Schladming, Austria
Tauernhof’s Backyard
Dear Family and Friends,
I am continually marveling at God’s creative handiwork. I look back at the last few years and I shake my head smiling as I am still trying to wrap my head around what is happening and how God’s hand has remained faithful and purposeful in every detail of my life.
Let me begin by simply saying that Angela, Mya and I recently found ourselves faced with an opportunity we did not expect: an opportunity to leave our home here in Colorado to do God’s work in Austria as long-term missionaries with the Torchbearers, working at their Tauernhof center in the beautiful village of Schladming, Austria.
I look forward to using my gifts and talents to further God’s Kingdom with the people He brings to Tauernhof and I’m writing to tell you more about it and how you can be involved in this adventure.
As you can imagine, this is a pretty big deal for me and my family. We are going to need a lot of prayer. Prayer is really the key to successful ministry and this occasion is no exception. I sincerely invite you into this experience with us. Please join me in prayer for the ministry of Torchbearers, for Tauernhof, and for my family. Pray that we may be good listeners and learners and faithful followers in all that God might ask us to do as we prepare for the challenges ahead of us. I also invite you to prayerfully consider financially supporting us on this journey.
We will need to raise full support for life in Austria and our ministry at Tauernhof. The cost of living in a ski town in the middle of the Austrian Alps is fairly expensive and we are estimating the modest need of $48,000 per year or $4,000 per month, which should cover all of the living expenses for our family including; housing, healthcare, schooling for Mya, vehicle and travel expenses. Specifically, we are seeking 40 partners in ministry who can give $100 in ongoing monthly support; though any gift, larger or smaller, is greatly appreciated. We are trusting God to supply for His work and your prayer and/or financial support means a great deal! Would you pray about being one of those people?
Please fill out your information on the Form below and click SUBMIT to let us know how you might give.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
I take seriously the command to “go”, and I am really excited about this new possibility God is giving us to share the love of Jesus and I am eager to tell you a little about the ministry of Torchbearers and Tauernhof, the ministry in which we have the honor to be obedient to God’s call.
- Torchbearers International (also known as Capernwray) is an interdenominational, Christian ministry operating 26 centers in 20 countries, offering short-term Bible school programs, conferences, camps and retreats. The Torchbearer’s mission is to proclaim the transforming presence of Jesus Christ through Biblical teaching and practical training, equipping men and women for service in His church worldwide. You can find out more about Torchbearers at www.torchbearers.org
- Tauernhof provides a personal setting in which to study, form great friendships, increase Biblical knowledge and application, promote Biblical values, develop leadership potential, a sense of personal responsibility and self-confidence, and encourage cooperative teamwork and appreciation for others, and above all to grow deeper in relationship with Jesus Christ.
At Tauernhof, students of all ages come from a number of different countries and denominations, which creates a valuable multicultural learning environment. This international interdenominational environment provides the opportunity for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the worldwide body of Christ.
Each year, Tauernhof offers two English speaking Bible Schools: In Fall (12 weeks) and in Spring (8 weeks). Along with those primary courses, Tauernhof offers numerous winter sports programs and summer alpine adventure camps. All of these intensive courses are intended to encourage the growth of Christians so that they may be equipped for effective Christian living and service. You can find out more about Tauernhof at www.tauernhofaustria.at
My role at Tauernhof will be to provide a consistent, quality music and worship ministry to the international students who attend the various programs throughout the year, as well as providing information technology management and marketing for the Tauernhof center both in Europe and in the United States, requiring me to travel to the U.S. periodically. In addition to those responsibilities, I will also have the privilege to be a winter ski/snowboard instructor and a summer instructor for their Upward Bound course, which has established itself as the “trademark” of Tauernhof. Upward Bound is a 5 week experiential, outdoor adventure based Bible school aimed at the development of the whole person – body, soul and sprit. In 1996 I was able to attend Upward Bound as a student. And then in 2017, while on Sabbatical from Family in Christ Community Church, I had the pleasure to serve as a summer instructor for this amazing program.
Thank you in advance for any way you feel God leading you to help. I am looking forward to seeing how God will work in and through you as a potential ministry partner, Angela, Mya, and myself to fulfill His purposes in our lives and in the lives of those He brings to Tauernhof.
In closing, we are overjoyed about the possible impact that we can have on God’s Kingdom and hope you can share in our anticipation. I genuinely thank you for reading this letter and for considering our need for prayer and financial support. Feel free to give me a call or send me an email to discuss any questions you may have.
In His Service,
Tony N. Schenk
303.594.4271
“Let the morning bring word
of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.”
Psalm 143:8
