Richard F Shoemaker III

|| Focus ||

2012-01-27T21:00:00.000-06:00

I am currently reading a book titled, "Thinking for a Change" by John Maxwell. As lame and corny as it sounds this book will change your thinking. While I enjoy thinking and solving problems at lot of times I am not very focused in my thinking. As I was reading the skill on focus I came across the following excerpt. Dr. Maxwell quoted from Al Ries' Focus: The future of your company depends on it.

"The sun is a powerful source of energy. Every hour the sun washes the earth with billions of kilowatts of energy. Yet with a hat and some sun-screen, you can bathe in the light of the sun for hours at a time with few ill effects. A laser is a weak source of energy. A laser takes a few watts of energy and focuses them in a coherent stream of light. but with a laser you can drill a hole in a diamond, cut steel several inches thick, or wipe our cancer."

So what kind of light and focus will I have? Do I really want to make a difference? I had better start thinking that way.

I have been blessed to be apart of a reading discussion group where we are breaking this book down and working through it skill by skill. If you are near 20 years young or older and know me personally shoot me an email and I can give you the details of the group I am apart of. the group meets via conference call every Thursday mornings at 7am.

|| Quote ||

2012-01-27T08:17:00.004-06:00

"Duty is OURS, Results are God's"

-John Quincy Adams.

|| Tongue ||

2012-01-23T08:23:00.001-06:00

Below is an excerpt from a devotional email I wrote last week for a Bible Reading and Scripture Memorization team I am apart of.

This past week I have been thinking andmeditating on a verse from our memorization in James. As I was running lastweek I was listening to the entire book on my phone and there was a verse thatreally stood out to me. It hit me like a tone of bricks right between the eyes.James 3:9 "Withit we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been madein the likeness of God;..." What o what could this be talking about? Ourmouth! Elsewhere in scripture we are warned about the power of the tongue andit damaging effects. But that is not really what struck me. What struckme was the fact that our mouth that we are praying, praising God, and sharingHis gospel with others is the same mouth that is tearing others down, issuingcutting remarks, and uttering unclean language. We use that same mouth toPraise God? What grace we have been shown! In the Old Testament we arepreparing to read about some of the laws with which the Israelite's were togovern their lives by. Including such simple things so that if a lowly itemlike a clay pot was even to touch something unclean it was to be broken andcast out. As I was thinking on this and evaluating my own mouth and heart I wasdriven to me knees because of God's unconditional mercy and grace for me. Whata humbling reminder to "Let NO unwholesome word proceed from mymouth". Blessings in the fight!Richard

The Status Quo

2012-01-10T10:11:00.000-06:00

This Sunday I was specifically impacted by the message at church. The Message was titled, "Is This It? One of the points Eric brought out was, "Do I love myself to much"? Do I love my own comfort? Pleasure? Easy life? Fun Friends? My time is a pretty good indicator of what I love. But how do I know what is appropriate? Do I look at what everyone else is doing? Do I measure it by the actions of the church? Absolutely not. I must lay aside EVERY encumbrance and press on to the goal. We have to step out of the "norm", away from what we are comfortable with, and go against the status quo. The only measuring stick is God's Word. Eric shared the audio of the following song with us. Take a listen and contemplate the message.

So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave

Eric's Message: .mp3, notes, & slides

Reverse Thinking

2012-01-09T17:49:00.000-06:00

Reverse

Sermonspice.com

See Details Buy Now

When was the last time you reversed your thinking?

Hat tip to Kathy Allman for the link.

|| GOD ||

2011-11-18T12:36:00.001-06:00

In his new book,Gospel Wakefulness, Jared Wilson talks about how all of life is relevant for mission. From drinking coffee to changing diapers, from cutting the grass to washing dishes — all of life can be lived to the glory of God by those who have been awakened to the gospel of our exhaustively sovereign Savior.

He writes,

One of the attendant aims of missional evangelicalism is to challenge the compartmentalizing of the Christian faith that we see within the Western church. We are fantastic at itemizing our schedules, and even if we don't assign God a very large bracket, we are constantly remorseful that we "haven't made much time for him." While such compartmentalizing — as if "time with God" can or should be hermetically sealed off from everything else — is a natural symptom of our culture and environment, it also reflects a bad theology.
The truth is, the day does not belong to us. It is not our day to do with as we please. We serve a sovereign God. He created the end from the beginning, knows our future exhaustively, and is firmly in control. He made our days and they belong to him. As such, isn't it a bit arrogant to begin with the idea that each day is ours and then worry about fitting God in? Instead, we should work at the humble awe of knowing all of our moments, every millisecond, waking or sleeping, are perfectly accounted for within the economy of heaven.
Let us stake the flag of Christ's kingdom into the soil of our first waking moment. Drink your coffee when you get up, of course, but drink it to the glory of God. Then carry on in this way all day, no matter the task, be it menial or notable, so that each day may be a living prayer that God's will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. This is what it means to live a gospel-saturated life: it means being so conscious of the greatness of the gospel that changing diapers or cutting the grass is as much an act of worship as singing a praise chorus in a church service….
Jesus Christ is Lord over my heart, and he is Lord over my hands, and he is Lord over what I do with these hands, and he is Lord over what I say in my heart while I'm doing it. In submitting to the lordship of Christ, then, I do not treat washing dishes as wasting time I could be spending doing something "meaningful," but rather as a service to those who eat in my home, as a service to those who would have to wash the dishes if I did not, and as an offering of thanksgiving to God that I have food to eat, dishes to eat it on, and running water inside my home to clean with.
To paraphrase C. S. Lewis, there is not a square inch of our lives that is not claimed by God and counterclaimed by ourselves. If we believe God is sovereign, however, we will see all of life as mission and be led to submit the square inches we otherwise hold so tightly to the Maker of inches and hands.

Gospel Wakefulness, (Wheaton: Crossway, 2011), 90–92, paragraphing added.

Originally posted on http://www.desiringgod.org

Road ID

2011-11-17T18:24:00.001-06:00

Here at home I run alongside some very busy streets. Since I do not like to carry my wallet with me while running or biking I found this.

To share some Christmas blessing they have put out some coupons out for everyone to use. Enjoy here.

Thought of the Day!

2011-11-09T21:54:00.001-06:00

The most amazing thing about this picture is not just the lives touched that this picture represents but the unity of the team. God melded this team together on this trip like non other. I have never been apart of a missions trip team that was so focused on one goal and one mission. The story behind this picture is one of that teamwork. Several of us were talking about how cool it would be to get a picture like this. So armed with that thought we did it. But it was a team effort. My camera, Mrs Query taking the picture, I made a few initial edits to the picture, Aaress posted the quote, Melanie saw the quote and picture and combined the two. And now was have a memorial just like the people of Israel when God would command them to set up memorials. Why? So that when their children saw it they would ask, "What did GOD do here?" We are the BODY!

