Pray with us as we make a final decision

Hello everyone! Erin and I went to my room at Crownpoint yesterday. We were able to start organizing my stuff and laying out the classroom.  It was a productive day.

This morning I began planning work on the camp.  I wanted to share specifically what I am thinking about and bringing before our Lord.
We are prayerfully considering two options.

Option 1- Two weeks of camp. Week one would be a basketball skills camp for older youth. (Ages mid-high school)  The camp would focus on basketball, but with skits and "huddle time", where the drills taught would be tied back to what the Scripture and the Gospel teaches.  Week 2 would be a camp for the younger kids in the community.  It would be a sampler pack-with various sports taught throughout the week.  Having a second week of camp would allow us to reach all ages in the first summer of camp. 

Option 2- we would just have camp for one week next summer.  It would be the basketball skills camp and target the older youth. (It would be like option one without the second week for the younger kids.) 

I am personally leaning towards the first option.  But I don't know how to do one week of camp let alone two!  I am also aware of what Johnny Polk and others at T Bar M said- "Don't over-promise and underdeliver."  Our God is able to more than we can think or imagine, so I am struggling with the choice that must be made soon.  Now that you have read this post, you can pray more specifically for us.  Comments through the blog or by email would be greatly appreciated.  I am at the point of actually planning what an overall day of camp would look like and identifying needs- like skit curriculum and props.  But before we can plan more thoroughly, we have to make a decision and start reserving the necessary facilities.  So we are at the point of needing prayer before we make the final decision.  Thanks for your help!

Back Home

We are back home now for a few days... (We actually got home on Friday) Erin and I have been praying about what the camp will look like.  We need to make a decision soon, so we can move on to more specific details.  Continue to pray for us.

On Tuesday evening, we were blessed with the opportunity to talk with folks that have been praying for us over the last year.  It was great to be able to put a face to the emails we have been sending out.  We were able to talk about our vision, answer questions, and take down suggestions. It is such a blessing to be able to meet with fellow believers.

It is nice to be home.  We have been relaxing as much as we can, although that's hard to do when we have so much to digest and plan.  Our last day in Texas I started looking into the nonprofit stuff.  We are still thinking about a name for our organization and the camp.  The nonprofit would be an umbrella for all the ministry outreach we do out here, with camp being the main focus.  I think it can be organized along those lines. 

On the way back from church, Erin suggested I meet with the church and update everyone about what has been going on. (And share outreach opportunities)  I think that is a great suggestion, and I will give our pastor Jacob a call to see what we can do.  (He's been talking at a camp for the last few days, so I will probably call tomorrow.)  We have been given some great ideas for searching out land and workers, so we will be working on those leads as well. 

That's it for now.  Not a whole lot going on up front- just a lot of organizing and planning.  Pray for those we are considering to be board members.  I have not talked to anyone yet about being on the board but we will start that process soon.  We want to be accountable and we need fellow believers willing to take on a larger role in helping make this vision a reality.  Again, thanks so much for your prayers and support.  This endeavor would not be possible without prayer.  We are nothing in and of ourselves.

Updates made easy

Hey guys! I just figured out there are two ways to get emails when I post stuff to this blog. The first is to become a follower. This is the easiest method. The link for that is on the right side of the page. Enter an email address and click follow. I believe this option sends an email as soon as I post something. The other is to use "Follow by Email" at the bottom of the page. This option sends an email during the day to alert you if I have posted. Both methods require an email address. (obviously!) For the "Follow by Email", the instructions are below.

I believe the "Follow by Email" is more private, since you don't appear as a follower of the site as you do if you sign up using the "Follower" link (did you notice I have a couple of followers? Thanks to you two!). Perhaps someone more blog savvy than me (i.e. my sister) can let me know what the major difference is between each method. :)

Here's what you do:
1. Go to the VERY bottom of my this page. (it's to the right of the "Links worth looking into")
2. At the bottom you will see a title entitled "Follow by Email". Under the title there will be a spot to enter your email address.
3. Enter your email and click "submit"
4. After submitting, you will be taken to a new screen. You will have to enter a random word to complete this step. (just follow the instructions!) Enter the random word.
5. Next, you will have to log into your email account that you entered in step 3.
6. Log into your email, and you should have received an email from FeedBurner. It should be titled "FeedBurner Email Subscription". Open the email and click on the blue link. That's it!

Now when I post to the blog, you will receive an email with the post in it. Pretty cool. Don't ask me how it works though! Still visit the blog every once and a while for old time's sake! (I am not sure if I update other stuff, like the calendar, if you get that as well...let me know!) God Bless!

