ellerslie alumni missions updatessoutheast asia::mexico::uganda::kenya

edition 2.0

This past December, I joined a team traveling with the organization Vision Beyond Borders. To give you some background I’ll lay out the purposes of this trip. The first stop was in China and the goal was simply to bring in as many Bibles as possible. The main purpose however was in Laos. There is a people group spread out across northern Laos called the Mein.  A number of years ago, an American missionary moved to Laos. Posing as a businessman, his heart is to reach these people, as many have never heard the Gospel. He contacted VBB last year for a group to take introductory Gospel materials to 8 villages and see what kind of response we would get, and how much opposition would be faced. Everything went surprisingly smooth and exceeded expectations (Thank You God!), so this year 41 villages were targeted. Last stop would be Ho Chi Mihn City in Vietnam with a load of Bibles and flannel graphs of Bible stories.                                                                                                                                                                                                          We met in Chicago and headed out on a long flight (14and a half hrs.)to Hong Kong, eventually landing in Guangzhou, China.  After asking God to clear the way, we proceeded through customs with three suitcases of Bibles each without a hitch! So after leaving those Bibles with our contact and friends in Guangzhou, we took a train to Shenzhen, China which is on the border of Hong Kong. VBB teams have been carrying Bibles for a Hong Kong based organization called Autumn Rain. The Bibles are transported to an office space in Shenzhen and are shipped throughout the country from there. We had a very difficult time on our first two runs. Out of the seven on the team only two made it through both those runs. We only had to turn to one Person and took turns the next day praying. The result? Four consecutive runs without one bust, probably a record for VBB! We attended a house church that weekend which is pastored by Samuel Lamb. He is an 87 year old believer and spent almost 22 years in prison and labor camps. He is totally saturated with joy, evidenced with wreaths of smiles! His church has grown from 12 people in 1955, prior to his first arrest, to around 4,000 now. The government has stopped bothering him because the church grew with each arrest!                                                                                                  After four days in China, we flew to Bangkok, Thailand, where 6 of us flew to Udon Thani in northern Thailand. We traveled on the Nong Thai, a small town on the border of Laos, where a contact had 2,000 Lao New Testaments. But after checking out our Lao driver, Mr. Sak, he backed out on the deal. Mr. Sak is not a believer but has been very helpful to the past two teams because “we have the words of truth”.  So we crossed into Laos and spent the night in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The following day Sak bounced and wove his way 10 hours to Luang Prabang, our team base

derek taylorsoutheast asia

“The government has stopped bothering him because

the church grew with each arrest!”

town, as we did battle with wave after wave of nausea, and found some distraction in the incredible scenery on this stretch! We briefly met the other 8 folks on our Laos team before separating into 4 groups to spread out across northern Laos. Our materials were 350 mp4 players with the audio Bible, the JESUS film, and music all in the Mein language.

My group was sent to the Bokeo province in the northwestern corner of Laos. So, the best way to get there?  A 7 hour ride up the Meekong River by speed boat. These nifty boats skim along up to 50 mph, sometimes through fields of jagged rocks. A bit apprehensive, but our helmsman seemed to know the river pretty well. We arrived in Huay Xai, our group’s base town, just before dark. After hashing out a missing backpack with the driver, we boarded a tuk-tuk, a three wheeled motorized vehicle, which ran out of gas.

Thankfully, there was a guesthouse a half a km away. The next morning we set out on motor bikes to find our villages. This was the most challenging part because, first of all, we couldn’t pronounce the names right. Second, the spelling between our map and their road signs was completely different. Third, we discovered that some tuk-tuk drivers don’t know their province very well.  After one whole day of

riding all over, we were still at square one. So, we discussed our problem with God, and what do you know? A local man that spoke a little understandable English showed up and all our transportation was taken care of.  Tange was his name and he even rode with us the next two days as we identified and delivered our packages to all 8 villages. The procedure in making a drop was generally to walk into a village with a camera and handfuls of candy.  After photographs were taken and the candy passed out, we looked for a peaceful person or two and left the package with them. The highlight was always the kids. They would come running, shouting “Sabidee!” and were very appreciative of the candy. Though we could not communicate with Tange very well, He expressed that he was tired of Buddhism and searching for something real. We separated with big bear hugs, something most Lao men would rather not do.    I should explain the maximum danger we faced was arrest and deportation in Laos. Thankfully, we had no run-ins with the law and all met safely back in Luang Prabang. The next day 6 of us rollercoastered our way

