J.O.Y. Missions: Special Request

Dear Pastors & Praying Friends 

As many of you know, I am heading back to Africa soon. This will be an amazing trip, featuring Vacation Bible Schools, Outreaches, a visit to a new country, and numerous great opportunities to serve. 

We have always had an open-door policy with God; if he opens, we walk through. We always try to follow the Lord's leadership and directions, as one of the key verses for my life and ministry is "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." (reference)

There are several things to considered when trying to raise additional money. While we always try to live within the means of our support, God often gives us opportunities that require us to trust Him, go beyond our support, and take a step of faith. The following are the opportunities we have before us this year.

The first opportunity is that I will be traveling to Egypt at the beginning of July to attend and help in a youth conference that my sending church is highly invested and involved in. While there, I will be able to see a Bible School that could be beneficial to our ministries and see some new possibilities for serving the Lord.              

Most of the money I am raising is to help us in Botswana. While there, I want to start training new pastors and those who desire to serve the Lord. Most of these men will be Deaf and spread out across Botswana. For those whose churches I have visited over the past year while on furlough, you will recall our vision, the "A1 Vision.” Our desire is to plant churches along the main highway that runs through Botswana. 

The first step in this process will be for us to visit those we know who are serious, and survey some of these villages and towns to determine the best way to serve them and help them establish ministries. 

The second step will be to bring these men to Gaborone. I want to sequester them for a three-week workshop that will teach them the basics of pastoring and equip them with the tools needed for outreach and service in their communities. 

A sweet lady has become one of our favorite people in the ministry in Gaborone. She owns a place where she will work with us, rent a house, and support and teach these individuals. We will provide them with food and ensure their well-being while they are with us. I believe separating them from the world and giving them time alone with God for several weeks will strengthen them to serve faithfully. 

With all these things going on, I have a big ask. I am seeking to raise $10,000 for these endeavors, and I know that is a substantial amount, but I am confident that we have a big God who will supply our needs. This money will cover the travel expenses related to the things I have mentioned and the costs of visiting these places and bringing these men in to prepare them to serve. We will also use some of this money to create an online infrastructure that enables us to communicate fully with our pastors, providing them with daily leadership updates and follow-up support as they serve. 

Once the workshop is over, we will make a follow-up trip to each of these men and spend one-on-one time with them as we assist them in growing a foundational membership for their work. We will walk with them in their service areas and witness alongside them to the people of their communities.

Also, for those who gave towards Pastor Tshenolo's wedding, we will be going to work with him to proceed with his marriage. We will keep you updated on this project as well.