UPDATE Week of April 29
The Fellows really do get around! This week was just one more example of it...Above we have the Fellows at City Lights Ministries, sort snack packs for their little friends. Below, we have Stephanie at Chad's Chai, typing away at her book!
UPDATE Week of April 22
VISITING CALEB
PRONE TO WANDER
GALA TIME
RECRUITING
We are in recruiting mode!!!
GIVING
We would deeply appreciate your financial support. Every little bit counts! Join the team today!
MORE PICS
Thanks all! Keep sharing the story and spreading the love y'all
UPDATE Week of April 15
LEADER LUNCH WITH THE POTTERS
CLASS WITH ROB AND THE TROLLY
DHARMA'S KILLING IT
RECRUITING
GIVING
LOOKING FORWARD
PRAYER MATTERS
MORE PICS
Thanks all. Keep sharing the story and spreading the love
UPDATE Week of April 8
FELLOWS KEEP ON ROLLING
LEADER LUNCH WITH JOANNA LYALL
CLASS WITH ROB ALEXANDER
CAT NEEDS HOME
BARN DANCE
RECRUITING
GIVING
LOOKING FORWARD
This week:
PRAYER MATTERS
Pray for Fellows as they make decisions on Jobs and Where to Live Next Year
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Ecuador Day 6: The Final Day (Stephanie + Clara)
A recap of our final day in Ecuador!
Half the group seized the day and took to the trails early for a challenging sunrise hike in the cloud forest region where we were staying.
Pretty breathtaking. God is good!
After breakfast, the fellows dispersed around El Refugio’s property (the retreat center that hosted us) to embark on various work projects.
Gracie and Dharma hung curtains in the new house on El Refugio's property. Look no further HGTV scouts.
Ned and Jacob G. mowed the grass. Look at them go.
Ian installed an air vent like a pro.
Stephanie fixed cabinets in the kitchen. The sweet smile of success...
Palmer installed lights.
Haley fixed up some windows!
Will whipped out his welding skills. Pretty cool.
Marley Cate, Hef, Clara, Jacob C. and Noah pounded away at some post holes for a new alpaca enclosure.
In the afternoon, the fellows enjoyed free time spent reflecting on the week.
Some of us used this time to hike; there was no shortage of huffing and puffing along the way, but it was more than worth it for the stunning vistas surrounding us on all sides.
After solo time, we debriefed the week together at the foot of a cross overlooking the lush and misty mountains. We had the opportunity to share what we learned, how we felt encouraged, and the challenges we encountered throughout the week.
Our hosts from Education=Hope prayed over each of us and gave everyone an E=H bracelet. They are the best.
In the evening, we celebrated with a closing feast complete with a bounty of fruits, fresh juices, and skewers of plantains, veggies and meats roasted over an open fire.
We also tasted the renowned Cui, or guinea pig, a staple of Ecuadorian cuisine.
Finger lickin’ good.
We ended the evening with a time of affirmation around the fire where we uplifted one another as a group.
Haley assembled a flower crown from wildflowers around the property that we placed on each person’s head as we affirmed them. It was a special time of reflection and encouragement to finish the week.
This concludes our series of Ecuador updates! Thank you for following along, and thank you to E=H and all of our hosts. We are so grateful for the opportunity to come and learn from all of you.
More pictures below!
UPDATE Week of April 1
Ecuador Day 5!
View from the top of Altagpamba
At the end of the day we went to a ministry of E=H called La Casa Gabriel and thoroughly enjoyed our time there
Ecuador Day 4: El Reypin, Games, and the Equator
Today's adventures in Ecuador are brought to you by Gracie and Jacob G!
For Day 4, we went to El Reypin, which is a private school for children intellectual and physical disabilities. Marta, the director, took us on a tour of the school and told us about what the staff does there. We also got to meet the students!
Afterward, we went to a nearby park and played games with the students (but only after warming up with an awesome dance song led by Marta).
We were paired up with the students for these games. Gracie was paired with Alejo (who was extremely sweet and LOVED to run), and Jacob G was paired was Alejandro (who loved stealing his hat). Will had a special assignment; he helped train one of the school's therapy dogs!
We returned to the school and learned about how the school plans to use therapy dogs to help the children. The dogs were incredible!
We got to share our impressions of the school: all of us were so impressed by the level of care the staff there provides. And we loved learning why Marta does this type of work: because it's her calling.
Lunch that day was at John's favorite Greek restaurant. The food was great and the riddle games were intense.
