join us in praying for year-end support. Many folks and businesses give year-end donations, so please pray that the Lord will lay our ministry on the hearts of those seeking to donate. As the season of Thankfulness approaches, please know how thankful we are for you and your support to us.

Blessings to you,

Update 10/19/12

 

October 19, 2012

 

Dear Prayer Warriors,

 

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  1 John 5:14

 

THANKS FOR YOUR EXAMPLE

As we disciple and minister to others, we are reminded of how much we rely on your prayers.  Thank you for praying God’s will into our lives and ministries.  In our humility of God’s incredible grace on us, we have found ourselves praying more for those that are so heavily burdened around us.  Thank you for your example in our lives.   Your prayers enable & equip us to serve!

 

COLLEGE KIDS

We had a great week at Greenville College as we represented our mission at their Global Impact Week.  Please pray for the hearts that God touched during that week to step out and serve him.  We especially had a great time with our son David, and getting to know some of his college friends better.  Being on-site helps us to know how to pray with insight.  So many college students are trying to make their faith their own.  Pray for God to protect our college students and open their eyes to His plan for their lives. 

 

PRAYER WALKING
Once again, we have been convicted that we are not doing the things at HOME, that we are encouraging others to do ON THE FOREIGN FIELD.  One Mission Society sends entire teams to other countries to prayer walk and pray for the needs in that area.  So, during the month of October, we have been leading prayer walks in our community.  Join us in praying that this will become a habit for many.  We look forward to seeing what God is going to do in our community for HIM. 

 

SMALL GROUPS
Over the past few months, we have been enjoying leading weekly small group ministries in our home, including ‘Not a Fan’ and ‘I Am Second’ groups.  It has been a wonderful opportunity to challenge folks to deepen their relationship with Jesus by getting into the ‘Word’.  We continue to praise God for providing us with a house that we can use for ministry.  Please pray as new groups are formed and for additional leaders.

 

MISSIONS CONFERENCE

We are preparing for our annual mission conference at Gibson City Bible Church.  As we represent One Mission Society and Men For Missions, we are also behind the scenes working with the missions committee.  If you are in the area, we welcome you to join us on November 9, 10, & 11 to see what God is doing around the world. http://www.gibsoncitybible.org/

 

TEAM NEEDS

We are currently in a respite of leading and preparing teams for short-term mission trips.  This is NOT our desire, nor does it fulfill the many needs that we have overseas.  If God has been tugging at your heart to serve on a short-term trip, please let us know.  We currently have great needs for evangelism in Medellin, Colombia: April 13-20, July 20-27 and November 2-9.   Preparations must begin soon.  For additional trip opportunities, please let us know or check our Mission’s website:  http://www.menformissions.org/go/current_opportunities.asp

 

YEAR-END SUPPORT

We praise the Lord for providing some new support during September and October.  It has really helped to offset the payment of our annual health insurance premium.  However, our support continues to decline and we ask that you join us in praying for year-end support.  Many folks and businesses give year-end donations, so please pray that the Lord will lay our ministry on the hearts of those seeking to donate. 

 

As the season of Thankfulness approaches, please know how thankful we are for you and your support to us.

 

Blessings to you,

 

 

Update 08/21/12

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Oh, we have so much to share and such little space to share it…

Kids in Missions
Thank you for praying for our first missions kid’s camp.  We spent an hour a day for a week teaching about the needs around the world.  It was beautiful to see how God touched the hearts of these kids with ways to be His hands and feet around the world.  One young guy was so grieved by the idea of human trafficking that he was able to begin praying for those children.  Another gal was moved to begin a sponsorship for bringing Hope to Haiti through Resounding Hope.  Please pray for those that attended the camp.  Pray that God will continue to show them ways to be utilized for His kingdom.

The Konstruction Kids will begin their new project on September 12.  Please pray for them as they raise funds to feed 6 hungry children in Medellin, Colombia. 

If you are in the area and want ideas and tools to help children catch a vision for missions around the world, please join us on September 15 from 9:00 – 12:00 at the Gibson City Bible Church for an interactive workshop.  This is NOT a boring lecture, but a fun, interactive workshop designed to energize parents and children’s workers to connect their kids with God’s heart for a lost world. 

