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As a church, Creekside supports over 14 missionaries and missions projects all over the world. Most of our mission projects are spear-headed by the passions and heart-beats of those within our congregation. Take the opportunity to become familiar with the many Creekside connections. Get to know our friends around the world in ministry, pray for them, and consider the opportunity to experience the joy of becoming partners in giving.

These are the long-term missionaries and projects that Creekside supports. Click on the names to read their stories...

Brandon & Shannon Bleek

Ministry: Student Internship Program Director
Creekside Contact: Brandon Bleek
Contact Info: www.cotni.org, www.bleeksinthedr.blogspot.com 

Brandon and Shannon Bleek are newlyweds, and have also recently accepted the call to serve God with Children of the Nations (COTN). The ministry of COTN provides responsible care and educational opportunities to orphaned and desolate children in a Christ-centered environment in the African countries of Malawi, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and in the Dominican Republic. Brandon has recently come on staff, as Internship Program Director, to implement the COTN internship mission to equip and empower a global movement of college students to mentor these children into leaders who will transform their nations. These trips also provide cross-cultural opportunities and development for interns to expand their gifts, skills and spiritual vision. College students spend their summer breaks working with the children in the four target countries.

The Bleeks live in Washington. Brandon and Shannon have experience and passion for serving youth. Brandon has worked with college students in cross-cultural missions since graduating from college in 2000. Shannon continues her love of teaching as a seventh grade science teacher.

  • Pray for the Bleeks as they continue to raise their support for Brandon’s salary.
  • Pray that the formation of Brandon’s new job description would use Brandon’s gifts and passions to best serve the ministry and God’s purpose for him.
  • Pray that the college interns would be significantly touched by God as they experience new cultures and see the world’s needs this summer.

Jay & Linda Cruze

Jamaica

Ministry: Cool Water Ministries
Creekside Contact: Jennifer Cruze
Contact Info: www.coolwaterjamaica.org

Jay and Linda Cruze started Cool Water Ministries in Mandeville, Jamaica, West Indies, in 2005 after serving for three years at Central Jamaica Bible College and several local orphanages.

In 2005, the Cruzes opened their Cool Water Ministries resident facility for the forgotten young men leaving children's homes or disadvantaged situations. Cool Water Ministries is a safe place where these young men can prepare for their transition into mainstream society. Since most of these young men come to Cool Water Ministries with limited education or job related skills, the Cruzes focus on developing, equipping, and mentoring these men in academic, spiritual, leadership and life skills. At the close of their time with Cool Water Ministries, each student will have been equipped and guided onto the proper path where he can reach his full potential in God and positively influence his nation’s future.

In addition to providing for young men in their home, Jay and Linda provide assistance to their community. Jay is involved with supporting and equipping a number of national pastors as well as leading a men’s mentoring program. Recently, with assistance from two American nurses, Cool Water Ministries sponsored a medical clinic to one of the poor rural areas where people have limited access to basic medical care. In addition, they have coordinated several summer Vacation Bible Schools in nearby communities for churches. Their ministry extends to influencing, mentoring and teaching youth in community schools and sports programs.

Prayer Requests:

  • Spiritual, emotional and physical health for their immediate and extended family, and the young men in the CWM program.
  • The new class of boys to adjust and be transformed by God’s grace.
  • The second year boys to rise up to their new responsibilities and to grow in their faith and confidence.
  • God’s guidance and wisdom as to the growth and direction of Cool Water Ministries.
  • Funds to repair and restore the recently purchased ministry house. Funds and guidance as to building classrooms, a computer lab and a house for the Cruze family on the property.
  • The process of starting a Jamaican Limited Liability Company, and establishing Cool Water Ministries as a Jamaican charity to go smoothly. Jay and Linda’s process to attain residency and citizenship to go in a timely manner.
Update: June 2008

Dan & Oksana Johnson

Ministry:  New Life Radio, Russia
Contact Info: www.christianradiorussia.org

“New Life Radio began as Russia's first Christian FM radio station in 1996. Seeking to aid the development of Christian broadcasting nationwide, New Life Radio-Moscow began satellite broadcasting in 2000 from studios located next to Red Square and the Kremlin.

“New Life Radio is a non-denominational media resource, of service to the entire Christian community, offering free airtime to domestic Christian programmers, and free satellite reception to any listener. Christian Radio for Russia’s mission is to subsidize this satellite network, while working to expand New Life Radio's reach to Slavic communities worldwide that desire Christian radio programming in the Russian language.”

  • Pray that New Life Radio will be able to expand service to new areas.
  • Pray for the finances to continue the ministry.
  • Pray for unity among and support from the churches served by this ministry.

John & Letha Kerl

John & Letha Kerl

Ministry: Covenant World Mission, Europe
Contact Info: John Kerl

John and Letha Kerl have been Covenant missionaries since 1988 and worked for many years in holistic family ministry in Mexico. Presently, the Kerls are serving as Regional Coordinators for the Covenant mission work in Europe. Their responsibilities include care for and supervision of missionary personnel as well as creating partnerships with national church leaders on wide-ranging approaches to evangelism and discipleship. The Kerls live in Lyon, France, and have three children.

