Happy New Year!
Friends and Family we have been so honored that you would choose to journey with us in life and ministry through the investment of your prayers, encouragement, finances, spiritual gifts, and unique blessings.
We hope this finds you well in this season. This last couple months has been a whirlwind of highs and lows. However, we were blessed to finish this year strong by going to the Urbana Missions Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. At this conference we got to encourage so many young adults forward in their passion for Jesus and His mission. We were so encouraged by this opportunity and to worship with believers from many nations around the world.
We have had the ability to go to the Middle East for a month in November-December. It was incredible for us to be a part of the Lord’s movement in the nations of the world. Being able to help locals start new Kingdom businesses, encourage long-term workers forward in ministry, bless kids with Christmas presents, and simply “love the least of these” has been a true joy in our hearts. We are here to tell you that the church is alive and well, the believers are being steadfast amidst the challenges, and we need to continue to fan into flame the work through prayer and giving!
This month Andrew will be transitioning out of his role at Adventures in Missions. Andrew initially accepted this position at Adventures nearing 2.5 years ago. He had a key skill set needed to rebuild the Short-Term Missions Department and build relationship with youth pastors. His role took on many many different facets of the ministry from budgets, training leaders, scheduling leaders on trips, leading vision trips, etc. He’s helped the program grow 300% last year and another 100% this year. He’s also been actively recruiting for passionate individuals to join our team. When Andrew & I come on staff there were 4 of us. We are so encouraged to say that our team has grown to 12 team members and a hand full more hopefully joining us by this summer. Andrew’s one big role has been slowly and strategically delegated amongst other team members who are gifted to do such a role.
It’s a joy to see where one has been, but also very exciting to see where one will be going. As Andrew steps out of his role at Adventures in Missions, he will be stepping into a season of developing as a leader in the business space. His heart is to grow in leadership and business strategy to better educate, equip, and fund businesses in the 10/40 window to expand the Kingdom of God.
Emily will be continuing her work with Adventures in Missions. Your continued support financially, prayerfully, and relationally is greatly appreciated.
This season of ministry with Adventures in Missions has taught us so much and has enabled us to grow personally and professionally, create dear friendships, depend on God more, see the gifts he has given each of us and how we can best steward those gifts for the advancement of His Kingdom. We are so encouraged by all that God is doing around the world today! God is opening a new avenue for Andrew to use his gifts to bring glory to God and the Good News to the nations.
The journey continues so stay tuned 🙂
Many blessings in this new year of 2023.
Sincerely,
Emily & Andrew Hershey
