Grace Pointe Missionaries

Supporting Global Ministries has been integral part of Grace Pointe's philosophy and personality since its very inception.  The majority of these missionaries have come to the church leadership over the years looking for support of their vision (or the vision of their mission agency).  Initially, the missionaries were supported financially and in prayer.  Recently, there has been more of a connection by getting to know the missionaries while they're in the States and through letters and email.  Grace Pointe has become more of a partner in their ministry, continuing to support them financially, but adding support to them in less tangible, but equally important, ways.  We will hopefully continue to deepen our relationship in all aspects with these missionaries and their agencies.  It is on this solid foundation the Grace Pointe Plan is built.  Without a passion for missions, worldwide, church planting cannot take place.

Paul & Lorraine Abeyta

The Abeytas have been reaching out to Muslims for over 20 years, in Europe. Paul often participates in Meetings for Better Understanding with representatives from the Islamic faith, Christians and sometimes other belief systems as well.  This is an opportunity to debate the validity of various topics in front of an audience where people seek to understand differences, or cheer for their ‘side’.  People who truly seek to understand differences often have the opportunity to meet with Paul or others to discuss the Christian faith in depth.  Lorraine meets with groups of women to form relationships and build trust.  When a profession of faith is made, discipleship begins one-on-one.  The Abeytas have three adult children, two are married to British citizens and reside in metropolitan London.  They have one grandson.

Paul & Liz Bowman

Paul & Liz are the embodiment of the Impact Church Network.  Their adult missionary career began as a participated in a church planting team in Colombia.  God used that experience to help them plant another church in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.  The Bowman’s have moved on to start another work in Spain.   Many major population areas no longer have evangelical churches.  Paul & Liz are working to fill the gap.  Due to the hostility that exists, great care and patience are needed to build relationships before evangelism can begin. Paul and Liz plan to start an Impact Church targeting the Spanish leader class. Their long-range goals include training the pastoral team and leadership for the mother church, starting daughter churches and training its leadership and eventually sending missionaries from these churches to the Muslim world.  The Bowman’s have two children, Stephanie and Tyler.

Gordy & Patty Decker

Gordy and Patty Decker are reaching out to international students through International Students, Intl. (ISI) to bring the Gospel to them while they study in the US so they, in turn, can bring it back to their country.  ISI along with Gordy, Training Director, focuses on making these foreign students feel more at home in this strange country. He is also instrumental in training volunteers to reach out to these students and participates in following up with the student after they return to their country.  The students many years later continue to influence people around them with the love of Christ, it they have the tools needed to pass on the Gospel in a discreet but bold manner.  The Decker’s have four children: Katie, Anna, Daniel and Laura.

Jorge & Virginia Enciso

Jorge was born in Colombia. Like most Colombian families the Enciso’s were Roman Catholic.  Although they didn’t know much about Christians, they generally disliked them, because they were different – or maybe crazy!  Then he met Ginny Harder, daughter of Pastor Dan & Alice Harder.  Through her influence, he discovered that Christians did have fun. Finally, Jorge went to church with Ginny.  Her dad became Jorge’s mentor.  Dan asked Jorge, “Have you accepted Christ and your Lord and Savior?”  Although he had never doubted his salvation, Jorge began to realize he was lacking a commitment to God and an understanding of grace.  He realized he needed to show his faith by his works.  After living in the US for several years, Ginny & Jorge are headed back to Colombia to plant churches in areas that desperately need to understand the love and grace of Christ.  The Encisoes have one daughter, Matildé Lina and another baby that’s due in June.

Dan & Lisa Friesen

Dan and Lisa Friesen, along with their teammates, are developing a written language for the Oroko as they also translate the Scriptures.  They are doing a number of tasks simultaneously: developing an alphabet, developing a dictionary, translating Scripture and teaching the people to read in. 
They work with a translation team of people that represents the many different dialect.  All these differences need to be incorporated into the translation and yet the final translation has to be absolutely true to the original.  Since the written language is itself being developed, much checking, re-checking and re-writing is necessary.  Scripture finally spoken in their own language is a testimony to how much God really does care about them, individually.  Then as they learn to read the words for themselves, they discover another dimension of God – He cares for them personally.  The Friesens have two children, Rachel and Joshua.

