Showing posts with label sierraleone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sierraleone. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
May 2020
Hey everyone!
Blessings to you during these days of uncertainty with
COVID! God is still on His throne, and we can trust Him in full faith as He
works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called
according to His purpose!
Thanks to our dear friend Chuck, we are set up in Mailchimp
and doing our best to step into the 21st century with our updates! Woohoo! You
may need to add my work email address to your contacts to receive the messages:
b.brockelman@gosendme.us
From Becky...
I continue to reflect on my time in Thailand in February. It
truly was amazing to see months of preparation culminate in the annual “Real
Men Buy Flowers, Not Girls” celebration. Over 60 women who work in the sex
tourism industry were treated to a special evening with music, moving
testimonies from those who have left the trade and an invitation into skills
programs as a way to provide for themselves and their families.
Upon my return, COVID 19 was making its way around the
globe, so 3 stateside trips were postponed, but PRAISE THE LORD for technology
to be able to be in contact with our GoSendMe missionaries and partners in the
USA and 31 other countries. I’ve been amazed at how innovative people have become
in finding ways to conduct ministry.
The virus has not caught God off guard! May He work in ways
we cannot imagine to touch hearts and draw souls to Himself!
From Tom...
It was a hard decision to return to the USA during COVID 19.
Sierra Leone experienced Ebola in 2014-2016, and we can’t imagine what another
crisis will do to the country. I am thankful to be in ongoing communication
with our security guards and construction crew and to know that they are doing
well. Ibrahim Sankoh and the crew were continuing with the projects until a
recent lockdown was declared. Sierra Leone is currently on a partial shutdown
with curfews and has cases of Coronavirus and deaths rising by the day. Please
pray for our friends in Sierra Leone as they trust the Lord for health and
their daily needs.
From Bo...
I want to thank you all again for your prayers and support
for my mission trip to Doncaster, England over spring break. It was a privilege
to serve the people (children and youth), and it was eye-opening to learn that
many in the country have not heard much about Jesus. I had the opportunity to
share part of my story and it was received very well!
I can’t believe I am about to graduate from TCS! I have been
taking dual credit courses over the past year, and I will continue to tackle my
basic courses at Grayson College for 2020-21 as I pursue a degree in Business
Administration.
A passage that's so appropriate for this time:
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Personalized for COVID 19
Even though
... CORONAvirus
Even though
... social distancing
Even though
... no hugs from GRANDS
Even though
... empty store shelves
Even though
... sickness & death
Even though
... schools closed
Even though
... senior activities stifled
Even though
... (fill in YOUR ‘even thoughs’)
"Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of
my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hind’s
feet, and makes me walk on my high places!"
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support!!
Tom, Beck & Bo
Cell:
903.818.7706
Email:
beckbrock@yahoo.com
Facebook: Becky
Brockelman
Instagram:
tombeckbrock
For
contributions:
Simple
Online Giving:
Mail Gifts
To:
P.O. Box
913106
Sherman, TX
75091
***please
make checks out
to GoSendMe Global
and write
the Brockelman’s
name on a
separate note
included
with the check rather
than on the
check itself***
Friday, March 13, 2020
Brockelman and GoSendMe CORONAVIRUS Response
Dearest family and friends,
There is undoubtedly much to pray about in these days of
uncertainty. May God’s sweet and peaceful embrace be evident in each of our
lives!
Quick updates from us:
·
Tom
continues work in Sierra Leone, and to our knowledge, there are no reported
cases of Coronavirus in SL at this time
·
Becky’s days
in Thailand were wonderful, her 2 weeks of seclusion went well, 3 upcoming
stateside trips have been postponed for now and she is deeply grateful to be
able to continue to serve our GSM missionaries remotely
·
Bo will
return with his mission team from England this weekend and conversations are in
progress for a potential seclusion
We love you and thank the Lord
for YOU!
Tom and Becky
From Rob Casey, Executive Director of GoSendMe Global
Friday, March 13, 2020
Dear GoSendMe Global friends, family, and team,
Despite necessary
security requirements that often refrain me from directly corresponding, I believe
it necessary in a week like this to step briefly into view and provide a sense
of direction and care toward the manner in which we are to respond as
Kingdom-minded fellow workers. Whether you are a financial supporter, prayer warrior, serving faithfully in the field of your calling, or in
the application phase
for a short-term team or as an intern, I am sure that you are pondering the implications of the Coronavirus.
