1999 New Missionaries

Tim & Jane (Stecher) Bahula

Church: Glen Cairn Baptist, London, Ontario
Children: Andrew (10/3/95), Emily (4/30/97)
Phone: (519) 474-3323
E-mail: tbahula@lweb.net

COUNTRY: Trinidad & Tobago

Tim: I was born to godly parents and was in church the first Sunday after my birth. I learned of Christ at an early age, but it was not until I was 12 years old, at summer camp, that I saw other kids who had a relationship with God that I did not have. After a campfire challenge, I committed my life to Christ. I was confident about my faith, but shy to talk about it. My pastor strongly recommended young people attend at least one year of Bible college. My "one" year turned into six as I received an M. Div. from London Baptist Bible College and Seminary (now Heritage Baptist College and Theological Seminary.)

At that time Larry Smith, now ABWE's Director for Central America and the Caribbean, taught at the college. Larry and his wife Bev introduced the need for training Christian leaders in Trinidad and Tobago. During my school years, I did an internship at Bibles International in Grand Rapids, Michigan, worked in AWANA, and assisted in my home church. After graduation, I supplied for a pastor who was away for nearly a year and lectured in eschatology for four years at Heritage. Last year I taught New Testament Survey at Fairview Bible College in Jamaica.

I have a passion for leadership training and theological education. We hope to work with the Baptist churches in Trinidad and Tobago, and establish a center to train men and woman so that the churches would be strengthened and the islands of the Caribbean would hear the gospel.

Jane: I came to know Christ as Savior at five years old during Vacation Bible School. As I grew older, I loved the Lord, but there were three things I did NOT want to happen in my life: 1) I did NOT want to go to Bible school; I thought people who went to Bible school just weren't smart enough to get into university; 2) I did NOT want to marry a man who was interested in serving the Lord full-time; and 3) I did NOT want to be a missionary.

In high school I went with friends to "College Days" at London Baptist Bible College. That changed my mind about point one, and I enrolled at LBBC. Then I met Tim, and he changed my thinking about point two. After our marriage, we went with Larry and Bev Smith and a group from the college to Belize. Being part of a missions team readjusted my thinking about service for the Lord.

My mother was a great encourager and influence in my life. She prayed that God would call me into His service. I have watched God gently moving me from the things I didn't want to do, to what HE wants us to do.

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Emory & Dikola (Mueller) Bragg

Church: Heritage Baptist, Lakeland, FL
Phone: (804) 846-4391
E-mail: emorybragg@juno.com

COUNTRY: Togo, West Africa

Emory: My Christian parents took their three children to church and sacrificed so we could go to a Christian school. A counselor at the Christian camp I attended the summer I was 12 led me to accept Christ. Since sixth grade, I planned to be a doctor on some mission field. I began my studies in Pre-med at Liberty University, but became confused. Just as a hobby, I decided to take flying lessons. The Lord clearly showed me I could serve Him as a missionary pilot.

Since graduation I have worked in aviation and am training to be an A & P (airframe and powerplant) mechanic.

I believe I have a responsibility first, to love God and live the life God instructed, then to share that love with others by building relationships, and teaching people about Christ.

Dikola: I, too, was reared in a Christian family. My parents led me to the Lord when I was six, but I developed a rebellious attitude toward my mother at an early age. As I grew up, she wanted me to study at Word of Life Institute, but I refused. Instead, I set off on my own. I had grown up Baptist, and I wanted to see the world! After six months in California, I came home, broken, realizing all I thought I had going for me-my love of the arts, and my musical talent-brought emptiness. I spent a year at Word of Life, then went to Russia for one month. I realized Russian young people didn't make an easy commitment to Christ. The way they took their Christianity so seriously made me feel foolish.

I entered Liberty University and again met Emory, whom I had known as a child. His interest in missionary aviation fit in with my background. I had been flying all my life. My experience in youth camps and discipleship ministry with women provided good missionary training. Best of all, I made amends with my mother. She is now my best friend.

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Robert & MaryScott Burns

Church: First Baptist, Hackensack,NJ
Children: Margaret (3/30/87), Matthew (10/3/91)
Phone: (609) 296-3232
E-mail: 104344.1050@compuserve.com

Country: Norway

Bob: I praise God for parents who took me to church and taught me the scriptures. At the age of six I received the Lord Jesus as my Savior. Following God's call into Christian ministry, I studied at Baptist Bible College of Pennsylvania and went on to serve in the areas of youth, music, and Christian education.

We joined the ministry of First Baptist Church of Hackensack, New Jersey in 1991. I served as minister of music and teacher of Bible and music for Hackensack Christian School. During a missions conference I prayed that the Lord would call one of my students into His service. On Sunday morning, a missionary from the Gambia presented God's work in West Africa to our adult Bible school class, and the Lord burdened my heart. In the service that followed, God spoke to me through His Word and took away all of my excuses. I was praying for my students, yet God had already prepared me. The final obstacle in my mind was removed when MaryScott responded to the invitation.

