Winding down our time in Budapest

Monday we traveled out to the north side of Budapest out of the city. We past some ruins from 200 AD from the roman empire. ...write more later we are heading to the airport. I will post any flight Chanda on the blog.

Saturday & Sunday

Saturday was our grand tour of Budapest. We were supposed to ride a bus around the city but I think we mainly walked it, atleast all the uphill parts. The city is beautiful and we gained some good insight into the people and the many challenges they have faced. We finished the night taking pictures as the sun set and city lights came on.

Sunday we slept in and went to church at 12, which the students seemed to like. The church had Hungarian and English. They are a fairly young church. They purchased an old theatre in the heart of Budapest complete a cafe in the lobby. After church and lunch we headed to a city park. We had invited some of the friends we've met here to join us brought frisbees, baseball, and a football. We were able to meet alot of new friend there and had several opportunities to meet students and other 20somethings here in Budapest. We had several opportunities to talk about the hope we've found in Jesus.

Tomorrow we will be working in a different part of the city closer to where matt and Megan live. We will be picking up trash on the streets and talking to people about a church over there.

Friday- Ministry Update

Hey everyone! We had another great day of ministry. I had the priviledge of being on the prayer team. Our group prayer walked around the city. The other missionaries, John and Allie, headed this up and guided us on what to pray for and why. We stopped at several places around the city such as a strip club, Freedom Bridge, the Metro where homeless people live, universities, churches, and lots of other significant places. We walked in pairs and prayed out loud back and forth constantly. We were worshipping God in places that his name has never been proclaimed. In front of the strip club, we prayed that God would convict the heart of the owner to shut the business down. We walked across the Freedom Bridge where many people have committed suicide. All of us prayed that God would fill the void in the hearts of the Hungarian people. It was such a humbling experience! I know I take prayer for granted but it is the most powerful thing we can do! Think of all the friends and family we have that pray for us on a consistent basis. I walked around and looked at the faces of these people and my heart ached because they don't have that. I praise God for the gift of prayer and I pray that we would all be more faithful to depend and believe in it's power! Continue to pray for us! Can't wait to tell you more of what God has done.
Renee Pepin

Thursday- hitting the city

We had a solid day of ministry today. We divided into 3 groups and hit different parts of the city of Budapest. Pray team, survey team, give away team (Bible, coffee pack, lolipop, & info about hopeforhungry.eu). The pray group had a directed prayer walk though some key parts of the city. One of the things they were burdened to pray for is the sanctity of life (1 in 3 women here have had an abortion and most who have had one will have two). The survey team invited university students to fill out a survey with questions about hope. The question most revealing is "what gives you hope?" The common response is, wow, I am not sure. There were several significant conversations. The 3rd group went to a university campus and gave away around 500 bags with the info mentioned above. Each of the 11 people in The give-away team had some great conversation and made some great contacs. Pray God will bring some of the students we met today to hang out with us on Friday night at the Lime Teahouse. Write more later...

We are all in Budapest

The team has arrived in Budapest. We got checked into our modest rooms and had our first ride on the metro (subway). Just finished lunch in a under ground mall. We are about to have team meeting to go over plans for the next several days.

Latest team saga

We are about to depart from JFK in NY headedfor Budapest after countless delays getting out of Atlanta and to a gate here at NY. Bout to flynover the big pond. Arriveing tomorrow for lunch.

Budapest- latest info.

Clay has arrived in Budapest and steve and Mike are in the air arriving shortly. The other 22 of us are in Atlanta flying out @ 1:00pm to Jfk then we leave @ 7:30pm on a direct flight to Budapest. Matt brewer is up to speed on all the adjustments. Hopefully we will get some sleep over the long flight because we will hit the ground running on Wed.

Budapest- Delayed and rerouted, will update soon

BUDAPEST 2010- Packing and Preparing

Today is Sunday May 30th, 2010. We are getting ready to head to the airport tomorrow afternoon. Looking forward to being on the ground in Budapest, Hungary on Tuesday afternoon. The team consists of a total of 24. Please pray and check back daily as we will be updating the blog regularly with info about each day and the events for the next day.

Until He comes we go!

David

UPDATE: Even though the team is scheduled to arrive in Memphis at 4:50pm, they will have to go through USA Customs, so please add about an hour onto the arrival time for the the time they will exit the terminal to baggage claim. So arrival at 4:50 and then probably closer to 5:30 or 6:00 before they are done with customs and have baggage.

FLIP FLOP UPDATE: We FINALLY have received the zebra flip flops. You can come by Sarah's office and pick yours up anytime.

new flight update

It has been an interesting Journey home. Our flight was significantly delayed out of Entebbe, Uganda causing us to miss our connecting flights from Amsterdam and Detroit. The good news is that we are on a direct flight now to Memphis from Amsterdam as noted below. Everyone was a little frustrated initially but have adjusted and are fine. Team is doing well. Hope all of you are sleeping well as we right this update. We look forward to being with our families shortly.

