en FaithQuest is proud to lead the Y-Africa?/Y-Malawi? projects http://www.faithquestmissions.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=44 Our heart and purpose is to mobilize the church to action for kingdom purposes! We seek to build bridges of love and connection between churches within the USA and front-line missionaries and their organizations in areas of the greatest needs in the world. Sub-Saharan Africa is our key focus area, but we also have strategic partnerships in Central America, Indonesia, and Western Europe. We seek to mobilize USA churches under God's banner and mandates to join Him in His work in the world, advancing the kingdom by unifying of the body of Christ in action and involvement. We strongly believe in Christ's mandate to "Go" and that God works through relationships that are launched when we do "Go". Short term mission trips are a key method of connecting people with people and building relationships across the waters, so we actively organize and host vision and serving trips to get these relationships started! We vigorously recruit, train, and send those who answer the call of The Lord, with their own "Here am I! Send me". The result is often an only-God-could-have-done-this transformational change in individuals, churches, and needy villages and communities where God has led us. It's incredibly exciting! Wed, 5 Nov 2008 14:01:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=65 Carlos Sales joined Faithquest Missions full-time in August 2007. After 13-years of pastoral ministries in several mega-churches in Southern California, Carlos joined FaithQuest and our vision to mobilize churches in the US to put their faith into action. Carlos shares here on his personal life and passions: " I've been happily married to Lisa since May of 1987. We have four children... Gracie (16), Alison (15), Olivia (14) and Chase (10). Lisa home schools our children. However, Chase has Down's syndrome, so he currently attends a special needs school in Vista. Our family loves to swim and play games together. We love to vacation as a family and one of our favorite vacations each year is Forest Home Family Camp. I enjoy riding street motorcycles, computers, reading and working out. (Above: Carlos leading a mission team on the village trails of rural Malawi, with Nkhoma Mountain in the distance) I'm passionately committed to helping people develop and build an intimate love relationship with God through prayer, study of His Word, and using their gifts to serve others and to lead them to Christ. Encouraging others to live life to it's fullest is also a passion of mine. My purpose in life is... "To bring glory to God by pursuing a rich, intimate, authentic love relationship with Jesus Christ and by investing all the resources He has entrusted to me - my gifts, my abilities, my time and my money - in ways that directly contribute to fulfilling the Great Commission." My priorities in ministry include building and leading ministry teams through partnership, affirmation, collaboration, empowerment and accountability. I care deeply about designing and implementing ministries that reflect biblical integrity and cultural relevancy. My values and desires are to maximize each person's unique gifts, competencies and passions as they take steps of faith towards spiritual maturity. I studied Civil Engineering and Computer Science in my early years and later received my Bachelor of Science degree at Biola University for Organizational Leadership. I was born in Hong Kong and moved with my family to the United States when I was nine-years-old. I was raised in a strict Catholic home. I attended Catholic school, Catechism and mass every weekend. I considered myself a religious and moral person. On February 4, 1978, I accepted an invitation to a Christian concert at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa. I heard, for the first time, that it was possible to have a personal relationship with God. God opened my eyes and I took a step of faith in accepting Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior. My spirit came alive and I instantly developed a new awareness and passion for God and His Word. Lisa and I have been called by God from the Shepherd's field to the Mission field. We believe that God has called us to take this step of faith to serve Him in a whole new way. We are excited yet very humbled by what He is doing in our hearts. We are taking a step of faith, joining FaithQuest Missions and making the Y-Malawi project our primary focus. Our primary source of income will be financial support of individuals and churches. Please prayerfully consider partnering with us to mobilize the church to reach the lost and care for the poor of the world." Carlos and Lisa need your support to carry forward their work! Please pray for them, and as God leads send checks to: FaithQuest Missions - 25016 Adelanto Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. Just write Carlos Sales on the memo line. Contributions can also be made online. Simply click on this button: FaithQuest Missions is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization (Tax ID # 81-0599806). All