In March, we sent out letters, trusting God with a big need. Like Joshua and the Israelites marching around Jericho, we’ve been walking in faith—sharing our ministry, praising God, and asking for His provision.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
We’re deeply grateful for so many of you who responded—some increased your giving, others returned after time away. Thank you. Every step forward brings us closer.
But the walls are still up.
Our funding is not yet where it needs to be, and we’re praying for more partners to help bring those walls down. If you’ve only ever given once, would you consider pledging consistent, ongoing support?
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
It’s that regular giving—month by month—that keeps us on the ground, serving in Hungary and Serbia, walking alongside people in deep need.
We believe God will provide. But just like the Israelites, we must keep walking—and we invite you to walk with us.
“God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.” — Rick Yancey
The other day I received a kind affirmation from a former participant of the Training of Conflict Transformation Trainers that I co-facilitated in Santiago, Cuba in 2018. She is now the current director of Centro Lavastida, the Christian social service agency where we held the TCTT. She said, “Recuerdo muy bien el taller que hubo de Transformación de Conflictos, todavía están muchos de los asistentes trabajando en eso. Si se repite esa formación me gustaría recibirla pues en mi nueva responsabilidad es muy necesaria. Muchas gracias por el ministerio tan hermoso que desarrolla!”
“I remember the workshop on Conflict Transformation very well. Many of the attendees are still practicing these tools. If this training is repeated I would like to receive it because of my new responsibility. It is very necessary. Thank you very much for the beautiful ministry you develop!”
We are in conversation about expanding our CoLab Cuba: Expressive Arts in Transition training to various regions throughout Cuba, starting with another cohort in Santiago. Thanks to a generous grant from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, we are able to offer training, supervision and support for grassroot Cuban leaders in arts-based psychosocial and spiritual support. These funds are collected each year from the American Baptist Churches throughout the US to be distributed for crises and development projects locally and around the world.
For almost 25 years I have been working in partnership with International Ministries partners and faith communities. My ministry has evolved and expanded over the years: from supporting pastoral leaders through theological education, to human trafficking prevention, education, and restoration ministry, to conflict transformation and now global consulting and training in the expressive/restorative arts. God has been forming and shaping my ministry over these many years. I count on the faithful friendship and support of so many people like you who invest in the good that God is doing through communities around the world. The relationships that have been built over the years are bearing fruit to this day. It is such a gift to be able to witness growth, desire for learning and love in the lives of folks like Heidi in Santiago. Your partnership is such an encouragement to me, especially in these times of global stress and change. Thank you for making it possible for me to see glimpses of unity, grace and hospitality embodied in our global kin. It helps to counteract the newsbites of division, gruesomeness and hostility that discourage my soul.
Please pray for the start of two new cohorts of Expressive Arts facilitators in Cuba in April/May of this year.
Tomorrow at my home church in Olympia, WA we will be praying for and sending off Sarah, Luis, and Nora Matos to their new International Ministries call in Oaxaca, Mexico. After many years of raising up a sustainable support team, they will engage in hands-on ministry with our Mexican partners. While my family and I served in Costa Rica, Sarah came to live and learn with us. It is a joy to witness the fruit of this mentoring relationship blossom. Please pray for the transition and lifegiving transformation of this global servant family as they begin their new journey in Mexico.
I am so grateful for the 11% increase in my ministry support in the last few months. Thanks to new monthly, increased, and year end givers that makeup my ongoing support team. Thanks be to God. I am praying and trust that the 20% more ($2000 a month) of my total support goal will be met soon in order to continue and sustain the global work God has called me to. Thank you for being an integral part of my life over these many years. You make a difference not only in me, but in the World.
An earthquake has caused widespread devastation in central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025. To date, it’s been reported that more than 2,900 have died and more than 3,400 have been injured in Myanmar.
