What happens when we die?

On Wednesday, our family celebrated the life of Wally's grandmother - Elda Brown. She was born May 24, 1924 and died December 28, 2009. She lived as God's servant for 85 years. The grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was evident in her home and in the workplace. Elda and her deceased husband, John, ran the Baptist clothing store for many years in Russell County. She took in her niece at the age of 13 and treated her as her own daughter. Bro Rick Neff, her pastor, said that Elda was a woman who didn't like short conversations; rather, she wanted to always sit and "talk" over a cup of coffee. Proverbs 31 was the main scriptural text spoken at her funeral.

At the conclusion of the funeral, Elliott, Alex (my nephew), Max and I walked up to the casket to say our final goodbyes. Max and I touched her hand and said "we love you 'little Ma'." As we left to go to the grave side, Max started crying and didn't stop for about 15 minutes. After he calmed down, he asked me, "What happens when we die? Do we immediately go to Heaven?" I explained to Max that I believe once we die, our spirit goes to live with Jesus. (John 19:30 - Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

The picture above was taken at the graveside. Randy Brown (Wally's youngest brother), Wallace Brown, Everett Brown (Wally's Father), Ricky Brown (Wally's oldest brother), Elliott, Max and Alex (Ricky's son).

Christmas 2009

Christmas was a blast this year! Max loved getting his bike from Santa. The whole family is enjoying the Wii. The grandparents gave the boys fun Wii games....Mario Kart and Wii Resorts. We spent Christmas Eve with my mom's side of the family. I was very sad to learn that my grandmother couldn't spend Christmas Eve with us because she had a stomach virus.

We learned yesterday that Wally's grandmother passed away. She has been sick for some time. Elliott prayed a few nights ago that she would die so she wouldn't have to suffer. His prayer was a little strange to me but interesting as well. I know he understands that to be with the "Lord" is so much better than what we have here on earth. So, today we celebrate my birthday and the going "home" of Elda Brown.

LIVE WELL and LAUGH OFTEN!

Tonight we had friends over for dinner. We were reminded that to live well, we must laugh often. Wally and I told fun stories of our trip to Germany in 2005. I hope that you find time to laugh often. It is so good for the soul!

Merry Christmas Friends

Warmest Greetings from the Brown House!

During 2009 our family has grown both spiritually and physically. We are blessed beyond measure. Many celebrations took place at 1210 Quaker Court this year. Together, we enjoyed celebrating Elliott's baptism, Max's 5th birthday, Wally and Tomara's 12th wedding anniversary and Elliott's 10th birthday. We enjoyed our vacations to Panama City Beach and Lake Cumberland (where we met some new friends who tried to teach Elliott how to water ski.) Our annual trips to the state fair and the zoo were very fun as well. We love SCOTTY the elephant. Other news includes Max losing his front two teeth; Elliott scoring his personal best of 5 goals in one soccer game; Max experiencing the madness of the St. Matthews Little League Parade and Wally and Tomara experiencing God's goodness once again on their annual trip to Costa Rica.

With Max starting kindergarten this year, we are more and more aware of the things that are truly important....our Lord, our family, our relationships, our "togetherness," kindness, love and letting our light shine! We are eternally grateful that while we were (are) yet sinners; Christ died for us. We thank God for every one of you who are our friends and family! (Philippians 1:3)

Because of Jesus - who makes the sun to shine, the snow fall, the leave change color and our hearts joyful - Wally, Tomara, Elliott and Max

TAKE AN INVENTORY - GIVE THANKS!

1 Chronicles 16:8 - Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.

Psalm 107:1 - Give thanks to the Lord, for His is good; His love endures forever.

2 Corinthians 9:15 - Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do you think gratitude is countercultural? Sometimes I think so - especially for us in our possessive, materialistic world. Basic provisions can be quickly forgotten without pausing to acknowledge the miracle of their origin. Contemporary American expectations of what we deserve are off the charts compared to most of the world. Being grateful for a five year old computer, a ten year old car, vitamins, antibiotics, heat in our home, cool drinks in the refrigerator is not generally part of our daily routine.