First of 10 post about the trip: http://richardshoemakeriii.blogspot.com/2011/01/el-salvador-2010.html

Moment of reflection!

2011-10-03T15:21:00.001-05:00

Focus? What is it? Where is yours?

"Life is far too short not to realize that it's long enough to make a difference in someone else's life."

So get out and tell them about GOD'S LOVE!

|| Personal || Tornado ||

2011-08-05T22:21:00.001-05:00

Living in Oklahoma you come to accept tornadoes as a way of life. The term "Tornado Alley" and constant warnings and watches come to be a way of life April through June. I remember the times of practicing where we would go if there was a tornado and preparing. Praise God that we never had to actually take cover.

In the past two years though tornado's have begun to strike closer to home. 2 years ago a small f-1 passed 2 blocks from our house in the middle of the night. This year hundreds of twisters tore through a small valley in Alabama wiping out an entire valley including the family of an ALERT graduate. Less than two months later Joplin was leveled by another deadly tornado.

As I think of the power that each storm brings I think back to Elijah in I Kings 19. He heard the wind, the rain, felt the earthquake, smelt the fire, and was surrounded by so many displays of God's power. While he could see the effects of God's power God was not "in" those events. His voice was in the still small quiet. What a reminder to look at my own life. Am I listening to His voice in the quiet? What about in the busy activity?

My friend Andrew is a phenomenal videographer who can tell stories in an amazing way. You can check out his work HERE. Also please take a moment to visit the following link and vote for his video of the Alabama tornado's. Contest Link He deployed down there while working with ALERT. During that time he shot the following film. Contest Link and Video of Alabama destruction His video was selected as a finalist for a competition for a company that designs some of the equipment he uses.

After the Joplin tornado our ALERT Cadet unit along with a contingent from a Texas unit deployed to Joplin to clear houses and yards of debris. We also had the opportunity to serve the church we were working for. You can view pictures of that deployment HERE.

No greater L.O.V.E......

2011-08-04T11:53:00.001-05:00

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

4 years ago today, yet the memories of a brother who gave his all are still fresh on my mind. Because of you, Jaron, we enjoy freedom!

http://richardshoemakeriii.blogspot.com/2007/08/day-in-remembrance-and-celebration.html
http://www.iraqwarheroes.org/holliday.htm

In Honor of Flag Day

2011-06-14T21:25:00.000-05:00

In honor of Flag Day. The Stars and Strips still proudly flying over a destroyed home in Joplin, Mo

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. -Thomas Paine, 1776-

Courtesy of Wiki.

To read the entire letter click on the image above.

Taking Chance

2011-05-13T23:10:00.000-05:00

In This evening our family watched the movie, "Taking Chance". Taking Chance chronicles the trip home of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, from the Dover crematory to his rural Wyoming burial in his families hometown as seen through the eyes of his escort, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl. Strobl chronicles the event and emotions surrounding it in his journal. Along the way as escort he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of gratefulness for the selfless sacrifice of a young man they had never even met.

As I watched I was taken back to 2006 and 2007. It was in 2006 that Marine Corporal Jared Shoemaker was killed in Iraq. Boldly protecting the freedoms that we hold so dear. Jared is the son of my dad's cousin. While I did not know Jared well I do know that no matter where he was protecting our freedoms he was also sharing with others about the freedom they could have in Christ. During his funeral our family witnessed first hand the gratefulness and honor of so many people who never knew Jared. Jared was also a Tulsa Police officer who protected our freedoms here at home as well as across the ocean.

Tulsa World account of Jared's Funeral. HERE

In 2007 I was down at the International ALERT Academy working in the Cadet office on a 9 month internship. On August 5th I received a phone call from my family telling me that Corporal Jaron Holiday had been killed in action in Iraq. Jaron had been an active part of our local ALERT Cadet unit up until the day he left for basic training. Jaron was a blast to be around and one the older guys that we all looked up to with admiration. Jaron had a love and passion for the Lord that was only seconded by his love for his family and music. Every where Jaron went his smile was always there to proclaim God's love.

Tomorrow my brother John will be graduating from high school with CHEF. The same group the rest of my family and Jaron have graduated with. At the service tomorrow Mrs. Holiday will present a music scholarship to one of the graduates. A continuing testimony to the life and service of an incredible young man who served God with all his passion.

Taking Chance - If you have not seen this movie before I would encourage you to have your parents preview it before hand. There is some inappropriate language and a few moments of inappropriate dress. The story is eye opening to the process of internment and the dignity and honor bestowed on them. It however, leaves out nearly all mention of the Lord and his true comfort and salvation.

Praise God for someone with a little Godly guts!

2011-03-29T13:59:00.000-05:00

To view the original file follow this link or click on the picture.

Lew Sterrett and Sermon on the Mount in TULSA! (kinda :-) )

2011-03-29T13:34:00.000-05:00

Lew Sterrett and Sermon on the mount will be here in Claremore at the expo center Saturday April 9th! Come and see the Jr. Rodeo at 10am or just browse the hundreds of vendors who will be there. Lew will be doing his presentation from 2-4pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Check out Lew's great resources and event schedule here: http://www.sermononthemount.org/

Photog ALERT!

2011-03-29T13:29:00.001-05:00

For all my photog friends out there... If you are not able to purchase Adobe products with the educational discount then here is a great opportunity to pick up the full version of Lightroom 3 for $100 OFF!

Link to purchase.....

ALERT Cadet LTC Camp

2011-03-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

To all my ALERT Cadet brothers....

I would encourage you all to check out the 2011 ALERT Cadet LTC camp.... It is going to be a great time of spiritual training and growth coupled with exciting activities, life changing skills, and leadership lessons. I will be there along with many of the great Cadet's and ALERT reserves. I eagerly anticipate what God will do in and through this camp! If you can come I would encourage you to register at http://www.alertcadet.org/news/2011/03/01/national-ltc-camp-big-sandy-tx/ And be sure to tell all your fellow ALERT Cadet brothers about the camp!

ALERT Cadet

2011-03-23T08:55:00.001-05:00

Since 1998 my family has been privileged to be involved with ALERT Cadets. Our unit here in Tulsa is an amazing group of guys that have all grown to be family. Our unit has become very involved with many different ways in the local community. On Vimeo I have posted two recent Time lapse videos of a few of our activities...

Below is a short essay I wrote for the ALERT Cadet 10th anniversary essay contest.

What Cadets Means to Me

ALERT Cadets will always have a special place in my heart. Why? First, it is the tool that helped my father win my heart. And secondly, it allows me to mentor and be an example to other young men.

We entered ALERT Cadets in 1998. At the time my relationship with my father and three other brothers was “average”. We were missing the excellence of heart to heart relationships. Through spending focused time together in meetings, working on handbooks, serving others, campouts, and other various activities, we have grown close in our relationships with one another and with our God.

