We are the proud, new dorm parents of these boys–we just haven’t met them yet! They are fifth and sixth graders who attend Rift Valley Academy (RVA) and stay in Davis dorm during the school terms! They arrived at the school on August 28th for the 2009-2010 school year but we weren’t there to welcome them because of our difficulties in raising monthly support. A gracious family has been willing to fill in for us until our arrival. Ben, second from the right in back, is one of nine boys in our dorm (only seven are pictured). His mom writes to us,

Hi Patti!  We have been praying for you all year regarding coming to RVA, especially as you would be our son’s dorm parents for 2 years. SO very glad you are headed back to RVA and please let your supporters know how much we appreciate it! Dorm parents are an integral part of our team and it is an extra blessing and comfort to have seasoned dorm parents! Praying in faith we’ll meet you soon! We need you here!!!

Blessings and love to you,
Margaret

It turns out that Margaret knows Patti from when they served with Africa Inland Mission in different ministries back in 1994-1996. What a truly small world! Now Margaret and her husband Andy are missionaries in Kahunda, Tanzania doing island church planting. They have three children, all who attend RVA. We look forward to hugging on them while they are away from their parents.

We figure that in our journey to reach Kenya from Michigan, we are hovering right above the Atlantic Ocean just past the 30 degree longitudinal line–not quite to the west coast on the continent of Africa! In other words, WE ARE HALFWAY there!! We FINALLY reached the 50% mark for monthly support and are rejoicing! In our enthusiasm to meet our dorm boys in the near future, we continue to consider creative ways that we can make this happen!

We have roughly 300 people/families who receive our updates–many of whom are already supporters. The media constantly inundates us with how tough the economy is right now and how difficult it is to survive in these difficult times. We realize that it may not be feasible for many to come up with $50-$100 that they feel would be necessary to “support” a missionary adequately. As we brainstormed ideas, we started sharing with people that if every family who received our updates would commit to giving $10 per month, we could be at RVA right now (that is taking into account those of you who already give!). We began tossing around the nonessential things that people easily “blow” $10 on in a month (or even a week!).

1 movie ticket (with maybe a soft drink?)
4 Starbucks (or Biggby) coffees
1 24 pack sodas (plus deposit)
1 acrylic nail fill or pedi/manicure
5 Slurpees from 7/11
2 lunches from the drive-thru at McDonald’s
10 music downloads off the internet
4  rented DVDs at Family Video
Impulse buys at the check-out? i.e. magazines, candy bars, gum, mints, sodas
A monthly subscription to Netflix
16 donuts/5 bagels/5 muffins
1 large top sirloin steak
1 round of golf for one (or rental for a golf cart)
Just 1 more shirt, pair of shoes, craft project, tool, or toy to put in with all the rest

It’s tough to compete with Starbucks! As much as we try to crunch the numbers in hopes that we can generate more support to get to RVA, we know that, ultimately, it is up to our heavenly Father to provide for all our needs (Philippians 4:19). What makes us worthy of your “coffee” money? We are NOT worthy but God is SO worthy and, when all is said and done, it ALL belongs to Him.

Your financial support of us enables pastors, doctors, nurses, engineers, relief workers, evangelists, teachers, church planters, and translators from nearly 100 mission organizations from around the world to do the work God has called them to do! It doesn’t take much. Even $10 or less makes a difference. Would you be willing to let Him use YOU for His glory? We have over half of our support now and are so thankful for the faithfulness of those who have come along side us. Who will join our efforts in getting us ALL the way to Kenya? We would love nothing more than to start the year 2010 off with our dorm boys and all the other students at Rift Valley Academy.

Great is HIS faithfulness!

Travis, Patti, Kylea, Joshua, Tia, and Levi

Here is a link to download a response form in PDF format ( Nielsen Pledge Form. ) Please fill out and mail or e-mail to:

Travis and Patti Nielsen
1681 Cotton Drive
Jenison, MI 49428

tpnielsen@aimint.net