Next we stopped at the Equator Museum, where we learned more about Ecuadorian culture, the equator (obviously), and chocolate production. Half the Fellows became certified Egg Mastery Champions, too; they have official documentation to prove it.
Our day finished up with dinner at El Refugio and debrief, along with worship led by Ned's trusty guitar.
Stay tuned for Day 5!
Ecuador Day 3: Cottage, Crater, Cuties
Welcome to Day 3 of our adventures in Ecuador with Dharma and Haley:
We aren't in Kansas anymore. Hostería Rose Cottage in the daylight was breathtaking.
We soaked in the sights (cutie sheep, cutie fellows, and a zipline).
Enter Clara, the Michelangelo of fruit art.
Then, it was GAME TIME; glorious chaos.
To begin the games, we attempted the human chair- a little tricky due to height disparity.
We played 'grrr' 'chomp' 'ssss' and good ol' backpack, baby, bunkbeds.
After fun and games, we gathered together for worship and a message. Worship brought the reappearance of our one-hit wonder 'Solo Dios Puede Salvar!' It was still a smash hit.
Noah shared some of his story with the kids in Spanish, encouraging them to say thank you to people they love while they still can.
Joel preached too; he kept things simple and spoke with passion. The kids were reminded that they are princes and princesses of God.
Then, Gracie and Ian came through to perform their favorite song, 'You Forgive Me'.
The final game involved some suspense and a lot of laughs.
Let's just say it was a mystery we're not qualified to solve. But enjoy some fun faces.
We then enjoyed our final meal at Pastor Fabian's property.
After lunch, we headed down a big hill to find the bus and meet the kids at the Cuicocha Lagoon.
The Cuicocha Lagoon is an active volcanic caldera- 656 ft at its deepest part! Its name comes from the Kichwa indigenous language and means "Lago del Cuy" or Guinea Pig Lake in English! Legend has it, if you spot a golden guinea pig it will give you good fortune! But if it spots you first, you turn into a duck. So look out!
After dinner, saying goodbye to our friends from Carmen Bajo was bittersweet. (Stephanie and Dharma gave goodbye words!
The bus ride back to El Refugio was a dance party fueled by exhaustion and questionable dance moves. We learned a new dance called the Mayonesa (expertly taught by Chivita) and showed her some of our favorites, too. These sleepy muffins can party.
So there you have it. Another day in Ecuador! No time change here, still bedtime.
Ecuador Day 2: Carmen Bajo, Ríos, Chicos
We began our day at Carmen Bajo, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Quito.
There we met Joel, a youth pastor at Carmen Bajo's local church. He gave us a tour of the neighborhood and shared his incredible life story.
Next, we completed poverty training with Cameron Vivanco from Education Equals Hope.
Key lessons:
- Poverty of Condition vs. Poverty of Being
- It is more blessed to give than to receive (so allow people to give to you!)
- Reciprocal partnership instead of mutual using
Ecuador Day 1: Old Town Quito, Empanadas, and More! (MC and Will Take Over)
We are so excited to share about our week in Ecuador!!!!
Welcome to Day 1 of our adventures in Ecuador with Marley Cate and Will:
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UPDATE Week of March 4
UPDATE Week of Feb 26
RECRUITING
GIVING
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
LOOKING FORWARD
Monday: Prayer, Meetings, and Round Table at the Bosts!
PRAYER MATTERS
Pray for Fellows as they prepare to go on our Mission Trip! NEXT WEEK!!!!!
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UPDATE Week of Feb 19
Well Fed
As you will see by these pictures, the Fellows were very well fed all week!
Round Table at Ronny's and Celebrating Dharma
It started at Ronny's house. Ronny works with Noah at River Oaks Community Church and has basically become a Fellow. His family prepared a feast for us on Monday.
It was also Dharma's birthday, which gave us a chance to celebrate her with friends old and new.
Leader Lunch with Bo and Kathy Brookby
This is the second time Valentines Day has fallen on Leader Lunch. This year, Bo and Kathy Brookby, married almost 50 years, shared their California love story with us.
Thanks Bo and Kathy!
Valentines/Galentines
Some Fellows broke into my bathroom (not when I was in there, thank goodness) and surprised me with some "gifts"
Hef had the gals over for Galentines
Alumni Night
On Feb 13, (I know I am out of order chronologically) the Fellows and Alums gathered at one of our favorite watering holes
Bible Study and Class
Not sure I can explain this picture, but we had a great Bible Study.
Classes on Friday are with two Steves.
