Testimonies to Our Lord & King
What God Has Done
Come see a sampling of what our Lord is doing in the hearts of those who follow and obey Him. These are stories of hope, transformation, and the power of God — worked out through regular, ordinary people.
We would like to take a special opportunity to share some inspiring stories of hope, transformation, and the power of God, worked out through regular ordinary people like you and I. God doesn’t just shape and mold those we minister to — He shapes and molds us too, bringing us closer to Him and teaching us that God alone is worthy of all worship and praise!
Lt. Colonel Rob & Becky Ozburn
Instructor at West Point — West Point, NY
SOS was incredibly foundational in our early Christian development. Having only recently come to faith, Mike encouraged me (Rob) to follow Christ through obedience to baptism in Nigeria alongside some of the new indigenous believers. Months later, I would be joined by my fiancée (Becky) on a trip to Latin America, where she would also receive baptism as part of the trip. As if these major spiritual milestones were not enough, Mike and the SOS team performed our marriage at the Hope Center church in El Salvador on the last day of the trip!
We are now celebrating 14 years of marriage, and have 3 lovely children who are growing up to know Christ and the power of His forgiving grace. We are forever grateful for the role that SOS has played in pointing us to the One who loves His lost sheep throughout the world, and therefore calls us to go and tell others about the great things He has done.
Blaine Schultz
Home Developer Supervisor — Thonotosassa, FL
What impacted me the most about SOS over the years is the tenacity and integrity of the mission. To spread the Gospel. Not merely do humanitarian work. But to deliver hope and truth to those without it through the power of God by the hearing of His Word. I personally remember the Gospel given in a ravaged-torn region. God showed us He is still with His people and ultimately it is Him alone that changes hearts and creates new creations.
I still carry that moment from SOS with me, fueling my unrelenting desire to share the gospel with anyone around me, always looking for “the statue of the unknown God” as Apostle Paul did — a segue to speak life to those unsaved and lost in darkness.
Leah Johnson
Wife & Mother — Atlanta, GA
One of the most impactful trips I have ever taken to El Salvador was the time our team went to a gang-controlled region. In the days leading up to it, our team leader asked everyone to pray, making it clear that each person had the option to stay or go. The night before, our devotion time was on the theme “even if,” drawing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. Their steadfast faith in the face of danger, trusting God even if He did not rescue them from the fiery furnace, was the very lesson God was impressing on my heart: to trust Him fully, no matter what.
When we arrived, I witnessed one of the clearest and most powerful presentations of the Gospel I have ever heard. The words pierced through the barriers of culture and language, and I could sense God’s presence in a way that felt undeniable. That moment marked me deeply. Since that day, the Lord has brought that “even if” moment back to me in times of personal uncertainty, reminding me that faith is not dependent on favorable conditions. It is a choice to trust, follow, and proclaim Him — even when the outcome is unclear, and even if it costs something significant.
Jim Myers
CPA — Leoti, KS
I’ve been on several trips to the Middle East. Each trip begins with anxiety, but quickly that emotion fades and goes to “let’s get to work.” The harvest is plentiful and very challenging. After just a week of meeting with at least 16–20 Muslim men, the response is “I’ve got to get back here.” They desperately need Jesus, like we all did. The impact on me personally is to be very conscious of lost people in my community back home.
Dr. Ken Mitchell
Pastor — Jacksonville, FL
It has been my great honor and privilege to be a part of the conferences for 20 years with pastors and wives and church leaders in El Salvador. I am so very blessed and encouraged by their desire to know God’s Word. The three days of the conference are long days from morning until late afternoon, and with no A/C at La Esperanza (Hope Center), it is quite warm. Yet they listen intently and fill their notebooks with notes. They desperately want to know God’s Word.
I have been equally blessed by their faithfulness in difficult circumstances. Most of the pastors are of very modest means. Yet they continue to faithfully serve the Lord and His church. They are an example and encouragement to me. Gloria a Dios!
Lizzie Atwater Historical
A Faithful Martyr — Shanxi, China
A massacre occurred to Christian missionaries by fierce nationalists in the northern province of Shanxi, China. Soldiers took pregnant Lizzie Atwater and several others away from their homes and families. Lizzie wrote a memorable letter home before she and the others were martyred:
“Dear ones, I am preparing for the end very quietly and calmly. The Lord is wonderfully near, and He will not fail me. I was very restless and excited while there seemed a chance of life, but God has taken away that feeling, and now I just pray for grace to meet the terrible end bravely. The pain will soon be over, and oh the sweetness of the welcome above! My little baby will go with me. I cannot imagine the Savior’s welcome. Oh, that will compensate for all these days of suspense. Dear ones, live near to God and cling less closely to earth. There is no other way by which we can receive that peace from God which passeth understanding. I do not regret coming to China.”