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, April 1, 2025
Earthquake in Myanmar, More Help Urgently Needed
International Ministries has sent an initial grant of $10,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency relief to partners who are providing humanitarian relief to the victims of the earthquake that caused widespread devastation in central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, 2025.
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7 struck around 12:50 local time according to the US Geological Survey. A second earthquake struck 12 minutes later, with a magnitude of 6.4. The earthquake’s epicenter was located 10 miles northwest of Myanmar’s city Sagaing. This is also near Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay, with a population of about 1.5 million people – and about 62 miles north of the capital Nay Pyi Taw.
To date, it’s been reported that more than 2,900 have died and more than 3,400 have been injured in Myanmar, although it is difficult to obtain accurate information. In Thailand, authorities reported localized incidents that have left at least 13 dead and 77 unaccounted for when a building that was under construction collapsed.
International Ministries (IM) is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of its global servants, partners in the region, and the communities they serve. All IM personnel have reported they are safe, and we are assessing the needs of our partners in Myanmar and their communities as the situation unfolds.
IM calls for urgent prayer and support for all those affected by the earthquake.
View this email in your browserClick here to download a printer friendly version. March 2025 As Brent retired he said, “As long as MFI continues to have only one flight each day, you should do well as you step into this role.” As we started into January, both Spirit and American Airlines began to cancel flights into Haiti. This led to an increase in passenger demand. So now, we are flying into Haiti with both airplanes on the same day multiple times a month. The pace has been a bit breakneck. God is providing the stamina, but there are many late nights on the day before the flight getting both airplanes ready to go and the paperwork prepared so nothing comes back. I’ve begun to train my assistant who can fill in when we are on deputation or vacation. Please pray for wisdom and good communication on my part in that some of the tasks do not come easily for him but he is willing to fill this role as it is desperately needed. Rainbow after an afternoon rain Port-au-Prince is still closed to U.S. aircraft at this time. For those missions located on the northern side of the city, they have started making the journey to cities where we are able to fly in order to still be able to access supplies. This has increased our cargo loads to those locations at the same time that as the increase in passenger demand. Please continue to pray for Haiti as the gangs control much of Port-au-Prince and are trying new routes to take control of areas that they do not currently control. Please pray for MFI for the staff and the airplanes that we will be able to continue at the pace required to meet the needs of those we serve. . Sam taking pictures of the new plane Sam and the new plane
An exciting development at MFI is that the third DC-3 in our fleet has finally been delivered with its fresh coat of paint. We are so grateful of God’s provision of another airplane to help MFI be able to serve those in the Caribbean. Our maintenance team is now hard at work finishing out the standardization of the aircraft and doing the inspections to be able to bring this into our maintenance program. Please pray for them as they continue to maintain our existing fleet and ready this new plane for beginning its time at MFI. Thank you for your faithfulness in love, prayers, and support as we serve at MFI. James and Sam Gabhart
Save the Date: We are traveling to Spokane for the Moody Missions Conference as a family! We will be in town from May 17th through May 30th. Email, call, or text to set up a time to get together. We are anticipating a great time of updating and sharing what God is doing at Missionary Flights with everyone. We also look forward to getting updates on your families too!If you are not currently receiving our monthly Prayerline with items you can pray for daily for our family and Missionary Flights, please click here to update your preferences to be added to that mailing list.
Family News When we think about time, it’s amazing to realize just how fleeting it is. The kids have been doing wonderfully with their first year in the new curriculum program we discovered this year. Each one of them is flourishing. Some of their courses are year long courses, while other just a few weeks, but it’s so wonderful to see just how well they are thriving with this program. We greatly appreciate the flexibility that we have with it, as well as the true enjoyment each of them is having with what they are studying. The gift of the scholarship program for each of them has been the biggest blessing in it all. We have been able to obtain desks, chairs, bookcases, subscription kits, and even Lego for them all to enjoy in their various areas of interest.
