Winter 2021

Dear Friends,

We thank God at the end of the year for His goodness and provision in the midst of difficult times. Although 2020 was tough because everything was closed, this year we were able to celebrate the return of TOUCHDOWN camp.

It was different from the other years, but we did it! This was possible with the assistance of 35 volunteers and attendance of 90 children.

This particular year was a very special year as the ages we received were 5-10 years old and camp guides as young as 13 years old. Most of our volunteers had to wait 3 years to come back to our camp and I was so glad to see them now helping, guiding, taking care of our little ones. It was great to see that the seed we are planting is bearing good fruit.

As always, our classrooms were filled with joy, songs, games, art, food, Bible stories, and the visit of community workers every day. The joyous finale was where whole families attended our church and where each child was able to receive a backpack with school supplies and a Bible, so that the word of God reaches each home.

                                     

Also Verbo in Tracy and Hosana Church in Guatemala each held their children’s camp that was accomplished by the hand of God and the collaboration of many people.

Looking forward to an even better year.
We keep moving forward!

Sincerely,
Patty Cardona
President, Project Lost Sheep

Summer 2021

Dear Friends,

You may have heard the expression, "to turn on a dime". At our very first camp in Redwood City at Verbo church on the first day of camp, Patty Cardona and I had to do just that. We adults had planned the camp to let the children choose sports or crafts. The children wanted both! We changed everything so that could happen for the children. 

Overnight we did our dance on the dime and so children were made happy. Each camp is different. We still have sports and crafts and of course the Bible teaching in various ways. We plant good seeds in children not just for the one week of day camp but for their lives! 

Our camps appeal to unchurched children, and we have so many who come to camp, then come into church, and later as teenagers serve at camp. We thank God who has blessed so many children with eternal lives and more hope here. I am happy to report that, after a pandemic pause, camp is reopening in July in Redwood City!

Sincerely,

Joyce Dueker

Founder of Project Lost Sheep

Winter 2020

Dear Friends,

After the shepherds had gone to find the baby in the manger, they left and told others the good news of what they had seen and heard. They were humble and excited at the same time.

We, who know the Lord, have been worshipping in church and that is a good thing. But now there is a change and the change is this: It is time to be humble, filled with joy and excitement as we realize, WE ARE THE CHURCH outside the walls.

People are going to read us. We need to be prepared to share the good news by having scriptures on hand or memorized by us. I like the booklet, “The Way to God” printed by World Missionary Press. It is a complete outline of the Bible, meant for children but great for adults. 

If you consider yourself a living member of the body of Christ, should you not be dressed and be prepared? That includes the spreading of the word of God.

This is a time when people are looking for God. There is great openness and spiritual hunger. We need to shine our light brightly because many have not been to church, and so many have not really read the Bible. We are the light of the world. This is not a time to hide under the nearest bush but to be authentic and real in our care for others.

We know that to meet the real needs of others shows love. During this time of COVID, Patty Cardona and her team have been weekly feeding over a hundred families with huge boxes of food. But, along with the food, they have invited people to listen to the online services. Faith with works makes impact!

But when you, as a loved child and ambassador of Christ, stand in front of a lost, seeking soul and begin a conversation, ready to share “the hope that is in you”, miracles can happen.

Today at a gas station where I asked a young person to help pump my gas, we had a very brief encounter. I thanked her and handed her the booklet, “The Way to God”.

She looked a bit surprised but smiled and said, “Last night my husband and I said we should find a church.”

Well the church just came to her via one of us. So, this is the time to follow the shepherds out from the manger and tell others the good news we have seen and heard and lived in real time.

We are the church wherever we are. Do not hide out and ignore this great time to grow in your love and faith as you experience God’s power to set up divine meetings to bless many and to extend His Kingdom here on earth.

Sincerely,

Joyce Dueker

Founder of Project Lost Sheep