Author: John And Deborah Sims

John and Deborah serve as Regional Project Managers for Latin America/Caribbean with Builders International/MAPS Construction. Every 45 minutes a new Assemblies of God church is planted around the world, that is over 11,000 churches per year! As Project Managers, they assist in the building of Bible schools, churches and training facilities that help meet the needs of this rapid church growth. They serve in the areas of project management, team leading, and development of training facilities that will carry the Gospel to the nations. The Sims have served over 19 years as missionaries to Latin America in church planting, evangelism and building, giving them a wealth of knowledge and experience to help facilitate reaching the lost.

Rahab Foundation Safe – House Shelter for Victims of Human Trafficking Costa Rica, Central America

Published on May 6, 2016May 6, 2016 by John And Deborah SimsLeave a comment

An incredible ministry opportunity is underway, by Assemblies of God World Missionaries. Four months ago, in partnership with the Costa Rican Rahab Foundation (NGO), new construction began on the very first government-recognized, safe-house shelter for victims of human trafficking. Let me take a moment to tell you just one of the reasons why this is a vital ministry.

At just 17 years old, young Mariel (name changed for protection) was presented with the promise of a job that she so desperately needed. Unfortunately, she did not realize that she was being lured into a trap. She would later be held captive and forced into the world of human trafficking.

Using false documents, her captor moved her from Costa Rica across the border to Nicaragua, Guatemala, and then on to Honduras, where she would be used for the sole purpose of sexual exploitation.

Mariel was beaten and raped over the next two months by her kidnapper. He even threatened to kill her family if she tried to escape.

Terrified, broken, and helpless, she wanted to die. She once put a knife to her throat, but could not bring herself to take her own life.

Mariel continually complained of an ear infection, in hopes that her kidnapper would take her to a clinic. He finally did; and while in the exam room alone with the doctor, she was able to confide in him about her situation. The doctor quickly called in authorities, and the captor was arrested!

Mariel was assured that he would be put away for a long time, only to find out he was released after three short months! She hasn’t seen or heard from him; but he has likely returned to his normal pattern of kidnapping, beating, and raping girls in preparation for the terror of the sex trafficking industry.

Although Mariel has now found help at the Rahab Foundation’s day facility program in Costa Rica, she sees her captor’s face every day when she looks at her son . . . the son of her exploiter.

Sex tourism is a severe problem in Costa Rica, with most of the sex tourists coming in from the United States and Europe. According to the Rahab Foundation, exploitation “recruitment,” begins around the age of 14.

Because of incredible answers to prayer, the Rahab Foundation has developed close ties with local police and government, and is now building the safe-house shelter for adult and minor victims of human trafficking (labor- and sex- related).

Once the shelter is complete, victims can expect to receive medical care, vocational training, tutoring, counseling with licensed professionals, legal assistance, weekly discipleship encouragement, and so much more. Currently they are offering services at their day facility, but cannot offer safety and security for them throughout the night.

The goal? Building a place where young women discover what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, as well as a place where they can find freedom, hope, and restoration.

Lifting Up His Name & Raising Up His Church – Los Palos

Published on January 20, 2016 by John And Deborah SimsLeave a comment

This past week in Los Palos, Cuba, two groups (nicknamed Team Wow) arrived from Vermont and Wisconsin to unseasonably heavy rains. Not exactly the conditions anticipated for the dry season by any of us. The opening Sunday service was electrified with excitement, as the church was full to overflowing. As the song, How Great Thou Art rang out; the congregation got on their feet and brought the rafters down. God’s glory rested on us all. The message from Nehemiah was exactly on target. Verses were read that described an impossible task, enemy attacks, courage, and faith. Focus and singleness of purpose were the word of the day. To the Israelites own surprise the project of Nehemiah was completed in 52 days. For Team Wow every morning was a one-hour prayer and praise trip to the project in the pouring rain. Each day as we arrived we watched the black clouds, heavy with rain divert around us. Nightfall brought a continued deluge of rain. The team and the Cubans put their hearts and souls into the work, pressing forward in the muck and humidity, trench by trench. Then we began the hand mixing and pouring of the concrete footings and piers. Eventually, the first pre-fab column and truss rose skyward, and shouts of praise went up. Now many wide eyed onlookers were gathering at the fence watching intently, as brothers of differing races, tongues, and nationalities worked together. Something that hadn’t been seen in a long time and perhaps ever by some was the miracle of a new church rising.

