INSIDE
FALL 2025
Colombia
The Living Word in Colombia
Guatemala How the Gospel is Transforming Lives
Nicaragua
My Impactful Trip to Nicaragua
South Africa A Year of Growth and Gospel Opportunity
Sponsorship Support Sponsor Children Today!
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF WORD & DEED, AN INTERNATIONAL REFORMED RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY
Foreword DAVE VANDER MEER
Working in Tandem Our North American culture is sports crazy to say the least. Sports throughout history have been very important for many people. The Bible even references sports when it talks about running a race and training as an analogy of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 9 and Hebrews 12). What is generally true about team sports is that there is an offensive and a defensive component. People will argue that one component is more important than another. It is common to hear that “offense wins games, but defense wins championships.” What is necessary is that both components work together for a team to be successful. This is also true in the context of the church. Preaching the Word is the priority, but not at the expense of counseling, visiting, teaching, or the work of the deaconate. Diaconal work is an extension of the preached Word as an outward expression of the Word. James 2:17 says, “So also, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Speaking on this verse, Dr. Simon Kistemaker helpfully says, “At times, Christians proclaim the gospel of the Lord without any regard for the physical needs of their hearers. They tell the people about salvation, but seem to forget that poverty-stricken people need clothes and food to make the gospel relevant. Unless word and deed go together, unless preaching of the gospel is accompanied by a program of social action, unless faith is
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“ Cover Photo: A young boy playing soccer in Sawa Village, Nicaragua.
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demonstrated in loving care and concern, faith is dead (New Testament Commentary, page 89).” Think of a tandem bicycle. If the two people riding the bicycle aren’t working together, they won’t get very far. It takes cooperation and a willingness to work together. If you see people who are good at riding in tandem, there is a graceful quality in watching them move together. In the context of the church, the proclamation of the Gospel is the lead person steering the direction of the bicycle. However, the diaconal work is right there, supporting the words that are being spoken, pushing from behind in support. Both parties are working in harmony, moving in the same direction. Our number-one core value at Word & Deed is that our projects have a Gospel focus. We make sure that the Gospel is proclaimed, whatever the project may be. But, like the tandem bike, the diaconal work is supporting the Gospel lead. And it is not we who are doing this work, but our indigenous partners working in their own communities. Many are working in cooperation with their local church. You can see this at work in the articles of this issue of our magazine. John Boekestyn affirms that the work being done in Nicaragua is transforming not only livelihoods, but spiritual lives. You can also read about people in Colombia receiving Bibles for the first time, how children in Guatemala and India are being taught biblical principles through after-school programs, and how Mukhanyo has opened a new campus and, as a result, Gospel teachings are being accessed by more people. What a blessing it is to work in tandem with fellow believers all over the world to bring both the Gospel message and physical aid to precious individuals. Thank you for supporting these efforts, for God’s glory. W&D Dave Vander Meer lives in Hudsonville, MI, and works as a Project Manager as well as in Public Relations for Word & Deed.
WORD&DEED Official Publication of Word & Deed An International Reformed Relief and Development Agency Free for sponsors and friends
FALL 2025 Editor Rick Postma Assistant Editors Scott Koopman, Kara Luiting Graphic Design Knor Graphic Design Solutions Copy Editors Shelly Crites, Hanna Korvemaker, Susan Trentacosti
Meditation PASTOR J. DANIEL HAMSTRA
Extravagant Mercy
Word & Deed North America is an evangelical and Reformed humanitarian relief and development organization. Our aim is to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people in the developing world in accordance with biblical principles for the glory of God. Executive Team John Otten, Rick Postma, Heidi Pronk Staff Scott Dekorte, Scott Koopman, Kara Luiting, Dave Vander Meer, Kasper Van Veen, Nikki Veurink, Laurenne Wattel Canadian Board of Directors Chairman - John Jagersma Vice-Chairman - Corney Les Secretary - Dave Wielinga Treasurer - Clarence Jonker Wilf Bout, Bert Mulder, James Neven, Paul Wagenaar, Lyle Ypma USA Board of Directors President – Paul Beezhold Vice President – Jay Van Voorst Secretary – Harry Kooistra Treasurer – Karen Vander Sloot Eric Brandt, Martin Faasse, Eric Greendyk, Paul Laman, Pete Vander Stel Advisory Committee Mr. Jim Beeke –
International Educational Consultant Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes – Professor of Old & New Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
Pastor Richard Bout –
URCNA Missions Coordinator
Dr. Arjan de Visser –
Emeritus Professor of Ministry and Mission, Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary
Rev. William Godfrey –
Senior Pastor of Christ United Reformed Church in Santee, CA Pastor Danny Hyde – Pastor, Oceanside United Reformed Church
Pastor Mark Vander Hart –
Emeritus Professor at Mid-America Reformed Seminary
Pastor Frank Van Dalen –
Former Executive Director of the Foreign Missions Board of the ARP.
