Vessels of Grace was formed in 2017, following God’s call to be conduits of his grace to the world. This call is accomplished in many ways by serving local and foreign communities. Our past ministry includes a one-year trip serving in the Slovak Republic by invitation of the Berea Center (Obcianske zdruzenie Krestanske centrum Berea). Our current focus is Summer 2019 KECY camp ministry in Trencin, Slovakia.
The name Vessels of Grace holds a deep meaning for us. Scripture speaks of being “a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Tim 2:21) The Apostle Paul likens believers to simple earthenware vessels that have been filled with treasure from God, the glory of his gospel. (Romans 9:23-24, 2 Cor 4:7). Through the ministry of Vessels of Grace, we desire to commend the treasure of the gospel of Jesus Christ to many who are in need of the hope found only in him. Follow along with us as we experience God work his glory through everyday moments of service.
About Us
Bethany & Joseph Thompson
Joseph is deeply committed to Jesus’ great commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey all I have commanded.” (Matthew 28:18-20) And he desires to follow it in the specific ways God calls him to serve. His passion is to help others understand and apply the truth of God’s Word in their everyday lives for the glory of God and the good of His people. Throughout his college career, Joseph discipled high school guys weekly and also participated in and led short-term missions teams in South America and the US North East. He graduated from Texas A&M University and is thankful to have spent an entire year serving overseas. He is expectant for God to continue opening doors for ministry opportunities in the future.
Bethany’s life passion is commending the works of the Lord to the next generation. Her purpose in passing on the truth of God’s Word is so the generations yet to be born will have the opportunity to find salvation, hope, freedom, truth, and relationship with their Creator, God, long after she’s gone. (Psalm 145 & 78) She has been blessed with many opportunities to live this passion out over the years, traveling on multiple mission trips to Slovakia, leading kids Bible clubs, teaching Bible at a preschool for 3.5 years, working with teen girls in a local detention center and most recently working as girls minister at Bay Area Church for over 4 years, discipling 7-12th grade girls, coordinating Bible studies, mission trips, and other events to facilitate growth in Christ. She has completed some college level classes from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, but much of her Bible and leadership training have come from parents, self-study, and experience in the ministry field under many different leaders. She looks forward to using all she has learned to serve people in the years to come.
Why Slovakia?
When Joseph was considering post-graduation opportunities, the Holy Spirit put a season of full-time ministry on his heart, to do kingdom work as a family with his new wife, Bethany. The Slovak Republic in particular has held a special place in Bethany’s heart since the age of 15, when God first called her to serve the beautiful people there. She considers it the absolute wildest of blessings to do ministry alongside Slovak brothers and sisters in Christ. They both look forward to following God’s leading as they serve together and thank you for your support of this ministry.