. . .the highlight was always the kids. . .

back to Vientiane, and were able to transport 2,500 Bibles, that had been shipped to the border the day we got down there, into Laos the next day. We flew back to Bangkok and celebrated Christmas that evening. The next day half the team headed for home and the rest of us flew into Vietnam. Everything cleared customs eventually, and some wallets fit better afterwards, but the smiles of the believers in Ho Chi Mihn were worth the price. They were so happy they even fed us lunch at their church which contained raw chicken. It tastes almost the same as grilled but the texture is definitely different!  We finished our day with supper at a food court in a Vietnamese mall with some of the worst music and best cheesecake I’ve ever been exposed to.                                                                                             

This trip turned out to be very successful. After a lot of opposition, we saw some wonderful answers to direct and desperate requests. I just want to say: “Thank You, Father. Our team can only give You glory, and You are worthy! You never let us down and directed us with some very unique ways. May Your Kingdom expand, especially into the villages of the Mein people. May these children grow up with the knowledge of You.  I pray that the Seed with all its potential will find good ground and for the Rain to begin.”

In Christ,derek taylor

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

In less than a week before Christmas a small group of Ellerslie and non-Ellerslie students settled it in their hearts to go on a short-term mission trip to Chihuahua, Mexico. We knew this trip was not going to be easy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The five mile hike to the canyon was going to be a challenge and yet an inducement for others to join. There were many obstacles that got in the way and Satan began throwing in his typical fear and confusion in our hearts. However, all of us knew we were called to go.

As soon as we got into Mexico, we knew that the LORD had heard the prayers of the saints. We were a little fearful about entering Juarez, one of the most dangerous and violent cities in Mexico and to our surprise there was nothing fearful about

Copper Canyon 2011Copper Canyon, Mexico

it. Everything was perfect, God had his hand upon us all throughout the road to Copper Canyon.

Once we arrived at Guacaybo, notoriously known as Copper Canyon I envisioned how Dohnavur must have looked like. I still remember looking up in the sky and seeing so many stars, I’ve never seen so many stars beaming and shining brightly. The scenery was beyond beautiful and at times a distraction. In fact, arriving there we soon noticed that there were many distractions. Most of us knew we were coming on a mission trip but we did not exactly know what that would entitle. We saw the Tarahumara people and most of the children and our hearts melted. However, there was a huge disadvantage because most of us could not speak the language. At times, we saw discouragement kick in the lives of some of our fellow brothers and sisters. Every night we joined in prayer and asked the LORD to show us what our purpose for coming here was. He clearly spoke to our hearts and I remember telling the group that night that “We did not come here, for an EXPERIENCE, but

for the COMMISSION.” The great commission for lives redeemed for the Glory of Jesus Christ. Some of our group’s heart were off task and had settled for an adventure in the canyon and for hiking and exploring foreign land. However, the heart of others were stirred and convicted and it was inevitable for us to keep quiet. We desperately needed the ANGUISH that David Wilkerson would commonly refer to. Most of us had a concern for the people, but the remaining question was did we truly have ANGUISH, agony, and deep pain for those that are lost and without Christ? Most of the Tarahumaras do not know about Christ and were any of us willing to speak

to them and to care about their salvation? I cannot speak for the whole group. That night I recall all of us praying for one soul to repent the next morning. Who knows whom that soul was, but we do know that our God is faithful but it is very possible that it could have been within our own “missionary group”. You see some of the people in our group were not founded in the rock, the LORD Jesus Christ. This gave us an opportunity to share with our group about God’s love and how he has radically changed our lives.

