May Newsletter

​We can't believe it's May already. By God's grace, this time next month, most of our team will already be in Pittsburgh, settling into their new living arrangements and jobs, and beginning the process of meeting and engaging new their neighbors, coworkers, and friends. It's great to think about everything God has done for our team over the past month. We look forward to see what God is going to accomplish in the coming months. 

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Meet the newest member of our team:
Samantha Steckman

Samantha was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Social Work and Criminal Justice. She will be attending the University of Pittsburgh to receive her Masters of Social Work and has a huge passion for fighting injustice in human trafficking.

God has worked in her heart a lot and has led her to join the Missio Dei team to build relationships and share the gospel on Pitts campus and in Monroeville with those that she comes in contact with. She is excited to see what God has in store for her life and the lives of each member of the team as she plants her life in Pittsburgh.

Some Praise Reports:

1. Jessica Bockelkamp accepted a job offer in Monroeville. We are excited for the financial independence this will bring the Bockelkamps, but also we are expectant that God will use Jess and her job to benefit our work in the Monroeville community.
2. Samantha Steckman got accepted into a prestigious program at the University of Pittsburgh. If you haven't heard Sam's story about her calling to Pittsburgh, ask her to tell you. We are thankful for the ways God miraculously arranged Samantha's journey to Pittsburgh. 

 Upcoming Events:

• Ordination

On June 3rd, both Cody and Donald will be ordained by Pillar Church for the work of the ministry. This is an important step, as the elders of Pillar Church will be formally recognizing our call into ministry and confirming our qualifications for eldership.
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• Commissioning

Also on June 3rd, Pillar Church will be commissioning the Missio Dei team. We would like to invite all who can to join us at Pillar Church on June 3rd for this service and the lunch that will follow afterwards. For more information about the services at Pillar, visit pillardumfries.com. 

• Cody in Transylvania

On May 19th and 20th, Cody will have the opportunity to speak with churches in the Transylvania Baptist Association in North Carolina. We are excited about partnering with the TBA to see new churches planted in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. They have been a huge blessing to us and we look forward to continue partnership with them.

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1. Pray for our team as they make final preparations for their move to Pittsburgh.
2. Pray for Donald, Vickee, and TJ as they seek employment in Pittsburgh.
3. Pray for Donald and Cody as they prepare for their ordination.
4. Pray for continued unity on our team.
5. Pray that God would begin to stir the hearts of the people in Pittsburgh.
6. Pray that the Lord would send us people who can lead worship.
7. Pray that the Lord would send us older people to join our team.
8. Pray that the Lord would send more married couples to join our team.
9. Pray that the Lord would provide for the financial needs of Missio Dei.

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Is God Calling you to Pittsburgh?
We are looking for a diverse group of godly men and women to join us in Pittsburgh. We are literally asking you to drop what you are doing and move your life into the unknown with us in a new city. The truth is, you can be that Gospel light in the workplace that someone would never have without you. You can be a gospel light to neighbors we will never meet.

If you think God might be calling you to move your life to Pittsburgh with us, I’d encourage you to visit https://www.missiodeicc.com/join-our-launch-team.html.

Become a Bridge Partner
We are seeking 446 people to become the backbone of our support here in Pittsburgh. With only the change you would use to buy a few cups of coffee, the 446 of us can raise over $100,000 each year to support the planting of a new church.

If you have $20 to spare each month and would love to partner with us to reach Pittsburgh, I’d invite you to become a Bridge Partner by signing up at https://www.missiodeicc.com/about.html.