This is a long but important one so sit tight:) We mentioned in our last e-mail update that we believe the next part of our journey will send us on some trips. For 2011, our destinations are Europe & Peru!
Where & Why Europe? We will visit three counties during our March 3rd-13th trip and focus on three specific cities. We will spend two days in Brussels, Belgium, two days in The Hague, Netherlands, and three days in Bombarral, Portugal.
Each of these places offers multiple opportunities for future long-term ministry. Several of the primary governmental institutions of the European Union are located in Brussels, while the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice are both found in The Hague. These are centers of influence where many policy makers and legislators are headquartered. Those of you who know Susan well also know that she's just about 100% Dutch so she's looking forward to visiting 'The Motherland' :) In Bombarral, Portugal our church has a special place called the Haven. It is a refuge for missionaries either coming off of the field or simply taking a much needed rest. While this is certainly different than what we would be doing in Belgium or the Netherlands, we are so excited about the possibilities in Portugal as well.
At the core of this trip is a long-term strategy for reaching men and women for Christ. During this trip, we hope to identify specific areas where we may begin a long term investment.
Where & Why Peru? From June 18-July 2 we have the opportunity to join with other students and staff from the training school we are enrolled in on a mission trip to Peru. We are very excited about this opportunity and we’ll get to take Sydney and Aaron along as well. Sydney is already telling people we are going to a different county where people speak Spanish like Dora.
In Peru, we will be taking every opportunity to sow broadly the seeds of Christ. This includes discipling new believers, as well as identifying people of peace that have the potential to host meetings in their homes and communities. This trip is also an opportunity for us to leave a foundation on which our organization can potentially plant a church in the area. This would involve sending a long-term team to reside there and continue the work that’s been started!
What? We believe going to Europe is the first step in where God is leading overseas. We also believe that our outreach in Peru will impact the lives of many for eternity. We would like for you to consider supporting us in these endeavors both in prayer and financially. The cost for our trip to Europe will be $2100 per person, so combined we need to raise $4200. The cost for our trip to Peru will be approximately $12,000 (we will be taking Sydney & Aaron). Overall, we need to raise $16,200. We are grateful for whatever the Lord lays upon your heart. We would love to hear from you, so please feel free to call or write with any questions or requests. Thank you again. Our ministry would not be possible without your partnership.
How? For both of these trips we certainly need your prayers. Additionally, your financial support enables us to pursue these opportunities. If you would like to support us financially, you may make your tax deductible contributions to
Antioch and send them to us at
1421 S. 12th St #210, Waco, TX 76706. Thank you again and we look forward to hearing from you!
"But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end." Deuteronomy 11:11-12
Love, Andrew, Susan, Sydney & Aaron
Thank you for your contribution to the mission of Antioch. If you have expressed a preference for the use of your gift, we will designate it to honor your wishes. However, to protect the tax-deductibility of your gift, Antioch must accept it without restriction. In case your gift cannot be used as you indicate, it will be applied to other important functions to the Antioch mission.
Today we went to Great Clips and had 8 1/2 inches cut off Sydney's hair. About 4 days ago I told her that we needed to trim the ends of her beautiful hair because it was causing big problems when we tried combing through it. Up until this point she would normally break into whining and crying when we talked about cutting her hair but she didn't. I decided to trim the ends myself and when I was finished she said, "Mommy, I want a shortcut." Usually in Sydney language this means "haircut" so when I started putting away the scissors she repeated herself again and then stated she really wanted shor
ter hair. This started the 3 day long process of explaining that once he
r hair was cut she couldn't just sit it back on again:) We decided together that the best use of her hair would be to donate it. So after explaining what that was...and knowing her friend Natalie had done that...and showing her pictures of Natalie's hair, Sydney really wanted to do it. So today in we went. I think it was harder for me then for her but I know it's for a good cause and her hair will grow again. I'm so proud of how my sweet girl was so brave.