Sam & Connie Gill

Sam & Connie Gill live and work in pastoral care minister in Sao Luis, Brazil.
Pastoral Care is very a diverse field as Sam and Connie demonstrate. 
Sam works with pastors and lay leaders to help them become the men God wants them to be.  After translating the BraveHeart material in Portuguese, Sam has been working to develop an openness in the pastors that only comes with a clean heart and a clear conscience.  Connie deals with both the people who are trying to become whole & to trust God for forgiveness from their abusers through one-on-one time. She addresses large groups of people who are expanding the ministry to reach more hurting people including training trainers to address the problems of reconciliation with these wounded people.The Gills have three adult children: Wendy (& husband Steve are missionaries in Russia), Valerie and Stephen.

Marek & Julie Hancik

Marek was born in the Czech Republic.  Although his homeland was still officially communist at the time, Marek found God’s saving grace in spite of the government – God will make a way!  After receiving a Bachelor’s degree from a Czech University, Marek came to Moody Bible Institute to study for his Master of Divinity, which he received in 2005.   Since Marek already has the language and culture as a native, they are able to minister more effectively in a shorter period of time in conjunction with an already established church, initially.  Julie grew up in a Christian home in the States, attended Moody for her undergraduate degree and also her certification to teach English as a second language (TESOL).  The ability to offer English classes is a tremendous asset and an effective tool to develop relationships with people who would never attend a church.Presently, reach out to the young people through sports camps, their long-term goal is to plant a church among those young people who come to know Christ through the camp settings. They have one child, Ruby.

Charles & Mary Kay

Charlie & Mary are missionaries to France.  Charlie was drawn to ministry in France before his conversion through a trip to Europe when he was in his mid-twenties.  Mary grew up in Ireland, where her parents were missionaries.  They started working in a church in suburban Paris doing youth work until God called them to plant churches in a more rural setting. Starting in Albertville then moved on to their current location in Bourg St. Maurice on the French side of the Swiss Alps.  This small tourist/ski town currently has no other evangelical influence. Presently they reach out to the young people through sports camps with a long-term goal to plant a church among those who come to know Christ.  The Kays have five children: Robert, Emily, William, Jonathan, Daniel.

Andy and Jodi Keller

Although the Keller family lives in Africa their lives are very ordinary. Living in the capital city of Nairobi is much like living in any other big city.  

Andy’s main job continues to be supporting church planting, medical and various other ministries through Aviation. Andy flies people, cargo and medical supplies into jungle areas that may be almost inaccessible by road.  He significantly, flies people out of those areas who are in dire need of medical care not available in their village.  It used to be nearly impossible to have short-term missionaries visit places that desperately needed their help because of the long time it took to travel to the village. Andy is able to move the teams quickly so they can spend their time with the people who need them most.  In some cases travel time has decreased to 3 days to several hours or less.  The outside world, especially the Gospel, can be brought to these previously sequestered people groups. He also helps in administration and maintenance when not out in the field on flights serving missionaries and Africans.

Jodi Lavin Keller who grew up at Grace Pointe Church when it was known as Naperville Bible Church. After years of home schooling their children Jodi now helps AIM to house personnel in transition, new missionaries, guests  and continues to be the chairperson for the AIM Ladies’ Retreat.

The Kellers have four children:  Benjamin, Kevin, Hannah and Drew.

Sam & Ella Likhtman

The Likhtman minister to the Jewish people and are church planters in Israel.  Like many congregations that God has established in their country, the congregation began as a small group – actually the compilation of several home groups that had been meeting in several different cities – Rehovot, Tel Aviv, Bat Yam and Petach Tikva.  In November 1997, the first gathering of these groups happened at Baptist Village. So, it was at this time that the congregation we now know as “Light of Life” came into existence. Like many church plants, this congregation began as a small group – actually the compilation of several home groups that had been meeting in several different cities – Rehovot, Tel Aviv, Bat Yam and Petach Tikva.  The first years were filled with many joyful ‘firsts’ for the congregation. During these eleven years, there have been more than 200 people who have become believers through the outreach of the congregation.  Developing leaders is also an emphasis so that there are those ready to start new congregations in other places in Israel as God directs.

