Tim and Daina have a beautifully produced newsletter called “Door of Hope for Ecuador.” Download it on the Helpful Downloads page.

Here is some recent news:

Ernie's Health Issues:

On Friday, January 29th, Ernie woke up feeling a little run down with some tightness in his chest focused around his heart. He took an aspirin and later some nitro pills. This gave a little relief, Ernie decided that he needed to go see a cardiologist.

The cardiologist was going to send him for an immediate angiogram but found out that Ernie has had blood in his stool occasionally over several weeks. He therefore put Ernie immediately in the Casa Grande Hospital for observation and stabilization with medications and to have a stress test which in Ernie pasted on Monday.

Once released from the hospital, Ernie had an office visit on February 11th to schedule a colonoscopy. This procedure was done February 18. During the colonoscopy, the doctor found scar tissue from previous surgeries and removed a polyp.

Now we are waiting for the follow-up colonoscopy doctor's visit and release on March 5th and the heart doctor's release on March 8th. Ernie has not had any more bleeding and the new medications seem to be working - no chest pain. Praise the Lord for His help and touch.


Ukraine Field News

Home of Hope Ministry Center is making slow progress due to lack of finances and quite a bit remains to be done prior to inspection. The contractor is to meet with officials later this week to find out answers to questions about the inspection. Presently we are installing the hanging ceiling in the main sanctuary, which is over 3000 square feet and 32 feet from the floor. Please pray for safety of the workers as they install the ceiling, lights, and vents. The contractor estimated that it will take approximately $50,000.00 to finish the building for the final inspection. Please pray that God would bless His people in such a way they might meet this need. If God is leading you to help to meet this need, please send your check to WGM and mark it "Home of Hope" or "245-31475" - Thanks!

In January, Bill Tarr reported having bronchitis. The medicine did not seem to help, so he went to a pulmonologist. After a series of tests, the doctor determined that Bill has chronic bronchitis, which has a possibility of developing into asthma. The doctor mentioned that this is the worst area of Ukraine for respiratory problems. She strongly recommended that Bill return to the States for several months for medical treatment. WGM headquarters granted the Tarrs a three-month medical leave. Bill and Betsy Tarr are scheduled to return to the USA on March 7th. Please pray for Bill and Betsy during the days.

As a result of the Tarrs returning to USA for medical reasons, responsibilities of different ministries and administrations have been handed over to others. Frank Dewey has been given the work of field treasurer as well as director of the training institute, and Chris Dewey accepted the added responsibility of field hostess. Pray for the Deweys as they take up these new assignments.

Bill and Oksana Brower are heavily involved in Youth Ministries in the Berdyansk area. The Berdyansk Youth group is averaging around 50 youth. The Browers recently wrote: "The idea of the youth center is to give the young people in the area a safe place to hang-out while at the same time giving people in the church an opportunity to witness to the youth. Pray with Oksana and me that the church will see the ministry opportunities and become more involved or that we can adjust to whatever ministry opportunities the church sees in our community."

Monthly Support

YES, we still need your prayer and financial support.

Ernie will retire from WGM in June 2010. Anna will continue on missionary status until the end of 2011 when she will retire. Even after retiring in June, Ernie will still represent the field of Ukraine in churches as we travel.

Even in retirement we can use financial support as some benefits are charged against out ministry account. Any funds over a minimal base amount set by WGM, a missionary can use funds from his/her ministry account to assist with WGM approved projects such as the Home of Hope Ministry Center, orphanage and/or youth outreach, church planting, etc.

If you have any questions about this please write, email, or call. Thank you for your prayers and support over the years.

There two great opportunities to spend time with Ernie and Anna Smith and hear about God’s work in the Ukraine. They will be sharing in the worship service on March 21. Also, a potluck luncheon is set for 12:30 PM on Saturday the 20th at the church. This will be a more relaxed time for extended conversation. Come and be inspired!

Total $7,852.25

Tim and Daina Datwyler – Ecuador $175 Howard Dewsnap – Prison Ministry $1,665 Ken and Cathie Metz – Peru $195.25 Orphaned Baby Center - Nakuru $415 Ernie and Anna Smith – Ukraine $425 Jerry and Bunny Fish (Fish Fund) $60 Jerry and Bunny Fish – WGM $25 Grace Foundation International $130 Kenya Highlands Bible College (from individuals) $325 Kenya Highlands Bible College Scholarships (from budget) $3,000 Marc Sorensen – Mission Search $175 Kieaira Haggins – Mission trip to South Africa $345 Amy Dugas $305 Union Gospel Mission - Thanksgiving Outreach $612 ________

Dear Ministry Partner,

And the angel of the Lord said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)
 
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, the above passage from Luke reminds us that (1) We "do not need to be afraid" even in the midst of these changing times, economies, and unrest around us, (2) We still have good news, (3) that it is for all people, and (4) that a Savior was born to save us - each individual, and (5) He is Christ the Lord!  What a joy to know that these same words are just as true today as when the angels told them to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem.