The late Catholic writer Henri Nouwen spoke insightfully to this truth. He believed that gratitude is a discipline. Gratitude is not something that comes naturally or easily. Thus it is important to seek to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. A spirit of gratitude will move us, like it moved the Samaritan leper.

MAGNETIC!

MAGNETIC - DEVELOPING AN ATTRACTIVE FAITH FROM THE INSIDE OUT!

If you have ever held two magnets, you understand that the closer the magnets are together - the stronger the pull. Jesus desires for his followers to have a faith that it so "magnetic" that it draws others to a saving grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The magnetism we can possess comes only from a faith that first forms on the inside and then translates to the outside. A component of this weekend involved encouraging students to remain sexually pure before marriage. Temptations come each day in the lives of these students. They were encouraged this weekend that each of them are significant to the person of Christ. Because of their significance, God desires the best for their lives. And that best involves "purity."

Some of the things students enjoyed most about Disciple Now were the Bible Studies, Fellowship with one another, the mission projects and the photo scavenger hunt on Saturday afternoon. Our students participated in 6 different mission projects: ministered to our Hugg Friends, worked at Silver Heights Christian Camp in New Albany, painted at Word of Faith church, ministered at Twinbrook Nursing Home, delivered the canned goods collected from SMBC to St. Mams, make Christmas gift bags for the homeless, delivered furniture for God's Design, painted at The Center for Women and Families and worked at organizing over 20 bags of clothing collected at the Baptist Fellowship Center.

I am so grateful for all of our volunteers. I could not have done it without you.

TIPS FOR BEING THANKFUL

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1

When someone does something nice for you, let that person know you appreciate it.

Tell your family members you appreciate them.

Be thankful for the honesty of other people.

Be thankful for people who tell you the truth about yourself.

Colossians 2:6-7 ...and be thankful...

10. Opportunities to serve in Louisville, Costa Rica and throughout the United States in obedience to Jesus Christ.

9. Purpose

8. Compassion International - releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name.

7. Relationships: Colleagues, Church family and Friends

6.Laughter.

5. Furnace on cold nights & vehicle to drive & coffee to drink!

4. Family: Grandparents, Mom, Dad and in-laws!

3. Education: Reading to Elliott and Max!

2. After 12 years, Wally still irons his own clothes.

1. Jesus digs me!

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

Tonight at church, our high school students began looking and studying the book of Jude. It is a fascinating book. Short but packed full of good stuff. Jude reminds us that we must fight for truth. We live in a world where I believe many Christ followers have lost the pure motives for worshiping God and going to church. The youth listed the "wrong motives" for worshipping God/going to church tonight in Bible study. Examples were as follows: free food, bored, cute guys, cute girls, look good, social hour, friends, score points with God, etc.

Jude makes it clear that if we follow Christ with wrong motives, we eventually will fall prey to relative truth. I believe there is absolute truth and that truth is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Many church goers have become cynical and before they ever arrive to church - they are saying, "I'm not going to get anything out of this." My question is - why go? I mean God is bigger than I can even imagine but I've rarely seen God move when people have the wrong motive about worshiping Him.

My prayer is that Jesus becomes central to our lives - not just "doing things for Jesus." We must continue to live lives of integrity in order to fight for truth. We must fall in love with the person of Jesus Christ.

MISSION POSSIBLE

Almost two million Americans from 40,000 churches and other groups go on short-term mission trips each year. That's what Andy Crouch told us in the Sept/Oct issue of Youth Workers Journal. Meanwhile, George Barna says that even though many people describe mission trips as "life-changing," only 11 percent of American churchgoers have taken such a trip.

Inspire those you can to go on a mission trip! We are here on this earth to SERVE! Roll up your sleeves and get involved in loving your neighbors! Serve with the youth at St. Matthews Baptist Church. We regularly serve the homeless in our community and participate in local and national and foreign mission experiences!

Seeing the Kingdom

Mark 4:30 - Then he said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or what parable shall we picture it?"

