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.

Ethan and Meghan Sims’s Wedding

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The moment finally came to celebrate the beginning of Ethan and Meghan’s journey to becoming husband and wife. An enchanting moment when a man and a woman become one. It was a moment we all met with great anticipation!

John was given the honor of performing the wedding vows! I fought tears of joy, with a heart full of gratitude, memories of the past, and dreams for the future. It was time to share a son, but to also gain a daughter!

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We have prayed over the years for both sons, that God would bring them HIS choice for a spouse. July 2 our prayers were answered as Meghan walked down the aisle to meet Ethan.

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I DO . . .  I DO!

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THE WEDDING PARTY!

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I had my moment too!

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And they had their dance!!!!!

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THE END of the celebration and the beginning of a journey of marriage and love!

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How did we come to this blessed day? As John and I pursued the calling God placed in our hearts years ago, never did we imagen the plans He had to include into our family two amazing women, Stephanie (Nate’s wife) and Meghan (Ethan’s) wife. I am so grateful for every miracle God has done in my health. I am so grateful for my sons, who love God first and then their families. Most of all I am grateful for my husband who has walked life’s journey with me through better or worse, richer or poor, and sickness or health. He as continually loved me! He has faithfully loved the Lord! And here is OUR FAMILY!

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

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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

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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

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BUILDERS FOOTPRINT!

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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

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