Will & Delaynie Shirey Newsletter (Spring 2025)

Hello Family!

We have been very busy!

I fear the kind of busy we’ve experienced hasn’t left much room for fun stories—but so much has happened, and there’s still plenty to share!

I truly cannot believe how swiftly the past few months have flown by!

March

At the beginning of March, Will and I were settling into our new apartment and spending time getting everything as organized as possible. We began hunting for artwork and decor to make our new place feel like home. We visited many, many, many thrift stores searching for cool, pre-loved items. One of the most memorable finds was a vintage solid wood toy chest, which we turned into a toolbox for all of Will’s tools and “manly materials.” It’s so much more pleasing to the eye than your average toolbox!

We also participated in a VERY competitive, staff-wide pickleball tournament. Will obviously carried the team, but I gave it my all! We made it pretty far, though we didn’t win.

We were also visited by my sister Brytleigh and her husband, Thomas. They came for a quick weekend, during which a friend of mine took maternity photos for their announcement of baby boy Ronan Shea Agnew! One of my greatest joys in life is being an Auntie, and I’m beyond excited for this new blessing to arrive. While they were here, we celebrated both of their birthdays with a nice dinner by the beach. Being able to spend time with those we love over a good meal is something Will and I cherish.

The Lord blessed us this month immensely through the encouragement of our financial partners and supporters. Will and I humbly share that we had recently lost a few monthly supporters. Though we weren’t worried—knowing the Lord would provide—we were overwhelmed by how He came through. We were blessed by new financial partners as well as the continued support of faithful ones. I was brought to tears by your generosity. I believe the Lord equips us to do what He calls us to, but to see that belief become reality was deeply moving. He has truly blessed us, and it’s such an honor to serve His Kingdom.

April

April kicked off a whirlwind of preparation for Mud Run, Boot Camp, and our summer team to Colombia. We were very busy—especially Will, who was given the challenge of partially coordinating this year’s Mud Run. The Mud Run is a 5k race held on the Teen Missions property. It’s very muddy (obviously) and full of obstacles—none of which I’m personally interested in tackling!

Throughout the month, all of the staff worked outdoors preparing the property for the race, which also served as prep for Boot Camp in June. We put up both Big Tops and several large obstacles used during the summer. This was my second year helping with these tasks, but Will’s first time seeing it all come together. It was amazing to share that experience with him.

At the beginning of April, Will’s family came down for a visit, which was such a blessing! It was wonderful to spend time with them and to show them the Teen Missions property and a little bit of the work being done through the ministry. It’s always exciting to share this part of our lives with friends and family who may not fully understand what we do.

I also sent an email this month with a health update. I was able to meet with a hematologist to repeat some blood work and begin a treatment plan to get me as healthy as possible for the summer. After a 4-hour iron transfusion and a round of bronchitis, I’m finally starting to feel like myself again—and I’m eager for the summer to begin!

April was a month full of hard work, many naps, and lots of time spent at the beach!

May

This month has just begun, but already so much has happened! On May 3rd, we held the Mud Run, which had over 630 participants this year! It was incredible to see the Lord working through this event and to watch the staff, students, and volunteers all serve together. It was a huge opportunity to share God’s love with so many unbelievers!

Then, on the morning of May 5th, Lucy the cat decided to eat two ibuprofen gel capsules—which was very, very rude! Thankfully, we found a vet clinic that opened early and took care of her right away. She was hospitalized for two days, but is doing well now. This situation tugged on my heart—Lucy and I have been together since I was 11. She is truly family.

We’re also deep in preparation for our Colombia trip this summer—and time is flying! We now have 20 team members, including my oldest nephew, Levi—which is SO EXCITING! Will and I had a Zoom meeting with the missionaries in Colombia to discuss our projects and other details. (For now), our team will be replacing/installing a new roof and continuing the work from my team last year—completing the barbed wire fence around the Teen Missions Colombia property. Everything kicks off in Colombia on June 28th!

Please pray for our team: that the Lord would equip both the leadership and each team member, that we may be a blessing in Colombia and share His love with those who’ve never experienced it. Pray for good health for everyone, and that each teen on our team would be filled with a joy and excitement that only comes from the Lord. And if any of them don’t know Him yet, that He would reveal Himself and change their lives.

We love you all and ask that you keep us in your prayers this summer!

Blessings,

Delaynie and Will Shirey

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