Next Steps

Pray for us as Erin and I consider the next steps concerning camp. We left camp on Saturday, our minds full of things to consider. We are in the process of sorting through all we have seen and been told. Here are some of the things we are thinking through-praying through-
1. The need for our vision to come under a nonprofit organization- either our own, or under another organization.
2.  The need for a board over us- people that share our vision and will hold us to the task.
3.  Setting goals for camp. We need to set short and long term goals to get this camp off the ground, and we need wisdom in deciding on the goals and the various priorities.
4.  Workers. We need workers willing to partner with us on a variety of levels- from camp workers to churches willing to partner with us.
5. Our family.  I need to constantly be aware of the need to balance the passion of my vision with the responsibility of being a Godly husband and father.  For those of you that know me, I often jump into things without looking back.  It's a necessary quality to follow a vision, but lousy if I jump and leave my other duties behind. 

We are on an exciting journey!  Our emotions run the gamut from cloud nine to feeling overwhelmed.  But we serve a mighty God, and all we need to do is trust and obey.

No coincidences

What an awesome God we serve!  I'm humbled that He wants to work through such a broken vessel.  Being here at camp has confirmed what we already knew- that God wants to do something big through humble, but available servants.  We are so blessed to be a part of what our Lord is doing. 

Erin and I had the privilege to go to dinner tonight with the camp director.  He taught me so much in such a short amount of time.  (it was a humbling experience and very encouraging) Our meeting was not just something that happened to fall into place.  It was exactly what Erin and I needed at the exact moment we needed it. (in fact, we were on the way to a Verizon store to fix Erin's phone when Drew texted to let us know an opportunity to meet came up)  I don't think it is an exaggeration to say this meeting has changed our lives and the lives of others.  God is moving.  Pray for Erin and I as we have upcoming meetings with Denton Bible Church and hopefully some other folks as well.  Pray for me to be articulate and clear in presenting our calling, vision, and mission.  Pray for guidance as relationships and decisions are made.  We have much more to share, but for now we need time to process what God is showing us. (And time to pray.) Stay tuned! Thanks for all your prayers! We could not do anything without prayer warriors keeping this whole adventure before our Lord and Savior.

T Bar M observations

I just wanted to briefly share some things we have seen today at camp.

Erin and I thank God we have the chance to be here this week.

1.  Relationships-Today was our first full day at the camp, and already we can see the importance T Bar M places on relationships. It's pervasive-from who they hire to how the staff interact with the campers. Drew always told me this is what distinguishes them from other camps, and it is true!

2.  The Gospel- for camp, Wednesday is the day that the Gospel is presented. It was truly amazing to see how the staff presented the Gospel to the campers.  Today the Gospel was the official emphasis, but from our observations yesterday, we could tell the whole program is geared towards the Gospel and the Word.

3.  Fun!  This camp is a blast!  It is apparent that fun is a focus. But what is cool is that even the fun moments are used to bring in teachings from God's word. It is clear that the fun is with a purpose, and that purpose is to create teachable moments with the campers.

Pray for Erin and I as we go through the rest of the week.  We need God's guidance as we try to figure out how He wants us to incorporate what T Bar M does into the camp at Thoreau. I will post more as our minds are able to process more of what we have seen and discussed here at camp. (we haven't even seen the Lake Travis Camp... That trip is tomorrow)

Connections

Today got me thinking about the connections or relationships God puts in our lives.  Think about the wisdom, insight, and planning it would take to produce the network of Christians needed to work together to get the various tasks God ordained from the beginning of time to be done.  As Erin and I have embarked on getting the camp thing going and CEF, it has become obvious that we could have done nothing without the contacts/relationships (connections) that God has developed (in fact, preordained).  And I am not just talking about our own friendships- I am simply recognizing the fact that without the relationships from parents, friends, coworkers, etc, the work we are trying to accomplish for the kingdom would be impossible.   Yet it is only possible because our God is in sovereign control of ALL things.  It makes you rethink those relationships you are developing or already have.  We know there are no coincidences, and that includes the people God puts us in contact with.  It's going to be amazing to see where our Lord takes us from here!  Erin and I had a great visit with Nancy today, and I had a great visit with a coach interested in the camp.  Nancy pointed out how there are so many inroads already prepared that can become resources for the camp.  My friend Rory basically affirmed the same thing- the camp idea is doable; we just need to follow, obey, and trust the Lord.  It's going to be amazing to see how God uses current and future relationships to accomplish His will.  What a privilege to be a part of it all!  How important it is for us all as Christians to be about developing relationships (even producing disciples).  It is the relationships we have that God works through to accomplish His will for His glory.   If we refuse to go out and build relationships (with believers and unbelievers), what are we telling our Lord?  Let's pursue our relationships on all fronts- for the kingdom work won't be done without it!

