Eric and Debbie Stone
The Stones have served in Guatemala since 1999. They’ve been affiliated with TAP since 2011. Eric is originally from NC. He met his wife, Debbie, while serving in the Peace Corps in Guatemala.
Ministry Focus
To play the “music” of God’s Kingdom that invites those of Pueblo Modelo to be part of His Kingdom and commit to catalyzing their own personal development and the subsequent transformation of their community.
Since 2012 they’ve been playing “Kingdom music” in a neighborhood called Pueblo Modelo by way of a Christian community development project facilitated hand in hand with the local church. In 2019 they were joined by the national office of Children’s Hopechest to expand the initiative.
Since 2021, their “music” has included a nutrition program for children, a tutoring program for children, a sewing co-op for women, a discipleship program for children, a savings group, and a water purifying business. Beginning in 2024 they turned the administrative responsibilities over to the local Guatemalans and let them take the leadership reins under the supervision of the national Hopechest office. Debbie and Eric continue to teach in the tutoring program; she continues leading the sewing co-op; and he continues administering the water business.
Given that Pueblo Modelo is running well under local administration, they have turned their missionary efforts toward a region known as Chiquimula. They worked there between 2005-2010 in theological education and children’s outreach. Since mid 2024, Eric has been developing a Christian community development proposal that would be completely dependent on the local churches of Church of God. The Church of God regional leadership has gladly welcomed the proposal. Eric will begin by sharing a brief, yet formal course called “The Peace of God and it’s Relation to the Social Obligations of the Church of God” with various church leaders interested in community development. The Church of God regional leadership, along with Eric, will then evaluate each church’s proposal regarding where they feel the Lord is calling them to “play His music” within their community, much akin to a missional model. They will then help facilitate the launching of several of these projects which may resemble what the Stones have done in Pueblo Modelo, or, may differ due to the differing contexts. The Stones thank you for your prayer support in favor of their Kingdom endeavors!
Apart from ministry, the Stones have two sons, Eric and Dan, both born and raised in Guatemala. They live outside of Asheville, NC, and their parents are proud of them!
TO DONATE BY CHECK
TO ERIC AND DEBBIE’S SUPPORT:
Make checks payable to The Antioch Partners, write “Preference for Stone Support” on memo line and mail to:
7132 Portland Ave, Suite 136
Richfield, MN, 55423
