Update 08/30/14 - Everyone is Settled

Dear Prayer Warriors,

August was a month for moving again! Last Saturday we arrived in San José, Costa Rica, and we were grateful to be greeted by Steve and Hannah Skinner at the airport. Steve and Hannah are currently attending the Spanish language school and will soon be assuming responsibilities of running the OMS Guesthouse in Quito, Ecuador. We are now settled into our upstairs studio apartment in San José. We have to go through 3 locked gates/doors, walk through the landlords dining room, and up the stairs to another locked door which enters their master bedroom, which has been converted into rental property. We feel pretty safe! 

God answered prayers! One week prior to our departure, God revealed where Jonathan was to live in St. Augustine Beach, FL. Pray for Jonathan to find employment as soon as possible. 

David and Erin have relocated from their MINI studio to married housing at Asbury Seminary. We dropped by with a few things for their new home on our way down to Florida. Pray for them as they adjust to their new schedules of employment and classes.

Orientation at the Spanish Institute is underway. The 4 day orientation is quite extensive. We have completed our oral and written placement exams and should find out which levels we will be placed in, on Monday. Classes start next Tuesday, September 3. Pray for us as we continue in this life long learning of Spanish, so that we can be well equipped to transition into rural church planting and effectively share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Join us in praying for God's direction on how we can be used to come alongside many young families that are here. From experience, we know how difficult it can be to transition into a new culture and new assignments/roles as a family. We want to be a source of support and encouragement to them while we are here.

Our Home Church ~ GCBC

What an incredible blessing it was to attend and serve in our home church during our second term of missionary service. Our need for this church is so multifaceted. During our first term, this church was faithful in their financial and prayer support to us. During our second term, as their faithfulness continued, they opened the storehouse of love to us during some of the most difficult days of our ministry. They were full of encouragement, wisdom, patience, compassion and abundant understanding. They were a huge part in the healing that we received and preparing us to serve overseas once again. We look forward to how God will use this church during our third term. We hope to see many of them on the field. 

Blessings, 
Doug and Cindy

Update 07/16/14 - Engage Your Heart ~ Expand Your Vision

Dear Prayer Warriors,

“Do you not say, ‘Four more months and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” John 4:35

“WHO grabs your attention, but doesn’t grab your heart?”

These are just two of the many divine teachings that struck a chord with us during our time at the OMS – International Conference, and they continue to challenge us as they linger and resonate in our hearts and minds.

Many would expect to hear John 4:35 at a missions conference, but when we heard this verse in context and realized that Jesus was responding to the disciples that went into Samaria looking for food, we were so challenged to “open our eyes”.

Like the disciples, how many times have we gone into a place (our community, our home, our church) with our preconceived ideas, our prejudices, our hurts and our judgments, with our eyes closed and hearts hardened to those around us? The Jews/Disciples hated and despised the Samaritans and chose for themselves that the Samaritans were unworthy of the hope that they knew in Jesus. Jesus responded to them saying, “Open your eyes…. The fields are ripe for the harvest.”

As we go about our day, so many people grab our attention. This can be by how they look, how they act, how they live, what they post on Facebook or so many other ways. And just like the Disciples reactions to the Samaritans, the attention grabbers in our lives can easily become tainted by our past or preconceived judgments in a way that these folks no longer grab our hearts. Our eyes can become closed and hearts can become numb to the fact that they so desperately need the encouragement, love, grace and mercy of Jesus.

Please pray that as we move forth in ministry, that people will grab our hearts and not just our attention.

Thank you and Praise
Thank you for praying. We’ve had a wonderful time visiting, worshipping together, and sharing with our supporting churches. There are still additional churches that we’d like to visit prior to our departure.

