Nazca

Our team has made it to Nazca. The most difficult part of the very long journey is now complete for this trip. The very long journey to see the people of Cabana come to know Christ and His love is still just beginning. Our two teams have witnessed God opening some new doors in the village. Your prayers have helped accomplish this! We will arrive in Lima this evening and then fly home late tomorrow night. Our sons have been incredible in many, many ways. It has been a great blessing to see how God has used them for His glory.

Just a reminder that the Peru team is traveling home today. Please keep them in your prayers during the next 24 hours. The trip is long, winding and hard.

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God is so good...

We have already experienced God's provisions as we have made the journey here to Cabana. Our trip could not have been any easier - well a helicopter would help here. It was a very different experience arriving in a large minivan instead of on the combi. We have made arrangements for the same driver to bring us back to Nazca on Tuesday. God has basically given us an extra day here in Cabana because of the time that we arrived yesterday.

All of the team did great during the bus ride. Our sons have been incredible. We did not hear a single complaint from them since we left Ocala. Once we arrived here in Cabana we realized early on that God is going to use the boys to build bridges into the lives of the people here. The boys have already begun to make friendships with other boys, too. Last night they sat at a table with a Peruvian boy and spoke to him through one of our interpreters. It was awesome to see them interact!

Today we will meet with our friend Luisa who was baptized in 2009. We will meet this evening with Irene who agreed to let us come to her restaurant and have a Bible study. Please pray for us as we seek to communicate with them about what it means to have a relationship with Jesus.

Cabana has a new mayor. We are excited to meet with him tomorrow. We have already developed a relationship with his family. Romer is his son and he was one of the first boys that we met when we arrived in 2008.

Thanks for your encouragement and more importantly your prayers. Please pray that God puts us in the paths of the people that he wants us to meet this week.

If you see our families - hug on them and let them know that their boys miss them!

Cabana!

The team made it safely to Cabana this afternoon.  What an answer to prayer! We (the moms) were a little nervous about the Combi ride up the mountain from Puquio to Cabana.  However, they found a minivan to take the whole team instead of the Combi. Yay! The same driver might even be able to pick them up for the return trip.

Word from the team is that everyone is doing great.  Stay tuned!

Our team is doing great here in Lima. We have been meeting today with our International Mission Board missionaries, interpreters and debriefing our mission team that has been on the field since last week.

Larry and David did a tremendous job here in Peru. They have met several new people in Cabana and setup some appointments for us in the village. 

We begin our bus journey tonight at 9:45PM which is about 3 hours later than what we had anticipated. We will arrive in Puquio around 8AM. Please pray that we get a connecting ride to our village very soon after we arrive because we will still have about 4 hours of travel left to enjoy. Those 4 hours will be the longest of the journey.

We are very encouraged by what we have learned today about God's activity in Cabana. May He use our lives to further His work - for His glory.

Kevin

Arrived in Peru

Team 1 and Team 2 met up in Lima last night.  We just heard from them this morning and they are all doing well.  They have met up with our missionary contact, Michael Weaver in Lima. It was so great to hear their voices!

And they are off!

Peru Today!

For the past 9 days, David and Larry have been in Peru. They have been reestablishing contacts, tracking down information and encouraging the handful of believers in Cabana. Today, we send a team of 8 to meet with them in Lima tomorrow. David and Larry will journey home late tomorrow night and this team of 8 will head to Cabana to continue the work.

Please pray for these men that have gone already and those going today. Please also remember their families here in Ocala. Here is a pic of David & Larry. When possible, the team leaving today will post to this blog. Please leave them a comment to encourage them. We will do our best to post the comments as soon as we can.

Uganda Team Post #6

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Think about the most unique gift you’ve ever been given. Can it compare to a live chicken with its feet bound, a bag of ground nuts, and a rare fruit that the Nationals couldn’t name easily. During our visitation today these are the gifts we received. We couldn’t believe the generosity of the Ugandans once again, giving their best for their honored guests, which we felt so unworthy to receive. A total of 20 home visits were made today. We heard some amazing testimonies about how the mothers came to know Jesus. These people are so content with so little compared with Americans who always want more and more and more.