We want to share some incredible moments that have to do with Jon. He will be 17 in early March, and we have begun “countdown to adulthood”. He is working regularly on being clearer with his speech, learning how to cook new things in the kitchen, and even attended his first Night to Shine event in February. Night to Shine is an event put on by the Tim Tebow Foundation around the country for one night a year, a special needs prom. Sam had the ability to be the photographer for the one in our area. Jon had a wonderful buddy who came up to Sam at several points to praise just how smart, intelligent, and wonderful Jon is. Jon even invited her to our church, and she came that first Sunday. He was so proud to introduce his new friend to everyone. Jon at Night to Shine Jon at Night to ShineJon at Night to Shine
This season of Thanksgiving has been full of opportunities to reflect on God’s goodness and the many ways He allows us to share His love with others. From Serbia to Téglás, we’ve been reminded how your support makes all of this possible.
Larry recently returned from Serbia after delivering firewood to families in need. With winter approaching, these deliveries are vital to help keep families safe and warm, and it’s only through your generous donations that we’re able to provide this support. As Larry visited each family to bring firewood, he also brought encouragement and hope, taking time to build relationships with the people he met. Through these connections, he’s learning more about their lives and challenges, including medical and social issues where we can offer additional help.
One of the highlights of his trip was speaking at the local church’s Thanksgiving ceremony. Larry shared a message about the importance of helping others and showing Christ’s love by caring for our neighbors. He encouraged the church members to continue being a light in their community, inspiring them to find joy in serving others.
Meanwhile, back in Téglás, I had the honor of participating in our school’s Thanksgiving program. The teachers asked me to share how Thanksgiving is celebrated in America, so I gave a short speech about its history and some personal anecdotes. Here’s the twist—I delivered my speech in Hungarian! My language skills are far from perfect, but the teachers and students were thrilled that I could share in their language.
The program itself was beautiful. Each class prepared a Thanksgiving table filled with homemade treats and messages of gratitude. It was a joy to see the creativity and thoughtfulness of the students as they expressed what they were thankful for. I was reminded once again how special it is to be part of this community and how much I love sharing these moments with them.
We are so grateful for the prayers and financial support that make all of this possible. Whether it’s Larry distributing firewood in Serbia or me sharing Thanksgiving traditions in Hungary, your generosity is at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to share God’s love across borders and into the lives of those who need it most.
We hope you’ll visit our Facebook page to see more pictures and videos for a deeper dive into Larry’s trips to Serbia and the celebrations here in Téglás. From our family to yours, we wish you a season filled with blessings and gratitude!
The Great Spirit walks with us through times of trouble, giving us courage and well-being so that we can give to others the same comfort given to us. We need your prayers, for as you send your voice to the Great Spirit, many will see in our lives the answers to your many prayers and give God thanks. -1 Corinthians 1:4 and 11 First Nations Version
On my rainy walk this morning, many of my global partners came to mind and I was compelled to not only pray for them but to invite you to join me in those prayers. After all, you make it possible for me to work alongside these folks as I’ve served in my role as Global Consultant for Training with the Restorative Arts with International Ministries. Cuba, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador, the Philippines, Thailand, Nepal, Kenya, Lebanon, Ukraine and more places and faces come to mind, making me both smile and sigh.
I smile when Ernesto shares that he’s getting close to finishing his Doctor of Ministry dissertation focused on how he implemented what he learned from our Expressive Arts in Transition training in Cuba to support community youth during the Covid 19 crisis. I smile when my Costa Rican friend Ruth invites me to collaborate with her to offer creative conflict transformation training to women and young girls in Costa Rica. When Idaliana shares a poem, Eloy sends photos, Leslia and Marybexy write notes of thanks, or Oseth asks me how I need prayer, I smile. Their greetings remind me that together we are God’s answer to our prayers. I’m deeply grateful to them and all of you for the witness, commitment and encouragement that prod me to deeper faith and action.
