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Summer 1999 News
First Steps
A few years ago I started to work on my Masters in Nonprofit Administration. In the process, I started to dialogue and dream with others about starting a Nonprofit Organization that would be a support to churches in training and equipping people for world ministry. My experience in leading several trips to Mexico and conversations with friends helped me feel a tug at my heart for helping people here in the United States to use their gifts and talents to reach others for Christ on the "short term mission field." I told myself, "how hard can it be to start up a new organization." Well, three years later I am still trying to complete all of the little projects necessary to get Footsteps up and rolling. God is gracious though. He has sent people who have encouraged me along the way. He has sent board directors, volunteers, contacts, and friends willing to pray for the day that Footsteps makes its first official trip, which incidentally will occur in December of this year. It seems that everywhere I go that God is opening doors for mission opportunities- Honduras, Israel, Mexico, Costa Rica, and other places. As of the writing of this newsletter, we are finishing up the last touches on the web site and completing the final paperwork for our Incorporation and tax exempt status. By the time most of you see this it will be complete. All of these things seem like little tiny baby steps and I know that I can easily get impatient wondering when God will allow us to actually get to the ministry part. Well, watch out, it is almost here.
Roatan, Honduras (December 1999)
Imagine being in the middle of a Hurricane. What would it be like? Here is an journal entry from one of the workers with "Friendships," a relief and distribution missions organization.
The islanders willingly shared their stories of the Tuesday through Friday, four days of terror that was Hurricane Mitch. First, they received reports that the Hurricane was passing them by. Then, without warning on Tuesday morning, the sea began to swell to massive proportions and roll in on them, causing total destruction and leaving hundreds homeless. In some places, only the children were given food because there was not enough to go around. Some people became terrified and fled into the hills. We were told stories of the water being so high, parents held children up to keep them alive. Another family lay flat against the ground of a soccer field to avoid being swept away by the wind.
What a scary experience. This is just a sampling of what happened on the islands off the coast of Honduras. Now the people of the islands are trying to pick up the pieces. Many no longer have homes. Sanitary conditions are grave. What a wonderful opportunity to extend our hands in friendship and let them be used by Christ to reach this poor, devastated country. This is exactly what we hope to do come this December. We hope to take a team of doctors, builders, and those who would like to help sharing the gospel of Christ. Please pray for us and the team that God provides. Pray that God sends those people who have a servant's heart, willing to humbly serve the people of this island. Additional information on Roatan can be found in the Trip Destinations pages.
Commissioning Service
Over the past few months several of the board members and I have been thinking how we could best let people be a part of Footsteps Missions starting. We could have a party, a newsletter, or even just start with our first trip. The idea that we have embraced is to have a commissioning service. Much like the commissioning of a new boat, we hope to bring together those who have interest in Footsteps and share with them about it. More than this, though, we would like people to be willing to come together to worship God and pray for His leading and wisdom upon the leadership and direction of Footsteps . What better way to start an organization than in His presence on bended knee. Please consider joining us for this time. We hope to have it in late September. If you are interested in being invited to this service please e-mail us so we can inform you of its time and location.
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PO Box 51744, Palo Alto, CA 94303-9998 |
