Directly above my desk is a map of the world.  On that map there are red X’s and blue circles.  The red X’s represent where Tin Roof Society has been and also shows where our current partners are.  The blue circles represent strategic areas in the world where we would like to have Partners. 

There are X’s all across E. Africa, some in Western Europe, a the most recent one was put in Cuba. There are circles on places like China, Australia, Brazil and the Philippines. It’s a complex system, I know.  Why do I do this?  Mainly because I don’t want to lose focus.  I don’t want to be satisfied with where we have been or who we are helping, if there remain opportunities to to help people know Christ and meet immediate, physical needs. I never want our worldview to be locked down to just the places we have been or what is immediately on our radar, since that is when we begin to only see things from one side and perspective.  

I want to have a true global worldview, hearing many sides to the story, becoming not just culturally aware, but cross-culturally aware. Being aware of how cultures interact and affect each other is key to any humanitarian effort.  The overgrazing of pastoralists in one area will affect the farmers there, which in turn affects the businessman in the city come dinner time.  As we have seen of late, an oil producing culture which has unrest in one country affects other peaceful cultures across the globe.  We are all connected. If we are going to meet global needs, we must be informed and we must have eyes bigger than our immediate project or passion.  We need to hear the stories, and not just one but many, from many different people.  This helps us be truly effective in assessing what “the problem” is, then connecting those who want to solve it with those who can.  I am sure you have watched as well-intentioned people have sprayed water on the wrong fires because they wanted to help, but didn’t have enough information available to see the true problem.  We want to provide broad information so those who want to “Simply, do good” can, and so they can do it confidently and wisely. 

Chimamanda Adichie, a Nigerian author, articulates the danger of a single story. 

On February 28th we took off for Cuba knowing a few things.  One, it would definitely be warmer than it was in Ohio.  Two, we were working with Cuban churches and pastors in the western city of Bayamo.  Three, we had six days on the ground to see, hear and experience this beautiful island.   

Things we didn’t know included ; How would the people react to us? What was the climate for the Christian churches really like? What do they dream about for the future?

As we stepped off the plane our first assumption was confirmed with a warm gust of 60 degree F air.  We were off to a good start.

We headed about 68 KM (46 miles) south from the airport in Holguin to our host city of Bayamo.  Bayamo has been referred to as "the Cradle of Cuban Revolution” due to it being a hotbed during revolutions in the 1800’s and the better known 1950’s Castro led revolution. 

Our team from First Baptist Church – Medina, OH partnered with Iglesia Bautista Babiney (Babiney Baptist Church) in the nearby suburb of Babiney.  They were in the middle of a construction project, which they allowed us jump in and be a part of for a few days.  For three days we lugged sand, bent steel, carried rocks and prepped footers alongside our Cuban brothers. We were also treated to their amazing hospitality, food, coffee and the beautiful customs of “merienda” (snack time) and “siesta”.   The latter we planned to bring back with us.

Our friend and primary contact for the trip, Joe and his daughter Rachael, flew in from Costa Rica to help us with the language barrier and to lend cultural wisdom and perspective.  Veteran missionaries are a huge asset that Tin Roof recognizes and are grateful for their partnerships.  What a blessing they were and we look forward to working with them more in the future.  

Some of our new friends had never interacted with or met an American, so there was much learning on both sides.  We were encouraged by the passion and zeal our Cuban brothers and sisters showed for the Lord, life, relationships and of course baseball. 

Before we worshipped with them Sunday we played with them on Saturday.  Baseball is a more than a national pastime, it is a national passion.  We walked into a small, local stadium filled with kids and adults, a sound system blaring and two local teams winding up the first of what would be a triple-header for them.  We divided ourselves up and played 5 innings of our national pastime that they have embraced with both arms and legs.  We represented well with two of our guys each knocking one out of the park.  There was actual pandemonium when that happened and there have been talks of statues being erected.  It was great was to see the bridge that sports builds between cultures and even ideologies.  I still believe this is one of the greatest tools in seeking to build relationships and make inroads. 

A highlight was a meeting I had with a house church pastor and church planting leader. This Pastor clarified murky details and perceptions I had about the present and future of the Church in Cuba and how specified we in the north can help.  He shared a vision of the Cuban church being a world changing church.  How encouraging and challenging his words were.  Tin Roof is now more informed and better equipped to be a part of sustainable, healthy growth due to his wisdom and willingness to share his experiences and vision so openly. 

