Jackie Ward - El Salvador

Jackie has now been serving in El Salvador since the new year (2008), serving as a Missionary Associate for 1 year. She is so appreciative of the continued financial  support given on her behalf.  She covets the prayers of her Trinity family.

A note from Jackie:
"Everything here in El Salvador is going incredibly!! - I wanted to let you all know how excited I am that this year the ZONE Student Ministries of Trinity mission trip is to El Salvador. I am excited to  have the opportunity of working with you guys when you come in July. I remember my first time coming to El Salvador with Pastor Kelly in 2002, and again in 2004. This is now my fourth time here in El Salvador, and God is continuing to touch me more and more. He has already changed, impacted, and broken my heart for the nations over and over again."
 

Josh Hoffman - Thailand

 A note from Josh in Thailand:

    "Life here is going well. I have been excited with the progress our ministry has made since arriving here… wow, more than half a year ago. When I first arrived I took the lead of a ministry that was a dwindling to 8-10 kids on a good Tuesday afternoon. But since arriving I have watched as God has blessed our ministry and brought as many as 60 young people on a single Friday night. I honestly can't believe it sometimes and get all the more excited knowing that it has nothing to do with me. It's just cool to see God move!

    I have no great "soul count" to report, but the evidence of continued relational connection and opportunities to mentor and teach young people is incredible. There is obviously the side of me that just wants to see people saved in bulk. It sometimes seems hard knowing that in some places in the world that's how it happens, especially when I have heard the incredible testimonies of men like Reinhard Bonnke. But having developed relationships with a bunch of the AG missionaries here, it is good to know I'm not alone in this. It's just not an easy place in the world to reach people with the gospel and many wouldn't even entertain the idea of becoming a Christian. The mentality is simple; to be Thai is to be Buddhist and all who turn from it seem outcast. Regardless, as I said before I continue to remind myself and am encouraged by the work that God is doing because through these relationships I have opportunities to speak life, hope, and grace into the lives of many of the 250 High Schoolers I run into on any given day.
    As for me personally, I continue to be challenged and grow through the struggles. There really aren't many really easy days but I remaining positive and wonder if I would really want it any other way. There are always battles to be fought. In terms of such battles, I have been encouraged by victories in my own walk and continue to do all that I can to remain accountable to people both here and in the states. I have also greatly enjoyed a new  friendship with my current mentor here, an AG missionary from Alabama."
   

Emily Griswold - India

 Emily is working with Project Rescue, which brings hope to women trapped in the human trafficking/sexual slavery business of the world.  The following is a note from Emily:

"Well, things are going well.  I've started my segment at the night care center for children.  Last night I spent some time with the girls at the Children's Home - they are too funny!  Immediately after entering I received no less than a dozen hugs and sweet greetings of "hello, aunty!" (Aunty is a common term used when speaking to an adult woman).  We taught each other some hand games...and I was subjected to a beauty spa regimen which included a new hairdo and a manicure.  They did my hands in two different colors, so I'm all style now :-)  Then they taught us a dance they had performed at a ceremony earlier this weekend.  They are great dancers :-)
    Last week I rode a rickshaw home one night after orientation. I did nothing but pray in mortal fear for my life for the first moments of the trip, but after the first minute or so it was actually quite relaxing. We made it home safe and sound without falling out or tipping over! The only tipping I did was a huge tip for the driver because I was so glad I made it home alive!  hahaha....    I can't wait for my next ride :-)

    My eyes have seen many things which would bring many people to tears.  Men, women and children whose bed is the sidewalk; people taking their morning or evening baths sitting on the side of the street, children walking the streets alone at night in places that I wouldn't dare to walk unaccompanied,  beautiful bright colors contrasting against dark buildings, people everywhere always coming and going.  I have also heard many things:  people talking in languages I do not understand; cars, cars EVERYWHERE all the time HONKING and starting and stopping and coming and going.  The dogs here do not seem to bark ever.  Strange.  My nose has smelled food cooking in little makeshift stands on the sidewalk, exhaust that chokes my throat, refuse streaming outside of rooms some people call home. I have tasted the wonderful foods of India, and I've actually discovered a new favorite dish: dal maktni.
    Thanks to all of you for all your prayers and continued support.  I am so blessed to have such a big supportive family! Keep praying for me and for the women and children we are serving here."

Paul and Heather Bound - Youth With a Mission

Paul and Heather met in the fall of 2005 when Heather was working at Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Discipleship Training School and Paul had come from New Zealand to participate in the school.  They married in May 2007 while living in Baltimore after leaving the YWAM ministries, but in February 2008, they sensed  God's call to move back to Richmond, VA, where they had met at the YWAM base 3 years earlier.  Shortly after being back, Paul and Heather had a strong desire to work full-time with the Discipleship  Training Schools.  "Our heart is to see lives changed through personal encounters with the living God so that people may then go out and live for Him in a powerful and impacting way.  The most rewarding part is to see how God moves personally in and through each student to transform them into His image.  We are excited to be back and see who God will bring, and what God will do through the upcoming schools."