In our unit we each have those exceptional individuals we look up to as mentors and guides and those who look up to us. It is a challenging responsibility, but that is what is so distinctive about Alert Cadets. The unit is the body of Christ in miniature, which promotes our growing into the mature men God has called us to be. Opportunities were provided for my father to come alongside me, and fathers to encourage one another, in the shared goal of turning their hearts toward their sons.

When I think of Alert Cadets, I am thankful for God strengthening my relationship with my father and each of my brothers. It means the world to me that my father, brothers and I can now share our hearts with one another.

Good News Club...

2011-03-17T08:20:00.000-05:00

It has been sometime since I talked about our Good News Club. This year it started out huge... Well over 60 kids. What a joy and encouragement it was to have so many eager listener's ready to learn the truths of God's word. As the school year has gone on the number of kids has dropped. Even through that God is at work in these kids lives. We have had several kids come to know the Lord this year. What a joy it is to see them realize their sin and need for a perfect Savior. This school year is winding down and with the end of school for summer comes the end of club. I pray that these little ones will stay strong in their faith in God and read their Bibles faithfully.

As a testimony to how God is working here are a few notes two of the kids wrote for class projects. Word for word as they wrote them enjoy!

"On Wednesday, last week I learned at church that kids can minister. I never knew it but I have helped minister. Well, kinda, I helped with the songs. Remember when Joe (name changed) helped by dressing up like Joseph. Oh, and I learned that kids can minster to older people. so see kids CAN help even when they are really young!"

"The Holy bible is a change in people. It makes them different. On the front of my Bible it says, 'build your life on it.' What that means is make your life different then it is inspiring. If you pray you can change your life. You can start life over again."

This week we were sharing the story of Joseph and his brothers as well as giving a report from our recent trip to El Salvador. We were sharing about the changed lives of the people in El Salvador who came to Christ and began a new life as a Christian.

Bob Schultz

2011-02-24T12:30:00.000-06:00

If you have ever read any of Bob Schultz's three previous books, Boyhood and Beyond, Created for Work, or Practical Happiness, then you will not want to miss this opportunity to read his final book.

While working at ALERT Cadet headquarters many years ago I had the opportunity to work alongside one of his daughters. During one of his ...visits to ALERT I was able to meet him and the rest of the family. Mr. Schultz's is a great man of integrity who lives each day of his life for Christ with true humility. During one such visit I was able to preview Practical Happiness for him before it went to press. What joy and honor it was to glean from his Godly wisdom. I pray you are blessed as much by his books as I have been.

If you went to an ALERT Cadet camp you probably recognize Created for Work and Boyhood and Beyond as two of the books we worked through during Father Son camps in the 2006-2008 era.

Be sure to check out Everyday Battles on Facebook!

If you have never read any of his books I would encourage you to make time for them!

To get your copy email: bouldercreekbooks@gmail.com

El Salvador Day 10

2011-02-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

Today was the day most of the team who had been here before had been looking forward to with great anticipation. Today we were headed to Zacatacaluka. We stopped for an early lunch at Biggest. Biggest is like a hybrid Burger King/Charlie’s Chicken/ McDonald’s all rolled into one.

Today Michael was really sick. We were all praying very hard for him. We do not know what he had. However, it was very serious. It would take him nearly a week after returning home to fully recover.

Upon arriving at the orphanage we were allowed only to stay in the courtyard. The Nun’s said all the other kids were busy and that we would only be able to see the seven kids they sent out to us. Backing up to yesterday, the purpose for Mike and Mr. Duggar’s visit was to make sure things were still good with our planned arrival. In the past the nun’s had tried everything to block us from visiting and make it as hard as possible for us to be with the children. Even though we had in hand letters from the governor asking us to visit on her behalf we still ran into problems. Several of the children have come to know the Lord through SOS’s work in the orphanage. Therefore, the nun’s hated our visits because it did so much to reverse their brainwashing. In the week leading up to our visit Mike and Alex had been calling repeatedly trying to confirm our visit. Yesterday the head nun was not there but her assistant and the others there assured us everything was prepared for us to come and spend time with all the kids. While Mike and Josh talked things through with the Nun’s the rest of us enjoyed sharing Christ love with the few kids we were allowed to see. At one point in time they told us that the other kids were not here but you could hear them in the back of the compound.

You know when you have made an impact in others when they come flying out the door screaming in delight upon hearing that you have come back. This was the response the team received from the kids at the orphanage. As we waited for the nun’s to settle down Mike ran to the store for a few supplies we needed. We all played soccer, painted fingernails, played basketball, enjoyed the swings, or jumped rope. It was touching to be able to bring one day of delight to these kids. Some sat around reading the Bible with various team members or just talking and exploring some of the new gifts we brought for them.

During this time Spencer and I took over 200 pictures of the existing playground and yard area. His church in cooperation with the governor is going to redo the playground. We carefully documented the exposed bare wires on the light poles, open sewer manholes, swing chain repaired with tiny wire, and broken glass everywhere. I can’t wait to see that the play area looks like when they are finished with it this coming summer. I know that it will be much safer and useable for these under privileged kids.

About 4 o’clock the head nun finally said you have 10 minutes to see the rest of the kids. But they can’t come out here you have to go back there. As they led us through the compound you saw several rows of block buildings. Block buildings with small windows covered with metal bars. From inside you could hear children. She led us into one and through several metal gates. It gave you the impression you were at a prison rather than an orphanage for children who have been taken in off the streets. We came into a common courtyard type room. Here the nun went down the hall unlocking cells/bedrooms to allow the kids out to meet us. As soon as she would open a door the kids would pour out. We later found out the kids are only allowed out of their cells to go to school. We spent the few precious minutes handing out gifts and gospel of John’s. What treasures these simple gifts were to each child.

At exactly 9:32 after we were given ten minutes the head nun ordered us out. We made sure to thank her for the time she allowed and shared what blessing it had been.

About half of the kids in the orphanage are HIV positive. Two years ago when SOS had come they would not allow them to interact with the HIV children because they feared we would exploit them. This year it was some of the HIV kids that we were allowed to spend the most time with. What a change.

We handed out the rest of the gifts and began saying our goodbyes. It was amongst many tears that we loaded our bags and headed home. What a ride it was. We had rented two trucks for the day today. I think we must have set a record for fastest trip to and from the orphanage.

Upon arriving back we hastily cleaned up and prepared for the church’s 10^th anniversary celebration that evening. The local leaders of SOS had planned this entire celebration on their own. It was a great testimony to me of the leader Mike was in raising each of them up and empowering them to be leaders. The celebration began around 5:30 with food and fellowship. Through some mis-communication some of us ate some local food that was not “safe” for us gringos. It was some of the most amazing marinated cucumber that I have ever had though. Needless to say we all survived. At 6:30 the formal service began. Throughout the time some of the pastors who had been in La Esperanza for the following three days at the pastors conference would share, then we would sing, pray, preach, and the cycle would begin all over again. At one point they called all of the American team up to “introduce us”. And then asked us to sing. Umm.. We had not heard a thing about this or been warned. J It was all good though. We sang one of the songs from sharing in the villages. And then Antonio and Alex asked us to sing a few more songs. We ended up singing 4 of the 5 songs we would sing in the various villages.

