I (Mike) am going through a transition as I take over the role of Executive Director of Stoneworks.  Here’s a note we sent to people connected with Stonework, MIR and ourselves.

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A note from Dave Hulley —

It is hard to believe that in December Stoneworks International will celebrate its fifth birthday! During these years God has enabled us to minister in many fruitful ways, including working in camps and orphanages and maintaining relationships with a
group of children as they moved into adulthood. We have had several short term and longer term workers, in a variety of programs. You can read more about the programs on our website, www.stoneworksint.org/.

I am happy to announce we have been blessed with some personnel changes which will aid us in our future ministry. Michael Cantrell, Director of MIR in Russia, and a Stoneworks Board member, has agreed to take over my responsibilities as Executive Director. Mike is quite experienced and he needs almost no new training to move effectively into his new role.

We are also welcoming Mary Jean Preece as  Administrator. She will take over many of the behind the scenes functions I have performed. Mary Jean is capable and experienced, but most importantly, she feels a calling to serve the Lord by serving orphans and children in Russia and elsewhere. Welcome Mike and Mary Jean!

“Where am I going?” you may ask. I plan to remain very involved in the work of Stoneworks as Chairman of the Board of Directors. For the near future I will also remain as special liaison to the work in Belarus. This will allow Mike to focus on some other aspects of transition while be builds relationships with workers of Spring of Revival in Belarus.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have prayed for and encouraged us, and to those who have made donations over the years.The fields do remain white unto harvest. Let us all continue to do our best in all things as unto the Lord, and to serve and love Him with all our heart, soul and strength.

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A note from Michael Cantrell —

You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.
1 Peter 2:5

I am very excited about assuming the role of Executive Director of Stoneworks.  We all look forward to this new phase of ministry, trusting God to lead us perfectly.  This trust is bolstered by the years of ministry and building strong relationships that allow us to be where we are now.

Eight years ago I moved to Russia to help found and oversee MIR, a Russian charity based in St. Petersburg.  Over the years, God has again and again showed me how important it is to honor the relationships that He is establishing.  He has set me as a ‘living stone’ among many wonderful and inspiring people.

In Russia, God has been very faithful to bring together a fine group of people who will continue the work beyond my day-to-day involvement.  Many Russians and foreigners are working hand-in-hand to further God’s kingdom there.  In Belarus, God has called numerous people to partner together.  I met Olga Goncharenko years ago when she worked as an interpreter at a Russian camp and have continued to respect and pray for her work in Belarus.  Spring of Revival does good work for the kingdom, and it is an honor for me to be able to help them in any way possible.  In Montenegro we see growth in relationships and ministry; we hope to send more short-term teams, long-term missionaries, as well as support church planting in that country where there are so few churches.

Our new Administrator, Mary Jean Preece, is perhaps the newest living stone that’s been set near us.  You will enjoy getting to know her as you interact with her.  She is a blessing and we are very thankful for her. Mary Jean and I are actively setting up a new office near Atlanta, where I am based when I’m in the US. That office will be fully functional after the new year.

I believe that my primary role is to help other people do what God is calling them to do.  I am very gratified and honored to be able to serve so many faithful servants in Belarus, Russia, Montenegro and the US.  I look forward to serving you, and I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions.

May we all abide in Christ, growing together as members of His body, receiving His grace and direction while making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.