NEW: Flight Status results for:

FLIGHT: 057 STATUS: On Schedule
Departs: Amsterdam-Schiphol, Netherlands (AMS)
June 8 - 2:10PM Scheduled

Arrives: Memphis-Int'l, TN (MEM)
June 8 Scheduled - 4:50PM Actual

arrival

we are about to leave Uganda. As it stands right now we are landing in Memphis on Flight 285 @ 5:30 (about 4 hours delayed from original time). Will add more later if we can. See ya soon

Wednesday- June 3, 2009

Today, our team had several ministry opportunities. Part of our team went with Hal to a house church during the morning. Justin Lance preached on Jesus Christ being the living water who satisfies our thirst. Another group went to the "palace" where KIU students who are involved in UFC hang out near the university. Dave spoke from the book of Galatians to a lunch time gathering of students. Later in the afternoon, our entire team went to Everlight College where we were welcomed by a group of students and teachers who gave up their holiday to worship with us. We were warmly welcomed at this school by everyone. Some of our team, including Dave and Alex Butler, led worship through music with the song "Our God Saves". Chris Stevens and Joey Pomeroy gave their testimonies and Dave spoke about the importance of exercising spiritually. Finally we ended the day at a local teacher's college. Alex Butler and T.J. Tolosa gave their testimonies and Jimmy Johnston spoke to future teachers and others on using their area of influence to be salt and light for Jesus Christ. Although it was a quite busy day, it was a great day to participate in so many ministry opportunities that God has provided to our team. Keep praying!!!

Tuesday

Today was another intense day of ministry. We began the day doing evangelism at the dorms of KIU, then lunch is at Mama Mombasa (authentic kenyan/ugandan food). The afternoon we went to New Castle High School (Clay preached, Jordan and Carrie shared testimonies). After dinner half the group went to KIU for leadership training by Hal Stewart and the other group went to Kibuli House Church where Justin preached and Jared and Christina shared testimonies. Here are some Highlights:
- At least 8 people trusted Christ at KIU, many were encouraged in their faith.
- We have had alot of bonding with KIU students which has resulted in some great discipleship and mutual encouragement.
- Almost everyone has had a chance to explain the gospel using the Two Ways to Live Tract, and everyone has shared there testimonies.
- Jordan had an opportunity to share her testimony and explain the gospel.
- One young man turned from Islam to Jesus.
- The leaders training was really fruitful. The students we are working with are the top 10% of the students of the nation and will be the future leaders.

Monday- June 1

Today has been very busy but very rewarding. Today was our first day of evangelism in the Hostels (College Dorms). We got in groups of 3 Muzungu's (white people) and one Student from the Kampala International University then hit the dorms sharing Jesus. Here are some of the highlights:
-We (Hal, Daylon, Jared) met a Sudanese believer fluent in Arabic, whose pastor in Sudan has been persecuted including his brother being martyred. He had not been walking with God since coming to school in Uganda. He recommitted to Christ and plans to be a witness on campus.
-Our Group (David, Jack, & Carrie) visited with a girl from Northern Uganda. Her father was the "Lord's Liberation Army" (a rebel army group). She had turned to Jesus about 4 years ago and we were able to encourage her and help her solidify her salvation experience. We also visited with a guy from a Muslim family who had been talking with a Christian girl was becoming open to the gospel. After understanding who Jesus was and why he came to satisfy God's justice for forgiving sinners by paying there debt, is on the verge of following Jesus.
- Many people very close to making decisions, several clarified their salvation, some basic discipleship and were encouraged or challenged in their faith.

We also split the team and went to a house church and men's and women's Bible study at KIU. Hal was the preacher for the house church and Aubrey and Allison shared their testimony and Alex lead the worship. There was 43 people excited about reaching a community for Christ through house churches.
Many of the students from KIU keep talking about the relationship series we taught on Song of Solomon last year and asked for us to teach on relationship again, Dave spoke on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. We had a great time with the disccusing and challenging them on the subject.

Sunday

Sunday - May 31, 2009
We had a great Sunday in Kampala. Our group split into two teams and led several worship services this morning. One group started out at UFC on the campus of Kampala International University at 7 A.M. The service at UFC was an hour early because of the final day of exams. At UFC, Dave preached from 2nd Timothy and two of our other team members, Lindsay Moses and Justin Lance, shared their testimonies. It was a great time of worshiping God with students from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Congo. From there, our group traveled to a house church at Kibuli. There was very special time of worship led by some of the members of the church. Our group led the members of the Kibuli church in the song "Our God Saves". Jack Weathers and Laura Beth Scipper gave testimonies and Jimmy Johnston preached. The other half of our team went to a house church at Kawuku. Hal Stewart preached and testimonies were shared by Daylon Williamson and Paige Weathers. Alex Butler and TJ Tolosa led worship at Kawuku. In the afternoon our team met with some of the UFC students for a time of fellowship and discipleship. It was a great time of mingling and we also played games (Simon Says). We split in groups of two and shared about the impact of prayer on our lives. We ended the night at Cafe Roma eating some African pizza. Tomorrow we will be working with UFC students doing evangelism as well as leading some more times of discipleship. Although it is still early, we have had a great time in Uganda. Continue to pray for us as we expect to see God do some incredible things.

saturday

Saturday- May 30, 2009
Today we had an orientation with 4 of the missionary families. It was great hearing of all that God is doing and being prepared for cultural challenges and norms. Then we went to a local mall and exchanged money and bought some necessities. At night we had the privileged of worshiping with the United Faith Chapel, a church on the campus of the Kampala International University. There were about 300 worshiping with us, David preached on Psalms 4, and we had fruitful time of ministry around the Word of God.