In all there were at least 400 people packed in for the celebration. It was a joy to sing passionately with these believers and watch the passion and zeal of the preaching and sharing. These people’s hearts are on fire for the Lord. The evening (morning) finally wrapped up at 12:20 being the final amen. About half of the team who were still recovering from sickness or just coming down with the sickness had crashed in mass on a few mattresses on the floor in one of the rooms.

It was nearly 1am before most people had left and we begun cleaning up the various rooms so we could pull out our mattress. It was nearly 2am when I turned off the lights in the guys room and flopped onto my bed.

Words fail to express the emotions of the day. The highs of seeing the kids smiles, worshiping at the celebration, and many other exciting moments. All these contrasted with the lows of running into walls with the nun’s and not being able to see the kids, or the hopeless expressions on so many people’s faces in town as they seek for peace and joy among the demons.

El Salvador, Day 9

2011-01-31T05:00:00.013-06:00

”But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”.

Philippians 4:19

Last night we had several more team members get sick. Satan was at work trying to diminish the effectiveness of our ministry. This morning we gathered for worship and prayer without several team members. Part of our family was sick…. God really did bring the entire team together, united for one purpose from the very start of the team. And when one or two people were missing it just did not feel right.

Mike shared from Acts 6 this morning. The list of requirements for those who served as table waiters and took care of the widows was the same list of prerequisites for church leadership. What a high standard for a job by the worlds standard that was so menial. Why? Because we are all one body. It does not matter if we are serving on the missions field, cleaning the church toilets, or burping babies in the nursery. We are all the body of Christ and should live as such. What an encouragement to seek God and to live every day with PASSION for Him.

In the morning Mike left to take his son’s to the airport with plans to join us in the first village. One the way to the airport they began having truck trouble. It became a very slow drive in 2^nd gear. He had given us instruction to drive to the village and walk the streets and pass out gospel of John’s and visit the people and then he would be with us by time for the program/party. Through a phone call to one of Luke’s guys he asked me to keep things running and he would hopefully meet us back at La Esperanza for lunch. ACK…. What are we to do without him? We gathered as a team and explained the situation and then prayed for the Lord’s wisdom and strength for the morning.

The team did a great job. The members that arrived the night before jumped in and God caused everything to flow very smoothly. The ministry in the village impacted the most people so far in the trip. We had several hundred children besides the parents and grandparents. It was rewarding to be able to share the gospel with so many there. Each and every member of the team allowed God to use them mightily for Him and touch many peoples lives. All too soon it was time to say bye and make our way back to the trucks.

Because of the number of people at each village being greater than expected we had only a handful of gifts left after the last village. During lunch a few of us rounded up some of the other supplies and loose bags. After lunch we quickly split the remaining bags into to and made additional gift bags.

Because of the emergency bag making we were a little late to the next village. All of the village had already gathered at the medical workers house and were eagerly anticipating our arrival. We spent a little time getting to know them and developing a relationship with the kids. Some of the girls pulled out the finger nail polish and the guys broke out a soccer ball with the boys. This village had a bon fida soccer field with metal goals and nets! If you were running out of bounds you had better come to a complete stop within four feet of the edge of the field. Otherwise you will run straight into the barbed wire fences that surround the field. :-)

After some sports time we all gathered for the program. SOS has been to this village several times in the past years. So they had e pretty good idea how things worked. Just before we started I raised my hand and in an elevated voice said, “Team. Lets gather and pray.” At that the whole village jumped up and started toward the bags with all the gifts…. WHOA whoa… a little premature. That was a precursor to what would happen three or four times more before the end of the program. Several members of the team were able to share one-on-one with a few of the villagers about salvation. After handing out the gifts we were just mingling with the locals and jump roping, painting nails, talking, etc… During this time of the of woman started playing softball on the soccer field. Several of the local villages in the area play each week. So they were out there practicing for their upcoming game on Sunday. As they were practicing they offered for a few of the younger team members if they wanted to bat. After a few team members taking a turn at the bat they asked us to play against them for practice. J So we formed a team and stepped up to bat… We played half a dozen innings with them. It was a lot of fun and they laughed a lot. I was surprised that I actually hit the ball… It has been a very long time since I had a bat in my hand. While out fielding, with our bare hands, (They only had three gloves) Amanda turned to me and said, “This is why it is called American baseball”. The score at that time was about 15 to 3 in our favor.

This afternoon while we were in the village, Jim Bob, Jana, Jessa, and Mike had gone in to Zacatecoluca

to visit with the orphanage and do some shopping.

After dinner Spencer, Dave, and I installed the new ceiling fans while everyone else began a marathon gift sorting, wrapping, gift bag assembly, and candy bagging event. It was a whole new perspective from above. It looked like a hive of busy bees’, or ant any hill as everyone diligently carried out their task! It took about 2 hours to install the fans and 3 hours to finish up all the other projects. It was a late night… By the time it finally cleared out and wrapped up it was after midnight.

Levi's last time to share at devotions.

Micah's last time to share at devotions as well.

Joseph and Mary (great with child )

El Salvador, Day 8

2011-01-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

What a glorious morning. This morning the view of the sun rising across the valley and over the peaks of the volcano was just amazing as I sat on the porch reading my Bible. The view was absolutely stunning. When you see such beauty you are forced to think, “how can ANYONE not believe in an all powerful creator who made this earth in just 6 days with nothing more than a few words”? As I sat on the porch contemplating the words to How Great Thou Art.

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all, the works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, thy pow'r throughout , the universe displayed;:

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great Thou art!
How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, I hear the birds, Sing sweetly in the trees; When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur, and hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze;

When Christ shall come, with shouts of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art!"

Someone this morning could not sleep so at 4am they decided to take a shower. I think that was also a good reason for them to take more than the allotted 3 minutes… J To protect the guilty we shall withhold names… Or maybe they were just being wise stewards of the time God had given them. Because post shower they went back to bed.