Pray
On July 29, we will be loading a U-Haul of things for Jonathan, David and Erin. On the 30th, we will set out for Wilmore, Kentucky to drop off a load for David and Erin as they move into married housing at Asbury Seminary. Then, we will continue on, arriving into St. Augustine, FL on July 31 to get Jonathan settled. Please pray for all the logistics of these relocations, as well as our apprehensions of saying “goodbye” to our children.

Pray

As we draw closer to our departure date and accept invitations to “one last meal together” or seeing our children get settled in without us, or wrap up precious ministries, or narrowing our necessities to 2 bags a piece, we are beginning to feel the sacrifices that the Lord is asking of us and we need prayer! We will be leaving the USA on August 23rd, and will first travel to Costa Rica to attend additional language studies before continuing on to Ecuador.

Thank you and Praise
We are so thankful for several one time financial gifts and several new monthly supporters! We love it when God has obviously touched a heart on our behalf and paves the way for us to continue on in ministry. We can’t thank you enough for investing in us and what the Lord is calling us to do. We pray that He confirms and blesses your vital role on our ministry team.

Blessings to you,
Doug and Cindy

Update 05/30/14

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Challenge ~ “GO, SEND, or DISOBEY” (John Piper)

This is one of the quotes that recently concluded our 15-week World Christian Movement (Perspectives) class.  A simple, yet bold challenge for all of us. 

Praise and Pray ~ House Closing/Moving

We closed on the sale of our house on May 23 and have relocated to a rental until our August departure.  It was a bit overwhelming with the task of moving earlier than we planned, however the Lord provided and we are very thankful.  Our new address is 507 Carriage Lane, Gibson City, IL 60936.  Phone numbers are the same. 

Pray ~ MFM/OMS Regional Ministries Conference – May 19-23

Due to our move and Jonathan’s H.S. graduation, we were unable to attend this year’s meetings.  Please pray for them as they seek God’s direction for the year ahead and celebrate God’s faithfulness as they plan for MFM’s 60^th Anniversary celebration in July.

Praise ~ Jonathan Graduated – May 24

David and Jonathan

Rejoice with us as we celebrate Jonathan’s High School graduation.  He has walked through quite a valley these past two years and we have much to rejoice in, praising God for His protective hand and faithfulness in Jonathan’s life.  He is still working full-time working on a farm and butchering.  Please pray for God’s direction as he plans to relocate to Florida at the end of July.

Pray ~ Speaking Schedule

We have several opportunities to share about our role in what God is doing in Ecuador.  Please keep these in your prayers:

o   June 15 – Ovid Community Church – We will be sharing about our future ministries in Ecuador and training a team to use the Evangecube.

o   June 21 – GAB Women’s Night, Paxton, IL – Cindy will be sharing

o   June 22 – Fame Evangelical Church in Moweaqua, IL – We will be sharing during the sermon time.

o   June 29 – Gibson City Bible Church – Doug will be preaching

Pray ~ Support Raising

Prior to our return to Ecuador, we need to raise support for some one-time expenses.  Earlier this month, we sent out several letters to potential supporters asking for their prayer and financial support.  We have also created a blog page as we seek to utilize social media to help raise the additional support needed to return to the field. Click here to read.  Please pray that our needed funds will come in.

Blessings to You!

Doug and Cindy

“And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” (Luke 1:47-49 ESV)

Returning to Ecuador - We Need Your Support!

As we prepare to return to Ecuador, God has confirmed His direction for us to serve as church planters in remote areas near Loja. We will be serving with other OMS-Ecuador missionaries as a part of a new project called “West Loja” as the overall, long-term strategy to plant churches in the western part of Loja province. The province of Loja on the southern border of Ecuador is one of the least reached areas in Ecuador for the Gospel. 70,000 people live in the nine southwestern counties, four have a very small church, and five have no evangelical witness that OMS has been able to locate.

Will you please prayerfully consider joining our ministry team through your prayers, your one-time gift and/or a monthly financial commitment?
So how can you give?

