It has been an amazing journey the last 2 years and 6 months while on deputation raising our support to reach South Africa! We have been honored to be in some of the most wonderful churches in the world and meet some of the most loving people in the world! I wish that I could explain the excitement and joy that our family is experiencing as we watch God’s calling on our life become more and more a reality!

The last couple of weeks have been extremely busy and productive as we finalize our steps to leave for the field:

June 22: We purchased our plane tickets! This was certainly a milestone for us and we are praising the Lord for Him supplying the funds needed to purchase them!

June 23: Vision Baptist Church, the home of our mission board, Vision Baptist Missions, held a special send-off service for our family and two other families leaving for the mission field! They are truly an encouragement and blessing to us!

June 24 and 27: Ashlee and I completed our physicals and chest x-rays, and sent off for our FBI background checks! I have confirmed that by the end of the day Saturday, that we will have all of the paperwork needed in order to receive our 3 year visas!

June 26: We secured a house in Port Elizabeth, South Africa!!! It will be waiting on us to arrive, and then we can begin making our house a home!

Lastly, this Sunday, July 3rd will be a very special day for our family at our home church; Newton Baptist Church! During the morning service, my oldest son, Peyton will follow the Lord in believer’s baptism! Neyland, our newborn will be dedicated to the Lord! Then, during the evening service, a dream I have had since I was a 15 year old brat teenager will finally be a reality! I will be ordained into the Gospel Ministry by three of my heroes and mentors; Pastor Wayne Cofield, Pastor Austin Gardner, and my Pastor, Tony Howeth!!!

I would ask you to continue praying with us for a smooth departure and traveling mercies to South Africa on August 2nd! Also, pray with us for the last bit of our needed support to come in before August 1st! I am asking God to touch the hearts of the churches that we have been in, that have not yet taken us on for support, to be moved to do so and help us see our dream become a reality!

Thank you all for your continued love, prayers, and support of our family!

Your Missionaries to South Africa,

Stephen, Ashlee, Peyton, Eli, and Neyland
The Underwood Family
Acts 20:24
southafricamissions.com