The Spangler Family

Mitch's Testimony

Mitch I grew up in York, Pennsylvania, where I attended St. Matthew Lutheran church. Although this experience taught me about the Lord and the Bible I never clearly heard the gospel. It was during my first year at Penn State University that I accepted Christ as my personal Saviour. The Lord made it clear to me during my second year that He wanted me in full-time ministry. He led me to Bible College and then to seminary. It was during these years that the Lord turned my heart towards missions. I learned about the Lord's command to go into all the world and preach the gospel. I also learned about the great spiritual need in England. The Lord has called me there and I know that I must obey Him by sharing His Son in that country. One of my favourite verses is Phil. 4.13, which says that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. No matter what the task is the Lord gives to me, I know that He will supply the strength needed to complete it.

I received a BS in Bible with a minor in Pastoral Studies from Lancaster Bible College. I received an MA in Old Testament Studies and Bible from Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, PA. I also completed the pre-field orientation programme given by Missionary Internship in Farmington, MI.

Vicki's Testimony

Vicki I grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where I attended parochial schools for my 12 years of education. I learned of God and Jesus and heaven, etc. but never of a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I knew Jesus died for our sins but I didn't know I had to do anything with that. During my sophomore year of high school I began thinking about church/mass a little more. I was wondering why we do the same things every week (maybe I was becoming bored?) and why I wasn't leaving church a little different than the way I went in. (Looking back, Jeremiah 29:13 was happening!) At the same time I had these "questions", our family unit was breaking up. Mom and Dad decided to separate for awhile, only to have Dad separate from us for good. I was encouraged to spend time with a neighbour friend (Fern) the day my Dad was leaving. She spent time with me and told me about our Heavenly Father and His love and what I needed to do to have Jesus in my life. She showed me Romans 10:9-10. We prayed together and that day Jesus became the Lord of my life.

Growth, at first, was slow because I didn't know I had to grow! After high school graduation, during a YFC Ocean Getaway, I rededicated my life to the Lord and began my growth as a believer. The Lord has chosen to direct my growth through difficulties as well as joys. He led me to Lancaster Bible College where I majored in Bible Education, learning how to better use the gifts he has given me. While there, I had the opportunity to go on a summer ministry trip to England. By the end of my summer in England, I knew God wanted me to return. The verse God used to show me His will for my life was Luke 12:48, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."