Ellerslie Alumni: Kayla Priest, Lauren Torres, Rebecca Kinabrew, Daniel Osborne, Steve Osborne, Jake Priest,

Abe Fehr, David Fehr, Diana Arvizu, Suzy Brand

While we were there we also noticed how many of the native people are illiterate. In fact there are some Christian Tarahumaran families that have little or no education. They would love to read the bible but it is just not possible. We ask that you would please pray that God would send laborers to the field that would be willing to give it all and educate families that are hungry for the word of God. They would love to hear stories about the Bible to edify their souls. Another pressing need is for Sandra Luz, the head director of the school. It was inspiring to see such a young woman pour out her life for the Indians in the canyon. She is a modern day Amy Carmichael and as Hudson Taylor said” Pray the Lord ever to give me the single eye, the clear judgment, the wisdom and gentleness, the patient spirit, the unwavering purpose, the unshaken faith, and the Christ like love needed for the efficient discharge of my duties.” There are no better words to describe the prayer needs for Sandra than Hudson Taylor’s very own prayer request.

Another important prayer request is for full-time CHRISTIAN teachers that have the love of the LORD and the desperate anguish that is needed for the salvation of the young children. Unfortunately, they have a government funded full-time teacher that is not Christian. Lets pray that the LORD will bring the perfect laborers that will fulfill the great commission, which he has commanded of us. I wish we could say much more but we must keep it simple.. We know that we planted seeds when we were there and even though we are all back home, that seed can still be watered through prayer. Lets keep praying for the LORD to continue the work he has already begun. May the blessings of the LORD Jesus Christ be with you all!

copper canyon mission team

“Pray the Lord ever to give me. . .the unwavering purpose, the unshaken faith, and the

Christ-like love needed for the efficient discharge of my duties”

hudson taylor

God has not only used my new position as the Kenya & Uganda Trip Coordinator with Visiting Orphans to take Kelsey and I to Nashville, TN for this new season of our lives, but He has also used it to take us across the world to the wonderful land of Africa. I was blessed to be able to lead a small team of 8 people to Uganda and Kenya in October and it was a great joy for Kelsey and I to be able to go back again together right after Christmas to lead another team of 24 people to love and care for the precious children once again.

It’s really difficult to describe our time in Kenya and Uganda and just how these children, ministries, and brothers and sisters in Christ have impacted and blessed us. We started off by spending the first week in Kenya at an orphanage called Fiwagoh. This was definitely a highlight of our trip. The children are so unbelievably mature in the Lord and just radiate His love and joy. During our time there we were blessed to hear a great deal of the children’s testimonies of how the Lord has rescued them from poverty, sickness, and terrible family situations, and brought them to Fiwagoh. Most of these children hadn’t known Jesus until coming to the orphanage. One of the most moving testimonies was by a young girl who said that she was thankful that her mother died because it meant that she was brought to Fiwagoh where she came to know Jesus. It truly humbled us to see such a young girl rejoicing in so much heartache that most westerners couldn’t ever imagine. On our last night there, Pastor Benson, the founder of the orphanage mentioned something before we presented them with all the donations and money that was raised. We will never forget what he said. It was along the lines of, “Here, we don’t need or expect money, or physical donations, but the fact that you came all this way just to give us a hug is enough. We appreciate and are grateful for simple hugs here.” They solely long for the fellowship of the Body of Christ, and our being there was like a specific touch from the Lord to them. What an encouragement this was, especially in those moments when we felt like there was so much need and we weren’t doing enough.

Also during our time in Kenya, we were blessed to be able to spend time with 30 little ones, some as young as 6 months, at a ministry called Haven of Hope. Our time was spent playing

games and coloring with these toddlers as Nellie, the single woman who runs the home with only a couple other women workers, was able to go get some well deserved rest. She came back to be surprised by two new washing machines that were donated to her to so she no longer had to hand wash the clothes for all her children. We also spent a day with the kids of Visoi Children’s Home

“it truly humbled us to see such a young girl rejoicing in so much heartache that most

westerners couldn’t ever imagine.”