  • Pray for the John and Letha’s youngest child who is attending Black Forest Academy in Germany.
  • Pray for the Kerls as they adjust to a culture that is quite closed to the gospel.
  • Pray for effectiveness in their ministry.
  • Pray for spiritual growth in their personal lives.

Dave & Audry Waines

Ministry: Preventative Healthcare and Education, Evangelism, Refugees, Orphans, Justice
Creekside Contacts: Mac and Debbie Taylor
Contact Info: www.equipliberia.org, davewaines@yahoo.ca

The mission of EQUIP Liberia is to practically demonstrate the good news and love of Christ in order to bring the war-affected, impoverished people of Liberia healing, hope and fullness of life.

EQUIP Liberia is a Christian non-profit relief and development organization specializing in training and equipping local churches and community groups to transform their own communities through integrated, holistic community health projects.

In addition, EQUIP Liberia has recently launched a new program called Access to Justice and Human Rights Protection. Community Health Ambassadors as well as other volunteers are being trained, mobilized and empowered to stand up for justice and prevent crime and abuse in their communities.

  • Pray for physical and spiritual protection for the Waines and other volunteers working for justice.
  • Pray for continued success for the Community Health Ambassadors who work tirelessly to improve health through prevention. Pray for open hearts as they share the good news about Jesus.
  • Pray for health, energy and encouragement for the Waines in their daily responsibilities.

Dr. Christopher Zoolkoski

Ministry: Medical Work in a Muslim country
Creekside Contact: Patty Coster
Contact Info:  Dr. Christopher Zoolkoski
Galmi Hospital, Niger, West Africa, www.galmi.org
 

Dr. Christopher Zoolkoski serves with SIM at Galmi Hospital in Niger, West Africa. Chris has been actively involved in his community with the desire to facilitate both physical healing and spiritual transformation in his patients and neighbors. Chris’ wife Helene passed away July 29, 2007. Presently, Chris is on home-assignment in Oregon with his three children. They hope to return to Niger in the summer of 2008.

  • Pray for opportunities to share their faith.
  • Pray for spiritual, emotional and physical health as well as comfort in the loss of Helene.
  • Pray for wisdom in making decisions about the future.
  • Pray for Chris as he balances work and ministry with being a single parent.

“SIM is a community of God's people who delight to worship him and are passionate about the Gospel, seeking to . . . . glorify God by planting, strengthening, and partnering with churches around the world.” www.sim.org

Agros International

Guatemala

Ministry: Holistic community development through land ownership
Creekside Contacts: Mac and Debbie Taylor
Contact Info: Rebecca Bundy, www.agros.org

Agros International works to break the cycle of poverty and bring dignity and hope to people in Central America through land ownership. Individuals, churches and businesses are invited to sponsor new farming villages for a five-year period. During this time, land is purchased, applicants are screened and chosen, and villages are formed. The new farmers receive assistance from an agronomist to help them develop the best sustainable farming practices. They also receive guidance on how to start small businesses to supplement their farming income. The goal is for the villagers to be self-sufficient and able to begin paying back their loans at the end of the five-year period.

Villa Linda, Guatemala, was established in 2005 and is making good progress towards their goals. Trace and Rebecca Bundy have partnered with this village of 20 families and plan to come alongside them with encouragement and support in the form of finances and service trips. Creekside has committed to assist the Bundys in this venture.

  • Pray that the Lord will continue to provide all that is needed to make this village successful.
  • Pray for healthy community relationships and villagers who love Jesus and are growing in their faith.

Project Updates: Autumn 2007, Winter 2007

Christ for the City International

Mexico, Latin America

Ministry: Orphanages
Creekside Contact: Mac Taylor
Contact Info: www.cfci.org

Creekside supports Christ for the City orphanages in Tijuana, Mexico.

EMANUEL HOMES orphanages provide a home and hope for more than 100 children ages 3 – 20 from the streets. Most of these children give their young bodies to prostitution just to survive. CFCI has a group of men who walk the red light district on the weekends to reach kids with the message of hope through Christ. They are invited to leave the streets and join one of the boys or girls homes. There they find lots of love that comes along with food, clean clothes, a nice bed, an education, a chance to heal and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for the at-risk boys and girls in Tijuana in the CFCI orphanages, that they would be able to say "no" to drugs, stealing and prostitution and be protected from abuse.
  • Pray that they would instead give their lives to Jesus.
  • Pray for loving staff to work with these children.

Covenant World Relief

Ministry: Relief and Development
Contact Info: www.covchurch.org/cwr

“Established in 1946, Covenant World Relief has served as the international humanitarian aid and development arm of the Evangelical Covenant Church (in times of extreme need it also does USA domestic disaster response). Our charge is to assist the “poorest of the poor” by offering relief, rehabilitation and development.

“Covenant World Relief is an effective, efficient, respected and flexible humanitarian aid ministry in Christ’s name, with a sixty year history. CWR works through local churches, collaborations, and partnerships. This increases local presence in service, controls and reduces overhead, empowers local ministry, and grants immediate response to disaster and human suffering.”

