John F. – Team Leader
About Me: I am 49 years old, soon to turn the big “50”, although I feel like 29 and very often are found acting younger than that. I am the husband to a most beautiful woman Elizabeth, who has a heart for God made of gold. We have been married for 20½ and have 9 children, 4 homemade and 5 adopted, (2 from S. Korea and 3 from Ethiopia) ages 16, 14, 12, 11, 8, 6, 5, 4, and 2. The trip to Ethiopia to adopt our last 3 children is when God truly broke my heart for those less fortunate than us which is about 99% of the world’s population. He has shown me how much I have and how selfish I have been all my life and now is the time change, before it is too late.
Favorite Scripture: Revelation 3:16 – “So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
Ministry Involvement: Currently besides being this Missions Team Leader, I am a Home Group Leader and Family Ministries Director. In the past I have served several years as a Church Board Member, and taught Sunday School many times as well. Ethiopia Missions trip August 2009.
Current Status, Occupation: Automotive Technology Instructor for 24 years.
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? The Changed Lives, both of our Team members and all the people we come in contact with. I am excited to see whose prayers we will be answering. To see how God will use me, as I love being used if it is by God.
Bryan – Co-Leader
About Me: I am a 35 year husband to my lovely and currently glowing, expecting wife, Carrie. We have 4 children Gabriella (8), Rebecca (7), Garrett (4), Lydia (1) and one with a “womb of its own” due in June.” I am a New York Yankees fan and a baseball fan in general. I love the outdoors and rough housing with my children.
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Ministry Involvement: Ethiopia Missions trip August 2009, Children’s Ministries leader, Sunday School teacher, Missions Committee and Finance Committee member of the Buena Vista Wesleyan Church.
Current Status, Occupation: Independent Financial Advisor
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? The unknown -> The miraculous unplanned opportunities [God Moments], to serve and impact people’s lives.
John S.
About Me: I am a 31 year husband to a beautiful woman (Tami) and have 5 “Blessings”. I am a “Maple Syrup Making Maniac” and love being in the woods. I am an avid sportsman, and love to help people!
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 6:19-20 – Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ministry Involvement: I am currently an Evangelism Explosion (EE) Trainer. I have served several terms as a Church Board member. I have been the Director of the Men’s ministry and the Family ministry.
Current Status, Occupation: Automotive Technology Instructor
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? Being free from structure and seeing the love of Jesus move.
Lisa
About Me: I felt a very clear calling to travel to Africa several years ago when missionaries from Tanzania visited our church. I was excited to spend the summer helping out in any way I could, but for some reason God closed that door. In retrospect, I realize that He was preparing my heart for Ethiopia. Last March I had two new additions to my 5th and 6th Grade Girls Sunday School class, Mandy and Abby, two beautiful young ladies from Ethiopia. In my ten years as a teacher (and even more as a Sunday School teacher), I have never prepared more for a lesson than for those first few months with Mandy and Abby. It was my responsibility to make Sunday School appealing and memorable to these beautiful young ladies that understood very little of what was being taught while at the same time reaching the ten other students that had attending church their entire life! But honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way! Mandy and Abby have helped me to see the Scriptures through new ears and the world in which I live through new eyes. They, along with their adorable little sister Maria, have shown me a trusting, unconditional love that we as Americans have somehow lost in the midst of our cynicism and self-preservationist attitude. When John’s family shared with our congregation their experiences in travelling to Addis Ababa to meet their beautiful new daughters, John mentioned that he would like to go again, this time with a short-term team from our church. I knew without a doubt that this was the experience that God had been preparing me for. I'm excited to use the gifts that God has blessed me with to interact with the precious children of Ethiopia! I know that He will continue to open my eyes to the need around me and break my heart for the things that break His!
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
And Psalm 139
Ministry Involvement: I am currently the Sunday School Superintendent of our church, 5th and 6th grade girls Sunday School Teacher, Local Church Board Member, and the VBS Music Director.
Current Status, Occupation: Single and ready mingle :-) , Employed as a K–12th grades Vocal Music Teacher.
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? Singing with the children, and sharing the love of Christ with those I meet.
Nicole
About Me: I'm Nicole :) I grew up in Conhocton, NY and am the youngest of 3 daughters. I graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2006 and am currently employed by Pathways, Inc. as a speech therapist for preschoolers with disabilities. I became a Christian in September 2006 and am continually amazed by how awesome and patient God truly is!
I felt compelled to go on this mission’s trip after John shared a video about needs of people in Ethiopia. My knee-jerk reaction was to block out their suffering because it didn't immediately affect me. I had become apathetic to stories of poverty/hunger/disease, how horrible?! God made it clear that I needed a LARGE lesson in demonstrating compassion for people who face devastating circumstances. Soon I will be putting names to those faces, listening to their stories of despair, and seeing life through their eyes. My prayer is that I am able to share Christ with all of the people that I encounter and respond with the love, concern, mercy, and hope that He has shown me.
