Category: Ministry
17% TO GO!
CURRENT MINISTRY . . . Deborah and I serve as Regional Project Managers for the Latin America/ Caribbean Region with Builders International/MAPS Construction. As project managers, they assist in the building of Bible schools, churches, and training facilities that help meet the needs of rapid church growth in the LAC Region. Their work includes project management, on-site project assessment, team leading, project promotion, and development of training facilities that will carry the gospel to the nations. They have served more than 20 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.
Our fellowship is experiencing a supernatural growth rate of up to 13,000 new churches and three-million adherents per year. Much of this is among the suffering and persecuted church. – Doug Clay, General Treasurer
Rahab Foundation Safe – House Shelter for Victims of Human Trafficking Costa Rica, Central America
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.
Our Desire To Work In Missions
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!
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!
johnanddeborahsims.com 