Congo 2010

Today 7 of us leave for the DR Congo. It's an exciting opportunity to make a significant difference in a place desperate for positive change. The Congo has been war torn and unstable for decades. If anything can bring change it is the story and reality of Jesus. We will start the building of a Bible School in the city of Kindu in the Maniema Province. There are over 150 churches in the province with only 1 trained pastor. The people of ALAG sent the first $50,000 to buy the materials for the first of 4 buildings. It's a special privilege to partner with Todd and Amy Churchhill, our missionaries to the region.

Please pray for our team as we go:

John Burnham is the senior member and an experienced traveler. He's a guy in his late 60's but most of us struggle to keep up with the marathon runner. For over 12 years John has prayed with me every morning. I look forward to seeing him every day. He has been to Africa with me many times and loves an adventure. He's a tremendous asset to any team. Pray for his wife, daughter in law and 5 grand kids here at home.

Pastor Jim Thompson is another Africa vet. He's preparing to go to Africa full time as a missionary, with his wife LeeAnn, in the next few years. Jimmy has been with me for over 20 years. Just about every significant happening I have had in my ministry has included Jim. He's a life partner in ministry. LeeAnn is my right hand in missions who has done ALL the planning and prep for this trip. Pray for her and their 3 kids too.

Michael Cox is another adventure vet. He's been many places around the world including Africa twice before. He's a hard worker with a huge passion for people. I want Michael on any team I lead. He's always calm and always willing to anything that needs to be done. He takes great pictures too! Pray for him a little extra as he has a wife and infant daughter at home and this is his first time away from her.

Jerry Freitas is a first timer. New to ALAG as of December, Jerry has traveled the world but never on a missions team. Jerry is energetic and sensitive to the Lord's leading. He felt the Lord's leading to go this time but didn't know how he'd come up with the money. His discernment was proved correct when all of his support was provided. Pray for his wife and three kids while he's away.

Jason Skarbek is also a newb to missions trips. Also new to ALAG Jason has a tremendous desire to make a difference. He's single but has a wonderful family (parents and 3 brothers with their wives) that are behind him all the way. Jason's attitude during our prep times is always, "Let's do it!" I need guys like that around me. Jason is a hard worker not shy to take on a task like this one.

Erik Wendschlag is my son. I could not be more proud of him. He has a passion for people, for serving and is one of the best workers I have around me. If he weren't my own I would still choose him any and every time I travel. I want him with me always. He's the baby of the group at 18 but is mature beyond those years. Pray for Sandra and the girls while we are away. That would be a blessing.

I love these adventures and especially in Africa. My heart was ignited for the continent a decade ago and just gets stronger with each project. At 49 some guys are thinking about slowing down. That never made much sense to me. We've only got so many years to do everything we can. I want to run on the red line until it's time to go home.

Thanks friends and family for all your prayers! We love you all!! Follow us on twitter at alagmissions

In His grip,

Greg