Canada Office PO Box 20100 St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4 Toll free 877.375.9673 office@wordanddeed.org United States Office PO Box 157, Hudsonville, MI 49426 Toll free 866.391.5728 usoffice@wordanddeed.org Registered Charity Number (Canada) 89 120 0941 RR0001 EIN Non-profit Number (USA) 37-1429283 Bible quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.
One of the glorious aspects of the Gospel is that Christ renews us in His image. This is why the apostle Paul rejoices in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” It is this glorious truth that lies behind Luke 6:36, where Christ tells us, “Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” Part of the image of Christ that is being restored in us is a heart of mercy. That God is merciful is proclaimed by God himself in His self-revelation to Moses: “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious . . .” (Ex. 34:6). What is this mercy? Terry Johnson describes it as “the goodness of God towards those who are suffering.” And when we read through the Bible, we meet that goodness again and again. Take, for instance, how in Deuteronomy 15:11, the Lord includes care for the poor in the structures of Israelite life: “For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’” It’s also seen gloriously in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel, we see God sending His Son to rescue us who cannot rescue ourselves. He comes to rescue us who are helplessly lost in our sin, and worthy of the divine wrath of God. In His mercy, our Father sends Jesus Christ to redeem us. And it is about this mercy that Christ says, “Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” It is in Christ that we are called and equipped to do good to those who are suffering, and there is no lack of need in this sinful and broken world. And this mercy is to be a radical and extravagant mercy. Jesus’ command comes in the context of Jesus telling His disciples to love their enemies! This means that the mercy that we are called to show is to go even as far as to those we are naturally inclined to be least merciful to—our own enemies! The heart of the mercy that Christ calls us to show does not depend on the worthiness of the one who is receiving it. It depends on the heart of the one who gives it. And so as those who’ve received extravagant mercy and whose hearts have been made new in Christ, let us show extravagant mercy to those who are suffering. W&D Pastor J. Daniel Hamstra is the Pastor of Trinity United Reformed Church in St. Catharines, ON. FALL 2025 I WORD&DEED
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Colombia PASTOR CARLOS FIGUEROA
The Living Word in Colombia
COLOMBIA
Colombia is a land of stunning landscapes but faces persistent poverty in regions scarred by decades of violence from drug cartels, gangs, and paramilitary groups. Many civilians are displaced, forced to rebuild their lives with limited access to education and employment opportunities. Amid this instability, the government increasingly pushes anti-Christian ideologies, often silencing those who uphold their faith. In response, Conviventia, our partner organization, works on the outskirts of four major Colombian cities to strengthen families, create job opportunities, and help children develop through Christian education.
