East Tennessee and the Philippines

Well there’s a combination for you, and yet both are a big part of our lives right now.

East Tennessee was hit pretty heavily with flooding from hurricane Helene but because it is such a rural area compared to Asheville NC, it didn’t get that much publicity. My Grandparents used to own a farm in East Tennessee, in Johnson County between Butler and Mountain City so I have a heart for that area. Because we moved around so much as a kid, that was, to me, home, it was stable and secure.

Jeff W. and I went down there a couple of weeks ago and met with Barry C. of Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities in Johnson City. Barry took us to two locations that were hit hard, Chucky Tn and Hampton Tn. Both areas have different organizations working in them for Calvary Chapel Lynchburg to consider partnering with. But Jeff and I really felt led to start with a house in Hampton own by “Big Ed”. We gathered the necessary information and gave it to Pastor Jeremy for review and approval. Jeff got back down there Wednesday and I was supposed to go yesterday but a case of food poisoning from dinner Wednesday night slowed me down a day. Lord willing, I will be heading that way as soon as I finish typing this update.

The project in Tennessee will most likely be ongoing for several months if not years so I should be able to give you all regular updates as things progress.

The Philippines.

Melissa and I are so excited to be leaving for Manila on November 30th. This has been a difficult trip to plan with more than a few hiccups along the way. We will be traveling with a team of five, Alex T. (from both of my trips to Ukraine), Michele P. and Daniel H. We will be carrying the last 17-21 backpacks and a bunch of other supplies that couldn’t be shipped. we will be working with two ministries down there, Jaydon and Maddie Mook at the Access Center and Carmen M. and the church she helped to plant. We are scheduled to return December 15th.

As always, we ask that you join us in prayer that God’s will be done through us. That we are the moon to Jesus’ sun, reflecting His light in the darkness.

Melissa and I truly feel led to do this type of ministry, going where ever and doing what ever God says, full time. But we need people to partner with us through prayer and financially. We know that ALL provision comes from God and that we can do nothing without God. But God uses people as channels to provide what is needed. We are asking that each of you pray about being a channel that God uses for that provision.

Melissa and I thank each of you greatly for your prayers, encouragement and support. Please feel free to reach out to us directly or in the comment section, we love hearing from you.

Much Love,

Derek and Melissa

Buchanans in the Wild