Hello everyone, we hope that you and yours are doing well.
Today is Tuesday, January 27, 2026. It is the first time we’ve missed a Tuesday outreach in Southeast Roanoke since March 19, 2025. Unfortunately, the ice was too heavy on the sidewalks and the parking lot where we would normally set up. I felt that it was too dangerous of a situation. I didn’t want any of our team members to slip and fall on the ice. I also didn’t want any of the people we were ministering to to have an accident. So as much as I didn’t want to cancel, unfortunately I didn’t see that there was any other choice
It seems that tensions in southeast Roanoke have been running higher than usual. Between Saturday, January 17, 2026, and Tuesday, January 20, 2026. There were four shootings in southeast Roanoke, three of them were fatal. I’m not sure what has peaked the violence in the area. I’ve asked, but nobody seems to have any answers.
I am happy to say that two of our team members, Hope and Mandi, have been doing video visits. They have been meeting with two women in jail. Things are going well. Hope has already been able to meet with one young lady, B, a couple of times. Mandi, after a lengthy approval time, finally got approved to start meeting with another lady, L. Both of these ladies are very receptive to the gospel and to Bible study. Both of them are in a jail rehab program. They plan to go to a long-term rehab when they get out. Hopefully, it will be a Christian facility.
Unfortunately, the two gentlemen I had been ministering to while they were in jail have both disappeared. This occurred after they were released. I’m not sure where either of them are, or whether or not they’ve fallen back into old lifestyles. Both of them have my contact information, but have chosen not to reach out. I will continue to pray. At some point in time, I hope to resume discipling each of them.
Melissa and I are considering a significant mission trip. It will last 6 to 7 weeks. We plan to visit three different countries. Our aim is to support three different missionary teams. We will be starting in Ukraine. Then, we will go to the country of Georgia, and after that, to the Philippines. We are asking for your help with financial support and prayers. This trip will cost $3000-$3500 for each of us. But the opportunity to help these brothers and sisters in Christ is immense. They are doing such good works in their various ministries. We also asked that you pray for Alex. He will manage our business and our home. Additionally, he will help lead the Rest For Your Soul ministry during our absence.
We are also asking for your prayers and financial support for the Rest For Your Soul ministry. Our goal is to stock up on Bibles, tracts, hygiene items, and other supplies during the slow winter months. This way, we will be better prepared when things pick up in the summertime. Below is a link to our Amazon store. You can order some of the supplies that we use for this ministry. They will be sent directly to us. Or for any financial donations, you can go to our website and click on the give tab.
Amazon Store. https://a.co/iHRhzQM
As always, your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Much love to all of you.
Derek, Melissa and Alex
Buchanans in the Wild
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