Team Member Pages
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- Alan Jurgens
- Sarah Koetsier
- Lynn McInnis
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- Dixon Pettijohn
- Ashtyn Postema
- Jordyn Roberts
- Katelyn Roskamp
- Olivia Stegeman
- Courtney Tolar
- Kevin Van Wyhe
- Josh Van Wyhe
- Rebecca Vander Vennen
- Dale Vander Vennen
- Graham Vanderheide
- Lauren VanDyken
- Jenna Veldboom
- Carlie Wolffis
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Team Tools
Kevin –
I feel like I should wait for your awesome wife to post here 1st, but……
Thank you for leading, giving, loving, & serving – you will be lifted up in prayer constantly while you are working alongside God in Guatemala.
Blessings & love,
Karen
Kev-
Praying that you guys have an awesome and safe time. All your planning and hard work is always appreciated! I’ll be praying for you the whole week! and wishing i was there with you guys! Don’t stay up too late eating peanuts and let the young guys win at cards a few times to boost their confidence!
Kev, I am so excited that you get to go to Guatemala once again…and this time with Josh! I wish I was with you but I feel at peace with our decision. Have a wonderful time, safe travels and a great harvest! I love you and will be praying for you continually.
Love,
Kris
Kevin,
Praying that you’ll be used by God in a powerful way this week. Praying for safe travel, good health and an open heart for what God has in store for you.
In just a few more hours you will be on your way! I can’t wait to hear and read the stories! Know that I will be praying for you daily. I will even try to get up at the same time you will be, that way I can pray as you are writing the daily blog! Love you tons!!
Kris
Hi Dad,
You are so awesome! I hope you have a great time in Guatemala. Can’t wait to see you when you get home. Looking forward to the pictures!
Love you MMMOOOOOOORRRREEEE!!!!!
Katie
Kevin,
I am so thankful for all you do to help shape and mold our kids. You are an amazing influence on their lives. I’m praying that you (and the whole team) will be blessed with good health, safe travels and amazing God sightings on this trip. May you experience and endless supply of energy, strength and patience:) throughout the trip.
Connie Stegeman
Kevin,
I know you won’t take a lot of time reading your emails, but I just want you to know that Larry and I will be praying for you as you lead this great group of kids!
Be safe and Be Blessed!!!
Mary Molegraaf
Hey Kev,
I went home from the send off and cut the grass and I couldn’t get you guys off my mind. I said a few prayers, boy do the lines in the grass go screwy. Just be assured that I will be thinking of you often.
Love
Lar
Kevin, you and the team will be in my thoughts and prayers this week. It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years already since I was in Guate. It still seems like yesterday! I’m looking forward to all the pictures and stories of your time with Dan and Heidi and the villages. Blessings on another trip!!!
Good morning Kevin! I woke up at 6:02 this morning and just laid in bed praying for you and your team, knowing you were on the plane and waiting for it to take off! I finally got up and had to let you know. I love you and am praying that this week will be such a blessing for you! Enjoy!!
Love,
Kris
PS I just checked on Delta and they showed your plane was awaiting for takeoff! Yeah!
Hi Kevin,
Another trip-new experiences and another week to watch God work in the lives of our young people and the people of Guatemala. What a blessing you are. Thank you for all the time and efforts you put into these trips. You have a gift and we are blessed to have you! Have a great week and know you are being prayed for.
Kathy
Kevin,
I woke up early to pray for the team. I reflected on the trips from the past and the impact of God’s provision and protection for the team members. Your faith and conviction are unwavering and your courage to serve is an inspiration to everyone who knows you. I will pray for protection, for endurance, for inspiration and for “opportunities”.
~Judy
Habakkuk 3:19 “The Lord is my Strength, and he will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.”
Kevin~
Just wanted to let you know that you and your team are in my prayers this week! I know that God will use you all for His good. Thanks for leading well.
Kevin:
I remember when you planned the first mission project for many of the kids on this team–it was when they were in 7th or 8th grade. We camped out in the church and during the day went around various locations and assisted people with projects around their houses. The first job, tho’, was to paint the barn at church. Within 5 minutes many of the kids were covered in paint, I had an “X” painted across the back of my shirt, and there were some initials painted on the roof for all to see! Shortly after that, however, they all calmed down, got to work, and discovered the joy of serving the Lord by serving others. They were a fun group to work with, and I always wondered what kind of servants they would grow into someday. Now you get to see! After all their mission trips since that first one, they truly have hearts that desire to love and serve others–and a faith that trusts God to provide all they need. It is so cool to see! Know that you are in our prayers as you work with your fellow servants to spread God’s love through many different loving acts and joyful words of hope and salvation!
