For those of you who may be interested in more information about our trip Kevin Vogt has set up a Facebook Page for us. You can follow along via this blog as well as check out the activity on the Facebook Page. It will hopefully be updated by Kevin as well as other members of our team with interesting stories and possibly some pictures while we are on the trip. Here is the link:www.facebook.com/centershotsamissiontrip2014
Hard to believe that two weeks from today we will be flying out! Some members of our team will be going a few days earlier! Please pray for the people we will be ministering to while we are there, that God would start working in their hearts and ours! Also, pray for our team for travelling mercies. That flights from all across North America will go smoothly for everyone as the majority of us will make our way to Atlanta to join together for the first time as we fly to Johannesburg!
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The History Behind the Trip
Here is my understanding of how the plans for this trip came to be. For us Canadians this is a portion of what we put together for our church leadership to see what we wanted to be a part of, so that Canadian supporters could channel funds through our church and get the tax credit for their donations.
In 2011, John Rickenbach (president of Centershot) and Kevin Vogt (vice president of Centershot) met Jacques Van Bommel. Jacques leads a ministry organization in South Africa called Reaching A Generation, RaG for short (www.rag.org.za). They realized they shared the same passion for reaching others with the Good News and hope of Jesus Christ, especially young people. They have partnered to establish Centreshot SA (South Africa) with RaG serving as the parent ministry for Centreshot in SA. The Lord has blessed by opening many doors over the last couple of years for this ministry and Centreshot SA has been growing more rapidly than any place in the world.
Part of this growth took place on September 14th,2012 when Reaching a Generation along with Centershot leaders (John and Kevin) from the USA conducted a training session for 20 basic Archery Instructors from 12 institutions across South Africa. They were trained for 3 days in the beautiful open fields of Shikwaru lodge and now have taken their training back to their parts of the country to use as a tool to reach their own communities, sharing the Good News of Christ.
One of the doors that has opened is in the schools of South Africa. An opportunity has arisen for Centreshot SA to go into schools teaching archery and sharing Jesus with the children. This is where we come in! We have been personally asked by Kevin Vogt if we, along with other leaders from across North America want to be part of the first international team of Centershot Instructors to go into these schools. This is an amazing opportunity that God has orchestrated. Kevin has shared he has been overwhelmed with the support and willingness for leaders to join this team!
We, along with approximately 17 others, from across North America, will go and teach archery as we do here in our Centershot Ministry. Then as part of the sessions we will have opportunity to share the Gospel as a unified international team of Centershot instructors. Part of Centreshot South Africa's role after these sessions will be to continue the work in these schools using the tool of archery to help these kids grow in their faith and reach others to make decisions for Christ in the future. We will have opportunity to reach out to five different schools on the days of our trip, both presenting the Gospel directly, having fun teaching kids archery, and providing support to the instructors there to assist them in growing this ministry in their country!
Centershot is a non-denominational discipleship program that combines the Gospel with Olympic-style target archery to connect families to the local church.
The purpose of Centershot is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the local church. It is easy to see that Centershot believes the local church is one of God’s best plans to spread the Gospel message. The heart of Centershot is helping local churches touch the lives of the very people that live within their communities.
Since its inception in 2005, Centershot Ministries has been introduced in 47 states and 18 foreign countries. More than 3000 churches, camps, outdoor ministries and missionaries are using the Centershot program to reach families for the Kingdom of God. Thousands of families are connecting with their local church and are being introduced to the saving Grace found in Jesus Christ.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Meet the Rest of Our Team
John & Kristi Rickenbach
My name is John Rickenbach and I am the President of Centershot Ministries. I am married to the only girl I have ever loved, Kristi for 25 years and we have five kids (4 girls and 1 boy). My 2 oldest daughters are recently married (less then a year). Our home (and my office) is located in a suburb just North of Minneapolis/St Paul, MN metro area. I like to bow hunt, golf and whatever my wife tells me to do and like.
