This page is dedicated to our Northern New England District Missionaries. We trust you will have opportunity to consider supporting these fine folks who are on the mission field as our representatives. If you would like to support them or schedule them for services when they are home on furlough you can contact the District office and we will be happy to help you get in contact with them. Every missions minded Church should be partnering with these servants in prayer and financial support.
Blessings, Nikolai, Heather & Jonathan
Heather Green Shimansky graduated from Faith School of Theology and North Central University with degrees in missions and cross cultural ministries. She grew up in, and has a minister's license with, the Northern New England District of the Assemblies of God. Heather went to Ukraine in August 2001 as an Assembly of God missionary. She used her experience and worked as the library director in the newly opened Evangel Theological Seminary in Kiev. As a new missionary, she also studied Russian full time. At the seminary, Heather met Nikolai Shimansky, a seminary student. Nikolai Shimansky, born in Ukraine, was a preacher and helped his pastor in his home church in Berdichev, Ukraine. After graduating from Bible College in 2002, he became a student at the seminary in Kiev, where he met Heather. They married in March of 2004. That year, Nikolai graduated from the seminary with a master's degree in Bible and Theology. He has just recently obtained his minister's license with the Assemblies of God. As Assemblies of God missionaries, together they served in a drug rehabilitation center as teachers. Nikolai also studied English and Heather continued studying Russian. They are now in America for itineration. In October 2005, they gave birth to their first son, Jonathan. Ukraine has a great need for missionaries to work in the areas of education and evangelism. They plan to return to Ukraine in January of 2007, and help fulfill those needs.
Mike & Diane are preparing to return for their third term of service in Taiwan. During their first term, they were part of a team that planted a new church (New Life Assembly of God) in Taichung. During their second term, Michael co-pastored this church which has two congregations: Chinese and Filipino. He has also taught courses for the Assemblies of God School of Theology in Talchung and Tainan. Diane led Bible studies with women in their home and developed a children's ministry. About the size of Connecticut and New Hampshire combined, Taiwan (formerly Formosa) is an island lying 100 miles off the southeast coast of China between the East and South China Seas. The majority of Taiwan's 21 million people are ethnic Chinese. Taiwan is a spiritually needy nation. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are Eastern religions inherited from China and adhered to by the majority of the population. Only 2 percent of the population are evangelical Christians. The Assemblies of God currently has 20 churches in the country. About 1,450 people gather for worship in these churches. Many others are being reached through home Bible study courses distributed from ICI University learning centers. The Assemblies of God School of Theology is located in the city of Taichung and is training future ministers and church workers. Prior to missionary appointment, the Chases pioneered a church in Durham, New Hampshire and pastored there for 6 years.
David and Rosemarie have served as Assemblies of God Missionaries in Paraguay, South America since 1983. They first worked with the Paraguay Task Force as church planters and discipling new converts teaching International Correspondence Institute courses (now Global University). Since 1994 they have been working with Latin America Child Care (LACC) Paraguay. The draw of Paraguay LACC schools is an affordable Christian school education but the purpose of the schools is to share Christ with the students. David and Rosemarie work with the Paraguayan staff, teachers and pastors to witness, give an excellent education as well as provide work opportunities for the students. The vision of the Paraguay LACC staff is that the graduates of LACC will be men and women of integrity who are prepared to enter places of authority in order to revolutionize Paraguay and the “uttermost parts” for Christ.
Paraguay is a semitropical landlocked country about the size of California, located in the heart of South America with the Tropic of Capricorn going through it. Paraguay is surrounded on the southwest by gigantic Argentina, on the northwest by Bolivia and in the northeast, an even bigger giant, Brazil (which is bigger than the continental United States).
Pictured left to right are: Rosemarie, Rachel (VFCC freshman), Michael (graduating high school this June), David, Rebecca (VFCC freshman), Samuel (10th grade). As of July 2007, the DiTrolios’ will be in the States for itineration. If you are interested in having us or interested in supporting a Paraguay LACC child please contact us at drditrolio@aol.com or home # 595-21-296-970. Thank you.
