Devotions Day 31: 1 Samuel 8

The people want a king!  But what are they neglecting?

Robert Antolak

My Name is Robert Antolak.  I am a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Troy and have been using the gifts that God has given me for the past 12 years in Haiti.  It is a blessing to serve him again this year and trip.  My wife Polly and I have been married for 11 years and have 2 children Matthew and Grace who are 10 and 11  years respectively.  I do believe that Haiti has so many opportunities there and hope we can all see His working when we are immersed in their culture.

Devotions Day 30: John 1

Today marks the halfway point in our devotions. This is a very profound chapter....sort of like a glimpse into the vastness of the universe....

Jessica Lobaido

I'm Jessica! I'm 24, one of the babies of the group :). I'm a dental hygienist, and I've been one for 3 years this may. I graduated from University of Detroit Mercy. I have had the privilege of working with Dr Antolak for 2 years now. God has been tugging on my heart to make this trip to Haiti. This will be my first overseas mission trip. Initially I was a little nervous, but now I am getting so excited. I am a member at Shepherds Gate and am active in their young adult ministry. I love the Lord with all my heart and soul. That last sentence is the most important and should have been the first one. However I am bad at bios and it saves the best part of me for last. I look forward to getting to know everybody better. God bless :)

Devotions Day 29: Romans 11

Happy Valentines Day!

Devotions Day 28: Matthew 24-25

Are you a sheep or a goat?  Mother Teresa was quoted as saying, "At the end of our lives, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in."

Ashley, Greg and Kathy Oman

Introducing Ashley Oman and her parents Greg and Kathy Oman. Ashley is an active junior at Eisenhower High School, holding a role on Student Council and participating in National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Key Club.  In addition, she plays club volleyball and loves her jazz, lyrical, and ballet dance classes.  Ashley is a member of Trinity, where she has been helping with VBC for the past 5 years and is currently "working" with the youth team that is preparing to attend the 2013 National Youth Gathering this summer in Texas.   She is excited for the Haiti trip, both because of the opportunity to help people and to explore God's call on her life as she makes college and career decisions.

Greg and Kathy have been married 24 years and have two children, Ashley, and their son who is a sophomore at University of Michigan. Greg and Kathy moved from St. Louis, Missouri to Shelby township in Spring 2004 - a job move for Greg and an opportunity to be closer to family.   Greg was a marketing executive for GMAC insurance until his transition into business ownership, starting Macomb Ace Hardware in 2007 and building it from the ground-up.   Kathy worked as an engineer for a few years post-college, was a full-time home maker for a few years, and upon entering back into the job-force in 1999 transitioned into IT project/program management role .  For the past year, Kathy has been on sabbatical from "corporate work", choosing instead to handle book-keeping for ACE, volunteer at Crittenton Hospital, and spend concerted time studying the Word and seeking God's calling on her life.  They were members of Trinity, before transferring membership a year ago to Shepherd's Gate and are in a "house church", active in men's and women's Bible studies, and assisting with the Pastoral Care team.  This will be their first mission trip, and they are eager to serve and touch lives for Christ.