1/4/07 - SA 2007 Team Member - Kevin P.

Kevin P.

Westland, Michigan

Married: Linda 16 years

Construction - Home Renovation Specialist

Kevin accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior November 25, 2001 after spending most of his life chasing drugs, alcohol and a way to medicate everything. God captured his heart and Promise Keepers introduced him to the responsibilities of a Christian.

Shortly after, Kevin was inspired by God to go on a foreign mission trip. He prayed about going on a trip all the while arguing with the Lord and saying, “I don’t feel qualified since I am a "new Christian. I’m not a preacher, teacher or an evangelist.” Still the "call" continued in his heart and he knew he had to go.

During this time of restoration with the Lord Kevin acquired work in the construction industry and developed numerous skills. Finally, in 2004, three years later, God revealed His plan to Kevin. While reading a Cyber Daily Devotion by Pastor Bill --- Kevin learned of a team returning from South Africa with a Church Building Team. The Lord spoke to Kevin in a loud, clear voice, "That is what you can do for me".

Little did Kevin know that while construction work was not his first choice for a career --- the Lord had other ideas --- He was preparing Kevin for his eventual mission trip in January 2005 to the second largest Township in South Africa. Kevin was to travel 12,000 miles to Mdantsane, South Africa on assignment --- Kevin envisioned building a church with His construction talents. But God had other ideas.

This was Kevin’s first trip to a foreign land to work for his Lord. He grew immensely as a Christian as the Holy Spirit ministered to him daily. He clearly learned about the kingdom and how God made things happen when man said it couldn’t happen.

Kevin says, “I found it was easy to get excited about the Lord's work in South Africa and have had the opportunity to share my trip and God's work there with many people in the Detroit area. I guess some of my enthusiasm has rubbed off because as I return to Mdantsane, South Africa this year, my wife Linda and 3 other friends will join me on the team.”

Kevin knows he has grown as a Christian and is clear about what God taught him on his first trip to South Africa, "With God, all things are possible". Kevin has overcome personal demons, strife in his marriage and many addictions. He has witnessed first hand the love of Jesus Christ and His complete forgiveness. Kevin has also seen, “How God has changed the lives of our brothers and sisters in a land half way around the world, ravaged by hatred, hopelessness and disease.”

Kevin is pleased God has asked him to return to South Africa and is honored to be able to carry on the Lord's work in Mdantsane. He is the first to tell anyone he meets, “To GOD be all PRAISE, GLORY and HONOR for what He is doing in my life.”

Mark 10:27 

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” KJV