This morning started with sorting the equipment to take with us to the village across the lake and an hour plus bus ride. The bus today was AIR CONDITIONED… WHOA, can you say super nice bus…. In perspective the cost of it was relatively cheap…. About $150 for a bus, driver, and fuel for all day! NOT bad….
As we neared the lake you could see the destruction from the mudslides. Entire sides of mountains wiped clear of EVERYTHING. Paths 500 yards wide over a mile from the mountain just carved clean and straight out from the mountain. Boulders the size of a car or even at times a small house sitting nearly a mile from the BASE of the mountain they rolled down. The power of the mudslides was evident clearly even a year later. The governor had asked us to come and share with this village. Because of their remoteness they feel as if the government has just left them and does not care for them. The only way to access the village is a 6 hour hike along a jungle footpath over a mountain or an hour long boat ride across the lake. This lake is several miles across and was formed by a volcano many years ago. All around the island volcano’s and mountains poke up. As you stand there you can look all around and see the bare stripes down the mountainsides from the mudslide.

The bus came to a stop right on the lakeside beach. They guys promptly unloaded the duffels of supplies from the roof of the bus and most people grabbed a bite to eat. There was a refreshing breeze blowing gustily across the lake making it very rough and the waves white-capped. We loaded into our assigned boats and pushed off. It was a bouncy rolly ride across the lake. Our boat was lively with conversation about piranha, monkeys, the village, a few houses on the beach, to use or not to use sunscreen, and many other topics. After about 30 minutes as we began to near the village we could see the beach. There crowding the beach stood many happy villagers’ awaiting our arrival.

Upon arriving one of the locals took us on the tour through the partially rebuilt village. We many homes with holes the size of a car through the walls, roofs missing, or empty “foundations” The whole elevation of the area had been raised about 10 feet because of the mud and rock slide. We stopped at one house that was almost buried by the slide. We were standing on solid ground at about the elevation the porch roof had been. Just a few feet over you could look down into the house which for the most part had miraculously survived. There a grandmother told us of the horrifying night. She awoke about two am to the loudest roar she had ever heard… Even through the torrential downpour she knew what was happening. She hastily awakened her two sleeping grandchildren, opened the door and told them to run for the beach. Off they went down the side of the mountain. She feared it would be the last time she ever saw them. The mudslide wrapped completely around her house taking the porch and roof but leaving most of the walls intact. I can’t convey the emotion with which she talked. It was heart breaking to think that she had sent her grandkids out the door thinking it would be the last time she ever saw them. By God’s grace they made it alive. Many others were not so fortunate.

We found our way back to the little gazebo that had been built near the lake at the “new” village square. There we sang a few Christmas songs in English and also in Spanish with the local people. We shared the drama of Luke 2 as well as the “Chair” mime. The chair mime teaches the qualities of trust and obedience! It was a great reminder to myself to always trust and obey God no matter what. No matter what. No matter what. NO MATTER WHAT!

What a joy it was to share the gifts with the young people and older people. It brought such a joy to their face. Even more of a joy was to see them hungrily reading their own copy of the gospel of John. I even did the jump rope with a few of the kids. I am not very good at it and they quickly showed the gringo up. J
All the while the wind continued to pick up to the point that the boat drivers said we needed to leave NOW or it was going to soon be too rough. With heavy hearts we packed up long before we had planned to and made our way back to the boats. By this point in time it was simply get into a boat as fast as you can and lets go. The water was getting rougher by the minute. I enjoyed every minute of the ride back… Others in my boat did not appreciate it so. :-)

We arrived back in La Esperanza and prepared for dinner and ministry the next day. After dinner several of the girls helped us assemble the new fans while Dave, Michael, Spencer, and John worked on the switches and wiring. I bounced back and forth helping the assemble teams and electrical guys. Within two hours the wiring was all traced out, switches installed, and all 9 new fans assembled and ready for installation the following day once we had all the parts.

At SOS anytime a new team member or members arrive on a trip there is always a welcoming party that goes to the airport. Several of the team rode through town to the airport to pick up our newest members from Illinois, Arkansas, and Texas. Some how I was selected to give the orientation for all the new team members, UHOH… Good thing I paid attention the first night we arrived. :-) With Dave’s help we covered everything quickly and set about welcoming the new team members who have come for many years and unloading all their equipment. It was a very late night before things quieted down enough to go to bed.

El Salvador, Day 7

2011-01-27T05:00:00.002-06:00

Today we drove into El Rosario to the clinic where Alex works. Many, many people come to this clinic for medical help who would not receive care otherwise. It was a joy to be able to provide spiritual “healing” to them as well. We were able to bring an all-in-one printer and a few other things the clinic had need of. While there we had the opportunity to pass out small gift bags with necessities to the children. Much needed items like, paper, pens, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small toys, and tracts. We were also able to give the parents some bags and flashlights as well as gospel of John’s and suckers to all.

We then continued into San Salvador to the capital building where we were to meet the governor of the state La Esperanza is located in. Over the years SOS has formed a great relationship with this neat Christian lady. She is highly regarded within her government and is a great light for Christ. We were ushered in a back gate and bypassed THREE separate layers of security and screenings and taken directly to the 14^th floor (top) of the capital to the vice presidents counsel/cabinet meeting room. We were able to present her with a copy of the Duggar’s book, flowers, and DVD’s of one of the seasons from the Duggar’s TLC show to share with each of the other state governors. During the meeting they were able to discuss the work SOS had done in the wake of the mudslides last year at the governor’s request. We were also able to talk about the extremely long process of adoption from an El Salvadorian orphanage. She then surprised us and took us down a floor and simply walked into the middle of a cabinet meeting and introduced us to all the cabinet members and asked Jim Bob to share a bit about his family and the work we were doing. We were then able to pray with and for each of them and their departments and then personally meet and shake hands with them. We met the Secretary of Education, one of the top Generals, Director of Police, Secretary of State, and many others. God has truly given SOS a good name.

Vice Presidents office where we met.

View from the 13th floor of the capital.

The Capital building.

After the capital we stopped for lunch at Burger King. From Burger King we went shopping for more candy and food to distribute as well as supplies for the mission. Next door to the grocery store we visited the hardware store and Mr. Duggar ordered new fans for the auditorium at La Esperanza that was without working fans. We also picked up the tools that we would need and a ladder. While shopping we ran into one of the families from the church as they were wrapping up their shopping in San Salvador. So we had them join up with us and they rode back saving the bus money and enjoying fellowship with us. As was custom with any bus ride there was once again lots of singing. On this trip both Mike and Alex got closed in the door of the bus... This bus must have been super fancy for over there because it has electric doors. :-)

We arrived back just in time to unload the bus and get ready for the evening service. Most of the younger ones found time to run into the kitchen and eat. Most of the older ones were too busy unloading or getting little people ready to eat. As the days have gone on we have caught on to more and more of the Spanish songs. After an extended praise and worship time Mike shared the evening’s message. He shared from Acts 24:24-26 about the 4 aspects of the gospel that Paul would preach.

After the service Dave and I began removing the existing burned up ceiling fans, tracing the wiring to the switches, removing the old transformer switches, and preparing everything for the new fans to arrive the next day. Michael and Spencer also jumped in and lent a helping hand.

