| Tri-County Bible Church Mission Team Brazil 2008 |
| July 25 - August 3 |
Phil Conrad
I serve as the Youth Leader for Tri-County Bible Church and also work as
a computer programmer at a nearby University. I like baseball and
basketball and enjoy music and playing guitar. One of my favorite verses
is II Corinthians 2:14. I am going to Brazil because I want to serve the
Lord in support of our missionaries. I also want to allow God to work in my
life and open my eyes to His work.
I serve as the Youth Leader for Tri-County Bible Church and also work as
a computer programmer at a nearby University. I like baseball and
basketball and enjoy music and playing guitar. One of my favorite verses
is II Corinthians 2:14. I am going to Brazil because I want to serve the
Lord in support of our missionaries. I also want to allow God to work in my
life and open my eyes to His work.
Denise Gillespie
I am a mom of three children (two boys and a girl). Our daughter (Kendra)
is a part of the group coming to Brazil . I work with my husband Tom in our
own business (a swine veterinarian clinic). I keep all of the business
books, take care of invoices and billings and order all the “pig” medicine
that our clients use. I like to travel, read, scrapbook pictures of our family
and spend time with my family. I love the Lord and am looking forward to
my first missions trip to serve others and tell them of Jesus. A verse since
I have been in college that has served me well is Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 : Trust
in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy
paths.
I am a mom of three children (two boys and a girl). Our daughter (Kendra)
is a part of the group coming to Brazil . I work with my husband Tom in our
own business (a swine veterinarian clinic). I keep all of the business
books, take care of invoices and billings and order all the “pig” medicine
that our clients use. I like to travel, read, scrapbook pictures of our family
and spend time with my family. I love the Lord and am looking forward to
my first missions trip to serve others and tell them of Jesus. A verse since
I have been in college that has served me well is Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 : Trust
in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy
paths.
Kendra Gillespie
I have a bubbly personality and I always like to have fun. I love playing
golf and have played on my high school team for the past 3 years. I love
being outdoors and playing with my dog, Buttercup. I have two older
brothers who are awesome and even though they tease me I still love
them. What gets me through the day is knowing God is always there for
me. The reason I am going on this trip is to spread God's word and just
understand what life is like for other people.
I have a bubbly personality and I always like to have fun. I love playing
golf and have played on my high school team for the past 3 years. I love
being outdoors and playing with my dog, Buttercup. I have two older
brothers who are awesome and even though they tease me I still love
them. What gets me through the day is knowing God is always there for
me. The reason I am going on this trip is to spread God's word and just
understand what life is like for other people.
Tom Gillespie
I own and founded Rensselaer Swine Services. I consult with swine
operations worldwide and have been very involved in the swine industry
since my 4-H years on a hog and grain farm. My wife, Denise, and I live in
Rensselaer and have three kids. My hobbies include gardening (especially
growing roses), spending time with my family, shooting sports, camping
and fishing. My favorite verse for many years is from Romans 1:20 For
since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal
power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood
from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
I own and founded Rensselaer Swine Services. I consult with swine
operations worldwide and have been very involved in the swine industry
since my 4-H years on a hog and grain farm. My wife, Denise, and I live in
Rensselaer and have three kids. My hobbies include gardening (especially
growing roses), spending time with my family, shooting sports, camping
and fishing. My favorite verse for many years is from Romans 1:20 For
since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal
power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood
from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Jake Goodman
I am 16 years old and I am a sophomore in high school. I play basketball
and hope to get a scholarship to play basketball in college. One of my
favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6. It has been a verse that has help
guided me in my walk. I am going to Brazil because I feel God is leading
me to grow in the area of evangelism. I also feel that I will be able to be
of help to the missionaries and the Brazilians.
I am 16 years old and I am a sophomore in high school. I play basketball
and hope to get a scholarship to play basketball in college. One of my
favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6. It has been a verse that has help
guided me in my walk. I am going to Brazil because I feel God is leading
me to grow in the area of evangelism. I also feel that I will be able to be
of help to the missionaries and the Brazilians.
Tracy Goodman
I am especially thankful and so excited to be a part of this mission team
from TCBC. I am looking forward to serving the Lord with you in Brazil. I
pray that I will honor the Lord in al lmy ways. Some of my favorite
scripture is Hebrews 12:1-2.
I am especially thankful and so excited to be a part of this mission team
from TCBC. I am looking forward to serving the Lord with you in Brazil. I
pray that I will honor the Lord in al lmy ways. Some of my favorite
scripture is Hebrews 12:1-2.
Jessica Hopper
I’m 15 years old and I love the game of soccer. I read, write, sing,and
act, and do speeches all the time. I’m also homeschooled. I have been a
christian since the age of 3. I love my Lord with all my heart and can’t
wait to share it with another country. One of my favorite Bible verses is
Matthew 28:19. The reason I wanted to go on this mission trip is
because I’ve been considering missions as a career and thought this
would be a great opportunity.