Reaching the lost in Antioquia, Colombia
Doug was recently a part of a small evangelism team that traveled to Medellin, Colombia to participate in helping towards the goal of planting 28,000 house churches within the department of Antioquia in five years.  The team partnered with local Colombian church members and utilized the Evangecube to share the gospel door-to-door in 4 different communities.  The Lord was in control of our time there, as He open some amazing doors.  Our team even had the opportunity to share Jesus within the City Council of Amagá, and to the local hospital administrative staff.  The Lord has been plowing ground in Colombia, and the harvest is ripe.  199 people prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Thank you so much for your prayers.

Not A Fan

Christ’s great commission calls us to go unto all the world making disciples. OMS defines disciples as obedient followers of Jesus.  We will begin the not a fan DVD study again for a group of couples in our home.  This study confirms our obedience as followers or challenges us to move from just being a fan of Jesus to being a completely, committed, follower.  Please pray for us as we lead this group beginning September 9 and for those attending. 

Revival
Last Friday began 5 weeks of Friday Revival meetings at Grace Evangelical Church in Olney, Illinois.  We will be the speaking evangelists for September 14. Please pray for those who will attend, that they will be challenged to deepen their personal commitment to Jesus, and for those that need Him as their Savor.

Going Back to College
We have been invited to represent One Mission Society at Greenville College the week of October 1.  Please pray that we will connect with those whom God has already prepared and help them to achieve the vision that God has laid on their hearts. 

Family Matters
We now have 2 juniors:  David is a junior at Greenville College.  Please pray for an internship for him.  His pod of 7 men in the dorm is called the Oasis.  Please pray that this place will be filled with things that are holy and honorable to God.  Jonathan is a junior at Gibson City High School.  Pray for him as he juggles school, work, and sports.  Pray that God will strengthen both of our guys to be the men that He intends for them to be. 

Stateside to Serve
We are here to come alongside individuals and churches to connect them with the needs around the world as well as help them to proceed with the vision that God has given them for the lost.  We welcome each and every opportunity that the Lord gives us and we pray for them and ask that you join us in praying for them as well.

Financial Support
We are getting ready to take a big hit on our support account as we pay our medical insurance for the year.  Please pray that God will provide for this need. 

Thank you for standing with us in prayer.  The ministries described above would not have come to fruition with them.

Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy

Update 07/09/12

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Matthew 6:19-20

Dear Prayer Warriors,

On June 10th, our team of 13 arrived in Ibarra, Ecuador to do some light construction and provide assistance and supplies for their Vacation Bible School. We averaged about 65 kids each day, which was about double of what the church had received in the past. One morning, we had the opportunity to share the Gospel to 480 children in a local public school. Our Youth Pastor utilized magic tricks to capture the children’s attention while presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ. Please pray that God’s word will not return void. One of our greatest surprises was that we ministered to a large group of Colombians who live in Ibarra. We worked alongside them, attended their cell groups, ate in their homes, and even played a game of soccer and basketball. There is always a storehouse of treasures on short-term mission trips. You are welcome to join us on July 22 as the team shares and testifies to all the treasures that God showed our team in Ibarra, Ecuador. Photos for this trip can be viewed at: http://tinyurl.com/7ec935f
 

Our preparations continue for serving at Epworth Nazarene Youth Camp. We will be providing the Missions emphasis to the youth program each day. Please pray for us on July 11-14 as we lead these young folks in missions. Our treasures await…

Please pray for Doug as his small group of 5 travels to Medellin, Colombia on July 21. The group will be partnering with the local Colombian church and evangelizing door to door. The team also plans to continue building the foundational groundwork for our newest project: Saturation Antioquia, which includes planting 20,000 house churches within the next 5 years.

David ministered as a cabin counselor this past week to a group of First Nation children in Copper Island, British Colombia. We thank those of you that supported his trip through your prayers and finances. He has returned with many stories about how the kids heard about Christ, and how he was challenged to be a light for Jesus to those in his cabin.

Finally, we ask you to please pray for our monthly giving. Our giving last month was down substantially. We are asking God to provide additional monthly donors. We praise God for the donors that continue to sacrificially support us. We continue to be greatly blessed.

Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy

Update 05/30/12

Dear Prayer Warriors,

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

Prayers
You are called prayer warriors for a reason. This update is for that very purpose. We cannot succeed in ministry without abiding in Jesus and relying on your prayers. Your prayers have protected us, strengthened us, provided for us, given us wisdom, kept us safe and allowed God’s work to go forth through these vessels of clay. We don’t begin to try and understand it, we simply relish in it. Thank you for standing with us. We could not do ministry without YOU!

FPC
We finished our 7-week Sunday school commitment with the First Presbyterian Church. What a joy to get to know these folks better. In the past, they have welcomed us to share and give updates about our ministries, but this was a beautiful time to study God’s word together and hear what God is doing in each of our lives. We used the curriculum called, “not a fan” by Kyle Idleman. We HIGHLY recommend this DVD series.

Discipleship
Christ’s great commission calls us to go unto all the world making disciples. OMS defines disciples as obedient followers of Jesus. The making of disciples involves evangelism, teaching, training and mentoring. We are thrilled to be able to be a part of this even while living here in Gibson City. Doug has been leading and discipling a group of men for the past 11 weeks in our home, utilizing the “I Am Second” format. Cindy has been discipling several women each week since last Fall as she teaches them from God’s word. She covers them in prayer as she encourages them with specific ways to apply God’s word to their lives.

Vacation Bible School in Gibson City, Illinois and Ibarra, Ecuador
June 4-8 we are participating in VBS at our home church in Gibson City and the following week we are leading a short-term team into Ibarra, Ecuador to bring a VBS to Ecuadorian children. The Gibson City kids are raising funds each day to purchase VBS supplies for the Ibarra kids. Please pray for the kids, workers, teachers and our team as we make our final preparations to go to serve.

Copper Island
Thank you for your prayers and support for David as he serves on his “first” short-term mission trip. He will be serving as a counselor to first nation children at a camp in British Columbia. We are rejoicing and praising God that he is almost fully funded to go!

Epworth Holiness Camp - July 9-15
Our willingness to go wherever God leads is taking us to Epworth, IL this summer for a week of revival and holiness camp. We are representing missionaries and the work that God is doing through them. Please pray for our preparations.

Need Teams
We have an immediate need of 1-2 people to join Doug on a groundbreaking evangelism trip to Colombia on July 21-28. Saturation Antioquia is a project with a goal to plant 20,000 churches in Colombia. This project is one of our priorities for the next 3 years. If you can’t join this team, please prayerfully consider joining a team in the future.

One of our churches has raised over $5000 for pre-tuned, solar radios to be distributed to Haiti. We are looking for teams that we willing to distribute these radios to the door of a Haitian and give them the Resounding Hope of Jesus Christ.

Our desire is to assist in your obedience to all that God is calling you to do! Let us know how we can do that.

Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy

Update 04/12/12

Dear Prayer Warriors,

It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 1 Corinthians 3:7

WOW!! Spring is a time of incredible growing. The Midwest is about a month ahead of growing schedule. Trees and bushes have already bloomed and leaves are bursting forth. However, that is not the only thing that is growing. We are witnessing amazing growth spurts in our ministries as well. Take a look:

We had great and productive Men For Missions (MFM) staff meetings. We took time to look at the projects and goals for the next 3 years. It was during this time that God answered our prayer for contentment in this ministry. Men For Mission staff is growing as well as the ministries of MFM.

This Sunday we plan to grow in the knowledge of God’s word as we lead Sunday School at the local First Presbyterian Church for the next 7 weeks. Please pray for us as we lead.

Our Ibarra, Ecuador team has blossomed. We are a team of 11. Seven of our team members are graduating high school seniors or currently in college. We begin our weekly preparation classes this week. Please pray for our team. We will depart on June 9 to lead a Vacation Bible School, share testimonies, encourage small remote house churches, and complete various small maintenance jobs at the church.

God is really growing and preparing David for ministry. He has always loved kids but now God is preparing him to minister to First Nation Kids on Copper Island, British Colombia for a week this summer. Please pray for his funding. If you would like more information on joining his support team, please let us know.