This will be my 3rd trip to SA with Centershot - the first one in 2012 and again in 2013. It is the people of Africa that makes these trips special for me - they will get a hold of your heart and never let it go! Sharing these adventures with my wife, Kevin and Anne has been incredible, I wouldn't go without them. The one concern I have is being away from my 2 youngest girls, although their big brother and sisters take great care of them.Can you imagine what WE can accomplish for GODS KINGDOM if we give ALL the glory back to HIM!!
Your adventure awaits
Kevin Vogt
My name is Kevin Vogt and I am the vice president of Centershot Ministries. I am married to Anne (you read about her above) and we have five wonderful children (3 girls and 2 boys) ranging in age from 22 to 8. Our home (and my office) is located in a suburb just south of Minneapolis/St Paul, MN metro area. I currently have two main hobbies which are bow hunting (surprise) and biking.
This will be my 3rd trip to SA with Centershot - the first one in 2012 and again in 2013. The places we will see and the people we will meet make for a life-time of amazing memories and one of the thing that excites me about this trip is that you get to experience that too! The people are kind and generous, the landscape is incredible and the food is delicious. I can't wait!
The one concern I have is sitting still on the 16 hour flight from Atlanta to Jo'berg. Actually it goes a lot quicker than you might think . . . a couple of movies, a couple of naps, a couple of meals, and presto you are there.
My name is Anne Vogt. Kevin and I have been married for 22 years. We have 5 children ( Sam - 22, Lexi - 20, Logan - 16,Adam - 13, and Grace -8). I am blessed to be able to stay at home. I have home schooled our children for the past 14 years. I do daycare part-time, currently I only have a 3 year-old.
This will be my third trip to South Africa. I am so excited to be able to share this trip with our oldest daughter, Sam. South Africa has gotten into my blood :) I cannot wait to return! The people, the peace, and the ministry will bless you in ways you cannot imagine.
Of course leaving our children is the hardest part for me, but they benefit from this time as well :)
Ryan Coffey
Kevin Vogt
My name is Kevin Vogt and I am the vice president of Centershot Ministries. I am married to Anne (you read about her above) and we have five wonderful children (3 girls and 2 boys) ranging in age from 22 to 8. Our home (and my office) is located in a suburb just south of Minneapolis/St Paul, MN metro area. I currently have two main hobbies which are bow hunting (surprise) and biking.This will be my 3rd trip to SA with Centershot - the first one in 2012 and again in 2013. The places we will see and the people we will meet make for a life-time of amazing memories and one of the thing that excites me about this trip is that you get to experience that too! The people are kind and generous, the landscape is incredible and the food is delicious. I can't wait!
The one concern I have is sitting still on the 16 hour flight from Atlanta to Jo'berg. Actually it goes a lot quicker than you might think . . . a couple of movies, a couple of naps, a couple of meals, and presto you are there.
Anne Vogt
My name is Anne Vogt. Kevin and I have been married for 22 years. We have 5 children ( Sam - 22, Lexi - 20, Logan - 16,Adam - 13, and Grace -8). I am blessed to be able to stay at home. I have home schooled our children for the past 14 years. I do daycare part-time, currently I only have a 3 year-old.This will be my third trip to South Africa. I am so excited to be able to share this trip with our oldest daughter, Sam. South Africa has gotten into my blood :) I cannot wait to return! The people, the peace, and the ministry will bless you in ways you cannot imagine.
Of course leaving our children is the hardest part for me, but they benefit from this time as well :)
Sam Vogt
A little bit about me: I am 22 years old and was homeschooled from 3rd grade till I graduated in 2010. I attended an intense discipleship program in Chicago, called Chicago Masters Commission, for two years after graduation. Following that, I headed out for a three month internship in Camden, New Jersey. I spent that time working with inner city kids. The crime and violence rate there is one of the highest in the country so my primary goal there was to simply love on the kids in the way Jesus would.
