Reaching The Amazon . . . Brazil
When you think of the number 300, your mind may travel back to a moment in history where battles were fought and won against great odds. Today, deep in the Amazon of Brazil, the number 300 represents the number of tribal groups that are still unreached for Christ. We are joining with our missionaries in Brazil in an endeavor to construct facilities that will assist the national leadership in reaching these tribal groups.
“God has given us a vision to build 100 churches along the Amazon River and tributaries. So far 71 churches have been built. These buildings are pre-fabricated metal structures, metal roof and adobe brick walls. The structure measures 26ft X 56ft, and will seat 150 people.” – Mark Lemos, Missionary
Mexico, Morelia Bible Institute
The Bajio District is the least evangelized area of all Mexico. It is sometimes referred to as the Heart of Darkness with less than 2% evangelical Christian. Church planting is difficult because we do not have enough pastors to help us raise up new churches. The Morelia Bible School will teach and train new pastors and workers from the Bajio District of Mexico.
Without the attention and support of people called by God to help carry out the plan Jesus announced to his listeners that day, the assembling together of those millions would be left to meeting in makeshift shelters, tents, small homes, corn fields, and in public park settings. – Doug Clay, General Treasurer
A special word of thanks goes to Oak Ceek AG of Wisconsin who worked hard with two teams back to back. They came alongside this Strategic Project, serving both in construction and ministry, making a great impact to this area of Mexico.
For information about this project, visit: Builders International Projects
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
Ethan and Meghan Sims’s Wedding
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!
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.
I DO . . . I DO!
THE WEDDING PARTY!
I had my moment too!
And they had their dance!!!!!
THE END of the celebration and the beginning of a journey of marriage and love!
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!
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.
johnanddeborahsims.com 