Andrew King
Retired Engineer — St. Petersburg, FL
I have made several trips with SOS. Each time I was amazed at the empathy of my fellow travelers. I was touched by their kindness and heartfelt prayers. Each time I was moved by our time together in song and solidarity to make Christ known. I witnessed poverty that is rare to us in America: chickens and dogs roaming freely through makeshift homes with thatched roofs, dirt floors, unsanitary conditions — and the people, many with painful circumstances and few resources and dim prospects, understood their need for Christ. They accepted our prayers, our gifts, and our love. In spite of their station, they were more hungry for the love of Yeshua than bread.
Upon returning home I realized how blessed I was to be in God’s presence and with His people. I thank God for SOS and the privilege of walking with His people in places where His light shines brightest.
As promised, here is the sequel of testimonies — a continuation collection of inspiring stories of those who have served Christ with SOS. A variety of people, timeframes, and locations to encourage, exhort, and set a good example in a world filled with emptiness. Our God is alive and well. Seated on His throne. High and exalted.
Nicky Wright
Marine Technician — Largo, FL
What impacted me greatly on the mission field with SOS… a blood-stained tree of sacrifice, a man deceased on the side of a dirt road, a young child dressed for the altar of sacrifice by her own mother, witchcraft markings defacing SOS signs of hope, a demon-possessed man disrupting our church service, a witch-doctor conjuring evil to destroy our services of hope — Men of God stepping into the darkness more boldly than I’ve ever seen. Jesus saving the souls of image-bearers amidst the most blatant spiritual warfare I’ve witnessed. Prayers in Jesus’ name conquering the forces of darkness surrounding us at every moment. Light overcoming the darkness. God’s authority and power displayed mightily!
I am married with a son. And I’m taught more each day the necessity of prayer, the power of Scripture, and the need to bear God’s armor for my family living in a hurting and lost world.
Monte & Marci Dauer
Resale Broker / Co-Leading Ministry — San Jose, CA
God blessed us with not one but several mission trips with SOS Ministries. We have been on many mission trips with other organizations, but SOS mission trips stand out in many ways. The leadership and organization was exceptional. There was always time for devotions in the morning and a meaningful debrief at the end of the day. We witnessed God at work through the faithful servants He had prepared and was using in the ministry. Although in those days it was dangerous territory, God protected us and we were united with great comradery.
Mike’s personal conversion testimony is so powerful and encouraging! Seeing him meet with and preach to the gang leaders was remarkable! Being that I speak Spanish I had the privilege to meet with and talk with the village people. We heard and were a part of many stories we will never forget! Thank you, SOS!
Steve Williamson
Businessman — Lilburn, GA
What impacted me the most was the environments and experiences that the Lord used to remind me of what mattered most. The unique fellowships and community of believers set on mission in and for His Name created settings where heaven and earth seemed to merge together with greater clarity. These fellowships became wonderful environments to encourage and to be encouraged. Remembering to love the Lord God with all my heart, my soul, my mind, and my strength — and to love my neighbor as myself. And that these were to be driven home, driven deep inside me, and impressed on my children.
To be thinking and talking about them when we sit and when we rise, when we walk and when we talk, when we lie down and when we get up. For this is what we did together each and every day at the Hope Centers; along the paths and trails; in the jungle and along the shoreline; in the huts and the houses, in the villages, and in the cities. He led and we followed. And His Presence changes everything!
Joey Rasico
Administrator for Language School — Tampa, FL
When I think of how SOS has impacted me, I think of the time I was in El Salvador surrounded by dozens of children, sharing the Gospel with a ministry tool called the Evange-cube. My interpreter said she became saved in that moment of sharing. I also think of piling up with other missionaries in a truck and traveling through muddy roads and creeks to reach various unreached villages, sharing not only water filters but also the source of Living Water within us. And recently, I had the privilege of helping usher a Muslim to faith in Christ — now baptized and being discipled!
What unites these vignettes and so many others was our main purpose: sharing the Good News with a lost, dying world. Many ministry organizations have come and gone, and many have done good social work. But as we love others through physical needs, we must not forget their biggest need: Christ Himself. That’s what I love about SOS. They haven’t forgotten! And because of SOS, neither have I!
