Under the Tree: 2011

NEWSLETTER, SUMMER 2011

SUMMERTIME!

Schools out,pools open, Pop-Pop’s Beach house is booked and the streets of Coatesville are buzzing. My favorite thing about summer is seeing Coatesville come to life; there is an incredible sense of community here, where connecting with others happens in the most unusual and natural ways! As far as the family, Ian (9yrs old) just finished 3rd grade, Luke (7yrs) finished up 1st grade and Spring T-ball, and Maddie (3yrs old) will start pre-school this fall. She loves dancing and singing (even if it is at 6am!). The most exciting change for the kids is our new dog, Mandisa. Please keep us in prayer this summer; that we would remain faithful to spending time in His presence, and with each other as a couple and family.

WE GOT OUT!

After a year and a few months of working in our home with core leadership of Bridgetown Fellowship, this spring we launched Community Groups in Coatesville and Modena and Sunday Celebrations at the CYWA! Please keep the community groups in prayer as much of the evangelism, discipleship and community renewal is happening through these groups. Some groups are planning community clean ups and beautification, neighborhood outreaches, and other ways of engaging in community transformation.

DISCOVERED!

It was only a matter of time. Stef has been facilitating and teaching Elijah House Schools for 8yrs now,and more recently has taught live schools in GA and WA, as well as the ones here in Coatesville. This spring Elijah House leaders asked Stef to come to Washington State to be part of their taping for the new video schools that will be released in 2012 and distributed internationally! We praise God for providing opportunities for Stef to use her gifts to minister biblical principles of healing to the body of Christ! In the local Elijah House Schools, Stef continues to oversee a leadership team from Bridgetown and other Coatesville-based churches that are running Basic I and Basic II schools throughout the year.

HOPE BEYOND BORDERS

It’s been a year of slow progress and transitions in Zambia, Africa, and we are hopeful for the new season emerging. During the past six months we assisted in establishing the Mango Tree as their own Non-Profit/NGO and appointed a local pastor as the new Executive Director. *Prayer: Please keep them in prayer as they look to re-build and re-launch some of the initiatives in Kaombe!

The church in Post-Apartheid South Africa faces many challenges toward becoming “one” so that people might know Jesus is the Christ (John 17). This summer HBB leadership is looking to establish partnerships in S.A. to assist with breaking down the dividing walls of racial hostility and injustice. *Prayer: Please pray for wisdom and divine guidance in this process! Locally, HBB continues to work alongside of Bridgetown Fellowship in several emerging initiatives. For more info, check out www.hopebeyondborders.org

YOU MAKE THIS POSSIBLE

We are so grateful for your ongoing partnership and support that allows us to continue doing the work of the Gospel here in Coatesville and beyond. Your faithfulness encourages us to press on in the work we are called to. Thanks for partnering with us and have a great summer!

The Wilsons

Newsletter, Christmas 2010

There is seldom a dull moment in the Wilson home...and 2010 was no exception! We have a lot to be thankful for in this past year and without further pause, here's a handful of family and ministry highlights:

Ian and Luke getting ready for our friend Megan's wedding last spring.

A Wilson family tradition is going to "Pop-Pop's" beach house. Each summer we spend a week with Steve's family (pushing 17 in all)...Yes, it's pure insanity :)

Birthdays are always a highlight. Ian is now 8, Luke is 6 and Madeline is 2 3/4 :)

In November we escaped to our accountant/friend's mountain home where the boys went bus jumping and played in the snow, while Maddie played it safe and warm. Thanks Milly and Merle!

I can't mention 2010 highlights without letting you drool over Stef's food. Really, does anyone get this kind of fare at their own dining room table?

During HBB's annual trip to Zambia, Africa we witnessed the village complete a 2 year HBB assisted water project. With over 15 water taps, this project provides water to over 4,000 people in four villages!
Additional highlights included baptisms, preaching, project overviews, and the start of construction at the new Mango Tree site. Check out the slide show below:

"Africa, 2010"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

At the beginning of 2010 we launched "Bridgetown Fellowship Church," a community committed to following Christ, and through Him, seeing the realities of God's Kingdom present in His Church today. With growing numbers, we are looking for a facility in the New Year to house the church and the community development initiatives of Bridgetown and Hope Beyond Borders.

Using Hope Beyond Borders as a platform, the Bridgetown community and other Coatesville based ministries and leaders, continued a number of community development initiatives, including a community meal, Soap for Hope, and Polish Water Ice Micro-Business. Through these initiatives, youth are taught valuable leadership skills and trained in basic business principles, while being mentored by an adult. (for more info on these initiatives, visit www.hopebeyondborders.org)

Stef taught at an Elijah House conference in Georgia this fall and ran three schools this year with people attending from over 6 different Chester County churches! God is doing an amazing work through these courses as people are being set free from past hurts and addictions and released into the fullness that Christ intends for us.

As we reflect on this past year, our hearts rejoice. We have confidence and peace in knowing that we are fulfilling God's purposes for us here in Coatesville... and beyond. Thank you, friends and family, for your offerings of prayer and support over this past year~ We love and appreciate you!