by Lynne Faris Blessing,
Associate Pastor for Outreach

As you read this, Bethany has about 20 members who have either recently left or are preparing to take off soon to serve God in places all around the world. They all would greatly appreciate your prayers. So I encourage you to clip out this article and tape it to your bathroom mirror or some place where you’ll be reminded to pray for them…

Renee Fredrickson and Jo Ronde – Kenya
March 31 – April 20
Renee and Jo plan to see if there are more connections our congregation can make to deepen our relationship in Soweto (a slum in Nairobi). Having been on two Bethany-sponsored trips, they are independent travelers this time. On all other trips our friends from World Vision have escorted us in and out. So, prayers are appreciated for safety, and adventure; for eyes to see beyond their professional areas (schools and health care) where Bethany can connect; that they can see our many friends in Kenya; no lost luggage or stolen items! They ask for intercessors to pray for them as they travel!

Mike Christensen, Bruce Devereaux, Tamara Nack,
Tim Stelling – Katrina Relief work, Mississippi
April 21-28
Mike Christensen leads this team to focus on Hurricane Katrina relief work. This is Mike’s third trip to work with a Presbyterian church in Bay St. Louis, MS. The church has hosted volunteers every week since the hurricane struck a year and a half ago. Please pray for safety, good coordination of the volunteers who come from all over the country, and God’s encouragement for the people whose lives have been so harshly affected by this disaster.

Jane Donald and Gil Ward – Honduras
April - June
Jane and Gil have both been offered professional positions with Lamb Institute in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. They will study Spanish intensively for six weeks in Antigua, Guatemala. Then it’s off to Honduras to work for two months at Lamb Institute. Gil will serve in a nursing position in Community Health Outreach. He will be working in the Flor del Campo slum, visiting families, evaluating health needs, providing education and working with Hondurans to address health issues. Jane will work as a consultant to teachers and staff at the Lamb school and at the Children’s Home. This will include teacher trainings, support to children who have behavioral challenges, and running groups for children and adults.

Julia Sensenbrenner and team – Hong Kong
June 23-July 4
This family mission trip to Hong Kong. Their prayer requests include:

(1) team formation--that they would come together as a team; that the children would be full members of the team

(2) that they would learn to rely on God amidst the challenges (and heat!) of the trip

Also, three members of the church are serving this month in places where, for security reasons, it’s best not to mention names and exact places. Two will be in the Middle East, and one is headed to Asia. Please pray for opportunities to share God’s love while providing much-needed resources and encouragement.