Seven Men Leave Wooster Grace

Departing tomorrow at 3am, Saturday October 15, seven men from the New Horizons ABF will gather to pray and to say farewells. The team will travel to the other side of the world--to the Central African Republic (CAR). These seven men leave Wooster Grace to share God's love in a real way. 

Tim Harley & Bruce Imhoff

The team is led by Tim Harley. Tim has been to Central Africa on many occasions to leverage his skills as well-driller and large machinery driver. By God's grace, relationships with Central Africans will be renewed and solidified.

Bruce Imhoff returns to the CAR for a second time. His first trip prompted him to help in any way he could. He partnered with a Central African to facilitate the start of a spirulina pool for harvesting the protein-rich product so that this CAR family could support themselves and help others.

Rick Ratzel

God has worked in Rick Ratzel's life each time he has spent time in Central Africa. The more recent time when Rick served he was able to bring a bicycle for Andre the head of Guest House Services. Rather than purchase a car or truck, the bicycle greatly enhances Andre's life.  To pedal to work or to do errands, maximizes getting things done.  Rick knows all about "African" time. But has a great attitude and a huge heart for the people.  Wooster Grace praises the Lord for those in our church who seek to make a difference in far away places with the limited vacation time they accrue. I can't wait to hear how the bicycle has improved the service and ministry in Central Africa.

Larry Wiseman

This is not the first time Larry Wiseman has traveled to Africa. I can't remember which North African country he visited. I'll have to get an update from him to post later.  But Larry has always wanted to return to Africa.
Larry attended the New Horizons ABF and heard about their passion to develop fully devoted followers in all the nations of the world through their group. He witnessed how men from the ABF went to the CAR to help last year.  Now he gets to go with a team of seven to minister in the CAR. He will surely recall his time in Africa to draw from those experiences and encourage the team to persevere despite unknown challenges ahead.  Wooster Grace praises God for ABFs who not only grow deep in community, but also reach out together to impact the world for Christ. I can't wait to ask Larry how his two trips to Africa compare. 

Craig Simmons, Dave Brenneman, &
Josh Weiser

The last three men have never been to Africa before.  By reviewing itineraries, cultural challenges, and health & safety concerns, Tim has tried to equip the team for what may await the team.  I guess the can meet and talk, but in the end, you got to get on the plane and disembark in Africa to feel the experience yourself.  I pray for the team now. Even though we commissioned them with prayer this past Sunday, the team covets your prayers.  Please keep in prayer these three men: Craig Simmons, Dave Brenneman, Josh Weiser. May the God the Holy Spirit empower them to glorify the Lord, to love one another, and to love every person they meet on the way to Africa and back home again. 

I want to pause here to ask, if you ever sense God prompting you to start thinking about going to the world to impact people for Christ, then please contact Pastor Daron (330) 264-9459 x 236.  I'd love to discuss why you'd like to go, what a successful missions trip might look like, and brainstorm how to help you discern God's will for a missions trip.  Tomorrow I will post their prayer requests, goals, and tentative work projects.  Please keep checking back to view pictures and comments from the team while they are in the CAR. 

Be on on-mission today by praying for the New Horizons Short Term Missions Team!