Today we had two new team members join us from the states from Florida. It was great to get to know them as well. With heavy eyes we crashed into bed and after talking for a while fell asleep.

Honduras / El Salvador, Day 6

2011-01-26T07:43:00.000-06:00

Today began the journey back to El Salvador. It was a bright, sunny beautiful day. We breezed through the Honduras border and into Guatemala. Unlike the previous trip we had a few people get sick on the curvy roads. We stopped promptly on the side of the road and happened to be right behind a police truck. As we sat there for a few minutes some people took the opportunity to eat their lunch, others ran to the woods, one of the TLC guys practiced his Karate, and Mr. Duggar convinced the policeman to frisk him for the fun of it.

After a bathroom stop several others began to get sick as well, but not from the road.

This time we cruised through the crossing back into El Salvador without any problems or major delays like last time. For dinner we stopped at Pizza Hut in San Salvador and enjoyed some pizza. We were also able to pass out gospel of John’s to many of the people in the restaurant and then watch as they eagerly read them as we ate.

At various times throughout the day as we traveled we would sing. I think if you add it all up we have sung for several hours. What a joy it is to sing hymns, patriotic, and Christmas songs with the team. We even sang a few that we knew in Spanish much to the surprise of the drivers. :-)

We arrived back at La Esperanza during their Tuesday night bible study. Several of us jumped right in with the kids class. While we could not communicate very effectively we were able to develop friendships with many of them.

After church we were able to call home for a little bit and talk to the family and Jonathan for about 30minutes. It was great to hear their voices and share with them the things that God was doing.

Honduras, Day 5

2011-01-25T05:00:00.001-06:00

Today we headed over the ridge and through the valley to Teodoro’s (Theodore) house. Teodoro lives about 15 minutes down a trail on the side of a ridge. The purpose of this trip was to bless him and his family with some much needed food and other gifts. As we hiked in we saw several houses that had thick black wisp of some coming out of them and wondered what it was. There was a huge sense of oppression and lack of joy on the area.

Jill and her amiga.

Teodoro's son.

Does this bring new meaning to the crown of thorns endured for you and I?

No sense of oppression can take away the smile and joy of the Lord from Jer.

Three years ago Teodoro was heavily involved in voodoo, witchcraft, and satanic worship. During this time he lived to serve Satan and his demons. It was an all controlling force that surrounded him. During this time he was called to come up onto the pinnacle of a local mountain. There he met with Satan and Satan gave him this charge. He told him to go and kill the leaders of SOS ministries starting with Mike Schaudt (founder, director, and our trip leader of SOS) By the grace of God SOS was protected during this time. Along this same time SOS was ministering in his village and the surrounding area. Through their work Teodoro saw the love of God time and time again. What a great contrast the love of the one true God was to the oppressive controlling power of Satan. Through this Teodoro came to have a personal relationship with the Lord and has now become one of the leaders in the church. Because of his denial of Satan he is under constant persecution from those in his village and the surrounding area. Through all this he still boldly proclaims the love of Christ, even across the lintel of his door. Dios Es Mi Escudo – God is my shield! What a bold proclamation.

As we were leaving some asked Alex and Teodoro what the black smoke was. They told us that the people of the village heard we were coming so they were offering incense to their God’s to attempt to hurt us and offset the work we were doing. When you hear that all you can do is praise God that his work is being accomplished and that it is so strong and bold that Satan and those under him would go to such great lengths to diminish and destroy God’s work. “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” II Timothy 1:12

Yesterday, when TLC asked Mike to find two people they could do an interview with concerning the change that SOS/the Duggars had brought to this village, Teodoro’s name was the first. When Mike asked him if he would do an interview for the tv Teodoro enthusiastically responded, si, si, si, si, si, si… (yes, yes). As he stood there with his Santa Biblia (Holy Bible) clasped across his chest and for 45 minutes poured out the story of how God changed his life and faithfully answered the questions asked him by the producer God’s power was evident. After the interview Mike asked the film crew (5 of the 7 are not Christians) what they thought of his testimony all they could respond was, “WOW”. I pray that Teodoro’s testimony will have a lasting impact on these men because they are NEVER at a loss for words. But for the next hour about all you could get out of them was, “WOW”.

So here we stood with this man in his humble mud house not much bigger than the average bedroom in a house in the states and he is publically giving praise to God for the food and gifts we brought. His house had two rooms, one room had a smoldering fire in the “stove” in the corner and a hammock stretched across the room. The other was only large enough for two cots and room to stand between them. His three children share one cot and he and his wife the other. This man has nothing but a love for the Lord and it is so evident in his daily life. DIOS ES MI ESCUDO

From there we continued on to Copan to the Mayan ruins. As we walked through the grounds and saw the remains of their once glorious but Godless empire it was heartbreaking and humbling. It was heartbreaking to know that they were serving a heartless God who could not hear them or care for them. And humbling to see the passion with which they served stone god’s and offered themselves as sacrifices for a god who could not love them. If each of us followed the Lord’s GO into all the world, command with the same energy and reckless abandon as they did there would be not one people group who had never heard of the love of God.

After the ruins we headed back into Copan where TLC took the entire team out to lunch at a “safe” (food wise) local restaurant. There we had all kinds of yummy local goodness. I loved pretty much all the food while we were on the trip. I do not think that I once had something that I didn’t like. During the meal there was an empty seat at one of the girls table. In the middle of eating they heard something fall into the chair and roll around. At that point a chicken crawled out from under the table cloth from that chair and walked off. It had just laid an egg in the empty seat. :) What a surprise but at the same time this was not surprising due to the culture we were in. After the main meal they brought out a few plates of more exotic local goodness that was pretty amazing. After lunch we said goodbye to the French film crew that had been with us for the past three days. When the French crew had arrived on Saturday as I was greeting the producer she remarked, “You were not kidding when you said see you next week when I saw you last week.” Over thanksgiving we went and played broomball with the Duggars and met the French crew there as they were filming at the Duggar’s house.

The alter where still beating human hearts were offered!

66 steps of Mayan history books!

Buddies!

Paul Wonderbread and I. He is a great man full of passion and zeal for the Lord and the lost.

One of the little girls from the village that came with us for the day.

Checkpoint!

After lunch we walked down the street and passed out gospel of John’s and suckers to everyone we came across. We headed down to the town square and also around a few of the side streets.

We then headed back for a late dinner. Because of how late it was when we got back to the church it was already dark when they were beginning to prepare dinner. As such they would be pulling burning logs out of the fire to hold above their pots to check on the status of the food. In some cases the pots held boiling oil! Seeing that John and I went in and grabbed the last few headlamps and came back out and presented them to the ladies who were cooking. They were thrilled with them and loved using them to cook. The “kitchen” (wooden table, fire, and propane griddle) was not lit with half a dozen bobbing lights. Later during team devotions you could look out the door and see some of the ladies running around playing tag with their new headlamps in the dark. J What a joy it was to know that such a small gift had made such a great impact in their lives.

