Our Journey into Mission Work Begins
Sanford Family: Our Journey into Mission Work Begins
Hello dear
friends and family,
This is the
first of many newsletters we hope to send your way! Because we love Jesus and
want to make His name known, we have made the decision to pursue international
mission work in Kandern, Germany. We both feel called and excited to this big
step of faith that will require an international move, language learning, and
raising complete financial support. Our aim is to SERVE. When we met for the
first time in January of 2023 we have kept our hands wide open saying, “God, we
want to serve you. Where would you have us go?” He has answered prayers and
given us peace that serving missionary kids and their families at the Black
Forest Academy in Germany is just the place for us.
What does this mean?
Two entities
are partnering with us.
We are being
sent as missionaries with One Challenge International (OC), an amazing ministry
with the mission to, “serve, equip, and connect the body of Christ and its
leaders to advance God’s kingdom among all people.” Isn’t that a beautiful
vision? The OC team will launch us, train us, and support us to practically
make it to Germany. They will give us structure and guidance as we navigate a
new culture.
We will go
as missionaries to the Black Forest Academy (BFA), which was established in
1956 as an accredited international Christian school for grades 5-12. Their
mission is to, “provide a quality, international Christian education that
equips its students to influence their world through biblical thought,
character, and action.” Many of these students are missionary kids themselves
and every staff member at the school is completely financially supported as a
missionary.
Would you consider financially supporting us and praying for us?
Below is the
information on how to join our team. We would love to have you as a partner! Our
greatest need is for ongoing monthly supporters.
Why is BFA so important?
BFA is a
resource to families who are all over the world sharing the gospel! Many
countries and communities are unsafe or lack educational resources, so parents
can send their teenagers to BFA for a sound, Biblical education. The cost is
kept low because all the staff are fully financially supported. This means that
hundreds of churches and hundreds of people are dedicated in prayer and
financial support to the children of BFA.
What will we be doing?
Zach is a
phenomenal engineer! He has always wondered how God would use his skills to
impact the world. At BFA Zach will join the maintenance and operations team to
maintain the school campus, the extensive grounds, and assist in exciting new
building projects and dormitories. Emma will primarily be a stay-at-home mom
for baby Addy and will also volunteer her nursing skills to the school. We will
both be involved in mentoring and discipling students.
Adelaide’s Addition
Let me just
start by saying…THANK YOU!
Thank you
for all your prayers and support!
As I sit
here writing this on 1/28/25, I am 39 weeks pregnant with our baby girl,
Adelaide Jane. She has not made her appearance yet into the world (although she
gave me many reasons to believe she would be here early). However, by the time
you are reading this she will be in our arms. We are so incredibly excited!
This pregnancy has not been easy, and many of you were intimately acquainted
with our story. But God is good and faithful even in the trying times. Zach and
I are more convinced of this than ever! Stay tuned for more pictures and
stories of our newest addition.
With much love and gratitude,
Zachary & Emma
If you would prayerfully consider joining us by supporting the mission please hit this link:
www.OneChallenge.org/give and find us in the drop down menu: Sanford, Zach
& Emma 110405.