Our family has been dealing with several things concerning our family this past year. There have also been other things we have had to deal with in our personal lives. Laura had four family members pass away including her father. Her brother was recently hospitalized with some health issues. Greg’s mom moved into our home because of dementia and she recently had a stroke. If you are a homeowner, you know what it means when you have unexpected major repairs that need to be done as we have had to do. All of these things can sometimes be a distraction from ministry, but we know the Lord is in control. 



Going through these challenges has caused us to remember to pray for and encourage our ministry leaders as they deal with family and other circumstances outside of ministry. It can sometimes be easy to forget about their personal lives as we work on ministry together. We ask you to pray for all the ministry leaders and staff as they work hard to care for others and also care for their families and deal with political and social circumstances surrounding them and their staff.

Alassane and Dina do so much for others as they lead the Village of Opportunity (VOO) ministry and the Mobile Clinic. Alassane especially is concerned about the security of everyone at the VOO and for those who go out serving with the Mobile Clinic. Burkina faces an increased crisis due to persistent insecurity from Islamic insurgencies. While leading the ministries in Burkina and having concerns for safety, they raise their family. Pray for Alassane and Dina as they care for others and especially as they care for each other and their children Eliel, Sheila, Ethan, Berith Netanya, Michel Israel and Bethuel Liam.

Joel, the ministry leader of the Haiti ministries, always has a concern for the health of his wife Marie since her heart transplant. They both recently had the respiratory illness that has been going around which had him very concerned. Joel also had eye surgery on both eyes in December. Despite they own issues they are still concerned about the gangs causing havoc in Haiti.

Thembi the cofounder of Single Moms Raising Sons in South Africa has personally had several health issues over the past couple of years. First, she had hip surgery. Then she was having issues with her knee. While dealing with her knee she had major heart issues that kept her in the hospital. She is currently doing well but now has been working to pay off the medical bills hanging over her head. None of these things has detoured her from wanting to help other single moms who are raising sons.

In Sri Lanka, Bavan leads the ministry in the north. Recently his daughter was traveling home when the public transportation van, she was riding in was in an accident. She hit her face on something with the sudden stop, and it is swollen. Gayan and Isak lead the ministry in the south. Their wives are both expecting so they are caring for them as they share the Gospel with people in their communities.

Onias and Winnie care for so many in Zimbabwe. They began caring for Onias’ nephew Brian when his father passed away. Brian was in an accident which was his fault and they were all very worried about what penalty would be given to him. Winnie has been grieving her mom’s recent death. Their daughter who lives in Florida had a baby last year. They are so excited to have this first grandchild but being so far from their grandson is difficult.

We share all of these things as a reminder to pray for the CWO leaders not only as they lead the ministry in Burkina Faso, Haiti, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe but to pray for their personal lives.

Serving Together,

Greg and Laura

• For God’s gift of Jesus.
• For the opportunity to share the Gospel in Burkina, Haiti, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
• For the CWO staff who desire to give and to share the Gospel.

• Pray for good health for them and their families.
• Pray for safe travels as they minister to others.
• Pray for them as they lead their families.
• Pray for their safety as they serve in some difficult places.
• Pray for their personal spiritual growth.