Sunday, March 27, 2011

Kid's Korner

David is in his first year as a student at Houghton College in Houghton, New York. This tropical boy is experiencing winter weather like he has never seen before! Single-digit temperatures and inches of snow are a common occurrence during the winter months. The 1st semester has passed quickly as he is adjusting to college classes, made new friends, and playing on the school’s JV Men’s Basketball team.

The year 2010 has brought several “first’s” for Krysten: 1st mission trip to India (traveling by herself), first perm, getting her student permit & then driver’s license, visiting potential colleges, volunteering at a local pediatric clinic, and working a couple days a week at her grandfather’s law office. In between all of these activities she was involved in the youth program at our home church- singing in the youth choir, performing with the drama troupe, & taking weekly voice lessons- while being homeschooled (Biology, Geometry, Spanish, etc)… it’s been a busy fall! She’s looking forward to getting back “home” and getting back to her friends and normal life. She’s also looking forward to her next mission trip… SPAIN!!

This fall has been an exciting time for Betsy also. Lots of new experiences… or at least experiences that seem new to her! A family trip to Disneyworld was the highlight for her. Other trips to Washington D.C. and Niagara Falls were great field trips to supplement our history curriculum. She has continued her piano lessons and enjoyed her role in her choir’s Christmas program. Betsy is looking forward to getting back to her school in the Philippines. The 5th grade class has started band and she’s looking forward to learning to play the flute.

American Nehemiah Teams 2010

2010 was an exciting year for our American teams. Many of you were partners with us as we conducted our first stateside orientation & debrief. It was such an encouragement to have so many churches & individuals involved in this training. 105 students from 19 states & Canada were trained & sent out to seven different countries (15 different people groups). Nazareth Baptist Church (Rainsville, AL) hosted this event and provided a large part of the meals with other churches helping with meals & transportation to & from 3 different airports. It was a major undertaking that produced eternal results! At the end of the summer as the teams gathered for debrief, it was exciting to hear what God had done through them:

  • 250 people indicated a decision for Christ with 25 of these following through with baptism,
  • more than 170 orphans cared for,
  • almost 10,000 gospel tracts were distributed,
  • 92 circumcisions were performed plus other basic medical services provided,
  • assisted with 2 baby deliveries,
  • English classes using the Bible were taught to non-believers, many in “closed” countries who don’t allow traditional missionaries,
  • trees were planted,
  • houses were built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity,
  • thousands of pictures were taken,
  • and… thousands of people heard the gospel presented clearly, many possibly for the very first time.

As we begin 2011 we need your partnership again. More students have been requested so we anticipate a larger group of students to train this June. Please let us know if you or your church can help in any of the following areas: providing meals, providing transportation to & from Atlanta, and providing lodging for trainers/facilitators. In 2011 we are looking at having teams in some new countries including India and some European countries. We will also be having our first North American teams. Teams will be returning to the Philippines, Thailand, southern Sudan, Japan, South Korea, and some other Asian countries. A complete listing of the teams can be seen on our website (www.nehemiahteams.com) or on the IMB Student website (www.thetask.org).

Filipino Nehemiah Teams 2010

During 2010 there were 6 Filipino franchises (or affiliates) which sent teams of Filipino students to the unreached & hard to reach of their own country. These 100 young adults served on 20 different teams, sharing the gospel with thousands of their countrymen. Many indicated a decision to follow Christ and 68 followed through with baptism.

Happy 2011!

It has been exciting to be in the U.S. during this past holiday season. We’ve enjoyed spending those special days with family and friends. It was an added plus for us to wake up on Christmas morning and have… SNOW! The first white Christmas Alabama has had in years… our kids think it was just for them! The icing on the cake for us was to hear reports from you as your churches set, reached, and exceeded your Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goals! We are so thankful for your generous giving to this offering as well as the Cooperative Program. These two avenues fund the majority of the budget for the 5,000+ International Mission Board workers serving all over the world. Thank you for giving so that others have the opportunity to hear the greatest story ever told!