Update from French Guiana

Things have been great in French Guiana. We arrived on Thursday, Oct 22 and will be leaving for home on Thursday, Oct 29th.

Our team wrapped up the convention today (Oct 27th).
Dr John Caldwell (IN) did an outstanding job leading most of the men's sessions. Alex Hill (FL) also helped as well as preaching several times in the evening. Danita Clark (OH) held sessions for the ladies and Ryan Hall (OH) gave lessons on music.

I led a workshop on elders on Friday (Oct 23rd) and another one on church leaders on Monday (Oct 26th).
In addition, I've preached three times.
On Saturday night (Oct 24th), I preached at the English-speaking church. The worship was lively & good. My sermon was on overcoming fear (Peter getting out of the boat & walking on water to Jesus). We had a good response with four coming forward for prayer.
On Sunday (Oct 25th), I preached twice at one of the French-speaking churches.

Please keep the English church in your prayers. They have a chance to buy two acres of land just outside of Cayenne. They desperately need a building of their own.

God bless,
Greg Herriford (Teen Mission, USA)

Return to French Guiana

I am very excited about being a part of an upcoming ministry project in FRENCH GUIANA. French Guiana is a small country on the northern coast of South America. It is an overseas territory of France.

I knew very little about the country until I was invited to take part in mission work there in October, 2007.
Dr Wesley Stepp, director of the Bible Institute for Christian Missions, invited me to help him put together a three-day convention in Cayenne, French Guiana (the capital city). The convention was called, “First Journey,” as it was the first time for much of the audience to hear about the church in the Bible.

Wesley and I have put together a team to go back there and help with a 2nd Convention. This year's theme will be "Kept by His Power." The convention dates are October 23-27, 2009.

While there, I’ll be preaching at both English & French (through translators) churches and doing workshops on church leadership.

We will be leaving the USA on Thursday, October 22nd and returning back home on Thursday, October 29th.

Please keep me and the work in your prayers. I hope to tell you more about it when I return.

God bless,
Greg Herriford (Teen Mission, USA)

Banquet Update

The annual Teen Mission, USA, Banquet was held on October 15, 2009, at Gardenside Christian Church in Lexington, KY. We were blessed to have over 150 people in attendance.

The program featured inspirational music from the Messengers quartet along with a ministry update by TM, USA. Our program also involved honoring two great friends of Teen Mission’s ministry.

Wayne B Smith and Leonard Stone were both honored with our“Distinguished Servant” award.

Wayne, who served as minister at Southland Christian Church (Lexington, KY) for 40 years, has always been a great friend of Teen Mission. He is well-known for his humor and is often referred to as the "Bob Hope of the Ministry."

Leonard has been involved with many Mission Journeys since 1999. In late 2006, he officially joined the TM staff as the administrator of a new outreach ministry called Global Bible School.
Recently, he left us to pursue another ministry opportunity with White Fields Overseas Evangelism.

I'm happy to report an offering of nearly $7,000 was received at the banquet. Monies given before and after the event will take the offering total to nearly $8,500!

One of the reasons for the banquet is to say THANKS to the many supporters of Teen Mission, USA, who help make this mission/ministry possible. Many of you have kept this ministry going over the years through your prayers, financial support and volunteer help. May God bless you!

In Him,
Greg Herriford (Teen Mission, USA)

Teen Mission Notes (September, 2009)

The fall is here. The month of September went by very fast.
Here's a look back at what happened concerning Teen Mission during the month:

STEWARD LEADERSHIP SUMMIT (Sept 22-25)
The highlight of the month was attending a conference in Denver, CO, put on by the Christian Leadership Alliance. This summit strives to provide Christian nonprofit leaders with insights and expertise to develop fundraising programs that excel in challenging times. It also provides in-depth training to equip attendees to effectively build resources, both people and finances, for ministry.
I had two classes: Development 101 and Development & the CEO/Board of Directors. The classes and the instructors were both excellent. I felt I learned a lot and have some more tools for effective ministry.
I say thanks again to David Empson (Director of the National Missionary Convention) for inviting me.

FALL BANQUET (10.15.09)
Work on the fall banquet continued during the month of September. The banquet was held last Thursday (Oct 15th). You can read more about the banquet on the next post.

2010 MISSION JOURNEYS
Work on next year's mission trips continued as well.The Mission Journeys web site, www.missionjourneys.org, has been updated and has a tentative 2010 list posted.
We decided to do a 9" x 6" card to promote the 2010 Mission Journeys. We'll be mailing them to around 6,500 churches and individuals in mid-October.

In Him,
Greg Herriford (Teen Mission, USA )