Jesus used parables to help people understand what He was trying to teach them. A parable is a modern day story that provides a glimpse into the Kingdom of God.
My experiences in Costa Rica have provided me glimpses of the Kingdom of God. As I captured glimpses; the glimpses captured me. Glimpses of the Kingdom cannot be conjured or created; they can only be received.

Ask God to give you glimpses into the Kingdom of God.

A Review of Catalyst Atlanta

Andy Stanley
Pastor and author Andy Stanley quoted his father, Charles Stanley, in the opening session. He said, "God takes full responsibility for the life wholly devoted to him." He illustrated this by sharing the story of Joshua, who in his greatest season of leadership continued to kneel before the Lord (Joshua 5:13-15). Andy emphasized that leadership is not about the mark we leave but about the mark God leaves through us!

Charles Swindoll
Essentials for A New Generation of Leaders

1. A good leader models character. Character is what makes you contagious!

2. A good leader is enthusiastically affirming. Enthusiasm and affirmation bring refreshment to weary individuals.

3. A good leader has affection for people. Small frequent acts of kindness and written words of appreciation are essential for a leader to provide.

My favorite quote...."If you don't enjoy people, please, do us all a favor, and don't go into leadership!"

Matt Chandler
Pastor Matt Chandler reminded us that we are all called to do our part.

SUFFERING

For the past few weeks, I cannot stop reading verses in Scripture that have to do with suffering. "I want to know CHRIST and the fellowship of his sufferings." Suffering commands us to eliminate the unnecessary, the trivial and the superficial.

BAPTISM

I'm looking forward to seeing 3 generations baptized tomorrow at church!

Holy God...Mighty Lord...Gracious Father,
We give you thanks; for in the beginning your
Spirit moved over the waters and you created
the Heaven and the Earth. By the gift of water,
you nourish and sustains us and all living things.

4:12

7th and 8th Grade Retreat

1 Timothy 4:12 - Don't Let anyone look down upon you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

The Hallmark of Christianity

The Hallmark of Christianity is our separation from the world; our transcendence of its standards, and our extraordinariness. (The Cost of Discipleship)

HOW MUCH DO I KEEP?

As I have grown in my Christian pilgrimage, I have been challenged with how much to give financially. The question I must continually ask myself is not, “How much can I give and feel good about myself?”, but rather, “How much is pleasing to God?” Tithing/Giving in the Old Testament teaches that, as followers of God, we are to give 10 percent of what we have to God. However, the New Testament presents an approach that is much more radical than percentages. Luke 3:11 – “He who has two coats let him share with him who has none. And he who has food let him do likewise.” That’s 50% not 10%. Zacchaeus stood and said, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor.” Again, that’s 50%. Jesus said to the rich young man, “If you would be perfect, go sell what you possess and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow me.” Matthew 19:21 – That’s 100%. “All who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need.” Acts 2:44f. These are just a few verses among many.

I have a growing conviction that God took the focus off giving a tithe in the early church because he wants believers to ask themselves a new question. The question I feel Jesus wants us to ask is not “How much do I give?” but rather “How much do I keep?” One of the differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament is the Great Commission which is found in Matthew 28:19-20. The responsibility given to the church through the Great Commission requires such an incredible investment of commitment and money that the thought of settling the issue of what we give by a fixed percentage is simply out of the question. My own conviction is that most middle and upper class Americans who merely tithe are robbing God. In a world where 10,000 people a day starve to death, the question is not “How much do I give?” but rather “How much do I keep?”

My prayer is that you as a Christ follower will take a look at where your treasure is. If you aren’t giving a regular amount then start giving a regular amount each week with the goal to give 10 percent and above. If you are giving 10 percent then pray about what you can give above 10 percent that would be an investment and a sacrifice. Because we own nothing in this life, it is best to wisely invest the resources we manage for the One who is the true owner of all things. I am incredibly thankful for those of you who currently give financially so that Christ’s love may be known here in Louisville and throughout the world. Continue to pray that St. Matthews Baptist Church will invest all of their resources wisely and in a way that carries out the Great Commission.

