Welcome to my world. Sometimes I think about the stories I tell and think to myself, “Nobody is going to believe this.” It has happened to me so many times that one of my best friends, Lowell Haworth, one of my roommates from my Freed-Hardeman days, has told me on multiple occasions that I should write a book. Well, I haven’t written a book yet, but I am writing blogs. And this is just another day in my world.
I have been looking forward to this summer for weeks. As busy as it is going to be, I have been looking forward to the last day of school so I could launch off on my trips. First up was the trip to Recife, Brazil, to work with Danny Bratcher and Randy Short. I went there last year and loved it and have been counting down the days to go back. Unlike all of the rookies going this year for the first time, I had already purchased my visa last summer. According to the Brazilian consulate’s website, the visa was good for 5 years. So, I didn’t give my visa a second thought.
Sunday we arrived at the Miami airport around 6:00 am for check-in. Bags were checked in, 2 different COPA Airlines employees at the check-in stations saw my visa, passed though security where another 2 professionals looked at my passport and visa, and boarded our plane for Brazil. We had a connection in Panama City, Panama, where another COPA employee looked at my passport and visa, before letting me back on the plane. 6 ½ hours later we landed in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We zipped through the customs line where I encountered the shock of my life.
The Brazilian customs agent informed me that my visa was not valid. The stamps in my passport were expired and I could not enter the country. In my wildest dreams I never experienced anything like this. How could a visa, good for 5 years according to the Brazilian consulate’s website, be expired in less than 1 year? I met with not 1, nor, 2, but nearly half dozen customs agents to discuss the problem. Every one of them admitted that they understood the problem, sympathized with me, but told me that they had strict policies put in place by the government that could not be altered. As my traveling buddies went through the door to get their luggage I was taken to a holding room on the third floor of the airport to await the first plane to take me back to America. I was being deported.
Now, this is a humbling experience. To be in a situation where you literally have no control over what is going on. I was mad, upset, puzzled, and scared. When you are the team leader of a mission trip and you are being sent home, all kinds of things go though your mind. But I did get to talk to Danny and Randy on the phone and Randy offered me some information that really put things in perspective. He had called a friend who worked in the police force of Brazil to see if there were any strings that could be pulled. He told me he had both bad news and good news. The bad news was that nothing could be done to keep me in the country; the good news was that God was in control.
So, at 3:00 in the morning, after 6 hours of sitting in a holding room (Sao Paulo is in southern Brazil. It is winter down there and it was actually very cold. Not a good thing for a guy dressed in a t-shirt and shorts) I was taken to the plane by security and placed in my seat. After a LONG 12 hour flight to Brazil I was about to repeat the flight back to the states. In the course of 32 hours I flew 24 hours in a plane. Jet lag has a brand new meaning to me now.
I have to admit that the people escorting me from gate to plane at all of the stops were quite friendly. They all new my story and in their own ways told me that they were sorry. I got great seats on the plane too. Even though the planes were completely full, they were able to give me window seats right up front. I can’t do that when I book tickets! I even had the exact same meals going back too.
Upon arrival in the US, a customs agent met me at the airplane door. He addressed me by name as if we were close friends. He informed me that I was now back in the United States and that all was well. I asked him if he knew what happened and he informed me that he did. I asked him if he knew why this all happened and he simply said, “You are a victim of politics.”
It seems that the president of Brazil has a beef with America over our visa policies with foreigners coming into our country. We charge a costly price for a visa, limit the number of days a foreigner can stay, and deport those who do not have proper paperwork. So, the Brazilian president has decided to repay the favors. He has implemented rules that state Brazil will charge Americans the same amount to enter Brazil that America charges Brazilians to enter the US. If anything is out of order with paperwork, they are sent back just like the US would do. Of course, my thoughts are obvious: unless Brazil is trying to keep people from coming into their country to blow up buildings and kill innocent civilians or to vanish into the country and violate their travel visa to remain in the country to work illegally, he needs to take a chill pill.
The only thing he accomplished with me is the fact that he kept a Christian from entering his country with the purpose to help those in need. His political agenda will go unnoticed in his circle of influence since I am just an ordinary American who was sent back to the states to prove his point. But his actions will be seen and heard by many in the Christian community. President Luiz da Silva, you made your point. Hopefully others will learn from my mistake. Make sure you check your visa (and know what to check for!); don’t assume that the information on the Brazilian consulate’s website is accurate (don’t assume that your visa is good for 5 years); and don’t trust that numerous COPA Airline employees know what they are doing when they check your passport. You might end up in Brazil with a 1-way ticket waiting for you when you get there.