We look forward to being a part of the Cuban Church’s growth and connecting others who desire to be a part of helping our Cuban friends move forward to the promising days ahead.  We hope you will join us. 


Oh we mentioned "Broncs" didn't we?  Here is one we broke while there. 

As we come the end of our busiest year yet and it has left us excited, encouraged and expectant for the future.  We want to thank you, our supporters, who have partnered with us financially, in prayer and in mobilizing yourself and others to “Simply, do good.”  It has been our privilege to represent you across the U.S. and around the world in helping meet global needs and sharing the Gospel of Christ.

We want to share some of our 2011 highlights:

1.     Over $150,000 directly given or facilitated to humanitarian and mission projects via 
        Tin Roof Society.

2.     Three Team Trips to Africa to work with our partners

3.     Added 10 new partners

4.     Our partners have seen 10,000 (+) people come to Christ

5.     First  “Finding Your Mission” class successfully implemented and completed in Medina, OH.

6.     Successfully raised 30% of personal support for Shawn and Whitney

7.     18 strategic partnerships with missions and humanitarian organizations in 14 countries

8.     Projects completed: Water wells in Kenya and Uganda; Orphanage buildings; Water filtration    
        units; School building; Human Trafficking campaign;

9.     Got married!

We are blessed to be able to lead this work and we have goals for the future.  We would like you to consider being a part of helping us meet these goals.

1.     Raise $3,000.00 per month for Shawn and Whitney’s support

2.     Raise Operating Capital for Tin Roof Society development

3.     Double number of Strategic Partnerships to thirty-six 

4.     Increase the number of foreign / domestic organizations and missions in our database to 
        1,000.

Thank you for believing in Tin Roof’s vision to build confidence in and simplify the process of doing good, godly things in the world.  We can’t do it without you and are grateful for your investment.

We believe in our vision, organization and the partnership we have with you.  In the coming years we see Tin Roof playing a vital role in transforming the way we help those in need and involve those who want to be a part of solving those needs.

Merry Christmas,

Shawn and Whitney Koonce
Proverbs 3:5-7

When does the value of a person end?  This is a question answered every day, in many ways, all over the world.  Some cultures judge this by gender, others by health status, still some others  by age.  A common, if unspoken, evaluation of the value of a person is “What do they add to society?.” 

What do they add? What can they do for ME?   Are they past their prime?  Whether fair or not, these are all questions asked when people are being sized up for their usefulness for a task.

These same valuations are used by many of us in sizing up our own usefulness. 

“Did I miss my opportunity?” “What can I really add to the mix?”, “Aren’t I tool old?”   Unfortunately we live in a world where we put limitations on the usefulness of others and on ourselves way too quickly.  At Tin Roof Society we want to help lift the lid off these misconceptions, and allow opportunity to replace perceived dead ends and value to blossom where  people once saw none.

Here is a short clip from some new friends of ours from Idaho, Jerry and Cindy Prouty, who break down perceived barriers with the way they are living their lives.  We hope you are encouraged.  Simply, do good. 

One of the strongly held beliefs at Tin Roof Society is that "soul change" leads to true and lasting change.  Once a person has met Jesus Christ and completely given their lives over, then He can take them to places they never dreamed of going and do things with their lives that perhaps they never thought possible.  It has been an amazing process to watch time and time again as change comes to the soul and the life transforms.  It is beautiful.  It is amazing.  It is only through Christ. 
For that reason, many of the people we partner with love people at a soul level.  Yes, they help in the physical, social and emotional realms, but they recognize the soul as the place where the deepest needs lie.  That, if you truly love someone you will not neglect their eternal soul when treating their temporary body. 
We are encouraged and urged on by the reports that come in from partners around the world who are taking part in "soul change".  They are doing amazing works and loving people all the way to their souls. 
Here is a report we just received from K-Krew who are passionate about reaching the youth of Africa. The numbers are real and the follow-up is in place to help each of these souls grow and mature.  So, let's lay aside any cynicism that may creep in and take time to rejoice for the work of those who love people the deepest. 

From our Partners, K-Krew!!

Hello friends,

I hope you are keeping well.

After the accident on Sept 6th, the rest of the team that had no injuries decided to proceed with the missions as the rest got their treatment. They decided that what had happened to them was an act of the devil trying to stop them from doing what God had planned for them.

