May 2010
The Perfect Day - Letters, we get letters
Hey! Pretty glam looking eTouch! Way to go Associates :)
Jennifer Armerding, USA
I have been writing about China and appreciated your "trip" back in time. You clearly created word pictures that took me there. Thank you and I always enjoy the up-dates. See you and Donna in November. Audra Jo Baumgarth, Kona
[Ed's Note: Now, you need a little background for Audra Jo's letter . . . In 1985 - 25 years ago - this lady and her husband Lee, came to a DTS that Donna & I were leading. Soon it was time for the students to pray about going on outreach (to the Philippines, Hongkong, China and South Korea, I believe). I felt from the Lord (I think!), that I was to approach Lee and Audra Jo and ask them to pray about going to Asia with the rest of the team. Why were they so special as to be asked personally?]
Because Audra Jo was confined to a wheelchair! We all knew that there were no special provisions for the disabled in those parts of Asia back then. I kind of thought this young middle-aged couple would laugh it off as impossible, because the challenges they would face would be enormous. They didn't laugh, they prayed; and the Lord said, "Yes."
Now I was concerned! However, they completed the full outreach, their team pitched in and helped and wherever they went, Audra Jo was the main attraction (having blond hair in Asia didn't hurt!) She had opportunities to share Jesus wherever she went. Lee is now with the Lord and Audra Jo is a writer.
I would like to receive eTouch . . . I was in YWAM in London 1972-73, also Finland and YWAM in Sydney Australia. So I'd still like to follow what's happening in YWAM, as my brother Topi Kivimaki is still very much part of it. I was Mirja Kivimaki in those days. Now I'm marrried to a Finnish pastor.
Mirja Arrama, Finland
YWAM~eTouch inspires and motivates me. Thank you for keeping former YWAMers encouraged... Y'all need to write a book. Even this short synopsis of life growing up in China in WW2 touched my heart... gives us perspective and courage... Donna, your deep walk with Jesus and passion for hearing God is so uplifting. My heart is still for missions and expanding the kingdom. I am seeking that opportunity thru our spheres of influence back here in Kansas City. THANK YOU again for keeping others focused on the big picture and our part in it whether we are in a missions organization or working in our jobs at home. God bless you!
Jerry and Debbie Cline, Kansas City
Gone but Remembered... Beryl Bramley
Please take the name Beryl Bramley to the 50th Celebrations in Hawaii. She was at Holmstead Manor, UK during the time my husband was doing practical work prior to a DTS, in 1977. Beryl was an exceptional organiser and very efficient, as you might expect from someone in their middle age who had been an English school teacher!
But Beryl also had a very loving heart. My husband had been prone to cutting himself with glass at that time, and one day, while most of the other staff and students were away from the base, he had cut his knee down to the bone and was bleeding profusely. The depth of the cut had left him shaken and weeping. Beryl found him, and rather than receiving the rebuke he feared, she showed her love. Beryl knelt next to him, her summer dress soaking up the blood on the floor, put her arms around him and wept with him. This lovely Christian lady told him he was loved and valuable.
Her love, shown so practically, and the love of others, has led to my husband not having self-harmed for over 30 years and him being a very active member of a number of churches during that time.
Beryl died of cancer some years later, still working with YWAM at The Oval, Harpenden. We are both grateful to our Heavenly Father for Beryl! Thanks,
Carol & Andy Hall, Swindon, England
Gone but Remembered... Ginny Mott
I don't know if anyone has sent you Ginny Mott's name. She passed away (still young - maybe late forties) from liver failure about twenty years ago. She was a single lady from the east coast of Canada and she worked for a while at YWAM Cambridge. If I could be like anyone, I'd be like Ginny. She laughed always, loved God, and trusted His leading completely. I'll never forget her. She was so real.
Joan Gerber, Canada
April 2010
The Perfect Child - Letters, we get Letters
It was great to hear about little Ruthie. I thought to encourage you that there is no reason why she should not follow in the family's footsteps one day. Do you remember Phoebe, my daughter? She is probably the first one with Down Syndrome to do a DTS. She completed that in Perth 2006. She loves YWAM and the experience changed her just as it changes everyone.
Ann Davis, Australia
Thanks so much for your fabbo-as-ever eTouch. And of course, you forgot to mention that every grandchild is a perfect child!
Colleen Moir, Australia
Thanks for your thoughts re the near-perfect children -- words that originated in your heart, en route to your mind. I was at a Member Care conference recently, and an elderly missionary of many years' service mentioned that in her mission organisation (don't know which one!) the young people had been asked to fast Facebook for one year -- seriously. So your suggestion isn't totally a joke!
Christine Terrasson, Sweden Hi,
Enjoyed reading the recent eTouch... loved the segment about Ruthie! I am sure she is an amazing blessing to you and your family! I am teaching a dance class at this KROC center (run by Salvation Army) the class is called "You Are Special" based on Max Lucado's book. It is a dance class for Down Syndrome children ages 4-9 years old. I am so so enjoying it.... I see such creativity and joy expressed through these kids. I have 9 students and you would be amazed by the creative spirits they exhibit!
I was contacted by the Department of Human Services a few months back and asked if I would re-stage VOICES (the dance production about Adoption and Foster Care). So we are doing it in Salem (Oregon) May 14th! The community has so gathered around this project and DHS is funding it and very ok about the message that it brings (God the creator of all... Our opening dance piece is from Psalms 139 and the dancers do a beautiful movement in the womb while this scripture is read. Powerful.
I would appreciate your prayers as they hear about it, and that they would come and watch this production that speaks of God's love, purpose, healing and redemption of hope.
Eileen O'Connor, Salem, OR
We got quite a few names of YWAMers who have passed on to be with Jesus. We are compiling a list of these deceased, who together with those already on YWAM's Memorial website - http://www.ywam-memorial.org/ - will be remembered in Kona later this year.
I suggest that ERIKA SCHMIDT be honoured for her many years of service with YWAM, most recently with YWAM Toronto serving in Afghanistan; she passed away in December 2009. In the war zone of Kabul she started a radio station, women's health clinics, soybean growing, 250 women's self help groups involving approximately 5,000 people and much more. As well as being stunningly gorgeous she was more filled to overflowing with the Love of God than anyone I have ever known; she would blush at this honour and yet, for the many YWAMers whose lives she touched, I ask for her inclusion as an example of what God can and does do when we willingly, joyously sacrifice our lives for His purposes.
Jane Holland, Toronto
You may already have these names of two deceased YWAMers of this past year, but just to make sure:
Rudy Lack, a former YWAMer, passed away in early February. He was the first European YWAMer. He leaves behind his dear wife, Eliane, also a former YWAMer. Eliane was the only-ever President of YWAM Switzerland, as the national director over all the language groupings.
Stella Lauria passed away last year at the end of August after over 30 years of faithful service to YWAM France and Switzerland.
Tom & Linda Panci , Switzerland
You asked for names of YWAMers who have already made it to see Jesus face-to-face. Not sure if children count but if so then we would ask you to remember our precious Pauline who died 3 yrs ago--she was then Pauline Barnes. I long for the day when I will see her again but as long as God keeps me alive I choose to live for him. May you all have a wonderful celebration!
Jenny Jones, England
