Tag - Photo Journal

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What Does a Missions Coach Do? [Photo Journal]
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What it Looks Like to Teach in Thailand [Photo Journal]
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My First Week as a Missionary in Mexico [Photo Journal]
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When God Calls You to Open Up a Coffee Shop [Photo Journal]
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A Look at Missions in Germany [Photo Journal]
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What’s New at Missions Place? [Photo Journal]
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Photo Journal: Thailand
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Photo Journal: Medical Ministry in Zimbabwe
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Photo Journal: Australia
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Photo Journal: Japan

What Does a Missions Coach Do? [Photo Journal]

missions coach
A missions coach helps people connect their talents and passions with an opportunity to serve on the mission field. Learn more about their ministry of mobilization below. Photos by Leslie Lesher

Deciding to become a missionary is a complex, faith-stretching and, sometimes, lengthy process. Questions like “How do I know if I’m really called?” or “What will I actually do overseas?” are not always easy to answer. To help, every potential missionary with TEAM journeys with a missions coach. Coaches answer questions, make ministry connections and, most importantly, pray with every person in the process. Leslie Lesher has been serving as a TEAM missions coach since 2016. Scroll through her photo journal below to learn what a missions coach does and how she can help you find the right missions opportunity….

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What it Looks Like to Teach in Thailand [Photo Journal]

Dorothy Yeung lives in Thailand to share the love of Christ in the classroom. Take a peek into her life overseas below. Photos courtesy of Dorothy Yeung

Situated on the outskirts of the city, Bangkok Christian International School operates in stark contrast to the famous Buddhist temples that attract tourists and the local faithful alike. At this growing school, students from around the world converge to receive a Christian education taught by a devoted staff. Dorothy Yeung teaches over 100 students about music and how to worship God through it at BCIS. Scroll through her photo journal below to see what it looks like to serve and teach in Thailand. Meet Dorothy Sawatdee-ka! I’m Dorothy from Toronto, Canada, currently serving as an elementary music teacher at Bangkok…

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My First Week as a Missionary in Mexico [Photo Journal]

Follow one worker's journey as he establishes a new life and ministry in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Ever wonder what a missionary actually does? Well, today William Santiago, TEAM worker in Puerto Vallarta, shows us how he’s navigating his first week as a missionary in Mexico, where he intends to engage in discipleship through creative arts. Follow along as he establishes a routine in a new home with new challenges.  Day 1  I’m exhausted. I stayed up too late preparing, and I couldn’t rest well because I was excited! I felt kind of like a kid trying to get to sleep on Christmas Eve. Note to self: Setting out to the airport at 4:30 a.m. is not nearly as exciting as…

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When God Calls You to Open Up a Coffee Shop [Photo Journal]

Trent and Christine spend their days smelling like coffee and dreaming of the day when they will open up their first missional coffee shop in Manila, Philippines.

For the past year, Trent and Christine* have lived in Manila learning everything they can about Filipino culture and coffee in order to open up their first missional coffee shop, Narrative, later this year. Scroll through their photo journal to see how, in a city of millions, they are making disciples one cup of coffee at a time. Meet Trent and Christine (and Gordon, too)   Mabuhay! We are Trent and Christine and we’ve lived in Manila, Philippines, together for just over a year (Trent since 2010). We have the best job in the world: setting up a specialty coffee shop in…

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A Look at Missions in Germany [Photo Journal]

missions in germany kandern blog
Life in quaint Kandern, Germany, can be picturesque. Follow along as TEAM missionary Danielle Germaine gives us a guided photo tour of life, culture and missions in Germany.

Situated in the charming village of Kandern, Germany, Black Forest Academy is a boarding school for children of missionaries and international businesspeople. At BFA, students study a North American curriculum with a Christian worldview. A melting pot of culture, Black Forest Academy is home to over 300 students who have parents working or serving in over 50 countries. Danielle Germaine, TEAM missionary, serves as a resident assistant at Black Forest Academy, where she cultivates community among the students. Scroll through her photo journal below for a glimpse of culture and missions in Germany. Meet Danielle     Local German Flavors …

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What’s New at Missions Place? [Photo Journal]

wheaton collaborative workspace
The collaborative workspace at Missions Place invites kingdom workers to work side-by-side locally for the sake of the gospel globally.