The blessing of Fellowship

We were at Angelo Bible Church this morning.  Jim's brother in law gave an update about the work going on in Kenya.  (Jim's sister and husband, Kevin, are missionaries over there.)  It was great to hear about the work God is doing in Kenya.  We serve such a great and wonderful Saviour!  We talked with Kevin after the service and discussed the possibility of having a mission trip from Crosslands go to Kenya.  I don't know how our church members could afford the plane tickets, but it would be amazing to have Christians from African and American tribes meet and share what God is doing among their people. Won't heaven be an awesome place- with people from every tongue and tribe there!

While at church, I was asked to share what God was doing in our neck of the woods.  It was a blessing to be able to share the TBarM and CEF news.  Erin and I count ourselves blessed to be in the position we find ourselves in.  We have our questions and concerns, but we know God will reveal His will as we need to know it.

I let too much time go by

Sorry!  I let too much time go by since the last post!  Now that I have taken time to write again, I have too much on my mind.  But here's a brief insight into what I have been thinking about over the last few days-
1.  Treasure and hearts- I gave a sermon on this a while ago, and I am wondering how we can get Christians to wake up and treasure the eternal things.  The kids from Idaho and Texas got a glimpse of this idea last week and I pray they continue to put God first in their lives.

2. The desert and Moses- I am not trying to feel sorry for myself, but I sometimes feel like Moses in the desert, waiting for the burning bush! Erin and I have a willingness to serve, but with the possibility of moving to Crownpoint, we wonder what God has planned. All we can do is continue serving God in the areas he has shown us. We just wonder what is next. I am excited about the ministry opportunities at Crownpoint and am willing to jump in, but I want to be careful that I don't get ahead of my Master's will!

3. Sin. I have been reading through the prophets and have been struck by the sorrow God has over the sins of His people, yet the Israelites are oblivious or even hostile in their rebellion. I read this week in Ezekiel how God will make his people loathe their sin while they are in captivity. It made me think of my own sin and lack of awareness. So I added that to my regular prayer this week - a loathing of my sin.

Well, that is enough for now! We are going to be at TBarM soon, so pray for us as we observe the camp and see what we can incorporate into the plans for a camp in Thoreau. Also, please continue to pray for us and our house. It seems like it may never sell, and we are eager to move to either St Bon or Crownpoint. But we don't want to get ahead of God and if he wants us to stay put for now, then we will praise God for letting us enjoy our beautiful home (and a long commute to work where I can listen to sermons while I drive :)) . We need God's wisdom in seeking what to do ministry wise, so please pray for that too! It doesn't seem to make sense to move us to Crownpoint when so many ministry opportunities are opening up in Thoreau. But we know God knows best and will follow wherever he leads! Lastly, feel free to contact us and let us know how we can lift your needs/ministries up in prayer. I am toying with the idea of adding a prayer page to blog, and it would be cool to make that page not just center on our needs alone! God bless you as we all seek to fulfill the Great Commission!

Lessons from last week

Hello everyone!  Just wanted to talk about some of the things God taught us the last week.  This was a very tiring week, but also quite productive.  Here's what I have learned-

1.  Don't worry!  At the beginning of the week, I was a little worried about the work projects. (Since that was my responsibility.)  God spoke through Erin Saturday night.  She simply said, "Don't worry!"  Thankfully I took her advice and did not stress over what to do.  Guess what happened on Monday?  By Monday I had learned we had two contractors in the Idaho group.  Brian was willing to take on the big carport/decking project, and I could take care of the smaller ones.By noon, Don (the man from our church who had planned the projects) was able to stop by and fully explain each project.  If I had given in to worry, I would have been stressing for nothing.  By Monday afternoon we had more than enough work to do, and the week's worth of projects were lined up.  God came through just in time.  Imagine that.  This reminds me of the disciples and the storm.  They woke up Jesus and he calmed the seas.  Then he addressed the real issue- their lack of faith and trust in him.  They were too impatient and too eager to end the storm they were in.  Sound familiar?  It does to me! 

2.  God is Sovereign.  Despite our lack of ability, God's plan will be accomplished.  I don't know if I have said it before, but I love the quote: "It's not ability but availability that God needs."  This was shown to be true throughout the week.  If you think about it, it is amazing that a bunch of kids that have never worked together can spread the Gospel effectively.  Erin and Jim helped immensely, but much of the work was done by 12-19 year olds!  We need to remember this when God tells us to do something.  He is in control and will provide all we need if we will simply obey!