Paul and Lana Duda,
Special Projects Director for Latin America and the
Paul and Lana Duda have served as Assemblies of God Missionaries since
1989. They have ministered as
church planters, planting, discipling, and establishing three churches, Aposento
Alto Assemblies of God,
Paul also served in the capacity of the Dean of Distance Education at the
Bible Seminary in
In 2003, the Latin America and
The Fords are missionaries to the country of Peru. After completing one year of language school in Costa Rica, they arrived in the land of their calling in June 1992. Steve and Terry received a very warm welcome from the national leadership. They are excited to have this new missionary couple in the country to work with them in reaching the people for Christ. Their vision is to train the national workers in sound biblical doctrine and in the "how-to's" of church work. They plan to remain mobile enough to travel around the country spending time at the 100's of preaching points. Their prayer is to be used of God in seeking laborers for the needed harvest. The Ford's eventual target area is the ancient jungle city of Iquitos, located on the Amazon River. The isolated community has had very little Christian exposure. They are believing God for a Holy Ghost outpouring in the area with a tremendous move of the Spirit!
Jose' & Marsha Fortin are Assemblies of God missionaries to the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is an island country in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cuba. The island is shared by two distinctly different countries and cultures, French speaking Haiti, covering the western third of the island and Spanish speaking Dominican Republic, occupying space the size of New Hampshire and Vermont combined. The population calculates at approximately 7.3 million people. Most of them are of mixed Spanish and Indian decent. Roman Catholicism is the main religion, but many Dominicans still need an adequate presentation of the Gospel. Some who live near the Haitian border practice voodoo religions. The Fortins will be living and working in the province of Barahona, located 40 miles from the border of Haiti. The Assemblies of God is a growing fellowship of believers in the Dominican Republic with about 75,000 gathering in nearly 2,000 churches and outstations across the country. Jose's Latin American background will be very effective in the various ministry opportunities they will have. Jose' came to the Lord at the age of 20 through the efforts of an Assemblies of God missionary in his home country of Honduras. He began getting involved in the church and decided to go to Bible College in the United States. It was there that God began to put a burden in his heart to some day return to Latin America and share the 'Good News'.
Robert and Edith LaFon have been working as missionaries to El Salvador since 1988. They are currently working world wide using technology and assisting missionaries to use technology to reach the lost. They served on the National Executive Committee (which serves over 1,000 churches), taught in the Bible Institute and the Assemblies of God University, served as part of the National Foreign Missions Department, worked as part of the King's Castle Ministries to children, and worked with the national church in other diverse ways. While in El Salvador they planted churches, worked in evangelism and soul winning, and established discipleship programs. Also they assisted in developing and sending national missionaries to other countries. A graduate with a B.A. degree in Bible/Missions from Southwestern Assemblies of God College, Waxahachie, TX, Rev. LaFon completed the M.A. in Missiology from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, MO. Born and raised as a MK (missionary kid) in Honduras and Ecuador, Reverend LaFon was involved in all aspects of missionary service, literature, music and building. Robert and Edith have three daughters, Kara, Katie and Kelly.
Jerry & Faith McCollough create evangelical books using "cultural keys" - well known people or events within a culture,
incorporating the Gospel message. Literature can often go into places a missionary cannot, stay longer, and reach millions of non-believers who may never be in contact with a pastor, missionary or church. As people read about their own history and heroes they will also read the message of Jesus Christ. Their first book in the Cultural Key book series is directed toward Eastern Europe, and traces the lives of Cyril & Methodius, brothers who created the Cyrillic (Russian) alphabet from the
three languages on the cross of Christ so that the Slavik people could read the Bible in their own language. Extensive research makes this an excellent way of reaching the large body of atheists and scientific humanists who know these brothers as literary figures but not as committed Christians.
The McColloughs have currently completed the rough manuscript draft for the second book in this series for the Czech Republic on Jan Hus, a Christian martyr and national hero. They are also doing research on a book for Northern Europe and Scandinavia, where many young people are returhning to the "old gods". This book tells
the true story of a Viking hero who brought the Gospel message to the area around the Baltic Sea.
Jerry has completed his Master's Degree in Biblical Literature and will participate in the AGTS graduation ceremonies May 1, 2004. This degree will prove invaluable as the McColloughs combine research with teaching in Bibles schools throughout the world.