I most recently had a trip to India put on hold and
am facing a trip to Botswana that departs
in a little more than a week being delayed as well. There is a spirit of
frustration and emotional stress in the air.
My wife, Julie, noted the behavior of folks in grocery store parking lots. My family sent pictures of empty
toilet paper shelves. Schools have delayed return from Spring Break. A family
member serving on a team in the United Kingdom saw one-way return tickets
skyrocket to over $2,500.00. These things can quickly cause us to question what
tomorrow holds, and what our response is to be as faithful followers of Jesus
Christ.
In that light, let me
provide you with a quote from famed Martin Luther,
whom you may recall served the Lord amidst
a far greater pandemic known
as the Black Death in the 14th century.
“…I shall ask God mercifully
to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it. I shall avoid places and
persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute
others, and so cause their death as a result
of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I
have done what he has expected of me
and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person
but will go freely, as stated above.
See, this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy
and does not tempt God.” (Luther’s Works Vol. 43, pg. 132)
It has been the policy
of GoSendMe Global (GSM) to not discontinue God-given plans to ministry locations unless the Lord
closes the door by means we cannot control, or when those assigned to go are instructed by trusted voices on the
ground to alter or cancel the trip. Such was
the case in the last month regarding our short-term teams to the Greek island
of Lesvos, for instance, where there was an escalation of violence to foreign aid workers and NGO’s that made it
necessary to discontinue sending college
age volunteers until our partners
on the ground give us the
all-clear.
We are committed to
ensuring that each trip applied for by short-term volunteers, church teams and
internship candidates are carefully monitored. We are ready to delay, cancel or
alter each of these opportunities to serve the Lord as He directs through wise
counsel and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Some of these trips will provide
no alternative but to cancel through the actions of governments or airlines. We
assure you that any such change will not cause you financial loss, so far as it
depends on GSM.
Where possible, flights that must be restricted or canceled will be reimbursed, change fees avoided, and refunds issued to
applicants and supporters. We will
also seek to re-arrange and hold on to funds raised for future opportunities, should applicants be willing to wait. This is one of those seasons
where God’s call on GSM to have zero financial dependency on our missionaries, teams or interns, being a 0%
ministry that assesses no fees and charges nothing to serve under our umbrella,
has proven an incredible blessing.
For those on the field
who are classified as “long-term”, we understand that each country in which you serve
has a unique scenario presented to you. Our hearts and prayers are with you. I believe that our Awesome God is absolutely still in
control, having a multitude of examples in the Scriptures of His activity
through such circumstances to bring about saving faith in the lost, repentance in the strongest of wills,
and nations back to seeking the Lord as God and King. Our world needs the
eternal cure of Christ against the consequences of sin far above a remedy and
vaccine against COVid 19. It is my prayer that as you find yourself
suddenly looked to for answers in the communities in which you
serve, that you will find this an incredible time for sharing your faith in our
Living Hope. In other words, the mission has not changed.
It is also a time for
wisdom from the Lord regarding how our decisions affect the lives
of the nationals we serve. It is a time to
appropriately prepare as the Holy Spirit directs you, and as you do so, we
stand with you. Should you find it a time to return to the States, or make any
other large decisions, we will do all that we can to support, guide and aid you
in the process. This is a time when who we are in Christ makes an incredible difference in the
lives of the lost around us. It is a time in which our faith and steadfast
peace in the face of a growing public panic demonstrate the reality of Jesus in
our lives. Therefore, above all else, we seek to be unified in the Spirit,
faithful in prayer, willing to serve
in any capacity the Lord chooses both near and far and to love one another as
Christ Jesus has loved us. This tells
the world that we are His disciples
(John 13:34-35).
In whatever manner in which I or a
member of the GSM family may be of help to you, please do not hesitate to reach
out to us. (Contact Lori Cannon directly for finance questions at finance@gosendme.us)
•
“Be strong
and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread
of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes
with you. He will not leave you or forsake
you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
• “Little children, you are from God and have overcome
them, for He who is in you is greater
than he who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4
•
“You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you, because
he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
Thursday, November 21, 2019
HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2019
Dearest family and friends!