The Dooleys
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor. 3:18
hey josh how are you, hope you are doing good. we are praying for you and hope you have a great time.
from your bro
chris
Oops! Chris posted a note to Josh on your site. I’ll let him know…
We have been praying today that you made it safely through customs and hopefully you are at the base now getting settled. We picked up Katie at your mom’s and the four of us gathered in prayer as you landed and were walking towards customs. Praying for Christ’ victories to be numerous. Looking forward to hearing from you. This is always my least favorite part of the Guatemala trip…this first day when we are all anxiously awaiting to hear that you made it safe. I have already reassured a few moms today on the phone, that “no news is good news”.
I love you so much and am praying that you have an incredible time with this amazing team. Praying that you come back renewed in spirit! We’re just listening to the rain as we are watching NCIS, missing Josh while we do that. Take care and get a good night of sleep so you are ready for a big day of work tomorrow. Praying that small group goes well tonight. I wish I was there to hear the incredible singing!! Very jealous of that right now!
love you more,
Kris
Kevin,
Thank you for everything you do! I wish I was there to eat peanuts and sing with you guys. Thank you for teaching my daughter and finally me! I know your trip will be great! Please make sure Dan has diet coke just in case! Pepsi should not be allowed anywhere near Paradise Bound!
Praying for you
Lori
Kevin,
It was inspiring just listening to you share with the team and those of us sending them out. As you spoke I felt the concerns of this world slip away and the purposes of God come into view. We praise God for you and the impact Christ continues to have through you on our children and so many others. May God be near you as you live out your passion for His passion.
Jack
Kev,
I had read on Angie’s blog Deloy’s post about you arriving safely, so I immediately called him. When he told me that he had gotten an email from heidi a few hours before saying that the team had “arrived safely and quietly at the base”, I was thrilled but also had to shake my head and chuckle. Ahh… Deloy, such a guy! Didn’t he realize that there were 30 mom’s out here going crazy waiting for word! 
Oh well. Gwen Door helped me call everyone and let them know that you had arrived safely. Lots of Praises to God for His faithfulness!
It is so good to hear from you! What an amazing testimony the “sea of purple” must have been! Thank you for taking the time tonight to write about your day. You know how impatient I am to hear that you are safe!
Praying that you get a good night of sleep and have a great day tomorrow! Have fun with your small group and give Josh a big hug from me. Katie has been so sweet with her prayers for you. It would bring tears to your eyes. I love you so much! Wish I was there with you… there is nothing I love more than serving along side of you!
Have a great day! Good night!
Kris
Kevin
Just wanted to Praise God with you for smooth travels and early God sightings! How awesome to not be charged for the extra bags and to have absolutely no troubles going through customs. I LOVE to see how God works and it is such a blessing and it is so inspiring to hear of these stories! We love you all dearly and will continue to lift you up in our prayers!!
Bill and Lisa
Kevin
Praying for your day that God blesses it. Praying for your health and that of the team’s also.
Lar
Good morning Kev, it is so good to once again read your words as you begin the ministry down there. It sounds like you have already begun forming a strong team, and the Holy Spirit is breaking down the walls that they have put between themselves and Jesus. As I read your blog, I was struck how your words were a powerful reminder to all of us, here in the States, that we need to unplug as well and turn to God first. Thank you for that. I am so grateful that you are there. You have made such a difference in so many lives over your 20 years of youth ministry, and I pray that you are able to experience the love you have showered onto so many. I love you so much. Have a fabulous day and know that I am in continual prayer for you. Try to sleep a bit more and make sure you let some of the teens win every once in awhile in euchre.
I can’t wait to hear about your family that you are building for! Take lots of pictures. Love you so very much!
Kris
Why is it so quiet in the back hallway at church ? you are not here, praying for you and all the team……have a wonderful week, we are checking the site, so thanks for keeping us posted. Carole and Bob
Kevin,
Thanks for the update and reminding all of us to “unplug” so we can plug into the voice of God. Hope you had a “good” night’s rest so that you have “plenty” of energy for today. Keeping you in my prayers.
Ellen
Hey dad how are you doing there?
This morning one of my molars fell out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
I heard that you guys went through customs all right, thank God for that!
I LOVE YOU DAD!!!!
sincerley,
Katie
Hey Kev,
Long time no see! I’m SO excited that you’re on yet another trip to Guate! God will do amazing things through your team. Thinking about you as you begin building. Did you go with the salmon color stucco this year again?!?
