Dear Friends and Family, (Elisabeth Angell April 2010)
I send you this message to give testimony of Gods great power, protection and mercy. I thank God for my life and that we are alive.
As many of you know on March 27 Linda Henson, Kylee Willman, her 2 year old daughter Madelyn, David Grove and Corbin La Count came to San Luis Mexico on a mission trip. On April 3 Kylee and Madelyn stayed in San Luis and I drove with Linda, David and Corbin to Washington.
Linda and Corbin were sleeping in the back seets. I was sleeping in the passenger seet. We got woken up at 6 am on Easter morning because we were in a car accident.
David went to pass a semi truck and as he did we crossed the white line and hit the grassy embankment to the left. We then lost control of the van and it fliped over on the drivers side, slide across the freeway, hit the guard rail and some how fliped over again and when i opened my eyes i looked out my window to see us dangling off the side of a cliff. The van was completly leaning to one side. I started to feel that panicky feeling, like we had to get out of the van fast. I was afraid that whatever was holding us up on the side of the cliff would give way and we would go tumbling down. David opened the door and we jumped down. Linda came out and then Corbin crawled over all the seats and came out.
The driver of the semi that we passed pulled over and met us when we jumped out of the van. He saw everything that happened and called 911 for us and waited with us untill help arrived. Corbin lost his shoes in the van and was standing there barefoot. It was such a surprise when the truck driver said he had a pair of shoes for Corbin and they fit him perfectly.
We were all okay. But Linda's nose was bleeding and she got a cut on her hand and leg. Corbin bumped his head and had a cut on his leg also and me and David had been untouched. It was a miracle.
Finaly after about 10 minutes the police, ambulance and firemen came. They gave us blankets and all of them came up to us and told us, and they had no idea we were christians, "someone was watching over you today". We got to witness to the men and told them God protected us, His angels were with us. One of the guys named Henry came up to us and asked us if he could pray for us. We said yes and as he prayed he finished his prayer in "Jesus name". So i asked him if he was christian. He said yes. He said he was going to call his Pastor. He did and the Pastor prayed for us over the phone. Henry told us he wanted to invite us to his house untill we figured out what to do. We had no idea how to get home.
Henry asked the police officer to drive us to his house. Henry's house was in Myrtle Creek, Oregen, (southern Oregen) about 10 minutes north of the accident site. By 9:00 am we were at Henry's house after 3 hours at the accident site. Funny thing is when the tow truck came to take the van away they towed it to Myrtle Creek the same town we were in. We were only 2 minutes away from the van. God had a plan. Linda called George and he drove down and met us at Henry's house at about 4 pm.
Henry, his wife Michelle and daugther made dinner for us. Henry told us that when he saw the "Jesus fish" on the back of the van God told him to help us. And when he told all of his co-workers that he was taking us in they were not happy about it and thought he was crazy for taking in strangers. But he said he had to help us, God told him to. Henry told us they didn't have much but what they had they wanted to share. They made us a good dinner and told us their house is our house. They welcomed us with open arms and showed the love of Jesus to us. That night Linda and David felt good enough to go to church with Henry and his family. Henry was in an Easter play. Me and Corbin stayed at the house and rested. I was so tired and my body was so sore.
We were planning on leaving that day but Henry told us to stay the night and get our rest. He said he felt honered and privelaged to help the servants of God. Henry said this is like the book of Acts. When they would go house to house and fellowship and eat with eachother and they would share all things and give to eachother as each had a need. Showing the love of Jesus. We all prayed together and talked.
I had such peace in my heart and soul. I felt the anointing and the presence of God there. I felt like i didn't have to do anything but sit back and watch the miracle God was doing infront of my eyes. The miracle of how he was protecting us, providing for us and how through it all God was bringing His body together. I was not afraid but felt so much Joy.
The next day George drove us back to Washington in his car. We got to Washington about 7:30 p.m Monday night.
As i look back on the weekend i can only see the hand of God. I see how God protected us from hitting the semi truck as we passed it. and how we did not hit any other vehicles as we roled and slid across the freeway. I see how God protected us from bad injury. I thank God Kylee and the baby were not with us. And if a vehicle is going 70 miles and hour it should have flipped right over the guard rail down the cliff. But what held up the vehicle was 1 wooden guard post. I know it was the Angels of God that stopped that van. They were surrounding it holding it up. And i know it was the angels of God who covered us as the van flipped over on its side. It was the hand of God that covered us and held us up. It was the blessing of God that the truck driver had a pair of shoes that fit Corbin perfectly. It was Gods provision and love that a Christian brother was on the scene that took us in his home and took care of us. We had shelter and food to eat and prayer from that family.
