Rev Debra and her team just returned from Tanzania and Burundi last week. Yesterday Shannon had a phone conversation with Debra about the trip and the land. The team was able to travel from Mwanza, by ferry and Land Rover, to the property. It is located across the channel from Mwanza. The land is about 15 minutes from where the ferry dropped them off via a fairly bad road(ahh, Africa...). Rev Debra thinks that with a little work on the road it could be turned into a 5 minute trip. The land is 30 acres of mostly tillable land that was being farmed. There is no one currently living on the property so those that were paid for the property were farming it. There are some mango trees and the exciting part is that there is a small mountain on the property. There are several reasons we want a large hill or mountain. It will be a great place to put a radio tower to broadcast God's word to the nation. Also, it will be a great place to locate a wind turbine to generate electricity which is not currently in the area. It sounds like there are plans for electricity to be in that area in the next few years but we are well aware of few years may be closer to many years, especially in Africa. A city council member is very excited about the ministry coming to the area and was involved in obtaining many signatures from area residents encouraging the farmers to sell us the property. The entire community is looking forward to the ministry's arrival which excites us greatly. Here is what Rev Debra had to say in her recent prayer chain email newsletter:
We were AMAZED to see the beautiful 25 + acre piece of property that now belongs to ETG Ministries! It has 'million dollar' views of Lake Victoria, mango trees, good farm land and even a small mountain - Glory Mountain - which we climbed, anointed, and had communion on! Pray for the remaining acreage ETG is expecting. None of what we saw is actual lake frontage, BUT the official who showed us the property lines was approached that very morning by a "squatter" who had adjoining lake frontage and wanted help in "selling" it! God is so AWESOME! Also, pray for favor with Engineering Ministries International - that they will approve the ETG application for their services for the Tanzania property.
This is good news and we are excited, and just a bit nervous, to see what God does next.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Fireproof-Movie Review
About a year ago we saw the movie Facing the Giants. It's a football themed movie that was put out by a church- yep, a church- in Albany, Georgia. The church had a budget of $100,000 and with that money they were able to put together a great film that included Christianity without it being the "in your face Christianity" that offends so many. It was a movie they had produced for their area as an outreach tool that ended up going nationwide and was pretty popular. We were so impressed with the movie and the church's efforts, we bought a copy of our own.
Two nights ago, we rented the movie, Flywheel. Flywheel was the first efforts of the same church to put together a movie several years prior to Facing the Giants. Though filmed with a $20,0000 budget which limited them in sound quality somewhat it was still a great story with a saving message.
Last night, Fireproof was released. Sherwood Baptists Church third film was a hit for our entire family. We do not go to see films in the theaters very often but this one was a must for us. It was important to us that we be a part of the opening weekend crowd, to show Hollywood that these are the types of movies we want to see.
The movie was all we expected it to be. A story of a heroic firefighter and his wife and their struggling marriage. Lest you think this was a "chick flick" that would be of no interest to the guys can I just say that there were fire and explosions, firehouse humor(clean) and relationships. We watch as this adorable couple decides it is time to end their marriage. The father of the firefighter requests that he give it 40 days before filing for a divorce and sends him a book called The Love Dare. The book has 40 ideas, one per day, of ways for him to show love to his wife and as he follows its suggestions he finds it to not be working. It isn't until he finally comes to the realization that he can't give something to his wife that he doesn't have to give that there is a turning point in the story. Without giving any further info and possibly spoiling the movie for you I think it is fair to say that the movie gets 6 thumbs up from the 6 of us that went. Get to it if you can.
Two nights ago, we rented the movie, Flywheel. Flywheel was the first efforts of the same church to put together a movie several years prior to Facing the Giants. Though filmed with a $20,0000 budget which limited them in sound quality somewhat it was still a great story with a saving message.
Last night, Fireproof was released. Sherwood Baptists Church third film was a hit for our entire family. We do not go to see films in the theaters very often but this one was a must for us. It was important to us that we be a part of the opening weekend crowd, to show Hollywood that these are the types of movies we want to see.