I sigh as well, because along with everyday graces and gifts, grief and heartache touch us too. I sigh as I listen to Aida, Gabriela, and Elizabeth’s stories of the littles, the elders, the students and professors, the healthcare workers and those who’ve stayed in their home countries when others have left. I sigh in sacred trust that God sees and strengthens the hundreds of internally displaced folk now staying at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) in Beirut, Lebanon in seminary housing where I stayed when visiting there. I remember the hummus and hospitality I enjoyed, and pray that the abundance of God’s love will bring comfort, courage and well-being to them as it did for me. These are just a few of the many challenges held alongside of the courage I witness.
The resilience and creativity of my friends in the midst of difficulty inspires and motivates me to do all that I can to stand with them. Here’s how I need your prayers and support for the doors God has opened to partner with these wonderful colleagues–
In order to continue offering training and in person support to my colleagues around the world, I need to enlarge my team of monthly supporters who are called to a ministry of financial giving to make this possible. For those of you who like specifics, this would mean 15 new givers at $200 per month or 30 at $100 per month or 60 at $50 per month. Acknowledging that as we enter the Fall and begin to wrap up the year, you will be receiving a number of worthy requests for your solidarity and support; World Mission Offering, charities and political campaigns, and GoFundMe’s galore. It can get overwhelming, and yet, I want you to know that I need your prayers and your support. You can easily sign up to be on my team as a monthly supporter at this link:
2. We have been invited to expand the reach of our Expressive Arts in Transition pilot project in Cuba. After successfully graduating 8 certified EXIT facilitators, both the University of Holguin and a group in Santiago want to offer our arts-based psychosocial training program in their communities. We thank God for the $4000 already donated towards the $25,000 we need to complete these two new cohorts in 2025. If being a part of making the first ever Expressive Arts in Transition training in all of Latin America possible, will you consider giving a year-end gift? Any gift you can make will be helpful. By giving to this pilot project fund, you will make training and supervision available to those who are closest to the situation at hand. They hear the stories of struggle, they see the lonely elders and comfort the grieving children, sharing love by being the tangible expression of compassionate justice. You can donate directly at this link: https://internationalministries.org/expressive-arts-in-transition-exit/
3. At the end of this month I will be joining a small group of Global Consultants to accompany our colleague Kristy Engle and meet with ministry partners of the Hungarian Baptist Aid Society. We will visit ministry sites and encourage those involved in vital and life transforming ministries of care and comfort to those impacted by the war in Ukraine. I will facilitate an artful healing gathering with some key leaders there. Please pray that this time will be what is needed for the soul care of those gathered.
For those of you who are already part of my team, I can’t thank you enough. Thank you for your ongoing and faithful support. For those of you who, like me, smile and sigh at the beauty and brutality, gifts and griefs, resilience and raw realities of our world and want to DO something to make a difference, you are.
Praying that you will see in our lives the answers to your many prayers and give God thanks.
Jon at Night to Shine
Jon at Night to Shine
December 2024. It seems that each newsletter this year starts with how Haiti’s instability and gang activity are impacting how Missionary Flights is operating at the time of publication. In the beginning of November, gangs in Port-au-Prince vowed to make travel difficult until their demands were met. In the course of a couple days, they shot three different airline’s aircraft. This resulted in the Port-au-Prince airport being closed to all civilian aircraft. At this time, Missionary Flights anticipates that it will not be able to fly to Port-au-Prince until some time in the new year. Initially the FAA prohibited all U.S. aircraft from being below 10,000 feet over the country of Haiti. MFI was able to apply for permission to complete two evacuation flights. Once those were completed, the FAA adjusted the boundary for the restriction to be the southeastern part of the country and MFI was able to resume flights into Cap Haitien and Pignon. Please continue to pray for a resolution to this ongoing situation, for safety of the missionaries that we serve, and that God will be glorified.
Ft Pierce Hangar Banquet
Deputation Travel Pictures
Deputation Travel Pictures
Starved Rock
Trunk or Treat
Trunk or TreatThank you again for your love, support, and prayers this year.