donors will receive a year-end tax receipt totalling all contributions within the year. An immediate receipt for each contribution will be happily made upon request! To view all ministry update letters with pictures form Carlos and Lisa, simply go to:http://letterpop.com/people/SalesFamilyNews/ You can reach Carlos at (760) 734-1553, or email him at Carlos@FaithQuestMissionsOrg Mon, 3 Nov 2008 19:32:19 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=53 While you can't miss the huge unemployment, poverty, poor-education and many other ills in these areas, some of the social studies point back to the many shortfalls in the formative years from ages 0 to 5 as one root of the cultures bigger ills. Things we take for granted for our littlest ones that help to stimulate and develop their brains and other functions during the "Early Child Development" years are the exception when you live in a shack. Part of meaningful and lasting change in these areas will be to give these little ones the health, educational tools, and love so that they can develop to the potential God created in them! Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=54 God has used Mars to come up with an exciting model for change that we feel compelled to embrace and advance with our church and school partners here. 2006 trip alumni Mike Sloan feels equipped and called to help and has leaped in to take the point lead from this side, and we here at FaithQuest are doing everything we can to pour gasoline on this growing fire we are calling Cargo of Dreams. Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=55 The snapshot version of this plan is: Two to four 20 to 40 foot shipping containers dropped at a church or school here in the USA where a small amount of effort and money by a lot of people will turn them into hope and change for a children and a community in South Africa. Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=56 The outside would be painted and the inside remodeled to fit a plan that will include classrooms with windows, doors, a tiny kitchen where nutritious meals can be prepared, and bathrooms little ones can stay clean; then filled with all the pre-school tools, toys, books, posters, child-size craft tables and chairs, etc. Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=57 Then onto a truck to Long Beach and a ship to Cape Town, then a truck again to the site. The community will tear down the shack-crèche made of sticks and scrap wood to make way for the new one from their partnership with their brothers and sisters in Christ from the USA and local South African churches! Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=58 If you want to get in on the fun, Mars, Mike, or us a call and soon we may see an African crèche being transformed and filled in your church or Christian school parking lot! (And a sea of people from this side having the opportunity to be involved!) Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=59 Finished Creche/Pre-school: Clean, secure, safe, and well equipped! Toilets instead of a bowl or bucket outside in the dirt. ood. Finished Creche/Pre-school: Clean, secure, safe, and well equipped! Toilets instead of a bowl or bucket outside in the dirt. Places to wash up and store and prepare food. Classrooms to learn and hear about Christ and His love. Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=60 Meaningful and lasting infrastructure done in the name of Christ! God's church putting their faith into action! Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=28 Point Men: Pastor Bill Trok and Mark Anderson Ridgeview Church (760) 751-9890 (Ridgeview leadership left to right) - Pastor Bill Trok, Mark Anderson, Tom Thomas, and Sid Smith pictured together above the Paarl Valley, South Africa) Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=30 Point Men: Pastors Barry Stagner and Dave Landis Calvary Chapel Tustin: (714) 832-0776 e-mail: dlandis@cctustin.org Senior Pastor Barry Stagner with Johno under a South African sunset Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=31 Point Man: Mickey Bodnar Saddleback Valley Christian Schools: (949) 443-4050 mickey@svcschools.org Pastor and School Missions Director Mickey Bodnar Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=25 God has given a vision for an exciting trans-continental project for transformation in South Africa and exciting engagement by individuals, churches, and Christian schools here in the USA to our great friend and partner Marius "Mars" Van der Colff. Mars joined us from South Carolina on a FaithQuest Men of Vision trip in 2004. One of the needs that touched Mars deeply when he was with us was with the tiny children and deplorable conditions in the crèches, the shack-based day-care centers in the shanty towns. Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=26 Marius "Mars" Van der Colff Cargo of Dreams Director and South Africa Lead New Website: http://www.cargoofdreams.org/ E: Mail: mars@cargoofdreams.org Cargo of Dreams USA Mailing Address 26155 Oroville Place Laguna Hills, CA 92653 Phone: (864) 380-6254 - Works while Mars is in USA or in South Africa, but keep in mind the "10 hours ahead" time difference in South Africa! Pictured here at Table Mountain/Cape Town Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=27 Michael Sloan Cargo of Dreams USA Lead E-Mail: MichaelSloan@cox.net Home Phone: (949)347-7269 Cell Phone: (949) 374-4817 Pictured with wife Christene on Table Mountain Mon, 3 Nov 2008 18:38:18 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=71 Mark Dupray is a young man of vision, outrageous faith, and belief that he can make a difference. Mark is preparing to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trial, in one shot, crazy as it sounds. Alone, 2600+ miles. Yes, 2600 miles, from Mexico to Canada, 20-25 miles or more a day for months, through deserts, mountains, and the elements. He leaves April 2009. He's warming up with the John Muir Trail, 210 miles and he's departing in fall 2008. Mark has joined with FaithQuest Missions to dedicate this trek to raising funds for Christian relief in Malawi. Mon, 3 Nov 2008 15:38:26 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=76 TeamFaithQuest is a growing network of runners, walkers, hikers, & cyclers committed to raising awareness & resources for FaithQuest work including their leadership in Y-Malawi. Our efforts add a richer meaning and purpose to our training while bringing help and hope to poverty-stricken children and the communities they live in. We invite you to join our network of men and women who share these common goals! Mon, 3 Nov 2008 12:53:58 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=79 Mon, 3 Nov 2008 12:53:35 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=77 Join TeamFaithQuest and raise funds for bringing relief for communities in need as you train for your athletic event. If you want a training buddy, find like-minded members through the TeamFaithQuest network, Lifetime membership is just $50 and includes a great TeamFaithQuest Technical Tee, it's a very cool team jersey and great for easy identification of your fellow members! Just ask and we will send you the form, or contact ShaneStagner@yahoo.com for additional information! Sponsor a TeamFaithQuest member as they train and compete! Contact us for details!Join our TeamFaithQuest Social Group and info blog located on the Y-Malawi Network site! Follow the link below to check it out! Visit Y-Malawi? Mon, 3 Nov 2008 12:51:41 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=78 Dana Point Turkey Trot - 5K and 10K, November 27, 2008Xterra Crystal Cove Trail Run - 5K and 15K, December 14, 2008Orange County Marathon - 26.2 miles, May 3, 2009San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon - 26.2 miles, May 31, 2009 Don't see your event? No problem! You can participate in the event of your choice! and invite others to join you too! Let Shane (pictured!) know what event you have chosen so we can support you! Mon, 3 Nov 2008 12:51:41 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=75 FaithQuest is proud to lead the Y-Malawi, a growing group of people and churches dedicated to transformation for the people of Malawi as we mobilize our churches to put our faith into action. Our new "Y-Malawi Network" site is up, which is a new way to keep Y-Malawi growing organically while giving us all a place to connect with one another; as well as share your story, vision and heart for the "Warm Heart of Africa". Please explore the many areas of the YMN pages and invite others from your church to join us! Visit Y-Malawi? Find more photos like this on Y-Malawi? Sun, 2 Nov 2008 18:04:28 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=70 Find more photos like this on Y-Malawi? Sun, 2 Nov 2008 18:01:09 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=51 The Reality: The people of Malawi have many gripping needs and are hungry for the Word. Their arms are open! Their need is greater than anything we can imagine and cannot be ignored.The Opportunity: The right model, programs, and personnel to make a tangible difference are already in place in Malawi. We don't need to create a new model or program, but rather just come alongside our Malawi ministry brothers and sisters and help them expand what they are already doing. The Answer: The problem in Malawi requires a God-sized solution. His Church is the only hope! Connect you or your church with the FaithQuest Y-Malawi movement! John@FaithQuestMissions.Org or in San Diego, Carlos@FaithQuestMissions.Org Want to hear more? Click here for our Y-Malawi Website! Photos all from Y-Malawi Nkhoma villages. By Kaysen Photography COME SPY OUT THE LAND! - Jesus said"Go"...Let's go! The 2009 Y-Malawi Vision Trips start in April and run until September. Space is limited, $3700 total cost, $300 deposit holds a spot. Contact John Gash, Director of Y-Africa?