ATKINSON family - BRAZIL

Global Partners

Derek Atkinson was born into a pastor’s family in the San Diego area of California.  He gave His heart to Jesus as a small child.  While he was in high school he answered the call to ministry.  Holly (Groves) Atkinson was also born into a pastor’s family in South Carolina.  As a young girl she accepted Jesus as her Savior at Kids’ Camp.  During her freshman year at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OWU), she completely committed her life to Jesus.

 

Derek graduated from OWU with a B.S. in pastoral/youth ministry from Wesley Biblical Seminary with a M.Div in pastoral counseling.  Holly graduated from OWU with a B.S. in biblical studies.  Derek oversees a new college ministry at Lawrence Wesleyan Church (LWC), and Holly is on staff at LWC as the children’s director.

 

Derek had his first real taste of overseas missions when he helped to lead a ten-day mission trip to Manaus, Brazil.  He asked the Lord to speak to him clearly if God wanted him to pursue missions work.  The Lord did speak clearly to Derek, giving him affirmation through many different avenues.  While on a brief trip to Central America, God opened Holly’s eyes to what she could do for Him overseas if she was willing.

 

In October 2006, Derek and Holly were appointed to GO-Net missionary service to Brazil.  Derek will be teaching at the Wesleyan Bible Institute.  It is also their goal to assist the current missionaries in whatever capacity possible.  They look forward to building relationships with those they meet in Brazil.