Steve Lineberger and Steve Angle. Quite the lineup.
Dogs and Families Come to Visit
Clara's family joined us this weekend!
As did Marleys! including Tank!
Lot 63
It was a big weekend with the soft opening of Lot 63. Trent Hancock (Fellows Alum is the General Managers). Jen Sanders (Fellows leader and ministry partner is a barista!)
The Bells (Fellows family friends - multiple times) were there
Kelly Martin, Fellows Alum, came all the way from Greenville, NC!
The Fellows came out in force to show support!
Recruiting
Giving
We need your support!
Please consider donating today. Every dollar counts!
Our mailing address is
PO Box 20514, WSNC 27120
our online giving platform is
https://www.wsfellows.com/give
Try giving monthly! that's what my wife and I do.
Looking Forward
Monday: Round Table with Denise Heidel and Emi Holman (special guest)
Tuesday: Prayer
Wednesday: Alvin Borders Leader Lunch and Bible Study, RUF at WSSU!
Friday: Classes and Alumni Night
Prayer Matters
We need y'alls prayers.
Pray for Fellows as they dig deeper into who they are and where that leads them.
Pray for our finances. We need to raise some money!
Pray for our recruiting. 12 Fellows for next year. 6 guys. 6 gals.
Pray for health for us and our families.
More Pics
UPDATE Week of Feb 11
four generations of Fellows right there
Sweet Week
Round Table with the Swayne's
Will's host family hosted all of us on Monday. What a great evening, and even a Round Table!
Leader Lunch and Service at the Bethesda Center
Bo Burns, Bruce Wissinger (not pictured) and Ms. Trina shared their stories as well as the story of the Bethesda Center with us.
After a quick lunch it was time to get to work on a deep clean!
What a sweet privilege to love our neighbor. Thanks for the opportunity Bethesda Center!
Forum on Faith and Culture with Gary Haugen
Speaking of special treats. Gary Haugen, the founder of International Justice Mission came to Winston-Salem to speak to our community.
The Fellows were invited and had the chance to spend a little extra time with this visionary, yet humble, man. What a gift!
Alumni Sightings
Three generations of Fellows and a Board Member
Bailey is getting coffee before heading into the meeting
three generations of family friends
Christian, a new dad, a board member, and an alum
Hayes, an alum, leads a small group that includes my son!
Recruiting Update
Bottom line: keep praying!
We are awaiting to hear back from a few Fellows, interview a few more, and await the applications of a few more were speaking to.
We are slowly inching toward our class of 2024-25.
If you know of anyone who may be interested, please send them our way.
winstonsalemfellows@gmail.com
Giving
We are also inching toward our financial goal of $75k of individual donations for 2024.
Please donate today. Or if you intend to donate but don't want to donate today, let us know and we will send you a reminder when you want us to remind you!
But if you want to simply get it done today.
Click https://www.wsfellows.com/give
We also accept checks!
send to PO Box 20514. Winston-Salem, NC 27120
Prayer Matters
Keep praying for Fellows for next year - 12 total. 6 guys. 6 gals.
Pray for our fundraising $75k in 2024
Pray for Fellows as they seek what is next for them.
Pray for health for our families.
Pray for resilience for when things don't go our way.
Looking Froward
Monday: Round Table at Ronnies (it's a house not the restaurant)
Tuesday: Prayer and Alumni Happy Hour
Wednesday: Leader Lunch with Bo and Kathy Brookby
Thursday: Gal-in-tines
Friday: Classes
More Pics
UPDATE Week of Feb 5
(Family Friend) at the New Salem Counseling center on Tuesday. What a surprise and what a gift!
UPDATE Week of Jan 29
A truly fun week to be a Fellow
Serving at Samaritans
On Wednesday, we spent the afternoon with the guests at Samaritan Ministries.
Jan Kelly and one of the volunteers shared their stories.
Afterward, we split up into two groups. One group set up the computer lab which has been out of service since Covid began.
The second group did a re-org of their storage areas.
A good time was had by all (see pics In the More Photos for proof)
Church Life
Church is a big part of the Fellows year. On Sunday, Dharma visited Reynolda Community Church with Ian and Gracie
Across town, Noah helped lead worship at River Oaks
Class Life
We have had an incredible time with our two professors this January. Martha Metzler and David Speakman seriously rock.
Crossnore Life
The Fellows discovered 4-Square at Crossnore
We also have been enjoying this rug recently donated to the house. Thanks Reena!!!
Brunch Time
The gals had a little gals brunch. The guys did not.
