Dan and Darlene Siems - Committed Trip Leaders

I first met Dan and Darlene at a Saddleback Church information meeting about the 12 Cities PEACE Plan initiative.  Beth and I decided to sit at the Johannesburg, South Africa table because we had a vague sense of God’s nudging us there, and also from a sense of wonder about this beautiful land.  We indicated that the fall months of 2012 would be good for us to travel.  Dan and Darlene stated that they were trip leaders for the fall, and that we were most welcome to join them.  They made us feel very comfortable and welcome.  I noticed right away that Darlene possess a great sense of humor and a charming personality.   I have learned subsequently that she keeps her commitments until an important work is finished.

Darlene has successfully organized our trip details while her day job responsibilities are absolutely exploding.  On rather late notice, her company set a software installation go-live event at a time just prior to our trip departure.   Her work day hours have escalated from 14 to 18-hour days.  We know that she is committed to God’s plan for Johannesburg and we pray for God to strengthen her, give her rest, and protect her from illness.

Dan has served a guiding role for all three teams going to Johannesburg.  He has been setting the goals and strategy for our team #3 trip.  As fortune would dictate, Dan’s mother in Michigan took a turn for the worst in her second bout of fighting cancer.  Being a godly woman who herself participated in several short-term missions, she told Dan that if her struggle became critical, or that if she were to pass away during the time of this team #3 trip, Dan was absolutely NOT to abort and return to the states.  It was her will and her desire that the mission trip shall follow God’s plan without interruption.  A funeral can wait.

In mid September the Lord called Dan’s mom home.  She is now worshiping in heaven.  Honoring his mother’s legacy Dan is committing all of his strength and creativity to follow God’s lead and make this trip successful.  We dedicate this trip and the glory that it brings to God’s kingdom in her memory.