Mission Monitor

Mission Monitor
Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church
Heart for the Nations
March 2014
by Donna Middendorf
As I write this, the 24th Annual World Missions Conference
Faith Promise Sunday has been delayed due to the 4th coldest
winter in St. Louis history. The threat of yet another ice and
snow storm caused us to reschedule Faith Promise Sunday and
the lunch following. It was a wise decision, as worship services
were cancelled early Sunday, March 2. On Monday, March 3, a
water pipe broke in the community parlor flooding that room
with over a foot of water that overflowed down the hall, and
into the school below, cancelling school and church activities
through Tuesday. So, we WAIT to see what God will do with
Faith Promise pledges this year! We gladly wait. While waiting
I thought about how hard it is to wait, our new Pastor and his
family waited over a month for their discharge papers from
the military and then moved their family to St. Louis arriving
2 hours before the mission banquet. Even though the family
slept that night on air mattresses, they were glad to be here!
The Bible is full of examples of those who waited for God’s
promises; Moses, Abraham and many more.
So lets look out the rear window at this amazing conference as
we wait to see what God will do with Faith Promise this year!
Friday night at the World Missions Banquet, Dr. Paul Kooistra
began with a powerful message, “God is on the Move!” He
reminded us that the last words Jesus gave to his disciples and
to us was a directive, “You shall be my witnesses....Missions,”
Dr. Kooistra said, “is not our idea, it’s God’s idea. Missions
is not ‘our work’, it’s God’s work through the power of the
Holy Spirit.” We rejoiced together to see Coby, Pamela, Lake
and Liam McGinty’s shining, albeit tired, faces via Skype from
South Africa. We saw Chris’ small group guys standing behind
the McGinty family quietly holding signs of encouragement
for Chris. Chris later said that the mission conference was just
what he needed to encourage and energize him for the mission
ahead. Unknown to us that night, Chris would complete 100%
of his support and leave for South Africa in 6 days!! What an
amazing joy to ‘send off’ one of our own from the mission
conference. Only God could have planned that!
In Dr. Kooistra’s devotional entitled, “Faith Promise” (This
excellent 7 day devotional on Faith Promise is available at
various locations in the church for anyone who would like
one) he says, “Faith Promise gives the opportunity to stop and
take careful account of how God has been there for us. His
promises have been 100% faithful. We often live by looking
only out the ‘front windshield’ of our lives. We see dangers and
threats, we fear uncertainties around the next curve. God, our
Father, encourages us to spend more time looking out the ‘rear
view mirror.’ When God bleses the people of Israel with the
Ten Commandments, He begins not with the rules, but with a
reveiw of His blessings. “I am the Lord your God, who brought
you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.’ Throughout
Scripture He reminds His people of His faithfulness to their
fathers. Therefore, they can be confident of His care and
provision in the present.”
Sunday morning, Dr. Kooistra continued with his messsage,
“The Heart of God”. He encouraged us to see the pattern in
Jesus’ own ministry to people, ministering to them in their
total need, we see Jesus’ compassion and exhortation that
the harvest is ripe, but the workers are few. Dr. Kooistra said
there is an urgency to the business of missions that we should
take seriously. This conference should remind us that God has
caused us to be a part of this glorious task.
God has been faithful to Twin Oaks! On March 9, we will
install our new pastor, Rev. Dr. Russ St. John. We praise God
for His faithfulness to Faith Promise that has allowed us to
continue the support of our missionaries and to send out eight
Twin Oaks members missionaries!
Sunday night, Dr. Kooistra concluded with “The Power of
Prayer”, reminding us of the effectiveness and importance of
praying earnestly for the lost, our missionaries, their ministries
and their relationships. The number one reason missionaries
leave the field is conflict on their teams. Spiritual warfare,
temptations, discouragement are real battles they face. We
need not only to SEND, but to PRAY for our missionaries. We
commissioned Les and Helen Prouty for their ministry with
Haiti Orphan Project. Pastor Russ, Pastor Stuart and Charlie
Troxell gathered around Chris Barker and prayed for him as we
sent him out from us to South Africa to serve in our place.