Here are some various ways in which you can support us:

1. The easiest way to give a one-time gift, is by going to the One Mission Society website, and using your credit card: http://www.onemissionsociety.org/give/thetankersleys
    
2. Here is a link to a Faith Promise Card that is typically on the tear-off of our Prayer Card: http://tinyurl.com/Tankersleys-Faith-Promise.  This is a card which allows you to prayerfully commit to a “faith promise” between you and the Lord as He directs and provides. You can print this card out, and indicate a one-time giving, or designate an amount that you promise to give over the next five years. It could be given monthly, annually, semi-annually, etc.
     
3. If you would like to give monthly, but not have the task of remembering to send it in each month, you can complete an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Form to have your monthly amount transferred from your checking account. Print out the form and send it to the address indicated on the form. Here is the link to the EFT form: http://tinyurl.com/EFT-Recurring-Checking Please be sure to indicate: “802314 – Tankersley”.
    
4. You can also set up an EFT with your credit card through Paypal: http://www.onemissionsociety.org/give/thetankersleys (select: "Monthly Gift")
   If you prefer to give to our ministry by simply mailing a check in the mail, you may do so by sending your gift to our gift processing center:

                        One Mission Society
                        P.O. Box 1648
                        Monument, CO 80132-1648

Please make your check payable to One Mission Society. Be sure to include our missionary name and account number on the memo line or in an attached note “802314 – Tankersley”.

If you have any questions about becoming a partner of our ministry through your support, we would welcome an opportunity to visit with you.

Thank you so much for your consideration in your giving to our ministry.  We look forward to how God will use our partnership for His glory. We are so thankful for you and your vital role in our ministry. Your giving will be helping to make an eternal difference in the lives of many.

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Cor 9:7)

Tankersley Prayer Card 2014

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Below you will find our new Prayer Card if you would like to print a copy.  Click the photo below for the full card (front and back).

Tankersley Prayer Card 2014

Update 04/03/14 - Loja Challenge 2015

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Here is a copy of a recent article about project "Loja Challenge 2015" that we will be helping with. This area is located within southwest Ecuador, and is a spiritually tough area.  Please begin praying for hearts to be softened in anticipation of the Gospel being shared there.  Also, we need your help in finding 10 young people ready to join the team and serve in five rural communities that have no evangelical witness.

For more information, click here: http://www.onemissionsociety.org/go/loja-challenge-2015-ecuador or follow "Loja Challenge 2015" on Facebook.

Blessings to You!
Doug and Cindy

Click here for a link to the article: "Loja Challenge 2015"

Update 03/14/14

Dear Prayer Warriors,

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

1 Corinthians 15:58

 

The Lord is Leading Us to Loja, Ecuador

The province of Loja on the southern border of Ecuador is one of the least reached areas in Ecuador for the Gospel. 70,000 people live in the western 9 counties, four have a small church starting, and five have no evangelical witness that OMS has been able to find.

We continue to make preparations for our return to the field as God has confirmed His direction for us to serve as church planters in this remote area of southern Ecuador. We will be serving with other OMS-Ecuador missionaries as a part of a new project called "Loja Challenge 2015".  We will be sharing more about this project in future updates, but for now you can read more by clicking here: "Loja Challenge 2015", or search for “Loja Challenge 2015” on Facebook.

Please begin to pray as we prepare for our return to living and serving in Ecuador.  As we prepare for our departure back to the field in August, we have quite a bit to accomplish.  Once again, we have a house to sell, belongings to disperse, and additional funds to raise.  Prior to our actual arrival in Ecuador, we will first be returning to Costa Rica where we will attend language school to increase our Spanish language skills that have diminished over the last 3 1/2 years.

We would love any opportunity to share about what God is doing in Ecuador and how you can be a part of it.  We are in need of additional ministry supporters and would love to welcome you to our team with your prayers, finances, and short term mission opportunities for you and your church.  If you would like to help support us financially now, please click HERE.