The movie was all we expected it to be. A story of a heroic firefighter and his wife and their struggling marriage. Lest you think this was a "chick flick" that would be of no interest to the guys can I just say that there were fire and explosions, firehouse humor(clean) and relationships. We watch as this adorable couple decides it is time to end their marriage. The father of the firefighter requests that he give it 40 days before filing for a divorce and sends him a book called The Love Dare. The book has 40 ideas, one per day, of ways for him to show love to his wife and as he follows its suggestions he finds it to not be working. It isn't until he finally comes to the realization that he can't give something to his wife that he doesn't have to give that there is a turning point in the story. Without giving any further info and possibly spoiling the movie for you I think it is fair to say that the movie gets 6 thumbs up from the 6 of us that went. Get to it if you can.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
FIREPROOF!-Coming Soon!
This new movie, by the creators of Facing the Giants is going to be one of the few films we won't wait to see on video.
Show your local theaters you want to see more movies like this by being there during opening week.
Show your local theaters you want to see more movies like this by being there during opening week.
Refreshing
As my children have gotten older it has been difficult to find them modest clothing, good television(is that an oxymoron?) and wholesome music. In a world of clothing that shows belly buttons and cleavage on girls barely out of diapers it has been a struggle for sure. In a world of music and video that has swear words I hadn't even heard yet, words that would make a sailor, or in my case, a Marine Corps veteran, blush, it has also been a struggle to find good music. In a world that has young girls literally worshiping Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus, we have tried hard to steer our girls away from that.
Recently we discovered a couple of musical groups that have us wanting to tell the world about them.
PureNRG is a trio of tweens that can sing and dance to the delight of any tween girl. A group of two gals and a guy, they sing a lot of older, clean but fun songs like "Footloose" and have a few of their own as well. They have some Christian music and are moving into more worship songs as well. Jordan, the guy of the trio has this to say about their newest album, "“Here We Go Again” opens with the buoyant title track, a high-energy tune with a catchy chorus that is an instant sing along. “Any Which Way” continues the good time vibe, and Jordan cites it among his favorites on the album. “It’s saying to give yourself to God and to let Him take you wherever He wants you to go, and that’s what we do.” As a mom, I find myself excited about these energetic kids.
The Rubyz is made up of three young ladies aged 13-17 whose name comes straight from the book of Proverbs-"A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies." -Proverbs 31:10. Their first album came out this past April and their goal is to fill a void in the mainstream media. to tell young ladies that they are valuable and that it is ok to be young and there is no hurry to grow up faster than God desires, that it is good to act and dress your age.
I hope if you have any young children, and even if you don't, you can get your hands on one or more of the albums put out by these adorable kids.
Recently we discovered a couple of musical groups that have us wanting to tell the world about them.
PureNRG is a trio of tweens that can sing and dance to the delight of any tween girl. A group of two gals and a guy, they sing a lot of older, clean but fun songs like "Footloose" and have a few of their own as well. They have some Christian music and are moving into more worship songs as well. Jordan, the guy of the trio has this to say about their newest album, "“Here We Go Again” opens with the buoyant title track, a high-energy tune with a catchy chorus that is an instant sing along. “Any Which Way” continues the good time vibe, and Jordan cites it among his favorites on the album. “It’s saying to give yourself to God and to let Him take you wherever He wants you to go, and that’s what we do.” As a mom, I find myself excited about these energetic kids.
The Rubyz is made up of three young ladies aged 13-17 whose name comes straight from the book of Proverbs-"A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies." -Proverbs 31:10. Their first album came out this past April and their goal is to fill a void in the mainstream media. to tell young ladies that they are valuable and that it is ok to be young and there is no hurry to grow up faster than God desires, that it is good to act and dress your age.
I hope if you have any young children, and even if you don't, you can get your hands on one or more of the albums put out by these adorable kids.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Stay at Home Mom?