Even as i jumped out of the van i started praising God imediently and thanking Him. I thank God He is in my life and He has given me life, a second chance at life. So now i will stand and give Glory to God for what He has done. I will Praise Him for the Miracle He made at Myrtle Creek. The Easter Miracle in Myrtle Creek. It makes me really examine my own heart making sure my heart is right before God in every area because you never know when your time will be up.
Psalm 63:7-8
Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will i rejoice.
My soul followeth hard after thee, thy right hand upholdeth me.
Psalm 61:3-4
For thou has been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in they tabernacle for ever. I will trust in the covert of thy wings.
Psalm 23:4
Yeah though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i will fear no evil. for thou art with me, thy rod and they staff they comfort me.
I just want to give testimony of Gods power. So all praise and glory goes to the Lord for what he has done.
Love Elisabeth Angell.
June 2, 2009 San Luis, Mexico
Our brother, Juan Manuel came to visit the mission home with Reynaldo, a recovering heroine addict. We went outside to look at the new worship trailer that was just brought here from Mexico and decided that we needed a welder to make a small repair. Juan Manuel left to go get the welder and was gone for some time. During his absence, Elisabeth fixed lunch for everyone and we all went inside except George. The Holy Spirit spoke to George that while we were having lunch, he was supposed to ask Reynaldo to share his testimony. Reynaldo shared his testimony, including not having seen or talked to his wife and two children for 6 years, and concluded by saying that he dropped to his knees and said that He cried out to Jesus that he might know for sure that He really existed and when he got up he felt as if everything was going to be OK. At that exact moment, Reynaldo’s cell phone rang, and thinking it was Juan Manuel to tell us why he was running late, he stepped outside to take the call. It was his wife, Mercedes from Mexicali, calling to see if there was a possibility that they could be back together. “They overcame the enemy (Satan) by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.”
April 2009 (Dina Wilkins arrived in Africa on April 22nd for a 3 month mission stay)
Greetings from Africa! This is Dina; I’m letting everyone know that I amazingly arrived in Africa safely! But the trip, well that’s a story ha-ha. Well Monday was quite chaotic and I was running late to get to Sedro Woolley where Linda, the pastors wife, was supposed to help me repack my bags to accommodate for all the sound equipment I was taking to Uganda. So Linda came to Everett where Kylee, Linda, and I all rearranged the baggage in the McDonalds parking lot on 41st and Colby! Then we took off to the airport. It’s a good thing we were early because the airline had changed their weight limit policy and our biggest box was 1.8km too heavy. We spent about 30 minutes trying to rearrange things but nothing worked. Praise God, they swept it under the carpet and let us take it on the plane. For those of you who don’t know, the sound equipment is used for outreaches. This is the 8th set of sound equipment they have gotten to the country of Africa. No other time did they have any problem with the weight but a couple months ago they changed their weight limit policy. I was worried that Kylee was going to tackle the people behind the counter when they said it was too heavy and we couldn’t bring it on the plane.
So then I continue without Kylee and Linda. As I watched them walk away I realized exactly how alone I really was. I had to fight back a couple tears. I found my gate around 5:30 PM and my flight didn’t leave until 9:15 PM so I just read my bible and started writing things in my lovely notebook that Courtney got me! The plane ride went smoothly and I arrived in London around 2:30 PM their time, which is 8 hours ahead of Seattle. So I get off the plane and go back through security wondering what I’m going to do for 9 hours until my next flight. I take my little baggy of liquids out of my carry on, take off my shoes and what not and put them through security. They take my little plastic baggy and everyone starts freaking out. Here I am all by myself wondering what the heck is going on. The manager guy came up to me holding my pepper spray and said he needed to call the police and I was like “Dude you can just have it I don’t need it.” And he told me he had to call the police anyway and asked me to have a seat. So I’m trying not to freak out and one of the security girls asked me if I was American and I said “yeah” and she said “ooohhhh well pepper spray is illegal in the UK”. So I’m like oh great right so I sit down and wait for the police and once they get there I explain that I didn’t know it was illegal and I’m a missionary going to Africa and just had it for protection yadi yadi ya and they call and try to find a way to just let me off the hook but it’s London so their laws are very strict. Unfortunately they couldn’t get me a break their captain told them they have to bring me in. SO I GET ARRESTED! BAH! Well at least they didn’t have to cuff me but I had to ride in their funny police car down to the station.