/Y-Malawi? & FaithQuest Missions at (949) 481-8195 or John@FaithQuestMissions.Org , or in San Diego Carlos Sales at Carlos@FaithQuestMissions.Org Sun, 2 Nov 2008 17:42:08 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=20 Y- Malawi? - Transforming Malawi...Transforming You! Africa, a continent of 53 countries, is in a crisis like no other in history. The small country of Malawi in southern Africa is one of the most desperate of these countries, yet is filled with a warm and receptive people that need the love and long-term transformation that God's church here in the United States have the ability to provide. Sun, 2 Nov 2008 17:39:12 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=35 It has been a while since we posted a newsletter on the website so we thought it was high time we shared with you more of the good news that has been happening with FaithQuest Missions and our Y-Malawi project! We have been home for about 2 months and have been playing catch up after being in Malawi and South Africa for about 4 weeks. In South Africa we were able to catch up with the great work being done by our partners Monte Christo Ministries and Cargo of Dreams. (Please see http://www.montechristoministires.com/ and http://www.cargoofdreams.org/ and connect with them!) Before that we had the wonderful opportunity to take people from 3 different churches ranging from Los Angeles to San Diego to Malawi and each church was touched by our Lord with what they experienced. They have all jumped aboard the Y-Malawi movement and are launching child sponsorship drives as well as booking future trips to Malawi to serve amongst the communities there. God is moving...praise Him! (Photo: I can never really tell if the Nkhoma children are giggling with me or at me!) Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:20:47 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=27 It's been a challenging but great year and we are incredibly humbled and thankful that God continues to move with such power and blessing in our lives and ministry. We are certain that it was Him working through you in our lives that has made this possible. You have inspired and strengthened us through your prayers, encouragement, participation in events and overseas trips, financial support, and simply by sharing your lives with us. For some of you this has been a difficult year, with health, family, or financial issues, or spiritual battles, and sometimes all of the above. We are thankful for how you have persevered in your faith, for it serves as a great reminder of the hope we all have in Christ. We hope to be a blessing and an encouragement to you all too, and report the amazing things our awesome God is doing in the world to bring His love, hope, and unity. Above left: Johno and Wynot - Visiting our sponsored children in Malawi was a highpoint! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:19:44 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=40 We thank Him that we are more certain than ever of His calling on our lives. We are excited to charge forward! With much love and appreciation for Him and you, from your fellow servants, John & Lori Photo: We are so thankful to have your love and support that allows us to serve these little ones in Nkhoma Malawi and lands beyond! We are with our 2 sponsored children Wynot and Mala and their families in this photo. Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:17:15 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=28 We'll tell you first that we are doing great. We really do feel like God has used you to bless us so that we can be a blessing to others. Personally, God's provision of a close walk with Him, an incredible marriage, our health, wonderful community in our small group, and two new healthy grandchildren has us really soaring. Our adult daughters Autumn and Amber and their families live close and Jordan is starting his senior year of ministry studies at Azusa Pacific University this month. We are very busy, but we are very well with our souls. Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=29 We also have experienced significant ministry growth in all areas this year: Through FaithQuest and Y-Malawi we led or sponsered 10 team trips to Africa in 2006 involving over 150 people from 23 different churches. Many new churches and Christian schools joined Y-Malawi this year, swelling the number to 19. The second 50,000-person Area Development Project (ADP) in Malawi is being launched and we ar e rapidly closing in on 2,000 children sponsored in 2006 through Y-Malawi with our partner World Vision. With 2,500 children sponsored in each ADP, more than $1,000,000 in annual funding for each ADP community is established, which will provide for drilling bore holes (wells) to replace consumption of water from contaminated pond/mud holes, provide widespread agricultural programs to establish family food security, provide health and hygiene training, medicines and healthcare workers, HIV/AIDS workers and caregiver supplies, training and supplies for mid-wives to increase mother and infant survival, and much more, all in the name of Christ. Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=30 Through you, God also provided significant funding for a micro-enterprise development and lending program in these communities managed by our expert partner Opportunity International. Our focus area in Malawi is in one of the very poorest regions in the world, and contains almost 100,000 of God's men, women and children within the first two ADP's. Although the current life expectancy in Malawi is only 37, life is about to be filled with much more hope for those that God has used you to touch in all the ways they need it most! Something to celebrate! We exhibited and spoke at 3 major conferences for pastors and leaders this year with World Vision, and God continues to open new doors as a result. World Vision's tireless support of Y-Malawi, combined with understanding more of their experience and expertise as the largest Christian relief organization in the world has been an amazing eye-opener to me as to what can be done if we can come together in unity as churches under the banner of Christ. Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=31 As we look into 2007, you can guess that we are praying for both a repeat of 2006 while also believing big for even further growth of the ministry and kingdom and expansion that happened this year. We thank God for great things He has done, yet it is impossible to ignore all that is still before us for Him. We hope to build bridges between more of the tens of thousands of evangelical US churches and the hundreds of millions of people in Africa and other continents that are in the Extreme Poor and/or Unreached categories. We ask you to join us in praying that the faith, hope, and love that is His Kingdom and His church in action can be expanded. We humbly request your continued prayer and financial support both here before year-end and on into 2007, so that we can continue and also expand into new opportunities as God provides. Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=32 More than $100,000 was sent by our partner churches through Y-Malawi to our Malawi-based evangelism and discipleship partners. Tens of thousands of people were exposed to the Gospel of Christ through these ministries and literally thousands came to know him! Leaders were discipled and trained and new churches were planted. God's people putting their faith into action in partnership with their local churches and FaithQuest/Y-Malawi has lead to many thousands of the extreme poor getting intensely practical, meaningful, and sustainable relief through the finances and ministry that happen as a result of these partnerships. We thank God and we thank you for your part in making this happen! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=33 Words cannot express how thankful we are for you and your partnership with us. We are pierced by your love and devotion for Him as expressed by your love and support of this ministry and us personally. Our heartfelt prayer during this Christmas season is that you and yours are blessed as we together remember the reason Jesus was born 2000 years ago and seek to share that reason with others. God has used you, dear friends, and all of this will echo through eternity! With much love from your fellow servants, John and Lori "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." Philippians 1:3-6 Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=34 The heart and purpose of FaithQuest Missions is to mobilize the church to "faith-in-action" kingdom purposes. We seek to build bridges of love and connection between churches within the United States and front-line missionaries and their organizations to the extreme poor in areas of greatest need in the world. Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=20 The Kafulu ADP villages are all operational farming villages, but it was hard to miss how much they had been imporoved! They had a new irrigation watering system in which they pumped water into a huge vegetable garden. There is no electricity so of course the watering system was pumped by manpower on a device that looked a lot like a primitive elliptical machine! (See photo at right, with Carrie Radliff from Saddleback Valley Christian Schools and Rock Harbor Church helping out!) They needed to be on that pump for about an hour each day to water their crops. Yikes!!! They had mango and papaya tree farms, silos filled a new kind of high-yield corn, wonderful livestock like hybrid super-goats that had been introduced to, grow bigger, produce more milk and meat, resist disease, and have more babies. It was great! The people seemed happy, encouraged, and empowered. All this is done in a way that allows the people to have dignity, pride, and a sense of ownership by learning to do it with their own hands and minds, not just by receiving money or others coming in and doing it for them. It was all done in the name of Christ by Christians with a heart to show His love and see these families and communities know Him. Needless to say Kafulu was amazing! The things that have been accomplished in 8 years have been truly transformational for the people there! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=21 Our next stop was an area called Nkhoma. This is the area of the brand new ADP that has been started in partnership with the USA Y-Malawi churches. This area in stark contrast to Kafulu! Their water is not something we would ever want to drink from. Basically a hole in the ground where wild animals can drink and urinate and well let's just say it's not very sanitary. There is little agriculture to speak of. No livestock animals, just lots of dirt. Thatched huts for schools, zero medical services, deforested, real poverty. BUT, that is starting to change! Photo: Nkhoma villagers gathering pond water for drinking Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=22 Last year when John took some churches to Nkhoma, the chief and leaders really pressed them for a school built for the children. Someone from the government had promised them a school 7 years earlier if his people made the mountains of mud bricks needed to build it, but the government never came through for the chief and his people once the bricks were done. Photo: Grass Nkhoma school house packed with kids! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=23 Now the USA Y-Malawi partner churches partnering with our local World Vision team have stepped in helped the people of Nkhoma to build their new school and we were privileged to be able to see it! WOW! Amazing that the bricks made 7 years ago are at last being turned into a school block! God is so good! The people of the village were incredibly thankful and showered us with gifts of chickens, pumpkins, and peanuts and sang for us in appreciation for us helping them. Photo: The new brick Nkhoma school under construction, funded through our Y-Malawi partner churches in partnership with World Vision! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=24 Our next stop was to see the World Vision children that we had individually sponsored. Whoa, what an amazing thing to actually see first-hand the child or children we personally had chosen to sponsor! It was great; there were more 700 people there to welcome us with singing, waves of joy, and warm smiling faces. Our children were put into a circle with their names and our names on a piece of paper so we could be introduced to them. We met our children and their moms and/or dads as well as some of the other children came too and we went and sat under a tree with a translator to visit with them and give our small gifts to them. The kids John and I had sponsored were quite shy and a little fearful but the moms were smiling ear to ear and gracious as ever! I guess that is how I would be if my child was chosen to be able to go to school and have a better life. The good news is, yes that particular child was sponsored but really everyone in the villages of Nkhoma will reap the benefits through these child sponsorships! The money you and I send to these kids through World Vision on a monthly basis is way more than the average annual income these people make so it is a real blessing to understand that an entire regional ADP village area of 30-50,000 people is transformed by just 2500 of the children being sponsored! AWESOME huh? Photo: John and I with our sponsored child, 3 year old Mala and her mother with the gifts of yams and peanuts they brought for us! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=25 It was also awesome to have all the new individuals, churches, and schools represented on this trip indicate their commitment to the Y-Malawi partnership, which now brings the total number of churches and Christian schools committed to the partnership to 18! God is moving and we are holding on for the ride! We are totally blessed to be in the middle of all this! Oh my there is so much I could say, but I feel I must leave you with some questions to ponder and wonder about. Maybe you are supposed to go with us to Malawi and see God's amazing works and blessing of the people from the warm heart of Africa? I pray you have been blessed by my story from Malawi, because through all of your prayers and concerns and financial support I have had my socks blessed off!!!!! Thank you massively from the bottom of our hearts for your constant partnership with John and I, FaithQuest Missions, and the Y-Malawi church partnership project he leads! Serving the Most High Joyfully, Lori (and Johno too) Gash Transformational Development Credo Go to the people Live among them Learn from them Work with them Plan with them Start with what they know Build on what they have Teach by showing Learn by doing Not a showcase, but a pattern Not odds and ends, but a system Not relief, but release Of the best leaders When their task is accomplished and their work is done, the people will remark "We have done it by ourselves!" James Yen Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=26 God’s always-stunning art! Sunset our last day on the Shire River, Malawi. Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=16 Dear Partners, Friends, & Family: John and I have just come back from Malawi, Africa and what an amazing trip we had! I will try and share with you what we saw and the vision that we hope to cast for many years to come, from my perspective as a first-timer to Malawi. My thoughts are below, section by section, as follows!. (Pictured: John and I last week at Lake Malawi) Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=17 It started with a group of 29 people and let me tell you, what an AWESOME group! We had people ranging from 17 years old to 58 years old. We had people from diverse backgrounds ranging from Catholic, to Chinese Evangelical, non-denominational to Presbyterian, and representatives from Christian Schools and from Christian Universities. It was AWESOME!!! Everyone and I mean everyone got along great! Not one complaint, not even from the women having to go to the restroom in.....well let me just say it isn't anything like the restrooms we have here! We were thrilled if we had nice cement to stand on around in what is commonly called an "African long drop toilet". Ha!!!! Anyway let me get on with our trip.......