Good luck to the Recife team that is working there now. I wish I could be there with you to help build that playground for the children’s home. I wish I could be there for the VBS and the hospital visitations. But God is in control and I have a feeling that everything will turn out just fine. After all, God has been doing this kind of stuff for a long time. My prayers are with you!
So, there it is. The record set straight. When you hear about me being kicked out of Brazil, at least now you will know the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would put it. I guess I will just put this on my long list of “accomplishments.” Graduated from high school; Graduated from college; Outstanding Young Men of America; Who’s Who of America’s High School Teachers; TSSAA District 8 Soccer Coach of the Year; Kicked out of Brazil… yeah, fits right in… welcome to my world.
Your humbled servant,
TR
Wednesday, June 4
Saturday, May 24
Apples
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush through the airport terminal, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently tipped over a table, which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE. He paused, took a deep breath, experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, and told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination to explain why he was taking a later flight. Then he returned to the place where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.
The 16-year-old girl who was selling apples was blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, helplessly groping for her apples as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; he set them aside in another basket.When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, 'Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?' She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, ‘I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly.'As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, 'Sir...' He paused and turned to look back into the blind girl’s eyes. She asked, 'Are you Jesus?' He stopped in mid-stride, awe struck by her words. “No, but I try to imitate the things He would do.’
Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: 'Are you Jesus?' What seemed like a simple act of kindness became so much more.Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day today. Even something as simple as picking up some apples.
Are you Jesus?
ALL BUT ONE. He paused, took a deep breath, experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, and told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination to explain why he was taking a later flight. Then he returned to the place where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.
The 16-year-old girl who was selling apples was blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, helplessly groping for her apples as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; he set them aside in another basket.When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, 'Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?' She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, ‘I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly.'As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, 'Sir...' He paused and turned to look back into the blind girl’s eyes. She asked, 'Are you Jesus?' He stopped in mid-stride, awe struck by her words. “No, but I try to imitate the things He would do.’
Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: 'Are you Jesus?' What seemed like a simple act of kindness became so much more.Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day today. Even something as simple as picking up some apples.
Are you Jesus?
Friday, May 2
Torch ball caps on sale
Hello everyone,
I know everyone is gearing up for their mission trips this summer. I hope you all are as excited as I am to get to go down to work again. I know that we all have a lot going on but I wanted to share this with you. I am putting in an order for Torch ball caps. If you would like to order one let me know by Monday, May 12th. The caps come in 2 different styles. Let me know what style and color. The caps are $12.00 each. If you are with a group I will send them all at one time to your group leader before your trip departs. If you are in my group I will either mail them to you or bring them with me on the trip. Thanks!
Terry
Style 1: One size fits most "fitted" cotton caps (fits heads with hat size 7 - 7 5/8)
Colors:
Black with white TORCH letters
Navy blue with gold (yellow) TORCH letters
Moss green with off white TORCH letters
Style 2: unstructured cotton cap with adjustable strap.
Colors:
Yellow with black TORCH letters
Chocolate brown with pale pink TORCH letters
Moss green with off white TORCH letters
Khaki with black TORCH letters
I need to get the order in on Tuesday, May 13th. I need payment for the your cap by May 31st. Make checks payable to Western Hills Church of Christ / Torch Missions. My address is 221 Oak Hill Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087
I know everyone is gearing up for their mission trips this summer. I hope you all are as excited as I am to get to go down to work again. I know that we all have a lot going on but I wanted to share this with you. I am putting in an order for Torch ball caps. If you would like to order one let me know by Monday, May 12th. The caps come in 2 different styles. Let me know what style and color. The caps are $12.00 each. If you are with a group I will send them all at one time to your group leader before your trip departs. If you are in my group I will either mail them to you or bring them with me on the trip. Thanks!
Terry
Style 1: One size fits most "fitted" cotton caps (fits heads with hat size 7 - 7 5/8)
Colors:
Black with white TORCH letters
Navy blue with gold (yellow) TORCH letters
Moss green with off white TORCH letters
Style 2: unstructured cotton cap with adjustable strap.