IRONMAN OF LOUISVILLE

Wally, Elliott, Max and I spent the afternoon cheering Kelli Miller on at the Ironman here in Louisville. Kelli did a great job! Racing encourages all of us to "press on toward the goal." Seeing women and men of various ages cross the finish line with their hands raised and tears rolling down their face is pure inspiration.

Philippians 3:14 - I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Who Stole My Church? Interesting Article

http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2008/winter/21.88.html?start=6

AN INVESTMENT

I'm thrilled that SMBC invest in their young people. Teenagers are realistic, global, technological, transparent and visionaries. They also want to change the world and find solutions to injustice. I love our teenagers at St. Matthews!

HAVING FUN AT THE STATE FAIR!

HANGING OUT AT THE STATE FAIR!

A random teenage boy kindly gave Max a University of Kentucky basketball and he was so excited! Elliott had fun riding the rollercoasters!

“If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4

Tomara’s Commentary: The April 27, 2009 Newsweek magazine has a very intriguing article entitled Generation Me – A new book says we’re in a narcissism epidemic. Why you’re not so special. The article raises the following questions: Why is it that wide receiver Terrell Owens declares at a press conference that being labeled selfish is fine with him? Why is it that a college student would say – “If I show up to every class then I deserve at least a B”? Why is it that Donald Trump names everything he owns after himself and calls his detractors “losers?” Why is it that society encourages everyone to be a star – even if it is only on YouTube? Why is it that students hate to be told what to do? Why is it that young people feel that they need to have a supersized ego?

After reading this article I thought to myself, “I realize that not every young person is like this, but I have met a lot of young people who fit this narcissism epidemic.” What happened to young people being generous and thoughtful? What happened to young people being filled with compassion? Do young people really know what humility is? What happened to respect and being courteous and being helpful? What happened to putting others first?

Who of us adults have sat down recently with our children and discussed how we can really put others first? Are we instilling the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) within each other and within our children? Or are we too concerned that our own children will feel like failures if they don’t get what they want and in the process fail to teach them the resiliency skills they need when Mommy and Daddy can’t fix something?

Will you focus this week on the following words of Paul found in Philippians chapter 2: (The Message) If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Leadership

Every leader has burdens and difficulties and complaints, but nobody forces you into leadership. It is your choice and if you are given it--it is a privilege and a gift. And if you don't feel that way you should step down. Rabbi David Wolpe

Tonight during Student Impact, the high schoolers looked at the text from Hebrews 6:1-12. The author of Hebrews instructed the audience to leave the elementary teachings and move onto maturity. In our society today, what should maturity look like? Should all church leaders possess Spiritual maturity? Again, what does that look like? Are you maturing in your faith?

The Brown Vacation to Cumberland Lake

Brief update from our vacation...

We met some new friends from H5 in Apple Valley.
Skipped rocks.
Visited the Fish Hatchery.
Played Disc Golf.
Played Mini Golf.
Rode Horses.
Swam.
Went water skiing and tubing on the lake with our new friends.
Played a lot of Uno. (Max loves this game.)
Wally and Elliott played 18 holes on the big golf course in Russell Springs.
Max and I played tennis.
Ate good food.
We all slept in twin beds.
Learned new prayers.

All in all, we had a wonderful time together! Praise be to God!

STUDENT IMPACT BEGINS WEDNESDAY, August 19th at 6:30 pm

Please be in prayer as final preparations are being made for the 2009-2010 school year for our SMBC students in grades 7-12th! I am contemplating a few themes for the new school year. Our Youth motto is CONNECTGROWGO. We desire to connect students to Jesus (John 15:5) and to each other (1 Corinthians 12). As students journey through their youth ministry years, we desire that each student grows in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Once basic growth has taken place, we want students to go out into the world and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

If you have a few themes that you think might work for our student ministry this year, please send them to me at tbrown@smbclouisville.org!

