We have learned that mobilizing people for mission, to serve throughout the world or even here locally, requires one to wear many different hats. It can range from conversations with people currently serving on the field, to building relationships with others who have very little idea of what missions looks like or can look like. We believe in our organization, TMS Global, their values and how they support those serving on the field. We have had many conversations with people that went into international missions and struggled because they were not prepared. We believe TMS Global does an excellent job of preparing people to live cross culturally and to show Christ in their daily lives in places that can be much different from the USA. Since returning from the field and serving with TMS we have been blessed to mobilize and walk with several CCW's who are now on the field or preparing to depart this year. We feel fortunate to be used by God in expanding his kingdom.
One of these areas of preparation we serve in with TMS is the Greenlight Gateway mission opportunity. We have again been able to be part of this ministry. This is a mission opportunity that targets college students from age 18-23 primarily. The intent of the program is to give these young people a realistic view of what life is like in another context other than their own, as well as discern what God is asking of them. Over the past three years we have concentrated on trips to Thailand. However, this year we are expanding and have trips planned for the Balkens, Paraguay and Thailand. This year we have 17 people participating in Greenlight including participants and leaders. We ask for your prayers for each of these trips, that God will speak to each person as to what this means for their life. These trips will be from early June through early August.
A second area of preparation is what we call Greenlight Now. In our conversations with churches and young people, we realized the need that high school aged students want to have cross cultural experiences and opportunities also. This month (March 22-24) we are spending a weekend in Clarkston, GA with a mission organization that works in the neighborhoods and apartment complexes to provide a cross cultural experience here in the USA for high school ages. Clarkston is said to be the most culturally diverse square mile in the US, so this sounds like the perfect place. We ask that you pray also for this weekend and those participating and leading.
We continue to visit universities and colleges to speak with students and share parts of our lives that peak their curiosity. On a recent visit to a college we participated in an international festival as part of their mission week. At the table beside us were some students who's parents had immigrated from Thailand to the US. Some had never been to Thailand and wanted to know about our experiences there. Several want to eventually serve in the country of their ancestors.
In February we participated in a Global Impact Celebration at Pierce Chapel UMC. We were able to share with different groups over the course of the weekend about our ministry in Thailand, mobilizing for the Body for Christ and our Greenlight opportunities. It was a blessing to be able to share this mission minded congregation seeking to go deeper in following Christ and his call.
Again, we thank you for sharing your life and the love Jesus Christ with us. We are an extension of each church and person who journeys with us. We would love to come and share personally with you when you have an opportunity. Blessings and peace to each of you.
Prayer Requests
For continued relationships and conversations with others called to serve in mission around the world
For our trip to Thailand this summer, serving as leaders for one of the Greenlight trips
For our parents
For our children-Sidney, Ashley, Noah and Hannah Grace
For continued prayer and financial support so we can continue the work he has laid before us here in America
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