My handsome brother.

My beautiful sister.

Their new headlamps!

Yes, that is french fries in a pan of grease with the fire licking at the edges the whole time they were cooking.

Elizabeth and her VERY sticky little sucker buddy!

Honduras, Day 4

2011-01-24T07:26:00.000-06:00

The dilemma, how do you run a children’s program with only one team member who can speak Spanish well? No amount of prayer before the trip or leading up to today could answer that. Nothing other than the still small voice that seemed to be saying, “Forget about it, it is going to be ok.” We had done our part, diligently planning and preparing. Now was the time to allow God to bring the increase.

Until this day I thought I had a “pretty good” prayer life. I am not sure that I was even looking in a dim mirror. To start off the church service the congregation all got on their knees on the ROUGH concrete floor and began praying. They were all at once, all out loud, passionately pouring out their hearts to God. It went on, and on, and on. For forty-five minutes praising God, confessing sin, praying for safety and protection, and praying for the salvation of those around them. THIS IS PASSION. Passion to follow Christ with all they have. These people had NOTHING. Some did not know if they would be eating that day. Others didn’t know if they would be killed in the night. Yet, that did not stop them from pouring out their hearts to God. Today was a major eye opening for me. I resolve to never look at prayer the same way. But to unashamedly pour my heart out to God at all times.

During the singing I recognized and was able to sing along in Spanish a few of the songs that we had already sung as a team. There were also a few tunes that I could pick out and sing along in English. After singing they introduced our team and Mr. Duggar shared a short sermon. As a result of his sermon a lady who had come to church for the first time this morning accepted Christ.

Midway through the morning service we split the adults from the children. Most of the team stayed in the larger room with the kids while the parents moved to a smaller room to watch the first opening sessions of the IBLP Basic Seminar. We started out with over 100 kids who could not speak a word of English. But through the loving smiles and limited Spanish phrases we were able to develop friendships with many. We started with a few Spanish songs we had practiced as a team and then shared a Bible story in skit form. Paul did an amazing job translating for me as I narrated the skits. After a few songs and a skit we would break into teams of 10-20 kids for a craft. Each of the craft leaders did a great job explaining the craft to the kids having only their smiles and motions. Over the course of the morning and into the afternoon I think the kids were able to learn more than we gave them credit for because of the language barrier. The crafts were a big hit for them to have something of their own to take home. Some of the most precious moments were watching kids color for the first time. We are very grateful for all the Spanish curriculum provided by the Ken Pharris family from IBLP Mexico.

In the later afternoon all of the kids went with us through the local village sharing food with some of the residents and inviting them to the Christmas party at the church and gifts just before dinner. By 4:30 the entire “auditorium” was packed out with young people, fathers, mothers, and grandparents. Alex share the gospel with them and helped to arrange everyone into groups for the gifts. As team members handed out gifts to the kids and adults others blessed each person there with a gospel of John. We were able to get 1500 copies of the Gospel of John from the American Bible Society.

The rest of the evening was spent just investing in the locals through time as they explored their new gifts. After cleaning up everything we ate dinner and gathered for team devotions. Team devotions were one of my highlights each day. It was so encouraging to be able to share what God had done that day and hear the other encouraging reports from the other team members.

John Duggar and I usually seemed to always end up with our beds next to each other. I think it was accidentally on purpose. Because of that we would stay up much later after getting in bed just talking about our time down there and life in general. Since Josh got married we have gotten to know each other better. What an encouragement John is to me of a man who is totally focused on the Lord. John is a man of integrity who’s name reminds me of honor and devotion. There is much I can learn from his quite responses. He always knows when it is time to be outgoing and jovial but at the same time recognizes when to melt into the background and just listen. Just listen and serve.

Honduras, Day 3

2011-01-23T16:48:00.000-06:00

Having spent the night being serenaded all night by the talented roosters from the house next to the church it was exhilarating to see the sky beginning to lighten. As the sun began to tease at the horizon I got up and prepared for the day. It was quiet, save for the sound of a few of the ladies from the church preparing their fires for breakfast and the quite chatter of the construction workers arriving and preparing for a day of work on the church.

Handmade to EXACTING standards.... And yummy too! :)

Half the guys.

As I sat reading from my Bible in the cool crisp morning I was contemplating the simplicity of life here in Honduras. In the States we over simplify things with mountains of technology, schedules crammed with activities that only the newest smart phone can keep up with, and social networking that has destroyed relationships. Here you could sit on a stump and just talk and invest in someone’s life without worrying about a bazillion things to accomplish still.

Heidi used my stump as well. :)

Mike is from Florida. Current temperature = mid to low 60's. Enough said. :)

Some of the guys that kept an eye on us in Honduras.

Our first of many Honduran meals was amazing. The dear ladies from the church went above and beyond to ensure that we were well energized for the task ahead of us. After breakfast we loaded our gear and boarded the bus once again. This time we were headed back in the general direction of the Guatemala border. After passing within feet of a drop a hundred feet below and evading a sink hole the size of our small bus and at least 10 feet deep we arrived at the trail head. Trail, a word used in America for a well worn path. Trail, as it is used here equals path, :) path straight up the side of this ridge and over the next. The going was tough for some and because of that I ended up with the 5 gallon water jug that was in a multi day backpack and my pack with camera equipment, first aid supplies, and 2 additional gallons of water. :) We stopped just short of the border, marked by a break in the tree's and a concrete marker, for lunch. Instead of eating I took a few minutes to snap some pictures of fellow team members and hand out water to the weary. I was so proud of the way in which all of us soft American's (marshmallows as Luke would call us) persevered up the mountain to the village. this village had never seen a motor driven vehicle. We later learned upon arrival that history was made that day with the first vehicle arriving there just a few hours before us.

Jim, senior sound engineer, and others making their way up the trail.

Scott, Director of photography, having second thoughts about his lunch.

A local kitchen.

Lemons the size of a grape fruit.

Paul discovered that no matter the size a lemon is still a lemon. :)

We proceeded through the village inviting the locals to the town center for a "Grand Fiesta" and gifts. While talking with one young mother and son about the Fiesta in her humble home she made the following comment, "Now you see me in my poverty". As I contemplated her words I thought of the stark contrast to the poverty of her soul. What a greater poverty that we had the opportunity to enrich with the love of Christ.

After traversing the paths of the village we gathered and sang a few Christmas songs in English as a team as well as several songs in Spanish with the locals joining with us. Mr. Duggar shared the Christmas story from Luke 2 through Alex while many of the team acted it out in drama. Following the drama and more energetic singing led by Antonio, the pastor of the local church, we divided the boys from the girls and handed out gifts. Gifts that would be the only thing they received for Christmas, gifts that would be fun but also useful.

Antonio, pastor of La Esperanza in Honduras.