3.  As stewards, there is always room to do better.  This week also showed how each group- Crosslands, Idaho, and Texas could (and must) do better.  I can mainly speak only towards the work project, and I can say that we need to plan better.  Don did a great job of getting the materials list together for the projects, but it is almost impossible to think of every needed board and tool.  It was frustrating thinking of the multiple trips taken to town for just a few items.  Lee, the leader from Idaho asked if we ever got materials for a discount or free.  We had never really thought about that.  Perhaps we could have saved even more money by simply planning in advance (6 months or more) and asking businesses for help.

Communication between all the groups needs to be improved.  By ensuring we are all in agreement ahead of time, much confusion and frustration can be avoided.  This trip was a learning process like they all are.  It is simply amazing how God can use us despite ourselves.  Everyone was in agreement that the good accomplished on the trip far exceeded any frustrations.  We just need to strive to always do better for our Lord.

It is such a blessing to have mission trips come. I am not talking about the work they do or even the VBS's; the blessings come from being able to gather together different groups of believers and being able to see how God uses willing servants. The instant friendships, the overcoming of obstacles, the kid's realization that God can use them makes mission trips worth it. It was a privilege to be a part of it all. May we all realize that the mountain top experience of mission trips does not have to happen once a year- it can happen anytime we are sold out to our Saviour. (The mountains come with valleys too though! Otherwise there would be no mountains!)

CEF NEWS

I wanted to pass on the good news.  It looks like the legal researching of the question of having a club in a federal tribal school has been settled.  The next step will be to take the paperwork to the board.  Continue to pray that God will work in the hearts of the board members and that the final approval would be given without further hesitation.  It would be the first club in a tribal school, we believe. 

More work pictures

Here's some shots of the ramp being built. This project would not have been possible without Brian and Larry.  It will be such a blessing to have this entryway for those who need it!

Some work project pictures

Here's some shots of the painting that was done...
Most of the paint was applied to the wood or the ladder and not themselves!  The groups almost finished the whole carport-before they ran out of paint!  (They put on over 11 gallons!)

This is what it is about

Here's a picture of one of the youth that knows what mission trips should be about...relationships!

Wednesday and Thursday Update

Sorry for not posting the few last days- it's been very busy!  On Wednesday, the groups got the ramp ready for concrete.  That involved compacting the soil and building the forms.  Meanwhile, the kids not working on the ramp continued to paint the pastor's carport.  On Wednesday night we had Navajo Tacos, a yummy meal prepared for our guests.  After the tacos, we had a church service where we sang and the kids shared testimonies about what God was doing through them or to them.   The evening ended a short challenge from Jim and with singing songs together.  By the time the day was over and the songs finished, it was well past 9pm.  It was a great time of fellowship with new friends. 

Thursday, the concrete truck arrived and the ramp was poured. The carport was almost completely painted and the area cleaned up around the church.  A sound booth area for the church's audio equipment was also built. The concrete was almost fully cured before one of the youth stepped on it!  Luckily Larry was able to fix it! 

Concerning the three VBS's, they went well the last two days.  One child accepted Christ as their Savior on Friday!  Praise God!  This was the first time the group from Idaho had done a mission trip with VBS, and the kids did really well.  (Their trips to Mexico involved house building, but not putting on a VBS.) 

On Thursday, we had our first movie night.  All day it was windy, and I figured we would not be able to put up the screen.  It was a block party, so Erin and I left the church around 6:30 to set things up.  It is amazing to see the impact a little basketball on Fridays can have on relationships.  During the last hotdog party, many of the kids did not hang out much with us.  But this time was totally different.  Many of the local kids came up immediately and some offered to help.  We served about 85 hotdogs and went through 10 gallons of drinks.  Then as the day ended, the winds died down.  What an answer to prayer!  It got calm enough to set up, and several local kids helped me put up the screen.  I asked Jim or Kyle if they would like to present the Gospel before the movie started, and they were both eager to help.  Kyle talked at the beginning of the movie, sharing the Gospel, and Jim wrapped things up at the end.  I was able to talk to several kids that night and was able to share the Gospel with two former students.  The movie ended around 10:40, and I was home a little before midnight.  We had about 40 local kids there as well as the 40 or so youth from the Idaho and Texas, so the courts and playground area were full of children.  It is apparent that God is working at St. Bon, and relationships are being formed.  Keep praying for the kids in the area- progress is being made.

Finally, I have a ton more I would love to share.  So much has gone on these last few days.  It will take time to post it all, but I will post more in the coming days.  Thanks for your patience!