The men completed work on the fence with the delivered posts. 71 were done yesterday with 40 more done today, for a total of 111. In the next few weeks the fence will be completed for a total of 140 fence posts. Ken and Ron have worked alongside the Nationals, learning their stories, encouraging them, and being blessed by their hard work.

While the team has been split working on the fence and on visitation, the people’s lives we came in contact with were intertwined. David, the hardest worker on the construction team is also struggling with some mental and spiritual issues. Ron and Ken have made a strong connection with him during their work this week, showing him the true compassion and love of Christ. Today, one of the houses visited was the mother of David. She admitted that she has struggled with having faith since David’s difficulties have occurred. We were able to pray with her and encourage her with scripture pointing her to the forgiveness of Jesus in all situations that life throws at us. The team requests special prayers for David and his mother, for peace and salvation for both of them.

186 children and 56 adults were touched by team members today. Please pray for these people to all realize the good news of Jesus Christ. As we wrap up the week, it is hard to believe our time here in Kamonkoli is almost done. Tomorrow we are going on an outing to Sipi Falls and to the baboons, so please pray for safety, continued good health, and for opportunities to show the love of Christ with those that will be with us on the trip. God bless.

Uganda Team Post #5

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Visitation – 153 children, 24 adults

Fence – 26 workers, 15 children observing

At least 218 people we touched today

The impact on the team members – PRICELESS!

From the morning devotion Amber read the scriptures about the harvest being plentiful but the workers being few in Matthew and how we aren’t to grow weary in doing good. Immediately upon reviewing the scripture the Holy Spirit prompted her to look out the window where a man was “mowing” the grass with a machete. This was very revealing to all of the team members present because we are so blessed with all of the amenities back home. We complain about having to mow the lawn with our gas powered mowers and weed eaters, but this man has steadily worked on the yard for hours and he won’t stop until the task is complete.

The home visits were especially powerful today because we had more time at each residence to sit and visit and pray with each family. One mother, Irene, in particular was so excited to see us that she welcomed us with an “olation” a chant of thanksgiving which is a high pitched shrill noise made by vibrating your tongue very quickly and screaming loudly. As supplies were brought out of the van she took us unashamedly into her home to lock the precious food away. Rag dolls were passed out to all of the children at her house as well as “sweeties,” bracelets, and baby clothes. Sitting and listening to the stories of their crops, sickness, and struggles, it was a special time of encouragement and fellowship. Irene even put on her best dress for some special pictures to be taken. As we were driving away in the van Irene was crossing her arms telling us how she loves us.

Various team members took turns delegating tasks at the homes. At one, the team member leading the visit, she made such a connection with the mother Jane that Jane gave us a large bag of ground nuts, despite the fact her family has so little food. It was humbling. Another home which touched our hearts was the home of James and Faith who were married in 1950. They couldn’t remember their ages, just that they were married when still in their youth. James shared his testimony about being in the darkness, but then a missionary came and he came to know Christ. He also talked about the healing in his leg after the prayer of another missionary. It was touching to hear his story.

The men were exhausted after putting in a full day’s work pouring concrete (2 wheelbarrows per hole), into the holes. They completed a total of 71 between yesterday and today. Working alongside the Nationals gave the men time for meaningful fellowship.

Dinner at Katherine’s was the icing on the cake of the day as we had a devotion led by one of her girls as well as beautiful worship. Please remember our team in your prayers, for continued strength, health, and endurance as we wind down the week.

Uganda Team Post #3

Monday, 8/8/2011

Holes…what does that conjure in your mind? For the team here the word will never again be the same. Starting our work project on the fence this morning at 8:30 am we set off from Katherine’s with a machete, grub hoes, shovels, and post hole diggers in hand. Little did we know that this would be the most backbreaking work any of us had ever done. The line was pulled, stakes were placed to indicate where to dig, and the work began. The ladies on the team worked together doing 1 hole to the Ugandans 3-4 in the same time frame. According to the Nationals they were “well done.” The fields where holes were being dug were surrounded by cassava, ground nuts, banana trees, and corn. As we worked children and teenagers showed up to watch. Due to the schedule being held up, the ladies returned to the compound to organize leftover clothes for distribution in the village tomorrow, while the men stayed to work until lunch. There were 38 volunteers working on the fence both men and women. After lunch the men returned to work digging holes, while the women had some much needed rest as well as preparing for the women’s Bible study.