Dan & Kathleen Lord

The Lords have been working with Wycliffe Bible Translators since August of 1987.  After developing their partnership team, their first assignment was at the International Linguistic Center in Dallas, where Dan did computer programming and Kathleen served in a health clinic caring for missionaries.  They continued serving in computer, health and administrative roles in St. Petersburg, Russia between 1993 and 2000 and then returned to the USA to support recruitment and care of missionaries in a Wycliffe regional office in West Chicago, Illinois through early 2009. They now reside in Vermont to be closer to Kathleen’s ailing father, while continuing their Wycliffe work remotely from there.  Jesse, their son, has been teaching English in South Korea.

Bob & Stephanie Milligan

The Milligan’s felt the Lord calling them to Tanzania after having made a short term trip to Africa several years earlier. Bob was well established with tenure in position teaching high school biology  when he and Stephanie began planning to go to the mission field. After language school in 1998, the Milligan’s with their five children moved to a very remote, section of Tanzania, the village of Kuhunda near Lake Victoria.  Bob taught biology and acted as chaplain in a ‘Christian’ school in the village, where ‘private’ schools are often less expensive than government schools. During their first furlough God confirmed that He was again calling them to a new location – this time to teach at a missionary boarding school in Kenya, just outside of Nairobi at the Rift Valley Academy.  In addition to Bob teaching biology and chemistry, Bob & Stephanie would be house parents to 6 resident students plus their own 6 children.  More recently they have been ’parenting’ in a larger dorm with 22 guys.The Milligans have six children: Brad, Jon, Julissa, Paul, Kira, Joey.

Keith and Dawn Moore

Keith and Dawn Moore have been Church Planters with TEAM since 1991 and they first worked with Dan and Alice Harder in Bogotá, Colombia. While in Bogotá, Keith served in the teaching ministry, leadership training, and was involved in evangelism and discipleship. Dawn started and led the Sunday school program for nine years and helped train new teachers.  When they left the church and Bogotá for security reasons, there were over 450 people in attendance.  In 2001 the Moore’s began a Church in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, with three other couples. Keith has been the main pastor, preaching nearly every weekend.  He has also worked in evangelism, discipleship, teaching and leadership development and is the leader of the team.  Dawn started and has led the Sunday school for eight years.  She has been involved in teaching children and training new teachers for our church and the three daughter churches.  She is also involved in evangelism, discipleship and counseling of women.  The Church now has an attendance of over 700 each weekend.  The Moores have four children who have grown up being part of their ministry work.  Kelly and Casey are now studying in college in the States. Kurt and Chad were born in Bogotá and are still helping us in the ministry in Honduras.

John & JoAnn Munsell

John & JoAnn have been missionaries to Haiti since 1998.  John’s ministry is to connect the missionary endeavors in the different villages to Port au Prince and hence the outside world.  John is a pilot and mechanic of the light aircraft that have the maneuverability to land on grass strips in remote areas.  Not only does he regularly transport missionaries to and from the villages but also villagers in critical need of medical attention, saving many precious hours. In addition to taking care of the needs of her family, JoAnn’s ministry is as a living example of who Christ wants us to be to the women around her.  She is also active witness and volunteer in the school her children attend; as well as in their local church.
The Munsell’s have two children: Marshall and Kelly.

David & Mónica Proaño

By the time David starts drawing on an easel in the town square, a group of people surround him; the group continues to grow all the time he is talking.  As people start asking questions or David t starts talking about the drawing, the conversation turns towards the life of Christ and the Gospel.  He then shines a black light on the finished picture of a beautiful landscape or other common scene to reveal a totally different image, an image of Christ. David gives the invitation to know this Christ who was hidden and is now revealed.  To those who are interested in making a commitment or are interested in more information, David and his assistants pass out the first chapter of the Book of John.  He studies it with the group.  At the end of the discussion, he passes out the second chapter with study questions.  He tells them he’ll be back each week at the same time.  If they want another chapter, he tells them, they need to study the second chapter and answer the study questions.  When they know what the second chapter is telling them, he will give them the following chapter, and so on. David’s PhD allows him to go into schools and even military bases to present the Gospel in his unique way. Mónica was educated in the United States. The Proaños have two children: Micaela and Isabella.

