Five Year Anniversary

Posted on February 6, 2012 by andrea

Tim and Andrea were perfectly content in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. They had a great family life, served in a fantastic church, owned a beautiful home, and were blessed with many friends. But God had been “working” on His plan for their lives, and the revelation was coming. It was time to get out of their comfort zone.

Monday, February 5, 2007 was a life changing day for the Whitesides’ family. Tim had been told that his employment with a local petroleum company had ended. Both were stressed about how they could make ends meet especially since Andrea had just taken a lower paying part-time job. Little did they know that this major financial set back was the beginning of God’s plan for them as missionaries. A few days later, they received a letter from the North American Mission Board accepting them as Mission Service Corps missionaries. MSC’s are 100% partner supported missionaries and receive no funding from NAMB. The letter, accepting them as missionaries was dated the same date as Tim’s job loss, February 5, 2007. God had just shared a little of his wonderful plan for them on this day. Celebrate this special 5-year anniversary with them as they begin another year in the mission field.

Reminder of God’s Call

Posted on January 18, 2012 by andrea

Link to “Here Am I” Video

I was listening to this song today during my prayer time. Last night, Tim and I “Skyped” with another missionary friend. I felt led to post this today because I remember the moment God spoke to me, brought me out of my comfort zone, and He sent me. My prayer is that if God is calling you, you will also Go. It won’t be easy, but there is someone out there who needs Jesus and needs you to tell them.

Happy New Year from PDX

Posted on January 16, 2012 by andrea

“Happy New Year” to all of you from PDX! This is the first time since January 2007 that we can say “Happy New Year” from the USA. We were excited that our son Jeremy was able to join us for Christmas and New Years and we had some great family time together.

The question I have for you is, “How are you doing with your New Year Resolutions?” Most of you are not doing well, but you are not alone, as only eight percent of people who make resolutions are successful in achieving them. Many website searches will return that most resolutions are related to weight, money, more time with family and quiting smoking. There was even one website that listed “go to church more” in their top 10 resolution list. Attending church regularly is a good idea.

I am curious if anyone’s 2012 resolution was to share the name of Jesus Christ with someone that doesn’t know him. You can share in many different ways; byliving as a witness to be more Christlike, sharing your personal story with Jesus in your life or presenting the Gospel when the time is right. As missionaries, we have learned that you have to “hang out with people that don’t know Jesus” and share when led to do so. Since all Christians are missionaries, I hope that all those believing in Christ reading this today will make the resolution to share this Gospel this year. If you didn’t, 2012 is only a few weeks old. There is still time to make that resolution and I pray for a 100% return.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV.

God’s Servants to Portland,

Tim & Andrea

Oops! Mailing Error from NAMB with Donor Receipts

Posted on January 16, 2012 by andrea

In December, the North American Mission Board, NAMB, had a mailing issue which failed to send out the monthly “gift receipt” reminders to many financial partners of ours as well as many other fellow missionary partners in the USA and Canada. If you usually MAIL your financial gift to us through NAMB and you did not receive a December reminder in the mail, we ask that you send your gift to NAMB without the monthly reminder with the name Whitesides# 8952 on the memo line to:
NAMB
PO Box 116543
Atlanta, GA 30368-6543
We once again thank you for your continued support as we are nearly 100% partner supported in our ministry here in Portland, Oregon. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your assistance.

If you are a NAMB donor and have found other issues with your receipts, please let us know and we are happy to correct the issue.

Christmas Eve at Trinity

Posted on December 25, 2011 by andrea

Trinity Church celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ with their first ever Christmas Eve Service on December 24, 2011 at Verne Duncan Elementary School at 6:00pm. There were 144 in attendance to worship and thank God for His greatest gift, His son, Jesus. Twenty-two children from Trinity Kids sang “Away in a Manger” and “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” with scripture read from Luke Chapter Two. Pastor Clay Holcomb shared the message with a special children’s story and an adult sermon entitled “The Gift” and highlighted Isaiah 35:10. It was a memorable Christmas Eve service for all who attended.

Merry Christmas from Tim and Andrea, serving with Trinity Church.