Now we wait......with expectation, with thanksgiving, with
confidence in God’s promises and faithfulness for us. AMEN
Faith Promise 2014/2015
Goal $355,000
2014 Twin Oaks World Missions Conference
Heart for the Nations
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Photos: © Middendorf Photography, 2014
HEADLINE
Global
MissionsHERE
Headlines
all that’s going to be here
News from from our Twin Oaks supported missionaries
CHRIS BARKER -MTW: Cape Town, South Africa
Chris Barker returned from MTW field training in Belgium February 8. He said that the
training was encouraging to him as he looked at the challenges facing missionaries in crosscultural settings. He was reminded to find his identity in Christ and rest in Him as he dealt
with difficulties. While Chris was in Belgium, his grandfather, John Barker, died. While
Chris’ family and friends gathered in St. Louis for the memorial service at Twin Oaks, he
was in Belgium. Chris returned just in time for the World Missions Conference in need
of 7% of his monthly support in order to leave for South Africa. In God’s providence and
provision, Chris received his final support, and Sunday, February 23 at the PM service
at Twin Oaks, Pastors Stuart and St. John, Chris’ elder, Charlie Troxell and the Twin
Oaks congregation had the joy of praying for Chris and sending him out to South Africa
for his second term of ministry with The Message Church. Only God could orchestrate
such a perfectly glorious moment! Four days later, Charlie, along with Bob and Donna
Middendorf, and Chris’ parents waved goodbye to Chris at the Amtrack Station downtown
St. Louis as Chris began his 55 hours of travel back to South Africa.
COMMISSIONED - Les & Helen Prouty, Haiti Orphan Project
Sunday, February 23 in the PM worship service Les & Helen Prouty were commissioned
by Twin Oaks as our newest supported missionaries for their work with Haiti Orphan
Project. Dr. St. John lead the commissioning service, RE Terry Jones gave the charge, Dr.
Stuart asked Les & Helen a series of commitment questions, Charlie Troxell prayed, while
the rest of the Session members and World Mission Committee gathered around them to
lay hands on them and pray. It is a joy to partner with them in their ministry.
RAINBOW NATIONS TOUR II - Coby & Pamela McGinty - MTW, South Africa
The McGinty family just completed their second Rainbow Nations Tour, with daughter,
Calla, joining them for the second half. Pamela says they could write a novel, but gave a few
of the highlights of their travel through South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mozambique,
Malawi and Botswana visiting 15 students, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends
in their latest newsletter. The most unusual food they ate was fried termites, a Venda
delicacy, but many ‘insides’ and various feet also made the menus. Mangoes eaten fresh
from the tree were a favorite. The family also was able to experience Victoria Falls, one of
the 7 natural wonders of the world, a wedding of two students, a coffee farm, and 9 border
crossings across 5 nations. Pamela says that what they learned on this trip has impacted
the way they disciple and counsel students. They learned a deeper understanding of their
contexts and how they struggle with other tribal beliefs. Already 3 students reported to
them that they had deep conversations about faith with family members they previoulsly
did not have the boldness to speak to.
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Global Missions Headlines
News from from our Twin Oaks supported missionaries
LA VID MISSION CHURCH - Dan & Becky Young - MTW, Northern Mexico
Dan Young reported with joy that La Vid Mission Church in a unanimous vote by the
South Texas Presbytery was made a particular church. Pastor Carlos Cano led the meeting. A
commission of pastors and elders will meet later this spring with candidates to be elders and
deacons and examine them for readiness and later the church will vote in their new leaders.
The church plans to celebrate with a special service celebrating their 10th anniversary and
being received as a church in the PCA.