Magdalena Rodriguez

Magdalena attended a university in Bogotá and styled herself a secular humanist.  When her parents became believers, she was the least interested in their faith.  However, a couple of years later, she accompanied her mother to a church service and responded to the Lord that day.  She felt a strong call of God on her life and began studying the Bible through SEMBRAR, leadership training school for church planters directed by the Impacto church in Bogotá, Colombia, part of the Impact Church Network. Now a graduate of SEMBRAR, Magdalena has felt God’s prompting her to serve in the Muslim world. In responding to God’s call Magdalena is preparing to be sent out the second half of 2009 to Mali, Africa. Magdalena speaks four languages and is studying classical Arabic.

Dan and Sheryl Shedd

After serving for 18 years with HCJB Global in Quito, Ecuador, Dan and Sheryl Shedd were asked to move to the mission’s headquarters in Colorado Springs to serve as the Chief Financial Officer in August of 2006. While the Shedd family would love to be overseas serving the Lord, they believe that this is where God has called them to serve right now.
In, January 2009, Dan assumed the position of Vice President of Operations, with the Finance, Information Systems and Personnel departments reporting to him.  
Sheryl stays very busy at the home front, but is also working to supplement our support by tutoring Math and teaching Spanish classes.  She also substitutes periodically at our children’s school.
Six of their eight children are still at home and integrating quite well into their new life in the United States.   
Serving stateside may not sound as exciting as being in the jungles of Ecuador, but without the support that HCJB Global headquarters provides, the missionaries in the field would not be able to serve as effectively in their various roles.

Dave & Ruby Stecca

Dave Stecca developed an interest in the deaf when he encountered a deaf couple in a domestic dispute as a policeman who had difficulty communicating their needs.  To better assist people Dave learned Sign-language.   At the same time, Dave was ‘moonlighting’ for the Christian television station in Chicago.  God connected these seemingly unconnected skills into a desperately needed ministry, Deaf Video Communications Ministry.
Much of the ministry of Deaf Video Communications consists of filming preachers preaching in sign language.  Each film then is edited; captions need to be included and sound is also added!  Bible Studies are filmed in much the same way with thought-provoking questions included for discussion.  Each of the videos or DVD’s are copied and are then available for borrowing through DVC’s lending library.  One project is the production of a children’s science program, Dr. Wonder's Workshop for cable T.V.  It is currently airing on several nation-wide networks.Dave’s wife Ruby shares his passion to reach the deaf world by working alongside him in this ministry.   

Ron and Jennifer Wilson

The Wilsons are missionaries with NAIM ministering among the First Nation people in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Ministry is primarily among the Elders or seniors in the Native community. Much of the Native population is marginalized, being treated without dignity. As love and care are expressed and all people are valued equally, people can begin to understand how precious they are to God.  It is a very exciting time to be working among these people. NAIM, as an organization, has promised to be intentional in partnering with this growing church body. No longer are we the only ones sharing the gospel and the love of God, but members of this great culture are also taking up the challenge.

Luis Carlos and Maribell Armella

After a traumatic car accident that left Luis in a wheelchair and Maribell in a coma for three days, the Lord transformed their bitter lives, revealing Himself to them and redeeming them from the things of this world as they became born again in 1994.

In 2000, the Aramellas began working at the Centro Cristiano Niza Church in Bogata, Columbia.  Luis’ principal assignments have been in pastoral counseling, theological teaching in SEMBRAR, leadership coaching, preaching and leading small groups.

After 2 years of prayer, they have been called to work in Arequipa, Peru, to help a team to prepare Peruvian leadership for church planting.  They will be going to Peru in November of 2009 to work with a team on a 3-5 year project.  This project includes consolidating the church at Yanaguara, starting new churches in Bustamante Rivero and the Ciudad de Dios areas.

Their ministry will include preaching, developing leadership, theological teaching for spiritual growth and leading ministries.