Merry Christmas 2011

Posted on December 18, 2011 by andrea

“Happy Holidays! ‘Tis the Season. Happy Kwanza. Season’s Greetings! Here comes Santa Claus!” Wait a minute! These are not correct. How about “Merry Christmas?” Yes, that’s it, “Merry Christmas!” It is truer to the season to say “Merry Christmas” than any of those other phrases, isn’t it? We have seen and heard the saying, “Keep Christ in Christmas.” How can we do that? Do we keep Christ as the center of this wonderful holiday season just by saying “Merry Christmas?” Does it make a difference to respond back to a ‘happy holiday’ greeting with a “Merry Christmas?” We buy gifts, send out cards and family letters and buy even more gifts. We drive around viewing the beautiful light shows in neighborhoods, special places decorated just for you (and for a price). We listen to old time favorite carols like “White Christmas” and “Chestnuts Roasting.” But how do these actions express what Christmas is all about? Back in 1965, Charlie Brown asked his friends at the Christmas play, “Does anyone know the true meaning of Christmas?” His friend Linus stepped up and said, “Sure, Charlie Brown.” Then Linus said:

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Linus finished with, “And that’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” Charles Shultz, author of the Peanuts comic strip used God’s Word to best explain the true meaning of Christmas; Luke 2: 8-14 KJV. We are celebrating the birth of the savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Keeping Christ in Christmas is a must for everyone. But this year, share the gift and the true meaning of Christmas with those that do not know what Christmas is all about. Share the name and love of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV.

God’s Servants to Portland,

Tim & Andrea

A Few Highlights from Last Year

Posted on December 15, 2011 by andrea

-December 8, 2010 Our Canadian Visa Permits arrived, stating that we may remain in Canada until December 8, 2011.

-December 12, 2010 was the Southwinds Children’s Christmas Musical, with many children participating for the first time singing songs about Jesus and in a real Christmas presentation.

-December 18, 2010. Tim and Andrea hosted a children’s Christmas Cookie Decorating Party in their home, with help from Denise Shirley (college missionary) and Jamie Daughtry of Trinity Church. There were 50 attendees, many of them unchurched. Santa came to the party and gave each child a candy cane and told the real Christmas story and the true meaning of Christmas.

-January 1, 2011 Tim, Andrea, our son Jeremy, and Adam Velez (college missionary) served hot chocolate, popcorn, and smiles to 600 neighbors, ice skaters, hockey players, and tobogganers at Chaparral’s Family Skate Day.

-February Winterlude Event at Chaparral. With members of our Home Bible Study Group, we volunteered once again to serve this community of over 10,000 residents. 150 braved the sub-zero weather to attend this year’s event.

-April 2011. Kinsey Galyon arrives to Calgary. She will serve as a missionary with Southwinds Church for one year.

-April 24, 2011. Tim preaches Easter Sunday at Bridge International Church for their 18th anniversary of this Filipino Church Plant. Tim preaches here on Sunday afternoons for nine months as they seek a new pastor.

-May 1, 2011. Tim preaches at Mountain Creek Baptist Church in Hickory, NC. We visit North Carolina for the wedding of our niece, Kristin Chapman who married HG Shelton on May 7, 2011. We celebrate Mother’s Day with our mothers this year.

-May 2011. We hosted two short term mission teams this month, who came to assist us with a basement construction which will help Southwinds house additional mission teams in the future. Westminster Baptist Church, SC & Ebenezer Baptist Church of West Union, SC.

-June 3-11, 2011. Tim led a group from Southwinds Church on a mission trip to Casper, Wyoming to assist Boyd Avenue Baptist Church with Vacation Bible School and food bank ministries.

-June 18-25, 2011. Rocky Knoll Baptist Church, Seneca, SC sent a team who stayed with us. They helped us deliver more than 9000 door hangers to homes in our areas to promote our church’s summer programs.

-June 26, 2011. Stampede Breakfast Kickoff in Chaparral. David Baptist Church of Kings Mountain, NC (and Andrea’s niece, Rachel Chapman) came and assisted Southwinds Church with serving 3158 people this day with popcorn, cotton candy, bouncy house, and a giant slide.

-July 1, 2011. Canada Day Block Party with over 800 attendees. Mountain Creek Baptist Church of Greenville, SC helped us along with David Baptist.

-June & July. There were 13 Kids Fun Days with an average of 25 attendees. Denise Shirley of Seneca, SC served with us for 8 weeks. 88 short term missionaries helped this year. Wade Beavers served 2 weeks.

-July 9-16, 2011. 2 Tee Ball Camps with over 100 children under age 6. Thank you Fallston Baptist Church and Mountain View Baptist Church, Hickory. The Fallston Puppets shared Bible stories each day!

-July 16-30, 2011. 2 Upward Soccer Camps with 80 children. First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain, NC (along with Andrea’s mom, Joanne Pruette) and Mountain View Baptist of Hickory.

-July 23-30, 2011. Upward Basketball Camp with 60 children. First Baptist Church, KM & Boyd Avenue Baptist of Casper, Wyoming. Great Rubber Ducky Race in Chaparral had 150 attendees.

