Philippines

Mission Trip - July 2014

Dear Friends,

Equipping Empowering & Encouraging

April 2014

I am excited to share that God has placed it on my heart to return to the Philippines this summer on a mission trip with Spring Hills Church. It's been nearly ten years since I first travelled to the islands of Samal & Talikud, and met their precious people. My heart is eager to return! God has such a deep love for the people of the Philippines. When I answered God's invitation to follow Him into adventure and identity back in 2004, my loving heavenly Father opened my eyes to the intensity of his personality. God taught me that His love is extravagant and fierce, that his commitment to the lost is unrelenting, and that he actively fathers sons and daughters who trust Him. I was humbled by the way that God gave me courage and boldness to share the good news of Jesus. God's eagerness to stretch, challenge, and empower me was amazing! God awakened and reinforced my heart and my identity, as He taught me to be the confident son that He declares me to be. It was humbling and inspiring to be included in preaching the gospel, sharing my testimony, witnessing in homes, acting for large groups and simply embodying the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

This summer, I feel drawn to the more specific ministry of investing in church leaders that God has appointed to reach their villages with his love. I will be collaborating with a gifted team of teachers and pastors to put on retreats and training sessions for indigenous pastors and their wives, as well as youth and children's ministry workers. The goal that God has given us is to minister to, and equip, these brothers and sisters with the tools they need to be effective ministers of the Gospel; to refresh their spirits and "fill their toolboxes" with practical skills for effective ministry. Your prayer investment is a gift that I am desperate for. I believe that one of the primary reasons why both of my prior trips have been such successes was the consistent and passionate prayer support from friends and family. Please be praying for spiritual breakthroughs, anointed teaching, spiritual and physical protection, and ultimately for the empowerment and encouragement of these precious brothers and sisters in Christ. They have stepped out in faith to serve God, and it's so exciting to be a part of his answer to their prayers for training and encouragement. The trip will cost approximately $2,200 for each participant. My church family has graciously offered some assistance, and I have paid $900 to-date from my own funds. Ive already received $200 in generous contributions, leaving roughly $1,100 to raise. Please prayerfully consider whether God is leading you to be a part of raising this remaining money. Any portion of this expense that you feel led to supply would be gratefully received. Any tax-deductible contributions made should be payable to "Spring Hills Baptist Church" with "MP 14" on the memo line. Checks can be sent directly to me at 1380 Independence Ct. Newark, OH 43055. Thank you in advance for your prayer support and your financial partnership.

! ! " John-Paul Kemmenoe 1380 Independence Ct. Newark, OH 43055