Lewis + Donna Thomas: When Will We Cry Founders

After ten years of owning their own business, Donna and Lewis Thomas answered God's call to ministry as a vocation. From 1993 through 2003 Lewis served in the local church as a student minister with a big heart for missions.

Growing up, my mom would hold Bible Clubs every year in the poorest area of our town. Not only were we "drug" to church, but mom would drag us to these weekly Bible Clubs, and this had a major impact on my life. For nearly 15 years, Donna and I led mission teams from the streets of Chicago to the homeless in New Orleans, sharing the hope of Christ to our nation's poor and needy.

In 1998, while leading a team to Nicaragua I sensed another life-changing door of opportunity would soon be opening. We were part of a disaster relief effort helping provide shelter for those who had lost everything during Hurricane Mitch. One particular day as we were leaving the work site, my heart began to break for the people there. I wept that night and for many nights after. Though years have passed, the images of the people I met and worked with have not. The thought that gripped my soul forever is, "How can we, who have so much, turn our backs on these precious people, and how will they ever know the love of Christ unless they are shown and told?"

Returning home, I knew my life would never be the same again. My heart ached as I prayed for God to allow me to return. Opportunity came many times over the next few years as I led several teams to South and Central America. With each passing trip, my hunger for missions grew even stronger. By January of 2002, Donna and I knew that soon it would be God's timing to resign my position as minister of youth. Stepping down in November of 2002, we began our journey of living by faith one step and one day at a time. I must admit, at times fear grips my heart, but the Lord graciously brings peace and renews our faith time and time again.

We have now found our home working in the San Marcos area of Guatemala and taking the gospel to where few Americans have ever been. There are so many small villages of people who need to know Jesus and children who need education. With your help many are coming to Jesus, and we are planting churches and working against the illiteracy among the poor.

Donna and I are forever grateful for the opportunity to serve and humbled by all of your prayers and financial support.