A Tribute To And Reflection On My Time With PPM

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This blog entry is part of a series that I put together at the same time, chronicling my 10+ year experience with Praying Pelican Missions. The series highlights my departure from PPM in November of 2016 and my transition to working with Capstone Homes, a residential home builder based in Ramsey, MN. Below are the blog entries associated with this entire story:



They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I thought it would be fitting to share a few photos from the last few years. See the pictures and captions below. They paint a picture of the beautiful ministry and experience i've had over the years, especially in Jamaica, but they of course don't do it justice and I can't even begin to explain the experiences, friendships and connections in detail. 

2007 from left to right: Myself, Laura Yoch (Winslow at the time), Robby Richter, Brianna Weatherly (whom I met at the PPM training that year but who I also went to college with), Tatianna Benson (who I served with at PPM full time for a couple years), Matt Pfingsten (PPM president and my cousin). I think this was taken in Belize just outside the Global Village Hotel. 

2007 PPM training retreat from top left: Brenda Baron, Joan Meyer, Laura Yoch, Me (Yes, HAIR). This is actually the weekend I met Emily, although I don't have any pictures with her and we didn't begin dating until August of 2007. 

Working on a fence at the Bermudian Landing church in 2007

Me and Dan Slegh on Caye Caulker. I met Dan that summer, who grew up at Edinbrook with Emily and has been a good friend of mine ever since.

Ricardo Ross (far left) doing a training with our PPM Jamaica staff

This was a trip in 2014, I believe, that my wife was able to be on. This photo shows (from left): Emily, Gareth Irvin (pastor of the Balaclava Baptist Church circuit, Sherrill Thurston, Mark Thurston, Jillian Cross. This was one of many special trips that I led in my many years with PPM, as I had become deeply connected with Edinbrook Church. 

Bruce Peterson, who has a huge heart, along with his family, for the Balaclava community. This pictures shows him finishing some cabinets he built in their annex building one summer. What a blessing!

A group of phenomenal hosts and friends in Balaclava including Hughroy Jackson, one of our staff members (middle) and Sonia Clarke, a key leader of the Balaclava Baptist church and annual host to make PPM trips happen in the community. 

This was Erin Aili's going away celebration in Duluth a few years ago. Great co-workers. From left: Jon Swanson (who passed away in the spring of 2016), David Lloyd, Holly Mirau, Genevieve Hircock, Erin Aili, Kevin Gamradt, Matt Pfingsten

Denny Holsman, likely sharing about water filtration ministry in the DR

Two ladies whom I will never forget: Ava Blair (left), principal of the Refuge All Age School, and Siddanie Merchant, senior teacher and leader in her local Baptist Church.

Dorrie Donahue's (far left) team from Oakland Catholic High School. Dorrie and her teams challenged the way I viewed the Catholic faith and I always reflect fondly of my time with her groups.

Ms. Tavares, the founder of the Tegwyn Home for children with disabilities in Kingston.

One of our groups being led by Len Cole (PPM shirt), who was a phenomenal leader in his brief time with PPM. Len is now living and working in Panama City, FL. My attempts to recruit him as a full time Pelican were not fruitful.

A Pizza Ranch team led by Perry Kroschell (far right). What a group and what an organization!

The dream for Nutshell's future multi-million dollar facility. 

Emily and I vacationing at Rockhouse hotel in Negril, the spring before Evan was born.

What a group. Amazing staff gathering at Nuthsell in preparation for a team. From left: Len Cole, Dillon Fowler, Isau Bailey, Glendon Hazle, Doug Dell, David Ashley, Tanya Chambers, Wade Edwards, Me. 

One of our favorite teams that comes consistently to Jamaica is Asbury UMC from Tulsa, OK. I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to lead this trip for a number of years. Katelyn Moore, their youth pastor, can be seen speaking. Let's pray that big board doesn't fall on her!

Dillon Fowler (black shirt), with a team during a snorkeling tour. Dillon has poured his heart into ministry in Jamaica and we'll always stay connected.

Dillon and I after a trip, likely in Negril

Awesome staff. I believe this was 2014. From top left to bottom right: Andy Eldemire, Andrew, Ricardo Ross, Javanie Byfield, Shenique Senior, Norma Henry, Al Dicks, Glendon Hazle, Shawn Seymour, Jahavid Jabba Johnson, Me, Gregory Hayle, Ryan Campbell, David Ashley, Isau Bailey, Moloney Barrett, Hughroy Jackson, Dillon Fowler, Clive Barnes, Len Cole, Wade Edwards.

Wade Edwards is one of the most talented musicians and song writers i've ever known. He's extremely talented and loves to serve in ministry through his gift of music. 

Comments

  1. AlfajriponApril 23, 2017 at 6:51 AM

    I am your big fan, thanks for sharing,
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