My name is Carlene, I have lived in Madison now for about 4 years. I am an assistant manager and catering associate at a cafe. During the summer, I lead mission trips through a ministry organization. I have been involved in other ministries with Blackhawk church in other areas, and now I am excited to be able to serve on the Bolivia GO team!

At a young age God gave me a heart for missions. Since middle school He has lead me on various mission trips all over the world. I am so great full God is now leading me to Bolivia with Food For the Hungry. I’m praying God does amazing things through our group to reach and connect with the great community of Lajastambo!

My name is Alex, and I grew up on a farm south of Madison. I’ve been attending Blackhawk since 2004, and have been on other trips through the church in the past to Mexico and Honduras. The Lajastambo trip with Food for the Hungry piqued my interest when they mentioned wanting people with an agricultural background. My wife and I also sponsor a child from there. We have two children of our own.

Hi- I’m Steve and I am excited and humbled to be part of this Blackhawk GO Team to Bolivia. I am married to Leigh and have 3 kids that are now all young adults on their own life journeys. I work at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and at the Madison VA Hospital. I have been a part of prior Blackhawk outreach trips to Honduras and once previously to Bolivia. I pray that God will use our team for His purposes. We look forward to partnering with our brothers and sisters in Christ that are part of Food for the Hungry (FH), as well as community leaders in the barrios outside of Sucre. Our hope is to be a part of God’s transformation of the lives of children, families and communities. I embrace FH’s values to be ambassadors for Jesus, be relational, serve with humility and invest wisely. On our last trip, I remember one of the FH staff stating our hearts drive us to work side-by-side because we are all joyfully aligned with the same compass. As stated in Psalm 67 V4: “May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.” God guides and we follow.

Hi—My name is Leigh. I am a retired stay-at-home mom. My husband and I have 3 adult children—Natalie, Stephen & Amelia. I’m excited to be a part of the Nov 2018 Go Team to Lajastambo, Bolivia. Although I was a part of several mission trips in high school, I just recently resumed my involvement. This last February, I traveled alongside my daughter, Natalie, to Haiti to minister to orphans and school children and now am blessed to work alongside my husband, Steve, on this journey to Bolivia. I’m excited to see what God has in store as we interact with the families in Lajastambo and partner with Food for the Hungry—I pray for a servant heart. Please pray for this relationship building time as we come alongside the local community to encourage our Bolivian brothers and sisters in Christ—may we do it in the spirit of Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

In addition to this Go Team, I help facilitate a women’s Bible study group at Blackhawk, as well as mentor young moms in the Mom-to-Mom ministry. I’ve been a member of Blackhawk since moving to Madison 24 years ago.

My name is Christine, and I can’t wait to walk alongside of the organization, Food for the Hungry  to Lajastambo, Bolivia.

I have been far across the oceans before, in Russia. Where I worked with a team who was involved with college students – serving, learning, developing, teaching and sharing God’s Word. Also in Mexico running a crew to mentor wiring a building. That was a wonderful experience since I am only 5’2” and do not look like I know what to do with tools, but I do. These are just a few that God put on my heart to be his hands and feet.

Each one of my servant-based trips, have been a blessing in my life. God has orchestrated what his plans are and how he will use me to be one small part of his Master Plan. We leave in 2 weeks and I wait with anticipation of what God has planned for this trip. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated for safe travel, staying healthy, building relationships and God’s will. What a blessing it is to be part of Blackhawk Church Bolivia Go-Team.

I will leave you with one of my favorite Bible verse:

Isaiah 6:8   Then I heard a voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said “Here am I. Send me!”

My name is Francis, and I’m excited to see what God is doing in Lajastambo, Bolivia. I’ve been interested and involved in missions most of my life, seeing God working around the world. This will be my first time to Bolivia, and I’m looking forward to working alongside Food for the Hungry. I want to learn more about their servant-based, incarnational, and holistic development. We depart in two weeks! Please pray for our final preparations, safe travel, and effective ministry.

In addition to this Go Team, I help facilitate a men’s Bible study group at Blackhawk, where I’ve been a member since moving to Madison 15 years ago. My lovely wife, Glynis, will enjoy some introvert time with our dog, Pepper, while I’m away. When I’m not traveling, I work sales operations and process improvement.

My name is Josh. I am 37 and am married to an amazing fellow dreamer, wife, and best friend named Jenny. We have been married for 10 years and have three exceptional kids named Isla (7), Alaina (5), and Ian (1).

In my career life, I am able to live out my purpose and destiny by serving others through my job and my gifts. Currently I am a principal for Verita Energy, LLC, a company focused on energy savings best practices and a heart towards philanthropy. Beyond this, I work in another small business I founded called MEP Solutions where we help folks reduce their utility costs.

My life has been a great blessing on many fronts. I find it a privilege and a honor to thus serve others in need wherever they are. I enjoy coming along side those who need some extra support, particularly in men’s ministry. My role model is Jesus Christ and believe he alone holds the keys to our purpose and destiny. He provides and equips me with the resources, means, and spirit of charity, even if it means leaving behind those I love and care about most for a while. It is privilege to be a part of Blackhawk Church, the Bolivia go-team itself, and come alongside and work and learn with the wonderful friends we have in Bolivia.