We got the opportunity to do a home visit with a woman who lives on the compound, and she welcomed us into her home providing drinks and Ugandan hospitality. She shared pictures of her family as well as some of her personal story. It was a blessing to see her humble surroundings, while she displayed a graciousness rarely seen in the US. This woman like many works so hard for so little, but still she is very proud of what she has. We also got to visit with some other women who were open to share what their lives are like here in Kamonkoli, and once again we were all reminded how blessed we are where we live.

What continues to amaze us is that despite the poverty, these people are happy and kind and open to our presence and help. Even in the midst of adversity, which Todd experienced in the hospital today with the loss of 2 babies, one of the father’s was proclaiming, “God is good!” Even through our exhaustion and pain and compassion overload, God is good, ALL THE TIME! Thank you for your continued prayers.

2nd Post from Uganda team

Sunday 8/7/11 in Kamonkoli

Nothing in the US can compare to worship in Uganda. The spirit of worship present from the oldest to the youngest was contagious. When is the last time you gave your best in the offering plate at church? As the offering basket was passed this morning coins, eggs, and corn were given as their best to God. Would you ever expect to see your 80 year old grandmother dancing in the front row of church? “Mongeri” did just that as the oldest woman in the congregation. Children were ushered to the front stage to make room for overflow that continued all throughout the service. There were 300 adults and 400 children present for worship with many listening from outside the building and in the small balcony. “BC Homes” a favorite returning guest made an appearance with Julie in Sunday School sharing with the children the story of Elisha and Elijah. The children were leaning forward in anticipation watching “BC” perform.

VBS today almost 440 children were present. Our schedule did not quite go as anticipated, but as all who have been on mission trips before, flexibility is the key, and God’s plan was executed. In crafts making salvation beaded bracelets with over 100 children at the same time, seemed to be a daunting task. However, the Holy Spirit intervened and calmed the children and the “it can’t be done craft” turned into “We did it!”

After completing VBS the children were lined up, in 4 lines of 100 children each, to distribute clothes which were donated by many team members at home. We started out with 15 beautifully handmade pillowcase dresses in varying sizes. We had no difficulty in locating girls to replace their raggedy, tattered dresses, many not even fitting or zipped up. The smiles from a simple dress, that we know will be recycled for many years to come, were indescribable. For the remaining children some chaos ensued with the excitement of the new clothes. We had them separated into boys and girls and specific sizes, but matching the clothes with the child was no easy task. Towards the end we were frazzled. No longer were we working with complete outfits, but we were lucky to provide just one short or pair of bottoms. It was at this point our team was faced with the reality that we can’t fix it all. The needs are too great. The number of children represented at church today is only a fraction of the children in need here in Kamonkoli. We need more resources, more hands and feet, and continued prayers. Tomorrow the women will begin home visits in the bush and the men will start construction on the new chain link fence.

Since being here several of our team members have received news of family emergencies back home, so please pray for them here and the family members left at home to deal with these situations without them.

1st Post from Uganda Team

Uganda Mission Team 2011: Ron Gunter, Christ Church, Miami; Julie Boyd, First Baptist at the Mall, Lakeland; Shannon Lyles, Bonnie Weekes, Pat McGinnis, Ken DeMoliner First Baptist Ocala; Amber Dufrene, Westgate Church with special Guest Todd Griffin, Christ United Methodist, Fairview Heights Illinois. Took off from Orlando & St Louis to Atlanta to Amsterdam to Kijali Rwanda to final destination Entebbe Uganda. After over 24 hours of travel we arrived safely and drove to Kampala to spend the night in a hotel. Then, a morning at the market to buy supplies and we headed off on a 5 hour drive to Kamonkoli.

