Update 08/22/13

Dear Prayer Warriors,

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." (Philippians 1:3 NLT)


Praise:
We are praising the Lord for providing some much needed time away in the north woods of Wisconsin. The beauty and quietness refreshed us. The fishing was great, too!

Praise:
David utilized the location of his summer internship to propose to Erin Pennington on the roof of JPUSA in uptown Chicago. David surprised Erin with a family celebration. We are so thankful for the Pennington Family and their love for the Lord. We are excited about their Spring wedding!

Pray:
Jonathan started his senior year of High School on Wednesday. Thank you for praying for David during his internship. He will conclude his internship on Friday and begin his last semester of college in Greenville on Wednesday.

Praise:
We are now connected with remote computer access to the Men for Missions office in Greenwood, IN. This allows direct access to team information which we will be using to follow-up with returning short-term team members.

Pray:
We continually seek opportunities to share with churches, groups, or individuals about missions and what God is doing around the world. If we can help promote missions or short-term mission trips in your area, please let us know.

Praise:
We continue to receive great news from Colombia following our recent team to the department of Antioquia. Many new “I Am Second” groups have been formed, many prayers are being answered, and new believers are being discipled and are excited to share the Gospel with their family members and friends.

We were also excited to see that due to the currency exchange rate, that some of our team money could be used to buy bibles, chairs, and study materials for the new bible studies. We were also able to help with the need of providing a young girl with a wheelchair. Her brother had been carrying her back and forth to school each day.

We have room on the next Evangelism team to Medellin, Colombia on October 26 – November 2. You may click this link to print a brochure for more information about this opportunity. Please contact us if you are interested.

Pray:
Cindy is leading the Konstruction Kids project at our home church again this year, and will kick it off on September 4th. The kids will be challenged to raise $2000 for a copier to help orphans at the Good Shepherd’s Fold school in Uganda, Africa. The orphans have to spend hours hand copying their lessons because they can’t afford the textbooks. The copier would eliminate this time consuming task.

Blessings to You!
Doug and Cindy 

Update 07/30/13

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Scripture: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Hudson Taylor Quotes: 
Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their own resources, and thus they attempt very little and they always fail. All giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence to be with them.

Since the days of Pentecost, has the whole church ever put aside every other work and waited upon Him for ten days, that the Spirit's power might be manifested? We give too much attention to method and machinery and resources, and too little to the source of power.

We have been convicted on numerous occasions of our lack of reliance on the Holy Spirit. So many times, whether it is in the routine and mundane tasks of everyday living or in the years of expertise and experience or in the confidence of our God given gifts and talents, we have tried to live and serve in our own abilities. We can’t do it! We confess that what we have to offer is nothing but filthy rags. In our feeble attempts to “do it our way”, we have been paralyzed with fear, failure, and falsehood. Please pray, as we need to be filled each moment with the Holy Spirit to do the work that He has for us to do.

Praise - Doug to Colombia 
Thank you so much for your prayers while Doug was in Colombia. It was an amazing time. Doug and his team of six from the states, along with Octavio and Fannyta from Bogotá, Colombia - partnered with local translators and church members and hit the streets in four different locations within Medellin, Colombia. The team went door to door sharing their testimonies, along with utilizing the Evangecube as a tool to explain the truth from the bible about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The team saw the Lord work in amazing ways through each team member. 

For the week, God blessed them with 183 decisions for Christ. But do you know what? The fields are so very ripe for harvest, and we need more folks like you, to go and help us share the Gospel with those that need to hear about Jesus and become aware that God offers everyone the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 6:23).

Our next team will be heading back to Colombia on Oct. 26-Nov. 1. Please pray about joining this team. It is such a blessing to share with others, about the hope we have in Jesus…. and it is fun too! Please click here for additional photos.  For more information about this upcoming trip, please click this link to access a brochure explaining the trip:http://tinyurl.com/lb5u6zd 

Praise - Vacation
We will be taking a week and heading to northern Wisconsin with Jonathan and his girlfriend, Taylor. Please pray that our time together will be a blessing to God and to each other.

Pray – School Starting
It’s that time of year again when the guys will be heading back to school. David will have a very heavy fall semester as he works to finish up a semester early and graduate in December 2013. Jonathan will begin his senior year working in the co-op program half day and attending class the other half. Please pray for both to finish well.