Edward Lawrence Historical
Pastor and Puritan — Shropshire, England
“Present the Lord to your souls as God over all. See that the Word preached is mixed with faith so that it kills your sins and reforms your lives. As love fulfills the law of God, so lust fulfills the law of the devil. Sing psalms, as those that make God your song and joy. If you are called to suffer, choose it rather than sin. Bear all wrongs, but do none; forgive all, but let none have need to forgive you; give all cause to bless God for you, but give no cause to any to wish they had never known you.
We find many mourning with Augustine that they loved God too late, but none complaining that they loved Him too soon. See that your hearts are filled with grace, and then your days will be filled with fruit. Live as if you were always running to heaven.” — June, 1681
Dr. Lane Olson
Medical Doctor — Garden City, KS
When I think back on a trip to the Middle East with SOS team members, I am struck by their prayerfulness in every move we made and their intentionality and boldness in beginning conversations with the indigenous people. Oftentimes, within a matter of minutes the conversation would move from formalities to invitations into homes to spiritual matters. From the outside looking in, one could attribute the successes to good strategy. But the truth is that each move we made and each conversation we had began with prayer and a dependence on the Holy Spirit.
11 Marriages, 1 Stage!
Happily Wed New Believers — Hacienda Grande, Honduras
In keeping with an incredibly awesome God we have, was the largest wedding ever done — well, for us anyway! How does the Lord start and grow a new pioneer church plant in a region where there was not even one convert? By 11 couples coming to Christ, and in honor of their new Savior, they chose to repent of their sinful lifestyles and get married — on the same stage, at the same time. Eleven brides sharing their special moment together! The power of the Gospel is alive and well! May Christ strengthen and empower His children, young in their faith… to the end!
Russ Bleil
Retired and Serving My King! — New Port Richey, FL
On a recent mission trip to West Africa, my faith was strengthened there. Those of us who went traveled to meet with all our indigenous SOS leaders and believers in Benin, Togo, and Nigeria. We were there to bring support and encouragement. Spending time directly and closely with these faithful leaders, I saw something special. I saw these men who survive off so little working and studying hard. I watched them joyfully serving our Lord in a place where it is always dangerous and costly to do so.
It became clear… I had not gone so far to bring a blessing. I discovered that I was the one truly being blessed. May our Lord bless and keep these faithful saints and may He be glorified in all that SOS continues to do in His Name.
Linda Martin
Daughter of the King! — Simpsonville, SC
After ministering to international college students with SOS, God called me to the overseas mission field on one of the initial trips to Nigeria with SOS. Within the subsequent years, this was followed by mission trips to three Latin countries with SOS. To say that these trips were life changing and transformational does not do justice to what God accomplished. God did a work in me far greater than anything I thought that I was bringing to the field. He showed me a boldness and sense of urgency in bringing the Gospel to those who need to hear it that could only have been His Spirit working!
Real mission work and obedience in following Christ in this world is hard and comes at a great cost… maybe even your livelihood or life! Mission work is best accomplished by NOT imposing our Western point of view but rather understanding the culture we are stepping into. The mission field is everywhere and every day — the harvest is all around us! God challenged all my previous understanding about going into the mission field. The Lord’s plan is ALWAYS so much more glorious than what we can imagine! I’m so thankful and humbled for all that God has done for me and in me. Selah… the time is short.
It’s amazing how God changes our lives when we live for Him. Often, we may think we’re going out into the field to change others, but all the while God has His intentions to change us too. And He doesn’t just change lives overseas — He changes them here in the U.S. as well.
Donna Hedger
ESL Educator — Clearwater, FL
“The Presence of the Lord is Here”
It was 2005. My son, who was fifteen years old at the time, and I signed up to go with a group from our church to El Salvador on a short-term mission trip with SOS Ministries. It was a very impactful trip. Flashes of memories come back to me of the way God moved in our midst while we were there.
I remember we had a lot of teenagers on the trip, and the mayor of the next town invited our group to come and play soccer with the youth of their town because they were having a lot of problems with gang activity. There was a torrential downpour on our way over, and the truck we were travelling in got stuck in the muddy potholes of the road. We came close to turning around and cancelling the plans, but Mike Schadt felt led by the Lord to continue. But the rain did not stop anyone. They still played. And a clear anointing of God was on it all. There was a very powerful connection among our youth and the youth of that town, even though they did not even speak the same language. The Lord was present there, and everyone felt it.
