This week we get to know Paul and Dwana VandeZande, leads of our Missions Ministry. Paul and Dwana have a unique role in serving the missionaries that Roots Church supports, loves, and prays for. They do this by connecting with those serving domestically and abroad, sending care packages, relaying prayer requests, and just reminding our missions families they have a home base praying for their ministries. Get to know Paul and Dwana this week in our Ministry Spotlight.
Tell us a little about yourselves: Hello, we are Paul and Dwana VandeZande. We are also known as Grammy and Grampy. We have three grown children and four grandsons, ages 16-8 years old who live in Texas . We split our time between Camano Island and League City, Texas. I am a native Texan and Paul was born in Wisconsin, but lived in many places growing up, one of which was Whidbey Island, WA. We met at Church Youth Group in Texas and have been married 51 years. Praise God! We started attending Roots Church in 2018.
One interesting fact about Paul and Dwana is that Roots Church was founded in their basement. Derek and Anlee lived in Paul and Dwana’s home from 2014-2016. During that time the church core group began meeting once a week until we launched services in 2017 at a local church. Paul and Dwana were instrumental in encouragement and practical help in the early days of the church. We praise God for the willingness and service to try so many new things to help launch God’s church — Roots.
What lead to you both becoming the Missions Leads? We became the Missionary Leads when Derek and Anlee asked us to fill this position. We immediately knew it was something we could do while traveling and stay plugged in to Roots Church when we are away.
How you see your specific ministry role contributing to the life and body of the church? We think staying in touch with the Missionaries that Root’s supports not only helps them feel loved and cared for, but also connects the people of Roots to the needs of our Missionary families and what they are doing for God‘s Kingdom. A challenging aspect of this ministry is the time and location differences. We can’t physically be there for our missionary families, but we know that we are there in God’s Spirit and many prayers have been answered.
How has your ministry work shaped you personally? We have lived overseas and Paul has traveled extensively for his work all over the world. I think in doing so, that has shaped us to plug into this ministry. We’ve experienced what it’s like to be far from home and missing every day comforts we take for granted.
What verses or rhythms encourage you most in your daily walk with God? Paul often says “Blessed to be a Blessing!” God has always provided for us throughout our marriage sometimes through strangers. That has left a big impact on us and we know it’s by God’s Grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
In my later years Romans has been my go to book
Romans12:
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We both know that when we aren’t reading our Bible as we should and seeking God on a daily basis life can get bleak. For myself, traveling back and forth makes it a challenge to stay disciplined in the Word.
We know that we are sinners prone to wander in need of our Savior every minute of the day. Lord, help me not wander from You. May we be an encouragement to the Church to care for each other as God has cared for us.
The body of Roots and the missions families around the world are so very thankful for Paul and Dwana’s joyful affection for this local body and those serving elsewhere. An interaction with Paul and Dwana leaves all of us feeling loved and seen. Thank you both for serving! Join us in praying for Paul and Dwana as they continue to serve in their roles at Roots Church.
And if you would like to get involved in their ministry, we encourage you to reach out to them!