When I first started having children, being a stay-at-home Mom wasn't a really big priority in my life. As more children came along, out of necessity I stayed home and left my job with the post office. At the time I was a rural carrier sub in a small town we lived in at the time but childcare was just too expensive. That was when I was actually paying childcare for 3, sometimes 4 and it didn't pay to work. As the children got older, I started working again at my current post office, again as a rural carrier sub. It's a job I really enjoy-being out in nature, seeing animals and the peace and quiet...well most of the time. The bad days are when it is raining or a windy winter day and I get a flat tire.
The spring of 2007 brought a letter to my mailbox from the Census Bureau. I had worked for them during the 2000 population count. The letter was inviting me to a testing and interview session in the area for "part-time intermittent" work. I decided to check it out. When I was offered the job, Shannon and I both thought it was a great idea. We had recently stopped doing foster care so didn't have young children in and out as much. Our own children were getting older and able to be along once in awhile and paying private school tuition for two of the children was really stretching us financially. We also saw an opportunity to bring in some extra income to help pay off debt. We both knew that we couldn't move to Tanzania with a debt load here. I took the job, happily plugging away on survey work about 20-30 hours per month. I found the work itself to be a challenge but also fun to travel over a 5 county area near our home meeting people and seeing the countyside.
Recently another survey was added to my position and it has increased my workload dramatically. Dramatically as in, I have worked about 90 hours so far this month with another 15 or so to go. This particular survey will have a very heavy workload through the rest of the year but in January will have me doing most of my work at home by phone.
For the first time in a long time though I find myself feeling very divided. I feel that my first God-given responsibility is to my husband and children-to being a helpmeet to Shannon, to raising our children together and being available for them, cleaning our home and cooking-you know, the stay-at-home Mom kind of stuff. The Census Bureau loves my work and are trying to move me into more full-time work. They think they are doing me a favor. They are, I appreciate the hours and pay and the benefits that will be starting soon but it is so hard. I feel like I am letting down my family and myself but I also know that for this time, earning this income to pay down debt and tuition is what I need to be doing.
I hate being gone on the weekends and in the evenings, being unable to make plans with extended family for the times when most people are off work. It's frustrating to me but a necessity as well.
Please keep our family in your prayers through these next several months as we adjust to me being away even more than I had been. We are hopeful that once January comes and the work turns into mostly phone calling I'll be able to keep up the pace without so much struggle.
Oh and by the way, that's why I haven't been posting as much. When I am home, being on the computer is pretty low priority, at least for the time being.
The spring of 2007 brought a letter to my mailbox from the Census Bureau. I had worked for them during the 2000 population count. The letter was inviting me to a testing and interview session in the area for "part-time intermittent" work. I decided to check it out. When I was offered the job, Shannon and I both thought it was a great idea. We had recently stopped doing foster care so didn't have young children in and out as much. Our own children were getting older and able to be along once in awhile and paying private school tuition for two of the children was really stretching us financially. We also saw an opportunity to bring in some extra income to help pay off debt. We both knew that we couldn't move to Tanzania with a debt load here. I took the job, happily plugging away on survey work about 20-30 hours per month. I found the work itself to be a challenge but also fun to travel over a 5 county area near our home meeting people and seeing the countyside.
Recently another survey was added to my position and it has increased my workload dramatically. Dramatically as in, I have worked about 90 hours so far this month with another 15 or so to go. This particular survey will have a very heavy workload through the rest of the year but in January will have me doing most of my work at home by phone.
For the first time in a long time though I find myself feeling very divided. I feel that my first God-given responsibility is to my husband and children-to being a helpmeet to Shannon, to raising our children together and being available for them, cleaning our home and cooking-you know, the stay-at-home Mom kind of stuff. The Census Bureau loves my work and are trying to move me into more full-time work. They think they are doing me a favor. They are, I appreciate the hours and pay and the benefits that will be starting soon but it is so hard. I feel like I am letting down my family and myself but I also know that for this time, earning this income to pay down debt and tuition is what I need to be doing.
I hate being gone on the weekends and in the evenings, being unable to make plans with extended family for the times when most people are off work. It's frustrating to me but a necessity as well.