The sites passed were amazing. People everywhere going about their daily lives in the various villages. The traffic in the worst city of the USA cannot compare…buses honking, 3 people on bicycles, motorcycles with 2 people, pedestrians, people “hawking” their goods, trucks with dead chickens on the roof…you name it, we saw it! All of this even before we arrived at our destination. After resting and having a special night of dinner worship ( lead by Peace), and playing with the children at Katherine’s home we had to sort through the donations and VBS supplies. As we sorted through the suitcases we were in awe of the generosity of all of the team members who did not physically come on the trip but have made our efforts a success already, and we thank you all.

Day 2 Kamonkoli: “Vacation Bible School”, three words that conjure fear in the hearts of even the most committed Christian’s. However, try doing it in a foreign country like Uganda, Africa. You know it’s going to be rough when you have over 100 show up in your first craft session, over 100 show up in your first Bible Story Lesson and almost 160 for recreation . No amount of pre-planning could have prepared us for this adventure. In our minds we had the Bible Stories planned, the crafts were set aside with great detail. Songs were practiced and all the Fun and Games were ready to be played by all. We had the hatch of an SUV full of beach balls, balloons, soccer balls, and loads of fun. How could it not be successful, right? Little did we know that in less than 2 hours almost 500 children would show up hungry for God’s word, attention, fun and Grace.

We take a lot for granted in the USA. We assume that all children know how to use scissors, glue sticks, and cotton balls. We assume they understand all basic Bible stories and know all games like Duck Duck Goose, however, that is not the case here. Crafts resulted in more than just the sheep being glittered. Once the kids discovered the glitter many were covered from head to toe. Recreation run by 2 people was overwhelming but rewarding nonetheless. Bible study sessions taught Isaiah 43:1 that “The Father called you by name and you are Mine” first, and then John 14:2 that “In my Father’s house there are many rooms” which focused on the promise of Heaven and the story of salvation was presented. Despite the torrential rainstorm that cancelled the second craft and recreation session God was present.

In music we intended to enlighten them when in actuality they taught us about their deep love of Jesus through their music, songs and dancing. It was a powerfully moving time listening and watching the simple praises of 500 children. With 3 groups we also had a praise and worship Conga line out of the church and back inside. After word spreads of candy, fun, glitter, games, worship, silly songs, and Bible study we anticipate even more children tomorrow after church. Please continue to pray for the team and the lives that will be impacted.

Jamaica Team Video

This video is a summary of photos from the recent trip to Jamaica. Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D9NZI_B7vA

Uganda Mission Team

Please join us in praying for the Uganda Mission Team that left this morning for Kamonkoli, Uganda.

Our team of 4 is traveling with 4 others from the Florida Baptist Children’s Home and working with the Hines Ugandan Ministries to visit with the children the ministry takes care of and to help build a fence.

The team will hopefully have a chance to post regularly at the following blog:
http://fbchinternationalchildcare.blogspot.com/

A very long and hard work day

Our team had a very long, hot and physically challenging day here in Jamaica. Everyone is doing well as we seek to be God's instruments to do His ministry here. Our team is working together in a very wonderful way. It has been a blessing to watch how God has brought together the team members as they serve together. Thanks for praying for our team.

Another great day

Our team had another great work day on the building. It is very hot here and the work requires lots of carrying heavy things like concrete blocks and buckets of cement. We visited an infirmary in the afternoon where we were able to hopefully encourage many residents. Thanks for your prayers. You can find a short video on many of our Facebook pages that will give you a glimpse of the joy that this team is experiencing.

Doing Great in Jamaica

We are all doing well here in Jamaica. Thanks for your prayers. Yesterday we were so blessed with the opportunity to rain down God's love on the local Jamaicans, and blessed to experience their willingness to serve alongside of us. We're anxious for what tomorrow will bring as we continue to work in the morning and later visit the infirmary.

Arrived!