After that experience I really felt it heavy on my heart that kids were my passion and I want to be able to show kids that they too have a calling in life and that they can make a difference, despite the circumstances they may be in. I am currently in school for a bachelors degree in general ministries, with an emphasis on children's ministry. This trip to South Africa will be my first mission trip and I am so excited to see what God has in store. I am a huge MN Wild Hockey fan, love being outdoors and country music, hanging out with kids, but most importantly, serving the Lord in whatever capacity He asks of me. :)
A little bit about me: I am 22 years old and was homeschooled from 3rd grade till I graduated in 2010. I attended an intense discipleship program in Chicago, called Chicago Masters Commission, for two years after graduation. Following that, I headed out for a three month internship in Camden, New Jersey. I spent that time working with inner city kids. The crime and violence rate there is one of the highest in the country so my primary goal there was to simply love on the kids in the way Jesus would.After that experience I really felt it heavy on my heart that kids were my passion and I want to be able to show kids that they too have a calling in life and that they can make a difference, despite the circumstances they may be in. I am currently in school for a bachelors degree in general ministries, with an emphasis on children's ministry. This trip to South Africa will be my first mission trip and I am so excited to see what God has in store. I am a huge MN Wild Hockey fan, love being outdoors and country music, hanging out with kids, but most importantly, serving the Lord in whatever capacity He asks of me. :)
The only concern that I have will be leaving my wife and kids for two weeks. My daughter Campbell will turn one while we are gone and I wish that they could experience this trip with me.
Interesting fact: When I was 17, I was struck by lightning while playing golf.
Tony Duncan
My name is Tony Duncan, I’m a 3rd partner in a Window Company in
Sanford, Florida called Alliance Building Supply. My home residence
is in Geneva, Florida. I was blessed and over-married. My wife’s name
is Leslie. We’ve been happily married for 14 years. Leslie and I have
two children. Our son's name is Tony III and he’s 9 years old and our
daughter's name is Emily Grace she’s 6 years old. My family and I
enjoy the outdoor life style. Hunting and fishing is what we do. Bow
hunting for big whitetail in Iowa and tarpon fishing in Boca Grande is
how we like to spend our vacations. The joke is if it doesn’t have a
trigger or a reel I don’t know how to operate it.
This will be my first time leave American soil. When Leslie and I first got married I mentioned to her that I don’t ever care to leave the USA. It’s funny how The Lord works I’m going to SA and she’s staying. Reasoning is our children have a lot of energy, that being said we thought it would be a little much for our parents to watch the kids even splitting up the time that we would be gone. I’m excited and can’t what for what’s ahead. In my conversation with people that have been on mission trips say it will change your life. As humans we tend to think that where going to help others which we are. But at the end of the day we’re the ones that are being blessed and reaping the rewards by seeing the smiles on these people’s faces as the gospel is being shared. I want to thank Kevin for thinking of me and inviting me on this Mission trip.
Kasey Hearon
My name is Kasey Hearon and I work as a meter technician for an oil and gas measurement company. I am 32 years old and was born and raised in Whitehouse, TX right next to Tyler. I'm married to my high school girlfriend Maegan and we have 3 kids; Jarrett(9), Adyn(6), and Hadley(2). I’m addicted to anything archery related. I shoot 3d archery and indoor when I can but haven’t had much time the last couple of years. We have a deer lease with my parents in Paint Rock, TX near San Angelo where the whole family hunts. My wife started hunting 2 years ago and loves it almost as much as I do. Now if I can get her into archery!
I’ve played baseball since I was 6 but due to having a family and age I have resorted to softball. I
play in a competitive league in Tyler on a church team. We also have a prison ministry where we go
mostly into trustee prisons and play the inmate teams. We usually do this 3-6 times a year mainly in
the spring. It’s a lot of fun and the inmates enjoy it as much as we do...if not more.
I’ve never been to South Africa but very excited about the Centershot trip. My parents went to Johannesburg in 2002 and had a great time. I’m most nervous about the long flight and not knowing anyone. I’ve only flown a handful of times and it’s been 6 years since my last one and it was only a 2hr flight. Not knowing what to pack for 2 weeks is a little overwhelming too.