Missions Place by TEAM was started in 2013 as a “storefront” concept for international missions. Since then, thousands of people have walked through the doors of Missions Place to to attend an event, talk to staff about missions or simply enjoy a coffee. This year, Missions Place takes its next step with the addition of a collaborative workspace. This relaxed, shared working environment brings together a local, kingdom-minded community in cities for the sake of the gospel around the world. Scroll through the photo journal to catch a snapshot of this collaborative community. The Faces of Missions Place       Meet…

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Photo Journal: Thailand

thailand-collage
Short-term missionary, Hanna Smith travelled through Thailand to document the work of ministry leaders there.

Hanna Smith traveled from New Orleans to Thailand to serve on a short-term mission trip. She used her gifts as a photographer to document workers in the field. Scroll through to catch a glimpse of missions in Thailand along with commentary from Hanna.                              Want to go and experience Thai culture for yourself? Join TEAM on a vision trip to Thailand and Southeast Asia this summer. Learn more about ministry opportunities and see firsthand the need for the gospel to be spread throughout this region.

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Photo Journal: Medical Ministry in Zimbabwe

Two months ago, Kameron and Erin Toews boarded a plane in South Dakota and landed in Zimbabwe to serve at Karanda Missions Hospital. Check out their photo journal below as they give us a day-in-the-life glimpse of ministry and culture in southern Africa.

Makadii. Hello internet! We’re the Toews from South Dakota, USA, living at Karanda Mission Hospital in Zimbabwe for a year. Erin is serving as a nurse, and Kam is working as a videographer. We’ve been here two months now, and we’re are slowly getting into the swing of things. It’s amazing to be a part of God’s life changing work in beautiful Zim. We’re pumped to give you a small taste of life in the bush. So let’s go – hundai!

Makadii. Hello, Internet! We’re the Toews from South Dakota, USA, living at Karanda Mission Hospital in Zimbabwe for a year. Erin is serving as a nurse, and Kam is working as a videographer. We’ve been here two months now, and we are slowly getting into the swing of things. It’s amazing to be a part of God’s life-changing work in beautiful Zim. We’re pumped to give you a small taste of life in the bush. So let’s go – hundai!

 

Home sweet home! Here’s a typical Zimbabwean family home, with each building acting as a sort of “room” in the family’s house.

Home sweet home! Here’s a typical Zimbabwean family home, with each building acting as a sort of “room” in the family’s house.

 

Let us introduce you to sadza, the staple of the Zimbabwe diet. Sadza is corn meal mixed with water until it becomes the consistency of very thick mashed potatoes. Here it is served with a relish in peanut butter sauce, and seasoned chicken. I’m sure you were wondering: yes, of course you eat with your hands.

Let us introduce you to sadza, the staple of the Zimbabwe diet. Sadza is corn meal mixed with water until it becomes the consistency of very thick mashed potatoes. Here it is served with seasoned chicken and a relish in peanut butter sauce. I’m sure you were wondering: yes, of course you eat with your hands.

 

We’re serving at Karanda Mission Hospital this year, and almost every day we hear a local tell us how KMH is the best hospital in Zimbabwe. People travel across the entire country simply to receive quality, loving care. May God continue to be honored and made famous because of this hospital in the middle of the bush!

We’re serving at Karanda Mission Hospital this year, and almost every day we hear a local tell us how KMH is the best hospital in Zimbabwe. People travel across the entire country simply to receive quality, loving care. May God continue to be honored and made famous because of this hospital in the middle of the bush!

 

Nursing in Zimbabwe is so so so different than what I’m used to in America. Sure the culture and language is different, but even the names of medicines and basic procedures are different. I’m on the pediatrics ward this week, and I’m loving that I get to help the little munchkins. But some days can be frustrating and overwhelming since I have to re-learn so many nursing skills.

Nursing in Zimbabwe is so, so, so different from what I’m used to in America. Sure, the culture and language are different, but even the names of medicines and basic procedures are different. I’m on the pediatrics ward this week, and I’m loving that I get to help the little munchkins. But some days can be frustrating and overwhelming since I have to re-learn so many nursing skills.

 

“Mommy, this man took my picture with a big machine.” A smile is a beautiful thing.

“Mommy, this man took my picture with a big machine.” A smile is a beautiful thing.

 

Kids are something else! Even across the world in a culture so different than mine, kids are the same. You have the trouble makers, the pouters, the popular kids, the shy ones, and everything in between. Awana has been a great place for us to meet local kids and hear them shout Bible verses at the top of their little lungs.

Kids are something else! Even across the world, in a culture so different from mine, kids are the same. You have the trouble-makers, the pouters, the popular kids, the shy ones, and everything in between. Awana has been a great place for us to meet local kids and hear them shout Bible verses at the top of their little lungs.