In this season of gratitude, Tom and I would like to express
our deepest appreciation for your prayers, encouragement and support over the
past year as we experienced numerous twists and turns with Tom’s health. It’s
certainly given us an opportunity to trust God even when we weren’t sure of
timelines or next steps.
We are excited to report that Tom returned to Sierra Leone
in mid-August, and he is feeling very well with no signs of the infection that plagued
him for months. Work is progressing and relationships are being poured into. We
praise the Lord for His faithfulness as He knows our hearts regarding the privilege
of serving in Sierra Leone these 11 years.
Please join us in prayer:
….. for Tom’s continued good health and steady progress on
projects in Sierra Leone
….. for Becky as she serves 30 full-time missionaries and several
national partners
….. for Bo as he graduates in May and continues the college
course work that he’s already started
….. for additional provision over the next 8-10 months as SL
projects draw to a close
END OF YEAR GIVING: As you pray over the many worthwhile
options for giving during this holiday season, we would love to have the
opportunity to share details about our needs. Please do reach out and Becky will
be happy arrange a visit.
May your Thanksgiving be filled with THE JOY OF THE LORD!
Tom and Beck
Cell:
903.818.7706
Facebook: Becky
Brockelman
Instagram:
tombeckbrock
For
contributions:
Simple
Online Giving:
Mail Gifts
To:
P.O. Box
913106
Sherman, TX
75091
***please
make checks out
to GoSendMe Global
and write
the Brockelman’s
name on a
separate note
included
with the check rather
than on the
check itself***
Friday, June 28, 2019
Summer Update
Happy summer greetings to you all!
We’ve been a bit silent in recent days as we have tackled
the stubborn infection that Tom has been fighting for months. Thank the Lord it
seems that a new medication has gotten to the root of it, and we look forward
to turning our undivided attention back to the mission and vision that God has
called us to.
In the meantime, it’s been exciting to see that Sankoh and
crew have continued work on projects in Sierra Leone under Tom’s long-distance
instruction. The goal all along has been to mentor and train these 6 men in
skills that will benefit them and their families for a lifetime. Very proud of
these guys!
Please join us in prayer as we make plans for Tom’s return
to SL for an extended stay and for Becky’s arrangements for a short-term trip.
There is lots to be done, and we are eager to get to it!
In GoSendMe Global news, Becky continues to have the
privilege of providing mission support to new and existing missionaries and
national partners. Ministry opportunities are expanding in Latin America and
the East, as well as a broadening of work in several countries. If you would like information on short-term
teams and internships, please do let us know.
As always, your prayers, encouragement and financial support
mean the world to us!
With love
and appreciation!
Tom and Beck
Cell:
903.818.7706
Facebook: Becky
Brockelman
Instagram:
tombeckbrock
For
contributions:
Simple
Online Giving:
Mail Gifts
To:
P.O. Box
913106
Sherman, TX
75091
***please
make checks out
to GoSendMe Global
and write
the Brockelman’s
name on a
separate note
included
with the check rather
than on the
check itself***
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Tom's Health Update
Hello everyone!
We are excited to say that TOM IS ON THE FINAL STRETCH OF
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY after weeks of a rough time. We are thankful to fellow
missionaries, Gabe and Sada Herrera, as well as the amazing Sierra Leoneans who
serve alongside us (Sulaiman, Carew, Sankoh, Abraham, and others) for keeping
things humming in SL. We have been in ongoing communication, and it means so
much to know that everything there has been in good hands. There is much work
still to be done in Sierra Leone. We anticipate that Tom will return ahead of
Becky in early April, and we are in the process of putting together a barrel
shipment and working on VISA renewals.
Our hearts are saddened over the news that Susan Kamanda,
headmistress of Hosetta School for Special Needs Children, passed away on
Sunday. We pray for the students and parents as a transition in leadership
takes place. Hosetta has served since 1979 as a refuge for children who are
considered the least of the least in Sierra Leone. We applaud the commitment of
the Department of Education and the Board of Directors as they work to see that
the children are cared for and valued.