James and Kelsey JonasUganda and Kenya

where we replaced 5 old beds that were covered with urine soaked old clothes where the twenty-some orphans slept with new bunk beds, mattresses and sheets for each child. Visoi is a place that is in need of the gospel and we look forward to being able to go back and continue to come alongside of them for the glory of our Savior.

While in Uganda, we set up “base” at an orphanage called Canaan’s. It is quite similar to Fiwagoh in how well it’s structured and run, and how the Lord is so greatly moving there to change and heal the children. It was amazing to spend time, fellowship and play with the children there. They are so full of spunk, energy, joy and humor. They could make you laugh like you would not believe! Pastor Isaac and his wife Rebecca, who started and run the orphanage have a testimony that will without a doubt be up there with some of the greatest saints; a testimony of suffering persecution, death, and resurrection in order to be a father to the fatherless. Pastor Isaac explained that their purpose and goal is to bring physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing to these orphans who have gone through so much. He also encouraged us, that each time we hug and interact and touch them, they are healed a little bit more from the rejection and abuse of their past. One little boy there, Marvin (pronounced Mavi), was either 3 or 4 years old and had been brought to Canaan around a year ago. Him and his sister arrived after just witnessing their parents being slaughtered. For months, Marvin wouldn’t speak. Now, he sings, dances and talks more than all the other children his age! His little life is one beautiful example of how the Lord is moving in Africa and in these orphanages.

One of the more difficult places we went to in Uganda are called remand homes, which is just a fancy name for children prisons. We partnered with a ministry called Sixty Feet, which is working to get the children out and into a transition home where healing can happen, spiritual growth can take place, and skills and trades can be learned. The ministry goes in weekly to

teach the Word, lead worship for the kids, and minister to them in any other way the Lord provides. The conditions in these “homes” were really difficult to see. A great deal of the children have committed no crimes but are street children swept up by the government. Others are accused of various crimes, even by their parents, but are actually innocent. And some actually

saying goodbye to all 180 kiddos at Fiwagoh

are guilty, but for things like stealing food because they’re starving. It’s nearly impossible for these children to get out of this system, and because they’re government run, they aren’t adoptable.  We spent our time there playing, worshipping, and praying with them, and ultimately just showing them that they aren’t forgotten but they are loved and cared about. Lord willing, these children will be released soon.

Another one of our favorite ministries and times was spent working alongside Home Again Ministries. Our team split up into 3 groups and travelled out into rural Africa to minister to the Karamajong Tribe. As the rest of our group took the children to play, Kelsey and I were able to speak to the women of the tribe. The tribe is made up of widows and single mothers who are considered the lowest of low in Uganda. During our time with these women we were blessed to be able to share the Gospel with them and pray over them for their specific needs. We also provided them with 100 English Bibles for those who can speak and read English, and provided the money for the Pastor who works with them to buy over 100 more Bibles in Lugandan, their native language. We were really encouraged to hear later that a great deal of the women attended church for the first time that Sunday after we had been there. Praise Jesus!

The Lord was so faithful in going before us, protecting and guiding us during our time there. God has begun to move in great ways through this trip. During our time there the Lord has tugged on both of our hearts that in the future we will be pursuing adopting one of these precious children into our family. Along with that He has deepened our burden to go serve our King long term overseas. Even though we don’t know what this looks like practically yet we have faith that He will lead us. We may not know the way we go, but oh, we know our Guide. This trip was a great time of growth for us both as leaders and learning how to lead and minister alongside of each other. Now we have a lot to process and pray about! We’re so thankful for His goodness and the ways He’s moving in Kenya and Uganda. There’s so much more that we could add, but this update is already longer than it was supposed to be. Thank you all for your prayers and support! We’re looking forward to the next time that He leads us to go!

With love in our Savior, james and kelsey jonas

ellerslie alumni missions updates