 

Just a few years ago when Zimbabwe’s economy was at its lowest, $500,000,000 might be able to buy you a loaf of bread. Now, Zimbabwe has officially changed to the US Dollar, and the old notes are simply worth their value in paper. Today, we’re using US bills, and many of them are holding together by a thread.

Just a few years ago, when Zimbabwe’s economy was at its lowest, $500,000,000 might have been able to buy you a loaf of bread. Now, Zimbabwe has officially changed to the US Dollar, and the old notes are simply worth their value in paper. Today, we’re using US bills, and many of them are holding together by a thread.

 

Meet Douglas. Douglas walks the 7k path from his village to our house three days a week to tend our plants and yard for just a few hours of work a day. It can be difficult to find paying work in Zimbabwe, even for skilled and willing workers. He is such a joyous man and a hard worker. Many days Douglas has worked longer than asked because he can’t leave a job unfinished! When the economy gets better he plans to return to school to get a university degree in agriculture or teaching.

Meet Joshua. Joshua walks the 7k path from his village to our house three days a week to tend our plants and yard for just a few hours of work a day. It can be difficult to find paying work in Zimbabwe, even for skilled and willing workers. He is such a joyous man and a hard worker. Many days, Joshua has worked longer than asked because he can’t leave a job unfinished! When the economy gets better, he plans to return to school to get a university degree in agriculture or teaching.

 

Karanda Mission Hospital has an in-house radio studio that broadcasts music, devotionals, local news, and Bible readings to the wards. Each Friday morning, the nursing students fill the studio to sing and pray over the patients.

Karanda Mission Hospital has an in-house radio studio that broadcasts music, devotionals, local news and Bible readings to the wards. Each Friday morning, the nursing students fill the studio to sing and pray over the patients.

 

It’s jacaranda season! The purple trees remind us of a Dr. Seuss book. At the end of the day, the hospital court yard clears out only until the next morning where it’s again buzzing with patients, family members, and staff.

It’s jacaranda season! The purple trees remind us of a Dr. Seuss book. This tree sits in the hospital court yard, which buzzes daily with patients, family members and staff.

 

I see you through my binoculars. Meet Gary and Janet and their baby. Zimbabwe is known worldwide for its safaris and game parks. There’s no animal quite as amazing (aka awkward) as the giraffe. It’s our favorite and decorates much of our house.

I see you through my binoculars. Meet Gary and Janet and their baby. Zimbabwe is known worldwide for its safaris and game parks. There’s no animal quite as amazing (AKA awkward) as the giraffe. It’s our favorite and decorates much of our house.

 

Something as simple as driving needs to be relearned in Zimbabwe. Why? 1) 99% of vehicle are stick shift and we had never driven a manual before. 2) Drive on the left side of the road. 3) Traffic lights – aka “robots” - may or may not be working today. 4) DEFENSIVE DRIVING. People, cows, and public transit vans pop out of absolutely every crevice along the road.

Something as simple as driving needs to be relearned in Zimbabwe. Why? 1) 99% of vehicle are stick shift, and we had never driven a manual before. 2) Drive on the left side of the road. 3) Traffic lights – AKA “robots” – may or may not be working today. 4) DEFENSIVE DRIVING. People, cows and public transit vans pop out of absolutely every crevice along the road.

 

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’ – when you now have it with you.” Proverbs 3:27 & 28. This verse has become something of a theme verse for our little family. We do not always live by it, but regret it every time we forget its importance.

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’ – when you now have it with you” Proverbs 3:27-28. This verse has become something of a theme verse for our little family. We do not always live by it, but we regret it every time we forget its importance.

 

Want to connect with the Toews? Follow Kameron and Erin on Instagram or check out their blog.

PRAY

Pray that Erin will have confidence, patience and humbleness as she goes through orientation in a hospital setting very different than what she’s used to in America.

Pray that Kameron will have an eye to see stories that need to be told around Karanda.

Pray that God will teach the Toews to find their worth in Christ, not in completing a to-do list, and that they will find some good local friendships.

Praise God for the wonderful missionary relationships they’ve been able to build already.

GIVE

You can give directly to the Toews’s ministry in Zimbabwe by clicking here.

You can help TEAM send more missionaries like Kameron and Erin by supporting the Global Outreach (GO) Fund. Click here to give!

SERVE

Right now there are 47 different opportunities for you to serve in Zimbabwe. Missionaries are needed in the areas of education, medical care and business. Click here to learn more about TEAM’s ministries in Zimbabwe and view service opportunities.