Please keep our family in your prayers through these next several months as we adjust to me being away even more than I had been. We are hopeful that once January comes and the work turns into mostly phone calling I'll be able to keep up the pace without so much struggle.
Oh and by the way, that's why I haven't been posting as much. When I am home, being on the computer is pretty low priority, at least for the time being.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Still Missing in Action...
After returning from our 8 days in the Black Hills, I was home for a literal 22 hours before leaving again. I hurriedly unpacked bags and did laundry, spent a few hours at church Sunday morning, then packed my bags again to leave for a training for my job with the Census Bureau. The Bureau has added an additional survey to my assignment, effectively doubling my workload. I spent 5 days there before returning home to prepare everyone, including myself, for a new school year.
We did spend Labor Day at Christine's parent's lake home where we visited with my parents, my sister, and several aunts and uncles and a cousin. It was nice to see my Aunt Karen from Hawaii who I hadn't seen for many years. My cousin and Evan, in their adventurous mood, took the boat over to the old railroad bridge across the lake. They were hoping to jump off of it as they had seen others do in the past. Before jumping we told them they had to measure the depth of the water. Using a rock and a rope they discovered the water to be only 7 feet deep this late in the year, so to my mother's relief they put that activity aside for another year, maybe in the spring when the water is deepest.
We are still trying to find a routine that works for us this year. With my post office and Census Bureau jobs, homeschooling two of the children and other activities and scheduled appointments, life is pretty crazy busy. I am working a lot more evenings and weekends than I did in the summer which I hate but find necessary. It has made our Sunday's all the more precious a we try hard to keep them completely unplanned except for church services. Funny thing is, those are busy too as Molly serves on the praise and worship team in Kid's church during the first service and Collin has his High School praise and worship team rehearsal during the second. I don't mind too much as I like to be there for both services to be in the choir loft anyway.
At church last evening, I was reminded of the importance of taking time each day to listen for God. So often we complain that God is speaking to us but I think the question is usually, "Are we listening?" I start a bible study this Wednesday that will force me to get in the word more. I say "force" although once I get there I very much enjoy it.
As stated in an earlier post, Rev. Debra and a team are in Tanzania right now. We know they were planning to visit the property while they are there and also attending a wedding. Along with ministry in several cities in Tanzania as well as the country of Burundi, they have a full schedule too. Please keep them and the ministry they are doing in your prayers.
We did spend Labor Day at Christine's parent's lake home where we visited with my parents, my sister, and several aunts and uncles and a cousin. It was nice to see my Aunt Karen from Hawaii who I hadn't seen for many years. My cousin and Evan, in their adventurous mood, took the boat over to the old railroad bridge across the lake. They were hoping to jump off of it as they had seen others do in the past. Before jumping we told them they had to measure the depth of the water. Using a rock and a rope they discovered the water to be only 7 feet deep this late in the year, so to my mother's relief they put that activity aside for another year, maybe in the spring when the water is deepest.
We are still trying to find a routine that works for us this year. With my post office and Census Bureau jobs, homeschooling two of the children and other activities and scheduled appointments, life is pretty crazy busy. I am working a lot more evenings and weekends than I did in the summer which I hate but find necessary. It has made our Sunday's all the more precious a we try hard to keep them completely unplanned except for church services. Funny thing is, those are busy too as Molly serves on the praise and worship team in Kid's church during the first service and Collin has his High School praise and worship team rehearsal during the second. I don't mind too much as I like to be there for both services to be in the choir loft anyway.
At church last evening, I was reminded of the importance of taking time each day to listen for God. So often we complain that God is speaking to us but I think the question is usually, "Are we listening?" I start a bible study this Wednesday that will force me to get in the word more. I say "force" although once I get there I very much enjoy it.
As stated in an earlier post, Rev. Debra and a team are in Tanzania right now. We know they were planning to visit the property while they are there and also attending a wedding. Along with ministry in several cities in Tanzania as well as the country of Burundi, they have a full schedule too. Please keep them and the ministry they are doing in your prayers.
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