AWANA/MISSIONS

Area Bible Fellowship supports the following missionaries and their organizations. We have dedicated giving times during the months of April and October for these missions.

Awana Club International

ABF began using the Awana program in November of 1991. Awana is formed from II Timothy 2: 15, "Study to show yourself Approved unto God, Workmen who Are Not Ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Our program is offered to Kindergarten through 6th grade boys and girls from mid September through mid April. They are divided into two age groups: Sparks (K-2) and Truth and Training (3-6). We meet weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Elder Craig David is the commander and we currently have approximately 35 children each Wednesday. The program is staffed by approximately 20 volunteers each week as well. Each meeting is divided into 5 segments: Opening Ceremony, Game Time, Handbook Time, Council Time, and Closing Ceremony. Awana is a world-wide nonprofit ministry focused on providing Bible-based evangelism and discipleship solutions for ages 2-18. As the global leader in child and youth discipleship, Awana gives children the opportunity to know, love and serve Jesus, no matter their background. Awana provides a local church a sponsored program for children where they can enjoy exciting games and activities, scripture memorization, meet new friends, and learn about God and His Word, the Bible.
For over six decades, the Lord has used the ministry of Awana to reach kids, equip leaders, and change the world. The unchanging truth of the gospel drives the same vision we’ve held all these years to reach children in every corner of the globe as we walk boldly into the future and continue to be used by God to help change the world.
For more information about Awana please visit their website at https://www.awana.org

Missionary Flights International

Area Bible supports MFI through Dick and Linda Snook. Dick and Linda, who were born and raised in Wayne County, Iowa, joined Missionary Flights in 1986. Dick's aviation background was gained while he served in the USAF including a year in Vietnam. In Vietnam, Dick was a crew chief on the EC-47 which is the military version of the DC-3. After returning to Iowa, Dick earned all of the necessary pilot and mechanic ratings which qualified him to serve with MFI. During the first few years, Dick served along side founder Don Beldin. Dick's wife, Linda, served in the office as well. When Don Beldin retired, Dick became the president for the next 21 years. In 2015 Dick and Linda passed the leadership baton over to Joe Karabensh. As President Emeritus, Dick and Linda began to travel for MFI, visiting churches and other supporters of the ministry, as well as hosting banquets. On June 1st, Dick and Linda will begin 35 years of service to the Lord and MFI. They continue to travel and represent the ministry. Don Beldin was just one man flying a small single-engine airplane in the 1960s for Youth for Christ evangelism in the Bahamas. Responding to need, Don began transporting other missionaries and equipment in his plane. In 1964, the Lord guided Don to incorporate Missionary Flights International (MFI) to meet the growing needs of Bible-centered missions. The need for air service increased, so MFI acquired larger planes and added new countries.
After 42 years in West Palm Beach, MFI moved to Fort Pierce, FL in 2006. Today, MFI operates out of two hangars flying turbine-powered DC-3s to meet the needs of over 500 missions in the Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and wherever the Lord directs. About 300 tons of cargo and 4,000 Christian workers are transported every year. More information can be found on their webiste: https://www.missionaryflights.org

Hearts of Hope

Area Bible Fellowship supports Dean and Mary Ewing and their organization, Hearts of Hope. Dean and Mary operate the ministry from their home in Gainesville, Florida. They have six children ranging from age 11 – 26. Hearts of Hope, Inc. is a non-profit organization started by Dean and Mary Ewing in 2008 for the purpose of helping our Christian brothers and sisters around the world as they seek to minister to the least of these around them. Currently, we work in Haiti, Philippines, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Liberia, Cameroon and Ghana. We work through native pastors and missionaries who are very effective in reaching their own people because they know and understand their own culture. The work we do in each country is different, but includes supporting churches, supporting Christian schools, supporting a medical clinic, helping orphans, street children, widows, those vulnerable to trafficking, displaced persons and lepers. The message of the gospel is central to the work of each of our partners and they seek to share the gospel as a part of their ministries. For more information about Hearts of Hope please visit their website at: www.heartsofhopeministry.com

Brazil Gospel Fellowship Missions

The BGFM ministry began in 1939 in Sobral, Ceara located in Northeast Brazil. The Mission was officially organized in 1945 and incorporated in the State of Illinois in 1955. In the 40s and 50s, missionary ministries in Brazil were difficult due to religious opposition and unimproved roads. However, during those years a good number heard the Gospel and small churches were established along with special training schools for men and women. God has richly blessed the BGFM with 31 families and 7 singles serving as missionaries. At present, we minister in the states of Ceara, Alagos, Rio Grande do Norte and Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Bahia and São Paulo. One couple is church planting in Portugal. State-side we have two couples serving in the Home Office, along with a part-time administrative assistant, and one couple on loan to another ministry.
 Together with our Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ, we continue to reach out to Brazilians with the Gospel message. For more information visit their website at https://www.bgfmission.com

Training Leaders International

ABF supports Mike Evans who serves as an International Trainer with Training Leaders International. Mike and Jill make their home in Minneapolis, MN and were part of the group who started ABF. Mike can be reached at mike.evans@trainingleadersinternagional.org and his blog can be found at faithful-leaders.comLet us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Heb.10:23 Training Leaders International exists to establish and strengthen local churches and their leaders around the world. The growing gap in theological education leaves the global church susceptible to false teaching, decay, and collapse. We offer solid training that is culturally appropriate, effective, and reproducible. Training Leaders International mentors and sends pastors, seminary professors, and graduate students to bring theological education around the world through modular training, long-term sending to seminaries and international churches, and school planting. For more information about TLI please visit their website at: https://trainingleadersinternational.org

Mark 16:15

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.