Hello, from the Stensons!

In the book of John, chapter ten, we find Jesus describing himself as The Good Shepherd. He says he is going ahead of his sheep and calling them forth with a distinct sense of care and attentiveness.

As our family walks with the Lord we continue to experience these dynamics in his personal dealings with us as well. Over the past two years in particular, we have seen many ways in which he has been actively, "going ahead of us, and calling us out by name".

Two years ago we spent the summer ministering in Eastern Europe and saw youth and whole families deeply touched by God’s love. We were so encouraged and excited to see the ways that God is moving in this part of the world.

Last year we were asked to return to this region taking an outreach team to Germany, Denmark and Sweden. As we were once again in Europe, we saw wide open doors to share God’s love with people from Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran and Syria. So many of those we shared with, were responsive to the Gospel!

Upon returning from these field assignments we spent time asking God for more of his heart. As we spent time seeking God, he began to pour out more compassion and ideas on creative ways to reach out and communicate the gospel. At first we did not recognize it, but he was giving us the vision and tools to launch a new YWAM ministry into Europe!!

We started to see that God was indeed prompting us to launch a new work, we began to ask Him for more specific understanding; “What would we call this ministry?” and, “Where in Europe should we begin?” True to his character, (see Jeremiah 33:3) He began to clarify details for us. We would call it “CoLab432” and would begin in Latvia.

The name “CoLab” signifies “Collaboration”; working together, across generations and cultures. Additionally the idea of a “Lab” would remind us of a hands on learning environment in which the boundaries of one’s current understanding are expanded; a learning place. He was also showing us the significance of community and creativity as features of this ministry.

While in the field we had had worship times in parks, barns and street corners; we connected with people in downtown squares through chalk drawings depicting God’s love and wisdom. As we taught photography classes to at risk youth, we could see God’s love breaking through walls in amazing and simple ways. Through these experiences he was equipping us us with ministry tools in three key areas: Visual arts (drawing, painting, photography), Audio arts (music, poetry, worship) and Movement (sports & dance). These are the three main strategies for engagement that we seek to employ through “CoLab432.”

The “432” part of the name came directly out of Mark 4:32. Here, Jesus compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed, which starts out small but then expands to provide a place of shelter for the birds of the air. This Scripture spoke to us about true community, identity and the belonging we find in Christ and his body.

As we submitted the consideration of location to the Lord, we found him settling our hearts on the eastern European nation of Latvia as a starting place. As we prayed through this with our kids we could see God’s strategy in landing in a place where we have easy access to both Scandinavia and much of the rest of Europe to the south. Latvia is also strategic in that we have long term ministry relationships there as well as the ability continue homeschooling our kids, (which we would otherwise not have in many European countries.)

Since beginning to communicate the vision that God has given us, we have seen one couple from Madison want to join us in the work as well as an open invitation to work together as a sister ministry with the local YWAM family ministry in Liapaja, Latvia.

As we make this move we are trusting God and inviting partnership in the following areas:

Prayer – We are looking for those who would be committed to praying for us as a family and ministry on a regular basis.

We are trusting God to see at least 30 people join us in this way. If you would be open to this please contact us at: colab432@gmail.com

Finances – We currently have committed monthly support for half of the $3000 per/month that we need as a family of five to launch this work. We are trusting God to provide those partners who would commit to stand with us monthly with $30, $50 or $100 per month to be fully funded. If you would be open to partner with us please contact us at: discojt@gmail.com or by phone at 1-262-573-2673

You can also give a one time gift through YWAM Madison at this Link .

We are very excited to take this new step and are hoping to transition in late spring/summer of this year. As we launch the ministry of CoLab432 we realize that we cannot do it alone. We know that God is opening many doors at this time and we are thankful for your friendship and the chance to continue to partner together to see His kingdom expand.

In Him,

The Stensons