We are currently in the USA raising our budget to return to Vanuatu in August of 2017. Just because we are away from Joy Bible Institute doesn’t mean the ministry is put on hold, but rather replacement teachers are needed so classes and ministries can continue.
We are so pleased to let you know that Ray and Becki Sparre, along with their son Thano, have been approved by MAPS to go to Vanuatu for 3 months and teach at Joy Bible Institute. The Sparre family spent many years as AGWM missionaries in both the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. This is wonderful news not only to us but also to our JBI teachers, Pastor Philip Naias and Pastor Kiel Maimai, who have been carrying a heavy workload in our absence.
The Sparres will leave for Vanuatu in a few short weeks and urgently need financial support for airplane tickets and living expenses. If you would like to support them, I know it would be appreciated. Please read the following to know more about these wonderful people and how to help them.
A LITTLE HISTORY:
When Ray and Becki told me what they had decided to do a few weeks ago, I felt moved to get involved in the process of supporting their venture. Ray and Becki spent 28 years as missionaries in the Islands of the Pacific. They were just finishing a four year term of service in Vanuatu in 2001 when they received word that their two sons were involved in a serious motorcycle accident stateside. Their youngest son, Thano, suffered permanent brain damage in that accident, which brought an end to the Sparres island missionary work.
Shortly after they returned to Oregon, the Sparres moved to acreage near Molalla where Ray proceeded to set up his own portable saw milling business. He has used his hands and artistic talents to provide for his family through milling, construction and sign painting.
AN EXCITING CALL:
Just a few weeks ago they received a call asking them to consider a three month mission trip to fill a vacancy in the Bible School on Vanuatu for the Spring semester. Even though this would be a completely voluntary service with no financial compensation, Ray and Becki felt moved in their spirits that it was of God. They made the decision to go, with only a few weeks to prepare.
HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE FACING:
- Ray will have to continue to work and fulfill his business commitments right up until their departure at the end of February. This leaves them with virtually no time to itinerate and raise funds for the mission.
- Income from Ray’s work will stop completely for March, April & May while they are abroad.
- Their mortgage payment and other monthly obligations will continue stateside.
- They will have to raise over $5,000 for round trip airfare for Ray, Becki and Thano.
- Insurance required by the Missions Department amounts to nearly $1200.
- While serving in Vanuatu they will be provided a house and vehicle, but will be responsible for their own food, gas and other miscellaneous personal expenses.
Ray estimates that the total budget for the 3 month mission will be about $15,000.
Ray and Becki have received official approval through the Assemblies of God Missions Department for this short term mission. MAPS will issue tax deductible receipts for contributions, but will not be processing or disbursing funds.
HERE’S HOW THE CONTRIBUTION PROCESS WILL WORK:
- A separate bank account has been set up for this missions trip
- Checks for this mission should be made payable to: “Ray Sparre / Vanuatu Mission”
- Contributions should be mailed to:
Elvin Huston
20 Brophy Way #18
Shady Cove, OR 97539
- Hustons will deposit all checks into Sparre’s Vanuatu Mission account
- A record of each contribution will be forwarded to the A/G Missions Department
- The A/G Missions Department will issue tax deductible receipts for each donation
- Ray and Becki will be able to access funds as needed via a bank card while on the field
This letter is not intended to convey an expectation or to produce a feeling of obligation on anyone. Our purpose is to make you aware of what the Sparre’s feel called to do, and let you know how you can participate financially if you feel the Lord’s prompting to do so.
Eunice and I have purposed to make a one time gift to help with the initial cost in getting to the field, followed by a monthly contribution for March, April and May. I am also hoping to create a place on our nc60salumni.com website where you can see pictures and reports from the Sparre’s while they are on their mission. There may also be some reports and pictures postings on facebook for those who are facebook friends.
Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy email. Please feel free to email us if you have any questions.
Laborers together,
Elvin & Eunice Huston
Vision for Vanuatu 