Team Day 2 Day Field Itinerary

Here's what the team will be doing each day, so you can pray specifically!

Friday, May 29
Arrive Entebbe Airport at 8:15 PM
Transfer to Emmaus Guest House

Saturday, May 30
10:00 AM: Orientation at Emmaus
12-2:00 PM: Shopping, changing money, lunch at Garden City Mall
7-9:00 PM: Saturday evening service at KIU (Kampala International University)

Sunday, May 31
7-9:00 AM: Service at KIU
11:00 AM: Service at Kawuku (Pastor Dickens) and at Kibuli (Pastor Vincent)
1:00 PM: Lunch
4-6:00 PM: Discipleship at Palace (KIU)
Supper at Café Roma

Monday, June 1
9-11:30 AM: Door to door evangelism with KIU
Lunch at KIU (Mama Mombasa restaurant)
Split team and half will go to Mbuya house church (4:30-6:00 PM) and others to Kibuli house church (8-10)
5-6:00 PM: Men and women’s discipleship at KIU
Garden City food court

Tuesday, June 2
9-11:30 AM: Door to door evangelism with KIU
Lunch at Rancher’s in Garden City Mall
2-4:00 PM Everlight College
7-8:00 PM: KIU Discipleship

Wednesday, June 3
10:11AM-12:00PM: Kisugu house church with Pastor Vincent
Lunch: quick one at Mama Mombasa
1-2:00 PM: Lunch hour service at KIU
2-4:00 PM: Nsambya Secondary School
Supper at Krua Thai restaurant

Thursday, June 4
9-11:30 PM: Door to door evangelism with KIU
Lunch
2-5:00 PM: Local crafts
Supper at Fang Fang’s Chinese Restaurant

Friday, June 5
Queen Elizabeth Game Park

Saturday, June 6
Queen Elizabeth Game Park

Sunday, June 7
Transport from Queen Elizabeth back to Kampala
10:20 PM: Depart from Entebbe Airport

Uganda Team Members

Please pray for our 2009 Uganda Mission Team

Daylon Williamson
Lindsay Moses
T. J. Tolosa
Clay DeBolt
Carrie Morrison
Allyson Corley
Jared Frenn
Christina Stevens
Alex Butler
Rachel Clay
Chris Stevens
Justin Lance
Paige Weathers
Jack Weathers
David Anglin
Hal Stewart
Jordan Stewart
Joey Pomeroy
Aubrey Chapman
Laura Beth Scipper
Jimmy Johnston

Uganda Mission Trip 09 [5/28 - 6/8]

Please pray for our team of 21 as we prepare to leave next week. Prayer needs: Financial Support, unity, spiritual readiness, Logistics.

Wednesday Old Kampala

This was our last full day of ministry. We began the morning in an Old Kampala, where there has been no consistent work. We split into several teams for some on the street evangelism. Several, after hearing the Gospel, gave their lives to the LORD. We also came across several believers and were given the opportunity to help in discipleship. The Carsons are following up on the believers in the area in order to begin a new church plant. Later that evening the team split into two groups and shared with two house churches in the area. Dave encouraged the believers at Nambole, while Clay spoke to the believers at Kawuku. We were also able to share in a children's ministry. The Gospel was preached and many children gave their lives to Christ. -Levi Bump

Tuesday Soweto

The LORD moved in a mighty way today! Today we visited a very impoverished area known as Soweto. Many of the people living here are refugees from northern Uganda. All of us were praying that the LORD would prepare our hearts for today because none of us have seen anything like it. Those living here were very receptive to God's word. Isn't it funny how brokeness and receptivity go hand in hand? The LORD has begun a small church there, because several have given their lives to him. I was very thankful that the LORD used me today in furthering his kingdom. As we walked about the interior of the area, we were followed by many children chanting "mzungu mzungu!" They were very excited to see foreigners walking among them. After walking for a little while we came to a small clearing between the houses and worshipped the LORD together. We asked God to bless our time of sharing, and that's excatly what he did. We split into small groups that consisted of at least one interpretter and three of us. I got to know a man named George, that lived there. He had been living in Soweto for about eight months after leaving northern Uganda. Dave and I shared the gospel with him and the LORD changed his heart. He received Christ as his Lord and savior, and thanked God in his own words for what the LORD has done for him. After he received Christ I spent some time getting to know him. It turned out that he was my age and also had a young wife! I was so excited to see the LORD's sovereign hand in this! This is only one testimony of many who were born again today. In the span of about an hour and a half, fourteen people became followers of Christ and were redeemed! Our God is strong to deliver and mighty to save! Please be in prayer for all of the new believers as well as those who are reaching and discipling here in Uganda. Afterwards, Dave led a leadership bible study for the leaders in the KIU United Faith Chapel. So far, according to the schedule, today is the last day that we would see the KIU believers, so we had to say our farewells before departing. Eventhough today was very sobering, the LORD has exalted himself among us. He has blessed our group with supernatural unity, the likes of which I've never seen. Please continue to pray for us, tomorrow we wll be sharing the Truth in a predominantly muslim community. Pray that God would empower us with his Spirit, like he has done so far, and pray also for the harvest. Levi Bump