MaryScott: When I was seven, I made a profession of faith in Christ and was baptized at thirteen, but had doubts about my salvation throughout high school. During my first month at Bob Jones University, the Lord led me to assurance through His Word and the testimony of a fellow student. I was subsequently baptized and became a member of Hampton Park Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. After graduation, I taught in a Christian school where I met Bob. The Lord has since blessed me with opportunities to serve through my role as assistant pastor's wife and as a homeschool mom. Serving at First Baptist Church in Hackensack introduced me to multi-cultural urban ministry.

During the missions conference when the Lord was speaking to Bob, God challenged me to give Him my desire for security and success. As we prayed together, Bob and I realized the Lord was calling us to foreign missions. We received godly counsel from our pastor, James Smith, and from ABWE missionaries. We discovered that Norway is a neglected corner of God's harvest field, and we recognize how the Lord has prepared us for ministry there. We marvel at the wisdom of God's sovereign purpose, and we are eager to serve Him in Norway.

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Glenn & Tammy (Phelps) Clodgo

Church: Victory Baptist Cooleemee, NC
Children: Levi Graham (8/21/97)
Phone: (336) 998-8957
E-mail: g.clodgo@gte.net

COUNTRY: Spain

Glenn: I was saved at the age of 13, following an Easter service. I looked over at my dad who walked forward with me and showed me what I needed to do to be saved.

I graduated from Liberty University in 1992. During my years there I struggled with the call into missions. After resisting for several years, I surrendered to God's leading on July 4,1992.

I have taught at Welcome Elementary School in Lexington, North Carolina for over six years. I serve on the Board of Deacons at our church.

Tammy: I was seven years old and a "bus kid" when I attended Vacation Bible School at the Baptist church in our town. After responding to the invitation, a young man used the black wallet to demonstrate sin separating us from God. My mother joked that I always won the prizes given on the bus. The best prize of all was my salvation.

We began attended church together as a family when I was 14. At that time I dedicated my life to the Lord. After high school I spent a week in Mexico at a missions conference for teens. I thought missions was the most exciting thing in the world. During my freshman year at Liberty University I felt God's call to be a missionary.

Glenn and I were married in 1993. We enjoy working with the youth in our church, although I actually am a kindergarten teacher. Last year, when we sent for information from mission boards, ABWE responded with a personal phone call. When I read the Message magazine, I cannot help but want to be part of the ABWE family. We hope to use our teaching skills, not only to teach the three "R's" but also to teach the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Bradley Collins

Church: Devon Park Baptist, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Phone: (506) 369-2381

COUNTRY: Bosnia

My testimony is like that of the prodigal son whom we read about in Luke 15. I was saved when I was six after hearing the gospel presented in Sunday school, but I wandered far from my loving Father and lived in the world. Many times I turned my back on God, but not once did He turn His back on me.

When I was 27, I broke down before God. I hadn't cried before-I didn't think men cried-but I sobbed, "Lord, I want to come home." I asked Him to take over my life. God wrapped His arms around me and welcomed me home.

Since that time God has trained me to serve Him. He led me to the former Yugoslavia, the part known today as Bosnia, where I served in 1992 and 1995.

My fourth year in Bible school included an eight-month internship in Toronto. I lived with, and learned from, missionaries who worked among the 80,000 Somalian refugees in Toronto. I, also, participated with three churches in their outreach to Bosnian refugees and immigrants. I helped two men find jobs, gave computer lessons, held Bible studies, and helped with medical needs.

During 1999 I returned to my home town and pastored the church there. I relate to the man mentioned in Genesis 24:27, "I being in the way, the Lord led me..." God has led me throughout my life, and I hope soon to return to Bosnia.

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Matthew & Amanda Cropsey

Church: Palmetto Baptist Temple, Cola, SC
Phone: (803) 787-306
E-mail: MCropsey@compuserve.com

COUNTRY: Togo, West Africa

Matt: My parents, Bob & Shirley Cropsey, are ABWE missionaries, and I took my first missions trip at an early age. When I was two, they worked at a hospital in the Far East. After studying French in Quebec, we went to Togo in 1981 to open the Karolyn Kempton Memorial Christian Hospital. I trusted Christ as my Savior under the guidance of my parents when I was five.

Adventure seems to come my way: I fell through a roof and broke my back in two places. That didn't stop me. When ABWE missionary, "Uncle" Ron Washer, held a camp at the Blind School, we dammed up a river, and cruised across on a cable. I landed head first in the mud.