They proceeded and started with missions on the weekend of the 10th. That weekend, 22 students gave their lives to Christ.

Now, what happened after that weekend was accelerated Salvation Stories. Here is a breakdown of the numbers of people getting saved. This is real...not fiction :) An act of God. This is a true confirmation that the harvest is plenty and the laborers are few.

Mudavadi Girls - 178

Liranda Girls - 252

Malava Girls - 311

Mukumu Boys - 857

Kakunga Girls - 95

Shitoto Girls - 245

Lubino Boys - 409

Keveye Girls - 550

Mudasa Academy - 150

 
Total Saved in 8 days: 3,047.

Praise the Lord with us my friends. We are in awe of what God is doing. Never in my 10 years in youth ministry have I experienced anything like this. To God be the glory.

Indeed, God uses jars of clay to carry His amazing treasure.

DJ Tismo who broke his leg got discharged from the hospital last week and is recovering at home.
Alan (a dancer with the group Zionists) will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. He has a broken wrist and had to undergo several surgeries. We thank God for this.

God bless my friends and thank you for your prayers and support.

Regards,

Moz

There is a desperate food crisis in Kenya and friends of Tin Roof Society have responded quickly and generously.  When we heard about the need and also the grass-roots Kenyan For Kenya food campaign, begun by private Kenyan citizens and businesses, we saw an opportunity to get involved.  We set a goal to raise  $2,000 US  to send to the Kenya Red Cross who are the primary aid distribution organization. 
Well, that goal was met in a little under 3 weeks and we are sending 100% of the $2,000.00 to our partners in Kenya who will quickly and efficiently turn our donation into food for those starving in the northern regions of Kenya.  Thank you to all who contributed and all who are praying.

There is currently a severe food crisis and drought affecting as many as 3 million Kenyans and Somali refugees in Kenya’s northern districts.  This is not the first time Kenya has experienced such crisis and this time the Kenyan people have taken aggressive action.  Not waiting for the slow moving government to respond, the private sector has teamed with the Kenyan Red Cross to get food and aid to the most desperate people, quickly and efficiently.  Businesses and media houses, led by cell provider giant Safaricom and Tin Roof Society partner, K-Krew, have set a goal of ½ billion Kenyan Shillings ($5.9 million US) by the end of August 2011. 

Tin Roof Society has joined with K-Krew to help financial donations from the US quickly and safely get to the “Kenyans 4 Kenya” fund.  One hundred percent of money donated through check or via our designated “Kenya Food Crisis” Paypal account will go to the relief efforts in Kenya.  Simply click the Paypal button or send checks to Kenyan Food Crisis c/o Tin Roof Society  PO Box 0404  Medina, OH.  44258

We are privileged to join with K-Krew and the people of Kenya in meeting a very desperate need.

Check out our dedicated Kenyan Food Crisis page.

Simply, Do Good,

Shawn Koonce

Tin Roof Society, President

Our partner organization, Elevare International Mission and our friends with KGEA were in Uganda this summer while hosting a free medical clinic in the village of Wakisi (a village we have spent time in over the last couple of years) when they discovered a baby boy had been abandoned on the property. Please pray for baby Moses!

For the past 2 1/2 weeks Tin Roof Society has been at three youth camps sharing "Radical" truths with High School and Jr High students.  We love camps and a big part of that is that we are continually energized by the hearts and "can do" attitudes of the students we meet. Yes, we come and share what God allows us to be a part of around the world and all the opportunities to serve, but the input, ideas and passion that they return are incredible! 
We see these students not as the next generation of leaders, but the world-changers of TODAY!  We believe that a generation who is well-informed and given the avenue to make a significant and enduring impact, can be a powerful and immediate force.  When students understand that God never intended for them to be a certain age before they can impact their world, but that they are called to making a difference now, it is a definite game changer.  Our belief has been affirmed by the students we have met in McCall, Idaho's Quaker Hills and Camp Patmos in Ohio. We are seeing students become the "initiators", as our camp ministry partners the Derek Janney Band calls them.  They are taking action in specific areas and we are excited to walk with each individual effort.   Please pray for the students as they look to define their purpose in life, which can only completely be found in Christ, and for us as we look to accurately direct and encourage them. 

For The Initiators,

Shawn and Whitney