Photo Journal: Australia

A South Carolina native, Kristen Kelly spent many summers serving overseas during high school and college. Now a Clemson University graduate, Kristen has spent the last five months serving as a ministry apprentice at a church plant in Adelaide, Australia. Check out the snapshots below from Kristen as she tells us in her own words about life and ministry in Australia.

Something about Kristen!

God has been gracious to combine my love for learning, travel, and culture with my desire to serve Him and spread the Gospel. I am currently five months into serving as a ministry apprentice (intern) at Trinity Bay Church, where I serve in the young adult and women’s ministries. Words cannot describe how God has provided for me, guided me, and taught me more about His love for me and His people since the day I felt led to do overseas mission work in South Australia.

God has been so good to provide me with whatever I have needed in Australia. A non-Christian Irishman who owns a bike shop down the road lent me his very own bike to ride around. Who does that? I use this to go to and from the church office and for joy rides along the coast.

God has been so good to provide me with whatever I have needed in Australia. A non-Christian Irishman who owns a bike shop down the road lent me his very own bike to ride around. Who does that? I use this to go to and from the church office and for joy rides along the coast.

I have learned that every Australian birthday has to have fairy bread. Fairy bread is literally a slice of bread cut into fourths, covered in butter, and then dipped into color-coated sprinkles. So, sugar bread.

I have learned that every Australian birthday has to have fairy bread. Fairy bread is literally a slice of bread cut into fourths, covered in butter, and then dipped into color-coated sprinkles. So, sugar bread.

The young adults at my church put together a concert to share the story of Jesus’ death and bodily resurrection through song. It was amazing to see God’s people using the gifts that He has given them to their full potential.

The young adults at my church put together a concert to share the story of Jesus’ death and bodily resurrection through song. It was amazing to see God’s people using the gifts that He has given them to their full potential.

Outback Stars

I was blessed with the opportunity to go on a road trip through the Australian outback. There was nothing for miles and miles and miles. Under cloudless nights and the Milky Way, I saw God’s grandeur, His creativity, and how awesome He is up close. I couldn’t miss it.

I have not convinced myself to eat a kangaroo burger yet, but I have had a kangaroo and emu pizza. You can pretty much convince me to eat anything that is on a pizza.

I have not convinced myself to eat a kangaroo burger yet, but I have had a kangaroo and emu pizza. You can pretty much convince me to eat anything that is on a pizza.

Women's Growth Group

I co-lead some of these women in our women’s growth group. For Easter, we hosted an event where women could come into a welcoming environment and make chocolate eggs and grass crosses.

Paying with plastic has a whole new meaning here. Australian bills are not only plastic, but are different colors and sizes, so you know exactly what you are getting when you pull out a bill. I love it.

Paying with plastic has a whole new meaning here. Australian bills are not only plastic, but are different colors and sizes, so you know exactly what you are getting when you pull out a bill. I love it.

I wrote a report on Ayer’s Rock in 6th grade for Ms. Roberts. Who knew that I’d travel to see it eleven years later?

I wrote a report on Ayer’s Rock in 6th grade for Ms. Roberts. Who knew that I’d travel to see it eleven years later?

USA Game Night

I threw a USA game night for the church youth complete with baseball, country music, Cracker Jacks, Hershey’s chocolate, and Moon Pies.

Want to connect with Kristen? Follow her on Instagram or check out her blog.

PRAY

Pray for Kristen to have clarity and authenticity in her discipling relationships with young women in Adelaide. Pray also that these women will be led of the Spirit to disciple others.

While Australians have access to the gospel, the prevalence of post-modern pluralism has led to the decline of the evangelical church. Less than 8% of Australians engage in weekly Christian worship. Pray for a revival of the Australian church.

Pray that God will send more workers to Australia.

GIVE

You can help TEAM send more missionaries like Kristen by supporting the Global Outreach (GO) Fund. Click here to give!

SERVE

There is a great need for workers in Australia. Missionaries are needed for teaching, discipling and church planting. Click here to learn more about TEAM’s ministries in Australia and view service opportunities in Adelaide.

 

 

Photo Journal: Japan

The Pagaragans work in Japan.

Meet Team Kibou: Jeff, Kelly, Taylor, Bailey, Kendyl, Reagan, and Colson Pagaragan. Originally from Hawaii, they are a fun, bubbly family serving with TEAM in Japan. The Pagaragan’s vision is to “bring hope for the future to the unreached in Japan by spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere.” In Japanese, “kibou” means hope or a belief grounded on substantial evidence. The Pagaragans are a perfect example of the hope of the gospel and grounded belief that comes from trusting Christ. Jeff and Kelly are in language training and will be working with the Tokyo Metro Ministry Initiative…

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