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Parents in a Dios es Amor school in Bogota receiving their own Bible. Inspired by the story of the Ethiopian and Philip in Acts 8, Conviventia launched The Philip Project with the purpose of placing the Word of God into the hands of those who do not yet have it—along with spiritual guidance. Just as the Ethiopian could not understand the Scriptures without someone to explain them, this project seeks to help more people read the Bible, comprehend what they are reading, and help them receive the hope that only Jesus offers. Thanks to the generous support of Word & Deed, we have distributed over 1,500 Bibles across Colombia this year. These Bibles were given to a few staff members, newly enrolled parents in our schools, participants in vocational training and income generation programs (some of whom are survivors of sexual exploitation), and communities served through medical brigades in 10 different cities and municipalities throughout Colombia. Each Bible has been a seed of transformation. People who had never read the Scriptures are now joyfully engaging with God’s Word, discovering Jesus, His love, and His salvation. We have witnessed lives being renewed, minds being transformed, and hearts finding purpose. God’s Word never returns empty. That is why we remain steadfast in this mission: to place the living and powerful Word into the hands of those who need it, trusting in its power to lead each life to the glory of God. W&D Pastor Carlos Figuero is the chaplain for Word & Deed’s partner, Conviventia, in Colombia. Every year, Word & Deed sends funds to our partners who are in need of Bibles. Many people in the developing world do not have access to their own copy of the Bible, and we are grateful for the opportunities we have to provide them with one. If you are interested in supporting this cause, specify “Bible Fund” when making a donation.
Colombia ANGELICA CASTANEDA
Renovating with Love, Prayer, and Eternal Purpose
The new wheelchair ramp that connects all four floors of the Dios es Amor school in Altos de Cazucá. For over 30 years, the Dios es Amor School, located in Altos de Cazucá—one of the most marginalized areas surrounding Bogotá—has been a refuge of faith and knowledge. Founded by the missionary Lindsay Christie with the purpose of offering Christian education to children and youth at risk, this school has faced countless challenges throughout its history. Yet in recent years, it has embarked on one of its most ambitious undertakings: the renovation and expansion of its facilities to meet the growing needs of the community, with a goal of accommodating up to 700 students. From the start, this project encountered several obstacles: a lack of financial resources, land limitations, and minimal government support. Additionally, the terrain conditions made it difficult for machinery to access the site during the initial excavation phase. But in the face of every difficulty, a wall of faith rose up. Parents, teachers, Christian leaders, and international allies joined together in prayer, coordination, and hard work. Thanks to the support of multiple donors, especially the local community who remain committed to the project, progress was made. An expansion was built; function of existing spaces,
such as the physics and chemistry labs, was maximized; and new areas for learning, sports, play, and fellowship in the newly built multipurpose hall were constructed. Furthermore, the new infrastructure offers quicker and safer evacuation routes, safer environments, and more communal areas for students. These improvements have not only elevated the quality of education, but also respect the dignity of both the students and the teaching staff. Today, Dios es Amor School celebrates not only physical progress, but spiritual renewal. There is a renewed sense of purpose among students and teachers, remaining deeply rooted in the spiritually transforming approach that defines our organization. We continue this mission with an unwavering commitment to bring lasting change to the lives of people affected by poverty and vulnerability. From the beginning, and still today, education carries the same meaning: to be a tool to break the cycle of poverty and and sow the hope of the Gospel. This school is not only being rebuilt with bricks, but with love, prayer, and eternal purpose. W&D Angelica is the Cooperation and Relationship Manager for Word & Deed’s partner, Conviventia, in Colombia. FALL 2025 I WORD&DEED
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Guatemala WENRY ORELLANA
How the Gospel Is Transforming Lives Guatemala is an incredibly diverse country, with 23 different language groups. Climate conditions can range from steamy hot coastal weather to frigid cold mountain weather, where temperatures regularly drop below the freezing mark. Like many Latin American countries, it is also a country marked by violence and poverty. The presence of ruthless drug cartels has led to extortion, corruption, kidnapping, and many violent deaths in this country. Word & Deed partners with AMG Guatemala to help facilitate Christian education for hundreds of children in Guatemala. We also partner with them in the operation of a rural hospital.