God continues to reaffirm Becky’s call to serve as Mission
Support Director for GoSendMe Global. To put into words how humbling and
rewarding it has been to assist with care and training for nearly 30 long-term
GSM missionaries would be impossible. Because of your continued support, the
Lord is using the years of experience in mission work He has given to minister
to folks who are preparing to deploy full time to Botswana, the Balkan Region,
Thailand and Sierra Leone. Other missionaries and national partners already on
their fields of service include England, Peru, Guatemala, Greece and Kenya to
name a few. This ministry of Mission Support is vital to the longevity of
missionaries on the field as they work to further the Kingdom while the enemy
is hard at work, fighting them all along the way.
We’ve had lots of great questions about our transition to
GSM. Thank you for your interest in how God is opening “wide doors for
effective service” in ways that we never even thought to imagine! We remain
committed to LIVE BY FAITH in God, our Provider, as we trust Him to “supply all
our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”. Please do reach
out to us with your questions on how you can partner with us in the Kingdom
work He has called us to in Sierra Leone and beyond.
YOUR PRAYERS never cease to encourage us. Thank you for the many calls and messages
during Tom’s illness. Each one of you mean the world to us.
Our love and deepest appreciation,
Tom and
Becky
Cell:
903.818.7706
Facebook: Becky
Brockelman
Instagram:
tombeckbrock
For
contributions:
Simple
Online Giving:
Mail Gifts
To:
P.O. Box
913106
Sherman, TX
75091
***please
make checks out
to GoSendMe Global
and write
the Brockelman’s
name on a
separate note
included
with the check rather
than on the
check itself***
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Praises & Prayer Requests
Greetings
friends and family!!
The holidays
are upon us, and there’s lots to praise the Lord for!!
Tom
continues to pour into OUR DEAR RELATIONSHIPS in Sierra Leone as he and the
construction crew work tirelessly to bring several phases of work to completion
at the orphanage, and as work progresses on the special needs school project!
Becky has
been utterly humbled and blessed to assist with training and relationship
building among TWENTY-FIVE MISSIONARIES under the GoSendMe Global umbrella,
some who are already serving stateside or on foreign soil, and others in
various stages of preparation!
Your PRAYERS
ARE NEEDED as we’ve had yet another turn of events. Tom has struggled over the
past 2 months with recurring symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections that have
proven to be quite severe. At the recommendation of physicians on both sides of
the world, he will travel to Texas very soon for follow up. As you can imagine,
the medical care he needs is not available in Sierra Leone.
As you
prayerfully ponder your END-OF-YEAR GIVING, we would like to ask you to
consider how the Lord might have you partner with us as we seek to serve Him in
Sierra Leone and beyond! It’s all for the Kingdom! Click here for
our newest video.
Our deepest
love and appreciation!
Tom and Beck
Cell:
903.818.7706
Facebook: Becky
Brockelman
Instagram:
tombeckbrock
For
contributions:
Simple
Online Giving:
Mail Gifts
To:
P.O. Box
913106
Sherman, TX
75091
***please
make checks out
to GoSendMe Global
and write
the Brockelman’s
name on a
separate note
included
with the check rather
than on the
check itself***
Saturday, August 4, 2018
August 2018 Update
August 2018
Greetings!
The Lord never ceases to surprise or challenge us! Over the
past months, several happenings have worked together to confirm that, in
addition to our commitment to the ministry we have been called to in Sierra
Leone, “a wide door for effective service has opened up to us (I Cor 16:9)” as
we will be serving on the Global Mission Support Team for GoSendMe Global (GSM).
GSM is a missionary-sending agency that currently has 22 full time missionaries
based stateside or living abroad, and has either full time missionaries or
partnerships in 22 countries! We are certainly humbled at the thought of all
that lies ahead, and we are eager to see how God will use us to further His
Kingdom in ways that we never imagined!
We need your prayers as much or more than ever! Thank YOU
for your faithfulness to lift us up to our precious heavenly Father! We will
continue to live by faith in God, our Provider, as we trust Him to “supply all
our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19)”!
We would love to answer any questions that you may have
regarding our transition. Becky is currently in Texas as our roles with GSM are
being defined and for a period of training. Please do reach out to us! We look
forward to sharing how the Lord has revealed His plan for the next chapter in
our story!
Our deepest love and appreciation!
Tom and Becky
Cell:
903.818.7706
Facebook:
Becky Brockelman
Instagram: tombeckbrock
For
contributions:
Simple
Online Giving:
Mail Gifts
To:
P.O. Box
913106
Sherman, TX
75091
***please
make checks out
to GoSendMe Global
and write
the Brockelman’s
name on a
separate note
included
with the check rather
than on the
check itself***
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
MAY 2018
Hello everyone!