During my ten years in Togo, my parents involved my brothers and me in their work. Playing soccer, coaching African kids, visiting in homes: I loved it all. My dream has been to be an ABWE missionary, too. I attended Bob Jones University, obtaining an associate degree in aircraft maintenance. I met Mandy there, but before we were married, I detoured to Brazil and was part of a forced landing on the Cuyani River in Guyana. (For that adventure read the new ABWE book Jungle Myths.)

I expected we would serve in Brazil, but in May 1999, ABWE requested that we be involved in re-opening the aviation ministry as a tool for church planting in Togo. I look forward to taking Mandy HOME.

Mandy: I was reared in a preacher's home and attended the same church and Christian school from Kindergarten through graduation. At the age of five, I made a profession of faith, but didn't really understand. When I was nine, after hearing my father preach on hell, my Sunday school teacher leaned over and asked if I was on my way to heaven. It was then that Jesus became real to me. Later I had some doubts, but God used an incident on television to give me assurance of my faith.

I attended The Wilds camp one year, and was challenged by a speaker saying, "If you really believed in hell, you would tell people about Christ." My dad wanted all seven of his children to go into full-time service for the Lord. He insisted that I attend Bob Jones, against my wishes, but I was soon thankful for his decision. My brother was Matt's roommate. Almost as soon as we met, Matt asked about my interest in missions. I visited Togo, and while I was impressed with the beauty, I also saw the bugs and other creatures. But Isaiah 26:3 is true, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in Thee."

It is my desire to serve Christ and make a difference that will last throughout eternity.

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Robert Lee Cupps

Church: Liberty Baptist, Sweetser, IN
Phone: (765) 981-2236

COUNTRY: Peru

I was born and raised in rural Indiana. I was saved at 16, and surrendered my life for missions at a 1991 Missions conference at Liberty Baptist Church in Sweetser, Indiana.

In the summer of 1993 I went to Arequipa, Peru on a MAP trip. Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes Mountains, Arequipa-with its population of nearly a million-is the commercial center of southern Peru. Arequipa is said to have the best-preserved colonial architecture in Peru, and boasts many fine baroque churches. Watching people crying and praying inside the churches but coming out with an emptiness in their souls spoke to me deeply.

God is leading me to work primarily with youth as the ABWE team plants churches in Arequipa. Reaching YOUTH is the key to winning Peru for Christ. My experience as assistant pastor for the past four years, as well as working with college students at three local university campuses has helped prepare me for work in Peru.

I live 30 minutes away from the town of Peru, Indiana. When I informed my parents that God wanted me to go to Peru, they replied, "Fine, but try to be back in time for dinner."

After my return from Arequipa, a teen-aged Peruvian, whom I met in the market place, sent me a post card. On the back, scribbled in Spanish were these words: "Please do not forget my city." I have not forgotten.

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Jeffrey & Jodi (Hindal) Demerly

Church: Daniels Road Baptist, Fort Myers, FL
Children: Jenna (11/29/96); Jared (9/1/98)
Phone: (941) 433-5237
E-mail: demerly@juno.com

COUNTRY: Slovakia

Jeff: When I was seven years old I heard the gospel message in Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Lapeer, Michigan. I'm sure I heard it before, but this time God's Word convicted me of my sin. When I returned home, my mom sensed something was bothering me. There in my bedroom, I put my faith in Jesus Christ.

I attended Central Michigan University. Through the life of a Christian roommate, the witness of ABWE missionary to Papua New Guinea, the late David Wilkinson, and the encouragement of my pastor, I surrendered my life to serve the Lord. I transferred to Baptist Bible College in Pennsylvania, and obtained a Master of Divinity degree from the Seminary.

Jodi and I were married in 1993. We moved to Florida where I served an internship, then became assistant pastor to her father at Daniels Road Baptist Church in Fort Myers. In the spring of 1999, I received an e-mail from Rob Hayden, an ABWE missionary on pre-field ministry heading to Slovakia. Rob asked me if I had ever thought about serving the Lord in Slovakia. I had not, but began to make this a matter of prayer.

We took a 12-day trip to Slovakia and were impressed by two things: 1) the ABWE team working there, and 2) the scarcity of Christian witness.

Jodi: I grew up in a pastor's home and regularly heard the gospel. At the age of five, during family devotions, I realized I needed to make a personal decision. My parents showed me from the Bible that I was a sinner. I prayed by my bed and asked Christ to be my Savior.

I attended Baptist Bible College in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1995 with a B.S. in Bible and an emphasis in piano teaching. I hope to use my musical abilities to help the ABWE team facilitate a church planting network throughout Slovakia.

When we returned from our survey trip, we were on an emotional roller coaster. First we told our church we were NOT going. Then we realized God wanted us to be part of the ABWE team in Slovakia.