Praying for you always,
Lara
Kevin,
good to read your posts on the main page! Praying that the next couple of days will be awesome for you and the entire team! Can’t wait to hear what God does in the lives of the families that you are building for!
Brenda
hey dad hope you are doing good. today we WON are base ball game and i got a awsome double right over the centerfilder’s head. we are praying for all of you.
bye
KEV!!! I loved the post! The cell phone part was so true! I praise God hearing that the team is bonding so well and God is working so powerfully! The devil will strike, and it sounds like the rain is part of it, but hold fast because God will prevail and work wonders for the people of Guate through the team. Tell Dan I say hi! along with Hermano and estuardo!!! I miss it so much!!! I can’t thank you enough kev! I remember being that age and hanging out with you at church and you playing such a huge part in my life! I thank you for all your support, encouragement, and FRIENDSHIP that grew strong through the years! As I slowly move on in life and get further from Peak 3 it is sad but excited to see those kids who were me and see how you are changing their lives like you did mine!!! And this trip was a big way! Praying for you!
Jason
Kevin,
Thanks for your passion, your energy, and your willingness to share the love of Christ with so many people in so many ways…especially the many young people whose lives you have touched. I would especially like to thank you for the impact you have had on Katelyn’s life and for being instrumental in bringing her to where she is in her spiritual walk today. You have been blessed to be a blessing, and thank you for excepting that blessing to touch lives in so many powerrful ways.
My prayer is that you will have a wonderful trip and your leadership will be a blessing to all those who are with you.
Mike
Kevin,
The cell phone story?? Love it, just what I needed. I thank God and whomever told the story!
I am soo jealous I am not there!
Are you guys eating the peanuts again?
Lori
Hi Kevin,
May God grant you rest and peace and strength and insight as you labor in love for Him! May He grant you and the team relief from the rain, even if it is just in the area where the team is working.
As you say – In His grip,
Jack
Kevin,
) May God continue to bless you and the team this week! You are truly an inspiration and a blessing!
I just want to write a quick note to tell you that you have been in our prayers this week and we are so thankful FOR you and TO you for all the work and energy you put in to this week (and everything else you do
The Postema’s
Kris, Chris and Katie,
Thanks for the notes of encouragement. Things are going really well. Josh is doing awesome and is loving it. I don’t have but a couple seconds to write. It is great being here with Josh. i wish you could be here too. I hope you have fun with the pictures. Angie Johnson is going to be a huge help in getting thos up each day. Tell Deloy she is doing a great job.
I hope you have a great day and can’t wait to hear from you. Keep writing to Josh.
Love ya tons!
Kevin/Dad
Good morning Kev,
I pray that you know how much you mean to so many people. It sounds like you are being able to recharge your own batteries as well. Praise God! You are in my prayers continuously! Thank you for all that you do and all that you are. I love you with all my heart! 
I look forward to your updates every time you go to Guatemala! As you write I can easily picture everything. It is so evident to everyone who knows you and reads your words, what YOUR passion is…sharing Christ’s love with others and helping teens grow closer to Jesus while empowering them to make a difference in others lives! (oh yeah and fishing, hunting, running, kayaking, mountain adventures and anything that has to do with outdoors! Your energy is simply amazing!)
Have a fabulous day and may the rain stay away!!!
Love you more,
Krisy
ps. Tell Josh to write something…anything… on his blog!
His mom is anxiously awaiting news from him. 
Love you,
Kris
Hi Kev,
It is a beautiful day here, little humidity and blue sky. I have been praying that the rain holds off for you guys today so you can get the stucco on. It is great seeing all the pictures. tell Angie she is doing a great job! Today or tomorrow try to get someone to take a picture of you and Josh with some of the little kids. That would be fabulous. Love you and miss you tons.
Just taking a break from digging out all the weeds and grass along the fence in the backyard!
Kris
Hey Kev,
Been praying for the rain to stop so you can put away the raincoats! Thanks for your updates especially the cell phone/texting bit- that really does apply to some of us adults as well. I am sure you have had some God sightings again today!
Blessings and Prayers,
Randy Goodyke
Hey Kevin,
Just know we are thinking about you and your team.
1st off.. I love how u have the best picture out of everyone
2nd- Leading Pash was great last night! Tried some new songs too!
3rd- Graham thinks his little girl is cuter than Gloria…you will be the only person in the world who has seen both, thus, you are the judge!
4th- I wish I was in Guate with you guys right now
5th- I am praying the Holy Spirit will reveal himself to you in strange ways
Kevin,
You have no idea what a blessing you are through this website. Your posts offer incredible insight to those of us who are back at home serving with you through prayer. I am so thankful for the influence, impact and life long footprints you are imprinting on Olivias heart. I am also thankful for your awesome wife and partner in ministry. She is an amazing woman of God, you two make a powerful team. Praying for health, safety, the dedication service and all the opportunities that are yet to be revealed on this trip.
