Paul & Beth Kostner Newsletter (Spring 2025)

Dear Friends, Family and Former Team Members,

On May 1 we celebrated our 35th year as staff with Teen Missions. Reflecting on the last 35 years, we cannot be more thankful for these many years of ministry. The Lord has blessed us beyond measure, and it is because of those who were/are praying for us and have supported us in so many ways these 35 years, which allowed us to serve, and continue to serve Him. The many staff and volunteer friendships we have been blessed with, the many lives of our team members and leaders that we had a front seat in watching God work and change for His glory, the missionaries and overseas staff that we have had the privilege of getting to know and love, experiencing hardships but so, so many blessings—for these things and others, we give all the glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We continue to love what we do, even in the tough times, and we look forward to continuing what we started 35 years ago as long as the Lord allows. He is so, so worthy!

Today, Teen Missions is celebrating its 55th birthday! We are grateful for Bob, Bernie, Jim, Paul, Barb, and Widder, who had a vision of what God could do in and through the lives of the team members and leaders as they served Him through their evangelistic outreaches and work projects. What a privilege it is to be a part of this ministry that continues to do what the founders envisioned—spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It has been a busy few months since our last newsletter. In just about a month, the team leaders and team members will arrive to begin their training at the Lord’s Boot Camp. The Big Top Tents are up, tents sights are being prepped for tents, the Obstacle Course is up—it is definitely beginning to look a lot like Boot Camp! Paul has been busy finalizing the travel, having zoom meetings with the leaders and missionaries, working outside as needed and leading the Mobilization Department. I continue to process the never-ending paperwork, work on visas, talk with parents, answer emails, etc. It can be hectic at times, but we keep our eyes on the “prize” of when our team members arrive.

We are looking forward to going back to Cambodia. We have a love for the staff, students and ministry there. We are so excited about leading a group of 18 team members (seven boys and 11 girls) along with four other leaders—three team members are former team members of ours and we led the parents of one of our team members and one of the leaders (are you confused yet?). We have been having zoom meetings together and weekly prayer with the two students who are part of our leadership team. Please pray for health, safety, unity and ministry opportunities (when traveling and while in Cambodia) for our team members and leaders. We long to be a blessing to the base and the surrounding areas.

Our kids are doing fine, and we are so thankful for each of them. It has been fun watching them navigate adulthood! All of us were together for BJ’s wedding on March 15. What a blessing! It was a beautiful wedding; everything went smoothly, and the weather was perfect. We are overjoyed to welcome Kenzie into the Kostner family. 

We just got back from a weekend trip to Illinois, where our nephew got married. It was good to see the Kostner side for a few hours. Our flight to Chicago arrived seven hours late, but we arrived safely and had a great time of fellowship.

Thank you for your vital part in our ministry, whether you are praying, encouraging, or supporting us. We could not do it without you!

The Kostners
Download PDF