Chris Janke
My name is Chris Janke and have been married to my wife Janna for
20 years. We live in central Wisconsin.
I have two adult married stepchildren, and three grandchildren. We are expecting our fourth grandchild in January. I am a machinist by trade, and I volunteer as the coordinator of the Centershot program at Highland community Church in Wausau and as a hunter safety instructor. My hobbies include archery, hunting, fishing, and biking.
This will be the first time I have needed a passport to travel, and definitely the farthest away from home I have ever been! The thing that excites me the most about this trip is meeting the children of South Africa and seeing their excitement for the Centershot program. The thing that makes me the most nervous is motion sickness, and facing any language barriers that could keep us from sharing the gospel with the children.
Felicia Jusczak
I am 18 years old and just graduated from high school this past May. I
live in Lakeville, MN with my dad, mama, 2 older sisters, and big
brother. Between being a nanny to two little girls, a helper in Sunday
school, babysitting, and being with my 19 younger cousins, I have
learned how much I love being with little kids and being able to love
them the way Jesus loves them. I have only been on one other mission
trip to Mexico when I was 11 so I'm very excited to go overseas to
South Africa and be with the kids there!
A few things I love: adventures, hockey and baseball (Go MN Wild and Twins), fishing, my family & friends, and basically anything outdoors (the woods are my favorite place to be).
September can't come soon enough and I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do, not only in the hearts of the people there, but in our hearts as well :)
Jan Livingston
Both my husband Joe and I are in our 4th, 8 week session of teaching
Centershot at our church in Murphys, CA. We have two children ( Josh
34 and married with 4 children and daughter Tiffany 32) Much of our
time is spent taking them camping, skiing, ice skating, beach,
mountains, VBS, swimming, archery, fishing, and life.
There has never been any desire for me to go to Africa until this opportunity came along and God put it in my heart. I am excited about the adventure ahead, looking forward to meeting people, sharing God's good news, photography, and hunting!
My name is Chris Janke and have been married to my wife Janna for
20 years. We live in central Wisconsin.
I have two adult married stepchildren, and three grandchildren. We are expecting our fourth grandchild in January. I am a machinist by trade, and I volunteer as the coordinator of the Centershot program at Highland community Church in Wausau and as a hunter safety instructor. My hobbies include archery, hunting, fishing, and biking.
This will be the first time I have needed a passport to travel, and definitely the farthest away from home I have ever been! The thing that excites me the most about this trip is meeting the children of South Africa and seeing their excitement for the Centershot program. The thing that makes me the most nervous is motion sickness, and facing any language barriers that could keep us from sharing the gospel with the children.
Felicia Jusczak
I am 18 years old and just graduated from high school this past May. I
live in Lakeville, MN with my dad, mama, 2 older sisters, and big
brother. Between being a nanny to two little girls, a helper in Sunday
school, babysitting, and being with my 19 younger cousins, I have
learned how much I love being with little kids and being able to love
them the way Jesus loves them. I have only been on one other mission
trip to Mexico when I was 11 so I'm very excited to go overseas to
South Africa and be with the kids there!
A few things I love: adventures, hockey and baseball (Go MN Wild and Twins), fishing, my family & friends, and basically anything outdoors (the woods are my favorite place to be).
September can't come soon enough and I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do, not only in the hearts of the people there, but in our hearts as well :)
Jan Livingston
Both my husband Joe and I are in our 4th, 8 week session of teaching
Centershot at our church in Murphys, CA. We have two children ( Josh
34 and married with 4 children and daughter Tiffany 32) Much of our
time is spent taking them camping, skiing, ice skating, beach,
mountains, VBS, swimming, archery, fishing, and life.
There has never been any desire for me to go to Africa until this opportunity came along and God put it in my heart. I am excited about the adventure ahead, looking forward to meeting people, sharing God's good news, photography, and hunting!