Once we get there I have to talk to this doctor person and all this other stuff. Then they got busy so they had to put me in a cell. So here I am in jail in London and they bring me food and stuff. I ended up falling asleep. I was in the cell for like 2 hours and they came and got me. They had to get a sample of my DNA and take my picture (yes it’s a mug shot) and take my finger prints and everything. Then we had to do this taped interview thing and it was just all so ridiculous. They couldn’t let me off the hook but I didn’t have to go to court. I got this thing called a “caution” which goes on my record and what not. But it doesn’t really do much unless I do it again, which is obviously not going to happen. But now all of you know, DON’T TAKE PEPPER SPRAY OR ANYTHING ELSE TO THE UK! It is as serious as having a gun. It’s ridiculous. I became pretty good friends with the police officer though and he gave me his email and I made him take a picture with me when all of this was over haha. They had 2 police officers waiting to take me to the airport so I wouldn’t miss my flight. It was quite funny, the whole thing. So yes, it was quite the eventful trip! But now I am in Kampala, Uganda and I’m loving it. The people here are great! And so friendly! And these little kids are to die for. Internet is really difficult here so I will send this email and try to also send some photos! I’ve posted some photos on facebook and myspace if you’d like to go look there! This sleep thing is difficult. Its 2 in the morning here but I’m wide awake because I’m not used to the time change. Its 10 hours ahead of Seattle so it is around 4 PM there.
February 4, 2009 Skagit Valley
The middle of January a small group of men and women gathered at a home in Burlington for Christian fellowship. The Word of God was shared and each one testified to their love for Jesus – everyone had everything in common. Two of the women had been diagnosed with cancer. After a time of corporate prayer, the two women sat together as everyone laid hands on them and asked that Jesus would touch them with His healing power. During the first week, the first woman was checked by her doctor and was given a cancer-free diagnosis. Seventeen days later, the doctor shared the results of the second woman’s MRI. No cancer. During that same time period, one of the couples had to move to another home. When the man came to hook up their house phone. They shared about the Lord and the man received Christ as his Savior. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
“And the Lord added to their number everyday those that were being saved.”
George & Linda Henson
January 2009
Hola, from San Luis, Mexico. I have been here for 1 month and I have been so blessed. Victor and Elvira have made me feel right at home. They are a real encouragement to me. I am learning many things to help Victor and the ministry like, doing the books, paying the bills, and getting to know San Luis and YumaArizona, so I can run errands and grocery shop. There are many things to learn and God is teaching me. I have also connected with many local Christians who serve God, here in San Luis. I have come along side them to help encourage them in the ministry God has called them to. I help Miguel Tapia and Tonita Tapia who go into the prison and Rehab centers to share the gospel and minister to the prisoners and those addicted to alcohol and drugs. I know intercessory prayer is vital in transforming communities for Jesus, so I have started praying with a local couple, Alex and Julie Larios for God to touch San Luis. I have also met some local Pastors and their wives and desire to be a blessing to them and help them any way I can. I spend much time with my neighbor, Rosario. She does not speak English, so she is teaching me Spanish and I am teaching her English. God is connecting me with people and I am building relationship with them. At a church on Sunday, Victor, Elvira and I prayed for 2 men with back and shoulder problems and they were both healed. I am really seeking God for His presence and vision. That He would speak to me clearly about what He wants me to do here. I want to come into all the fullness God has for me. My heart is at peace and I feel at home because I am where God wants me to be.