SUSAN NEWKIRK - MTW, Cape Town, South Africa
Susan shares that despite all the preparation and planning for Bible Clubs in Westlake,
Township ministry, she was reminded again that she is not in control. One word sums up
the best advice to follow, Susan writes in her latest newsletter, “Adapt!” With a shortage of
volunteers, last minute changes to schedules and a hostof other hurdles small and large,
she has had to learn to adapt. Some changes were made to avoid competing with other
extra-curricular activities, only to find out that some others could not participate due to
an extended school day to work on literacy. But Susan and her team of volunteers are not
discouraged, they know that God is in charge and desires for the gospel to reach each child.
Pray for Susan and her team as they minister to these needy children.
The short term team led by Brian Roby hopes to serve Susan while they are in Cape Town this
summer while serving at the Student Y outreach with the McGintys.
THANK YOU TWIN OAKS!
Thank you Twin Oaks. To host an annual mission conference such as the one we have just
completed at Twin Oaks for the past 24 years takes many, many faithful people willing to
give sacrificially of their time and talents. On behalf of the World Missions Committee, we
would like to express to each of you our sincerest “thanks” for your response to our many
calls for volunteers. You have blessed us and the missionaries who came by demonstrating
your Heart for the Nations in this way!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Missions Talent Show and Auction has been set for Sunday, April 6 at 6:00 PM. If you have
an item you would be willing to donate for the auction, such as a vacation home, sports or
symphony tickets, baked goods, cakes, pies, bread, babysitting and more, contact Merlin in
the office. Mark your calendars for this fun family friendly evening to benefit those serving
on short term teams this year. Contact Merlin Pierro [email protected] for more
information or to donate an item.
Randy Mayfield will be in concert at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, Friday April
4th at 7:30 PM. Randy Mayfield, the missions and outreach pastor at Central Presbyterian
Church and guest soloist at our Missions Banquet, will be performing at the Sheldon. 100%
of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Central Presbyterians Micah Project in Honduras.
Tickets can be purchased from Central Presbterian Church or online from Metrotix.com.
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HEADLINE
Global
MissionsHERE
Headlines
all that’s
going
be heremissionaries
News from from
our Twin
Oaksto
supported
Short Term Mission Trips 2014
Informational Meeting for adults interested in participating on a short term mission team - March 16, at 4pm.
An informational meeting for adults (over 18) who desire to know more about how to participate with a short term
mission team this year is set for Sunday, March 16 at 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Commitment dates for mission
teams has been extended to March 23 (Russia June 1). (This meeting is for Adult teams; South Asia, Cape Town and
Russia. Note: Youth teams to Costa Rica and Lagniappe should contact Scott Kerens for information on those meetings).
South Asia, June 26-July 8-Team Leader: Jan Watson
This team of 4-5 will conduct a teacher training and workshop at the Bhogpur Children’s Home. Twin Oaks Missionaries
Phil & Amina will be served by this team. Estimated cost $3000. Commitment Date: March 23
Youth Short-Term Mission Trip to Costa Rica, June 28-July 5- Team Leader: Scott Kerens
This youth team will come alongside the Costa Rican reformed churches by helping them facilitate their second youth
camp. Twin Oaks missionaries Scott & Kathy Craig will be served by the team.
Cape Town, South Africa, July 24- August 5- Team Leaders: Brian Roby & Merlin Pierro
The team will be serving alongside the UCT Student Y Ministry. Twin Oaks missionaries Coby & Pamela McGinty,
Chris Barker, and Susan Newkirk will be served by the team. Estimated cost $3000. Commitment Date: March 23
Youth Short-Term Mission Trip to Bay St. Louis, MS, July 27-Aug 2 - Team Leader: Scott Kerens
this team will assist Lagniappe PCA church Plant and Pastor Carey Hammett. the team will serve the church in word
and deed by assisting with several projects. Contact Scott for more information.