I’m 15 years old and I love the game of soccer. I read, write, sing,and
act, and do speeches all the time. I’m also homeschooled. I have been a
christian since the age of 3. I love my Lord with all my heart and can’t
wait to share it with another country. One of my favorite Bible verses is
Matthew 28:19. The reason I wanted to go on this mission trip is
because I’ve been considering missions as a career and thought this
would be a great opportunity.
Melissa Manning
I am sixteen (will be seventeen when in Brazil!) years old and love to
run. Run time is fun time as we (very, very few) Americans say. I also
play basketball and soccer when I am not in track or cross-country.
Going to Brazil will be a wonderful eye-opener for me and also a perfect
chance for me to work on my communication skills. Hopefully God will use
all in His own perfect way.
I am sixteen (will be seventeen when in Brazil!) years old and love to
run. Run time is fun time as we (very, very few) Americans say. I also
play basketball and soccer when I am not in track or cross-country.
Going to Brazil will be a wonderful eye-opener for me and also a perfect
chance for me to work on my communication skills. Hopefully God will use
all in His own perfect way.
Jon Nagel
I am sixteen years old. I live on a farm. I've been home schooled by my
wonderful parents, all my life. I like shooting, hunting, fishing and
camping. I like to eat. I have known my Savior for nine years and I'm
looking forward to serving Him in Brazil. This will be my first time out of
the country. I hope to get out of my comfort zone, share God's love and
better understand God's will for my life.
I am sixteen years old. I live on a farm. I've been home schooled by my
wonderful parents, all my life. I like shooting, hunting, fishing and
camping. I like to eat. I have known my Savior for nine years and I'm
looking forward to serving Him in Brazil. This will be my first time out of
the country. I hope to get out of my comfort zone, share God's love and
better understand God's will for my life.
Ben Overly
I am 14 years old and am in the eighth grade. I play any sport
somebody will play with me. My favorite verse is probably Matthew 5:3
and it has helped me keep in my place immensely. I am going to Brazil
because I believe God wants me to grow in him and I want to do that
by going to Brazil and helping the missionaries down there, and I think
that something, somewhere, will affect me somehow while I’m down
there.
I am 14 years old and am in the eighth grade. I play any sport
somebody will play with me. My favorite verse is probably Matthew 5:3
and it has helped me keep in my place immensely. I am going to Brazil
because I believe God wants me to grow in him and I want to do that
by going to Brazil and helping the missionaries down there, and I think
that something, somewhere, will affect me somehow while I’m down
there.
Ethan Thomas
15 yr. old high school freshman. A few things I am involved in include
Soccer, Music in Word of Life and in the same band as my brother Kyle,
cleaning the church (bathrooms) and Deer Hunting. My greatest passion
is for unbelievers to become saved. So one of my reasons for going on
the mission trip is to get a better understanding of the mission field to
see if that is something the Lord has called me to do. Second, to serve
others and to share the gospel so more people can come to Jesus and
receive forgiveness of their sins and share among those who are
sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ. My all time favorite verse is John 14:6,
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the Way the Truth and the Life. No one
comes to the Father except through Me.”’
15 yr. old high school freshman. A few things I am involved in include
Soccer, Music in Word of Life and in the same band as my brother Kyle,
cleaning the church (bathrooms) and Deer Hunting. My greatest passion
is for unbelievers to become saved. So one of my reasons for going on
the mission trip is to get a better understanding of the mission field to
see if that is something the Lord has called me to do. Second, to serve
others and to share the gospel so more people can come to Jesus and
receive forgiveness of their sins and share among those who are
sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ. My all time favorite verse is John 14:6,
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the Way the Truth and the Life. No one
comes to the Father except through Me.”’
Kyle Thomas
18 yr. old high school senior-A few things I enjoy that I am involved in
include TCBC Drama Team, Soccer, and music (2008 TCBC Music Intern,
bass player in Christian rock band S.O.S-Saving of Souls). I was called
to go on this trip for two reasons. One, I feel that it is my responsibility
to help advance the gospel in anyway and believe that Servant
Evangelism is a good way to do so. Two, I believe that this trip is
beneficial to improve my service toward others therefore I may work on
my life motto, “It’s Not About Me.” Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:
13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
18 yr. old high school senior-A few things I enjoy that I am involved in
include TCBC Drama Team, Soccer, and music (2008 TCBC Music Intern,
bass player in Christian rock band S.O.S-Saving of Souls). I was called
to go on this trip for two reasons. One, I feel that it is my responsibility
to help advance the gospel in anyway and believe that Servant
Evangelism is a good way to do so. Two, I believe that this trip is
beneficial to improve my service toward others therefore I may work on
my life motto, “It’s Not About Me.” Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:
13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Casey Tillett
I'm an elementary special education teacher, but have a heart for
people of all ages! I enjoy swimming, being with friends and family,
reading, walking, music, and hanging outside with my two cats at my
house. I am involved in many ministries at TCBC; one of them is being a
Senior High DIA (Discipleship In Action) leader in our WOL (Word Of
Life) youth group. I love to learn new things about cultures that are
different from my own, as this will be my 4th overseas Missions trip.