In April, 2003, Global University/International Correspondence Institute invited the McColloughs to join forces with them to continue the comic book Bible story series, "Heroes of the Faith", which they began in Belgium in 1988. This transition gives Jerry and Faith the international classification needed to facilitate the Cultural Key series book projects to reach not only Europe but the rest of the world,
including China, Latin America, the Mid East, etc.
While working for International Correspondence Institute in Brussels, Belgium, (now Global University located in Springfield, MO) the McColloughs illustrated the first full-color series of Bible stories in comic book form produced by ICI. These are now in over 50 languages including Russian. Since over 50% of the world's population is under 15, these comics have proven to be an effective tool in bringing children
to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Jerry & Faith have two children: Mrs. Jenny Cypher, 39, who resides in Fort Worth, Texas, with her husband, Brian, six year old son, Colin, and 18 month old daughter, Grace; and Major Devon McCollough, 37, who resides with his wife, Traci, and 6 month old son,
Nathan, in Alamogordo, NM. He presently flies the F-117 Stealth fighter out of Holloman AFB.
The Morins have been fully appointed Assemblies of God missionaries for 25 years. They were the first couple to have both grown up in the Northern New England District and be commissioned as missionaries from the district. Harry is a native of Lewiston, Maine and received a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine. Vera is a native of Thomaston, Maine, and received her degree in Physical Therapy from Columbia University.
Harry and Vera began their missionary career in the Islamic country of Bangladesh where they were assigned for ministry from 1975 to 1990. They then transferred to the Philippines to the island of Mindanao where there are six million Muslims. In 1994, they joined CMM (Center for Ministry to Muslims), a special branch of the Assemblies of God missions program. Since that time, Harry has traveled extensively to teach at pastors’ seminars and Assemblies of God colleges all over the world to train and mobilize pastors, lay-workers, and students to impact the Islamic world with the power of the Gospel. In addition, Harry has used his gift in writing to prepare specialized booklets designed to introduce the Muslim reader to Biblical truths. Without a doubt, the Morins are involved in one of the greatest challenges that remain on the frontiers of missions -- the task of penetrating the largest block of unreached people in the world -- 1.2 billion Muslim souls!
Rocco and his wife, Ellen, have been involved in evangelism, and church planting. They have been Missionaries in Argentina since 1988. During their first term their ministry was responsible for the new church plantings in the cities of Formosa, Santa Fe and Colastine. During their second term, their ministry helped specifically with the new church planting in the city of Reconquista, the closest A/G church 150 miles away. They also were responsible for planting a new church planting in the city of Santo Tome, a neighboring city of Santa Fe where they live.
During their third term of service, they have started five new church plantings. One in the city of Formosa, with the help of the church started there eight years ago. A new church planting in the city of Avellaneda was started as well, in July 1998 with the help of the church in Reconquista, a neighboring city. CHURCHES STARTING CHURCHES!
A new church planting was started in the city of San Justo, an important agricultural city in the province, in 1998 and a new church planting was started in the city of San Lorenzo, in 1999, with the prayer and financial help of several of the churches in our district, (where Rocco was superintendent). And most recent a church in the city of Rafaela, a city of 90,000 people, was begun.
Their ministry has also included the launching of the “Schools of Evangelism” a mobile training center in evangelism, which consists of morning classes, afternoon practical outreach work, and evening crusades. These schools of Evangelism always work in correlation to a new church planting. We have had 6 such schools with approximately 80 graduates.
Rocco was asked to direct the National Home Missions Department for the A/G of Argentina with a special thrust in Church Planting in May of 1998. Please pray for wisdom and direction in this special undertaking. He travels extensively encouraging churches throughout the country to participate in starting new church plantings for the propagation of the gospel in this great country.
Ellen has been involved in a local Christian radio program directed towards the needs of women and the family this last tern as well as speaking to women in women’s groups and churches. She has been used to encourage and train the new church planting pastor’s wives!
Jamieson and Lydia are both graduates of Faith School of Theology in Charleston ME.
Since graduating they have been actively involved in ministry at Living Waters Assembly of God in Strong ME. They have been involved primarily in children's ministry, which included children's church, outreaches and events.
They are currently itinerating for their first term. They are part of the Missionary In Training program, and feel the Lord's calling to the country of Russia. Their desire is to aid in church planting, and to see kids in their proper place in the church: along side their parents, worshiping and growing in the faith and knowledge of God.