Moscow Russia, November 22-29 Team Leader: Merlin Pierro
This team will serve with Twin Oaks member missionaries J.G. and Jenny Porwoll. The team will participate in an
English camp with Russian high school students. Estimated cost $2000. Commitment Date: June 1
Short Term Team Cross Cultural Training - Saturday, May 3 - 9:00-11:30 AM Reception Hall
A short term team cross cultural training for all those participating on a short term team (Youth and Adult) will be
held Saturday, May 3 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. in the Reception Hall. Training will conclude at 11:30 with lunch and
opportunity to meet with your mission team for prayer. Mark your calendars and plan to attend.
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HEADLINE
Around
theHERE
Oaks
all that’s going to be here
SPORTS OUTREACH GROUP - (Brad & Patty Wos)
Sunday Night Futbol to Internationals in St. Louis (5 a side soccer - Futsal) meets at Twin Oaks Church Gym each
Sunday night from 5:00-8:00 PM. Over 16 nations and 9 soccer teams are represented playing on this Futsal league. A
majority of these High School players travel from the city to represent their team and country. Every Sunday Brad or
an elder leads a devotional to start the evening off. Brad disciples coaches through “Life on Life” discipleship materials
to teach the concept of disciple making through the medium of sports. The hope is that these coaches will disciple
others and use the medium of sports to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations here in St. Louis. For more
information how you can be a part of this ministry, contact Brad Wos.
The Prize Video translated into Bosnian
The Prize, a story of how six football heros have followed the ball to the ultimate prize - and new life in Christ, has
been translated into Bosnian. With the help of six Bosnian men doing the voice over, and Kerry Brown, this video will
be a great tool to reach Bosnians with the gospel. Enisa Dedic, a Covenant Seminary Student from Sarajevo, Bosnia,
helped to translate a Gospel Soccer ball into Bosnian. Brad says these gospel tools will be used to reach Bosnians in St.
Louis and at the World Cup Soccer beginning June 12. For more information on the video, go to theprize.com.
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march Prayer Calendar
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Faith Promise Sunday
Pray that the Holy Spirit will direct the
hearts and minds of the congregation in
regards to what each will do, by faith, in
pledging their prayer and financial support
for World Missions for this next fiscal year.
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Chris Barker
South Africa
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Hatem & Lisa
Sensitive Country
World Missions Committee
Pray for the World Mission Committee
as they meet tonight, asking that the
Holy Spirit would guide them in all their
deliberations and decisions.
Pray for God’s provision for the Faith
Promise Pledge Goal and Project.
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Dan & Becky Young
USA/Mexico Border
Praise!
• Chris received his visa and the support
needed to return to Cape Town!
Prayer
• For Chris as he settles into his new
ministry at the Message Church in Cape
Town.
• That in all things Christ will be
glorified.
Praise!
• For the many projects that have been
completed!
Prayer
• For Sam and Jumana’s VISA to
come through quickly and for their
adjustment.
• For another couple who interested in
joining the team
• Planning and preperation for Home
Ministry Assignment in the Fall.
Praise!
• La Vid in Lardeo was granted their
petition to become a particular church.
• For Becky’s art classes and the process
of starting an art and faith initiative.
Prayer
• For La Vid to successfully complete
leadership training, to grow in number,
and to prepare for particularization this
summer.
• For growth in the church plants.
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Andres & Ruth Garza
Northern Mexico
Scott & Kathy Craig
Costa Rica
Coby & Pamela McGinty
South Africa
Prayer
• For the trip to Indianapolis to have
a presentation of the ministry to 10
churches.
• For the San Pedro Church, that it will
keep growing and be a blessing to many
• for the Garza’s daughter Priscila, who is
studying in Spain this semester
• For the CPI in durango, the border and
La Paz.
Praise!
• For the success of the first work team
of 2014.
• For the first movement wide
conference. Over 100 were in
attendance from four churches!
Prayer
• For the hosting of a short term team
from March 22-29. Pray that they will
work together well and will be a light
to those they serve.
Praise!
• For the completion of their second
Rainbow Nations Tour, with daughter,
Calla, joining them for the second half.
They traveled through South Africa,
Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mozambique,
Malawi and Botswana visiting students
and their families.
