Doug & Barb Petersen Newsletter (Winter 2026)

January 2026

Dear Friends and Family,

We trust you have all weathered the snow storms and temperature changes. In Florida, we even woke up to the upper 30’s today. That is rare. Next week is going to be even colder. But it doesn’t compare to the rest of the states and what some of you have been going through.  

A lot has gone on in our family and the ministry overseas since we last wrote. Most of the events are routine for this time of the year in our lives.  

Three Boot Camps ran again in Zambia. The Ndola BC is the one pictured. You can see each team stand out since they all have their own colored T-shirts. There were over 100 salvations at this BC alone. All three BC's were finished by Jan 12. I am sure we will get more statistics soon. We keep reading of team members who testify they received Jesus at The Lord’s Boot Camp. They are continuing to walk with Him and love and serve Him years later. What a testimony it is to the saving power of His Word and His Spirit. We love hearing these testimonies of God’s faithfulness. I read Psalm 22:30-31 in my devotions yesterday. It spoke of how recounting it will cause righteousness to come to the next generation and declare to a generation yet unborn! 

Christmas this year was a bit different for us as Sarah (our daughter ) and her husband Rob were hosting the whole Codding Christmas at their house. They ended up with 32 people for their Christmas meal. We were invited to join the Coddings for the huge feast.  We were all blessed to have great weather for the event which was inside and outside.  The Rob Codding clan is in one photo on a bridge at their house.  You can see the Petersen side of the family in the picture at Steve’s house for Thanksgiving.  You will see Steve and Gay, Doug and Barb in the front and Tim and Ellie at the other end of the table. We were joined by several very special guests who are like family to us.  A picture of our granddaughter, Faith Petersen, graces our letter alone since she was missing from our photos.  She is serving the Lord in Colombia. While there, she turned 21 and was there for the holidays.  She is a trouper and a warrior and continues with our motto, “Jesus is Worthy!”  We really do miss her.  However, in the world today she is only a phone call away.

Also, exciting family news from Tim and Ellie Petersen. They have announced that they will be parents in June, making Steve and Gay, Grandies for the first time, and us Great for the fifth time. We are so grateful to see another generation of Petersens begin. They are expecting a boy.  Praying that all continues to go well. We can hardly wait to meet him!

As for Doug, his health is stable for now.  The cancer is gone and we continue to believe God’s Word for other health issues, mainly lung and heart. We both turn 85 this summer.  We are so thankful for the path and life  journey  we are on together.  God is so good!  Each day together is a gift from our Father in heaven.

We have just now made the decision to move officially from staff status. This has been a difficult decision to make, but we are not able to keep up with the things required of official staff and we have been on medical leave for some time now. Our hearts will always be in the ministry, and we will be prayer partners and cheering on our fellow co-workers all we can. Our financial supporters will be receiving an informational letter regarding details separately. We are forever grateful for all who have supported us with prayers and finances all of these 40+ years.  Words are insufficient to express this. But know that this is fruit to your account that is continuing to abound. The ministry continues to grow and move forward.  We know it is and always has been God’s work and His doing! As the Apostle Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but it is God who gives the increase.” I Cor. 3:6

Ministry:  The  Rescue Units, Matron Units, and the Circuit Riders are all still flourishing and expanding, along with the Bible Schools.  We praise God for  He is the One who started this work and He is the one who continues to work through His servants.  This is truly His ministry and we thank Him for all that He has done and continues to do.  We thank God for all of the faithful staff in Zambia and Africa and beyond.  We thank God also for you, our supporters, who have had a huge hand in giving and praying for this work.  As you can see your generous giving to the feeding program is still saving lives.  We give God all of the Glory and praise.  We pray for HIs continued blessing on His work and on all who share in it, in so many ways.

“Story of Hope and Resilience” from Kabuta Rescue Unit.  

Mwai and her little sister, Neria, had never known life without hardship. After losing their parents at a young age, the sisters were left to feed themselves.  Mwai, who was only 8 years old, took on the responsibility of caring for her 3-year-old sister. Despite their struggles, Mwai’s love and dedication to Neira kept them going. The Rescue Unit’s feeding program is a godsend for the sisters. They began to receive nutritious meals, and the first time in their lives, they felt full and content. Mwai is thriving under the care of the Kabuta Rescue Unit. Neira’s eyes sparkle with energy, and her smile lights up the room. As the months passed, Mwai watched her sister grow stronger and more confident. The feeding program is more than just a meal, it is a lifeline that gives them hope for a better future. The Kabuta Rescue Unit is like a family to Mwai and Neira. They provide emotional support, help with their education, and encourage them to pursue their dreams. Mwai discovered her passion for learning and began to excel in school. She aspires to become a nurse one day, to help others in need. Neira, on the other hand, has blossomed into a happy and curious child. She loves playing with the other kids at the Rescue Unit and enjoys storytelling sessions. The feeding program has provided not only food, but a sense of belonging, love and a chance for a brighter future.

Thank you for joining your hands with ours in this work.  We love you all.

Doug and Barb Petersen

Matt 6:33  Gal. 2:20

251 Heavenly St.  

Merritt Island, FL

32953

Phone: 321 506-9514  Doug

321-501-6973  Barb