WORLDGOSPEL. WGO celebrates first Serve Team in Belize. 10 Serve Team Memories 16 Ebenezer Kindergarten Graduation. Summer 2016

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1 WORLDGOSPEL O U T R E A C H Summer 2016 WGO celebrates first Serve Team in Belize 10 Serve Team Memories 16 Ebenezer Kindergarten Graduation

2 OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE Contents On the cover This boy was among those helped by the first Serve Team in Belize. Summer Belize - First Serve Team 14 Meet the missionaries: The Avilas 15 WGOKids School Principal & Teachers 10 Serve Team scrapbook 16 Kindergarten graduation 19 Impact on the Believer The World Gospel Outreach Magazine is published in March, July and November. To submit articles contact: karen.howarton@wgomission.org Visit the Online Edition of the WGO Magazine at Do you have the gift of teaching and/or education administration? Ebenezer Academy at Rancho Ebenezer is looking for K-6 teachers and a school principal. For the teachers, a bachelors degree is required, teaching degree or certificate preferred, no experience needed. For our Principal, a degree in education or related field and at least one year experience being a Principal is needed. Please contact us if you could help give a Christian education to some very special Honduran children who need a chance! If you or someone you know would be interested in learning more about serving at Ebenezer Academy, please contact: hr@wgomission.org About the Ministry WHAT are we about? Our vision statement is: Impacting the faith of Christ followers through serving and evangelizing children and the poor WHy are we pursuing this vision? We are driven to pursue this vision by three fundamental Biblical mandates: To care for the poor, and especially the widows and orphans (James 1:27) To be fishers of men and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost (Matthew 4:19) To be accountable before God for how we meet the needs of others (Matthew 25:31-46) how are we accomplishing this vision? We are accomplishing this vision by engaging in three areas of ministry: Serve Teams - Meeting physical and spiritual needs Rancho Ebenezer Children s Ministry - Caring for at-risk children Impact on the North American believer - Life changing opportunities to serve Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 2

3 From the President Tribute A special form of gratitude By Mike Ferguson Mike Ferguson WGO President & CEO In 1994 Dennis Rainey published a book titled The Tribute: What every parent longs to hear I happened to hear Dennis Rainey preach a sermon on this many years ago and it prompted me that very day to go home and write a tribute to my dad and mom for all they had done for me. It was an important milestone in my relationship with my parents as an adult who loved my parents and was grateful for all they had done but I had never expressed it before. Many years later as I would come by to visit them, on some occasions upon my arrival, I would see them sitting in their chairs, each with a copy of my tribute to them in their hands. It was if they had been sitting there all day re-reading it and soaking in the blessing of the words of a child expressing gratitude in a deep and meaningful way. I could not fully understand how cherished my words of tribute were to them until my own children wrote Lyn and me a tribute from their hearts. Likewise, I pick it up from time to time and reread it to let that special blessing wash over me again. Words are powerful and words wrapped in tribute touch us deeply and eternally. A tribute is so much more than just gratitude. It is an expression from the deepest part of our soul communicating to someone that we are who we are because of the sacrifice and love given to us by that person. As a ministry we experience at an organizational level what parents experience in this regard. In ministry, just as parents, our staff give of themselves throughout the years, many times every ounce of energy, and patience and self-sacrifice they have. Sometimes they wonder if any of it has meaning or is accomplishing anything. Then, the Spirit moves on someone to express gratitude. Those special words of thanks and tribute that heal, encourage and impart a blessing the moment they are received. I have a special file in my office filled with letters I have received through the years from many people expressing gratitude for what this ministry has done for them and the life change that has resulted from it. One of those letters is one I received just a few years ago from one of our young women who was raised from an early age at Rancho Ebenezer. It was a tribute in every way to the ministry and its impact in her life. She expresses heartfelt gratitude for all the different people that invested in her life for 15 years; missionaries, team members, and mentors from church among many others. She talks of her education, her understanding of family values and the spiritual mentoring she received that formed the very foundation of her relationship with the Lord and her faith. In God s wisdom sometimes He waits to have the Spirit move on a child s heart to write such a tribute when that child is an adult and can more fully appreciate and understand what He has done for them. My encouragement to you is to reflect on this subject of gratitude and seek in your own heart to identify that person or persons in your life that you owe a simple message of gratitude and tribute. There is a potential in each of us to release a blessing that is stored up by the Lord in you, just for the persons in your life that invested and believed in you. You just need to release that blessing and let it envelope that person who really needs to hear it. Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 3