Just heard from Kevin that the team arrived in Jamaica and are doing well. They also caught up with Makarios (Ms. Colleen's grandson) who had flown from Baltimore. So they are now all together and headed to the villas where they will be staying this week. Thank you for praying!

Jamaica 2011

The Jamaica team is on the way! 29 folks are headed to St. Ann's Bay to join IsleGo Ministries and another team from Northland. Together they will work on construction projects and visit a local infirmary. Please pray for their travel and for them to experience all that God has in store for this incredible team.

Alaska Team begins their journey

15 team members hit the road for the airport early this morning. Please pray for them as they experience a very long time of travel today.

Mike McGinnis is leading the team. Ask God to give Mike spiritual wisdom as he leads this team while they serve at a youth camp in Wasilla, Alaska.

Here is a group photo of the team as they prepared to depart.

Headed Home

More Pics

We had already cut away half of the tree on the top before we took the picture. We are working together on this job with the team from Idlewild.

Lots to do...

The amount of work that is needed here in Alabama is overwhelming. We have witnessed some very tough situations over the years but this one is right up at the top of the list. The destruction just continues once you enter the storm zone.

Our team has done a great job of not only cleaning up debris but also - and more importantly - helped folks by engaging them in spiritual conversations.

We visited Ray again today after spending yesterday with him working on his yard. He actually got out and worked with this team. This rarely happens! At the end of the day Ray is still considering "getting right with The Lord" (his words) and I believe he is well on his way. I love talking with someone who is really counting the cost of following Jesus. He could have easily said a prayer and sent us on our way but he was more honest than that. I would have come all of the way up here and worked in this capacity for a week just to have this conversation with Ray. It was a very genuine conversation that has now lasted for several hours.

Andrew Vanover has done wonderful serving as our team chaplain. While our team is cutting up trees, Andrew is walking through the neighborhood talking with other folks. God is really using him!

We helped a man named John today with the trees that had fallen during the storm. While we were working Andrew and another Chaplain named Will spent the afternoon ministering to John. He has some very real issues that could use our prayers and encouragement.

Our truck continues to give us problems. We put it back in the shop today. We remind ourselves how blessed we are that there is a Ford dealership in this town that works on diesels and has the parts in stock. They hope to have it ready for us tomorrow afternoon so that we can come home on Saturday.

Here is a picture of Ray and a Methodist church in Cordova that was damaged by the storm. There were actually many folks in the basment of the church when the tornado hit. They all survived.

Thanks for praying for our team and more importantly for the folks here in Alabama.

More Pics

These photos were taken in Cordova - about 12 miles southeast of Jasper, where the team is stationed out of. The metal frame in this last picture used to be a mobile home. The middle picture shows the team working with Ray to clean his yard.

A Hard, Cold, Wet, Glorious Day

Our folks are tough. I mean TOUGH. Today started off hard and just seemed to keep getting harder but our Disaster Relief folks of the Southern Baptist Convention continue to make a difference here in Alabama. Not many of us were prepared for the cold that we experienced today. 49 degrees is not that cold unless you are getting rained on and blown around. It felt miserable at times.

But it is hard to complain when you look around and see complete devastation. We had several opportunities to help folks clean up the wreck left by the storms but most importantly we had several opportunities to find out the spiritual condition of many people. We can help clean up their yards but God can change their hearts by introducing them to an everlasting love and peace. What greater need could they have?

Please pray for our teams. They have HUGE trees here and they are scattered everywhere. You will see one monster oak tree that was split down the middle - landing several feet apart. The picture does not do it justice - it is an amazing sight.

Please pray for our new friend Ray. He lost his wife in February and has now watched a storm tear apart his community. We had a great discussion today about his spiritual condition. Folks who had known him all of his life could not believe that he would even talk with me about Jesus. Quite frankly, it was an easy conversation. Ray is hurting and alone. He needs a savior. I am praying that he meets him tonight. I asked him to spend the evening just talking with God asking Him if he was really saved before. I can't wait to find out what God told him... We hope to get back to his house tomorrow.

Thanks for your prayers - they make the difference.

Kevin