We would be acting in FAITH to start out for Slovakia (or anywhere God calls us.)

We would be acting in FEAR to stay in our comfortable home in southwest Florida.

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Kraig & Anne (Haasch) Elliot

Church: Daniels Road Baptist, Fort Myers, Fl
Children: Arik (11/22/95); Kaitlyn (02/01/99)
Phone: (941) 278-4817
E-mail: kraigelliott@juno.com

COUNTRY: France

Kraig: At 3 1/2, my Sunday school teacher explained heaven and hell to me. Knowing that I wanted to go to heaven someday, I talked to my mother. She explained the plan of salvation, and I accepted Christ.

When I went to Baptist Bible College in Pennsylvania in 1991, I only intended to get a one-year Bible certificate. However, the Lord burdened me for youth work, and I changed majors to Youth Pastoral Ministries. During my fourth year, I had the opportunity to coach football at a local high school, and came to believe that the next great mission field is America's public schools. Again I changed majors, this time to secondary education (social studies) at Florida Gulf Coast University.

During this time I left the door open to missions, but didn't know how the Lord could use me. When ABWE missionaries Rob and Rhinda Hayden spoke at our church they helped me see ways that God could use my training. In April 1999 our pastor phoned Don Trott asking the major needs within ABWE. Don asked, "Do you have any school teachers or athletic directors in your church?" We fit into both of those areas. Anne and I plan to use sports, music, teaching, and hospitality to reach people for Christ.

Anne: I was five when I realized I was a sinner and could not enter heaven on my own merits. My mother explained how I could place my trust in Jesus, and I asked Him to be my Savior.

Both Kraig and I both have a strong missionary heritage. Our parents have served as home missionaries with Baptist Church Planters, and we have had the opportunity to see church planting in action.

We married after BBC and got busy with our own lives, just going through the motions of being Christians. Then Kraig lost his job, and we struggled to make ends meet. Through this experience, we learned to rely on God.

Together we look forward to ministering to children and youth, opening our home to share Jesus Christ and disciple believers; and use sports, and our musical abilities to help in planting churches.

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Timothy & Martia (Anderson) Franklin

Church: Discovery Baptist, Gig Harbor, WA
Children: Natalie (9/7/97); Rebecca (2/26/99)
Phone: (253) 566-8401

COUNTRY: Brazil

Tim: My parents, Robert and Linda Franklin, were ABWE missionaries in northeast Brazil from 1970 to 1992. My three sisters and I grew up seeing God's care, provision, and faithfulness. When Dad was away preaching, Mother would conduct family devotions. At seven years of age, during an evening prayer time, she led me to the Lord.

Missionary life can fragment families, and "good-byes" can be hard because they could be for the last time. But the separations drew us closer as a family, and made the times together that much more blessed.

After growing up in Brazil, I returned to the United States, attending Shasta Bible College in California, then Northwest Baptist Seminary in Tacoma, Washington.

I returned to Brazil on a missions trip in the summer of 1994. Much of the work in northeast Brazil is at the point where churches can supply leaders to be trained to reach their own people for Christ. I would like to be involved in equipping the believers through leadership training.

Martia: At seven years of age I trusted in Jesus as my Savior. Even little children need to see changes in their lives that show their conversion is real. Often those changes are small and not dramatic. I remember the Lord convicting me to put my clothes away, in stead of throwing them on the floor, because I knew I should take care of what God had given me. I also felt burdened to tell my friends about Jesus. Christian growth doesn't come easily, but through my parents, AWANA, and youth activities, I grew in my faith.

As far back as I can remember, I've wanted to be a missionary. In junior high, I dedicated my life to the Lord and that desire has never faded. During high school I made two trips to Mexico, then taught for nine months in Indonesia.

I am thankful for a husband with the same leading, so that we can serve the Lord together. Along with helping him and nurturing our children, I would like to conduct children's clubs and women's Bible studies. Also, although it is not easy for me, I desire to increase personal evangelism with friends, neighbors, and people I meet wherever I go.

God didn't save me out of rebellion, but without Christ, I would be just as lost as the most vile sinner. The most reasonable response is to give my life in service to the Lord.

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Rachel Freese

Church: Grace Baptist, St. Charles, MO
Phone: (314) 566-6312
E-mail: freesed@juno.com

COUNTRY: Peru

The Lord blessed my life by allowing me to be born into a Christian family who attended church regularly. I accepted Christ as Savior during a revival service when I was eight..

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a missionary. In January 1988, Don Stone, a missionary to Berlin, talked about the importance of surrendering your life to the will of God. Christ. That night I gave my life to be a missionary. When we got home my dad dug out every missionary biography he could find, and I read many of them. Adoniram Judson became of one my special heroes.