Connie
Kevin:
What an amazing experience to see the kids grow as well as the families you are ministering to! Your leadership and encouragement is such a blessing! We appreciate everything you do for the Kingdom of God! We will continue to lift you up in our prayers, especially as today you dedicate the homes and give the message! God is Good! Chuck and Heather
Good morning. Thanks for all the encouraging notes. I had a fever last night but I am feeling a lot better now. I am sure it is just something unavoidable that I picked up from having kids climb all over me.
I am excited for today. It has been awesome to share this with Josh and see him be challenged and used the way he is. I hope you are all doing well back home. I don’t have time to write much but things are going great here.
Kris -thanks for all the notes. You are a blessing to me and so many here and back home -thanks for being my best friend. Katie -I saw Analy yesterday and gave her the stuffed animal. She loved it. Chris -can’t with till you can come here and do this with me.
Love you guys a ton.
Kevin – dad
Good morning Kev,
Things are going well here. Chris spent the night at the VanHaitsma’s and Katie was at Helen’s all day yesterday. No big projects but that ‘ s a good thing. Missing you but am so grateful that you are there. I pray that you are being blessed and reminded again of why you love your job so much! 
This is the important stuff and you are making a huge difference both in the lives of your team and of the families and friends back home.
Praise God for the weather! That made things so much better for all of you. Today I am praying that the relationships you have been building over the last few days are richly blessed as the Holy Spirit moves through the village! May the harvest be full and complete. Have fun painting your cross and try to get more paint on the walls rather than on you and the team!
I love you so much! Take care and get some more sleep! How’s the new base? It looks great!
In His Grip,
kris
We were writing at the same time!
I am so sorry that you were feeling sick. I pray that God gives complete healing to you so that you can continue to do His work. Katie just got up and wants to type to you. I am so thrilled that you were able to see Analy! How is she doing in school? love you, Kris
hi dad, how are you doing? Yesterday I went to helens house for a playdate.And the day before that I had my last softball game of the year and…WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!:-)So we got a trophy at the end of my game.
love you dad. i missed you!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo love Katie
Kev! sounds like you guys are having just an incredible trip! I am praying for you all that the villages go well and God has a huge harvest! and that the souls of the team are beign yanked at too! I also pray for health and that you dont have trees fall over the road and you dont have to dig it out! I will always remember that night! Praying for you and i love your notes in the mornings! Read it as soon as i get to work!!
Jason
Hi Kev, I have been praying for you all day as you have an amazing dedication and fiesta with your families. Looking forward to seeing more pictures, make sure that you get a picture with you and Josh and some of the little kids!
How are you feeling? Did your fever come back? Please take care of yourself and let others help you. Praying that small group goes awesome tonight. I wish I could be there to hear all of the God Sightings that I am sure the groups will be sharing tonight!
It was a hot humid day here so went swimming at jocelyn’s moms house. I just got back from Carly and Matt’s wedding! It was beautiful. I didn’t go to the reception since we hadn’t planned on being there at all. I was glad to have been able to go!
Thank you for all that you are doing. I love you so much! Have a good night and sleep good. Love you more,
Kris
ps. I was wondering if you could have someone take a picture of your large group time. It would be great to see more of the new base and that big room works! I am trying to picture it in my mind but I can’t.
Thanks!
Kev, reading some of the posts sounds like today was AMAZING!!! REally sounds like one of the best trips yet!!! God is just so awesome!!!! Oh my goodness! It is so encouraging to hear how he is moving throughout the Guatemalans and just as much through the team!!! Thinking and praying for you often!!! Do me a favor and tell Dan that Rookie says hi? THanks Kev!
Jason
Kev, thank you so much for putting some pictures of you on here!
I love the one of you, Josh and that little girl! 
Made me smile with tears in my eyes. (I know big surprise there! ) Praying that things go well tonight in small groups and the spirit continues to move through the team. Love you and I am so glad that you get to experience this with Josh! God is so Good!!
Good night,
Love you tons!
Kris
God is good, all the time! Allthe time, God is good! Thanks for sharing his goodnes with the members of your group as well as everyone over there in Guatemala. I can’y thank you enough for the impact you have had on a daughter who is very dear to me!
Thanks again…and again…and again!
