[ Prayer ]

As the year draws closer to an end and a new year is beginning, my heart burns more and more as the day becomes closer when I can finally be back home. Home, that is, Africa. I am still awaiting to hear from a few different mission organizations on acceptance to their mission. In addition, I have also been speaking with quite a few schools directly in Nairobi, Kenya. I have been received very very well from these schools. I know that I will not have a problem finding a position in a school, it is the mission organization acceptance that I am currently waiting on.

What does a mission organization do? Well, that is a good question! Basically the mission organization holds onto your money while over seas, making sure it is in a safe place. In addition, they do the paperwork for your visa/work permit, airplane tickets, and international health insurance. The paperwork is quite tedious, so it is much easier for a mission organization to take care of that. In addition, they contact the schools and host families for you. Usually mission organizations take between 10 to 14 percent of all of your funds for the cost of paperwork and organizing. This does seem like a big percentage, but when it comes down to it, they are saving time for missionaries so that they can do more field work.
This is a big deal to make sure that I pick the correct one.
Without a doubt, I have full faith in God that He will direct me to the right place to begin this wonderful vision He has set upon my heart. I pray constantly that His Will shall be done and not my own. Please be in prayer with me for God's direction in my life and God's direction in yours as well!

Thank you for your ongoing prayers!

In Christ,
melissa a brown

It's All You Can Eat!

A small group (Sommer's Wheat Group) from Harvest Baptist Church and KAH Meats of Wapakoneta put together a fantastic fundraisor through flipping pancakes and cooking sausage! This spectacular group of people got up early to make pancakes and sausage to support Open Door Ministries (raising money so that I can teach in a school in Africa!). (right: Mike Sommers)

It was a wonderful turnout and there was at least a couple hundred people who came out to support me and God's future ministry in east Africa. It was quite overwhelming to watch crowds come walking through the door who were willing to donate time and money to further God's kingdom.

Not only were there people from this small group, but a variety of other volunteers from the church who came early to help set up tables and chairs. It was remarkable! It truly touched my heart to see others join with me as part of this team. In the end, we are all taking part of God's purpose through serving! (Below: Sommer's Wheat Group)


With help the help of all these amazing volunteers, members of Harvest Baptist Church, and the Wapak community, they raised over $1500! I sincerly felt like my knees were going to give when we added up the grand total. I want to personally thank everyone who came out to support me and God's vision! You all are truly a blessing and I assure you that you will be blessed in return for blessing others!

MAY ALL THE HONOUR AND GLORY GO TO OUR GREAT GOD!