The Disciplined Life

"Whoever has begun to pray the psalter seriously and regularly will soon give a vacation to other little devotional prayers and say: 'Ah, there is not the juice, the strength, the passion, the fire, which I find in the Psalter.'" Martin Luther

I recommend a great book: REFLECTIONS ON THE PSALMS by C.S. Lewis

Doing Something Right

Every once in a while, I will have people remind me of what isn't being done right. When this happens, I often think to myself, "but we've gotta be doing something right." After reading a recent article in the Summer 2009 edition of Leadership Journal, I was encouraged that St. Matthews Baptist Church is doing something right in Student Ministry. One statement that popped off the pages was the following quote: "There is a strong link between kids staying in church and their involvement in intergenerational relationships and worship."

WOW. So relationships are as important as worship styles? Yes. More Important. I'm so thankful that many adults have adopted our college students! I'm even more thankful that our church supports a Youth Led Sunday each year and let our students help lead worship in our Faith For Life Service and our Celebration Worship Service.

As I finished reading this article I realized that youth are far more interested in talking to caring, trustworthy adults than we think they are.

We've Moved Back!

Thanks to Everyone who made the move to the third floor possible. Our SMBC youth moved from the first floor to the third floor today and yesterday. We will begin meeting in our youth space this Sunday, August 2nd. Our goal is to have everything in place by Sunday, August 16th- which is the Sunday where all of our youth promote to their new Bible Study groups.

Last Full Day of Passport

Our last full day at Passport Camp was a blast! Our honor campers of the week have been Becca, Lizzie, John Mark, Adam, Christian, Jason and Steve. Our only Camper of the Week was Connor Logue! They were chosen as honor campers by their peers because they had great attitudes and worked hard on their mission sites and because they showed leadership in their choice groups.

We played some great volleyball this afternoon in the Annual Passport Tournament. One of our teams won the church league tournament but lost to the Passport Staff 21-17. They all did a great job.

Church group time tonight was filled with tears and happiness. Thanks to Adam W for sharing his musical gifts with us during this time. We shared lots of great memories of our recent High School graduates and gave them encouragement. After church group time came the Variety Show. Bethany, Dylan and Mandy participated in the Variety Show. Without a doubt, they all did great. Mandy almost passed out at the beginning of the duet with Dylan but she recovered nicely.

So [re]mix it is....2 Corinthians 5:17 - We are a new creation...the old has gone and the new has come.

PASSPORT [re]think

Today was another good day. Our theme for today was [re]think. Many of our older students connected very well with today's Bible Study! During church group devotion time tonight - I had our students [re]think what it means to be a "family." I asked students how many of them have felt judged by someone else in our group and almost all of them raised their hands. Then I asked how many of them have judged someone in the youth group...and almost all of them raised their hands. So, we had an honest discussion about it. Students were challenged by each other in many healthy ways. THEN....we went out to get ice cream!

Passport - [re]do

Great discussion took place today on the theme [re]do. We are all thankful God gives us second chances to correct our mistakes. But what if the mistakes didn't happen in our lives? Would we be the people we are today without learning from our failures and mistakes? [re]do gets to the heart of the second chances that God gives us. The consequences from our mistakes don't go away but we have the chance to make something beautiful out of our mistakes.

The students had a great time during their nightly party - The [re]United 80s Dance. There were lots of puffy sleeves in the room! And by the way...all the middle school girls think Graham is such a cutie!

RECREATION PARTY WAS A BLAST!

Recreation tonight was lots of fun! We had a good day. Some of our favorite activities for the day were Missions with kids, Missions on the Work-site, Curtain call choice and Recess choice!

Shelby, Kelsey and Kobe won the Recreation Party tonight!

FUN TIMES...

Check in at Passport today went really well. We left our hotel around 7 a.m. We had prayer time together on the bus. We prayed for SMBC and specifically Todd Deaton as he brought the message this morning. We made our stop at Walmart before checking into Wingate - buying lots of gatorade and snack food.