Loved the picture posted of you and Josh today…..it made me cry too Kristy! It sounds like the day was blessed. We continue to cover you in prayer as you begin the next phase. We are praying for Kristy too because we know it is so difficult for her to be back here when you and Josh are “over there”. Praying for health, praying for protection and praying for a path of spiritual awakening!! Looking forward to everything else that God has in store for you and the team. ~Judy
Good Morning,
I am feeling much better today and ready for another powerful day at the clinics. I did not miss anything yesterday because of feeling sick. I was a lot slower than normal and had to take a lot of breaks but by late in the afternoon my enery came back and I am doing just fine now. Thanks for your prayers.
It is awesome watching Josh grow and discover God in new ways here. He is a wonderful addition to the team. He has stuck with the work and is connecting with a lot of kids. i am so proud of him. I am sure this will be a huge moment in his spiritual walk.
Kris -I hope you are dong alright at home and not waking up too much. I am praying for you. Thanks for the many words of encouragement for me and many of the team members. You are a huge blessing. Thanks for your love and for being my best friend.
Chris -how are the games going in baseball? It sounds like I missed an awesome game again. Another double from you. -sweet. I can’t wait to see you play again next week. Can’t wait to go fishing when I get back. Thanks for your prayers. You are a wonderful son and i am so proud of you.
Katie -Thanks for the encouraging notes. I am sorry I had to miss your last game. I can’t wait till we get to go to Ludington in a week and kayak and fish and swim. I miss you a ton. Thanks for being my precious daughter.
Have a great day and I will send you more tomorrow.
Love -Kevin/Dad
Good morning Kevin,
Praying that you are at full strength today. I love seeing the pictures and it is absolutely amazing to watch what God is doing with and through the team. Today I am praying for safe travel. Keep Psalm 121:8 in the forefront of your heart today, “the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Praying that the team sees God moving in extraordinary ways! I know that you will be exhausted and won’t be home until late so prayers for health are continuing.
Once again, God gave you amazing words to describe what happened yesterday and to also challenge all of us back home. I am so glad that you are feeling better, I know how frustrating that is for you when you can’t run around like a big kid!
Katie was up all last night throwing up. She feels a bit better this morning but is very weak. I have no idea what caused it. May have been 2 days in a row outside in water (at helen’s lake and the pool). But pray that she feels better. We just got an email about games for next week with Chris…he has a double header make-up games on Monday night and the tournament starts on Saturday the 26th! It’s a good thing we cancelled Ludington for Saturday. That will be the only game he can go to for tournaments.
Most of the other boys are in the same boat! No idea why anybody would put the tournament the week of the 4th! Oh well…
Things are going great. Nate borrowed a kayak a few days ago and Bill is heading to the Flat River this morning with the trailer and a kayak. I love how the kayaks have become such a fun thing for others as well! Looking forward to paddling around Hamlin Lake with you and the kids. I love you so much! It is definitely a God thing that Josh is there with you and I am so grateful that He made that all work out.
Have a great day and continue being a blessing!
love you more,
Kris
Kevin
Just a word of thanks for being such an awesome leader and mentor for so many kids. I know how much these kids look up to you and respect you and we are so thankful for you and for your family. The pictures and communication on this trip are amazing and it gives us at home such a great feel for what it is like down there! We pray for you all often throughout the day giving you all to Jesus, our Lord and Savior! Blessings to you today as you go on to a new phase of the trip. Love you all,
Bill and Lisa
Kevin, Well, we are all realizing how exciting it is to be connected to all of you by way of the internet. This morning everyone was racing to turn on Bob’s computer and read all the new posts. It reallly does feel like we are living part of the story with all of you. Thanks so much for sharing, right from your heart. It is just what everyone needs. We are praying and know today will be another fabulous day for all of you. I am eager to hear all the news and all the things that God has planned for this group. It is fun because so many of our family have been in similar situations, last night we just spent a long time relecting about trips and be used by God etc. Hope you are feeling much better now and pray you got the rest you needed. Thanks for being such a fine example to so many. Love to all the team and prayers….The Pettijohn family.
Hi Kevin
Thanks so much for your beautiful descriptive words. It helps us truly travel this journey with you. All the pictures and words we read are a heart stirring reminder of all the emotion and spiritual journey that is so evident in a trip to Guatemala. You are all so blessed to be there and are a blessing not only to the people there but to Dan and Heidi as well. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
hey dad things here are great. i also can’t wait to go fishing with you. GLad to here you’re feeling better can’t wait till you get home
bye
Hi hon,
With all the rain the grass was sooo long, it really likes the fertilizer you put on it! I will probably mow it again before you come home, after I put the mower away and was walking back to the house I noticed a few places I had missed! Oops! Oh well… it’s alll good! 
