Continued from – “What do we care? (part 1)”
I just returned from the blue mountains of Carolina, where Missionary Athletes International held a
staff retreat for the Charlotte Eagles, Chicago Eagles, and California Seahorse staff members – new and old.
This was the first time I had the privledge of meeting most of the staff and what a great time we had together
casting a vision for our 2009 season.
One thing we got to do during the retreat was Skype our missionaries that are currently out in the field.
A repeated need that our missionaries voiced was the feelings of being forgotten both prayerfully and financially by
their friends, family, and churches. So in honor, here is a short bio for three of them – take a minute to remember
them and their prayer requests…
Tom and Olena Merchant: Ukraine
Tom Merchant, veteran of MAI’s tours to the Soviet Union in 1991, moved to Moscow in 1999 after interning with the Chicago office. Tom married Olenka whom he met in Ukraine and they relocated to begin ministering in Ukraine in 2003. His prayer requests are for good ministry opportunities during the EuroCup to share the gospel effectively as well as financial needs.
The West Family: Thailand
The Wests have served with MAI for
over 15 years and are currently in partnership with SIM/Sports
Friends. They are privileged to come alongside churches and
church planting organizations to help equip and empower churches to use sports
to impact the Thai people. Prayer requests are for deep relationships to form with the Thai and that the Thai people will begin to trust them and open up to them. Also for their two young children to make quick friends.
over 15 years and are currently in partnership with SIM/Sports
Friends. They are privileged to come alongside churches and
church planting organizations to help equip and empower churches to use sports
to impact the Thai people. Prayer requests are for deep relationships to form with the Thai and that the Thai people will begin to trust them and open up to them. Also for their two young children to make quick friends.
Steve and Suzie Mattocks: Czech Republic
In 2001 Steve and Suzie Mattocks began ministering in the southwestern province of Bohemia in conjunction with the Elim church, and have just returned to the states for their furlough. Their prayer requests are re-entry hardships adjusting to american culture and financial needs.
If you know other missionaries abroad take a minute today and remember them in prayer, send a note, an email, make a phone call, a donation – to let them know you support and care about them!