GUATEMALA
In the heart of Central America, Guatemala faces deep-rooted challenges of poverty, violence, migration, and cultural structures that limit opportunities, especially for women and youth. Yet in the midst of this brokenness, God is writing new stories of transformation through the ministry of AMG Guatemala. As we celebrate nearly 50 years of serving children and families, we see the powerful fruit of discipleship, education, protection, and restoration taking root and flourishing across the country. At the center of our mission is a powerful truth: Jesus changes everything. Every one of our schools, clinics, and camps is deeply grounded in the Gospel and designed to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the most vulnerable people. One story that beautifully captures this transformation is that of Victoria, a young girl who joined AMG’s program at a very early age in the remote community of Patuy. In her community, a deeply ingrained cultural mindset holds that girls are not meant to study. Instead, they are expected to dedicate themselves to domestic work from a young age. Victoria’s brother, Carlos, who works as a nurse.
Victoria, working one-on-one with a student.
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Victoria teaching at an After-School Program in Patuy, Guatemala. But God had a different plan for Victoria. Through the consistent presence of Christian education, compassionate mentorship, and the transforming power of the Gospel, Victoria and her family began to see a different future. She worked hard, overcame societal expectations, and became the first woman in her community to graduate as a teacher. Today, Victoria is not only a teacher in one of AMG’s Christian schools but she is a role model and a voice of hope for many other girls. Her example is inspiring a new generation of young women in her village to break the cycle of cultural limitation and pursue the purpose God has placed on their lives. Her story didn’t stop there. Victoria’s younger brother, Carlos, watched his sister’s courage and transformation, and it awakened something in him. Motivated by her story, he decided to pursue professional nursing studies. Today, Carlos serves his community with compassion, skill, and purpose as a registered nurse. His commitment and servant heart have made him a powerful example to other young men in the region, showing that hope and hard work, under God’s grace, can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. These are not isolated cases. This year alone, more than 8,000 children and youth are being reached through AMG Guatemala’s programs with academic support, healthcare services, and biblical discipleship. Our Christian schools are raising a new generation of leaders with a solid foundation of faith and academic excellence. Our legal protection program is walking alongside children at risk, helping restore dignity
and justice. And our vocational training and entrepreneurship programs are equipping families with tools to build sustainable livelihoods and break free from cycles of poverty. Camp Canaan, our long-standing Christian camp in the highlands, continues to be a place of spiritual transformation, where thousands of youths hear about Christ in a lifechanging way. It is more than a retreat—it is where seeds of faith are planted, callings are discovered, and lives are forever changed. This model addressing spiritual, emotional, physical, and social needs is bringing hope to families across Guatemala. And none of this would be possible without the faithful partnership of organizations like Word & Deed and sponsors who believe that the Gospel can, and does, change lives. The challenges remain: food insecurity is on the rise, forced migration continues, and many young people face enormous pressure to conform to destructive patterns. But we press on with hope because we have seen what God can do. We’ve seen Him restore, redeem, and raise up leaders from the most unexpected places. As we look to the future, we pray for expansion not only in numbers, but in depth. That more communities will be reached. That more girls like Victoria will rise. That more young men like Carlos will serve with love and excellence. That the Gospel will continue to be the light that pierces the darkness. Thank you for praying, supporting, and walking with us. Together we are sowing seeds of eternal hope. W&D Wenry (Alex) Orellana is the President of AMG Guatemala. FALL 2025 I WORD&DEED
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Nicaragua JOHN BOEKESTYN
A JUNGLE, A CANOE, AND THE GOSPEL:
My Impactful Trip to Nicaragua Nicaragua is known for its stunning tropical landscapes, warm climate, and the beautiful waters of both the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans. However, the country has faced a difficult political climate, which has contributed to widespread challenges. Our partner serves the Miskitu people, an indigenous group located on Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast. While the majority of Nicaraguans identify as Catholic, our partner recognizes the growing need for the Gospel to address deeply rooted animistic (spirit worship) beliefs within the Miskitu culture. Most Miskitu people live in small communities, relying on subsistence farming for their livelihoods.