I just got done mowing the lawn and praying for you and your team, while I was doing it. maybe that’s why the lawn doesn’t have the perfect diagonal stripes you like but it is mowed.
You should be almost to the village now. I’m praying that the vans are holding up well and that you arrive safely there. I also pray that it doesn’t rain again. Praying for safety, health and many lives changed, including the team! Praying that the team members who God nudges to share their testimonies does not allow fear to stop them from boldly proclaiming their faith!
Chris and Evan went fishing over at Rez Life but he came home because he wasn’t feeling good. I hope he doesn’t have what Katie does. She is real lethargic and still not feeling well. She hasn’t thrown up again which is good. I am so glad that I am home with the kids. It was definitely God’s plan that Josh take my spot. Praying that you have another amazing day! Love you so much,
Kris
Kevin, I am Jordyn Roberts Grandma. She calls me Nanny. I have been glued to your blog since this trip started. Lots of tears and shouts for joy. Thank you for your inspiring words, obvious enthusiasm , dedication and care for these teens. Love your “God sightings” Reminded me of my favorite Bible verses, Prov. 3 5&6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in ALL your ways and HE will make your paths straight. Am continuing to hold you and the team in prayer for physical and spiritual protection. Thank you again.
Hi Kevin, Beautiful day in MI. Kayaked down the Flat with Breanne & Ron Smits. We floated fron Greenville to Belding- Nice trip. God Bless you, Bill
Hi Kev,
~ the only light coming from the Jesus movie on a fluttering bed sheet. Praying for the team tonight, that their broken hearts will be filled with the Holy Spirit so when they come back, they can take on the distractions and are ready to shine even brighter. I pray that there is a hedge of protection surrounding all of you tonight…in the village and on the long drive back to base! You have a legion of angels who are doing great spiritual battle for you and for the lives of those precious villagers. I love you with all my heart. Can’t wait to hear the stories of tonight! Good night sweetheart,
Right now Hermano Jesus is probably in full preach mode! I get goosebumps even thinking about it!! Praying that the village is open to receive the Holy Spirit and that the Spirit is on the move tonight! I just came inside after praying out on the back porch on our rocking chair. I did it “Kev Colorado” style with my eyes wide open looking up at the sky, trying to see as many stars as I could. There are so many lights and distractions I could only see a few but I knew that you were seeing millions!
Kris
Hi Kevin,
This is Mom. I’m using Dad’s computer while we are in a motel in Rapid City, SD.
It was amazing to read all about the many things you and your team have accomplished and fun to see the pictures especially of you and Josh working together there. We are so humbly proud of you and all you are doing. Even though we haven’t been writing to you, we have been holding you in our prayers. We pray that you will all be kept safe and healthy the rest of the time and that many of those you present the message of salvation to will come to know Jesus and his love in their life. Also that the team will be greatly impacted with God’s love and power. I liked the allusions to the mountains–there’s something so majestic about them. They just lift our thoughts to God and His greatness. I knew I sent mountain pictures along with you for a reason.
Alvin and Helen send you their love. Helen said to give you a great big hug.
I love you and am proud of you.
Mom
Good morning and Happy Father’s Day, Kev!
I am praying that you are able to use this time to get re-charged. You are continuing to make an impact there and here. Praying that you have another incredible day and that you have safe travel there and back again.
Know that you are continually in my prayers.
I just got done reading Katelyn’s blog and it sounds like it was another amazing Med Clinic! It is so wonderful seeing the impact that you and the team are having in Guate and in Michigan. I pray that you are sleeping in a bit and that you are feeling better!
It is so wonderful that you get to have Josh with you on Father’s Day. I remember one of the first trips you took to Guate when the kids were little, which happened over Father’s Day. The kids were so sad that they couldn’t celebrate with you. Now he can! This will be one that neither of you will ever forget. I’m a tad jealous of the devotion time outside overlooking the mountains.
I love you and am so grateful that you are my husband, best friend and daddy to our children.
love you more,
Kris
Kris, Chris and Katie,
Thanks so much for the cards and words of encouragement. I am feeling great and I might even go for a quick run in a moment. I wish I could be there with you today but I can’t wait to spend a week camping next week. I have been writing all moring on the team post so I should make this short. I love you tons. Katie -I love the picture. You are my princess! Thanks for be such a great family. Loveyou guys.
kevin/Dad
Happy Father’s Day Dad!! We love you sooooooooo much and miss you! Glad that Josh is there to give you a hug. Stay safe and can’t wait to go fishing!!
Love you MOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Katie and Chris
Beautiful message today, Kevin! Thank you for posting it. Reading it made me late for church but that’s not new.