Recruiting
Keep up those prayers! We are in process with three Fellows currently and we are talking seriously to three more! So your prayers are working. Don't stop!!!!
If you know of somebody who would be a great Fellows, please send them to our website wsfellows.com to learn more or simply reach out to Hef or Ned.
You can also email winstonsalemfellows@gmail.com
Giving
Thank you to all our donors. You should be receiving giving statements electronically and/or in the mail if you haven't already received them.
If you have any issues, please reach out to Hef or Ned or email winstonsalemfellows@gmail.com
If you are ready to give today, go to
https://www.wsfellows.com/give
Thank you!!!!
Looking Forward
Monday: round table
Tuesday: prayer and board meeting
Wednesday: leader lunch with Christy Bellis and Bible Study
Thursday: work
Friday: Class with Martha and David and possible dance party
Prayer Matters
- more Fellows. 12 total. 6 guys. 6 gals.
- finances. we need about 40k more to meet our budget goals for the year
- future. Our Fellows are in the thick of figuring out their future plans
- mental health. winter depression is real for so many people
More Photos
UPDATE Week of January 22
Soooo Good To Be Together
this update is FULL of goodies...the highlight for sure was the Testimony Advance. It was such a gift to get away and give each other space to share and listen to our stories.
LEADER LUNCHES!!
Tiffany Thompson. ex CIA. current Rock Star. Does she have a story to tell????
You need to learn more about her consulting work called Artistic Leadership.
http://tiffanythompsonmusic.com/
David Barksdale. Community Banker. Promoter of Culture. BBQ Enthusiast.
David Barksdale brought the heat (no surprise for those of you who know him). My favorite part of the way he tells his story is the way he talks about the mentors in his life who have lifted him up.
David is a lifter in my life. And for that I am grateful.
CLASSES RESUME
We came out swinging with two heavy hitters. Martha Metzler knocked out socks off with her message on mental health. Then, David Speakman gave us an overview of the entire Bible in just a shade under an hour.
ALUMNI SIGHTINGS
Owen Wood and Joanna Lyall (board alum)
Callie and Meg
Jazmine Johnson
Alumni Happy Hour, with a drop in from Board Member Justin Bailey
ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Tori Ellingson!!! She found love on...you guessed it...the ultimate frisbee field. And we couldn't be more excited for her! Congratulations, friend!
RUNNING FOR HOPE
Justin Bailey (board member) picked the coldest day of the year to celebrate his birthday and raise support for H.O.P.E.W.S. (Help our people eat). He runs his age every year. This year, he convinced Ned to run with him.
The good news was Ned thought Justin was turning 47 and was wrong.
The bad news was Justin turned 46!
Brutal!
What we do for love, am I right?
Congratulations Justin on an outstanding event.
TOAST
We christened our new hang out in Old Salem.
Lot 63 should be open to the public soon!
TESTIMONY ADVANCE
The best news is that the Fellows had an amazing weekend at the beach.
One at a time over the course of four days, the Fellows each get a chance to share the long version of their stories. What a gift!
It became a tradition at the end to dog pile the speaker.
Dog Piles
Polar Plunges
We could off on Saturday with a Polar Plunge.
Noah highly recommends.
Star Tipping
We had some night fun on the beach, star tipping and collecting treasures.
Beach Fun
We played during the day as well.
Ian became a mermaid
Lots of Love
Some of the best times were meal times.
RECRUITMENT
Kudos to Noah!
Her recruited us a dandy!
Kalyn Dixon hails from the midwest but went to Ole Miss for undergrad. We can't wait to welcome her and for you all to meet her!
If you know of someone who would be a great Fellow, please contact us at winstonsalemfellows@gmail.com
GIVING
Haley is screaming the Fellows praises!
Support her by giving to the Fellows Program!
https://www.wsfellows.com/give
We need it!
LOOKING FORWARD
This week we have Round Table at Miranda's. Exec Meeting and Prayer on Tuesday. Service and Leader Lunch at Samaritan Ministries. And Class on Fridays!
It's going to be another good one!
PRAYER MATTERS
Pray for the Fellows as we begin the process of looking at "What's Next"
Pray for recruiting. We are behind where we usually are at this time.
Pray for our fundraising.
Pray for one of our Fellows who will be adding a second job to supplement income.
MORE PHOTOS
UPDATE Week of January 8
UPDATE 2023 Year in Review
What a year it has been for the Fellows Program.
In January, we spent a long weekend sharing our stories and growing close to one another.
