My Memories of Fred Thielke

On this deeply foggy evening, I am sitting back and going through all of my old photo albums to gather a few precious photos of the Fred Thielke I knew and loved.  I thought I would share them with you... and maybe if you want to leave comments at the bottom of this blog, others can also see how their world was affected by this energetic, fun-loving, adventurous friend of ours!

While at missions orientation last week, we had a workshop on missionary kids (MK's) and third culture kids (TCK) and how intertwined their lives are in regards to culture, language, thinking, and relationships.  I have found that even though I do not have children of my own, some MK's have truly found their way into my heart.  Fred Thielke is one of those.  

When I was growing up, Fred's Dad was my senior pastor, and I remember going to their house to study the catechism, while Fred ran around in diapers and learned to talk.  I guess that means, I have really known this man my whole life, and so when I heard the news the other day of his passing, I broke down and cried.  

Fred Thielke has been living in Mexico for the past few years, working with the US Embassy there.  Earlier this week he was climbing with a friend, on the highest mountain in Mexico - the Pico de Orizaba.  Apparently he fell, and was in and out of consiousness while the Mexico rescue teams tried to evacuate him in bad weather conditions.  Sad to say, he didn't survive the accident.  My heart is sad... and it bleeds for his family.

Here are a few shots of our time together over the years.

From 2001-2004 I worked in the Philippines... and was blessed to work alongside the Thielke family for two of those years.

I joined the Theilke family for a holiday in Thailand;
Fred and I hung out a lot during our time there.

He makes friends with everyone.  :)

I think Fred learned to hug lots from the Filipino culture that so deeply shaped his life.  

Fred always cherished adventure and creation.

We were both in the bridal party for good friends in Manila.

He loved his brothers!

He was so helpful... a great leader... I saw that while leading
a Summer Missions Program in Tacloban city.

Hard working and full of smiles!

Fred was like family to me... my little brother!
A missionary nephew.

Many people loved hanging out with him.

He always seemed fearless!

Oh Fred!

Me and my brothers...
I mean... Fred and his brothers - Tim and Matt

Family dinner in India

A tight trio

So affectionate.  :)

He cherished his cousins too.

Hanging out... 

He made my day when he traveled two hours to come hear
me share stories of serving in the Philippines.

Fred with his extended family in Canada

I don't know what more to say.  He was so full of life.  He loved deeply.  Explored completely.  And will be missed by so many.

There will be a memorial service for Fred Thielke on March 3, 2018 at Community CRC in Kitchener, ON, Canada.
Dwayne, Gladys, Tim, and Matt Thielke... I am praying for and with you!

Orienting new Candidates to the World of GOM

For the past few months I have been looking forward to going to the Global Outreach Mission office in St. Catharines, ON, and being a part of the orientation process for new candidates.  I wasn't sure if I would have the energy to make it through the whole week, but I thank God for the strength I had there.  This year was a small group of trainees and every one of them was heading to Africa.  Yeah!!

Throughout our week together we had a full schedule of seminars - dealing with Finance, Personel, Development, Transitions, Missionary Kids, Partnership tools, Policy, Awesome Newsletters, Legal stuff, Team work, Member Care, Social Media, Mission software, ministry profiles, and Photography.  We were encouraged to take some RSDI throughout the week as well.  "RSDI" = Rock Solid Digital Image... so here are a few that I want to share with you, to tell my story.

To every tribe, tongue, and Nation... (Amanda's RSDI!)

Presenting Biblical Dramas

 Every day I opened our sessions with a time of devotions and I was able to share God's Word through some dramatic readings.

We stayed at an amazing Retreat B&B!!

The Woman at the Well

"Telling God's Story"

Popcorn is always needed for a good missions movie!

Earning Dodson Dollars... and winning a can of meat at the end of the week.

 I was considered the "Missionary in Residence" so I was able to bring lots of advice, clarity, encouragment, questions, and love from a missionary position.  I pray that my presence there was an inspiration to both the office staff and those going out on the field.

A Concert of Prayer

 Every orientation involves a time of praying for the mission field, His Workers, and just praising God for who HE is, confessing and relieving our burdens, and resting in His presence.

For me... I leave Toronto

And serve in Uganda

 Most of the week is spent stuck in the board room, having discussions and power point lectures or presentations, but at least one night we can escape and see God's majesty around the corner!

A very cold Niagara Falls

"The Works of His hands!"

Another trainee heading back to Uganda!!

The American falls

I love this World 

Sitting in class

One of my biggest roles was to be a proxy for Tina, another candidate who was unable to travel to the office because of pregnancy.  Tina and I communicated through a video conference the whole week and I made sure to voice her questions or comments to the group.  She too is going to be in Uganda... so I'm excited to have some new GOM team-mates on the field.  

Tina in Boston :)

Teamwork... it's hard to build without a plan or communication

God's Word is our constant Lamp

 

All the new candidates left with lots of food for thought!