Pray – Support Account
We are seeking intentional prayer support for direction on how to prepare for paying our annual health insurance premium of $7-8,000 which is due in September. This will likely cause our missionary support account to fall into a deficit position.

Praise – Supporters
We praise the Lord daily for all of you that support us through your prayers and financial giving. We give thanks for how most of you have been supporting us so faithfully since 2005. You are all so very vital to our ministry, and we are blessed that you even take the time to read this update.  Thank you!

Blessings to You!
Doug and Cindy

Update 06/20/13

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Praise ~ Trinidad Team
We are so thankful for God’s provisions for Cindy and the Houghton Field Hockey team to Trinidad. Trinidad is one of the wealthiest islands in the Caribbean and is predominately a Christian country, so we were not subjected to some of the poverty and hopelessness that is prevalent on so many of our short term mission trips. However, it was so encouraging to see how God is working there through “Is There Not a Cause” mission organization. They are small but mighty in their efforts to serve the poor in Haiti, Kenya, India, as well as the needy in Trinidad. It was a privilege to partner with this organization to share the love of Jesus to those that we met.

The team had many opportunities to minister in Trinidad through a sports clinic, visits to a girl’s school sharing testimonies and praying with and for the needs of the girls, after school bible club activities, a women’s and children’s event in which testimonies were shared, Bible stories were taught, and fellowship was had by all. The Houghton girls also had several opportunities to serve as ambassadors for Jesus as they played the national field hockey team of Trinidad in a single game and again in a tournament with two other club teams. These Houghton girls love field hockey and use it to bring honor and glory to God as they shout and play “All for Him!”

This trip was so different than any other trip that Cindy has been on. In that, everything that could be familiar and routine was not part of this trip: She was not on an OMS field with OMS missionaries. She did not know the team, nor had any part in preparing them. Certainly, did not know a thing about field hockey. Doug was not with her to hang on his organizational shirttails. However, she found herself having to completely rely on God for many things. God is so faithful to supply and provide for our needs but if we never put ourselves in a position of needing Him, we miss out on seeing His amazing work and abundant hand of provisions.

At least once a day on the bus, we joined our voices in a song of prayer as we sang, “Jesus Be the Center” by Israel Houghton. Jesus was the center of this trip, the center of those on this team, the center of those that we served alongside and it’s our prayer that He never loses that position in our lives.
 
Pray ~ MFM Cabinet Meetings
Our annual MFM cabinet meetings will be June 23-25. Please pray for those that are traveling and for the preparations as well as our time together praising the Lord for his faithfulness this past year and seeking His guidance in the year to come. We are thankful for the Godly men and their wives that God calls to be cabinet members. Pray for Cindy as she has been asked to share during the women’s meeting.

Pray ~ Ministry Update
Back in April, we shared of our plans to transition to our mission headquarters located in Indiana. We pressed hard in preparing for this move; however with Jonathan beginning his senior year of H.S. and his working in a job that he really enjoys, along with a few obstacles we have been dealing with, we have prayerfully made the decision to remain where we are at this time. We will be continuing to serve as Regional Directors, and also explore the opportunity of helping the Men for Missions office with the follow-up of those returning from short-term mission trips.

Proverbs 16:9 says: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Please pray that we can regain the momentum of our regional work as we wait patiently on the Lord knowing and trusting that He directs our steps.

Praise and Pray ~ David
Thank you for your prayers as David settles into his internship ministry at Cornerstone Community Center in intercity Uptown Chicago. It is so exciting to hear his daily stories and see how the Lord is growing and molding him into what He wants him to be. Isaiah 64:8 says: “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Please pray that he can be an accurate testimony and demonstrate Christ’s love as he builds relationships with the clients in the Center as well as those that he is working alongside.

Pray ~ Colombia Team
Doug will be joining another door-to-door evangelistic campaign to Colombia in the state of Antioquia. He and his team will be partnering with his Colombian brothers and sisters in Christ, as they continue to saturate this area with the Gospel and help to plant new churches. Please pray for this team that will be in Colombia, July 20-27. If you have a passport and are interested in being a part of this team, please let us know quickly.

Praise ~ Support Team
We thank God for each one of you. Your support is our lifeline to ministry. It encourages, it equips, and sustains us. It bridges the gaps of our inadequate and feeble efforts to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Blessings to you,
Doug and Cindy

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