We are getting down to the final preparations before we leave: thinking of what items we need to bring, making sure all finances are in order, arranging transport to and from Calgary airport, etc. It has been a busy month, with our fundraising Bake Sales and Silent Auctions happening every Sunday morning in June. It has been such a blessing to see how supportive so many people have been, so thank you all for that! While this time can be a little bit stressful, it is a good reminder that we don't need to stress the details, it's all in God's hands!
There are still a few things that we need to bring with us. We are looking for tents (new or lightly used), walkie talkies, camping gear, etc. If you have anything you'd like to donate, please email me at annah@crossroadschurch.ca or Linda at lindac@crossroadschurch.ca.
We officially meet one more time as a team, and then we're off. We have put together a prayer calendar so that you can pray for us specifically throughout the trip. I will post that below. Thank you again for all of your support, financially and more importantly, through prayer! We can't do this on our own; me must rely on our awesome God for this to be a success. :)
I just wanted to throw in these pictures. They are from the evening of our commissioning at CrossRoads Church on June 19.
Here is the first attempt...
Greece Team Prayer Calendar
July 17 - Pray for the team as they prepare, pack and say goodbye to family and friends. Pray for wisdom and clear thinking for Kurtis Kooiker as he helps coordinate everything.
July 18 - Pray for the final details and that the team members receive sufficient sleep before departure. Pray for Ifie Janzen as she prepares to bring a team to her home country to serve. Pray that she is filled with wisdom and compassion and is able to communicate clearly to the team.
July 19 - Pray for smooth travelling and flight connections and that all the luggage will arrive and no bags will be lost in transit.
July 20 - Pray that the team will have patience and positive attitudes despite the long hours of travel. Pray also that time together builds strong relationships among team members. Pray for Caleb, Nathan and Noah Janzen as they travel with their mom (Ifie) and the team that they would be an encouragement to the team.
July 21 - Pray for a quick recovery from jet lag and for opportunities for the team to connect with other Operation Joshua participants. Pray for Pastor Anton Beukes as he works with this team, and that the encouragement from time with family in South Africa continues to bring him strength.
July 22 - Pray for wisdom for those organizing the details of the outreach and that participants will be spiritually renewed through the speakers each day. Pray for Ellen Schultz to be able to show love to the Greek people despite language barriers.
July 23 - As the participants travel around the area to distribute Bibles, pray for safety and properly working vehicles. Pray for Monica Slobogean for camaraderie with her distribution team.
July 24 - Pray for the people of Greece who will be receiving the Bibles that their hearts will be open to the Gospel. Pray for Lola French for love for the people she meets.
July 25 - Pray there will be no strong opposition to the Gospel or the outreach. Pray for Anna and Andrew Halliwell that this serve trip would strengthen their marriage and teach them about compassion.
July 26 - As the teams work through long days, pray for maintained health and energy levels despite the extreme heat. Pray for Craig Kinney that God would fill him with compassion and a desire to serve.
July 27 - On the last day of Bible distribution pray that the goal of distributing 90,000 Bibles in 700 villages is acheived. Pray for Joelle Koch that God would teach her about His love.
July 28 - Pray for closure as Operation Joshua wraps up and for continued blessings for participants and those who received the Bibles. Pray for Linda Cullen-Saik that God would open her eyes to see people with his eyes, and for the strength and courage to serve.
July 29 - Today the team travels to Porto Astro (Ministry Sports Camp) for debriefing. Pray that this time is effective and well-received. Pray for Melissa Bjorn for strength and encouragement.
July 30 - Pray that the team will have caught the vision of Hellenic Ministries and will get adequate rest during this debriefing period.
July 31 - Today is the final day together as a team. Pray for positive and strong team bonding and encouragement.
August 1 - As the team parts ways, pray for like-mindedness for those planning the Hope Pregnancy Care Centre and safety for those venturing out on their own.
August 2 - Pray for the team members as they process the events of the last two weeks and debrief individually. Pray for clarity and follow-through.
August 3 - Pray for continued vision and clarity for the opening of the Hope Pregnancy Care Centre.
August 4 - Pray that God speaks to each person individually as they apply their experiences from Operation Joshua IV to their life and that team member relationships continue to grow. Pray for safe returns for each member of the team as they come home at different times.
This prayer calendar is so helpful! Thank you for letting us know how we can pray and ensuring we pray for each team member by name. Blessings on you all,
ReplyDeleteTyler
It is about three days now, before you go! All ready team. I sure hope that others write on your blog while you are away. I was the only one writing on the SA blog - you like reaction to your blogs don't you? :-)
ReplyDeleteSheila