Kathy's Journal 2019

What a thrill for my husband, Andy, and me to meet, in person, some of the people for whom we’d been praying for, literally, for decades! This trip brought forth a lot of tears! I was in awe of the generosity of the Believers. They opened their workplaces and homes, offering to us cold drinks or a meal fit for an army. These were sacrifices of love as most of those we met were extremely poor.


Garbage City became a metaphor of what Jesus has done for me. He took away my filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and lifted me up, cleansed me by His blood and has given me great freedom, joy and purpose.


We have prayed for Pastor Jack for decades and he is exactly like News Service 2000 has said. He is a fireball of passion for the lost, a gifted evangelist, and a compassionate pastor. 


To read the rest of Kathy's Journal click here...

2019KathysJournal.pdf



Barb's Journal 2017

It’s hard to believe... 

that it is nearly three years since our first trip to the Middle East/North Africa. Dave had just joined the New Service 2000 team a few months before and his first trip was February 2017.  I was blessed beyond measure when I learned that the News Service board had decided it would be a good idea for me to travel with Dave that first trip. They thought I should get a first-hand understanding of the ministry my husband was called to. This was wise of the board.


Although I had been devouring the stories of our persecuted brothers and sisters in the News Service 2000 newsletters for several years prior to Dave joining the ministry, I found that reading the stories was very different from being there in person. One phrase that kept coming to my mind is that “I didn’t even know what it was that I didn’t know”.


While our kids have all traveled to several different countries, before this trip, the only other country we had traveled to was Canada.  (We are from northern Wisconsin – not much of a culture shock involved in a trip to Canada!) Who knew that once we became empty nesters, the Lord would call us to this international ministry with such different cultures? 



To read the rest of Barb's Journal click here...

2017BarbsJournal.pdf

Larry's Journal 2005

Isn't it ALWAYS just like God!

My primary purpose in making the trip was to encourage Christians in the 'Persecuted Church' who many times think that they are all alone. But isn't it ALWAYS just like God to fill OUR cups to overflowing! It was ME who came away encouraged!!! I was the one who left with a renewed sense of hope and faith and commitment. It was ME who was found wanting when I measured myself against these modern day saints of God! It was ME who had a renewed sense of the strength of the church in the midst of difficulties!


So let me share one small insight with you from this trip.


The city is Jerusalem, the place.....a small 'upper room'. A group of people who follow the Jewish Messiah have gathered to worship on the first day of the week. The Messiah is no longer with them.....but in every sense he is with them as they gather together to worship Him and to encourage each other. There is a singing of praises and the accompaniment of strings, drums and voices. It is obvious that these people KNOW the living Christ. It all takes place in a language other than my own. And even in the midst of military and political powers that cause them problems and concern, in spite of some of the more 'religious' people opposing them, it is clear that their belief in a Risen Messiah gives them the courage and strength to live their lives daily. Here were His disciples!


To read the rest of Larry's journal click here...

2005LarrysJournal.pdf

Jan's Journal 2004

One way or another, He does, just as He promises...

I've had the opportunity to travel twice with News Service 2000 teams to Egypt and Israel to visit our Christian brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith. Many people ask me, what is the purpose of your trip? I often struggle to find the words to describe the purpose in practical terms.


We are not going to build homes or schools, to feed starving children, or to clean up after a natural disaster. Though we do tend to their physical and practical needs as we are able, our primary purpose in going is to bring encouragement to our brothers and sisters who may otherwise be tempted to give up and give in when the struggles of life make remaining faithful more difficult than we can possibly imagine. We pray with them, serve alongside them, laugh with them, share meals with them, listen to their stories, and get to know them and their needs. Then we come back to share their stories so that others my know how to pray for them, and so God may ultimately use their suffering for his glory.


To read the rest of Jan's journal click here...

2005JansJournal.pdf

Elizabeth's Journal 2004

I never knew..."If you are found carrying drugs on your person, you will be hanged!"

This bold statement jumped out at me from a sign hanging precariously in the customs area. I gulped as this initial impression of Egypt sent the first shock wave of reality to shake my heart. There would be many after shocks in the following weeks.


This was my first time traveling with a News Service 2000 team to the Middle East. It was a personal dream come true yet my experience was wilder than any dream I have ever imagined! The hustle and bustle of Cairo was intriguing  and seemed quite safe - until I tried to cross the street!


To read the rest of the journal click here...

2004ElizabethsJournal.pdf

Steve's Journal 2002

A personal observation...

On a recent trip with Dr. Pat, I began to experience the awesome power of prayer. As we followed the path and direction of the Lord, His mighty shield of protection went before us, keeping us safe. More than a thousand people were praying for the protection of our group. I could almost reach out and touch the shield around us. We were able to provide encouragement and Bibles to our brothers and sisters in Egypt and Israel. No door was closed to us and no threat could penetrate the protection that God provided. For example...


To read the rest of the story click here...

2002StevesJournal.pdf

John's Journal 2002

Reflections on Mission's Trip to Egypt and Israel

It was amazing all that we learned and experienced over the course of our two and a half week trip. We were privileged to see the Nile River, the Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Wailing Wall, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, and much, much, more. 


My lasting memory, however, will not be the geography or the politics or the violence and anguish that it creates, but what will remain etched in my soul is the passion of Egyptians and Palestinians for Christ and His Kingdom.


To read more of John's journal click.....2002JohnsJournal.pdf