Like a soldier leaves for war, he kisses his wife and children goodbye and heads to the unknown. He wonders deep within if he will ever have the chance to see hold them again. You see, he leaves them “behind” because there is a greater cause he is going to serve. He seeks to protect them and the people of his land. For there is great unrest and people’s lives are always at risk.There is a war of another kind. One we cannot see with our natural eye, but are keenly aware of the battles that rage on. This is not a war on the physical front as our soldier above; it’s a war on the spiritual front. You see, men that have kissed their wives and children goodbye and have headed to prepare to fight the wars that await their return. Praying, yet wondering, if they will ever hold their loved ones again. Why? Like our soldier first mentioned, these soldiers fight for their families and the people too. For Christ’s sake! Many of you had the privilege of meeting two such soldiers. Angelo and Mesack, this past year and Christmas season. These precious men kissed and hugged their families’ goodbye and came to the United States to study and prepare for the great battles that are before them when they return home.Home! Loved ones and the love that warms our hearts. Most of us today cannot wrap our minds around leaving our ‘homes’ to study abroad for years at a time. Yet these two men have done so. They have “Counted the Cost” and know, accept and live that Jesus Christ and the souls of men and women for eternity are far more valuable. Today my request is simple-they have a need: Will you help us send them home?
First, let me introduce and reintroduce you to Angelo. He arrived in the US in September of 2011. He will graduate this May. Angelo is a husband and loving father of 4 young children. When he returns home this August he will immediately begin the ministry God has called he and his family too in the mountain villages of Luzon. Angelo in faith and prayer is trusting God will supply his needs. His first need is to return home this summer. The cost of airfare has been used on loan. This cost takes from his ministry funds to build churches and reach the village people.
Next is Meshack. He arrived in the US in October 2012. Unlike Angelo, Meshack has come to study for three years and then return to the war zone in Kenya. He will pastor a church. Unlike the USA, these precious men from afar do NOT have the resources and opportunities we have ~ in abundance. Meshack has left behind a wife and two small children. Meshack’s heart's desire is to spend the summer with his family and return to school in September. The cost of airfare stands in his way! Friends, as I write I am keenly aware of our current economic situations here at home (USA). Truthfully, there was a time that we would have purchased both tickets without a word whispered to anyone. God has taken our wallets and replaced them with our voices.We have been given more than you can begin to understand ~ or see, unless you have allowed the Lord to open your eyes. Currently, the cost to send them home is as follows:Angelo’s ticket has been purchased. However, he borrowed the money through his mission board, IBMA. This money is owed back as he raises funds FOR the village ministry. The ticket price is $873.20. His wife Ria, will need to rent a van to drive more than 6 hours (one way) to pick him up in Manila in early August. This cost is roughly $200. We are praying for the costs to cover ALL the needs to reunite him with his family and begin the work in his given war torn area of the world.
Meshack’s ticket is being re-worked for a price. Currently we stand at a cost of $1450.00, plus a taxi that will take him for a five hour drive home from the airport. This airline cost is round-trip so that he can return to OH for school in early September. We are praying for the cost to cover ALL the needs to reunite him with his family. To be a blessing for them to recharge together in Christ and press on towards their high calling in Christ Jesus. Because of a minor change in dates and locations, I will be back over the next day or two to adjust the cost of his ticket first quoted. This amount is our current estimate. The travel agency we use for our missions trips is the same one working with us for Meshack. Raptim and their website is www.raptimusa.com.
Now the big question, will you give to send them home?? Here’s how:We can personally accept the money if you choose to just give towards them going home. Every PENNY and above is 100% for them!! ANY money above and beyond the transportation needs is being donated to them for ministry and needs of their families as they are over here in the States. Victory Bible Church has kindly agreed to help support this fundraiser also. A special account is being set up to accept donations. For your tax purposes as a gift receipt to be received you can send your donations to:
Victory Bible Church, PO Box 816, Hammonton, NJ 08037. Checks payable to Victory Bible Church, MEMO please write “Homeward Bound” in the memo line.
ANY amount is a blessing and truly appreciated. Any questions or concerns, please do NOT hesitate to contact me via private message or you can reach me by phone. Jerry, along with our pal Robin are also coordinators of this ‘event’. Feel free to see or contact them also! Lastly, what ‘value’ is this for you to help these men go home?? And eternal one!! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!!!