  • Pray that aid given will be effective in alleviating human suffering.
  • Pray that people will hear the good news of Jesus Christ and chose to follow Him as a result of receiving humanitarian aid.
  • Pray that the church will continue to be compassionate and generous to those who are suffering around the world.

Kids Alive International

Dominican Republic, Latin America

Ministry: Rescuing Children: Education, Orphanages, Child Sponsorships
Creekside Contact: Mac Taylor
Contact Info: www.kidsalive.org

Creekside has sent a number of teams to help with construction and other projects at a Kids Alive orphanage and school in the Dominican Republic.

  • Pray that the children who live and/or attend school at Kids Alive facilities will grow in wisdom and knowledge and in the grace of God.
  • Pray for that the staff will have patience, love and wisdom in training these children.
  • Sponsor a child through Kids Alive, www.kidsalive.org/chcsp.htm

The Mosaics Project

Europe

Ministry: Sensitive Cultures in the European and Mediterranean Regions
Contact: prayformosaics@yahoo.com, www.andresjourney.info/andres

Some Amazing Facts:

  • God is moving in the "focus" world with tremendous opportunity for the Gospel.
  • Immigration is opening up new opportunities.
  • Immigration plus birthrates in Europe are shifting this generation from the historic Christian background that formerly characterized the majority of the population.

Goals and Objectives of the Mosaics Project:

  • Develop ministry sites for "focus" people in Europe and US
  • Discern call [aka: recruit] with new workers for the project
  • Develop training and mentoring
  • Engage "focus friends" with the Gospel

Prayer requests:

  • Strategy and training for new workers as the project expands and develops
  • Good relationships with "focus friends" that we engage with the Gospel
  • Hosting local church sites on the field and in U.S. for new ministry opportunities

Slavic Covenant Connections

Russia and Ukraine

Ministry: Orphan Care, Summer Camps
Creekside Contact: Mike and Linda McAllister
Opportunities: Joint partnership with Russian and Ukrainian Churches, and orphan ministry organizations.

Creekside has been involved in a growing outreach to Russian orphanages for the past few summers. This ministry has included a summer camp for orphan children and ongoing connections with churches and orphanages in this region.

In 2007, we had the opportunity to expand the orphan outreach to the Ukraine. We partnered with Safe Haven, an orphan ministry organization in the Ukraine, assisting with a summer camp for high school graduates in a Ukrainian transitional home. Possibilities for the future include a similar ministry in Russia for teens who graduate from the orphanages and are in need of support.

  • Pray for God's leading and direction with the orphan ministry.
  • Pray for an effective Christian outreach to Russian and Ukrainian orphans, that they will accept God's leading in their lives.

World Vision

Africa, Sub-Sahara

Ministry: HIV/AIDS Hope Initiative
Creekside Contact: Linda Duim
Contact Info: www.wovpugetsound.org

World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities reach their potential by tackling the causes of poverty. Assisting families affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis is one of World Vision’s top priorities. Puget Sound Women of Vision, a volunteer ministry of World Vision, has an ongoing community partnership with several villages in Zambia. Two of their programs, the AIDS Walk for Orphans and Caregiver Kits, have been supported by Creekside and help transform areas deeply affected by the AIDS pandemic and a severe lack of basic necessities.

  • It is estimated that a child is orphaned by AIDS at a rate of one every 14 seconds. Pray that God will protect and provide for the needs of these orphans. Pray for the 40 million people around the world that are suffering from AIDS.
  • Pray that churches and donors would respond to this pandemic with prayers and financial support.
  • Pray for the World Vision staff around the world that is helping AIDS victims and their families.

Young Life, Redmond WA

Ministry: Young Life
Creekside Contacts: Peder Brakke, Becky & JD Watson
Contact Info: www.northlakeWA.younglife.org
Opportunities: Committed Leaders (all ages), Adult Committee (encouragement to leaders, financial development, community networking), Monthly Financial Support

In Redmond we have one high school and two junior high schools (Redmond and Evergreen)... nearly 3,000 kids in all. We want to reach each and every kid in these schools with the good news of Jesus Christ and it takes a community to do it. It takes sacrificial leaders, caring adults, financial support, and the churches in Redmond to rally around this mission to reach the disinterested and unchurched in our public schools. We're continually building, training, and leading folks to enter the world of kids, build friendships, sit with kids when they hurt, and offer them hope that can be found in Jesus. Everyone has a place in this mission.

  • Pray that our leaders will be placed in relationship with disinterested and unchurched kids and have an opportunity to allow God speak through them, as they share not only their lives but the Gospel of Jesus as well.
  • Pray that the relationships we build will lead to mountaintop experiences at Club and Camp (Malibu & Wildhorse Canyon). Pray also that we can come down from the mountain and continue a lifetime of walking alongside kids, pointing them to Christ as he is proclaimed in the Scriptures.
  • Pray that new folks will have a passion and calling to this incarnational and relational mission.