Elisabeth Angell
August 30, 2008
In March of 2008, a testimony was shared about a woman, Janice, in Texas that was prophetically spoken to and through obedience contacted Harvest Vision Ministries in Washington. We have been blessed by her faithfulness to support the ministry from that time. In early August, George and Linda were preparing for a trip through the Midwest and were contacted by Janice about a possible meeting. Amazingly, Janice lives on the route that George and Linda were driving on to go between their destinations in Texas and Oklahoma. They also had their grand-daughter, Kylee, and great grand-daughter, Madilyn, who was just 9 weeks with them and they were able to share a meal together, fellowship and share their hopes and visions for the future. God’s desire that we love each other and be together is even greater than ours. This “encounter” was a great time of encouragement and renewed hope for each of us and another reminder that neither life nor death, past nor future, angels nor demons nor powers – nothing, no matter how high or how low – can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
July 22, 2008
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Samuel 15:22
Over these last few years, I began a practice of praying with my employees each morning before we set out from the shop to go to work. Recently, I have been facing some difficult circumstances in my marriage which have affected every area of my life, including my work. After losing a couple of my employees, it was necessary that I look for some additional help to maintain the business. A young man came to work with us on Tuesday morning for the first time, and after our prayer time, we briefed him on the work that we would be doing during the day and went about our business. The next morning, we started talking about God and Jesus and the young man mentioned that his mother had just recently been diagnosed with cancer. The conversation included the testimony of the gift of God’s peace about where we will spend eternity and the relief from the despair of facing everyday living problems with God’s help. I explained the plan of salvation and asked him if that would be something that he would like to do. He accepted the invitation and has been ushered into the Kingdom. I am thankful that even in times of personal trials, our obedience in doing the “right” thing will always produce fruit.
Jesse
June 12th, 2008
When I met Simon he was a young man who confessed to be going through a difficult time, yet he always had a big smile on his face and something positive to comment about. He often spoke about his love for Jesus and the joy he’s found in living for Him. Little did I know that within the last two years he had lost both of his parents and was now the “father” of three younger siblings. He had some relatives to stay with, but their compassion was minimal. Although he was one of the best students in his class, lack of fees drove him out of school. Struggling to do whatever he could to study, he began making art to sell on the streets. He often went days without eating and frequent sicknesses, without any medication, left him weak. Secretly he was so discouraged that he was losing faith that God even loved him. He felt utterly alone.
But, God heard his prayers. Shortly after that God sent him a friend. This friend prayed with him, visited him, sometimes helped him with food, and even gave him his very own bible. The friend introduced him to her parents. Her parents had so much love for Simon. They bought him some art supplies to encourage the talent that God had given him. And, when school time came around, they offered to pay his way through the year. Simon was so encouraged that he began to thank God. He knew that it was God who had done these things for him.
When Simon got to school, he never forgot the testimony that God had given him, and he knew that God had a purpose for his life. Shortly after first term commenced, he realized that there were no church activities happening at the school. And, since it was a boarding school, the children were not allowed to leave the compound, even for church services. Seeing this need, Simon began to ask God what he could do. He began a lunch hour fellowship; simply inviting people to get together to hang out, read the bible, and pray for one another. Nobody showed up. But, Simon was not discouraged. He changed the fellowship to the evenings and people began to come. More and more came. The people at school even started calling him pastor.
This fellowship is happening right now. They have received opposition from both students and faculty. But, this community of believers is standing on the Rock, they cannot be moved. God has used a seventeen year old orphan, who had nothing, to increase His kingdom and build His church.
Simon continues to let the Light inside him shine. He’s one of the top ten students at his school, participates in Scouts, makes his art work, and of course pastors the small group of believers. Please pray for Simon and the fellowship.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
In 2007, during a visit to the Lulagwe Community Church in Mukono pastored by Jonathan and Janet Lubega, we visited Kasaali, a nearby fishing village of about 400 people. They had planned an outreach at the end of the year to minister and plant a church in the village, but that outreach never occurred.
During my visit to Africa, Pastor Martin, his family and I took a long 3 hour drive from Kampala to visit at the Lulagwe Community Church. We had a wonderful time of praise and worship, accompanied by one man with “shaker” box. On our earlier visits, the church had drums they also used during the worship. Afterwards we were blessed by hearing God’s Word and His assurance for the transformation of the community.
What a blessing it was to find out that the church family had followed through with their commitment and had sent two pastors to go and start that church plant in Kasaali. We received a double portion blessing, when Pastor Jonathan pointed out that the Lulagwe church family had given their only drums to the new church plant in that neighboring village.
