Al Baanna, Ministry Developers Network
Al Baanna is director of Ministry Developers Network, a mission organization based in Minnesota. MDN is dedicated to assisting Christian non-profit organizations to perform at their maximum potential in today’s changing and demanding culture. In the early years of Community Baptist Church Al and his wife, Betty (who has gone to be with the Lord), came to faith and were members here. After attending Bible school, they joined the mission agency Emmanuel Inc., in Fargo, becoming its first full-time missionaries to Eastern Europe. In recent years, Emmanuel has merged with MDN, which Al directs. God has prospered the mission and it has grown significantly under his leadership.
Sergei Garkusha, MDN Baltic Church Planter, Latvia
Sergei Garkusha is a pastor in Latvia. He was dramatically saved from his past alcoholic way of life. God called him to plant a church and, and he received training through the Ministry Developers Network (MDN) Baltic Church Planting. Sergei and his wife, with five young boys, committed to planting a church in the Karosta region of Liepaja, Latvia. This is the poorest region of a city of 80,000. The church plant has prospered and is now in the process of planting another church in the region. In spite of many hardships and sacrifices, they serve the Lord in this ministry with great joy.
Alexander Kazmerchuk, MDN Baltic Church Planter, Latvia
Alexander Kazmerchuk grew up as a Baptist in the Soviet Union, experiencing from his youth much opposition for his faith. He and his wife Riessa were trained through MDN’s Baltic Church Planter Training in Riga, Latvia, after which they were sent to minister in the small Latvian village of Dzirnieku, about an hour outside of the capitol, Riga. Early on they and their five children were engaged in all facets of ministry. The children are now grown and three have emigrated to other countries. Alexander and Riessa continue to serve the church faithfully while he — as a “tent-making” pastor — also works for a construction company doing seasonal work.
Larry & Bonnie Waswick, Wycliffe Bible Translators
Larry & Bonnie Waswick are on staff with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Dallas, Texas. Larry and Bonnie were members at Community Baptist Church when they lived in Fargo. They have been involved with Wycliffe for over 32 years! Pray for Larry in his new assignment on the facilities team for the Cowan Apartments, a complex for senior-aged Wycliffe team members. Bonnie continues in her role as a compositor for survey reports, ebooks, etc.
Women's Care Center
The Women's Care Center, formerly known as FirstChoice Clinic, is a nonprofit faith-based clinic, established over 34 years ago, providing education and health services to empower individuals to make informed, life-affirming choices. Their objective is to "serve the most women and save the most babies from abortion." Pray for all of the mothers, fathers and children served by the Women’s Care Center.