4 WGO celebrates first Photos by Karen Howarton and Kathy Hassell Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 4

5 Serve Team in Belize World Gospel Outreach has been, from its inception, a ministry with a heart deeply rooted in Christ, eyes on the present need, and hands and feet always moving forward. When the decision was made to expand the ministry to Belize, no one questioned why, and everyone set their hearts and minds on the new project. For the last three years, the faithful of the ministry have laid out their gifts and have set roots down in the jungle of Belize to reach out to the people of Belize. At WGO, we look at the first minute of ministering to the people through a Serve Team as the symbolic start to the ministry there. In that case, ministry began in March of this year, although we all realize the ministry in Belize began the moment the decision was made and relationships were begun to make this vision a reality. We share the first Serve Team in Belize here to celebrate all those who put their hearts, gifts and backs to make that moment the first head bowed and accepted Christ into their heart happen. Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 5 continued on page 6

6 First Serve Team in Belize The team spent the first two days in a community close to Belmopan, the capital of Belize. Even in a small community such as this, there can be several different cultures existing side by side. The church that this Serve Team visited was primarily made up of the Spanish speaking people, many of whom had migrated from Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador. English, Creole and Spanish are the three languages that dominate the area. This particular Serve Team felt comfortable with the Spanish language having served on WGO teams in Tegucigalpa. It was intentional to bring a seasoned group for the first Serve Team experience. The Belize ministry will spend time finding the needs of the people of Belize, while using the model of the Tegucigalpa Serve Team. Ginger Fleming shares the salvation story while she plays soccer with some of the neighborhood boys. Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 6

7 Most of the team had medical experience and quickly adapted to the differences of the new setting. Dr. Becky Schexnayder (below) is a pediatrician and also wife of team leader, Dr. Steve Schexnayder. Dr. Kathy Hassell (left), encourages the families as they are being examined. Beverly Tucker reads to the children during children s time. Beverly and her husband Kelly, are WGO missionary staff in Belize and will be moving there permanently this July. Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 7

8 Dr. Steve Schexnayder, board member for WGO, leads the first Serve Team. David and Lynda Clark greet Lynn Razor. The Clarks and the Razors served together with WGO in Honduras several years ago. Steve Razor (above) serves as the Belize Field Director, as well as WGO s Chief Financial Officer. Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 8

9 Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 9 Team members and community members share in the first Serve Team experience. After a tour of the facility led by the President of the ministry, Mike Ferguson (below), team members get down to business making the week a success. Michelle Davis (left) starts the day by getting vitals on the patients.

10 WGO And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cann Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 10

11 Spring Serve Teams ot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 11

12 Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 12

13 and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 13

14 Meet our WGO missionaries The Avila Family Ken and Kristin Avila, with their children Micah, 8, Leora, 5 and Levi, 3 moved from the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California to Honduras in September of The Avilas journey with World Gospel Outreach began over eight years ago when they attended a presentation on WGO shared by a couple in their church in Newcastle, CA, who had visited Rancho Ebenezer. The work and mission of WGO immediately struck a chord with the Avilas when they discovered that two main ministries of the Ranch were: (1) a school on site, providing children taken in off the streets, as well as missionaries children with a full bilingual education, raising them up to know Christ and make him known and (2) community outreach, pouring concrete floors for those living in meager homes with dirt floors. With Ken holding his contractor s license in concrete construction and Kristin s teaching credentials in hand, this opportunity to serve Christ as a family seemed too good to be true. The Avilas said they have become more and more burdened, in recent years, by the orphan crisis in our world and feel it is their direct call from God to care for those in need. Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us. ( James 1:27). After a few short-term missions trips and one exploratory trip to the Ranch, the Avilas decided it was time to answer God s call to go where he desired to send them. Then I heard the Lord asking, Whom should I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us? and I said, Lord I ll go! Send me. Isaiah 6:8 In December 2014, the Avilas became official missionary candidates with WGO, completed fundraising by August 2015, and moved to Honduras on Sept. 22, After the Avilas completed three months of Spanish language school in Siguatepeque, Honduras, they began their four-year commitment at the Ranch. Ken is the Serve Team Manager, planning Ranch maintenance and community outreach projects that provide for the physical and spiritual needs of the Ranch and the surrounding community. He also leads a five-week apologetics study for the teens on the Ranch. Topics of that study include the foundations and doctrines of the Christian faith, world religions and belief systems, and defending the faith. Kristin serves as the curriculum coordinator at Ebenezer Academy. She also supports the teaching staff by providing monthly professional development trainings and individual mentoring twice per month as they educate the children on the Ranch with a Christ-centered education. Ken, Kristin and their three children are thrilled to have embarked on this adventure. They covet your prayers during their transition to the mission field as they take this step of faith. Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 14