The youth had fun tonight meeting their Bible Study Leaders. Most students received their first choice for the week. We have students participating in Missions, Recreation, Soul Food, Tree Space and Curtain Call. Our Camp Pastor is from Texas. Les would definitely love him! Our worship leader is from Kenya. He's all dat and a bag of chips. Best of all (not really), Graham and John Mark's Bible Study Leader is a Duke Fan in Basketball and a Roll Time fan of Football. :)

We met up with Chris Cherry. He was waiting for us in the parking lot with a big smile on his face. I've missed him so it was good to see him. He, Corey and I talked about old times at Passport and the time some of them got in trouble for being late at Givin for the Gulf. Laugh. We also saw many old Passport Staffers who are not here as Youth ministers...Katie Furr for instance...love her.

The seventh grade girls have kept me on my toes. They are absolutely hilarious! During the opening night of camp each year, each church group does a little introduction. Tonight we did our introduction to ice ice baby. It was dope. FoSho.

Gotta GO. The bed is calling my name.

PASSPORT - HERE WE COME!

Tomorrow after lunch, over 40 students and adults will board the American Coach bus at SMBC and begin the journey to Passport Camp at Wingate Univerity in North Carolina. The camp theme this year is [re]mix based on 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.

"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Students will be challenged to Re-Think the way they live for Christ and Re-Act in ways that allow us to be the presence of Christ in the world.

Reflection on Voices in the Ville

During our worship times together - we focused on "sacrifice." One night during worship, I had the students complete this sentence: Because of the cross, we have (I have)....

I was blessed to see the responses and you will be blessed too.

Because of the cross we have a future.
Because of the cross God works everything for our good.
Because of the cross we are daughters and sons of God.
Because of the cross there is no condemnation.
Because of the cross our prayers are heard.
Because of the cross we have peace with God.
Because of the cross we can have the Spirit of God.
Because of the cross I have forgiveness of sins.
Because of the cross I have a smile.
Because of the cross I have a Savior.
Because of the cross I have eternal life.
Because of the cross I have freedom.
Because of the cross I have hope.
Because of the cross I have redemption.
Because of the cross I have a comfort.
Because of the cross I have a friend.
Because of the cross I have found acceptance with myself.
Because of the cross I have patience for my enemies.
Because of the cross I have a second chance.
Because of the cross I have security.
Because of the cross I have a Great Father.
Because of the cross I have a beautiful reality.
Because of the cross I have freedom from my anxiety.

Holiday World

Today was a great day at Holiday World. We took 39 students and parents. The rain stayed around until about 2 pm. Elliott rode rollarcoasters for the first time today and I'm so proud of him. He hung out with Dylan, Becca, Mandy and Jana today. Max and I hit the lazy river several times. The kiddy rides were too slow for Max so we basically stayed at the water park.
Thank you God for a safe and fun day!

Sunday, July 12

Today was a good day! Thanks to the Withers for hosting a great SNACK dinner tonight at their house for several of our SMBC students! We had a taco bar and yummy home made ice cream.

Tonight on the way home, I found out that the FBC of Shreveport lost one student in a bus crash. The bus was traveling to Macon GA to attend Passport Camp. Please pray for FBC and for Passport Staffers.

In light of our Mission Trip to Costa Rica - hear this prayer:

Lord, We like to think we are in control of our lives. We struggle with letting go of our "stuff." We think money and possessions buy life, buy contentment, and buy security. Yet we know deep inside that abundant life, true contentment, and true security are found only in you. Help us to see those who understand what it means to truly give, and help us respond to the challenge of their lives. Help us to remember that abundant life is found in giving away our lives! Amen!

John 10:10

I specifically pray for Pastor Angel and his family & for Lalo as they continue giving their lives away!

1 Thessalonians 2:8 sums up my experience and friendships in Costa Rica!

I was delighted not only to share the gospel with you but my life as well because you have become so dear to me!

