FAMILY

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Daily Scripture
 
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness."

Psalm 37:3

Benjamin’s Story
I was born in Northern Ireland to James and Lisa Hatton.  I am the second born of six kids.  I was raised in Papua New Guinea where my parents served as NTM missionaries.

I knew I wanted to be a missionary by the time I was a teenager.  I just wasn't sure in what capacity.  When I graduated from high school I attended New Tribes Bible Institute in Jackson, Michigan. There the Lord really established my desire to be a full time missionary with NTM through the excellent training I received in the Word of God.

I met Missy Cusimano while I was a student in Bible School.  We kept in touch after I graduated and two years later we started dating.  I asked her to marry me April 7th 2002 and we were married on October 5th of the same year.

We have enjoyed almost five years of ministry together at New Tribes Bible Institute.  We have both been very involved in the discipleship ministry among our students as Deans.  I continue in this ministry in a more full time capacity than Missy does.  She's still very much a disciplemaker, but it is more with our own children now.

The Lord has continued to burden our hearts with the ministry of tribal church planting. It is our joy and privilege to be involved in training young men and women to be effective church planters through our ministry in the Dean’s Department here at NTBI.

Missy’s Story
I trusted in Jesus Christ as my Savior when I was 10 years old.  My parents, Jerry and Rosalie Cusimano,  joined New Tribes Mission when I was eleven, and the experiences we had as a family heavily influenced my desire to be involved in tribal missions as well.

After high school I went through the four year training program with NTM. I then went to Bolivia, South America for two and a half years as a career missionary. Initially I spent time learning Spanish and then ministering in a remote tribal location.

While on furlough, in 1997, I was asked to join the Dean’s Department at New Tribes Bible Institute. I met Benjamin when he came through as a student.  We have been married now for almost five years.  Presently, my role is mainly being a mom at home with our kids.  I help out in a secretarial role at the Bible School two to three mornings a week.  During that time our kids attend the childcare/preschool program that the school offers.  This is a necessity for staff moms involved in part time ministry and for student moms so that they can attend some of the morning classes.

We are so thankful for our three children whose lives God has entrusted to us.

Judah was born to us three weeks early, on the 4th of July, 2003.  He is just about five now and loves being a big brother.  He continues to grow in his understanding of the Word of God.  It is exciting to watch his eyes widen and hear all his questions and responses as we teach him the stories of the Bible chronologically!  When talking with him about God's provision through Christ, for him personally, he has said on more than one ocassion, "I believe that".    Judah will be heading off to half day kindergarten this September.  Please pray for him and us as we will be adjusting to our little baby not being home with us all day! 

Gianna was born on the 12th of September, 2004.  She is  quickly nearing four years old already.  It is fun to watch her mature and develope as she follows closely behind her big brother.   She is completely aware of how cute she is and doesn't let us forget it.  She and Judah, and Tiernan love to play together - best friends!  Please be praying for Gianna that her heart will continue to be softened towards God as we teach her from God's Word and through every day practical things. 

Tiernan is our youngest.  He was born May the 16th, 2006 - We just recently celebrated his second birthday!   He has grown so fast, probably because of all the love and attention he gets from Judah and Gianna.  They all play together very well, which is fun to watch.  He has quite a cute little personality which is precious, and also a challenge at times!  Little does he realize that he won't be the baby of the family for much longer; we will be having a fourth baby due in November! 

We are so thankful for the family God has allowed us to have.  What a great privilege! 

We continue to covet prayers and ask God for wisdom in raising our children.  It is such a privelege and yet such a huge responsibility at the same time.  We realize how fast they grow and want to make the most of every opportunity!