Joe Livingston
My name is Joe Livingston. My wife Jan and I have been married 37
years and have two wonderful adult children (boy and girl) , four wild
and crazy grandchildren ( 3 boys and a girl) and a grand bunny. We are
Northern Californians residing in a small rural 1850’s gold mining
town named Murphys. I enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful
landscapes God has created and I am humbled by being able to be
called a child of God. Recently retired, I am looking forward to what
this new stage of life will bring.
Last year our church embarked on our Centershot adventure. I had not shot a bow since early childhood and was eager to learn to shoot and to hunt (word of caution, I am still very much a newbie at this) but I was intrigued at the idea of pairing archery with the gospel. I have been blessed through this program and what is most exciting for me is to see entire families having fun participating together.
I am very much looking forward to going to South Africa, meeting the people and participating with our Centershot team. Having never been on a missions trip and having never travelled cross culturally I have to admit there is some anxiousness. See you soon....Joe
Alex Roupe
My name is Alex Roupe, age 28 as of now but my birthday is
September 12th so I'll be 29 on the trip.
I'm excited about every part of this trip. However I am most excited about seeing the gospel go out and changing people's lives and seeing archery being used as a tool to do that.
I am a landscaper, my father and I have our own business. My older brother "Donald " I call him George though is coming as well.
I am engaged to beautiful woman named Alex as well. We are going to get married five days after we get back from Africa so keep that in prayer. I look forward to meeting all of you on the trip and getting to hear the great things God is doing through Centershot. God Bless
George Roupe
My name is Donald Roupe, everyone calls me Horhey, I work at an
outdoor store in Phoenixville Pennsylvania running the Camping and
Paddle Sports departments. I am just over a year married to the most
amazing and lovely professional Opera singer in the world Maja Lisa.
Currently my lovely wife and I have an adorable and extremely well
behaved Sheltie named Arig.
I presently live in Philadelphia but I will always consider myself a country boy at heart. I have never been to Africa and am happy to be going on a mission’s trip to further spread the Lords message and to be an example of his love and compassion. I enjoy kayaking, fishing, hunting, and teaching students about the Lord's word at the church I grew up in, Faith Bible Fellowship.
My name is Alex Roupe, age 28 as of now but my birthday is
September 12th so I'll be 29 on the trip.
I'm excited about every part of this trip. However I am most excited about seeing the gospel go out and changing people's lives and seeing archery being used as a tool to do that.
I am a landscaper, my father and I have our own business. My older brother "Donald " I call him George though is coming as well.
I am engaged to beautiful woman named Alex as well. We are going to get married five days after we get back from Africa so keep that in prayer. I look forward to meeting all of you on the trip and getting to hear the great things God is doing through Centershot. God Bless
George Roupe
My name is Donald Roupe, everyone calls me Horhey, I work at an
outdoor store in Phoenixville Pennsylvania running the Camping and
Paddle Sports departments. I am just over a year married to the most
amazing and lovely professional Opera singer in the world Maja Lisa.
Currently my lovely wife and I have an adorable and extremely well
behaved Sheltie named Arig.
I presently live in Philadelphia but I will always consider myself a country boy at heart. I have never been to Africa and am happy to be going on a mission’s trip to further spread the Lords message and to be an example of his love and compassion. I enjoy kayaking, fishing, hunting, and teaching students about the Lord's word at the church I grew up in, Faith Bible Fellowship.
Matt Westberg
My name is Matt Westberg, and I am a trainer for Centershot
Ministries. I also work full time as a Chrysler mechanic. My wife
Sheila and I have been married for 11 years and have 2 kids, a girl and
a boy ages 10 and 7.
We live in a town southeast of Minneapolis/ St. Paul. I like to bow hunt and help coach my kid’s softball and baseball teams. This will be my first trip to South Africa, and I look forward to meeting a lot of great people. What excites me most is the chance to go overseas and share the gospel. I also am excited about the chance to hunt over there as well. The only concerns I have are being away from my family, and the 16 hour flight over there, being 6’7” but Kevin says it will go faster then we think.
My name is Matt Westberg, and I am a trainer for Centershot
Ministries. I also work full time as a Chrysler mechanic. My wife
Sheila and I have been married for 11 years and have 2 kids, a girl and
a boy ages 10 and 7.