NICARAGUA
From left to right: John Boekestyn, Carlos Coffin, Bert Mulder, Eric Dekorte, Gerard Schouwenaar, Scott Dekorte, and some farmers who are participants in the agriculture program run by Palabra Y Hecho Nicaragua. In late February, I had the incredible privilege of joining a small group of Word & Deed business supporters on a trip to see firsthand the amazing Gospel work being done in Nicaragua. We were five eager souls—plus our fearless leader, Scott Dekorte, who serves as the Word & Deed project manager for Nicaragua and Colombia. (Think of him as our Gospel Indiana Jones, minus the fedora and snakes. Hopefully.)
absorbers would allow. Then we walked another 500 meters (give or take) through tall grasses and mud to reach a modest farmhouse where we met with three local farmers. The adventure didn’t stop there. They then guided us on another trek through the bush to a riverbank, where we encountered what can only be described as a dugout canoe that may have predated the Spanish Empire—long, leaky, and definitely tippy.
Our mission? To visit the leaders and staff of Palabra y Hecho—which, quite literally, means “Word and Deed”—the local ministry partner working deep in the heart of Nicaragua. What we saw, experienced, and learned was nothing short of humbling. I went expecting to support the work; I didn’t expect to be so profoundly moved by it.
But then—on the other side of that sketchy little river—came the awe.
We traveled by plane, truck, and—yes—even boat to reach some of the remote areas where the team from Palabra y Hecho does their teaching, coaching, and disciple-making. At one point, we bounced through wooded grasslands in a pickup truck, off-roading as far as rubber and shock
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We trekked through the jungle into one farmer’s small cocoa orchard, carved out of thick forest. We then trekked another 500 meters to a grassy meadow where he was growing coffee. These were no ordinary crops. They were the fruit of Gospel-rooted development—made possible by the guidance and care of Palabra y Hecho’s agronomists, who had come alongside these farmers to help them grow more productive crops using better methods, all aimed at lifting them—step by step—out of poverty.
And as powerful as that was, what truly struck me was this: standing with those farmers in the middle of the jungle they told us how the team’s teaching was transforming not just their farms—but their hearts. They spoke of a new understanding of God’s providence, of how Genesis 1:26– 28 reframed their identity and calling. No longer resigned to the traditional belief that pests or droughts were simply the curse of pagan spirits, they were now seeing their work, their families, their marriages, even their failures, through the lens of God’s redemptive story.
BRIDGING THE GAP
Stories for Young Readers BY SCOTT DEKORTE
It was amazing ground. We stood there—foreigners and locals alike—offering prayers to our shared God, praising Him for His blessings, and asking for more of His grace on this sweaty jungle work, but also thanking Him for His work in all our lives. With the help of a translator we stood there in the middle of a jungle and prayed in English, Spanish, and Miskitu (the local tribal language) and somehow, we knew God heard us all just fine. It was surreal. I’ve not had the chance to visit other Word & Deed projects (yet), but I have a sneaking suspicion that the work being done in Nicaragua is one of the clearest reflections of the organization’s name. What they are doing through both Word and deed is transforming not only land and livelihoods, but lives and families—for God’s glory. This trip was far more than a mission tour. It was a frontrow seat to God doing what only He can do: using the weak to shame the strong, turning jungles into fields, and restoring hope where there was once resignation. And somehow, by grace, I got to be part of it. W&D John Boekestyn is a member of the Word & Deed Niagara Business Group. He is the owner of a greenhouse in Niagara and is a member of the Trinity United Reformed Church in St. Catharines, ON.
The Coco River is a long, winding river that flows from the mountains all the way to the Caribbean Sea. It runs between two countries— Nicaragua and Honduras. Along its muddy shores are more than 100 small villages. One of those villages is called Sawa. In the Miskitu language, “Sawa” means “Alright.” The people of Sawa depend on the river to fish, grow food, and travel. Every spring, the river floods the whole village! Fishing is harder now, and wild animals are harder to find, so families have to grow their own food to survive. A man in the village named Larry planted rice every year. He would throw the seeds by hand, like people did in Bible times, but weeds grew everywhere and little worms would eat the roots. When harvest time came, there wasn’t much rice to eat. That made things very hard for Larry and his family. Then one day, some helpful men from Palabra Y Hecho (in English this means, “Word and Deed”) came down the river to visit Larry’s village. They talked to Larry about God and how we are called to take care of the land He gives us. They showed him new ways to plant his rice—putting it in neat rows, pulling out the weeds, and protecting the plants from worms. Larry tried it. It was hard work, but he learned to trust God and did his best. When it was time for harvest, Larry had so much rice—more than ever before! He had enough for his family and he even had extra to sell. He was so thankful! But the best part? Larry also learned to lead his family and worship the true God. Now he helps teach other people in his village what he learned. He remembers what the Bible says in Colossians 3:23: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” W&D
Children de-husking rice.