“God can work great miracles when His people resolve to be unselfish.” – Unknown

A special salute to Team Wow whom STAYED CALM AND CARRIED ON. The church at Los Palos thanks you and hope to see you at the dedication. – John Sims

Our Desire To Work In Missions

Published on January 7, 2016June 13, 2016 by John And Deborah Sims3 Comments

Just recently, our son Nate, helped us tell our story through a short 3 minute video. We hope you will take a moment to view it. We are grateful for the partnership of so many of you who have helped us continue to reach out to people through the construction ministry.

BUILDERS FOOTPRINT!

Published on December 1, 2015February 5, 2020 by John And Deborah SimsLeave a comment

ADVANCE AND COMPLETE!

There are so many things to be thankful for this season, but one thing that stands out to us in a big way are the many teams that have traveled to the field. They are CHAMPIONS and CO-WORKERS. These teams have helped advance and complete many projects. We are so grateful for their hard work and sacrifice! Their builders footprint is making a difference and helping spread the gospel to the nations.

Another key part to our missions work involves finances. Many of you have partnered with us financially, also making it possible to advance and complete many of these projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. These projects consist of churches, schools, rescue centers, and church camps. With your financial help, the lives and futures of many are being changed.

Builders TEAMS in the Latin America and Caribbean Region! (LAC)

Bethel Temple – Cuba
Bethel Temple – Curacao
Faith Assembly, VT – Cuba
Lone Star Cowboy – Cuba
Oak Creek – Cuba
Oak Creek – Costa Rica
Cross Mountain – Cuba
Plain View 1st Assembly – Cuba
Faith Assembly, SC – Cuba
Hammonton Assembly – Dominican Republic
Evangel Assembly of God- Belize
Tomball Assembly of God – Belize
Needville Assembly of God – Belize
Evadale Assembly of God – Belize

Builders International Teams have also worked in Haiti, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico this last year!

Thank You!

This holiday season our family is especially grateful for all your faithful support this last year.

Thank you for your help in sending and going to the field!
Thank you for your prayers! We have been blessed with continued good health, a new daughter-in-law, and a college graduate.
Thank you for your financial support. Many needs have been met.
Thank you for allowing us to share about our missions work. We have been blessed on this itineration time.

We are looking forward to 2016! Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! – John and Deborah

To Give Click Here THANK YOU!

Ministry in Latin America – Current Projects

Published on August 31, 2015August 31, 2015 by John And Deborah SimsLeave a comment

We have the privilege of working together with missionaries serving with Latin America ChildCare, who are dedicated to transforming the lives of needy children with the Good News of Jesus Christ through education and ministries of compassion.

CIENAGA LAC SCHOOL This school and its process of development to the point of now sustaining 620 students. Cienaga is a banana farming and fishermen community of 100,000 people with an average income of $308 per month. The next phase of development includes building and equipping a third and final level of the school to increase its capacity by 200 student.

Chlean boys

SANTIAGO CHILDREN’S MINISTRY This new facilities include a church, a school, an athletic area, and the offices. Santiago Children’s Ministries serves this city of 6.5 million people in the areas of evangelism, discipleship, hot meals, educational reinforcement, rescue from child prostitution, shelter, medical and foster care.

Unknown MORE KITCHENS IN MATAMOROS This project is a direct response to the city leaders’ cry for help from the church community to help feed hungry children. There are currently 104,000 children in the Matamoros school system, and 70% of them come to school hungry. This is a partnership program between local churches who provide volunteer labor and the DIF (Department of Integration of the Family) who provides the food.