Afterwards, the mayor invited us into a conference room. But as we ministered and our youth pastor shared his testimony, the mayor hung his head, deeply moved, and said, “That’s what I need in my life,” and he prayed to receive Jesus as his Savior. It was a tremendous work of the Lord.
Going on short-term mission trips really does put our life purpose into perspective. Our hearts were filled with pure joy at the privilege and honor of being used by God to share the Good News of Jesus and further His kingdom on earth. It is so important for us as Christians to serve the Lord wherever we are — and not fall under the illusion that mission work is only for foreign lands. There are so many opportunities right here in our own country and communities.
One of the ministries the Lord led me to was English as a second language to international adults. We started meeting in my home with about seven students from different parts of the world. One of the ladies from China would just observe us, and say things like, “I love Christians!” After a while, she started focusing less on us and more on what the Bible was saying, and we could see it changing her heart. Another lady from Russia was deeply touched by the Spirit of God and prayed to really know Christ for herself. I cannot tell you what a privilege and a joy it was to be a part of bringing the truth of Jesus into their lives. This is just a taste of what the Lord can do if we are willing.
Margaret Mahony
Nurse — Clearwater, FL
“Here am I… Send me!”
Once upon a time, I was invited by my dear friend, Sandy Schadt, to go to El Salvador. What!? I am being asked to leave the comfort of my home and live with strangers, who probably know Jesus better than I? What did I have to offer El Salvador? I was working as a nurse, so I went to El Salvador thinking God wants me to bring medicine there. Boy, was I wrong! He had a much bigger plan! Instead, I was asked to share my testimony — His testimony of the Way, the Truth and the Life, eternal life… the ultimate healing. None of me was needed. It was all of Him.
I remember listening to a song from MercyMe every morning before my first trip: “Who will go… Send me!” I would cry. I was scared, but He sent me. When you’re on a trip with SOS, you eat a lot — and I don’t mean physical food. I mean the food that lasts forever. God took me there to minister to me also!
Back in the U.S., God in His faithfulness never let me think that He wasn’t as much with me here as He was in El Salvador. He showed me that to reach out to others, anywhere, was His reaching out with His purpose. Recently, He introduced me to a family from Afghanistan. Three years ago, He transported them here as refugees. I don’t speak their language — neither did I speak Spanish when I went to El Salvador. But the love of Christ for them has compelled me to show His love to them. Jesus has allowed me to come alongside them, be with them on many occasions, and now I’m madly in love with them. I am weak, but He is strong. That’s my anthem! It’s all about Jesus!
Shelly Rasico
ESL Teacher / U.S. Mission Worker — Tampa, FL
“Struck Down but Not Destroyed”
Praise God that our ESL class now has 14 students from China, Colombia, Belarus, Egypt, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Cuba, Ecuador, and Palestine. Imagine that: the world at your doorstep! We have four Muslims in our class. Our newest Muslim student from Palestine recently lost her husband two months ago. Pray we will be able to minister to her at such a difficult time.
My son, Joey, has invited many Muslims to his house to share a meal with them, with between 8–15 men coming each month. One Muslim man from Bangladesh watched Joey closely. After some time, he said to me, “Because of the love Joey has shown me, I want to become a Christian.” What an open door! We shared the Gospel and our testimonies, gave him his first Bible, and he is now attending a church and being discipled by Joey.
But during all of this, the enemy was trying to shake him. Recently, after someone sent a video of his baptism to his family, they were not happy and shortly thereafter cut off all financial support — housing, food, and student expenses. He lost his apartment and his Muslim friends. Even his car broke down. This is all happening in the USA! This is why we are careful not to share names and videos and pictures! And yet God had not abandoned Luke.
Joey took Luke into his small apartment for six weeks, provided food for him and helped him find an old car — and someone from Joey’s church was able to fix so many things that were wrong with it. Praise God! Luke now has a job, a car, and an apartment. We are so thankful that God has opened his eyes to the love of Christ.
You’ve now heard many stories of God working through SOS on the mission field — in many ways and settings. The purpose of these declarations is to invoke worship in heart and deed toward God!
Is there a mission trip God wants you to go on overseas? Is there a person right here in your backyard God wants you to reach? The presence of the Lord is with you. All you have to say is “Here am I… Send me!” You may experience troubles and difficulties. But remember, though you may be struck down, you are not destroyed. God will pick you back up and lead you.
“He who began a good work in you will complete it.”
In Love, The SOS Team