October found our cadet teams on their second deployment: half the team in Uganda, the other half in Greece. They reported a challenging, stretching, and fulfilling time.
Greece
Five cadets made up the team in Greece. While there, they worked mostly in a refugee camp under i58 while also completing several projects outside of camp.
Inside the refugee camp, the cadets served refugees from 35 different nationalities. They engaged in work like handing out passport tickets, cleaning, and sorting donated items. They also spent time simply building relationships with refugees. Via those relationships, the Gospel was shared with several people.
An interesting but difficult point of this deployment was a trip outside of camp to a Roman gypsy village. Here, the team was able to interact with children who came from loveless homes. After a quick hello, it was obvious the children were thirsty for attention and love. Goodbyes were no easy feat.
Uganda
Four cadets created the team serving in Uganda under Love and Care for All. Their time was largely spent building relationships through playing soccer and hanging out with street children at a mission home.
On one occasion, the team had the opportunity to butcher a goat and have a birthday celebration with the children using homemade pinatas. A highlight of the trip was, in the midst of a country steeped in witchcraft, to join the worship services each morning with the children.
Meet the Cadets
Last month, we introduced five of our cadets. So without further ado, today it’s time to meet the other four cadets:
Eugene Stoltzfus
I am 22 and from Mifflinburg, PA. In my previous life, I was a roofing expert. Somewhat ironically, I enjoy saunas and playing ice hockey. I also enjoy sitting in ice-cold water, preferably when I have a sauna to relax in after.
Unlike most of my teammates, I’ve basically lived in the same house from the day I was born and have had limited involvement in overseas missions.
When I was nineteen, I became manager of a roofing company where I served for the past two years. I was also involved with Allstate Outreach where we would play sports and interact with kids on Canadian reservations. This provided a great way to combine my personal hobbies with missions. I absolutely loved it.
I always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself; something that pushed me and gave me opportunities to help those in need. I also felt the call to be more than what I saw in “the American dream” lifestyle — a life of adventure.
At Chazak Rescue, I’m excited to finally be doing what I’ve been dreaming about for my entire life. Lord willing, I’d like to stay in Chazak for all four years and beyond.
Random Fact: I live in the PNW (Pacific North West) when I have time.
Landon Yoder
I’m 23 years old and from Shipshewana, IN.
I enjoy playing and watching soccer. Before coming to Chazak, I worked at an epoxy flooring business for over three years.
I decided to join Chazak after spending time in Asia and seeing how some people are forced to flee their homes to stay alive. I wanted to help in some way and Chazak seemed like the best way to do that.
So far, I have enjoyed the training. It has been super intense, but that’s what it’s supposed to be. Once you’re in the field, lives are at stake. You prepare in training so there’s less chance you’ll make a mistake on the field.
I look forward to all the training I will receive under Chazak. The instructors are great and really care about us being at our best. I would like to serve under Chazak Rescue for at least eight to ten years.
Random Fact: I am not a fan of coffee.
Jaden Esh
I am 19 years old and was born in Manitoba, Canada.
I enjoy traveling and anything outdoors. I grew up in Lancaster, PA, and worked for A+ Masonry Restoration for several years before joining Chazak Rescue.
There were several people (such as Shawn Hochstetler and Ephraim Beiler) and circumstances that I believe God used to lead me to become a Chazak Cadet.
Lord willing, I will be in Chazak Academy for the full four-year program. During year four, I hope to look into developing a Chazak Rescue K9 unit.
Random Fact: One of my favorite foods is poutine.
Don Miller
I’m from East Berlin, PA. I really enjoy playing pretty much any sport. For relaxation, I like playing the guitar.
The thing that drove me to join Chazak was last summer reading the story of the rich young ruler. Chazak was on my radar at that point and as I read the words of Jesus, the reality of me still holding onto my life struck me like never before.
The most surprising thing for me within Chazak, in a good way, has been the intensity of the training.
Random Fact: I make delicious chocolate chip cookies.
What’s Happening Now
Currently, the cadets are stateside for segment 1.3 of training, known as Alpha Training.
This is a six-week training in a Bible College format that focuses on the inner man. Throughout this training, a foundational framework is being laid for future experiences.
Prayer Requests
Pray for the cadets as they immerse themselves in schoolwork. Specifically, pray the cadets would:
- know how to manage their time well
- be able to retain what they are learning
- know how to handle stress levels resulting from intense training and schoolwork
What the Cadets are Saying
“I love having a group of guys that push me, encourage me, and give input into my life. It has been such a blessing to have guys that really have my back.”
-Trent King
And that’s a wrap for this month!
As always, thanks for being here and joining with us as together, we work to finish the ultimate mission.