The Thiessen “Talk-O”

Greetings! We thought it was time to send out a newsletter. Much is changing in our lives that we would love to share with you. Feels like we have not caught up with life in the fast lane since coming back from Zambia.

Since last Christmas, when I believe we did send out a newsletter, we finished an 11 month term in Zambia with MCC where Anthony was leading workshops for teachers and developing resources for them. It was a challenging and rewarding experience. We were blessed to be able to visit our African home again, and reconnect with so many friends. 

We came back to Canada in August, 2011. We were on the ground in Calgary for 2 days before we made a quick trip to the US to visit some dear friends and have our placement interview with TEAM, the missions agency that we are now serving under. A time of searching followed and God directed us to choose Mexico as the place for our future mission service. For more on this, contact us for a detailed newsletter on TEAM and our plans to go to Mexico.

We moved back into our house in La Crete, September long weekend and Josiah started grade 1 and Keyana started Kindergarten. Anthony began subbing, I began unpacking and we slowly settled back into life in La Crete.

The last week of October found us back in Wheaton, IL at TEAM headquarters for our 1^st week of orientation. It was a wonderful time of meeting and getting to know other TEAM missionaries and office staff. It is so exciting to be a part of what God is doing through TEAM!

The week before orientation, found Anthony in Mexico with his brother Dan and their parents. Dan had surgery to open up some veins in the hope that it would stop the progression of MS, and allow some recovery. There were some hopeful results after the surgery, and we continue to pray. At this time, however, there has been regression and we think the veins may have closed up again.

Subbing has been the main source of income since returning to Canada. Anthony is trying to view it as an opportunity to reach out to kids. It is difficult work, especially with the High School students who don’t want to be there. Not having a known steady income is growing our faith and trust in God. It also makes budgeting a challenge since we don’t know what each month will bring. It’s been amazing to witness God’s provision at each turn. Great is His faithfulness! 

Karlene has started a business; Inspired Photography. She is selling pictures that she took in Africa. The response was very positive at Christmas time and she sold quite a few pictures. At this time it has slowed, but she continues to get an order here and there and is looking at ways she can sell some online.

Josiah and Keyana are glad to be back in La Crete and able to reconnect with friends and family here. But quite often we hear the words, “When we go back to Zambia” or “I miss my friends in Zambia.” It’s good to know that they remember their time there with fondness! 

Josiah is enjoying grade 1 and has a fabulous teacher! He’s also taking drum lessons and we are enjoying hearing him bang out different beats at home! Josiah has always wanted to play hockey, so we have him in a low key program called Shinny Hockey which he really enjoys. It’s amazing to see how far he’s come with very little prior exposure to skating. He’s participated in several games with a variety of ages and skill levels and loves to recount the game afterwards. Josiah continues to bring joy to life through his laughter, funny antics, great stories and hilarious exclamations! We are thankful to God for such a precious gift and are blessed to call him our son.

Keyana is enjoying Kindergarten. She attends every other day and on her days off, is mom’s big helper around the house. Keyana likes reading, coloring, singing, crafting and creating. She is in gymnastics, which she loves and we are eagerly awaiting the parent day when we can watch her perform what she’s learned. Keyana is our social butterfly and getting together for play dates with friends is something she looks forward to and loves! We are thankful to God for such a precious gift and are blessed to call her our daughter.

We are in the process of raising support for missionary service with TEAM. We hope to be able to move to Guadalajara, Mexico in August/September of 2012. Once there, we will spend the first year learning the culture and attending language school to learn Spanish. Our second year is an internship year during which we will slowly ease into more ministry. By the third year, we hope to be in our long term place of service. That may be in Guadalajara or another place in Mexico. The plan is that Anthony will be able to teach in a school, as well as lead sports ministry and youth discipleship as part of a local TEAM church plant. Karlene continues to have a passion for leading children and women out of slavery. She plans to get involved in this when in Mexico. She is also continuing to use her music passion in radio ministry, producing Joyful Praise. If that can be used in Mexico, it would be a blessing as well. Check it out at www.joyfulpraise.ciamradio.com and enjoy being able to download a podcast (from the link on the podcast page) that you can listen to at any time. 

Did you know that there are an estimated 27 million slaves in the world today? Worldwide, there are nearly two million children in the commercial sex trade. (UNICEF)

After drug dealing, human trafficking (both sex trafficking and trafficking for forced labor) is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today, and it is the fastest growing. (U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services)

This is something that has been weighing heavy on Karlene’s heart and she’s been wanting to do something to join the fight to end modern day slavery. Through prayer, God’s direction and the encouragement of Godly people, Karlene has recorded a CD of songs, many of which she has written. The CD project was an amazing experience of being stretched and getting to work with a tremendous group of musicians, who donated their time and talents, to produce a CD we trust will glorify and honor God and help end the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children. All the proceeds from the sale of the CD go to International Justice Mission, a Christian human rights agency that is working to rescue and bring justice and healing to those enslaved, around the world. If you would like to join the fight to end slavery and rescue children, then email us about how you can purchase a CD! If you would like to learn more about IJM check out their website www.ijm.ca

Our February was filled with visits to local churches. We also shared in 3 churches in Calgary, and were encouraged by the interest and support shown. We also shared in Fort Vermilion and had a great time of mutual encouragement. 

March looks busy again as we will be sharing for every Sunday other than 2 Sundays where we want to be in LCCF. Please pray for us as we travel, that God will protect us and provide for our support building needs with August departure in mind. This means we need 90% of our support by the end of May. If you would like to support us as well, visit TEAM online at www.teamworld.org and follow the link to Give. Be sure to go to the Canada link if you live in Canada. 

FAQ’s

How much support do you need? 

We need at least 90% of $6,700 per month for 2 months before we can go for the last phase of training. This is needed to show that we have the support base we need to stay in the mission field. So please don’t wait until September to send support to TEAM if you feel God calling you to be a part of this work. Presently we have 20% of our support raised.

Why do you need that amount?

The amount for the personal living allowance and housing is the same as the average amount made by a school teacher in the USA. The other amounts are raised so that TEAM can continue to provide the excellent support for missionaries and sending churches that they have in the past.

The amount includes figures that people may not think of. 

• Personal living allowance is $3300, 
• TEAM headquarters receives $760
• TEAM Health/Benefit Package $1320 (includes Health/travel insurance, retirement funds, savings to pay yearly taxes), 
• Travel to and from home assignment $80, 
• Ministry Area Work Fund $675, 
• Ministry Area Housing $700. 

Guadalajara is not a cheap place to live despite it being in Mexico. It is estimated to cost 20% more to live there than an average cost in Canada.

What will you do in Mexico?

The first year will be devoted to language and culture acquisition. After that, we will be part of a church plant, with a focus on what we are gifted and experienced with. Those are youth work, sports ministry, compassionate ministry, music/radio ministry and discipling. We are committed to allowing God to open and close doors to ministry opportunities.

If you have other questions, feel free to call or email us. anthonythiessen7@gmail.com We wish God’s blessings on you as He works through you to build the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth today.