Jonathan’s growth spurt has come through his maturity. We praise for Lord for providing him with an after school job at County Market, our local grocery store. He is really stepping up to the responsibilities in life.

Even though our mentees are babes in Christ, they are growing rapidly. Two women that Cindy mentors were baptized on Easter Sunday. One of the men from Doug’s bible study was baptized as well. The husband and wife shared their powerful testimony and we rejoiced with them as they expressed outwardly of their inward transformation. Please pray for these new believers and ask God to continue to GROW them more and more into His likeness.

We need to ask God to grow our ministry teams to supply the needs that we have. Doug is leading a team to Colombia to do evangelism from July 21-28. We are also building teams to distribute pre-tuned, solar-powered radios in Haiti as well as build houses in Haiti. If you have a desire to be a part of any of these teams, please let us know.

We rejoice as God has also grown our financial support team as an additional family has come on board. We are grateful for those of you that have so faithfully supported our ministries. May God continue to reveal to you the important part that you have in GROWING His kingdom!

Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy

Resounding Hope

Resounding Hope

Update 02/17/12

Dear Prayer Warriors,

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Funding

January was a time set aside to focus on funding.  We asked for your prayers and your finances, and God continues to provide.  He has met one-third of our unmet needs for 2012.  We are rejoicing and will continue to work on raising the funds for the remaining needs.

Antonio’s visit

Thank you for your prayers during the visit of our Ecuadorian pastor, Antonio.  Just last week, he arrived safely back in Quito.  God provided for his every need, as well as broadening his world perspective in so many ways.  Please read our past Blog entry: “01/26/12 (Pastor Antonio's Visit)”, for a link to some photos from his visit.

Equip Conference ~ Peoria, IL

Next week, we will be presenting and participating in the Equip Conference in Peoria, IL with several other OMS missionaries.  We will be teaching a seminar on how to plan a short-term mission trip.  The workshop will help with the planning of a short-term mission trip for the local church.  It will include details from start to finish.

Doug’s Opportunities

On Wednesday, February 22^nd, Doug will begin an “I Am Second” group in our home.  He will be facilitating a small group of men for 6 weeks.  Please pray for a bonding between these men.

On March 10, Doug will be the speaker at the Men for Missions - Southeastern Illinois Annual Dinner in Olney.  He would appreciate your prayers as he challenges men and women to prayerfully consider in how they can participate in some upcoming short-term mission trips.

Cindy’s Opportunities

There are 3 more weeks of teaching Survival Spanish at Heritage Preparatory Academy.  This has opened another opportunity for us to minister to the team of 40 that will be going to Guatemala to serve short term in July.  We will be leading them in a 6-week preparation course to serve on this short-term mission trip.  Please pray as we prepare a curriculum for them.    

She is currently leading 4 discipleship/mentoring classes each week.  Please pray that God will continue to equip her with all she needs to lead these women with the truth from God’s word. 

Invitation to not a fan

If you reside in Gibson City or the surrounding area, we invite you to join us at the First Presbyterian Church beginning April 15^th as we lead a 7-week series on not a fan by Kyle Idleman.  This has been one of our favorite books this year.  It challenges us to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ. 

Konstruction Kids & Resounding Hope

We are very excited about the progress that Konstruction Kids are making towards bringing Hope to Haiti through Resounding Hope by helping raise funds to sponsor solar-powered radios tuned to Radio 4VEH.  They have been recognized on the Resounding Hope website as a Hoperaiser.  Please check out what it means to be a Hope Raiser.  If you have any interest in bringing Hope to Haiti, please contact us.

The Boys

Please pray for David this semester.  He is carrying a heavy academic load and also doing some class work in a nearby youth detention center.  He is also seeking direction on a ministry opportunity this summer that includes working with First Nation kids in British Colombia.  Please pray for confirmation as well as financial provisions. 

Jonathan has completed his wrestling season.  One of his goals was to finish the season.  We are encouraged by his perseverance and determination.  He is now job hunting.  Please pray for employment opportunities for him.

We are so thankful for every opportunity that the Lord gives us to serve.  We are especially thankful for those that pray and give and enable us to serve.  May God richly bless each one of you. 

Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy