Missions

Global

Paul and Joanna Lasante became aware of the needs of Ukraine in the spring of 2006 and realized that, by their combined experiences, they could be of service there. During the communistic era, evangelical churches were shunned and very often persecuted. Christians were denied higher education and ostracized from anything but manual labour. Though 1991 saw the end of communism in Ukraine, thereby creating an incredible open door for the gospel, it was also estimated at that time that 90% of those leading churches had no formal ministry training at all. The effects of so many years (even centuries!) of oppression is still felt today.

These are a few of the challenges that the church of Ukraine faces very often with little or no resources. Despite these realities, the church is alive and well and it is growing in strength and number by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Their support for Ukrainian churches involves giving them all the tools they possibly can to help them rise to their social and economic challenges so they can realize the Great Commission. They will do this through leadership training at the L'viv Theological Seminary and the development of distance education materials that will provide opportunities for people all over the country to benefit from leadership training who wouldn't otherwise have access. The fruits of this mobilization can already be seen as more and more young Christians are dedicating themselves to church planting, devising plans to meet the needs of the poor and oppressed and even launching out into missions work themselves to the restricted access nations around the Ukraine.

www.lasantes.com

Black Buffalo Global Ministries has been around for many years. Ray "Black Buffalo" Wilson chartered Black Buffalo Trails with North American Indian Missions, Inc. in 1976. As of April 3, 2006, Ray has passed the directorship of these ministries to his son, Ray "White Buffalo" Wilson Jr. and his wife Gayle. In June of 2007, the board officially changed the name to Black Buffalo Global Ministries, to better reflect their vision of reaching native people all over the world.

Black Buffalo Global Ministries is involved in missions work in United States, Mexico, Central America, and Columbia. The ministries has two children's homes in Creel, Mexico and in Leticia, Columbia. BBGM has also been involved in building churches on the Amazon River as well as providing medical needs for hundreds along the river. For many years, BBGM has brought semi truck loads of food, clothing, and many other practical items to the Tarahumara Tribe in Mexico.

www.blackbuffalo.org

Rev. Frank Jeulich is a missionary with the PAOC and is the Founder of Prem Sewa Shikshan Sangh and its director. The Society, Prem Sewa Shikshan Sangh, was established in October 1981, at the behest of Rev. Frank M Juelich. The Society purchased 17.75 acres of land in 1982 at Gorewada Basti, Nagpur to develop it into a home for poor children. The hostel, “Kalpana” Bhavan had its beginning in a hut which initially housed ten students, and three staff including the Rev. whom everybody calls Bhaisahib. Under his guidance the hostel then developed into what it is now, a home for over 1000 boys.

In 1987 they started their primary school. The girls’ home was established in 1992. In December 1994 Mr. Yohan Raut became President of the society. In December 2004 Mr. Bapu Desai was appointed Administrator of the hostels and in November 2007, as the Managing Director. Both Mr. Raut and Mr. Desai are a product of the home. In the year 2007, celebrated 25th anniversary.

Website: www.frankjuelich.com
Website: www.premsewa.org

News from Desert Spring:

For the past few years, we have been supporting another couple who have been involved in a Restricted Access Nation. Because of the confidentiality of where they are located and who they are, only limited information is posted on this web site.

There is a great need to reach those located in these Restricted Access Nations. We are so thankful for our workers who are willing to serve and make great sacrifices to reach these people.

From time to time we will be posting information on this web site to keep you informed. Please remember these workers in your prayers.

James and Colleen Guskjolen have served in the role of District Superintendent of the Saskatchewan District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and as missionaries to the Seychelles which are a group of islands off the East coast of Africa. Their present assignment is to lead the missionary work of the PAOC throughout the region of Latin America and Caribbean. They have currently been a part of the rescue and supply for the disaster in Haiti.  

Website:  www.lacministries.org

Gary and Cathy Heinricks are pastoring in Alberta and are currently raising support to be full time Youth Directors in San Felipe, Mexico. Their family visited the area and felt God calling them to work there fulltime alongside missionaries who already serve in San Felipe. The work will involve organizing short term missions trips to San Felipe, assisting in vocational/skill training, building projects, and developing Adopt a Youth (for education).

Website:  www.waveevangelism.com

Canada

Tim Schindel ministers in Victoria as Chaplain to Political Leaders: The ministries goals are:

• To see key government, business and community leaders come into a meaningful and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• To build a prayer network that is focused on praying daily for MLA‘s
• To provide credible ministry to those who serve in the political arena
• To inspire local churches to involve themselves in ministry to those who serve their communities

Website: www.leadinginfluence.com

Dawson Creek

Heritage Heights - Bethel Senior Citizens Housing Society

In 1980 Bethel Senior Citizens Housing Society was established for the purpose of planning and constructing a seniors housing facility. That project was started in June 1981, the first tenants moved in December 1981, and construction was completed in February 1982. The official opening was held in March, 1982. For more info, go to the Heritage Heights Website .

The Ark

The Ark is a Christian youth centre in Dawson Creek. The Ark began in 1989 and has been in operation for over 21 years. Their mandate is to create an exciting environment and to provide a positive, affordable alternative where all kids are valued and can participate. The target age range is between six and eighteen years

The Ark currently averages 200 kids on any given week during the winter months. Their summer programs attract more than 40 youth (ages 12-18).

Bethel is pleased to support this outreach into our community. For more information check out their web site. http://thearkcyc.com