Cataract Surgery

 

 Ernie's right eye cataract surgery went well on December 21.  It is amazing what medical technology can accomplish with the glorious body that God has made.  I praise the Lord for His divine touch on my eye. 
 
On the 22nd, the patch removed and Ernie was able to see clearer and better out of his right eye than he can remember.  The doctor said that the eye should continue to improver over the next few weeks.
 
Thank you for your prayers.

Family Gathering in Arizona

 

We are so thankful for God's provision of a home near most of our family.  Anna has seven brothers and sisters while Ernie has one brother and three sisters with most of them living within a 100 miles of us. 
 
We thought it would be a great idea to invite our local family members to our house for a Christmas gathering on December 19th.  We thought we would have about 30 or 35 but ended up with over 65 brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins. We had tables for seating in the garage, living room, dinning room and back yard.  We had a great time!  Pictured above are some of the family gathered for the gift exchange after the tables were removed.
 
 In a lot of ways, it reminded us of our family/staff gathering during Christmas in Ukraine where we had a lot of good food, fellowship, laughter, and praising God for His provisions and blessings!

Homeland Ministry Assignment

After the first of the year, we will be visiting churches and individuals on the West coast.  If you would like for us to visit, please call or email us so that we can arrange a time.  We would love to visit and share with you what God is doing in Ukraine through the ministries of World Gospel Mission.
 
Yes, we still need your prayers and support for our ministry and for the work in Ukraine.  Please continue to give as the Lord blesses you.
 
Here is our schedule for the next few months:
January 7-8 - Roswell, New Mexico
January 17 - Arizona City EMC, Arizona
January 24 - Casa Grande Presepresbterian, Arizona
February 6-7 Mt. Shasta EMC, California
February 10-14 Yuba City Conferences, California
February 20-21 Chico UMC, California
February 27-March 8 - Valley Wide Mission Conference, California
March 12-14 EMC General Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana
March 20-21 Valley Grace Community Church, Sacramento, California
March 26-28 Grace Church, Sutter, California
April 4  EASTER
April 11- May 2  Oregon/Washington
May 9  Oskaloosa, Iowa
May 16 - Rimersburg UMC, PA
May 18-19 - Home meeting - Meryl - Ohio
May 21 - Attend a Wedding - Wilmore KY
 
100 Year Anniversary Celebration
Set your calendar now to attend the great event. June 24-27, 2010.  WGM will be 100 years old, there will be a lot of exciting speakers and activities and Ernie will be retiring (transisitioning) with Anna going on Special Assignment.  

Home of Hope Ministry Center 
The Home of Hope Ministry Center is still in need of finances to complete the final construction items.  Construction has stopped due to lack of funds.  If God has bless you and you can give a year end gift to this ministry, it would be greatly appreciated by us and our Ukrainian Believers.
 
Make checks payable to: World Gospel Mission, P O Box 948, Marion, Indiana 46952 and in the memo: Home of Hope.  Thank you.
 

A warm greeting and blessing to you, your family and church on this wonderful day as we celebrate and remember why Jesus’ birthday is still recognized after 2,000 years!
IT IS GLORIOUS, ISN’T IT

We are not sure what is going on with our November newsletter so let us tell you some of the recent highlights of God’s work all around us.

The big news---we are now pastors of The Good Shepherd Church in Pijal! We took responsibility on Nov.15—exactly 3 years since our arrival in Ecuador! So far it has been a challenge and a privilege as we get to know the people and discover the very deep needs of this indigenous community and as are called to do things we have never done before. We have already had a funeral. This has been a big adjustment to our weekly schedule but are sure of God’s leading where “we have never been before.”

CHRISTmas activities---We had 80 at our kids club party where we are seeing God working in kids and adults.
We celebrated in Pijal in combination with the Compassion International Project on Sunday with 500 in attendance (see pictures of this event on website beginning Christmas day).
CHRISTmas EVE service with Mandy and Elimelec—It will be their very first candlelight service.
CHRISTmas Day will be at our house with Mandy and Eli and our Team—just 20 people. We will have our $34 turkey and most of the fixins.
Chaquibamba Community CHRISTmas party on 26th. We expect 400+ including all 56 Bible Institute students who will be presenting different events in the life of CHRIST. Thank you Ooltewah UMC for making this event possible. We will have music, games, Tour through Jesus’ life, food for all and they will leave with bags full of candy and cookies. Pray for God to touch lives as we minister and love these people.