Scott Dekorte lives in Welland, ON, and works as a Project Manager and as a member of the Public Relations team for Word & Deed.
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South Africa NEIL HENRY
A Year of Growth and Gospel Opportunity
SOUTH AFRICA
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Mukhanyo’s new campus in Cape Town. It has been just over a year since Mukhanyo Theological College officially announced its plans for a campus in Cape Town, and we are grateful to reflect on the Lord’s faithfulness throughout this season. The Cape Town Center is becoming an important base for
STUDENT TESTIMONY
South Africa is one of the most-developed countries in SubSaharan Africa. Yet, in the midst of much apparent well-being, South Africa is a land of stark contrasts. Extreme wealth exists alongside extreme poverty. While the rich seem to be getting richer, the poor seem unable to shake loose the shackles of their poverty. The message of the prosperity gospel is also prevalent in South Africa. Our partner, Mukhanyo Theological College, helps to mitigate this by providing highquality Reformed Bible teaching. They operate six campuses, including their newest location in Cape Town, along with their distance learning program.
theological education and ministry training in the Western Cape. During its first full academic semester, the center has seen steady growth. Eleven students are currently enrolled in the accredited Higher Certificate and Bachelor of
“My name is Marlon. I grew up in the church but had not had a relationship with Christ until much later in my life when I realized, under convicting preaching of the Gospel, that I was a wretched and vile sinner who was in desperate need of a Savior. I repented of my sin and submitted my life to Christ. After some searching, I was led to the church where I now serve as an elder. My pastor pointed me to Mukhanyo Theological College as he recognized my desire to teach the Scriptures. It is such a privilege for me to sit under the instruction of godly men who lead in their teaching and example! My prayer is to develop my theological and biblical skills that I may be better equipped to serve the church.”
A SINCERE
THANK YOU Word & Deed has the privilege of working in close relationship with our Board of Directors. As a result, when Board members move on from their involvement in our organization, it is always bittersweet. We want to take the time to thank two such people.
Mukhanyo students enjoying a break from their studies. Theology programs, and the midyear examinations have recently been completed. Interest in theological studies remains strong, and we anticipate enrolling at least nine new students for the second semester. Beyond the full-time programs, the center continues to extend its reach through local learning initiatives. Two more learning centers have recently been established, and we are hopeful that students will soon begin their studies there. These local centers provide an important means of training leaders who are unable to attend the main campus but are actively serving in their local churches. Several ministry-focused events have also taken place at the Cape Town Center over the past months. A seminar for church leaders on building Christian character and spiritual discernment was presented, as well as a special event in collaboration with Christian art and the publishers of the NLT Bible. On July 5, the center hosted David Carmichael, who spoke on the topic of “Passionate Preaching.” In October, a pastors’ conference is planned under the theme “Dilemmas of the Christian Faith: Ethical Decision-Making in Complex Times.” The Cape Town Center stands as a testimony to God’s provision and the commitment of many who support theological training across southern Africa. Please continue to pray with us as we seek to serve Christ faithfully in this region through Gospel-centered, Reformed theological education. W&D Neil Henry is a Regional Coordinator at Mukhanyo Theological College in South Africa.
A group of students at Mukhanyo.
