Looking out the window, we were viewing the great expanse of the Sahara Desert of North Africa. Shortly, we would feel its sauna-like atmosphere hit our faces as we exited the 747.

That was March of 2003. My wife and I had accepted an invitation to encourage pastors, seminary students, and local churches in Isuochi, Nigeria West Africa. Previously, in January of 2002, I had an opportunity to go to India to help dedicate an orphanage for girls that our church was instrumental in building.

Both of these trips helped confirm the unique calling on our lives. It is a long-term, full-time vision placed on our hearts to "Go..." and further God's kingdom to under-developed countries, some of which have never heard the Gospel. Our approach will be to train nationals in self-sustaining agriculture that will help them physically, and at the same time, reach out to their spiritual needs. Often in the Bible, we can see this example of Jesus. Not only did He minister to the spiritual side of man, but He also reached out to physical needs as well. Discipling and training leaders to further propagate the gospel is our goal, allowing us to move on to the next needy area.

Many of you know that for years now we have been "planted." Off and on during these years, we have knocked on doors, and yet the Lord seemed to be saying, "Wait." During this time of waiting, the Lord blessed me with a wonderful job at the local cooperative and an opportunity to work with farmers as an Agronomy Manager. This agricultural experience is something I believe the Lord has used as a wonderful preparation for the mission field. At the same time, Catherine has been home educating our four children, which will remain a high priority on the mission field. In spite of this difficult time of waiting, our eyes have never lost sight of the vision given us by the Lord.

The trip to Nigeria has opened up some doors for our return in August of this year with our four children who will help in the ministry. We believe that our family has been through a unique training by the Lord to equip us for an exciting family ministry.

In Nigeria, we plan to return to Faith Bible College & Seminary to teach and train the students in self-sustaining agriculture, and help with some administrative work. This trip will also include research in a climate conducive to many un-reached areas. It is our hope that this research will be helpful in giving us a hands-on understanding to implement a practical and useful benefit for the people.

We are very excited about the opportunity that the Lord has given us. We are still in the early stages of planning, and it is our desire for the Lord to use us as He so desires.

We believe the timing is now for us to be "plucked up." The need is great and the laborers are few. As we seek the Lord and prepare for this step in faith, we know how important it is to bathe this opportunity in prayer. We greatly desire your prayer support as we walk out in obedience to Him and His will.

In His Service,
Les DeRoos, Jr.