Good News

September 2022

BASICS Celebrates 25 years!

On August 27th, new and old friends of BASICS gathered in the beautiful backyard of the Hendricksons to commemorate 25 years of ministry in the Milwaukee area! All of leadership team, past and present, were there to help celebrate - Arn Quakkelaar, Mark Mallwitz, Gary and Laurie Hendrickson, and our current Executive Director Nick Galezewski.

Here are some highlights of the day!

Delicious treats were provided by Lyd Nicole’s Confections.  

We had a brief program with various staff, Board members and friends of BASICS sharing their highlights of our ministry.

We showed our 25th Anniversary video on the Mobile Media Van!

BASICS Founders Arn and Norma Quakkelaar watch the Anniversary video. 

Click below to check it out!

Cindy Dziedzic, along with her husband Skip, are regular supporters of BASICS and were there to help us celebrate!

"Build up one another in love." Ephesians 4:29 - One of many reasons that I support Laurie & Gary through their BASICS ministry!

Our celebration was an encouraging time of remembering and celebrating God's work in and through BASICS in the past 25 years. As we seek to go forward for another 25 years (or more!), help us continue in our mission of Bridging community by Loving and Serving for the glory of Jesus!

Staff Update

Minister to Milwaukee (and formerly BASICS President) Mark Mallwitz will no longer be serving in Milwaukee under the BASICS umbrella, effective October 1st. For the past year, Mark has been feeling the tug of God calling him away from his current ministry with the BASICS family. 

His ministry has led him West of Milwaukee primarily serving in the Waukesha area.  

Mark entered the year with 3 goals in mind. His goals were:

1. To be part of the search committee in finding a new Executive Director for BASICS in Milwaukee. When Gary and Laurie Hendrickson announced their time as Executive Directors was coming to an end, Mark wanted to make sure that he did his part to find a new leader for the organization. 
2. Knowing that this was BASICS 25^th anniversary year, he wanted to ensure a video capturing the last 25 years of BASICS was made. Partnering with our friend JJ and Mobile Media Ministries, he was able to record testimony from so many people that made BASICS successful. Among those that gave an interview was Stuart Briscoe, one of his last recorded interviews before his recent passing. 
3. Mark wanted to be a part of the 25^th Anniversary Party held on August 27^th at the Hendricksons' garden. 

Having accomplished those 3 things, Mark believes the time is right for him to step away from his ministry of 20 years with BASICS and take on this new calling.  

We are so grateful for Mark and for his tireless and faithful service during his time with BASICS! Please join us in praying for Mark as he continues to do Kingdom work in a new capacity and new mission field.  

BASICS has a new mailing address!

Effective immediately, you can mail any correspondence or donations to us at:

BASICS in Milwaukee

PO Box 371325

Milwaukee, WI 53237

Upcoming Events

National Faith and Blue Weekend - October 7th-10th

Faith & Blue was launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations. Communities are stronger and safer when residents and law enforcement professionals can relate as ordinary people with shared values, hopes, and dreams.

Local police departments (including MPD) are hosting events throughout the weekend - click here to download a list of some of the events in our area.

Visit faithandblue.org to learn more.