15 Ebenezer Student Wins Regional Spelling Bee By Rachel Hahn, Child Sponsorship Coordinator Receiving a solid education with a bilingual emphasis for our children at Rancho Ebenezer has always been foundational in their future success as young adults. Our Honduran and North American teachers at Ebenezer Academy work hard to help our children achieve their academic goals and much of what they teach goes far beyond the classroom. WGOKids would like to honor one of our special students for his recent success at the Regional Bilingual Spelling Bee of Tegucigalpa. Tiffany Terry, fourth-sixth-grade teacher, sat down with our spelling bee champion, David to learn what this experience meant to him. Tiffany: For the second year in a row, Ebenezer Academy has had the privilege to send representatives to the International School in Tegucigalpa for theregional Bilingual Spelling Bee. This year, David represented our fifth grade class after winning first place at our English Spelling Bee at Rancho Ebenezer. David also placed first in the Regional Spelling Bee against approximately 30 schools from the region, representing Ebenezer Academy and all of WGO with a shining light of humility. In a recent interview with David, I was able to gain insight into what it was like for him to win this year. Tiffany: What was it like to go to the International School Spelling Bee for the second year in a row? David: It was better than last year, because I got to see some of the friends I made at the spelling bee last year. Tiffany: Were you less nervous this year? David: Yes. I was really nervous last year, but I knew what to expect this year and I had friends there. Tiffany: What was your winning word this year? David: Fright It was easy! Tiffany: How did you learn how to spell so many words? David: I reviewed my spelling list by saying them out loud, and my counselor, Ms. Cessna, helped me to write them. Tiffany: Do you think reading can help someone become a good speller? David: Yes, because I see lots of new words when I read. Then later when I have to spell them, I remember seeing them in my book. To add to his growing list of accolades, David also placed first place in the Spanish Spelling Bee during the Ebenezer Academy Spanish Language Day celebration. Tiffany said, David is a star student in both reading and spelling classes for English and Spanish. This year he accepted our school s reading challenge to read 2,000 minutes in just four months. Not only did David read far more than required, 3,223 minutes, but he also placed third in the competition. As his mentor and friend, Mrs. David proudly shows his medal from the Spelling Bee. Kimberly always says, Readers are leaders. I believe this statement is a great predictor of what we can expect from this young man. Our WGOKids Child Sponsors make a difference. If it weren t for the individuals who partner with us through WGOKids, we would not be able to provide the in-home, holistic care that our children receive on a daily basis. It is through WGOKids that we are able to support Ebenezer Academy and provide children with an education that raises the bar for them to excel academically. We want to say Thank You! to all those who make this possible. Spring 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 15

16 Kindergarten The graduates sing the nation Angel Daniel hugs his teachers Mimi (right) and Wendy (left). Kindergarten Graduation at Ebenezer Academy is a special time for the community of Rancho Ebenezer. To receive that diploma and hug gives these children a sense of accomplishment that will encourage them for years to come and motivate them throughout their academic years at the school. They have not only learned the basics of colors, letters and numbers in their own language but have also accomplished these in English. Teachers at Ebenezer Academy have worked hard throughout the year in the school and also fill in with care for the ministry children when needed in their homes. Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 16

17 graduation at Ebenezer Academy al anthem of Honduras. Left to right: Perla, Angel Luciano, Angel Daniel, Jose, Dominque. The students made and presented a gift to someone special in their lives. Angel Luciano presents his gift to his Mentor Dad, Johan (right). Perla receives her diploma from principal, Blanca (left). Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 17