In Christ,
Jamieson and Lydia Herman
*Please remeber to pray for these first time missionaries, as they raise their support and try to schedule services. (Dennis Marquardt - NNED District Supt. & Mission's Dir.)
“Reconciling Students to Christ –
Transforming the University, the Marketplace, and the World!” -- Assemblies of God Home Missionaries,
Bryan and Hannah Bessette direct Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at the
As full time missionaries
in the Northern New England District, Bryan & Hannah also serve as
facilitators, advisors, and equippers to local churches as they endeavor to
reach out to the campuses in their respective communities. “Our prayer is for leaders to arise from
the local churches that will have a passion to see the
Bryan and Hannah
are both graduates of Plymouth State College, where they were first involved
with Chi Alpha as students. After
graduating PSC, they went on to do an internship with the
In the Spring of 1991, Eric was a student at Plymouth State College. Through
the witness of the Chi Alpha Missionary, Eric accepted Jesus Christ as his
personal Savior. After graduating he stayed for an additional year to
complete an internship and to further his spiritual growth.
In the Fall of 1991, Sarah enrolled as a student at Plymouth State College.
Through the friendship of a Chi Alpha Student, Sarah committed her life to
the Lord Jesus Christ. A few weeks later, she received the baptism of the
Holy Spirit.
In June of 1994, Eric and Sarah were married. Together they went to
Springfield, Missouri where Eric attended the Assemblies of God Theological
Seminary and Sarah was employed by the general Council of the Assemblies of
God.
In June of 1995, Eric and Sarah attended the Institute of Campus Missions to
further prepare them for their involvement in Chi Alpha. In December of
1995. Eric completed his Masters in Theology and returned to Plymouth State
College where it all began.
Together, Eric and Sarah are working to reconcile students to Christ and
train them in the areas of worship, fellowship, discipleship evangelism and
prayer.
Eric and Sarah are truly the results of Chi Alpha Campus Ministry at
Plymouth State College. But since they have returned they have seen many
more results. Scores have been saved. Several have gone to Seminary & Bible
school. And three students have gone on to become Assemblies of God
Credential holders.
Goal: To provide prevention programs to the youth of America and to take the faith-based proven treatment techniques developed over the last forty-three years to thousands more who are addicted to drugs and alcohol and see no hope of an effective solution.
Manchester Teen Challenge is a 30-day to 5-month residential Discipleship Ministry. After their stay here they are transferred to our Training Center in Brockton, MA. for 10 months. The total length of the program is 15 months and a 6 month follow-up program.
Teen Challenge of Maine has recently undergone a restart. A new center has been opened under the leadership of New England Teen Challenge and is working with Northern New England District to establish our thirdTeen Challenge Center in Maine in our district, now completing a Teen Challenge Center in each of the 3 states of our district. We are most grateful for this recent development. God has been very gracious and opened a large track of property for use as a center located in the town of Winthrop, ME, just outside of Augusta, ME. Much work has already been completed on the facilities on the property and there are residents in the program even at this time. The new directors -- Peter and Shondi Fabiano have accomplished a great deal already and are busy getting the center fully operational. Please continue in prayer and support for Teen Challenge of Maine as the challenges of building and organizing take place. This is a valued ministry within our district and one which we believe God has raised up. We are grateful for both the past work that has been accomplished and this new work in the eastern part of our district. Please send financial support directly through New England Teen Challenge with it designated for Maine Teen Challenge.
Mission Statement: Teen Challenge endeavors to evangelize men and woman who suffer with the devastating effects of life-controlling problems in the areas of drug addiction, alcoholism, crime and other problems that keep them from living a fruitful, productive life. Our goal is to initiate the discipleship process to the point where the individual can function as a Christian in society, applying spiritually motivated Biblical principles to relationships in the family, local church, workplace and in the community. To provide the link between those without hope, and the One in whom hope is found.
We are truly blessed to have this opportunity to serve the Lord here in Vermont in the birthing of a center. .We are looking forward to planting a Teen Challenge Center here to provide those in need with an opportunity to change their lives. As we have just recently begun this task, we have many needs, and we ask for your prayers and support.
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