Henry de Waal has been involved in the work of Word & Deed since 2002. He held the role of Treasurer on our Canadian Board of Directors during this time and always ensured timely and accurate reporting of our financials. Henry has recently retired from his position as Treasurer and we thank him for his 20+ years of service to Word & Deed. We always appreciated his capable and willing insight when we contacted him about various nuances in the finance world over the years. Thank you, Henry! We wish you the Lord’s blessing as you continue to serve Him. Pastor Adrian Dieleman has been a member of our US Board of Directors since 2018. During this time, he served in several capacities, including that of Spiritual Advisor. His caring and unique perspective was always welcome during Board meetings, speeches, and one-on-one conversations. Pastor Adrian, we are grateful for your years of service and dedication to Word & Deed. May the Lord bless and encourage you in your walk with Him, as you continue to bless and encourage others. FALL 2025 I WORD&DEED
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PRAYER POINTS: Meditation 1. Thank the Lord for the extravagant mercy that He shows to His people every day. 2. Pray that Christ would renew us all in His image. Colombia 1. Thank the Lord for the many Bibles that have been distributed through The Philip Project so far this year. Pray for a blessing on those who receive them and that the Bibles would be eagerly read. 2. Pray that the renovations done at the Altos de Cazucá school will be a blessing to the community, resulting in higher enrollment and more lives of children being touched by the Gospel message.
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Guatemala 1. Pray that the students enrolled in AMG programs would grow in their love for the Lord and that more communities will be reached with the hope of the Gospel. 2. Pray that the Gospel message will continue to be a light that pierces the darkness of lost souls in Guatemala. Nicaragua 1. Pray for a renewed and continued understanding of not only agricultural practices in Nicaragua, but a true understanding of who God is and how His people are called to care for creation. 2. Thank the Lord for the example that is being set by many faithful families in Nicaragua due to the work of Palabra Y Hecho.
2024 Financial Recap Word & Deed is committed to being good stewards of the finances entrusted to us. Though we are structured as two different legal entities (Canada and the US) we function as one team supporting the same projects and look at our finances from a combined perspective. In 2024, Word & Deed North America supporters donated a total of $10,778,000 CAD / $8,084,000 USD. Donations are allocated as follows:
Projects: 91% • Partners: 87% These are the funds that go directly to our partners and the projects that they operate. • W&D Project Oversight: 4% As we work alongside our indigenous partners, Word & Deed’s staff have these important tasks: • Establish key partnerships and steward resources wisely • Ensure regular accountability and trust (agreements, reporting, regular calls, visiting) • Plan strategically with partners • Build local leadership capacity • Leverage and share over 30 years of experience
Overhead: 9% • Promotion: 5% These are donor-facing expenses related to staff organizing and leading Business/ Stewardship Group meetings and fundraisers, putting together and giving presentations at churches and schools, donor visits, maintaining our online presence, and creating printed and digital media.
South Africa 1. Thank the Lord for the opening of the Cape Town center for Mukhanyo Theological College. Pray that it would continue to be a blessing to the students who are being taught there. 2. Pray for Neil Henry, the coordinator of the Cape Town center, that he would be blessed in his work.
• Administration: 4% This category includes the handling of financials, legal and HR-related matters, expenses related to our office building (including utility bills), and any other miscellaneous items. We are grateful for the way in which you entrust us with your donations! If you ever have any questions about how we distribute the funds that we receive, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
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Word & Deed USA
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI PERMIT #1
P. O. Box 157, Hudsonville, MI 49426 USA
Publications Agreement # 40595030
Annual Dinner Tour 2025
Come and join us for our Annual Dinner Tour. This year, we’ll be stopping in 10 different locations! To reserve your spot at one of these events, watch our website at wordanddeed.org/events. CANADA TOUR:
USA TOUR:
Thursday, November 6 – WELLINGTON, ON
Saturday, October 4 – WYOMING, MI
Friday, November 7 – HAMILTON, ON
Monday, October 6 – LANSING, IL
Saturday, November 8 – JORDAN, ON
Thursday, October 9 – ROCK VALLEY, IA
Wednesday, November 12 – LONDON, ON
Saturday, October 11 – POMPTON PLAINS, NJ
Friday, November 14 – CHILLIWACK, BC Saturday, November 15 – ABBOTSFORD, BC