Steve & Gay Petersen Newsletter (Spring 2024)

"…things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and His might, and the wonders that He has done." - Psalm 78:3-4 ESV

Dear Friends and Family,

OVERSEAS MINISTRY UPDATE
Zambia — There is a time for everything… Doug & Barb Petersen (Dad & Mom) served 13 years in Zimbabwe and 26 years in Zambia. Now, with Dad’s declining health, it came time to show honor to both Mom and Dad and to our amazing Zambian staff team. I traveled with Miss Gay and my sister Sarah for one of the hardest trips in my missionary career. For three days, we held intensive meetings regarding transition and ended the trip with a celebration banquet honoring Mom and Dad.
There were few dry eyes in the house. I think for those who knew them as I do… Mom & Dad. All of the regional base leaders and their wives, some traveling for hours, came for meetings and to honor Mom and Dad. Oscar shared that Mom and Dad arrived to find...

We concluded the event by laying hands on Oscar and the leadership team with Dad praying the patriarchal blessing.

We give God ALL the Glory, Honor, and Praise for what He has done. Thanks for your prayers.

Bolivia and Colombia — I was amazed to see the Lord opening doors for partnership in both countries as we onboard two new (to us) bases in Latin America with national leaders who trained in our Honduras Bible School in the 1990s. Pray for wisdom as we navigate this new and exciting time of growth in South America.

Mexico — I returned from Mexico with a heart full of wonder and excitement regarding what more God might be doing in Latin America. Daniel and Sandra Huegal are interested in joining TMI staff and utilizing their current NGO registration to facilitate Teen Missions ministries in Mexico. They have a vast network of relationships across continents built over three generations of missionary service—a rich heritage with stories to tell! We met with pastors, youth leaders, and others with a passion for reaching the lost in Tampico, Los Valles, and San Luis Potisto in central Mexico and repeatedly saw and heard a desire to see Teen
Missions in Mexico.

WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE
We are beyond excited to have 220 teen team members, 62 leaders, and 20 preteens registered for our 2024 summer teams. This is two more teen teams than last summer. To God be the glory!
We have also prepared our summer 2025 trips. Applications are now being accepted on our website.
The TOUGH GATOR 5K MUD RUN was a huge success as we received 633 paid registrations that will benefit our overseas medical and disaster relief funds. It was one of our strongest turnouts yet! Praise the Lord!
PROPERTY RENOVATIONS — Over the winter we have continued a major push to renovate our main headquarters in Florida. Exterior repairs have begun on Adam and Eve lodges and the pool was restored to excellent condition. Work has also begun on the downstairs renovations, including a restored bus front end that we plan to place in our display room!

THE PETERSENS’ TRAVEL PLANS
After Boot Camp 2024, Gay and I have rescheduled the Africa trip that was canceled last fall after Gay’s health issues. We plan to visit our TMI overseas bases in Madagascar, Uganda, and South Africa.
In August, after Timothy’s wedding, we hope to visit friends in Colorado and take some needed days off to enjoy the mountains.
OTHER NEWS
Gay is busy coordinating our many volunteers who will be arriving soon to help with Boot Camp.
Timothy and Ellie are continuing to prepare for their wedding on August 10th.
Timothy is planning to lead a teen team to Malawi and Faith to Guatemala.
PRAISE ITEMS
For safety in travel and impactful planning meetings in Bolivia, Columbia, Mexico, and Zambia.
For Mom and Dad’s miraculous safety and strength as they relocated back to the USA after 39 years in Africa.
For one of the biggest and best 5K Mud Run events we’ve ever seen!
PRAYER ITEMS
For relief in Cambodia as they’ve experienced intensive heat.
For peace in two national Boot Camp locations in SE Asia where our training has been limited as a result of fighting.
Flooding has impacted our Chipoka base with the rising levels of Lake Malawi.
For wisdom as we navigate the onboarding of new staff in three countries (Bolivia, Columbia, and Mexico)
Timothy and Ellie as they prepare for summer trips and their wedding. They are also raising their support for joining staff as a couple.
Faith as she completes her first year at Sojourner and prepares for leadership on the Guatemala team this summer.
THANK YOU!
We are unbelievably blessed to partner with you in this adventure of training youth and mobilizing end-time workers to reach the lost in these last days. To God be all the Glory!
Together in His Harvest,

Steve & Gay Petersen
Is 6:8 / Heb. 11:1
www.teenmissions.org/petersens