Once again we feel like we have been in a whirlwind
while in Texas, but we are so very grateful for time with family!! For Tom especially, in the previous three
years he had only been on U.S. soil 35 days! He was long overdue for lots of
hugs and kisses from our kids, the GRANDS and his mom! THANK YOU to all who
have prayed for us, and encouraged us, during this time!! We are truly blessed!
Tom landed in Sierra Leone yesterday afternoon after a
cancelled flight and 24 hours in a hotel room in Brussels, but all is well. We
moved my ticket so that Bo and I travel together in just over two weeks!! Bo is beside himself with excitement to spend
8 weeks with us this summer! It’s been nearly 2 years since he was in SL, and
he’s eager to see so many dear friends and extended family members!
Five 55 gallon drums and 4 pallets of supplies are
headed to SL, and we pray that they all make it with no problems!
We are gearing up for our June GoSendMe team, and two of
the young women on the team will stay for several weeks to do an internship
with friends of ours with Grace Village (orphanage and school). Prayers for
Aleyna and Olivia!!
More updates will be coming soon as we jump back into
life in Sierra Leone! So much to look forward to!
We love and appreciate you tremendously!
Becky … and Tom
FACEBOOK: Becky Brockelman
BLOG: www.alifeonmission.blogspot.com
Contributions:
Please
make checks payable to:
First
Baptist Church of McKinney
On the
memo line: “TYW05/Brockelman”
Mail
to:
FBC
McKinney
1615 W
Louisiana St
McKinney,
TX 75069
Online
gifts:
www.firstmckinney.com/give
Choose
from the options for giving
Drop
down box select: “TYW05/Brockelman”
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
MERRY
CHRISTMAS!
Tom and I
would like to express our deepest appreciation to each of YOU for your prayers
and support during 2017! As we always say, we could not live and serve in
Sierra Leone without the trust YOU place in us to represent YOU on the field!!
THANK YOU!
We usually
update on what we call our ‘defined’ areas of ministry, but in conversation recently
with a partner, we shared that seldom does a week go by that we are not
presented with needs that go beyond the norm. Our trust is that God will
impress upon us whether to assist, and as He does, we have full faith that our
Provider has a plan for provision!
Here are just
a few of the ways that YOU have ministered to folks these past few months
….. Nine families have received medical assistance
during the worst season of Malaria that we have ever experienced.
….. A precious
young girl in our community is attending elementary school.
….. A family in the church we attend that lost land,
home and belongings from the mudslide has been relocated.
….. We have embraced a family with a special needs
child as the father’s health has prevented him from working.
….. A young lady is attending an institute to prepare
for exams that may open the door for nursing school.
….. For 14 months, 11 families have received bags of
rice to help offset rising costs in tough economic times.
….. A young man has started the degree program in
Social Work at the Bible College.
….. We’ve assisted with funeral expenses for 2 families
who lost loved ones.
….. Textbooks and special lesson fees have been
provided for close to 40 former street boys.
….. Auntie Margaret’s kiddos are looking forward
Christmas dinner complete with chicken, soda pop, sides and sweets.
….. And … we are most certainly forgetting things …
HOSETTA SCHOOL
construction project: The rate at which the cost of building supplies continues
to rise is quite alarming, but we are certain that what God has begun, He will
bring to completion. For information on how you can help, please let us hear
from you.
May this
Christmas Season truly be an opportunity to focus on Christ, our Savior and
Lord!
Our love to
you!
Becky & Tom
… and those we serve in Sweet Salone!
FACEBOOK: Becky
Brockelman
BLOG:
www.alifeonmission.blogspot.com
Contributions:
Please make checks payable to:
First Baptist Church of McKinney
On the memo line:
“TYW05/Brockelman”
Mail to:
FBC McKinney
1615 W Louisiana St
McKinney, TX 75069
Online gifts:
www.firstmckinney.com/give
Choose from the options for giving
Drop down box select: “TYW05/Brockelman”Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Monday, December 11, 2017
Sulaiman & kiddos!
So proud for Sulai and his family! Their home is lookin' great! Kiddos are doing well! LOVE!
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