FROM THE DESK OF BILLY BLACKWOOD

Dear friend,

I hope this finds you having a great day!

I want to let you know about an opportunity our family has to serve on a short term missions trip this summer. My wife and I, my oldest daughter, Brette, her boyfriend, Derek, and my youngest daughter, Ellie, are planning to go to Port au Prince, Haiti from June 28th - July 4th.

We will be serving in an orphanage in the city and helping to conduct some VBS like events for children there as well as seeking to meet their physical and emotional needs. Also, we are each taking a bag of clothes, gifts, and supplies to leave with a local pastor for distribution to those in greatest need.

While the 7.0 earthquake of 2010 has long since left our minds in the US, Haiti continues to struggle to recover and rebuild from the devastation left in it’s wake. Basic necessities are in short supply, infrastructure is in disrepair and poverty is rampant. Haiti and it’s neighbor, the Dominican Republic, are said to be the poorest places in the western hemisphere.

The trip cost is $1950.00 per person. If you would like to have a part in helping to send us you can make a tax-deductible contribution to Billy Blackwood Ministries, Inc., a 501c3 non profit corporation in the state of Tennessee, for which you will receive a tax deduction at the beginning of 2015. Our mailing address is P O Box 777, Goodlettsville, TN 37070.

If you cannot help to send us we would ask that you pray for us as we go. Brette accompanied me on a mission trip to Tecate, Mexico when she was seven, and my wife and I have both been to Jamaica. But this will be a first time experience for both Ellie & Derek. Those of you who have been on trips like this know the impact of them. I am expecting God to use this trip to change the course of our lives for the rest of our life here on earth.

Thank you so much for your prayer and financial support. We will be sending a report with pictures via email upon our return. May God bless you richly as you serve Him.


Billy Blackwood

Elena Dubbeld of the Mark Dubbeld Family Returns From Cameroon, West Africa

Moneta, VA (July 29, 2013) In the midst of some very exciting times for the her family group, Elena Dubbeld, of the Mark Dubbeld Family, returned from a life changing mission trip in Cameroon, West Africa. She arrived home just in time finish singing with her family in a ministry engagement in PA.
In Cameroon, Elena was privileged to work for three weeks in an orphanage and travel “around the mountain” to a village where the missionaries had been invited to come by its chief. While she experienced “roughing it” in many ways, Elena says, “It was definitely worth it. It was an eye opening experience, and God was faithful.”
The children loved lots of hugs and kisses, which Elena was willing to give. Working with Victor and Claudine Chamberlin, of Evangelical Bible Mission a lock in with teen girls and a Vacation Bible School were also a part of her trip.
Even though returning “home” means joining her family on the road Elena says, “Wherever my family is, that’s home.”
Dad, Mark Dubbeld stated “While we missed Elena the three weeks she was gone, we knew that experiencing life on a true mission field would change her life forever.”
In addition to the exciting missions trip for Elena the Mark Dubbeld Family recently performed at the AGM Music Festival. Mark commented “While in Nashville for the Festival, we were able to stop in the studio and work on our new recording for Mansions Manor House Music. We are always thrilled to be able to record our new music.”
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About The Mark Dubbeld Family
The Mark Dubbeld Family consists of Vincent 21 yrs, Leighton 19 yrs, Elena 15 yrs, Channing 11 yrs and Britton 8 yrs old. Each of them play an active role in the ministry -- Singing, playing the drums, bass and acoustic guitar.

Janene, loves to write for Jesus. Songs, devotionals, stories . . . you name it she loves to write it. She is also a gifted speaker. Her message focuses on healing hearts through compassionate speaking, restoring joy with her songs of faith, and exhorting Christians to live passionately for God. Of course, that's only a part time "job" -- she's a full time wife and mother.

Mark SINGS and loves it. He has been a gospel singer since the age of 15. Mark has been singing full time for more than 25 years in Churches, Crusades Conferences and even a recent ESPN National Classic Pro Fishing Tournament. Singing as a soloist, with his family, in gospel quartets, choirs, and working in worship and music. He loves his Lord, and loves his family.