Monday, KIU Evangelism and Bible Study

The morning began with the team splitting into several smaller groups to bring the gospel to KIU students. I (levi) was paired with a KIU student named Isaac. I was very encouraged to spend time with my brother. Because the LORD was gracious to bless the efforts of the entire team, nine people were born again. In the evening, Tyler lead the men's bible study. He shared about the freedom that we have in Christ, not that we are free to live according to the flesh, but the freedom that we are given to walk with Jesus. This was a good time of fellowship and sharpening for all of us. Jaclyn lead the girls bible study and shared about loving by faith. In the evening, Dave spoke and began to prepare the team for Tuesday morning, in which we would be doing door to door evangelism in a very impoverished area.

Sunday Worship-

This morning the group was split up into three groups. Joey, Clay, and Libby went to Nsambya high school, where Clay preached the word and the other two shared their testimonies. Ashley, Candace, Tyler, Jason, and Paul went to UFC. Levi, Chris, and I went back to Everlight College, where Chris and I shared our testimonies and Levi preached the word. The other two groups spoke of great experiences at both of their worship sites. Everlight was a true blessing to be at, they greeted us with great appreciation. It was amazing to see so many kids take initiative towards leading worship in the Sunday service. Many prepared solos, duets, and skits to share the gospel. Levi did a wonderful job preaching the fruits of the spirit and touched on a very important aspect that seemed to be a misconception among many of the ugandans that you can not lose your salvation with one sin. It was truly amazing to see God work in so many hearts and lives of the children.
This afternoon we went to discipleship with the UFC church. We got to play games and get to know the other college student ministry in a very relaxed casual atmosphere. They have welcomed us every day with beautiful smiles, endearing handshakes, and warm embraces. We participated in a Bible Study in small groups with the students after the games concentrating on Psalm139:23-24. The glory of the Lord was surrounding us with a beautiful evening and a cool breeze as we gathered outside. It is truly amazing to meet others who are from small tribes miles outside of Kenya and know that they are worshiping the same God and believe the very same truths that we do all the way back in the states. To come from two different worlds and be united in the everlasting promise of salvation and love is truly a blessing that can't be touched. Please pray that tomorrow will be fruitful as we go to minister to those who do not know the Lord. May we allow us to deny ourselves every step of the way and use us for his glory and honor.
Jaclyn Otten

Saturday - University and College Ministry

Hello everyone! I would like to say that this trip has been basically nothing short of amazing. I can't type everything here but... Yesterday, or Saturday, we held a relationship seminar at Kampala International University or KIU. KIU has students representing 7 different nationalities form the region. Many of the students struggled to find local churches where they could understand the local language. In 2002 students from the campus began meeting together for worship and Bible Study in English (a common language). This group eventually birthed a church, United Faith Chapel (UFC), with upwards 500 studetns. Dave taught three sessions on the Song of Solomon and then our team led small groups after each session. Joey and I led a group and it was very good to communicate with the men in our group about good and bad examples of relationships, negotiables and non-negotiables, and how God wants for us to have the best relationship we can by keeping Him at the center of it. Some other small highlights...we ate our first 'African' food today, it was food from Kenya and it was real good and made me really full. Traffic here is alot worse than Memphis, but I haven't seen any wrecks.(?)

During the evening we broke up into two groups Levi preached and shared the gospel at Muyenga High School and Candice and Ashley shared their testimonies. Paul and Tyler helped lead worship. David preached for a saturday evening service at UFC and Clay shared his testimony. We have found the students very open and receptive to the Word. There is a great need for Biblical foundations and Discipleship. And I guess I can finish with a thought/revelation about life...there is nothing like a cold shower to let you know life is not about you. ( yeah that's right, every morning is a cold shower!) c-ya'll when I get home!
-blessings, paul j. stroud