Worship PLUS Conferences----Eli (our son in law) will be leading a conference for our churches on Jan 2. He will participate in another one in Otavalo with 3 nights of concerts in the evenings on Jan.7-9. Mandy and Eli will return to Mexico on the 11th.

Hope Bible Institute is growing---We have groups in 4 of the 6 books every week. Our first group will finish year one before Easter!! This has been very exciting for us and our students are very encouraged in their ministries, some are beginning new cell groups using what they have learned. We will be attending training in Feb. and then begin to train some more tutors so the HBI can continue to grow and change lives as we see the Kingdom extended.

We will be posting albums of these events so don’t forget to check out the website, www.themissionsociety.org. Please go to “countries” or “missionaries” to find our page.

Once again, have a very Christ fill CHRISTmas and a prosperous 2010. Thank you all for your sacrifice in extending the Kingdom of God in Ecuador. HE IS KING of all of me!

Forever giving thanks for each of you, Tim and Daina Datwyler

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we enjoy thisThanksgiving Season, we realize that we have a lot to thank the Lord for:

1. Partners (such as yourselves) who have joined with us in reaching Ukrainians for Christ. We are reminded again of God's goodness to us as we travel and visit our support team on HMA.

2. God's protection as we have traveled many thousands of miles by train, plane and automobile (almost like the movie title!) in Ukraine, international flights, and traveling on HMA.

3. World Gospel Mission, an organization which has integrity, consistency, reliability, and faithfulness to accomplish the task that God raised it up to do: reach the world for Jesus Christ.

4. Faithful co-workers in Ukraine, not only Ukrainians but other WGM missionaries: Browers, Deweys, and Tarrs.

5. Family and close friends who allow us to "pick up" where we "left off" from our last HMA and accept us readily back into their homes and fellowship.

6. God's physical touch on our bodies. The older we get, the more things seem to wear out, but God continues to touch and brings healing in order that we can continue to serve Him. We serve a great God!

7. We are very thankful for each other. Next month, Anna and I will celebrate 47 years of marriage, friendship, and ministry. We are so happy that God has a sense of humor as we think back over all the different adventures and life experiences He has allowed us to enjoy and places He has sent us over the years.

8. Most of all, we are thankful that God sent His Son, Jesus, that we might have His forgiveness, grace, peace and joy in our lives.

Prayer Requests:

We are truly amazed at God's faithfulness to answer prayers. We would like to share these prayer concerns with you:

1.Pray for Frank and Chris Dewey as they depart December 3, 2009 for Ukraine. We remember what it was like when we arrived in Ukraine December 1, 1999. Pray for traveling mercies and strength and grace as they settle in.

2. Pray for Ernie as he has cataract surgery on his right eye in December.

3. Pray for the gas/heat in the Home of Hope this winter. It is already turning cold and the cost of gas (from Russian) has increased again. Pray for additional gifts that will help with the cost of natural gas to heat the building in order that ministries can continue during the winter months.

4. Mike Mason, a volunteer builder at the Home of Hope has to have esophageal surgery.
Pray for God's touch on his body and wisdom as he decides where he will have the surgery.

5. Pray for all who are having a difficult time during these uncertain economical times, not only here in the States but also in Ukraine.

Home of Hope Ministry Center

a. The main building is almost complete except for the facial and rain guttering.


b.The new sanctuary is fully enclosed, the floor poured and tile laid. It's beautiful! We need to finish some fire code work, install the ceiling and paint.


c. However, continued construction is almost at a standstill due to lack of funds. Change in the world economy has affected the value of the dollar and the availability of funds for construction projects. Pray for an extension on our building permit.

d. Winter has arrived and the cost of gas has increased again. Funds are not available to cover all the monthly cost. If you could help with a special donation to keep the heat on during the winter months, it would be greatly appreciated. Acct # 245- 21488

e. If God has blessed you and you want to give a Thanksgiving and/or Christmas gift to help with the construction costs of the Home of Hope Ministry Center, please send your much appreciated gift to: World Gospel Mission, PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952 - marked for Acct #245 31475.

Our most recent update from Cathie and Ken Metz Read More...

Ministry is pretty exciting down here! Read More...

Check out the web page for the Africa Gospel Church Baby Center near Nakuru in Kenya.