“As the year of ministry with Watermark draws to a close, two years of my life [are] coming to close... a beginning, and a continuation.  Two years ago I would have never thought I would be where I am at right now.  I have met thousands of people, stayed at hundreds of homes, been to over fifteen states, seen five different countries.  I've partnered in ministry with thousands, and ten people on a constant basis for the past two years.  I've met and been with some friends for life, and I've also met and been with some people who I unfortunately may never see or talk to again in this life.  I have stayed with host families who forever will be planted in my heart.  So many experiences.  It's been a roller coaster ride with ups, downs, straights and differences.  God has truly revealed Himself to me through many people and places over the past two years and while the ministry with team is coming to close for eighty-some individuals this year, the ministry continues.  It continues with YE, the organization, and with the eighty individuals going our own ways.  For me, I feel like these past two years have been a prerequisite… a learning experience for the ministry.  Thank you so much for supporting this ministry and me.”
 
Patrick Torbit, Watermark to Germany, 03-04; Captive Free North Central 02-03
 
 
“Just the other day someone mentioned that Cross Fire ('03-'04) had been together for eleven months.  It made me realize that I'd spent a good 320 days with these five people, and 112 days with Matthew and Elvis in Africa.  Looking ahead, we only have thirty days left until we move on.  It's amazing how short our ministry interacts with one area, yet, the impact is felt through eternity.  ‘What you do now echoes through eternity,’ is a quote my church back at college has embraced and instills in the people there.  It's true, the people we have met I will remember through eternity.”

Rachel Haabala, Cross Fire 03-04
 
 
“I absolutely cannot believe that my year with Captive Free is almost over. It feels like the end of an era, and for my life it truly is. I have been changed this year through the people I have met, the places I have been, the challenges I have faced, and the ministry I have been a part of. The Lord has blessed me so richly this year, and made himself so visible in my life. Being faced with challenges this year that I was entirely incapable of resolving on my own tested and strengthened my faith in God. It surely didn't happen overnight, but as I began to surrender to His will out of desperation, He began to change my life. He opened my eyes to things I needed to change about myself, and warmed my heart to accepting things about others that I had previously had no patience for. By providing all of my needs, tangibly and spiritually, God gave me a trust and peace that I have never felt before. I thank him so deeply for calling me to this ministry and for providing all of the support that I have needed to complete this year. He has put so many amazing people in my life that will forever remind me of His amazing power and presence.”
 
Allison Page, Captive Free South West 03-04
 
 
“Fifteen days left with my teammates.  Fifteen days left of this ministry.  It's been an amazing year in so many ways.  Now the challenge comes in returning to college and applying what I've learned this year. I'm excited to be returning to classes and to see my friends again, but of course I'll miss my teammates in a huge way!  I'll miss the opportunity to worship with my teammates and audiences all over the south central U.S., I'll miss the little kids' smiles, hugs, and drawings.  Most of all, I'll miss living a lifestyle completely saturated with God!  Everything we do, everywhere we go, God is in it!  I know that that statement is true anytime/anywhere, but while I've been on team, it has just been so much easier to see it!  I pray that I'll continue to see God so clearly in everything I do and say!”
  
Beth Wojahn, Captive Free South Central 03-04
 
 
“The last year has been filled with some of the most intense times of my life! But it has also been a year filled with laughter, love, practical experience, amazing people and lasagna! I have been blessed with some of the highest mountaintop experiences and some of the lowest valley experiences! I have endured the North/South Dakota January. I have grown in my ability to trust others. I have seen God's precise provision for my every need. I have experienced a new side of God's Amazing Grace through Himself and others. And, I have come to a realization of who I am and what I believe. This year has easily been the most valuable of my life. God certainly is Good!”
 
Erin Miller, Captive Free North Central 03-04
 
 
“The end is near!  Well the end of our tour for the year.  I have enjoyed the year through the ups and downs as they have happened.  As I look back on what I did, I can't help but think, "I could of done it better."  But I have also learned that I don't want to live my life without regrets.  There are things I would have been able to do better, but I only know now from these experiences of what I could have done differently.  I thank and praise God for this year and what I have learned.  In everything you do, do it for the Lord and He will reward you in heaven.  To all those who may read this, I wish blessing upon you and for your life to be enriched as mine has been.  Praise the Lord, for it is a great day to be alive!”
 
Josh Poencet, Captive Free East Lakes 03-04