(Pictured above: A portion of the June team of 29 pictured here beside Lake Malawi! All joyful servants of God, representing churches, Christian Schools & Universities for Y-Malawi Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=18 We arrived in Malawi and the smiling face of Louise Laubscher our wonderful front-line missionary partner in Y-Malawi was there to greet us and help us with our luggage. From there we headed toward Lake Malawi to a cluster of villages near an area called Nkhotakota for an outreach including two showings of The Jesus Film. The giant lake was beautiful and quite a contrast from the villages we would soon begin working in. I wasn't prepared for the true poverty and nothingness that I would see. They did have mud huts with dried grass roofs, but they slept on dirt, no furniture of any kind, little food, nothing but rags to wear. Yet amongst this the kindness of the people, their warm smiles, the Extreme poverty reigned along the lake shore, but the children greeted and loved us! genuinness of their touch, and their willingness to sit with us and visit was amazing. John always said Malawi is called "The warm heart of Africa" for the warmth of the Chichewa people there and now I see why. Our group loved the time we spent with the people in the villages and working alongside the ministry workers and following up on the film showings. John had taken a group of church leaders last year to the same area that had left a lasting impact of Christ on them and they were truly like sponges wanting more! We shared our faith and the Malawians were so receptive and so pleased that we had come back to see them. My heart grieved over the fact that amongst the new Christian villagers, their growth and discipleship in Christ had not grown as quickly as I would have liked. Of course that is the U.S. thinking BUT.....my heart was overjoyed when as we left Nkhotakota one of Louise's team members from FTS (Fishers, Trainers, Senders, Louise's outreach ministry) was starting new a discipleship program as well as launching 16 new churches as a result of the outreaches successes there with us this year and last year. Fantastic!!!! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=19 Our next stop would be to see Kafulu ADP (Area Development Project) with our Y-Malawi? partner World Vision. This holistic community transformation ADP is a project that has been going for about 8 years. The ADP model is at the core of the Malawi side if the Y-Malawi partnership and the goal is to empower impoverished communities for social, physical, and spiritual transformation and self-sustainability. This has many facets, but we saw how World Vision workers come in and help the people who have access to only dirty, disease-infested drinking and cooking water that spreads diarrhea and deadly parasites gain access to clean water. We saw practical training in action for how to farm the land for a year-round food supply as well as profit for their families and villages. We saw a commitment to educate the people through building schools and hospitals. They provide practical teaching about HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases that ravage the families living in this land. Through the love and practical help, trust is built and a credible witness is established where people who have now experienced Christ love can hear about and receive Christ and be taught how to have a personal relationship with Him. Pictured above: Kafulu ADP children greeted us by the hundreds...unforgetable! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=8 Emmy Blakely and our daughter Amber Stagner once again rallied many others to send more than 700 pounds of relief and love with us this trip. This included specifically needed and requested items for the Bowy House for HIV/AIDS Children as well as 120 new backpacks filled with all new children's clothes, a toy, a children's Bible, sweets, a note of love, and more. They and their growing team of "Moms on a Mission" are equipping us and blessing mom's and children across the waters. Some of the backpacks being enthusiastically received by volunteers in South Africa! Many will go to fire victims who have lost everything including their shack. Connect with Emmy and Amber through the Moms on a Mission link on the FaithQuest Missions Home Page! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=5 Mike & Misty Portland of Calvary Chapel Tustin (http://www.calvarychapeltustin.org/) have listened to their Senior Pastor Barry Stagner and others from the church share about their experiences in South Africa, and they joined Barry and wife Teri on this trip, sensing God's call on their lives. None of us know exactly what God is doing, but it seems Mike and Misty now are certain they feel called to move to South Africa where Mike can use the gifts of teaching and discipleship to advance the kingdom of God in Paarl. This may mean that with the help of Pastor Barry and the CCT family that planting a new church there, or serving with the MCM team with their gifts. Please join us in praying for Mike and Misty, CCT, and MCM! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=6 On this trip we saw first hand how God is now using Mars in the Paarl Valley in many marvelous ways! Big problems abound in South Africa, but that means big opportunities for South African children, youth, men and women to experience the transformational power of the love of God delivered by His servants! (That would be you and me!) Crèches are often in shacks like this one we are preparing to weatherproof One of the needs that touched Mars deeply when he was with us in 2004 was with the tiny children and deplorable conditions in the crèches, the shack-based day-care centers in the shanty towns. While you can't miss the huge unemployment, poverty, poor-education and many other ills in these areas, some of the social studies point back to the many shortfalls in the formative years from ages 0 to 5 as one root of the cultures bigger ills. Things we take for granted for our littlest ones that help to stimulate and develop their brains and other functions during the "Early Child Development" years are the exception when you live in a shack. Part of meaningful and lasting change in these areas will be to give these little ones the health, educational tools, and love so that they can develop to the potential God created in them! God has used Mars to come up with an exciting model for change that we feel compelled to embrace and advance with our church and school partners here, and Mike Sloan from this trip feels equipped and called to help! The snapshot version of this plan is: Three 40 foot shipping containers dropped at a church or school here in the USA where a small amount of effort and money by a lot of people will turn them into hope and change for a children and a community in South Africa. The outside would be painted and the inside remodeled to fit a plan that will include classrooms with windows, doors, a tiny kitchen where nutritious meals can be prepared, and bathrooms little ones can stay clean; then filled with all the pre-school tools, toys, books, posters, child-size craft tables and chairs, etc. Then onto a truck to Long Beach and a ship to Cape Town, then a truck again to the site. The community will tear down the shack-crèche made of sticks and scrap wood to make way for the new one from their brothers and sisters in Christ from the USA! If you want to get in on the fun, give us a call and soon we may see an African crèche being transformed and filled in your church parking lot! (And a sea of people from this side having the opportunity to be involved!) Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.faithquestmissions.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=7 Reg Cowie from Daybreak Community Church in Carlsbad joined one of our short-term Men of Vision teams for South Africa and also now finds himself and his wife Nancy living in Paarl working with Monte Christo Ministries. Reg is excited to help mobilize men for kingdom work in South Africa and is also working in the prisons there and Nancy has a heart to see the arts used to bring hope and worship into the Paarl Valley. As a staff member of Daybreak Church, Nancy attended a Visual Arts course at a large regional church conference. God used teacher Christene Sloan from Coast Hills Church in Nancy's life to inspire her in big ways through this course. Christene Sloan in South Africa with her new African art buddies! Nancy has been praying as to how God would have her use what He had put on her heart now that she is living and serving Him in South Africa. And who greeted Nancy from our FaithQuest team this time in South Africa? Christene Sloan of course! Through the similar callings God has put on the lives of Nancy Cowie and Christene Sloan, and through connections with the people, churches, and organizations they both have, discussions for a new center in Africa to bring Christ into the culture there using the arts emerged, amongst other things! This God-connection and what appears to be coming out of it is really exciting and has terrific potential on many levels on both sides of the waters! As expressed above, I am certain that through God's work in an ever expanding group of peoples lives, these trips reverberates through eternity. We won't know the scope and extent of the impact until we are with Him, yet He has graciously provided a few glimpses along the way as to what He may be doing, including how He is using Mike and Misty, Barry and Teri, Marius, Reg and Nancy, Christene and Mike Sloan, and others on the trip right now! We pray you will be encouraged in Him and His work in the world through these servants of His! Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:13:48 MST