Everlight College

This afternoon was also very fruitful. We went to Everlight College, which is actually a jr high and high school. In the midst of a school room that had beaten up wooden benches and desks, gravel floors, no air conditioning were beautiful smiles that filled the air with their voices of worship and praise to the same God that created us all. The music and demonstrative worship was truly amazing, surely God was in that place. We had two of our team members share their heart felt testimonies. First, Joey went starting off with a "Praise the Lord" and Libby followed with her genuine passion for what Lord had moved in her life. We had a great message of truth from Dave, preaching from Luke. The children participated eagerly and were very greatful of our presence. Afterwards we opened up the floor for the children to walk around and come tallk to us and ask questions. A 11 year old girl, named Grace dedicated her life to Christ and was born again! Praise the Lord! Another young girl named Marci rededicated her life to Christ. It was such a blessing to see two young girls have a burning desire to love Christ, have their lives changed, and to dwell with Him in eternity. Please pray for us that our spirits will be renewed and ready each morning to share the amazing promises God has to offer those who follow him.
Jaclyn

First ministry day. Friday 7/25

It is a blessing to be here worshiping and sharing Christ with believers halfway around the world. This morning we met up with students from Kampala University (KU) and Kampala International University (KIU). We broke off into groups of three, one from each group, and went to the womens hostels (dormatorys) at KIU. There we went door to door sharing the good news of Christ. I was amazed to see how receptive these students were to invite us in and listen to what we had to say. Some said they were "saved" so that we would leave them alone. Others "accepted" Christ as their Savior. But it seemed to be that they were needing to be somewhere and they thought it was the easiest way to have us leave. There was one girl though that did sincerely give her life to Christ. We learned that her sister, who is a believer, has been talking to her about Christ (she was watering the seed). It was a blessing to be a part in seeing the harvest take place as the Lord comforted this young woman. Be praying for our courage and our safety. In Christ- Jason

update- the flight and arrival

We arrived safely on Wednesday night. We met another believer named Latoya, from Kansas, who was traveling to Uganda to work with a church in Jinja. She was alone and basically stranded at the airport. We took her in for the night and helped her get reconnected with her hosts in the morning, and were able to encourage her spiritually. Kaye also met another young girl from Canada who had recently given her life to Christ. Kaye thought she was with our team but she was with a different team though traveling alone. Her ride was not there at the airport and she also was a bit stranded. Come to find out she was staying down the street from us in Kampala, so we gave her a ride. Sam Bishop "happened" to be on the same flights with us from Memphis to Uganda as he came to work in Uanda with an Orphanage in Jinja. Sam is wheelchair bound and has no use of his legs. We were able to help him in the airport and even with the challenge of getting him and his electric wheelchair onto the van.
It is awesome to witness and be apart of God taking care of, and provision for His children whether from Kansas, Canada, MS, or even Uganda.

On thurday we got some supplies, did some training, planning, shopping, ate Thai-gandan food, and a grilled Nile Perch (head to tail). Its a bit akward eating a fish whose watching you.

Uganda Team Itinerary

Schedule July 23-Aug. 3


July 23
8:15: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

July 24
8: Breakfast at Maranatha Guest House
9-11: Orientation at Carson’s house
11:15-12: Go to Garden City Mall to exchange money, buy water or snacks, etc
12: Lunch at Garden City Mall
2-4: Nsambya Secondary School (need a preacher with evangelistic sermon, 2 testimonies, and a song if possible)
6: Supper out

July 25
8: Breakfast at Maranatha
9:30-11:30: Door to door at KIU hostels
12: Lunch out
2-4: Everlight College (needs are same as above)
6: Grill out at the Carson’s house

July 26
8: Breakfast at Maranatha
10-2:30: Relationship Seminar taught by Dave (Three sessions taught…after each session students break up to discuss. Have your students familiar with material to facilitate small groups)
3:30: Late lunch/supper
7-9: Saturday night service at KIU (preacher and two testimonies…not necessarily salvation testimonies…could be just an encouraging word)

July 27
7: Breakfast at Maranatha
8-10:30: Service at KIU (preacher and two testimonies)
12: Lunch
4-6: Discipleship (if possible you will need to make out some discussion questions to pass out for discussion and then one will wrap up the session)
7: Supper out

July 28
8: Breakfast at Maranatha
9:30-11:30: Door to door at KIU hostels
12: Lunch out
5-6: KIU men and women split up for Bible study (I will get you the topic asap)
7: Supper out

July 29
8: Breakfast at Maranatha
9:30-12: Canvass Soweto (very poor area that we are slowly seeing work start in)
12:15: Quick lunch at Quality Cuts (sandwiches)
1-2: Bible study at KIU (one teacher)
3-4:30: Muyenga High School (needs are same as two schools above)
6: Supper at Carson’s house

July 30
8: Breakfast at Maranatha
9:30-12:30: Door to door at Old Kampala (area we work with that has little or no Christian work…it is predominantly Muslim)
1-2:30: Lunch out
3-5: Kawuku house church (one preacher and a couple of encouraging testimonies)
6: Supper out

July 31-August 2
6:30: Breakfast at Maranatha
7: Depart for Murchison Falls National Park