-July 23-30, 2011. Jeremy teaches 3rd-4th grade at Trinity Church of Calgary’s Vacation Bible School.

-Over 300 children’s Bibles were given out this summer thanks to your many generous donations!

-August 11-19, 2011. Tim, Andrea, & Jeremy travel to Portland to meet with church planters, Clay & LeAnn Holcomb, and visit Trinity Church for the first time.

-August 20, 2011. Tim, Andrea, & Jeremy served popcorn to over 1000 at Movie in the Park event at Lake Chaparral, Calgary.

-August 28, 2011. Southwinds Church children perform in the worship service, sharing music and scripture from what they learned with Big Apple Adventure. Tim and Andrea announce to the church of their call to Portland, Oregon to church plant.

-September 4, 2011. Southwinds Church moves to a new location in Cranston.

-September 9, 2011. Our home is for sale. We get an offer on September 11.

-October 16, 2011. Our final worship service in Calgary with Southwinds. The following days included many farewells and parties.

-October 21, 2011. After Jeremy’s arrival, we drive two days, 14 hours to Portland from Calgary and move into our rental home on October 22, 2011.

-October 30, 2011. Our first official Sunday with Trinity Church, Damascus, OR.

-November 4-5, 2011. Andrea attends Trinity Church’s first ever Ladies Retreat in Bend, OR.

-November 21-December 1, 2011. Andrea visits NC for Thanksgiving, while Tim remains in OR. She returns to Oregon with both mothers for a Christmas visit.

Celebrating Baptisms at Trinity

Posted on December 13, 2011 by andrea

Despite the almost freezing temperatures outside, three people were baptized after the morning worship service at Trinity Church on December 11, 2011. Trinity Church meets at 10:30am on Sundays at Verne Duncan Elementary School. 104 people were in attendance to witness these professions of faith in Jesus Christ.

14 Hours Later…

Posted on November 30, 2011 by andrea

So, there we were, the morning of Friday, October 21st, Andrea driving her car, Jeremy driving the other car with our 120 lb. dog Harry situated in the backseat, and me in the driver’s seat of the fully loaded 26 foot U-Haul truck. The truck had been loaded in just over two hours the day before by many helpful hands from our Southwinds Church Family and our Chaparral friends. Thank you again to all that helped get the house emptied in such a quick time.

Ahead of us was a two-day,14 hour drive from Calgary, Alberta to Portland, Oregon. (Actually, our home is in Clackamas, a small town suburb of Portland.) During our journey, we would initially experience several miles of ice fog, drive through the beautiful Crowsnest Pass of British Columbia with its many trees displaying their awesome fall colours and take a final glimpse of the snow topped Canadian Rockies (of Canada). After a final stop at Tim Horton’s, we arrived at the USA border crossing in Idaho. We were blessed to have a US Customs agent who was originally from Alabama. He was very open and easy to speak with during our interview session. I had spent many hours preparing an itemized list of everything we were bringing into the USA as well as the required paperwork for our vehicles. This also added to make our interview process flow much easier. We completed some additional paperwork and had a brief inspection of our truck. After four wonderful years of living in Canada, we were back in the United States of America!

We had an overnight stay in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho which was a nice half-way stopping point. For those who know our dog Harry well, he did great in Jeremy’s car as he slept most of the time in his makeshift bed. And yes, we played a little football at our hotel where we stopped overnight.

Early in day two of our journey, we found ourselves traveling down through eastern Washington State. In the small town of Kennewick, Washington there is a Twin Towers 9/11 Memorial. Several twisted & ripped external support columns from the New York City towers stand tall with the Stars & Stripes on top. This was an emotional welcome back to the United States.

Our trip continued alongside the Columbia River gorge in Oregon. We had visited a portion of this area while on vacation back in 2002. After another seven hours of driving during day two, we arrived at our rental home. We had never been to the house before and had only seen four photographs online. We all were very anxious to see the inside. As usual, God provided a wonderful house that soon we would be calling home.

Within the hour, many new friends from Trinity Church arrived to help unload the truck. Some of the ladies helped unload boxes and clean up the kitchen. Several guys with real muscles and strong backs helped unload the truck in just over an hour’s time. Even some of their children came to help and play with Harry. What a great and overwhelming welcome from our new church family. Thank you again!

Now, two weeks later, all boxes have been emptied and all things have found their place. The house has become our home and we are ready to begin our new ministry with Trinity Church.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 NIV

November Newsletter Update 2011

Women’s Retreat