A Celebration of 25 Years in Ministry.
Dan and Kelly traveled to Long Island, Bahamas in 1998 with Jerry Zeilstra on a mission trip to work with a swim camp. They fell in love with the people and the island.
They were married in 1999, and answering the call later that year packed up their belongings and left for Long Island under the umbrella of Young Life leadership.
Dan and Kelly spent several years of renovating an old school house, forming G-2 and G-3 youth groups, leadership training, teaching young people about Jesus, coaching soccer and playing softball.
In 2008 they formed a U.S.-based 501(c)3, Caribbean Youth Network (CYN) which serves as an international mission organization fostering the planting, partnering and networking of relational, Christ-centered youth ministry so that youth can be introduced to the Gospel and grow into a mature relationship with Christ.
Dan and Kelly assisted in incorporating Bahamas Youth Ministry (BYN). The BYN is a community-based organization that involves leaders who fill the roles of teacher, mentor and coach in the lives of young people. They continue to consult with the BYN and Sheneka Cartwright on Long Island.
In 2013 Dan and Kelly felt called to move to Nassau and began to work with high school and college students on the campus of the now University of the Bahamas. Currently, there are 4 Bible studies on campus and one offsite. Bob and Donna Mastin and Jude Vilmer assist with the BYN ministry in Nassau.
Barrett and Carrie Hendrickson replaced Gabe and Jan Swing in Marsh Harbor on Abaco after serving with them. They arrived right after a devastating hurricane and have helped to rebuild the congregation and youth ministry, as well as houses in the community. Barrett serves as Pastor of the Kirk and Ministry Coordinator and Carrie serves as Ministry Coordinator.
Along with BYN, CYN has partnerships with Camp Bahamas on Eleuthera and Kirk of the Pines and Agape Christian School on Abaco.
Dan, as executive director, oversees the CYN organization and provides leadership to the staff including Emma Boyer, Student Coordinator on Abaco.
Dan and Kelly have been supported financially and prayerfully by Hebron Church since the inception of their ministry in the Bahamas. We are excited to continue to support them as they grow the Kingdom of God.
Barbara Baesel, Liaison
Images: Top R – Donna & Bob Maston
Bottom L – Kelly, Kai, & Dan Weightman
Bottom R – Carrie & Barrett Hendrickson