During junior high and the first year of high school, I didn't think much about being a missionary. In my sophomore year, God brought missions back to the forefront of my mind through a summer trip to Mexico with my youth group. That kindled a fire for missions that has never left.

After high school, I entered Baptist Bible College in Missouri, but financial reasons forced me to return home after only one semester. I couldn't understand God's plan at the time, but now I know, His plan was best. I was able to stay at home and study through a correspondence school. This enabled me to be more involved in my home church through AWANA, Sunday school, and other ministries. I have a close, supportive relationship with my church.

My sister put me in contact with ABWE, and I was excited about the opportunities the mission offers to work with children. In May 1998, I visited Arequipa, Peru. There I saw opportunities to work with children, and God confirmed His leading me to Peru.

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Lisa Giesler

Church: West Park Baptist, Knoxville, TN
Phone:(423) 938-1493
E-mail: lisamg3@juno.com

COUNTRY: Far East

I grew up in a Christian home and watched my parents faithfully serve the Lord. When I was five, after family devotions, my dad led me to the Lord.

During junior high, Cheryl Hale, a nurse working in a children's hospital, put the nursing idea into my head. Her brother Mark was my Bible teacher. After his missions trip to Kenya, I realized God could use an ordinary person for His service.

I enrolled at Pensacola Christian College as a secretarial student, but even though I didn't like the grosser aspects of nursing, I transferred to that major. Reading the book Daktar whetted my appetite for medical missions. Then Susan Edge, a nurse in the Far East, spoke to a group of nursing students. She encouraged us to seek God's will for our lives, to get a good education, and to take a trip to see what medical missions is all about.

After graduation I had no job and the applications I sent out came back, "Not hiring." I asked God to supply my needs and went home. I interviewed on Tuesday, and began work on Thursday at the Baptist Hospital of East Tennessee, where I have worked for five years in the Intensive Care/ Open Heart Unit. I often work with patients who are at the end of life. The opportunities to witness were fulfilling, but I found myself getting too caught up in my career. In His love, God reminded me that I had been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19,20). I questioned, "Did Jesus get all He paid for when He purchased me?" and told the Lord He can have all of me.

In October 1998, I spent a month at Memorial Christian Hospital in the Far East. I realized most of the nurses have worked there for many years, and wondered who would replace them. The answer seemed to come: "YOU will." As Moses passed the torch to Joshua (Joshua 1:2), the time has come for new nurses to join the ABWE team.

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Howard & Linda (Sterling) Hardy

Church: Calvary Baptist, Lake City, MI
Children: Randy (7/11/75); Sarah (3/25/80); Amy (3/8/85)
Phone: (231) 839-6189
E-mail: hnhardy@freeway.net

COUNTRY: Philippines

Howard: After my wife started attending First Baptist Church of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, I decided to go with her. I was hungry for answers concerning life and death issues. On my second visit, in April 1979, I accepted Christ as Savior.

A few months later, ABWE missionary Mel Cuthbert told of people in Brazil perishing without Christ. Captivated by his challenge, I whispered to my wife, "Would you go?" She answered, "Yes, any place but Africa." When the invitation was given, I said to Mel, "I have no idea where Brazil is. If it's within driving distance, I have a good Jeep we could take. I could sell my other car, and arrange with my family about the house. It might take a day or two to get ready, but if you really need us, we'll go tomorrow."

Mel asked, "Who are you?"

The pastor stepped up and said, "Don't mind him. We've got to work with him."

Everyone told us we needed to go to BBC. I couldn't understand that and asked, "What does the British Broadcasting Corporation have to do with all this?"

We did go to BBC (Baptist Bible College of Pennsylvania) and studied under ABWE personnel Jesse Eaton, and Don and Ruth Trott. We made preliminary application to ABWE, but a friend, in all sincerity, said, "The churches of America need you." We went into the pastorate right after graduation and currently pastor Calvary Baptist of Lake City, Michigan.

In February 1998, I was part of Project HOPE 2. The goals of this missions trip include giving HOPE to the pastors and churches in the Philippines, but the primary goal is Helping Open Pastors' Eyes. That certainly happened to me. I felt as if I belonged in the Philippines. Veteran missionary to the Philippines, Russ Ebersole, suggested I could work with pastors, encouraging them, sharing in the victories and defeats of Filipino pastors.

Linda: I grew up in a Christian home and was baptized when I was eight, but was not saved. The Bible says, "All we like sheep have gone astray," but I didn't think I was a sinner. When I was 23, I began taking my young son to church so he could learn about God and make up his own mind as to what he wanted to believe. I heard the words, "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, but lose his own soul?" Watching a television program, I heard a similar message. At 10 p.m. on a Saturday night in my own home, I stopped relying on myself and asked God to forgive me and be my Savior.

I have been open to missionary service since that challenge back in 1979. It has taken 20 years, but today we have "ABWE" on our lapels.

