Touching Lives through Leisure Activities

THE MISSION of Dan and Shan Rose is to impact the lives of people: all ages, both sexes, and those with wide spans of interest. And, they have found that one of the best ways to accomplish their mission is through the use of leisure activities. This is their work and their calling. Their mission field includes the United States - and the "uttermost part of the world."

.

After several years with leadership responsibilities in camping and other types of recreation, the Roses founded an organization which they called DEEP Ministries. In this new approach to reaching people, the Roses are not confined to one location. They now take their balls, bats, and Christian witness to numerous locations. And, it has become quite obvious: both the mission and the organization for this husband and wife team have been successful.
.

From their home in Asheville, North Carolina, the Roses have traveled near and far to a variety of destinations. For example, during 2008 the itinerary for the Roses included the Philippines, Nicaragua, South Carolina, Virginia, Malaysia, Africa, Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Israel, and Jordon. In 2009 they are returning to the Philippines and Nicaragua, and plans are in place for a journey to Brazil - and many other places.

.

Some of the various types of leisure activities used by the Roses to reach out to people this past year included softball, basketball, children's fun days (where all the parents came also), aerobics, white-water Olympic trials, youth camps, family camp, community days, Bible clubs and fun days, fall festivals, a Santa Pal program, an infield raceway program, a children's Christmas program for the underprivileged, and recreation activities in campgrounds.

.

In addition, the Roses have touched lives by speaking during half time at basketball games; being involved in street, mall, and local church evangelism; sharing in a Global Impact Conference; ministering to families through child care, cleaning, and counseling following the death of loved-ones; assisting in a homeless shelter and rescue mission; and, helping with programming, training, counseling, making repairs, and clearing brush and trees in a camp setting. They have also assisted in hurricane disaster relief work.

.

This energetic couple has hiked into the remote village of La Pita, Nicaragua with two interpreters where they shared with people hut-to-hut and led fun activities for children. And, this year the Roses will lead a team of ten to Santarem, Brazil to assist a missionary who travels by river boat in the Amazon River basin in order to reach the village river people.

.

The Roses have touched thousands of people through their efforts. However, they do not claim credit for themselves. They give credit to God. In their words, "He loves us all unconditionally and blesses us beyond measure. We are very aware He doesn't need us, but yet chooses to use us - and those in partnership with us - in ministry."

_____

--Dan and Shan Rose, pictured above, may be contacted at 828-254-0838.