Delton and Fernanda Hochstedler
E-mail: delton.h@abbabrasil.com.br
Telephone:
(740) 852-0922 (US & Canada),
(11) 5666-1967 (Brazil)
Ministry Correspondence:
C/O BEA Ministries
PO Box 808
Xenia, OH 45385
Field Address:
C/O ABBA
Av. Frederico Renê de Jaegher, 1194
São Paulo - SP - 04826-000
Latest NewsletterDelton and Fernie are serving with ABBA, an organization working with street children and other at-risk children in São Paulo. Delton coordinates ABBA's technical team, providing counseling to the children in ABBA's care, support to the direct care staff, and coordination of family ministries. He is also assisting in the development of a foster care program, few of which exist in Brazil. Fernie is a homemaker caring for their four children, is active in a local school group, and serves the ministry in a support staffing and nursing role.
· Those willing to pray and provide spiritual covering to their ministry
· Those willing to support the ministry financially
· Workers interested in coming down for short-term work projects or "longer" short-term to work with children
Delton spent his childhood in northwestern Ontario, Canada, where he enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities. He came to know the Lord at an early age through the influence of his parents. Fernie is a native of São Paulo, Brazil and she also came to know the Lord at an early age through her aunt and grandparents. She learned english and attended St. Paul's British School in São Paulo, which led to her to seek university studies abroad. Delton began college studies at Rosedale Bible College in Ohio and subsequently transferred to Cedarville University where Fernie had begun attending. A Cedarville University Habitat for Humanity work trip served as the start of their friendship, which gradually grew into a romance. Fernie graduated with a degree in nursing in 2001 and Delton with a degree in social work, also in 2001. Delton then spent six months working with ABBA, before their marriage at Calvary International Church in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2002.
The next six years were foundational ones as they spent time in Ohio establishing their family, finishing graduate school (master's degree in social work for Delton), obtaining work experience (work with troubled youths and their families in several settings for Delton and nursing for Fernie), and obtaining U.S. citizenship (Fernie). However, they always felt a call to return and work long-term with ABBA and in August of 2008, God opened the doors to make those dreams reality. Delton and Fernie intend to remain in Brazil long-term working with children at risk and their families.