Be Strong!

My friend, Janet, sent us a post card the other day with a beautiful picture on it.  The bible verse at the bottom was very reassuring. 
"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

Contact Information

We have been asked to share our contact information for people who have questions.  We would love to answer any questions you may have.
The quickest way is by email.
leahjessup@gmail.com 

Also, some of you asked how to help support us while we are overseas. 
My mom will be taking care of our finances while we are gone.  She will have access to our mission account.  A check made out to me (Leah Costyn) can be sent to my mom at:
Denise Jessup
132 Foxwood Circle
St. Marys, GA 31558


Thanks so much for all of your support!

What we are doing...

We are volunteering with an organization called VOICA, which is the lay volunteer service of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, a Catholic order of sisters founded on the principle of service  to the less fortunate.  VOICA’s mission is to help lay persons serve those in need by enabling volunteers to share their gifts and talents with the poor through mission, including schools and health care clinics.  VOICA currently has mission programs in Brazil, Paraguay, Congo, Egypt, Malawi, Sudan, Togo, East Timor and Indonesia, Sao Tomé, providing education and/or healthcare at most sites.  Its international headquarters are located in Rome, Italy.

Togo is a poor country in West Africa.  It’s economy is still largely based on agriculture, and many of its people do not have access to basic sanitation or health care.  As many as half of Togolese children drop out of primary school before completing their fourth year.  Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, infectious disease, parasites, and infant and maternal mortality are all very real and prevalent problems in Togo.  There is only one physician per 20,000 people.  We are going to Togo because after a lot of discussion, searching, and prayer, this is the place we feel led to be. 

In July, we are heading to Rome for the 3 months of training we need before departing for Africa.  We will live in simple community housing alongside the Canossians, but we are responsible for travel, health insurance, and food/personal expenses until we depart for Togo.  In Togo, we are provided with room and board and a small allowance in local currency.  However, we are expected to live a simple life that reflects the means of the community in which we serve.  We are blessed to have this opportunity to serve directly through VOICA, and we could not have taken this step without the help of our family and friends.  Support, encouragement, and prayer are crucial for the volunteers.

Volunteer programs require more than the spirit of service and good intentions.  Providing a school and hospital along with the necessary volunteers to staff them is an expensive endeavor.  VOICA’s cost to send one volunteer to a mission for one year is approximately $5,000, which is in addition to the cost of maintaining the mission.  To assist the program with defraying financial costs, each volunteer is asked to raise at least $2,000.  Anything that you see fit to share would be deeply appreciated.  If you cannot or choose not to make a financial contribution.  Please support us through prayer.  This mission will be a big challenge  for both of us, and we can use all the support and grace we can get!

 

Tim and Leah Costyn

1408 Stone Stewart Rd.

Hull, GA. 30646

When we have internet access, we will post pictures and stories to our blog to keep everyone updated. 

How can we refuse?

If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?
1 John 3:17