K-Man as the J-Man

A few weeks ago I asked Kenan who he would like to dress up as for Bible Character Day at preschool.  Without having to even think about it he yells, "Jesus!"  Of course, I immediately beam with pride at how spiritual my three year old is being.  Then yesterday I get him ready for school and take his picture.  He poses like this as if to say, "Yeah, I'm Jesus.  Wanna make something of it!"  Oh yeah, way to aim high, son!

Sometimes He Calms The Storm

If you've listened to Christian music for any length of time you're probably familiar with the song,"Sometimes He calms the Storm", by Scott Krippayne. I was reminded of its truths a few weeks ago when a fierce thunderstorm rolled through awakening my oldest in a panic and my youngest with screams of fear for his daddy. As my husband went to answer the helpless cries of our son and I reassured our daughter everything was going to be alright, I was reminded how God comes to us when we cry out to Him. He promises us in His Word that He hears us and will never leave us.

Now, that doesn't mean He'll always put an immediate end to the storm we're facing but we can be assured that He's in it with us, holding us close while the storm rages on. We weren't able to do anything to stop the thunder from crashing and literally shaking our house or put a stop to the lightning that seemed like it was only inches away, but we were able to hold our kids and calm their fears until the storm moved on. They felt safe in our arms. God, in much the same way, provides for us safety and shelter from the storms of life.

"Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child."

Ecuador 2010

More details will come but for now here is a video I put together to share with my Sunday School class about my recent trip to Ecuador.  In one word, "Amazing."

Ecuador Agenda

Well, I'm almost packed, almost.  I've been so busy this week!  I've gotten the clothes tagged for the consignment sale I participate in every August done.  Good thing 'cause drop off is the day after I get back.  I've cleaned the house so all our babysitters won't think we live like pigs.  I've lost count of the number of loads of laundry I've done.  There's more to come once Madeline returns home from camp today.  Last but not least are the errands run to pick up snacks and more zip*loc bags.  Zip*loc bags are a travelers best friend! 
I won't be on here for a while so before I go I'd like to ask you to please pray for our team and our families while we're gone.  You can check our missions page on face*book all next week.  You don't have to have an account just go here:  http://www.facebook.com/HGBCMissions
Here's what we'll be doing, tentatively of course, while we're in Ecuador.  You never know how things may change once you're there. 

Sat. July 31 - travel
                   - pray for safety and that we don't have problems with international authorities and that all of 
                     our luggage and supplies arrive with us

Sun. Aug. 1 - church lead by one of our team members morning and evening

Mon. Aug. 2 - street ministry
                     - vbs and lunch for the kids in the community

Tues. Aug. 3 - baptism service of new believers lead to Christ through in home bible study
                     - preparing food to be frozen for later use at the bible studies

Wed. Aug. 4 - vbs and lunch for church's children's program
                     - english class and prayer walking

Thurs. Aug. 5 - soup kitchen for compassion international
                      - vbs with kids

Fri. Aug. 6 - shopping/touring

Sat. Aug. 7 - anything left to do at church

Sun. Aug. 8 - travel home
                   -pray for safety and that we don't have problems with international authorities and that all of our 
                    luggage arrives home with us

We covet your prayers.  I look forward to the mighty work that God will do and then being able to share that with you once we come home.  Adios!

Campin' It

I'm experiencing a first this week. 

 Girlfriend is at her first sleep away camp. 

I know she will have a great but I miss her already.

Please pray for the 115 campers and counselors that are away from home this week. 

Pray that they'll be safe, have fun, but most of all that these kids will receive a word from the Lord that will change their lives.

While you're at it you can pray for me too.  I've got lots to do to get ready for Ecuador!

Commissioning

Last night our team was commissioned. It's official, we're goin'!  All I have left to do is pack my suitcase and that'll probably take all week. 

A lot of planning and preparation have gone into our trip.  We've had team meetings to build relationships and learn about the area and what we'll be doing.  We've even had a yard sale to raise money for our team.  That sure was a hot day!

The Lord has blessed our efforts and we continue to ask Him to direct our path. 

We will be obedient.

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  Matthew 28: 18-20

Goin' To Work With Daddy