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ISLP PARTNERSHIP MEETING
Pray members of the World Missions
commitee as they travel to Atlanta for the
India/Sri Lanka Partnership Meetings.
Pray that in all things, Christ’s will be done.
Pete & Dagi Smuts
South Africa
Praise!
• For a safe and refreshing holiday
Prayer
• For the Lord’s blessing on the 2014
academic year.
• That the Lord would guide the new
principal, Daniel Simango, as he leads
the college.
• That Pete and Dagi will have a safe and
fruitful visit to the states from Jan April 2014.
The Freedom School
Timothy Baker
Praise!
• The Freedom School will be accredited
this June, raising the standard for
students and parents!
Prayer
• For the addition of partners to
scholarship students. Please pray that
God will continue to call His people to
partner with the school.
• For the ongoing school year.
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March prayer Calendar
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Terry & Francine Clarke
Australia
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Lian & Clara
Sensitive Country
Praise!
• For new and continuing students.
• For gifts to the Library fund.
Prayer
• For wisdom and guidance as Gap Year
Program is developed
• For more workers to be called to this
ministry.
Praise!
• there are over 820 students at
Covenant School and ministries are
going well.
Prayer
• For wisdom from God as the
Presbytery makes several important
decisions.
• For added support for the orpahn
support fund.
• For Lian & Clara and their family
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Susan Newkirk
South Africa
Brad & Patty Wos
Sports Outreach Group
Praise!
• For growth of the Boys Soccer Ministry
and enthusiasm of the boys who
attend.
Prayer
• For wisdom, flexibility in creativity in
planning Bible Clubs
• For more volunteers for the Girl’s Bible
Club and for Susan as she encourages
and trains the volunteers already
serving.
Praise!
• For the way the Lord is at work in
the Bosnian, Nepali, and African
communities with Gospel centered
Sport.
Prayer
• For the many opportunities to share
the gospel through sport.
• For the opportunitie to start Cricket
leagues to serve South Asian families.
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John & Cathy Rug
Chile
Praise!
• For ministry partners who helped with
the CEMIPRE project account.
Prayer
• For the Chile field meeting and
upcoming Presbytery meeting in April.
• That God would direct the future of
the Grace and Peace Church Plant.
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Ted & Ann Powers
Mission to North America
Praise!
• For the MNA Church Planter
Readiness Seminar and for those who
attended and feel called to the ministry.
Prayer
• For the Covenant Seminary Students
who will take part in the MNA
Summer Church Planting Internships.
• For Ted as he recruits church planters
for the strategic locations identified to
plant a PCA church.
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South Africa
Praise!
• For the new and returning students
studying at the Bible Institute this year.
Prayer
• For the BI’s new principal, Dr. Daniel
Simango, as he assusmes his duties.
• As the Bible teaching ministry begins
at Ukhanyo Primary in Masiphumelele,
please pray for God’s guidance for this
14th year of Bible teaching there.
25 Solomon and Ruby Kendagor
International Students Inc.
Prayer
• For saftey during travel to and from
Kenya and while in the country.
• That God would supply financial
support needed.
• for key contacts who are working out
plans to help reach other elected leaders
with greater potential to influence the
government.
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USA Missions Committee
Pray for the USA Mission Committee
as they meet tonight, asking that the
Holy Spirit would guide them in all their
deliberations and decisions.
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22 Bruce & Barbara Wannemacher
J.G. & Jenny Porwoll
Russia
Praise!
• The outreach at Sochi Winter
Olympics went well!
Prayer
• The English Camp outreach this week
in Moscow and St. Petersburg - pray
for organization and planning for the
camp, for clear communication of the
gospel, and that Christ would draw
many to himself.
Rick & Trish Mathes
Mission Gate
Praise!
• for local churches embracing the needs
of men and women in the program.
• For the purchase of a a ranch for
women’s ministry.