I'm an elementary special education teacher, but have a heart for
people of all ages! I enjoy swimming, being with friends and family,
reading, walking, music, and hanging outside with my two cats at my
house. I am involved in many ministries at TCBC; one of them is being a
Senior High DIA (Discipleship In Action) leader in our WOL (Word Of
Life) youth group. I love to learn new things about cultures that are
different from my own, as this will be my 4th overseas Missions trip.
David Tillett
I am 19 years old, I am a senior this year and next year I will be
coming to New York Word Of Life, I can wait to play soccer and I can
wait to run the VBS. My favorite bible verse is john 3:16.
I am 19 years old, I am a senior this year and next year I will be
coming to New York Word Of Life, I can wait to play soccer and I can
wait to run the VBS. My favorite bible verse is john 3:16.
Katy Urbano
I'm currently finishing up my 8th grade year at Rensselaer Central Middle
School. I love to play sports and sing. I want to go on this Brazil mission
trip because it will be such a life changing experience for me. I know that
it will make me stronger spiritually and help me guide a better path
leading to God. I look forward to helping the less fortunate and hopefully
opening their eyes to God as well.
I'm currently finishing up my 8th grade year at Rensselaer Central Middle
School. I love to play sports and sing. I want to go on this Brazil mission
trip because it will be such a life changing experience for me. I know that
it will make me stronger spiritually and help me guide a better path
leading to God. I look forward to helping the less fortunate and hopefully
opening their eyes to God as well.
Jake West
I am 14 years old and I am in eighth grade. I play basketball, baseball,
and football. One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:13. I am going to
Brazil because I want to learn more about Brazilian culture and grow in
my walk with God while I am there.
I am 14 years old and I am in eighth grade. I play basketball, baseball,
and football. One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:13. I am going to
Brazil because I want to learn more about Brazilian culture and grow in
my walk with God while I am there.
Jessi West
I am 16 years old and I am a sophomore in high school. I enjoy being with
my friends, and playing basketball, softball and golf. My favorite verse is
Jeremiah 29:11 because it gives me confidence that everything that
happens, happens for a reason and God is in control. I am going to Brazil
because I believe God wishes that I would learn to be a better witness
and learn to appreciate all that God has given me. I not only hope to
make an impact in the lives of the Brazilians, but also that God would
radically change me.
I am 16 years old and I am a sophomore in high school. I enjoy being with
my friends, and playing basketball, softball and golf. My favorite verse is
Jeremiah 29:11 because it gives me confidence that everything that
happens, happens for a reason and God is in control. I am going to Brazil
because I believe God wishes that I would learn to be a better witness
and learn to appreciate all that God has given me. I not only hope to
make an impact in the lives of the Brazilians, but also that God would
radically change me.
Lora West
My husband is a co-pastor at Tri-County Bible Church. I serve on the
Women's Ministry Committee and also with the Drama Ministry. I love
being outdoors and I love water sports. I accepted the Lord as my
personal Savior when I was 13 years old. I was not brought up in a
Christian home but God blessed me with several people along the way
that discipled me and helped me to grow in my knowledge and love for
my Savoir. My favorite Bible verse is Psalms 56:11. I am excited about
going to Brazil to show the people that God brings our way the love of
God and let them know that there are people in America that care about
them and where they will spend eternity. I also desire to be used by God
to minister to and with the teens from TCBC. I also pray that God will use
this trip in my life to grow me in my love and knowledge of God.
My husband is a co-pastor at Tri-County Bible Church. I serve on the
Women's Ministry Committee and also with the Drama Ministry. I love
being outdoors and I love water sports. I accepted the Lord as my
personal Savior when I was 13 years old. I was not brought up in a
Christian home but God blessed me with several people along the way
that discipled me and helped me to grow in my knowledge and love for
my Savoir. My favorite Bible verse is Psalms 56:11. I am excited about
going to Brazil to show the people that God brings our way the love of
God and let them know that there are people in America that care about
them and where they will spend eternity. I also desire to be used by God
to minister to and with the teens from TCBC. I also pray that God will use
this trip in my life to grow me in my love and knowledge of God.
Jim West
I am co-pastor at Tri-County Bible Church. I have served at TCBC for 1
1/2 years. My hobby is sports, which I love to play and coach. I love the
interaction and the avenue to share Christ with others. I was saved at
the age of 15 and surrendered my life to full time Christian service when I
was 26. My favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 4:29. I desire to go to Brazil
on the mission's trip to allow God to grow me in my love for people as I
grow in my love for Him and pray that God would use me to share His
love with them.
I am co-pastor at Tri-County Bible Church. I have served at TCBC for 1
1/2 years. My hobby is sports, which I love to play and coach. I love the
interaction and the avenue to share Christ with others. I was saved at
the age of 15 and surrendered my life to full time Christian service when I
was 26. My favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 4:29. I desire to go to Brazil
on the mission's trip to allow God to grow me in my love for people as I
grow in my love for Him and pray that God would use me to share His
love with them.