 

 

World Christian Movement

We are six weeks into our "Perspectives" seminary class and it has been amazing!  It's really opened our eyes to our one and only purpose and that it to bring God glory.  We are learning so much about God's mission for the world, His heart for people and how much He loves them.  It's also been a huge confirmation of the call that God has put on our life. 

 

 

Wedding Bells are Ringing March 22, 2014

David & Erin will be united as one in Melvin, Illinois.  After their honeymoon, they will reside in Wilmore, Kentucky where David will start Asbury Seminary in the Fall.  Join us in praying that David & Erin's marriage will bring God glory. 

 

 

New President for One Mission Society

We would like to announce and welcome the next President-elect of OMS, Dr. Robert Fetherlin. Bob and his wife Esther come to us with 33 years of experience with The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA). They spent 8 years serving in Mali, West Africa, and the past 25 in leadership at the C&MA national headquarters.

 

Bob and Esther will officially begin service with OMS on July 1, 2014. David and Lori Long and the entire OMS missionary body welcome Bob and Esther, the 10th OMS President in our 113-year history, to the OMS family. We look forward to the future and how God will use us as we serve him together by his grace and for his glory.

 

 

A Great Summer Getaway

Make plans now!
For more information and to register, click here:
http://www.menformissions.org/events/default.asp

 

 

 

We are so very thankful for your faithful support to us!   We love you and appreciate you so much!

Blessings,
Doug & Cindy

Update 01/22/14

A Glimpse at the Year Ahead

Dear Prayer Warriors:

It’s here! 2014 is here! As we glimpse at the year ahead, we have much to lay at the feet of our Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ:

January - May = Perspectives Course every Monday night
March 22 - David and Erin get married
April – House to sell May - Jonathan graduates high school
July - OMS/MFM International Conference
August – Begin language school in Costa Rica

Praise ~ One of our GREATEST Blessings:
In hindsight, we remember living (developing) our personal testimony, but how many of us look at the trials and struggles of our children and realize that they too are developing their very own personal testimony?

We have been living in the midst of Jonathan’s testimony for the past few years. He has had many struggles, and many times all we could do was to trust in the Lord, have faith in God’s plan for Jonathan’s life, and PRAY!

On Christmas Day, while confined in the belly of a whale, Jonathan’s eyes were opened to his desperate need for a Savior and he prayed to receive Christ Jesus as Lord of his life. He willingly surrendered his plan (which had not been working) for the plan that God has for him.

Some would look at his confinement as a curse or embarrassment, but we choose to look at it as a blessing and beautiful redemption. Just as God supplied the whale for Jonah, he used Jonathan’s confinement to save him, protect him, and redeem him. We can’t begin to share the entire journey in a monthly update, but we rejoice and we thank you for standing in the gaps for us with your prayers even when you don’t know the circumstances. We really don’t know where we would be today without your prayer support! THANK YOU so much and please continue to pray for Jonathan.

Praise ~ David Graduated
Rejoice with us as we celebrate David’s graduation from Greenville College. He graduated a month early with Cum Laude honors and is now at home working full time and preparing for his wedding in March. David and Erin plan to move to Wilmore, Kentucky where he will begin seminary in the fall at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Pray ~ Perspectives
We will audit our very first seminary class this semester. The World Christian Movement class will begin next week. Most of you may know it as Perspectives. We have only heard wonderful things about this course and know that we need to have a bigger perspective of what God desires for the world. Pray that our minds and hearts will be open to all that God has for us. 

Pray ~ Make Plans Now
Please prayerfully consider making plans to join One Mission Society for their International Conference and the Men For Missions 60th Anniversary on July 10-13 at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana.

Many years ago, before we were serving as missionaries with OMS, we planned our family vacation around this conference. It’s a very simple way for God to broaden your world “Perspective” without taking a seminary course. Eric Simpson, pastor and Indianapolis Colts team chaplain will be the keynote speaker. You will hear field updates from around the world and they will also offer children and youth programs.
 