There are so many people glued to the website! It is fun to hear how many people are reading, crying and praying for the team. Praying that today is anothergreat day in paradise. Love you so much and miss you tons! Can’t wait to see you on Wed morning. Tell Hermano Jesus hola! Did you give the Bibles to Dan? What did he think of them?
Love you,
Kris
the new base looks awesome! wish i could be there!
Kevin,
Thank you for all the wonderful updates! It certainly helps me to know how to pray for you, my prayer partner, and the entire team. What a blessing you have been to these kids. Praying that the remainder of the trip will go well and that God will continue to use you in ways that you can’t even imagine.
Ellen
TEAM IVANREST:
As I pray for the people of the village you are in and anticipate that they maybe hearing the gospel for the first time right this very moment, this song comes to mind:
GOD OF THIS CITY
You’re the God of this city
You’re the King of these people
You’re the Lord of this nation
You Are
You’re the light in this darkness
You’re the hope to the hopeless
You’re the peace to the restless
You are
Bridge:
For there is no one like our God
There is no one like You God
Chorus 1:
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
Verse 2:
You’re the Lord of Creation
The Creator of all things
You’re the King above all kings
You Are
You’re the strength in our weakness
You’re the love to the broken
You’re the joy in the sadness
You Are
Bridge:
Chorus 2:
For greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done
In this city
When glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for You and love for You
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
We praise God for the Kingdom work that was done in and throught your team this week!
We are praying for save travels and God continues to keep you in his hands.
Kevin –
What a wonderful Father’s Day – serving alongside your son and with your heavenly Father, bringing more people to know HIS unfailing love!
Praying for you & the team now as you travel to the base.
Love & blessings,
Karen
Kev, I have been laying awake praying that you have been able to leave the village ok and finally I just came to check my email. It looks like the last update from Heidi was at 12:04 am (about an hour ago) saying, “The team was able to make some progress in leaving the village, but are currently hung up in a very muddy stretch and ask for your prayers to help them pull through.” I am praying that in the past hour you were able to get the vans out of the muddy stretch. I know that there are many moms, dads, grandparents, friends and other prayer warriors are awake right now praying for all of you. I am claiming Matthew 17:20-21 for all of us tonight.
“For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Praying for strength, faith, safety and that everyone works together as a team. I love you so much and am praying for you to safely get back to the base. Please let Dan & Heidi know how much I appreciated the prayer requests going out to the Intercessors!
Love you,
Kris
Praise God! Right after I posted this my email popped up with a new one from Heidi, “The team has made it past the muddy road and is onto the asphalt
‘highway’. Thank you for your prayers they were felt and helped
greatly. They still have some distance to travel but it *should* be
good roads from here on out.” Thank you Lord for answering our prayers. Continue to protect our team as they make the rest of the way to the base.
In His Grip,
Kristy
Good morning! I thought I would postt here first this morning. Thanks for the prayers last night as truly even a tiny bit of rain would have made our trip out of the village last night impossible. As we made it past the mud and rough roads I knew that we were now again facing a challenge as we had many hours to travel and it was already midnight. I knew the only way that the drivers including myself would only be able to stay awake with you guys praying.
Josh has been so awesome. He has given his all. In every moment he has tried to serve God with his whole heart. I am looking forward to walking through the market with him today and having some good quality father son time.
I can’t wait for you to hear his stories and see how this trip will effect his life.
Kris -I am so looking forward to getting home. I often thought of you during the drive home last night especialy when we go to Ludington and just spend a week together as a family.
Thanks for being the greatest encourager for me and so many on the team. You must have had little time to do anything else except post on people’s blogs
Love ya tons!
Kevin
Good morning sweetheart!
(Even if it is a bit wavy and not quite the straight lines!) For the last two days Katie and Chris have both felt lousy so they weren’t up to doing anything anyway. I am so grateful that Alyssa helped keep you awake on the drive home. I was up until 3 am(est) praying and finally fell asleep. It is so hard when half of me is down there with you and Josh! I am so glad that he was there with you. Having him with you today will even make your “dreaded” shopping day more fun! make sure you have a flurry for me…maybe they will have a butterfinger one this year! 
ALready praying for tonight’s devos!! After the week you have had I know that it is going to be powerful!! Love you so much and looking forward to seeing you on Wed morning.
I am so glad that you have made it back to the base! You are right, that I havn’t got much else done…but I did mow the lawn!