18 To touch more lives, We need your help God is touching and changing lives through WGO. Please consider contributing funds toward the needs of the ministry. Your giving will help continue the kingdom work that is ongoing. WGO Serve Teams in Tegucigalpa are able to offer medical care to more than 100,000 Hondurans a year. The CarePay program was created to augment the funds needed for that care. Every $2 you donate covers the co-pay to care for one patient. $20 will provide for 10 patients. We hope you will consider a monthly gift to help in this ongoing ministry. Your donation to the WGO ALLKids Fund will go directly to the food, clothing and education of all of the Honduran children living at Rancho Ebenezer, who desperately need a loving Christian home. Or you can sponsor an individual child of your choosing for $30 per month by going to our website: org/wgokids. If you have questions about our kids sponsorship program please contact Fred at: fred.steinbach@wgomission.org or Ph The Belize Campus is still in need of donations to finish the cabins. Help us grow the ministry there by buying: Bunk beds and two mattress sets $475/set Shower units $600 each Window units for the Team cabins $1500 Room air conditioner $1400 There is an envelope in the magazine to make your donation by check. Or you can go to wgoreach.org/summer to make your donation by credit card. Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 18 Belize

19 . Impact on the Believer Honduras-Journey with Jesus My Honduras-Journey with Jesus began in November After seeking God s will through prayer with my son and Mom, I served on a week-long medical/mission Serve Team from Rogers, Arkansas, led by Eric and Yami Pate, and Neil Greenhaw. On Tuesday, I served in evangelism and God used Carlos, a WGO translator, a 93 year old lady, Miss Anna, and a pastor s daughter to encourage and direct me to return to Honduras. Wednesday, I visited Rancho Ebenezer. After visiting with Shelia Miguez, the teacher supervisor, and observing the children, I was drawn to Rancho Ebenezer. God continued to confirm this leading through prayer and the love and support of my family and friends. I returned to Rancho Ebenezer for the summer of God worked out all the details, including my son, Kelly s summer internship, love and support from family and friends, and financial support. I served in the Summer Learning Fun program. The team and I taught ESL classes, literacy through Bible stories, and math to the children at Rancho Ebenezer and the nearby community. Students also learned action songs that taught memory verses and participated in a summer reading program. It is a common thought among Christians that we love and serve the omnipotent, omnipresent God. During the summer of 2015, I witnessed and lived: Our God is an awesome God! Daily He fulfilled His promises by providing for my needs to minister to the children and staff. God orchestrated a summer intern team of seven, from several states and across a wide age span. We were loved and blessed by the leadership of Ron and Christy Langejans. God wove our service together with the counselors and missionaries as a tapestry of blessings! We served, and were richly blessed! God blessed me with opportunities to see children learn new education skills and personal skills. I built relationships with the counselors, as I filled in for sick or absent counselors. This opportunity brought the biggest surprise blessing of the summer! We had three siblings come to RE. Matt Nevala, the clinical manager, asked me to stay with the little girl her first night at the Ranch! I was overcome by this part of God s plan in this journey and felt blessed to welcome Juanita to the safe, loving, Christian environment of Rancho Ebenezer. God has allowed me to return to Rancho Ebenezer and serve for the summer of I am abundantly blessed with this opportunity and thankful for the love and support of family and friends. I am eager for this summer s experiences as He continues to lead me on this Honduras Journey with Jesus! - Evette Lange Evette watches a soccer game with Juanita and Frankie. Summer 2016 World gospel Outreach Page 19

20 Published by WORLDGOSPEL O U T R E A C H P.O. Box Humble, Texas Ministry Position OPPORTUNITIES WORLD GOSPEL O U T R E A C H Teachers: Pre-school through 6th Grade certified teachers at Rancho Ebenezer school (knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not necessary). Current or retired teachers needed. Missionary support fundraising is also required. Mission House Host: This person is responsible for assisting in the day to day operations of maintaining the Mission House and helping with short-term teams as they arrive and depart. Pharmacist and Pharmacy Assistant: The Mission House is looking for a full time Pharmacist and Pharmacy Assistant. These positions are located in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and report to our current Pharmacist. The WGO pharmacy is responsible for the weekly team s medicine needs, which can be up to 40 weeks of Serve Teams per year and more than 250,000 prescriptions filled. Mentor Parents at Rancho Ebenezer: A strong Christian husband and wife to mentor our ministry children at Rancho Ebenezer located outside of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Rancho Ebenezer provides a haven where children can heal from the hurts of their past, receive an education and know the love of Jesus through caring Mentor Parents, counselors and staff. IT Manager: This person will be responsible for all IT needs including our telephone systems at Rancho Ebenezer and the Mission House offices, both near Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This is a new position. Nurse: WGO is looking for an RN to work at our Mission House in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The nurse works alongside Honduran nurses and doctors providing medical care on our Serve Teams in various parts of the city. The nurse will be responsible for helping missionaries and staff as needed, maintaining records and training medical teams. In addition, the nurse will oversee nursing interns.