The Poor Will Always Be With You

1 Thessalonians 2:8 - I was delighted to share not only the gospel with you but my life as well!

Tomorrow is our last day of ministry here in Costa Rica. It's going to be a sad one. I have pondered Jesus' words today: the poor will always be with you. The poverty here in Costa Rica is nothing compared to other parts of the world but it is still poverty. Kids need basic needs met such as shelter, food and clothing. Matthew 25 has been played several times in my heart during this trip. Read it now if you haven't. It is (in my opinion) one of those difficult passages in the Bible.

I spent the day at Pastor Angel's church. Andy and Wally finished their building project and I helped Shannon and Sara with VBS. They had 100 children there today. We went out into the community before VBS and invited children and many of them came. The kids loved the salvation bracelets. God's word never returns void! May God continue to remind each child and mom about the relationship He desires to have with them.

Jeff and Kelli spent their last day with us. They leave in the morning. I am glad that Jeff, Kelli and Corey were able to experience these past few days together.

Fun times! Thank You Jesus

Saw a Glimpse of Heaven Yesterday

I saw a glimpse of heaven today when two little boys jumped off their roof and jumped into Corey's arms. We were on our way back from visiting the River in La Carpio when these two boys were reunited with Corey. I can't wait to get to heaven and jump into the arms of my dad and the many others who have gone before me. Just as the Apostle Paul loved to be reunited with his friends from his missionary journeys, so I too love to be reunited with the people God has allowed me to meet through my journeys here in Costa Rica.

Update from the CR

Great day! We celebrated Wally's Birthday tonight after church with a Costa Rican BQue and an awesome birthday cake that I ordered this morning from a bakery in the barrio of La Carpio. The cake and the BQue were delicious. Andy shared his testimony tonight at church and it was powerful. For those of you who may not know...Andy lost both of his parents in a car accident. Andy was driving the car and survived. Many told him that he should have died too but it was a miracle that he was alive. Andy and Shannon married and began coming to church through Parents Day Out and were later baptized together while they were in their twenties.

Costa Rica Update #2

Today was a great day! We praised the Lord, visited Senora Paula in the barrio of Los Pinos and went to the Central Mercado to buy gifts for our friends and family! Our supplies arrived late yesterday so we can begin work tomorrow at Pastor Angel's church.

Centering Prayer

Each time I visit Costa Rica, I try to begin a new spiritual discipline. This time I have chosen Centering Prayer. I firmly believe all spiritual development begins with prayer. It has been my privilege on these quiet cool Costa Rican mornings to begin practicing Centering prayer. Centering Prayer simply means that you focus yourself only on Jesus - not your concerns or requests. You say his name over and over again as a way of maintaining your intimacy with Him. As you focus on the name of Jesus and the qualities of Jesus, you can feel the Spirit of God expand in your life!

Costa Rica Update

We are all safe and sound. It has been fun reconnecting with friends from last year! Missions is all about relationships - especially our relationship with our Lord Jesus! He is the one who works and we are the vessels! Friday was a typical slow work day as we made our 2 and 1/2 trip to the Hardware Store to order supplies for our construction projects.

Yesterday we visited Jaco Beach with friends from Alajuelita and La Carpio. Today we will be worshipping with Pastor Angel at his church in Alajuelita. Continue to pray for our safety and for God to be glorified!

Preparing for Costa Rica

Tonight has been an eventful night. I was at the church gathering the last of our supplies when Wally called and said my Passport was not in our safe. I became anxious then I prayed! In the meantime, Wally looks in his old backpack (the one he took with him to Costa Rica last year) and sure enough...he found it in a small pocket. The funny thing is that he also found his Bible in this backpack that he thought he lost last year at Student Life Camp.

I already miss Max and Elliott but they are with the grandparents. We really wanted Max to go with us this time but he said that he didn't want to fly in the airplane. Elliott went with Wally and I last year so he decided to stay here as well.