August 3
8: Breakfast at Maranatha
9-12: Shopping for African arts
12:30: Lunch
2-5:45: Pack for departure
6: Depart for Entebbe Airport

Uganda 08 Mission Team

We are leaving July 22- returning August 4th. Please pray for the team:
David, Jacylin, Paul, Candace, Joey, Ashley, Chris, Libby,
Jason, Levi, Tyler, Clay

Tuesday-In the City

When I think of Toronto and our attempt to somehow reach out to people with God's love, I think of the song by Kutless: "I see the city lights all around me/everyone's obscure/ ten million people each with their problems/why should anyone care." We were compelled to care for people because Jesus was compelled to care for us. The way that we did this was by going to the University of Toronto on a Tuesday afternoon and try to gauge the spiritual interest that the university students had by going through some surveys and starting conversations with them. Tim Hortons coffee coupons were used to help encourage people to pause for a few minutes. Some of their answers seemed spiritually colder towards Christianity than the blustery cold wind we felt that day; yet, many of their answers revealed an honest searching for something more than what they already know. At the very least, they were forced to think about it. Will we ever see any change in some of the students? Probably not. We have to leave that with God; all He wanted us to do was to show love and compassion on people He placed in front of us just as He showed us love and compassion. Please pray for Toronto. -Jonathon Clay <><

Monday-A bright sunny day

On Monday, March 10th we got up early enough to make a Timmy Horton run (that's coffee for you that don't know), for breakfast before making it to a Realtor Bible study at a church member's home. It was really neat to meet some of the church members and listen to their sharp Canadian accents as they explained their views and perceptions of Christ and how He works in us.
Chris Adams led the study teaching us about submission to Christ and submission to higher authorities in our lives. Real life world examples helped us to relate to the text of God's word such as obeying the speed limits on the roads, bosses at work and God. We discussed how people today tend to ignore commands and laws for their own benefit.
On the other side of the coin, we discussed how in some situations, it is absolutely necessary for us as Christians to obey God, place Him first over man and man's authority/laws. Examples of this would be to share Christ in a foreign country that mandates sharing Christ is illegal.
After we said our goodbyes at the study, we made our way to Casey's, a restaurant similar to T.G.I.F.'s. People ate meals that ranged from a bison buffalo burger to Indian curry sandwiches. Once these tasty meals were completed, we ventured back to the Adams' home where we finished off the afternoon with the majority of young adults playing in the backyard. Not only did they play, they also created a snow person that resembled Janet Anglin (it appeared to be carrying and baby snowman) complete with earmuffs and scarf. A snowball fight also ensued during the time outside with David Anglin capturing the event with his trusty videocam.
For dinner, we chowed down on cold cut and cheese sandwiches with salad on the side. The evening ended with loud conversations, laughing, joking and watching "Transformers." It was awesome to watch it while counting all the times TV Guardian nipped in the bud the inappropriate comments. - Alison Culver

Toronto finally!!!!!

So we are now finally in Toronto safely!!  Even through the crazy times of one flight being canceled, having only our carry ons, that some of us had very few essentials, and having our GPS take us on to a pedestrian bridge at Niagara falls (oops), by the grace of GOD we were able to catch an earlier flight to Buffalo.  The night before we got stuck in Detroit because of some weather problems and our next flight was not supposed to leave until 9:30 p.m. Sunday night (about 3 hours after the enterprise rental car desk closes).  God was looking after us and we were ALL able to catch a flight, that was over booked and was impossible for us to get on to, 12 hours before our original flight was supposed to leave.  Now we are graciously in Toronto relaxing and fellowshiping with the Adams family!!

Tomorrow we will be getting into the ministry groove and will be participating in a relators bible study!

Update from Detroit

We're spending the night in Detroit tonight. Our flight to Buffalo got canceled, but God is in control of all things. Had our flight not gotten canceled, one of our team members would have missed the flight because her flight to Detroit was delayed. God has shown himself to be in control of every part of the trip so far even in the circumstances that seem like an inconvenience. 

Continue to pray for the team:

Alison Culver

Aubrey Waisner

Candace King

David Anglin

Jonathon Clay

Clay DeBolt

Chris Herndon

David Windham

LHBC 20Somethings

Overflow Toronto '08

March 8th-15th

Pray.

July 8 -July 16

As Sarah told you in the last update, Pastor K, a champion for the persecuted church, passed away on Saturday night. He was 47 years old. Many of our friends here traveled with him from the hospital in Ubon back to his country so he could die with his family there. Before he went to be with Jesus, everyone gathered around him and Chansamone read the last chapters of the book of Revelation. Then they prayed together and Pastor K waved goodbye and went to his eternal home. And in that moment what was read to him became reality. It was a very sad week here but in the sadness is joy. Joy in knowing that after all Pastor K’s hardship and imprisonments for the name of Jesus he finally saw the face of his Savior. Pastor K was a major spiritual leader in the Christian community in his country. Over 700 people attended him funeral. Each of them representing a life touched by Jesus through Pastor K. Please continue to pray for the persecuted church and the furthering of the Gospel despite the oppression.

