Summer plans for mission

“I thank my God always for you, praying in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the Gospel from the first day until now.” (Philippians 1.3-5)

Each morning I begin my day by giving thanks for the abundance of blessings our Lord has given me. One of those blessings is you. I often boast that the LORD has provided me with an army of prayer warriors, committed to praying each day for the ministries of the Wayland Mission Center. Many of you have asked for information, including specific prayer needs, about our missions this summer. With this writing, I want to communicate with you some of what we believe God has called us to this summer, and how you can support us through your prayers and finances.

Mission #1: Apostolos Mentoring. Location: Plainview, Texas. Perhaps the greatest impact that we make through the Wayland Mission Center is right here, in Plainview. Each week during the school year, many of our Wayland students meet one-on-one with youth at risk from Plainview High School. This ministry, though not costly like global mission trips, allows us, through your support, to feed these high schoolers each week here on our Wayland campus. I am especially thankful for the Ramsower Sunday School class of First Baptist Church of Plainview for their once-a-month meal they provide the first Thursday of each month. Other friends also help us with this often life-changing ministry. Administrators at Plainview High School, faced with a tremendously difficult and daunting challenge, have repeatedly expressed thanks for this mentoring program, and have pleaded that we continue. I would ask that you pray for and consider giving to this ministry. We will begin again in September.

Mission #2: Balkan. Location: Macedonia, Kosova, and Greece. 14 mission volunteers will join me on our annual mission to the Balkans, departing the USA on Monday, 7 June 2010. Our mission work will focus on villages where Martha (my one wife) and I ministered for many years prior to our coming to Wayland in 2007. We will be teaching EFL, continuing work on the Buddy Wagner English Language Library, leading in worship services, and conducting a sports camp. Participants include . . .
Amber Hamilton (2 years) Melanie Grace Vasquez (6 months)
Bradi Simpson Tory Simpson
Sarah Williams, FBC, Plainview Gus Krause
Jonathan Topp Walter Jennings Wright, FBC, Tulia
Janice Henson, FBC, Quitaque Rusty Henson, FBC, Quitaque
Krystle Clinton, FBC, Turkey Karla Helms, FBC, Quitaque
Callie Jo Helms, FBC, Quitaque Jewelet Barnes
Might you pray that our ministry among Muslims will bear fruit for the Kingdom of God?
Will you pray for one of these missionaries?
Will you give for the mission work?

Mission #3: African. Location: Limuru, Maasai Land, and Kakamega, Kenya. 16 mission volunteers will join me on our mission to Kenya, departing the USA on Saturday, 3 July 2010. Our mission work will focus on education, school renovation, ministry to persons infected with HIV/AIDS, children’s work, worship, discipleship, evangelism, and medical camps. Participants include . . .
Kimberly Templeton, FBC, Cotton Center Dr. Kelly Warren, WBU
J. D. Templeton, FBC, Cotton Center Sheri Warren
Joel Templeton, FBC, Cotton Center Cameron Warren
Daniel Templeton, FBC, Cotton Center Courtney Warren
Ryan Wilkinson, Highland BC, Lubbock Ashley Ratcliffe
David McDougle Kreg Bailey, Highland BC, Lubbock
Linda L. Stark, FBC, Quitaque Mike Burch, Highland BC, Lubbock
Debra Burch, Highland BC, Lubbock
We will need money to purchase medicines for the medical camps, directed by Kimberly Templeton, working under the authority of a Kenya physician.
Might you pray for the work of one of these missionaries?

If you have a modern language English Bible to give to a new Maasai believer, will you donate it?
Mission #4: Indian. Location: Bangalore and Dharmapuri, India. 5 mission volunteers will join me on our mission to India, departing the USA on Tuesday, 27 July 2010. Our mission work will be led by two indigenous Indian missionaries, Suresh and Latha. We will be leading children’s conferences, working with women in sewing centers, and constructing furniture for a school. Participants include . . .
Roland Hamilton, FBC, Quitaque
Donna Hamilton, FBC, Quitaque
Nick Pruitt, WBU
Kori Bowen
Erika Hatla, Outcasts International Church, Plainview
Might you help us with a donation for the children’s conference? We have been told we will teaching 1,100 children.
Might you pray for one of these missionaries?
If you have clothing, particularly children’s clothing, might you donate some of it to an Indian child.

Again, thank you for your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now. I am counting on you.

Christ’s strength today!

Apostolos Mentoring End of the Year Banquet

Last night's banquet for our Apostlos Mentoring Program touched me deeply. The initiation of relationships between Wayland students, Plainview High School students' families, and ladies from First Baptist Church, revived my spirit about missional living and engagement.