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Paul & Penny (Jamison) Hesman

Church: Collinsville Baptist, Collinsville, VA
Children: Kathryn (05/26/93)
Phone:(540) 632-8432
E-mail: Phesman@juno.com

COUNTRY: South Africa

Paul: I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. My mom was a Muslim and I attended a religious after-school program for about five years. During this time I learned to read the Koran in Arabic, but could not understand it.

In third grade my regular teacher was absent and my classmates and I were dispersed among other classes. I was assigned to a class whose teacher had a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian. To ensure our obedience, he told us that when we died, God would take a huge set of scales, placing our good works on one side and our bad deeds on the other. He said that if our good works outweighed the bad, God would let us into heaven, but if the bad outweighed the good we would go to hell. I was afraid because I knew I could never perform enough good works to make it into heaven.

The Lord used this mistaken view of salvation to make me think about my destiny. I wanted to know God and be assured of heaven. I tried to know Him by ritually reading the Koran and praying. For many months thoughts of eternity, heaven, hell, and God saturated my mind.

Three years later, as my friend and I walked through a section of Johannesburg, we heard a loudspeaker. The only part of the message I heard was the invitation to see a free film. I came from a poor family and was interested in anything FREE. The film shown was "The Burning Hell" which graphically portrayed what hell would be like. When the film was over, the pastor shared the gospel with me. This was the first time I heard that Jesus is God, and that He died for me. I repented of my sin and asked Christ to be my Savior. Within months, my brother, sister, and mother were also saved.

I studied business in college, thinking that a CPA was my ticket out of poverty. But God wanted me to serve Him. I graduated with a Th.B from Piedmont Bible College and a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary. We thought we would go to South Africa right away, but first God allowed us years in the pastorate and teaching positions.

Penny: I grew up in a Christian home in Virginia. Like my husband, the fear of hell frightened me. One night when I was 11, I woke up my dad and asked Jesus to save me. At about 13, I was struggling with God's direction in my life. During camp that year the missionary speakers, David and Bonnie Washburn, from Australia told of their "call" into missions. I knew God wanted me to be a missionary. That commitment has not wavered.

I attended Piedmont Bible College receiving a Bachelors of Religious Education with a minor in missions. I met and married Paul there. Since our graduation in May 1988, missions has been a focal point in our life. As we were ministering in Eden, North Carolina, missions was a predominant theme in our church as well as in our personal lives. Telling others about Christ has always been our primary focus.

Over the years we have interacted with many ABWE missionaries, but during our 1998 trip to South Africa, we saw godly ABWE team members who have an unwavering commitment to Christ and the Great Commission. We hope to join them and impact the South African community for godliness.

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Keith & Jody (Andrus) Hudak

Church: Edgefield Baptist, Greensboro, NC
Children: Candace (8/9/93); Cody (12/5/95); Cal (12/29/97)
Phone: (336) 644-6304
E-Mail: Keith8Jody@aol.com

COUNTRY: Spain

Keith: I was born in Harrisburg, and later lived in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. My parents instilled the importance of being faithful to God, and at the age of eight, I trusted Christ as my personal Savior.

Growing up my three interests were girls, sports, and girls. Then, when I was 16, a new pastor, Fred Milacci, came to our church and I learned that the most important thing in life is doing the will of God, and you can't find that will sitting still. You need to be active in the Lord's work.

I attended BBC of Pennsylvania, completed a church internship in Kylertown, Pennsylvania, and have spent the last seven years as a youth pastor in Greensboro, North Carolina. Through these years, I have gained strength through the verse, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord ... that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry" (1 Timothy 1:12).

I have served the Lord on missions trips to the Bahamas, Kentucky, Jamaica, and among Haitian immigrants. While teaching a course on missionaries from the 1700's to the present, I asked the teens, "Wouldn't it be great if your name was among those?" The Lord brought that question home to me, and God called me. The lesson I learned as a teenager is still true today: The most important thing in life is doing the will of God.

Jody: I praise God for three influences in my life:

1) Godly parents who pointed me to Christ. In the spring of 1972, a big flood went through our community. I was frightened of death. and asked Jesus to save me from my sin. I date my salvation from that time, but had doubts in my early teen years. I distinctly remember, as a young teen, asking God to come into my heart and save me-IF He hadn't already done so.

2) Godly heritage in two strongly missions-minded churches. For 21 years I sat under the ministry of ABWE Board member Richard Cughan. He and his wife, Joyce, had a great influence on my life. My present pastor and church have greatly encouraged our interest in missions.