We live in a town southeast of Minneapolis/ St. Paul. I like to bow hunt and help coach my kid’s softball and baseball teams. This will be my first trip to South Africa, and I look forward to meeting a lot of great people. What excites me most is the chance to go overseas and share the gospel. I also am excited about the chance to hunt over there as well. The only concerns I have are being away from my family, and the 16 hour flight over there, being 6’7” but Kevin says it will go faster then we think.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Faith Baptist Members of Centershot Missions Team
Here are the Bio's that each of us were asked to create to help introduce ourselves to the rest of our Centershot Missions Team. I thought they would be a good way to share a little about who we are with all of you!
Rick Denzin
My name is Rick Denzin. My wife Lydine and I have been married for almost 26 years and have two great kids. The oldest, our son , just got married this past February and our daughter just graduated from three years of bible college this past spring. We live on the family farm near Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. I currently work as a corrugated press operator making cardboard boxes.
One of our favorite family activities is shooting pizza boxes out of the air with our Genesis bow and flu flu arrows. I enjoy all kinds of shooting sports especially archery and bowhunting. I'm extremely excited about this trip and can't wait to see what our awesome God will do while we are in South Africa. God is teaching me to be a more confident traveler so I need to stay focused on him during this trip. A couple little known facts about me are I have an artistic side and enjoy doing stained glass work and I used to have more than 150 rabbits. I can't wait to meet you all and work with you to reach others for Christ. See you soon, Rick
Ardon Rosom
My name is Ardon Rosom and I work for the Govt of Saskatchewan in the IT department. I hope that doesn’t classify me a geek! My wife’s name is Glenda and we have two boys, ages 23 and 20. Our oldest boy is married and lives in Ontario with his wife and son. I guess that makes me a Grandpa! Our youngest boy is still at home and starting his 4th year of university in September. I love everything outdoors and spend much of my free time either fishing, hunting or snowmobiling.
I am involved with the Centershot program at our church as an
instructor and Bible Study leader. When I first heard of the opportunity to go to South Africa I prayed about it, and very early on, had a peace and knew that this was
something that God wanted me to do. I know how God has used Centershot at our church, and I am excited to have the opportunity to be used to help grow the Centershot program in South Africa.
Dwight Tonn
Hi, my name is Dwight Tonn and I am 46 years old. I am from Regina, Saskatchewan in Canada and work as an Advanced Care Paramedic. I have been working in the Emergency Medical Services field for 22 years. Crystelle is my wife and we have been married for 18 years and have two wonderful daughters. Jaelyn Rose, is 15 years old and named after one of the Fab Five from the classic Michigan
Wolverine Basketball years, a team I loved to follow when I was in college. Terrace Faith is 13 years old and named after the town in northern British Columbia, home to the sweetest mountains I have ever seen in my 9 years of tree planting as a summer job.
I have never been to South Africa before and am really excited for this opportunity! Africa has always been a place I have wondered about for a missions trip. Amazingly, this opportunity came up just days after getting home from a missions trip to Hermosillo, Mexico. One night while on that trip I said something like this to my friend Rick. "Someday I would love to return to Mexico, but I would still be interested in going to Africa to see where my heart would be after a trip like that." I had no idea how God would piece this together so quickly and that He would use archery and Centershot to make it happen! It excites me to know that God has a plan for me to use my passion for archery as a tool to reach others in such a far away place, the same way as I can right here at home. I love the way archery can bridge the gap!
One thing that makes me nervous about this trip is leaving behind family and especially my youngest daughter Terrace, who would love to come! Centershot has been instrumental in growing her skills and love for archery. She loves to help teach other kids at our Centershot sessions as well as participate. Not being able to come on this trip is breaking her heart, just as it is mine to not have family along!
A little know fact about me is.....I'm bald! Ok, well that might be as "little known" to those around me as the fact that I love God, family, bowhunting, fishing and Dr.Pepper! I can hardly wait to meet the rest of the team and feel so blessed to have two close friends from our local Centershot team coming along to join in this opportunity!