Whether you have been on a short-term mission trip with Men For Missions or not, you are cordially invited to come and celebrate 60 years of God’s faithfulness through this ministry during this conference.
For more information go to: http://www.menformissions.org/events/default.asp

Pray ~ Begin Preparations
Through various meetings, we have begun preparations for our return to living and serving on the field of Ecuador. In the months ahead, we will be working to raise additional support needed for our return. Please pray for additional financial supporters. We are seeking those that are willing to join our team in a monthly support role as well as those willing to give a one-time gift. No gift is too small or too large!

We plan to continue with our current ministry responsibilities until our departure in August. Please pray for wisdom to prioritize our schedules as they are already filling up.

This has been a lot of reading for one update! Thank you for making it to the end. May God bless you and continue to lead and guide you this very day.

Blessings to You!

Doug and Cindy

Update 11/08/13

Dear Prayer Warriors,

It is hard to believe that November is already here, until we look out the windows or step outside and we are quickly reminded.  It is also hard to believe that 2014 will soon be here!  Thank you for your prayers, as October was a busy and blessed month.

Praise ~ David preached for his first time.

David was invited to preach during Vespers at Greenville College, and we were blessed to be able to travel and attend.  It was a late evening as he began preaching at about 10pm., but it was well worth the travel into the wee hours.  We rejoice in how we see David really seeking the Lord in all he does.  Please pray for David as strives to finish college well this December and graduate Cum Laude.

Praise ~ Follow-up

Cindy is now highly engaged in completing the Men for Missions (MFM) Follow-up Prayer Brochures that are sent out to each team that returns from a short-term mission trip.  It is exciting to loo

k through returning team member’s photos from various teams and countries, and see how the Lord has been working in and through so many.  Lord willing, this year MFM will have their largest number of ministry team participants. Through October 31, there have been 759 people on 91 teams to 17 countries.

Cindy is also continuing her work to serve as consultant to our church’s Children’s Ministries program. She recently had the opportunity to share the Gospel message utilizing a pumpkin during our church’s Hallelujah Party, which is an alternative to traditional Halloween.  She will also be sharing a message of Thanksgiving to the ladies in our local nursing home.

Praise ~ A Vision of the Harvest…

This was the theme for the Conrad Mission Church’s mission conference, located in northern Montana.  Doug was invited to be their keynote speaker and had the opportunity to share about missions, and the willingness to surrender our will for the Lord’s will. He was greatly blessed to meet many new folks that have a heart for missions and challenged others to pray about stepping outside their comfort zones, and say “Here I am Lord, use me.”  The conference also included powerful testimonies through drama, provided by the drama department from Canada’s Millar College of the Bible.

Doug was also blessed as his hosts provided him with opportunities to see what life is like on a Montana ranch and farm.  The views were breathtaking and hospitality was exceptional.  Thank you Mark and Devra.

On his way home from Montana, Doug stopped mid-way to spend a couple of days with his sister Kathy and brother-in-law Rich in Colorado.  It had been an embarrassing 18 years since his last visit there, so it was great that he could meet some new family members in person.

Praise ~ Colombia

In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus tells his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” And in John 4:35, Jesus goes on to say “…..I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

Never before have these verses been more evident to Doug as he traveled to Colombia for his fourth time, to participate in door-to-door evangelism with another MFM short-term mission team.  As a team of 7, partnered along

with their Colombian brothers and sisters in Christ, they were blessed as 312 individuals prayed to receive Christ.  Their team was also invited to present the gospel within a public school which resulted in 106 students, teachers and even the principal praying to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Please pray that this school will become a powerful testimony for Jesus Christ, and that these children can be effective in sharing the Gospel with their friends and family.

