It was 2012.  I was putting the cap on twenty years of ministry with Water For Life. It was so easy to serve under their big, established, rooted ministry. Now, I was preparing to "go it alone" in the town where I had lived for 20 years. I was launching ASAPH Teaching Ministry, but it is really not accurate to use the word "I".  WE were launching the ministry together. 

Some things stand out as I reflect on the events of 2012...

1. The people of Pasbwadom have been so positive and helpful to ASAPH. WEC was really there at the very beginning. I had forgotten about that until I saw photos of him wearing an ASAPH T-shirt in 2011, before we even launched the ministry. Wilphar had suggested I start "my own" ministry about 10 years earlier. I laughed at the idea. It was too early.  By 2011, I was finally ready. From pastors to teachers to political leaders, so many leaders encouraged ASAPH. 

We never lacked for students!  Kids came around. Parents sent their kids. Ministry took off.

2. The people of York County have been so positive and helpful to ASAPH. ASAPH's original board of directors made the dream into something real. How amazing it was to me!  Why would people use their time and talents to set up a ministry for people they did not know?  Then, the contributions from friends here in PA have been humbling. The ASAPH brass band is using over 50 brass instruments! They almost all came from PA! 

We never lacked for supplies! When we needed a piece of equipment, it was there!

3. A real joy of being a long-term missionary is the chance to see the growth in people. WEC was a boy in 2012. He was a school student concerned with science tests and soccer games. Now, he is a husband, father, church leader and ASAPH assistant administrator. He is only one story. Pre-schoolers who would hold my hand to walk around in the school yard are now finished with school. Fellow missionary Sam Rice talks about how important growth is. "Whether or not you have this or that going on in your life, the question is are YOU growing?"

ASAPH has seen growth! We changed our logo to express that. 

​
GLORY TO GOD for thirteen years of ministry. The scratchings in the cement at the ASAPH Teaching Center were put there in 2012. They remain relevant today. 

"TGBTG"   

To  God Be The Glory!!!!

Missionaries tend to be connected to many congregations.

A good number of congregations have been generous to ASAPH along the way, but there are several who have been faithfully with us in the ministry year after year.

It is a joy for me to visit those congregations that support ASAPH regularly. I am blessed to feel like I have "home congregations" everywhere I go. Some churches I only really get to see once or twice each year, but they always welcome me and make me feel like I am part of them.

That is a blessing! I never leave a church visit feeling the same. I am always encouraged to continue the ministry of ASAPH. I am always motivated. People share stories about Haiti. People share stories about things I mention. It is a great thing to be a part of the body of Christ. 

I only wish more people could COME AND VISIT us in Haiti. Maybe someday that will be possible again.   

THANK YOU to all you who open your door for ASAPH and who share your own blessings with people who live so far away!!!

Years ago, the ASAPH Brass Band would shut down while I was away. They would rehearse, but nothing more. 

Now, the band receives invitations, responds, plans, travels, plays, and does all of the things necessary to keep the band playing. The five-member committee along with an mature assistant director are leading the band forward...along with ASAPH's assistant administrator and administrative secretary. 

Last weekend, the band played at the opening service for a church conference. TV cameras were there. The scene was quite attractive, from my point of view watching online. There were many fine singing groups. The ASAPH Brass Band offered a song as well..."I BELIEVE". 

On Sunday, they played for another event.

There are still struggles. The band was slated to play the theme song for ASAPH's anniversary celebration last night. That never happened. 

In general, however, it is a great feeling to see the band playing on their own while I am here in the USA.  That can't happen without good leadership.  Pray for the band and its leaders.  

We want the band to SOUND the JOY of the Lord to people in a tired, dark, gloomy place.  




​