Rick Denzin
My name is Rick Denzin. My wife Lydine and I have been married for almost 26 years and have two great kids. The oldest, our son , just got married this past February and our daughter just graduated from three years of bible college this past spring. We live on the family farm near Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. I currently work as a corrugated press operator making cardboard boxes.
One of our favorite family activities is shooting pizza boxes out of the air with our Genesis bow and flu flu arrows. I enjoy all kinds of shooting sports especially archery and bowhunting. I'm extremely excited about this trip and can't wait to see what our awesome God will do while we are in South Africa. God is teaching me to be a more confident traveler so I need to stay focused on him during this trip. A couple little known facts about me are I have an artistic side and enjoy doing stained glass work and I used to have more than 150 rabbits. I can't wait to meet you all and work with you to reach others for Christ. See you soon, Rick
Ardon Rosom
My name is Ardon Rosom and I work for the Govt of Saskatchewan in the IT department. I hope that doesn’t classify me a geek! My wife’s name is Glenda and we have two boys, ages 23 and 20. Our oldest boy is married and lives in Ontario with his wife and son. I guess that makes me a Grandpa! Our youngest boy is still at home and starting his 4th year of university in September. I love everything outdoors and spend much of my free time either fishing, hunting or snowmobiling.
I am involved with the Centershot program at our church as an
instructor and Bible Study leader. When I first heard of the opportunity to go to South Africa I prayed about it, and very early on, had a peace and knew that this was
something that God wanted me to do. I know how God has used Centershot at our church, and I am excited to have the opportunity to be used to help grow the Centershot program in South Africa.
Hi, my name is Dwight Tonn and I am 46 years old. I am from Regina, Saskatchewan in Canada and work as an Advanced Care Paramedic. I have been working in the Emergency Medical Services field for 22 years. Crystelle is my wife and we have been married for 18 years and have two wonderful daughters. Jaelyn Rose, is 15 years old and named after one of the Fab Five from the classic Michigan
Wolverine Basketball years, a team I loved to follow when I was in college. Terrace Faith is 13 years old and named after the town in northern British Columbia, home to the sweetest mountains I have ever seen in my 9 years of tree planting as a summer job.
I have never been to South Africa before and am really excited for this opportunity! Africa has always been a place I have wondered about for a missions trip. Amazingly, this opportunity came up just days after getting home from a missions trip to Hermosillo, Mexico. One night while on that trip I said something like this to my friend Rick. "Someday I would love to return to Mexico, but I would still be interested in going to Africa to see where my heart would be after a trip like that." I had no idea how God would piece this together so quickly and that He would use archery and Centershot to make it happen! It excites me to know that God has a plan for me to use my passion for archery as a tool to reach others in such a far away place, the same way as I can right here at home. I love the way archery can bridge the gap!
One thing that makes me nervous about this trip is leaving behind family and especially my youngest daughter Terrace, who would love to come! Centershot has been instrumental in growing her skills and love for archery. She loves to help teach other kids at our Centershot sessions as well as participate. Not being able to come on this trip is breaking her heart, just as it is mine to not have family along!
A little know fact about me is.....I'm bald! Ok, well that might be as "little known" to those around me as the fact that I love God, family, bowhunting, fishing and Dr.Pepper! I can hardly wait to meet the rest of the team and feel so blessed to have two close friends from our local Centershot team coming along to join in this opportunity!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
The Centershot South Africa Missions Trip Blog Is Now Here!!
Here it is, the beginning of my blog for our upcoming missions trip with Centershot to South Africa! It is hard to believe how fast the departure date is approaching! Over the next few weeks I will try to post information about our trip to answer questions such as the following. Why are we going? Who is a part of this team both locally and internationally? Where exactly are we going in South Africa? Who is leading us? How did this opportunity come to be? What will we be doing while we are there? Please feel free to interact with this by asking questions or posting comments. Please remember us in your prayers, along with those who we will be working with and serving while we are there.
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