I'm practicing my espanol tonight. Como te llamas? Cuantos anos tenes? Cuando cumplis anos? Vas a la escuela? En que grado estas? Voy a estar aqui ocho dias. Te gusta? Que haces despues de la escuela? Tengo dos hijos. LISTO. Podria recommendar?? Le puedo pacar una foto? Hola. Estoy muy contento. Perdon. Con permiso. Con mucho gusto. Yo no uso drugas. Esto es divertido. Claro. La comida esta muy rica. Estuvo delicioso. Estoy llena.

TOGETHERNESS

There is "togetherness" on Mission Trips. And often it's the togetherness that inspires students to keep serving year after year! Not only is the "togetherness" being in the same room while playing a wicked game of I NEVER but togetherness is also about being on the same page. We eat "together." We meet for worship "together." We all share the experience of sleeping on the floor "together." We go places "together." We work "together." We share our testimonies "together." We laugh "together." We cry "together." "Together" we focus on Jesus and His mission.

We see this theme of "togetherness" develop throughout the book of Acts. In Acts 3 we learn that "together" they healed the sick and shared the good news with the lost. In Acts 4 we see how "together" they found courage to stand up and speak out. In Acts 5 one can read how "together" they withstood testing and persecution. In Acts 8 and 10, they broke down barriers and divisions of religion "together." And in Acts 10 the "togetherness" deepens as Peter the Jewish fisherman and Cornelius the Roman military officer became brothers in Christ.

I thank God for the "TOGETHERNESS" that is always found on Mission Trips!

MISSION TRIP 2009

WOW! This is our last full day of ministry so I want to update you! We began our time together Sunday night at St. Paul Methodist Church on Bardstown Road. HC Baker and his cooking crew fed us well and continue to feed us well. (I had Biscuits and Gravy this morning!) Our two construction sites started the workday on Monday with pouring rain. They remained patient and worked extra hard on Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday. We are always reminded on mission trips as to why construction projects take so long. Our students at the Fuller Center House on 316 North 20th have weeded, cut down trees, demolished a shed, removed plaster and removed debris from a garage. The house is ready to be roofed and once it is roofed, folks can begin work on the inside.

The Silver Heights crew has removed a roof and preparation work for a deck on the back of the Pastor's Cottage. They have also begun making a prayer walk for the camp. Our VBS site at the Baptist Fellowship Center has gone very well! They are sharing Jesus in a great way with children who are loving every minute of it! We also have had about 4 students at the warehouse of God's Design. They have painted a beautiful mural. Finally, we've had some really great students who have worked with Kentucky Refugee Ministries. They have organized supplies, moved things into an apartment for one of the refugee families and they are doing children's ministry this afternoon and working with the elderly this morning!

I am posting some pictures of our experiences! May God continue to be glorified through it all!

Greater Things Are Yet to Come

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

What did the Lord mean by "greater things?" How could anyone surpass the deeds of Jesus? He healed the sick, walked on water, restored sight to the blind, made the lame walk again and raised a a friend from the dead. I'm assuming that he meant that we as his disciples would do things that are greater, not in quality but in extent. Maybe Jesus meant by greater things that we as his disciples should produce moral and spiritual revolutions. For instance....at Pentecost the apostles converted 3,000 in one day.

Majority of college students choose no-commitment sex

DID YOU KNOW? 60% of college students in a recent survey have been in a "friends with benefits" relationship--a no-commitment sexual arrangement. The study was featured on FoxNews.com. The main "advantage" of such a relationship was "no commitment." The problem with this "no commitment" sexual relationship is that it is a dangerous trend that can lead to emotional problems, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

1 Corinthians 6:18 says to flee from sexual immorality.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP 2009

VOICES IN THE 'VILLE"

We are just two days from beginning our mission trip here in our own city of Louisville. Final plans are being finalized! God is so good. Over 50 studetns and 20 adults will be serving throughout Kentuckiana. Our main ministry sites are as follows:

FULLER CENTER FOR HOUSING
...at 316 North 20th street...
(Partnering with Word of Faith Church - Pastor Les Flemons)

SILVER HEIGHTS CAMP
...in New Albany Indiana...

KENTUCKY REFUGEE MINISTRIES/AMERICANA

BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP CENTER