Happy Summer to you!
We hope that you are doing well and starting to enjoy the warmer weather! We are excited to share that from September to December 2015 we will be serving as volunteers at YWAM Family Ministries (FM) on the North Island of New Zealand.
This organization focuses on the needs of the modern family and provides the surrounding towns with community supports such as family ministry teams, family life seminars, and family resource centres. FM's mission statement is, "To glorify God, to bring the gospel to the unreached families of the world, and to restore families to their biblical destiny".
We, in our role as mission builders, will be using our skills and abilities to assist in areas where we can be most helpful.
While talking to the administrator, we found out that the base has a crèche (daycare) for children aged 0-5 as well as a homeschool group. This is where Karen thinks that she would best be able to serve. They also have a number of projects that Greg could help with using his carpentry and artistic skills.
During our time there, a Discipleship Training School (DTS) will be happening that provides families and singles with classes aimed to discover more about God and make Him known. After their courses, they will be sent out on an outreach assignment to put their knowledge into action. While we are not attending these classes, we are hoping to provide support for the people who are and their families
We are extremely excited about this opportunity to serve and to see how God uses us during our time at YWAM. We feel called there and look forward to growing in our knowledge and service of God. In the next few months, as we prepare for our time abroad we would appreciate your prayers in several areas:
1. We are currently looking for a person to sublet our apartment for 3 months and are finding it difficult. (If it comes to it, we aren't opposed to move)
2. Please pray for protection and that we would feel His presence and calling throughout this journey.
3. As we are volunteering during our time at YWAM and we have some financial commitments still in Canada while being abroad, please pray about our financial needs during these next few months.
While living on the base, we will be required to pay a weekly fee that covers food and housing. If you would consider contributing to our support, here's how to do so:
The GoFundMe campaign that I(Greg) have started is a way for us to raise money, but also a way to stay connected with us, and as well a way for me to give back to the donors. I plan to paint watercolours while away in New Zealand (whether the natural landscape or other subjects) and would love to give original paintings in return for your generosity. Depending on the amount given, they may be small watercolour that I've done on site, or larger ones that I create after the fact. (This is also motivation for me to paint more than I have been recently).
PLEDGES -
$10 & under - a postcard from NZ
$25 and up- a 5x7 watercolour field sketch (not a sketch of a field, unless you want one, then I’m more than willing to comply) (20 available)
$40 and up - an 8x10 original watercolour of NZ scenery (10 available)
$55 and up– 8x10 original watercolour w/ barnboard frame (8 available)
$75 and up- 11x15 original watercolour
(10 available)
$90 and up- 11x15 watercolour w/barnboard frame
(8 available)
*please leave email in comments and I will update you when your watercolour is done, hopefully within a few months of our return. Also, if you wish not share to others of your donation, check the box when donating.
If you are not interested in the art, please specify in the comments and your generosity is appreciated whole-heartedly! If you prefer an offline option, you can send a cheque made out to Greg Hoekstra or Karen Blake.
If you would like to know any more about our upcoming time abroad, we would love to talk with you! For more information about YWAM Family Ministries: http://www.fm.org.nz/.
Thanks and Blessings,
Greg and Karen Hoekstra