Over the years we have had a vision
of working a home for girls who are having problems. This vision
became clearer as we began working in a behavior modification
group home for young men. Through this experience we saw the
need for a heart change, not just a change in behavior. During
our time on the Mission Field in Thailand and South America,
God began to open our eyes to the problems young people faced
there. Many of the problems seemed basic to all; as God said,
there is nothing new under the sun. Our vision expanded to include
youth worldwide.
While the main desire to provide homes as opposed to institutions
remains the same, plans for educational and vocational training
centers also began to come into the picture.
We have seen the effectiveness and importance of being discipled
after the initial acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and believe
in the continuance of teaching and training youth.
John’s background as a machinist, shop foreman, cattle
rancher, bee keeper, small business owner, Youth Group Leader,
Pastor, Missions, and working with Troubled Youth in a home
basis and educational field has provided him with a rich range
of experience to draw upon. His interests also include spelunking
(cave exploration), back packing, week long canoe trips, camping,
fishing, hunting, and a strong desire to promote Missions, Mission
Trips and Orphanages worldwide.
Becky has worked along side John in everything except the machine
shop. She also enjoys the outdoor activities as well as a Junior
Pastor. Baking, cooking, sewing, reading, poetry, writing, and
gardening are some of her favorite pastimes.
We raised our three daughters who are now grown, two with families
of their own. They have blessed us with five grandchildren.
It is a blessing to hear how they are being taught about the
Lord.
Currently, we are both working as leaders with the School Of
Ministry, Eligiah Generation International, which is training
leaders about the word of God and active ministry. We just recently
transferred to EGI from working as administrators at American
Christian Academy for the last five years as well as assisting
and training Troubled Teens in our home for many years. John’s
experience and skill with computers has brought a new level
in the school with adding an On-line and Distance Education
component.
We have received years of training and have experienced what
works and what doesn’t. This is something we would like
to pass on to others who have a heart for the hurting but not
the knowledge or training. At the same time, there are those
in the countries who know the cultures and can work within that
framework more effectively. Bringing these two dynamics together
in understanding would only strengthen the people joining in
this work.
God has taken us on a journey through many different vocations,
with each one building the desire and vision to reach the lost
and hurting youth of the nations. The passionate desire to go
back into the Mission Field has not dimmed through the years,
but only grown stronger and more focused. We hope you will join
us and become a part of what we feel is God’s heart.