3) Godly direction. Many missionaries stayed in our home, and I felt a "tug" toward missions since I was a teen. At camp I dedicated my life to the Lord. I chose to study Spanish, and thought I would be an exchange student in some foreign country. Instead I went with ABWE missionary Andy Large on a MAP trip to Peru. To follow up on my decision to serve the Lord in missions, I attended BBC and met my husband there. God did not lead us into missions right away, but now is directing us to missionary service. I have worked as a Sunday school teacher, in children's church, and in AWANA, and look forward to being part of a missionary team.

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Julie McFadden

Church: Faith Baptist, Greenville, OH
Phone: (937) 547-3901
E-mail: jmmcfadden@juno.com

COUNTRY: South Africa

I have been told that I made a profession of faith when I was three years old. Since I could not remember this, I felt uncomfortable when asked to give a testimony. When I was nine I attended church camp for the first time. At devotions the first night, our counselor asked each of us to tell how we were saved. I mumbled through my response, "I asked Jesus into my heart when I was three years old."

All week, when speakers gave an invitation, my heart pounded. I knew I needed to do something about my relationship with God, but was too stubborn and proud to admit that I needed to be saved. By Friday, I was tired of fighting. Grabbing my counselor, I asked her to show me how to be saved. On June 26, 1981, I humbly came to the Lord, asked Him to forgive my sins, and make me His child.

Immediately I began to tell my friends, and led two of them to the Lord. In our family, we read missionary stories, prayed for, showed hospitality to, and corresponded with missionaries. I have dreamed of becoming a missionary since I was a young girl.

During high school years, my youth group went to Jamaica, but I couldn't go. Instead I helped ABWE missionaries, Earl and Marilyn Shaffer, in their church planting work in Ohio. Later I went on a missions trip to Argentina. I also worked with Child Evangelism Fellowship in five-day summer camps.

As part of my elementary education major at Cedarville College, I needed to take a Social Studies elective and chose the geography of Africa. That led to five weeks in South Africa working with the Cedarville College puppet team. While I was there, ABWE missionary Bobby Hile asked, "Do you like it here well enough to come back?"

I have remembered that question during my five years of teaching, and now feel ready to answer, "Yes." I would like to help educate missionary children, and be involved in training nationals to teach children.

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Timothy & Charlene (Miller) Miskimen

Church: Maplelawn Baptist, Wyoming, MI
Children: Nathan (10/28/97)
Phone: (616) 532-6714
E-mail: tmisk@i2K.com

COUNTRY: Asian Theological Education

Tim: Going to church was as natural as breathing to me. When I was five, my pastor's wife led me to the Lord. I began growing in the Lord through a strong children's program, including AWANA. At 13 I decided to make serving the Lord my vocation.

While in Cedarville College I traveled with the Master's Puppets for two years. After graduation I spent eight months in South America. I took language classes in Bogota, Colombia and learned to speak Spanish, but my time in South America did not change my mind about going into the being a pastor in North America. While working on my second seminary degree, however, I began to learn how rapidly the church is growing worldwide.. The need for teachers to train nationals and my love of teaching spurred me to contribute to the church as a theological educator.

Charlene: From a young age, my parents and Sunday school teachers taught me about the love of Jesus. I accepted Christ when I was four, but my real spiritual growth didn't occur until I attended Cedarville College.

At college I encountered godly, knowledgeable professors. Tim and I met at Cedarville. His love for God and His Word was so strong that I could not help but be influenced.

Just recently, Tim and I began talking about missions. I found it hard to adjust to that possibility. But God used His people and His Word to change my heart and thinking. My husband's desire for us to serve God, the gentle prodding of my friend, Heather Fowler (going with ABWE as a medical doctor), and our pastor, Dann Green's, preaching have all had an influence on my decision to serve the Lord through missions.

I draw confidence from the words of Christ. When He commissioned His followers to "make disciples of all nations," He promised, "I am with you always."

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Ashley Ostman

Church: Madison Avenue Baptist, Paterson, NJ
Phone: (973) 523-3902
E-mail: ashsmash3@juno.com

COUNTRY: Far East

I was born and raised in a Christian home. At the age of 10, I made a profession of faith but all through high school and college, I had major doubts about my salvation. I was already out of college when I attended a revival service. I was tired of the battle about my salvation. In 1 John 5:12, I read, "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." Something inside me said, "Ashley, you do not have the Son in you."

After the service I spoke with a woman who encouraged me by saying, "Ashley, it doesn't matter what you did as a child. It matters what you do now." I swallowing my pride, and told her I honestly didn't know if I was saved. Right there, I prayed to receive Christ as Savior. I accepted Jesus as Savior. Whether or not I believed as a child, I know for sure now that I am saved. I praise the Lord for the assurance He has given me.

At a missions conference in my sophomore year I surrendered my life to be a missionary. During college I worked with ABWE missionary to Japan, Paul Holritz, and learned about ABWE. I added missions as a minor and went on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic. Then, although it added an extra year to my program, I added elementary education to my studies.