On Sunday morning, John and I taught a class at Mekong Church Posai. We had a great time and the Lord definitely blessed our time there. Its hard to believe that considering John and I’s past that anyone would let us get up in front of a group and say anything much less actually talk about Jesus. It was such a privilege to teach others what God has taught us. On Monday I got pink eye and it was pretty difficult to find someone to take me to the doctor because all of the English speakers had gone to Lao. I first got taken to a temple to see someone that they told me was a doctor but I don’t think she was because there was a dog running around in there. But I did finally get to a real doctor and I’m using some drops but its now spread to the other eye. The rest of the week we continued teaching at school and John did some construction. It was a slow week but it gave of plenty of time to spend with the Lord. On Saturday, we all went to Ubon with Suay to do some shopping. It was a much needed reconnection with civilization! We got to eat at KFC for lunch and it was great! On Sunday, John attended Mekong Church Natan and Sarah and I went to Mekong Church Nonprassert. As I sat there I just looked around the room at all the faces of God’s children. I love worshiping with them. I usually have no idea what anyone is saying but I know whom they are singing to and speaking about. On Monday, a friend of ours went to the hospital to have her baby. We were able to visit with her before she delivered and to pray for her. While we were there we met a 13-year-old girl who had been raped and was in labor. Please pray for her and her salvation. She is giving away her daughter so please pray that the baby will be adopted into a Christian home.

As we begin our last week serving in Nonprassert, I don’t think that its really hit me that we are leaving yet. The time of ministry that I’ve had here has been great and I have learned so much. It’s gone much farther than the two week mission trip. We’ve learned what its like to be missionaries. Not every situation has been ideal or glamorous but its been real. We’ve seen the daily hardships of these people and we have seen their faith in action. We’ve seen them trust God when they don’t know how they are going to pay the bills. We’ve seen them display the comfort and peace that their Savior gives during the loss of a dear friend. We’ve seen them confident of God’s call and commission of their lives in the face of their oppressors. The Lord has shown me that its great to go a remote place and sacrifice my time and comfort for two weeks or even two months, but He’s shown me that he requires much more of me than this. The Lord has used us here but what can really be accomplished in two months? What will really impact eternity? It’s a life used by God. Not just two weeks or two months of my life, but the whole thing. Please continue to pray for the persecuted church and for the family of Pastor K. Please pray that God would continue to reveal himself to the nations.

July 1st-July 7th

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us and for the people we are ministering alongside. John, Erin and I started off our week by attending church at Non Prassert. We prayed that we would be able to worship and somehow understand what was going on even though there was a language barrier. The Lord answered our prayers by having Suay and Pon translate for us.
This week Erin and I taught in the schools and John did construction. John helped Tom build a baptistry in his church. The children in the schools are having mid-terms soon so Erin and I are trying to get get them ready for that (keyword trying). Friday, we went with Jay, his wife and a few other people to pass out Bibles in three villages around Jay's church. Most of the people we gave Bibles to had never heard of Jesus. Jay said we were truly reaching to the ends of the earth that day. It is hard to wrap my brain around that considering I live in the "Bible-Belt" and I have more than one Bible in my room and live around stores that sell them as well. I am learning just how blessed I am and how I have turned that blessing into a curse and taken it for granted. I think that is what we are all learning. How selfish we are, how much we get and how little we give, not just of our money but our time and our lives. That became even more clear on Saturday when we received the news that a pastor from another country was moments from passing away, we later learned that he did in fact pass away. This man has known persectution and what it means to stand in the gap for people. He lived his life as a bond-servant for Jesus and suffered in His name. His faith is now sight. I started thinking of this man's life and what we had heard about it from other people and I started thinking about suffering. I have no idea what that means. I don't suffer for Jesus. I live in a country where I don't fear for my life because of what I believe, at the most someone might not like me. Most people don't care that you believe in Jesus, it's okay if that's what you believe. Around here it isn't like that. Spending a summer without hot water, or air conditioning isn't suffering for Jesus. Risking your life for the cause of Christ so just one person can hear about Jesus, standing up for the persecuted church in your country, this is suffering. That is what this man did. His life was a testimony of the grace of God in his life and will continue to be until this age is over. All three of us have been challenged by the Lord in different ways. We are so thankful to be here and learn from such great men and women of God. Continue to pray for us and for everyone here.