Jana (Mary) and a baby being used as the newborn Jesus in the drama.

Dave, 28 trip veteran to Central America and one of the most humble servant leaders you have ever met.

We then spent the remaining hours playing jump rope, kicking a soccer ball; face painting, fingernail painting, and just loving on the sweet little ones and their parents. While I could not connect vocally with the kids with much proficiency I was able to communicate the love of Christ through a smile and occasional tussle of their hair.

After spending several hours in the village we began the hike back down to the waiting vehicles. God was gracious and held off the major rain that had been threatening us most of the day and allowed everyone to make it safely back home.

Straddling the Honduras/Guatemala border.

Teodoro's son - more on him coming in the following days.

Back in La Esperanza we planned for the Children's program the following day. The major hurdle we faced was the fact we only had one proficient Spanish speaker amongst us. However, through the blessings of God with the talents He had brought together for the trip we formulated a plan with much prayer. The rest of the evening was spent refining drama presentations, fellowshipping, worshipping in song as a team, and sharing from the day’s events. Most nights and some mornings we would gather and sing, share from the day, share from our devotions, and make an occasional plan for the day. What a sweet time of growth and binding together of the team this was.

Team Devotions

Jason approves of the dinner.

My Take away from the day: Never, EVER underestimate the impact of a loving smile. It communicates across language barriers and cultures.

El Salvador Day 2

2011-01-22T05:00:00.004-06:00

Six o'clock the sun was shinning in the window to the church auditorium where the guys were all bunked out on "mattresses" across the floor. It was a breathtaking sight as I walked out on the porch and looked across the jungle valley and up the two volcano's that resided in the distance behind us. The splendor of the Lord was awe inspiring and invigorating for the task ahead.

Josiah catching a few extra minutes of sleep

The guys room.

The view off the back porch.

We ate our first "local" meal of the trip and loaded the bus and truck for the trip. 30+ people in the team by this point create a lot of luggage. However, our bags could not compete with the mountain of supplies for giving out in the villages. We used out checked bags [2 per person] to bring supplies and gifts over. And loaded our carry on's with our personal clothing and supplies.

Jon - second unit photography

Spanish Practice

As the ride...

...wore on...

...and on...

...the smiles turned from this...

...to this.

The drive from El Salvador through Guatemala into Honduras was expected to take 6-7 hours. God had different plans and after being detained for nearly 2 hours with the EXIT procedures from El Salvador we continued on our way. During the ride there was much talking, fellow shipping, rubix cube solving, sleeping, picture taking, lion spotting, and singing. The beauty of the countryside was breathtaking. But the stark contrast of the beauty and sudden poverty was humbling. Shacks sitting on top of trash mounds in the dumps, crowded streets, We arrived at the village and had to get out and walk the last several hundred meters to the church because between a full bus and luggage on top, coupled with a light rain equaled spinning tires. :)

Lunch Stop

Traveling circus next door to the lunch stop.

It was here that we were first introduced to the roosters next door. They crowed ALL night long EVERY NIGHT!

El Salvador 2010

2011-01-21T22:15:00.001-06:00

It was minutes after ten o'clock on December 2nd, 2010, as I stood in the airport surrounded by about 40 family, friends, and crew eagerly anticipating our flight south. Due to the blessing of God we were all checked in through the American Airlines priority pass and escorted through the expert traveler security line. In addition all of my family was allowed through security including all who were not flying with us! God's face was shinning on the trip indeed. And not only here but in the months leading up to this as well.

The trip started as a dream one day in September while talking with the Duggars. The Duggar family has gone to El Salvador for the past 5 years on a missions trip with SOS Ministries. As we were sitting in their living room talking Mr. Duggar mentioned that we should head south with them. After prayer and seeking the Lord it was clear His hand was in this trip and that we should go. So plans were laid for Michael, Elizabeth, and I began to make plans for the first two weeks of December.

A few of the provisions God provided in the weeks leading up to the trip...

- Spanish CI curriculum [Ken Pharris family in Mexico]

- Gospel's of John for $.35 each [American Bible Society]

- Clothing for the locals [Christ for Humanity]

- IBLP Basic Seminar and workbooks provided at deep discounts [IBLP]

- CI supplies at no cost [IBLP Seminar Operations/Big Sandy, TX Office]

- Spanish songs [locally]

- Hello Kitty items [Hello Kitty Corp]

- And other amazing deals from black Friday for gifts to the locals

God provided so much more above and beyond each of these items listed here!

After a LONG meal of pizza on the concourse the team boarded their 12:30 flight. Off we went into the wild blue yonder, 12 Duggars, 5 Query's, 3 Shoemaker's, 1 Hartono, and 6 TLC/Discovery/Figure 8 film guys. Even as the trip was just beginning God was melding the team together into one! Praise Him.

Dallas to San Salvador - 3 rows all the way across plus 2 on the 4th row. I was next to John.

As we sat in Dallas on our short layover we looked out the window and saw two baggage carts with all our luggage come around and make there way onto the plane. :) What a comfort it was to see that had had all 42 bags.

This entire cart plus a few on the cart in front of it were our bags!

After arriving in San Salvador most of us cleared through customs as quickly as 26+ people can. One of the last through was Jonathan. It turns out that Jonathan was given miss information from the embassy regarding his visa. Because of that he was detained in San Salvador and deported back to the US the following morning. It was a long 2 hours as we fervently prayed for his safety and the Lord's will to be done. God knew what was best and we were thankful for His protection and provision but saddened to know that Jonathan would not be able to join us. Jonathan spent most of the time back in Tulsa with my family. They loved having him and he was a blessing to all here in the states.

Jonathan: King of the rubik's cube. 21 seconds!

Once outside the airport we met up with the rest of the team and loaded the trucks and headed to La Esperanza. Arriving late we quickly unloaded and reviewed a few rules for dwelling in the jungle. :D Micah Schaudt [son of SOS director, Mike Schaudt] was surprised with a simple birthday party. He was blessed with some good Razorback clothing and hopefully we will see him well dressed in it on the trip. Following the party we sorted all the gear between Honduras and El Salvador supplies and prepared for an early morning departure for Honduras.

I eagerly collapsed on my bed and spent the next 30 minutes talking in the dark with John [Duggar]. The Duggar's and our family have known each other since my grandpa was Mr. Duggars family doctor as a child. Then it was off to sleep for a short evening.

Jed and I became great buddies on the trip.

Happy Birthday John!

2011-01-05T08:03:00.001-06:00

Joyful!

Obedient

Heavenly minded

Near to the heart of God

What a joy it is to see John faithfully studying god's word daily. His smile and contagious laugh is such a joy to be around. he truly is growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man!

What are you doing this year?

2011-01-04T07:50:00.000-06:00

http://www.livingthejourney.com/2011/01/01/day-one-hebrews-121/