Haiti Mission Journey (Feb 05-15, 2009)

Our first Mission Journey of 2009 took place February 5-15. Chuck Perry led a group to Haiti working with Kendell & Yvrose Johnson and the Dufailly Christian Church.
Kendell was part of our 1st-ever Mission Journey team in 1985 (to Haiti). He fell in love with Haiti and later returned as a full-time missionary.
Also on the team were Donnie Campbell (Lawrenceburg, KY) and Chuck Bullock (Richmond, KY).
While there, the team helped with constructing a nice 18’ x 24’ block church building. The church had been meeting in a 21’ x 14’ tin shed. The team also helped with a VBS for the children in the afternoon and Chuck Perry held a week-long revival at night.
About the team, Kendell said, "Short-term missionaries have many different talents and bring a burst of energy that encourages people on the mission field. Not only can building projects can be done at a very fast pace, but it is also great to see the VBS and revival meetings with great teaching and preaching."
He went on to say, "More hands and feet on the job make a lighter load for everyone involved. The fellowship is great and the laughter and joy as we work together is wonderful. Thanks for the team who worked on the church building for the Dufailly Christian Church in Haiti. Thanks again for the encouragement!"
We hope to have a 2nd group travel to Haiti this July. Contact Teen Mission, USA, if you would be interested in going.
-- Greg Herriford (Teen Mission, USA, & Mission Journeys)

Teen Mission Notes (January, 2009)

The New Year of 2009 is off to a fast start.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve had some strange weather here in Central KY. Late January/early February saw ice and snow come our way, causing delays and leaving many without power for days.
We were blessed to have power at home and work all but for a few hours.
Warmer temperatures have since melted the ice and snow. However, we’ve had some very high winds this week that has caused more damage to our area.

I officially began in my new role as the Executive Director of Teen Mission, USA, Inc, on January 1, 2009.
Ken’s new role as Founder/Director of Outreach will see him involved in his usual teaching/speaking roles and assisting in Mission Journeys, but also in development and fundraising as well.
I’ve been well-trained for the new role, handling more and more responsibilities over the past 2-3 years.
It feels a little strange, though, after being the associate since 1995, but overall it’s been good so far.

Ken, Leonard, Chuck and I were able to attend the Kentucky Ministers Retreat on January 12-13, 2009, at General Butler State Park (Carrollton, KY). This annual event is a great time to get away and recharge. Bob Russell (former minister @ Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY) led the main sessions. This year's retreat was a really good one and I was blessed by being there.

We had some planning and prayer time for the new year of 2009 with the entire Teen Mission staff on Thursday, January 22nd. That went very well.

Things are moving along quickly with the 2009 Mission Journeys. Our first team of the year left of Thursday, February 5th for Haiti. Our annual Coordinators Retreat (where we train the leaders of our short-term mission teams) was held that same day at First Church of Christ (Burlington, KY). The Coordinators Retreat was supposed to be held on Thursday, January 29th. However, it was postponed due to several inches ice, snow and freezing rain.

Besides the Mission Journeys, we’re preparing for making a new VBS/Camp mission DVD and getting schedules and plans made for our summer interns.

Spring will be here before you know it.

THANKS again for your prayers, support and encouragement. With the economy still in a major slide, we face many financial challenges. We know God is faithful, though, and will provide through His people!

In Him,
Greg Herriford (Teen Mission, USA)