Until He Comes....Sarah

June 24th- June 30th

Thank you all for the prayers that you have lifted up for us this past week. We are so grateful for your commitment to prayer and to us. This week has been a fun time of learning for us. On Sunday, Sarah and I worshipped at Mekong Church Nonprassert and John went with the team from Lighthouse to Mekong Church Natan. It was my first time to meet with the Ladies Sunday School Class that I got to teach when I was here last year. Even though we don't speak the same language we are bonding together as sisters in Christ and the LORD let us enjoy our kinship that morning. Two ladies from the class, Weepa and Lumiai are expecting. Weepa's due date is in 2 weeks and Lumiai's is this week so please keep them in your prayers. At the worship service, Sarah and I had know idea what anyone was talking about but we know that the LORD does. It is an amazing thing to see God from their eyes... He is so much bigger than we tend to give Him credit for. On Monday, Sarah and I taught at school in the morning and that afternoon we worked with the team from Lighthouse. We were able to pass out Bibles in a village and share our testimonies with some of the people that we met. John and I got to speak to a man who had previously read some literature about Jesus. He told us that he held to two religions, Christianity and Buddhism. Jay(pastor of Mekong Church Posai) shared with him from the New Testament and he tried to show him as best he could that no one can serve to masters. As John and I stood there it was obvious to us that you cannot serve buddha and Jesus but the Lord reminded me to not think to highly of myself because how often am I just like this man. I don't bow my knee to buddha but I am too often found kneeling to the world. Idols are easily hidden in America and that day I was reminded to search out the idols in my life and destroy them. Please keep this man in your prayers; please pray that God would break down the lies that are built up in his mind and that the LORD would give us all an undivided heart. Sarah also met a buddhist woman named Pren-Jit. She was able to spend some time with her and the lady really bonded to her. We are suppose to go visit her again this week so please keep her salvation in your prayers also. That afternoon, we planted a field of rice. Its harder than it sounds. Knee deep mud, no shoes, bent over for hours... that pretty sums it up. We had a blast! On Tuesday, we took a trip aross the river to the country next to us. We went to take some books to our friends. I have to admit all of us were a little apprehensive at first but God is the one who walks with us and is our protector. The backpacks were heavy and the sun was hot. But God blessed us that day and 221 books made it safely to a land where people need hope. We would have to say that the major difference between Thailand and this country is that the people there don't smile. They are in desperate need of hope and unfailing Love. Please pray for our friends in this country; pray that the eyes of their oppressors would be blinded when the need to be blinded and that they would see when they need to see; pray for the presecuted; pray for living conditions that they have to endure; pray for the spread of real Hope and that salvation would spring up from the ground. On Wednesday, we woke up to take the first hot shower in about a month in our hotel. So praise the LORD! We continued our time across the river. We visited some more groups of our friends and played with some of the children. We also got to see a breathtaking waterfall. In the afternoon we crossed back into Thailand and drove back to Nonprassert. On Thursday the Lighthouse team had to go back to America. :( it was a sad afternoon. We really miss their sweet spirit and we miss having some more english speakers around. That afternoon we got to go to the Lotus and eat at KFC! It was a little comfort from home that we needed. Friday was a day to get back to normal, we returned to school and construction work. Today, Saturday, was a day of relaxation. There was a birthday party tonight for Ethan, Jay's son, who turned 4, and there was also a cookout for the radio station. We had a great time playing with all the kids and spending time with our new friends. It's at times like these that we really feel like we are a part of the family here. Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blogs and to pray for us. Your prayers will have eternal impact for the Kingdom and we are so thankful for them. Sarah and I will be updating every Saturday night so please check back next week. We love you all!

Until He comes...

Erin

Thailand 07 : : Video

Here is a video link to see a little of what God did in Thailand during the 2 week trip. Continue to pray for the summer team as John, Erin, & Sarah continue to serve, teach, and eat crickets for God's glory.

Thailand 07 Video

Our First Week June 17th-23rd

This was our first week without the team being here. Sunday we went to Mekong Church Natan. This is Tom's church and Neville was preaching a series so we decided to go so we could hear a sermon in english. Tom asked if one of us would share our testimony so we decided that I would do it. Monday, Erin and I taught in the school while John did construction. We didn't realize that we would be real teachers with papers to grade but that is what we are doing. It gets easier everyday and if nothing else we are having fun with the kids. John has been helping Tom with some work around his church. Tuesday night, Neville and Christine asked us to come and have dinner with them at their house. We enjoyed it so much! It was a great time of encouragement for us. Christine made some chicken macaroni that was so good. We loved eating something besides thai food. They also played Days of Elijah for us and it reminded us of Longview. Wednesday, John did more construction and Muai asked Erin and myself to go with her to Ubon to pick up a team that was coming in from Nashville. They are from Lighthouse Church, where Tom and Chan are from. Thursday, we taught in the schools and John did more work. We taught the team some songs that we did in Khao Lak so they could do them with us on Friday. Friday, we went to a school about 30 minutes away from Non Prassert to promote the radio station around here and to help in the schools, we split up into 3 rooms. Some of us went into the Bible room and shared the Gospel, some of the group did music and then the rest of us went into an english room. It was a lot of fun and the kids had a great time. We have had some down time which has been very refreshing. There is a library on the compound that has a lot of christian books. We have spent a lot of time reading and meditating on the word. It has been so nice to spend so much time with the Lord and to re-focus. We are getting used to the food, heat, insects and cold showers. Continue to pray for us as we minister alongside the families that live here. We are so thankful to be here. Until He Comes...Sarah