During a visit with ABWE missionaries in Chile, I watched missionaries interact. I am currently teaching third grade, and would love to use my teaching skills either in a school for missionary children, or an international school, and with children in a local church.

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Calvin & Joyce (Young) Voelker

Church: Grandview Park Baptist, Des Moines, IA
Children: Christine (07/19/79); Angela (08/23/82); Charity (10/01/87)
Phone: (515) 967-2053
E-mail: Voelker5@aol.com

COUNTRY: Portugal

Cal: I'm a farm boy from Iowa. I was baptized as an infant and later confirmed. I thought that would fulfill my requirements toward God. At 17, I joined the Marine Corps ready to conquer the world. During my training in southern California, I went to the base chapel and was invited to a home off base for dinner following the service. What Iowa farm boy would turn down a home-cooked meal? After the meal, I heard men quoting Bible verses around the table, and thought What kind of a cult have I got myself into? One of the men asked if I were a Christian. I answered, "Yes," and he invited me to a Bible study. Through that study I learned that being a real Christian means having a relationship with the Son, not just a religion. I put my trust in Christ.

The men in the class encouraged me in Bible study, memorization, and witnessing. I shared what had happened to me with my childhood sweetheart, Joyce, and became concerned that she grow in the faith. After we married in 1977, we publicly dedicated our lives to the Lord. He directed us to attend Bible college in preparation for full-time ministry.

For the past 18 years I have served as a teacher and administrator at Grandview Park Baptist School. During the past year my wife and I began sensing that God had something else for us to do. I love teaching and helping shape lives. We feel God has uniquely prepared us to participate in Christian education overseas.

Joyce: I grew up in a Christian home and learned from an early age that Jesus died for my sins. When I was seven my mother took me to a special evangelistic service for children. That Saturday morning I invited Christ to be my Savior. I realized that just because my parents were Christians didn't mean their faith had been passed on to me.

I started out wanting to tell my friends about Jesus, but slacked off as I grew older. During my freshman year of high school, on Thanksgiving Day, my father died. I was struck with the realization that if many of the people around me had died, they would not now be face to face with Christ, as my dad was. I had a responsibility to tell them.

After Cal's salvation, I began a discipleship-by-mail course with the wife of the man in California who helped lead him to Christ. We have been impressed with the way God works in our lives.

God doesn't force us to do His will; He gently prods us.
And when fears come, He gives perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

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Adrian & Elaine (Pyle) Whitlock

Church: First Baptist of Beech Grove, Indianapolis, IN
Children: Danielle (6/17/90); Philip (03/15/93); Stephen (04/17/95)
Phone: (317) 356-7729
E-mail: acwhitlock@netusa1.net

COUNTRY: Mongolia

Adrian: My parents were good people who influenced my life in many ways. My father taught me to hunt and fish, and play baseball. I received numerous awards in school for baseball, football, and wrestling. One award that stands out is the "Utility Player Award." That meant I was able to play any position on the field, and often did so.

In high school I had a good friend, Scott, who was a Christian and took me to church with him. His youth pastor, Bob Herman, took an interest in me. He took us to a Word of Life basketball marathon where I heard about death and hell and trusted in Christ.

After meeting Elaine, we began attending Lockport Church in Burnettsville, Indiana where Pastor Nord Zootman taught the Word of God clearly. Over the years I have taught teen and adult Sunday school classes, served as a deacon, and on the missions committee, developed outreach ministries, coached young men, and filled in for pastors.

A missions trip to West Africa, a course on Introduction to Missions, and the strong missions program at First Baptist Church of Beech Grove, Indiana influenced my decision to serve in missions.

Elaine: When I was in fourth grade, my mother started working full-time and would arrive home shortly after we got home from school. She would leave a note if she was going to be late, but sometimes she had to run an errand and forgot to tell us. I knew she believed in Jesus and I thought that if I was with her when Jesus comes again, I would go to heaven, too. We had religious education classes at school. I finally told my teacher about my fears. She prayed with me one afternoon after school, and I was saved. During my teen years, I worked a full schedule as well as attending school. I had no time for church or youth activities, and fell away from the Lord.

I didn't return to church on a regular basis until after Adrian and I were married. The Lord had to do a great work in my heart to interest me in missions. My husband thought that the Lord was calling us to serve Him, but I wasn't interested.

Over a six month period, God brought several missionary speakers to our church. With each presentation, it became clear that my reasons for not going into missionary work were merely inadequate excuses. After the Holst family's presentation about The Gambia in West Africa, I told the Lord I was willing to go wherever He wanted us to go. After I shared this with my husband, he told me he had been praying for six months that if we were to be missionaries, God would change my heart. Today I can't imagine doing anything else.

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