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Ministry Involvement: 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School Teacher, No previous Missions experience.
Current Status, Occupation: Single; Employed as a Speech Therapist.
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? Seeing how God is going to use all of us in our group during the course of our trip and beyond this trip, and making new friends.
Sarah About Me: My name is Sarah; I am a 16 year old high school student. I am really into Photography, Horses and Culinary. I also love to knit, crochet and spin. I am the oldest of 9 siblings, we are home schooled by my wonderful Mom and my wonderful Dad is the leader of our trip.
Favorite Scriptures:
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Matthew 17:20 - "You do not have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to the mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."
Ephesians 2:4-5 - " But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)"
Ministry Involvement: I help in our Church's children's ministry, I have taught a few Sunday school classes and I regularly help with Wesleyan Kids for Missions (WKFM). All of the WKFM kids are really excited about me going on this trip because I used to be one of the kids in that class. They are seeing that their dream of becoming a missionary could really be a possibility.
Current Status, Occupation: I am currently single and in high school, trying to decide if I want to go to college.
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? I am really looking forward to meeting the girls at Hope for Youth Ethiopia and being able to teach them something while building relationships will be amazing! I am just really looking forward to be the answer to someone’s prayer.
Alesia
About Me: I am a 45 year old Homeschooling mother of 6 beautiful children. We live on a farm raising corn for seed purposes and boarding heifers for area farmers. I have been married for 22 years to the greatest man on the Earth (Vaughn). I love to cook for anyone who loves to eat.
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 31
Ministry Involvement: I am busy raising Missionaries at home, as well as being involved with the Children’s Church Ministries at our church. I also spent time serving at the Hephzibah Children’s Home in Macon Georgia.
Current Status, Occupation: Married Homemaker
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? Loving on all the people with all my heart, and holding all the motherless Children to show them how valuable they are.
Kayla
About Me: I am 18 years old and was raised as a Beverly Hillbilly, on a farm in rural upstate New York. I enjoy playing my ukulele, which will accompany me to Ethiopia. I interpretively sign to songs that minister Gods love and holiness.
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord, my Strength, and my Redeemer.
Ministry Involvement:I have been involved in the following mission’s trips:
Alaska – Camp work and drama ministry.
Hephzibah Children’s Home, Macon Georgia – Construction and Children’s ministries.
The Pittsburgh Project, Pittsburgh PA – Construction, repairs, and community ministries.
Guatemala, South America (summer of 2009) – Construction of a church, Medical Clinic, and Children’s ministries.
Current Status, Occupation: I am single and currently attending college to attain my Registered Nursing Degree, and ultimately to become a medical missionary in a foreign county.
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? To hold the orphaned children, in the Leper community especially; and tell them by words and demonstration about the love of Jesus Christ for them.
AnnaAbout Me: I am 22 years old, born and raised on my family’s dairy cow farm where I still currently reside. Someday I would love to have my own farm of dairy goats. I love to work with animals and spending time outdoors. I enjoy spinning wool and knitting.
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 6
Ministry Involvement: I help with crafts at our local church’s Wednesday night children’s program.
Current Status, Occupation: Single; I am a Veterinary Technician
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? Meeting the Ethiopian people, and just seeing everything for the first time.
Shandelle
About Me: I am a 17 year old senior in high school. I enjoy playing sports and having a good time with family and friends.
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 (NLT) - For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Ministry Involvement: Missions trip to the Hephzibah Children’s Home in Macon Georgia.
Current Status, Occupation: Single; Part time employed.
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? Answering someone’s prayer, and making a difference.
JessicaAbout Me: I am a 15 year old high school student. I have always had an interest in music and sports. I love teaching and spending time with children.
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 139
Ministry Involvement: None currently.
Current Status, Occupation: Single; Part time employed.
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? Knowing that something I do, or I myself could be an answer to someone’s prayer.
LindsayAbout Me: I am currently 15 years old, turning 16 in April. My lifelong passion is to live my life at the center of God’s will, in full term ministry.
Favorite Scripture: 1Timithy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Ministry Involvement: This will be my 2nd trip to Ethiopia. Last February I traveled with John F. and his wife when they adopted their 3 Ethiopian daughters. For the past 4 months, God has allowed me to direct a pre-teen girl’s bible study. Last summer my Dad and I had the opportunity to help with the Vacation Bible School at the Brooklyn Tabernacle in NYC. Lastly, when I was 13, Kayla and I were able to participate in Child Evangelism Fellowship.
Current Status, Occupation: Single; 10th grade student enrolled in Abeka Academy’s homeschooling program.
What Are You Looking Forward to The Most On This Trip? I’m just looking forward to being in Ethiopia; Africa is my dream and passion! On top of that I will have the opportunity to teach English to young adult girls that are being given a second chance by “Hope for Youth Ethiopia”. I believe that God has and is calling me to be a teacher in Africa, so you can see how the pieces are falling perfectly into place.
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