Great big hugs,
Kris
Kevin,
So thankful to hear you all made it back safely. God is definately answering our prayers. We will continue to pray for a great last day there and that you all return healthy and safe. Thank you so much for the updates, you definately have a gift and have been an inspiration to us all. I am so thankful that our kids were able to have this experience with you and am praying that your strong faith and love for Christ has spilled over to them in amazing ways. Thank you so much. God bless!
Brenda Goodyke
Kevin, Just got done reading your beautiful recap! Thank you for taking the time to write what you did. This team is so much more than 33…it is easily 10x that number!! You have been ministering to all of us here at home. None of us will be the same as well. I am so proud of you and will be forever grateful for that Abnormal Psych class that brought you into my life!
Walking this journey together is the best part of my life. Praising God for His faithfulness and his renewing spirit that was poured out on you. Praying for a good day and a fabulous night tonight!
Love you so much,
Kris
Hey Kevin,
Just thought about you guys and said a prayer for you. Think about all of you often and pray for your work and safety.
Ron Groen
Amazing ! What would a trip to Guatemala be without more and more adventures and life changing experiences. You got them through it again, thanks for the updates and thanks for making this trip an experience that we all could share. Eager to hear the stories…..See you all soon. Bob and Carole
KEvin,
Praying for you right now as you are beginning the last group time at the base. Praying that there are open hearts to receive what Jesus has promised them, praying for boldness and brokeness, & praying that God gives you and Dan the right words of challenge and encouragement.
Love you so much and am very proud of you! Please give me a call as soon as you are able to when you land in Atlanta. I need to run some things by you…
Tonight at Chris’ games, he played in the last 2 innings of the make-up game but when they started the 2nd game, he was not doing well at all. He was feeling miserable and trying not to cry. He was absolutely ashen. So during the 1st inning we left. He went downstairs put on his PJs and laid down on the couch. Pray that he feels better tomorrow.
Talk to you soon! Love you so much,
Kris
Kevin,
Thank you for ministering to and encouraging the team. The “team” is huge. 33 people went to Guatemala to serve, But the prayer team is bigger than I could imagine. Kristy had some very encouraging words for Gwen and I, when at times we wondered how things were going for you and the team. She was very excited that Kyle had made the decision to go, and that he would be able to share the trip with Sarah. May the Lord continue to bless you grant you safe travel home.
Randy D.
Kev, just had to share a quick God Sighting with you.
Tonight we had severe weather come through about40 min ago, the tornado siren even went off. I had just brought Katie downstairs when Lisa vanDyken called to make sure I had heard the siren. (So awesome that she would even think of us!) Our electricity went off for a short time and it shut down our phone while we were talking. Me and the kids had our flashlights and snuggled in Josh’s bed. I decided to go find the weather radio your dad had given us so I went upstairs to get it. When I got back, the kids were singing and laughing! (when I went upstairs they were both shook up & scared), Chris couldn’t wait to tell me what happened in those few short minutes. He said, “Mom, we just had the coolest God sighting. You know the electricity went out so my Ipod stopped, well just as you got upstairs, it all came back on and the song that was playing was Downhere’s Calmer of the Storm! Right at the part when it says, thankyou Lord you are the calmer of the storm…the siren stopped! Isn’t God Awesome!?”
All I can say is Yes He is!!
We layed there listening to the song again and wow, I will never listen to it the same way. Here are the very next words in the song:
“I thank you, Lord, you are the calmer of the storm.
You rebuke the wind and the waves
Once again I find I’m amazed & the power of your will
Cuz I’m a child of little faith
I feel the wind and forget your grace
And you say, “Peace, be still.”
God is so good…All the time He is Good!!
Love you and looking forward to seeing you!
Kris
Kevin,
praying for a team whose hearts have grown closer to God, and for safe travels today. It’s been so good to read all of your posts this week—yours and some of the other team members, too! Looking forward to hearing more of the stories when you get back!
Kevin (and the Team),
Keeping you in prayer as you travel today. May your layover time in Atlanta give you time to reflect and raidate God’s power in your lives so that those around you will ask….what makes this team so special? Praying especially for you tonight as your travel home. Try to get some sleep on the plane. Waiting to hear all about your week.
Ellen
Kris,
One last second to shoot you a note. thanks for your constant encouragement, prayers and Love. You are my God sighting in life. Thanks for being my best friend and companion. I missed having you here. Next year you can be here with Josh. I can’t wait to see you. We should be home around 4:00. I have the keys and can’t wait get home.
I Love you tons. More than all the toxic waste in the ocean:-).
HASTA LUEGO!
Kevin –
tell Chris and Katie I hope they feel better.
Kevin, I can’t wait to give you a big hug! Love you so much and be safe. Praying for safe travels today. Enjoy this last time as a team. Love you
Kris