Wow! It was 12 years ago this month we left home for the UK. On 15 July 2009 we stepped off a plane in Birmingham UK to start our 3-year long stint with Next Level International. Little did we know!
We could cover all the ups and downs of the past 12 years, but there is something much more important to celebrate – all you beautiful, wonderful, awe-inspiring, stupendous, and astounding people who have made this all possible.
To our personal supporters – past, present, and future – you are our lifeblood. We could not be here without you. Over all these years it has been a very mixed group who have been blessing us. Family, friends, corporations, churches, neighbours, former co-workers, and more. We hope you realise how much you mean to us and there is not a day on which we don’t pause to say thanks for having you in our lives.
To everyone who sponsors a student. Thank you. You are amazing. When Propel was birthed 5 years ago, we had no (as in zero, none, zip, nada) idea how it was going to work. With your love you helped four kids in the first year then eleven, then thirty-seven, then, ninety something, to 120 this year. Our prayer is each student we help can start a cycle of generational success so as create a future where their children do not need us. You are doing more than simply helping a kid get an education, you have started a legacy!
To everyone who has been part of a team…we miss you…the kids miss you!!!! There is nothing like two years without any teams visiting to show just how important they are. Over the years you’ve created ideas for camps, cut uncountable bits of paper for crafts, brought you imaginations, enthusiasm, and hearts, and best of all…. you love on these kids! We all miss your smiles and hugs.
To our church partners…you rock! It is humbling to think of the amount of love and support you have shared. It is amazing to think of how you trust us with your people who come on teams. It is heart-warming to enter your doors and feel the love. There is no number or measure large enough to quantify all this blessing.
To all those who keep us in prayer, cheer us on, send birthday cards, host us when we are stateside, and show your love in so many cool ways… you too are cherished. When we are down, and things look gloomy, we feel your love.
And…to our family whom we love and miss dearly. We understand the sacrifice is not all ours.
This whole journey continues to be a blessing of connections. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you…and thank you a few million times more.
Just one more thing. May we ask for some prayer? There are two important items in need of God’s intervention:
1) Student Sponsors. There are 40 or so more kids in need of a sponsor. We were able to offer them some partial help this year but having a sponsor will guarantee full support for next year. Please spread the word. Need more info? Here’s the link. Thank you.
2) The H.I.K.E. 2021. The H.I.K.E. 2020 was cancelled due to travel restrictions. Being our only fund-raiser, having to cancel really hit us where it hurts. We are hoping and praying the UK will be open to visitors from Serbia by September.
Would you join us in these prayers?
Thank you! Be blessed. Be a blessing!
Paul and Mary
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.