Pastor George Henson, Harvest Vision Ministries
May 30th, 2008
May 6th, 2008
I went to the doctor because there was terrible pain in my back and down my leg. After some testing, they said that besides an inflamed sciatica nerve, I would need surgery for a cyst on my ovary, which could be causing the pain, but it would be a few weeks before they could do surgery. How was I ever going to endure the pain? I asked for prayer for healing of the cyst. I believe that nothing is impossible for God. For the following weeks, He took the back pain away. When the surgery was performed, they didn’t find a cyst, but found that my fallopian tube was about ready to burst, and removed it. I give God Glory and Praise for being the Great Physician. Isn’t it an awesome God we serve. I still have pain from the sciatica nerve, but am believing that God can heal that too.
Janet Downs
April 18th, 2008
There was a scraping sound in my brakes when I backed my car in the mornings. Thought maybe I ought to have my brake pads looked at or maybe my rotors needed turning. I took my car into a car service place to have them take a look. When they removed the back tires I could see that the one on the drivers side had a large bulge in it. The rubber had a weak spot and was starting to separate. It was on the side of the tire that doesn’t show. The technician said that he had never seen anything like it,.and that there was nothing wrong with my brakes, but I needed a new tire. For a couple of months I had periodically gotten air put in that tire because there was a slow leak. How long had that bulge been there? God was definitely taking care of me! Had He caused the scraping sound to happen so that I would get the brakes checked to find the problem? YES! Over the last few months of my life, my faith has ballooned. From a car wreck in October, to the discovery of a tumor in November, to the tire in April. God is in control.
Linda Henson
April 3, 2008
Nicole joined our team that traveled to San Luis the first week of April. She is a friend of George and Linda’s granddaughter, Kylee, but no one on the team had the opportunity to get to know her until the team traveled to Mexico. She faithfully agreed to do a daily devotion today and we were blessed as she picked Proverbs 27:1, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” After reading the scripture and making a short comment, we asked if she could say a prayer for the team as we prepared to move into the day’s activities. How we were blessed when she said, “I have never prayed before!”, and then said a short but loving prayer. All of the sudden, no one was concerned in boasting about tomorrow, but boasting in what the Holy Spirit did in the moment!
March 27th, 2008
(email from Chris Sanderson to the Harvest Vision Board):
Heather answered her phone today. I was half-eavesdropping hearing her answer questions about the ministry etc. after she hung up, she shared the conversation with me. To begin with it was a woman with a thick southern accent (Heather thought it was going to be a sales call or something). It was actually a lady that lives in Texas. The woman said that about a month ago she was praying and the Lord spoke the name "George" to her...nothing more. Some weeks later, on the 29th of February (leap day) as she was praying the name "Henson" came to her...she asked the lord what it meant and He connected it with the name "George". she did some "Google" searches and came across the ministry and the Lord told her to "sew a seed" into the ministry. She called both Georges and Linda's #'s a few times over the next week but did not get through because their phones are turned off in Mexico. Praise the Lord she persevered and went back to the website and found Heather's #, called her and has sent a $1,000 dollar check.
February 12th, 2008
Thank you Harvest Vision for giving my sons, Kamron and Keaton a mission in life that they have never had before.When they were given a “Change The World Bank”, they approached, with enthusiasm, the neighborhood, our vehicles and friends, to fill that bank ( not once, but twice ) It means so much to them to be able to help children less fortunate, from different parts of the world.
Christy Wilman
January 22, 2008
It was one of most awesome things I have ever done… to see a need, act on it, and to bless others. We were able to work with and for people, show the love of Christ, and at the end pray with them for safety, security, and blessings over them, their house, and all who enter the home… what a wonderful outreach to those in need!
In God’s economy, it is truly more blessed to give than to receive! Those of us who went down were blessed by a time of fellowship with one another like we have never had before… a real bond was developed between churches, generations, and between individuals. This could blossom into a “partnership” between our church and the Centralia church to take on projects together such as our sister church in Seattle.
I was surprised by the level of need. Their Pastor said that FEMA disaster relief and Red Cross are now pulling out of the area. People are still in shock as to the devastation and many don’t even know where to begin. Pastor Rick said now it is up to the church. We need to stand beside these people and show them together we can get started, get the ball rolling, and get their lives back on track… maybe this time with Christ as a part of their lives!
This experience has showed me that the floodgates come in more ways than material goods. I have been on a “spiritual high” like none before. I see how a small amount of my time, energy, and resources can make a huge difference in someone’s life… both here and hopefully eternally as well.
{Wayne Watne on returning from a mission trip with the Mt. Vernon Church of the Nazarene to Lewis County in southwest Washington to work on homes devastated by the floods.}
