Let me introduce myself. My name is Bobby Baumer and I am this years’ American Team Leader. I am 51 years old and reside near Memphis, TN, USA. I am a member of First Evangelical Church. One of my duties there is that I am one of 21 deacons responsible for the finances, administrative, and upkeep of our facilities. We serve 3 year terms of which my term ends at the end of September 2007. Being a deacon has been challenging, but very rewarding. Also, I serve as President of Joint Heirs Sunday School Class. We have 132 people on role. Our class is defined by its love and care for one another. We mostly study the different books of the Bible. We have breakfast every Sunday morning in our room before we begin. I have very deep relationships with many people in this class.

As far as my family, I just celebrated my 30th anniversary in May with my wife, Jennifer. We dated for 2 years and married May 14, 1977. We have 3 children, Erin (Baumer) Hudson (28), Michael Baumer (25) and Alan Baumer (24). I own shoe stores in Memphis and all 3 of my kids work full time in the business. It is a blessing having my family working for me.

As far as hobbies go, boating is probably my favorite. I own a 20 foot ski boat and use it whenever I get a chance. I also enjoy playing basketball. A recent gift that my daughter and son in law, Chris, gave me was a basketball net that lights up every time you score a basket! Pretty cool, huh?

Well, on to the purpose of this essay……..My first response to “Why I want to take part in MI 7?” would have to be hearing all of us singing together as a group in different languages. Such a joy it brings me to share horizontally with others lifting praises and song vertically up to our heavenly Father.

Second would be seeing old friends. I haven’t been to Ukraine since Feb. 2002. Many of you who were teenagers then are now married. I hope I can still recognize you. I still look the same just more gray hair

As far as #3, making new friends is equally important. The one common thread that each of us shares no matter where our homeland maybe is Jesus Christ. What a wonderful way to begin a conversation with someone you don’t know. It doesn’t take long to realize that the 6000 miles between Cherkassy and Memphis are very small when you consider all that we have in common.

My fourth reason is quite simple……..to lead the American Team or whatever team I ‘m on to find the treasure first! Just kidding! I’m looking forward to the adventure and wandering around Cherkassy searching for clues on a daily basis. And most of all, searching for my own heart, knowing where the real treasure lies.

Fifthly, it’s been a great experience to date leading our team. Quite a stretch for me. I haven’t had that much experience working with young adults. I mostly work with adults engaging in projects or some sort of service. But, God never puts us in a place we’re not supposed to be. He has given me a wonderful team that’s been so helpful and encouraging.

Sixthly, I want to go to MI7 to hopefully see Kafe Kreative. I was there with 2 of my friends 5 ½ years ago tearing out walls and pouring concrete on dirt floors. I hope there’s time to see the “finished product” and maybe have a cup of coffee there.

And finally, and the most important reason I want to take part in MI7 is because God told me to. When David Bute was at First Evangelical Church’s Mission Conference last Feb. , he observed and mentioned that we had many interested in going on the trip, but that we didn’t have a leader. David was God’s messenger to me and I accepted the task before he went back to Cherkassy. And I so much look forward to July 18th when we depart, See you at MI7.