Prayer
• For the Covenant Seminary student
that Twin Oaks is sponsoring to
minister to the men at Fort Good
Shepherd Rance
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The Gideons
James Mitas
Prayer
• For wisdom in planning several major
distributions in the St. Louis region
this spring.
• For God to call additional men and
women to do the work of this ministry.
• For one or two additional men to
conduct worship services at the
Clayton Justice Center.
Supported Missionaries
International Staff of Twin Oaks
32 Missionary Units in 17 Countries
2 Missions Agencies
Agencies
Gideons International
Third Millennium (3rd Mill)
Chile
Craig & Stacy Pohl, MTW
John & Cathy Rug, MTW
Workers in Sensitive Ministries:
Khen & Rith
Phil & Amina
Cartee & Colleen
Lian & Clara
Paul Billy & Shirley Gerry & Julie Marie
Hatem & Lisa
Sardar & Anila
James & Debbie
Costa Rica
Scott & Kathy Craig, MTW
Africa/Asia
Karl & Debbie Dortzbach, MTW
Australia
Terry & Francine Clarke, MTW
Global Youth & Families
Eric & Rebecca Larsen, MTW
Haiti Orphan Project
Les & Helen Prouty
Hungary
Rob & Tunde Futo, PMI
Malawi
Stephen & Marion Spencer, ABC
Brazil
Luciano & Luciene Pires, PMI
=
Mexico
Andres & Ruth Garza, MTW
Jarett & Mary Carole Hall, MTW Josue &
Martha Mayo, MTW
Dan & Becky Young, MTW
Jaime & Natalia Jimenez, MTW
Peru
Keith & Ruth Powlison, MTW
Larry & Sandy Rockwell, MTW
Russia
JG & Jenny Porwoll, Student Venture &
Cru
South Africa
Chris Barker, MTW
Coby & Pamela McGinty, MTW
Susan Newkirk, MTW
Pete & Dagi Smuts, MTW
Bruce & Barbara Wannemacher, MTW
USA Ministries Supported by Twin Oaks
22 Agencies
Bethany Christian Services
Issues That Matter STL
Spring Hills Presbyterian Church
Churches for Life, Inc.
Missouri Presbytery
Sunshine Ministries
Circle of Concern
Mission Gate
Thrive St. Louis
Covenant College
Mission to North America
The Freedom School
Covenant Theolological Seminary
PCA Stated Clerk/Administration
Twin Oaks Christian School-scholarships
Engage St. Louis
Pregnancy Care Center
Westminster Christian Academy
Gideons International
Reformed University Ministries
International Students, Inc
Sports Outreach Group
USA Ministries are supported through 10% of the tithe from General Fund.
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Faith Promise
$339,842
March 31
$311,520 - Feb. 28
$283,200 - Jan. 31
$254,880 - Dec. 31
$226,560 - Nov. 30
$198,240 - Oct. 31
$169,920 - Sept. 30
$141,600 - Aug. 31
$113,280 - July 31
$84,960 - June 30
$56,640 - May 31
$28,320 - April 30
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As of February 23, 2014
Current Total: $309,853
Praise the Lord!!
Heart for the Nations
The Mission Committee with our Missionaries
Thank you to everyone who helped make the 24th Annual Twin Oaks World
Missions Conference a big success!
The World Missions Committee
Donna Middendorf: Director of Missions
Darren DeGroot: Committee Chairman
Merlin Pierro: Administrative Assistant
John Myers
Cheryl Nichols
Charlie Troxell
Jan Watson
Gwen Pollex, prospective member
The USA Missions Commmittee
Donna Middendorf: Director of Missions
Merlin Pierro: Administrative Assistant
Kerry Brown
Darren DeGroot
Shawn Hawkins
Doug Loveall
Dee Miller
Jeff Sheibe
Tim Smith
Do you have a heart for missions?
Are you interested in serving on one of our Committees?
Contact Donna at [email protected] for more information.
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Twin Oaks World Missions Conference
February 21-25 & March 9, 2014
Photos: © Middendorf Photography, 2013
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