VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 10/20/20)—Aaron and AmyEstelle Trout of San Francisco, Calif., have been endorsed to serve as International Ministries (IM) Global Servants in Mindanao, Philippines. They will serve through an IM partner, the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC).

AmyEstelle, born in San Francisco, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Biola University. She served as a volunteer music teacher and mentor to children from underprivileged communities at the Whitney Young Development Center. AmyEstelle also volunteered her services at My Refuge House, serving with staff at various fundraising events throughout California. Following her volunteer work, AmyEstelle worked for the former mayor of San Francisco’s nonprofit. Since 2015, she has worked at the First Baptist Church of San Francisco as office and events manager.

Aaron, born in Brandon, Fla., holds a Master of Fine Arts/Illustration degree from Academy of Art University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design and Commercial Art from Pensacola Christian College. He served in several roles as a volunteer in his home church of First Baptist Church of San Francisco, including elementary Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, worship team member, guitarist, choir member, and Vacation Bible School teacher. Aaron’s outreach work also included serving the poor through providing basic needs and meals.

Aaron and AmyEstelle married in 2012 and they have a seven year old daughter, Amaryn Brooke. They are excited about God’s call to serve in the Philippines.

In partnership with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC), Aaron will be a resource and support for local churches in discipleship and general ministry. He will use his gifts and professional experience in art to teach art in their local area as well as through the CPBC schools. AmyEstelle will use her administrative gifts and various ministry experiences to work alongside local schools and churches to mentor and disciple young women, teenagers and children through various activities such as Bible studies and music. She will also engage and build relationships with small business owners to encourage connection to local ministries.

IM Area Director for Southeast Asia and Japan, Rev. Leslie Turley, has been accompanying the Trouts from the beginning of their journey with IM. “It has been a blessing to walk with Amy and Aaron as well as with the CPBC on this journey of discernment. God has blessed both Amy and Aaron with many special gifts and talents for ministry in the Philippines.”

Rev. Sharon Koh, Executive Director/CEO of International Ministries writes, “The Trouts have a clear sense of calling and I am excited about the creative ways they want to serve the Lord in the Philippines.”

The Trout’s are members of Growing Healthy Churches and its regional executive minister, Rev. Dr. Tim Brown, expresses support of the Trout’s endorsement. He states “We praise God for the Trouts and fully endorse this gifted couple as they work to further God’s work in the Philippines and in partnership with International Ministries. We consider it a privilege to partner with IM and missionary couples who are making a difference in the Kingdom around the world.”

Rev. Dr. Rodney Ragwan, IM’s director of Mission Mobilization shares, “It was an honor to walk alongside the Trouts in this process, and very exciting to endorse them to serve cross-culturally in God’s mission.” Ragwan further states, “To be part of their story in advancing God’s mission allows us also to align ourselves with the heart of God.”

Aaron and AmyEstelle are working now to build their Mission Partnership Team and raise the funds needed to begin their ministry in the Philippines.

More information is available on their profile page on the IM website. To send words of encouragement or support, contact Aaron & AmyEstelle via email at aetrout@internationalministries.org and atrout@internationalministries.org

International Ministries, also known as the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, works cross-culturally to invite people to become disciples of Jesus Christ and to proclaim, through both word and deed, God’s reign of justice, peace and abundant life for all creation.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.