The stories that the team members have, are incredible.  Experiences that range from opportunities to share the gospel in beauty shops, to ladies operating sewing machines in sweat-shops, to police officers on the streets, and praying for high-ranking military officers.  The stories go on and on, and it is so evident that Colombians living within the department of Antioquia, Colombia are so very ready to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  The fields are truly ripe for harvest, and we need more folks that are willing to go and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them.  Please pray about joining an evangelism team in 2014.  For additional photos from Colombia, click these links: Group 1, Group 2

Pray ~ Year-end travels

As we prepare to finish out the year, we will be gathering on November, 17 with extended family as we celebrate Doug’s Mom’s 80th birthday.  We are also actively lining up a few visits to churches, individuals, and an MFM Action group before the end of the year.  We will be heading to south Illinois this weekend, and then west to visit with a new contact next week.

We are so thankful for your prayers.  We have felt them and can’t imagine attempting to serve in ministry without your support.  You are a huge part of the harvest as you pray, Do, Go and Give.

Blessings to You!
Doug and Cindy

Update 09/18/13

Dear Prayer Warriors,

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” 

Philippians 4:19

Praise ~ Insurance Premium

In July, we asked for prayer regarding our annual health insurance premium.  We really felt led to trust God with this need and not rely on letters and calls.  God is so faithful and to date has brought in 65% of our bill.  We are so thankful to you who stand in prayer for us and for those obedient hearts that God touched on our behalf.

Pray and Praise ~ Additional Ministry

Cindy has worked with children for 23 years.  Since our stateside assignment, she has only had small roles in the lives of children such as Konstruction Kids, VBS and camps.  It’s been a real void in her life during the past 3 years.  Recently, she was asked by our sending church to serve as a consultant to their Children’s Ministries program.  While she didn’t feel a direct calling from God, it has sparked a flame within her.  Most of her free time will now be spent in praying and seeking ways to enhance their children’s ministry program.  Please pray, as she desires to be an encouragement to the ones that faithfully serve the children each week. 

Praise ~ Remote Access

Now that we can be directly connected to a computer located at OMS headquarters, we have been able to begin work on some of the Follow-up Prayer Brochures.  Thank you for your prayers in helping us to get this resolved.

Pray ~ Montana

Please pray for Doug as prepares to share 5 different times during a Missions Conference that will be held on Oct. 13-14 at the Conrad Mission Church in Montana.  On his return, he hopes stop and visit his sister Kathy and her family living near Denver, Co.

Pray ~ Colombia

The project Saturation Antioquia evangelism team to Colombia scheduled for Oct. 26 - Nov. 2 is continuing to form.  If you feel the Lord nudging you to join this team, please let us know very soon.  http://tinyurl.com/MFM-Antioquia

Praise ~ Supporters

For years, our supporters have overwhelmed us with their love and support.  It’s wonderful when we have opportunities to be a blessing to them.   We have been humbled and honored this month to be able to have some quality time with several of our supporters.  A variety of opportunities have allowed us the privilege to share a meal together, pray together, stand in prayer for their needs, enjoy sweet fellowship and even be challenged.  WE thank God for all of our supporters!

Praise ~ One Mission Society

One Weekend is a One Mission Society event that helps people explore how they fit into missions.  The next one is scheduled for November 1 and due to the amount of interest they had to close enrollment and start a waiting list. We are rejoicing and praise the Lord for hearing our prayers to send forth more laborers for the harvest.  What exciting times we live in!

Pray ~ Donations

It’s been brought to our attention that several of our supporters are reliant on the receipt from One Mission Society each month to aid them in sending in their monthly pledge.  If you are a regular supporter and have missed a month, OMS does NOT send you another reminder/envelope.  If you feel that you may be in this situation, please let us know and we can help you with restarting your giving.

Here are some options in giving:

 • http://tinyurl.com/TankersleyGiving

 • http://www.onemissionsociety.org/eft.pdf

 • http://www.onemissionsociety.org/give/thetankersleys

Blessings to you,

Doug and Cindy