Colors:
Yellow with black TORCH letters
Chocolate brown with pale pink TORCH letters
Moss green with off white TORCH letters
Khaki with black TORCH letters
I need to get the order in on Tuesday, May 13th. I need payment for the your cap by May 31st. Make checks payable to Western Hills Church of Christ / Torch Missions. My address is 221 Oak Hill Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087
Tuesday, April 15
will work for fuel
I am not a person who reads the newspaper everyday or sit and watch the news every evening before I eat dinner. I do read the news each morning for a couple of minutes before school starts and will watch Fox news every now and then when I get home from coaching soccer to see what’s up. You never know when something will happen that will be a conversation starter in class. I try to incorporate a current event into my classes to check the pulse of my student’s awareness of what is going on around them. Interestingly, many of them are quite up on the world around them, which is a good thing.
But it does not take a rocket scientist or a CSI investigator to know that something is up with the economy. The media is preaching gloom and doom from their soapboxes and we have to sit back and watch the cost of everything from soap to salad continue to go up. Why, it might not be long before loan officers from banks have office branches at the local gas stations to help people secure money to fill up their cars with fuel! All joking aside, something is up and it is not just here in the United States, it’s a global concern.
So, how does this affect us as we get ready to go to Honduras this summer for our mission trip? Actually, it affects us quite a bit. Airline ticket prices continue to soar (no pun intended) as summer approaches. Hopefully you have secured your flights by now because if you have not, the waiting game might turn ugly. Tickets are higher than at any time that I can remember in the past 15 years. Blame it on fuel prices, the economy, or corporate greed, but reality is what it is, and right now, it is expensive.
Food prices are skyrocketing around the world. Why? I don’t know. But what I do know is that the cost of food is up and it is going to cost more, much more, to do our food distributions this summer. Last year the price for a tuck load of food for distribution was $1,250.00. The same amount of food right now is $1,600.00. By the time we get to Honduras this summer it is probably going to be higher. The cost of lumber has gone up again. So has the cost of tin. Calculate the increase in fuel prices and it won’t take long to realize that it is going to cost more for transportation this year to operate our buses.
The bottom line is the fact that the money we are trying to raise for the work fund this summer isn’t going to go as far as it has in the past. Simple reality tells us that we are going to have to bring more money to the table to do our projected work projects or we are going to have to cut back. As group leaders we need to make sure we do our part to secure funds as discussed in the team leader’s packet I sent out several weeks ago. As individuals we need to try to help too. If each team member brings just $25.00 with them to go towards the work fund we would be able to add enough money to offset the cost increase of the food we will buy for the food distribution.
Our trip is not about projects or numbers. Our trip is not about how many houses we build or how many families we deliver food to on the mountains. Our trip is about being the hands and feet of Jesus. Our trip is about taking the good news about Jesus to the people of Honduras. Our trip is about sharing and caring. Just being there is important enough to go. Certainly God will provide and we will make a difference. Let us rise to the challenges before us and walk with the assurance that the Lord is with us and we are walking in His light. Let us constantly be all things to all men that by all possible means we might win some. It is going to be an amazing trip, I am excited about the trip and I hope you are too. God is bringing an amazing group of people together to do His good will. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us!
God is good all of the time.
TR
But it does not take a rocket scientist or a CSI investigator to know that something is up with the economy. The media is preaching gloom and doom from their soapboxes and we have to sit back and watch the cost of everything from soap to salad continue to go up. Why, it might not be long before loan officers from banks have office branches at the local gas stations to help people secure money to fill up their cars with fuel! All joking aside, something is up and it is not just here in the United States, it’s a global concern.
So, how does this affect us as we get ready to go to Honduras this summer for our mission trip? Actually, it affects us quite a bit. Airline ticket prices continue to soar (no pun intended) as summer approaches. Hopefully you have secured your flights by now because if you have not, the waiting game might turn ugly. Tickets are higher than at any time that I can remember in the past 15 years. Blame it on fuel prices, the economy, or corporate greed, but reality is what it is, and right now, it is expensive.
Food prices are skyrocketing around the world. Why? I don’t know. But what I do know is that the cost of food is up and it is going to cost more, much more, to do our food distributions this summer. Last year the price for a tuck load of food for distribution was $1,250.00. The same amount of food right now is $1,600.00. By the time we get to Honduras this summer it is probably going to be higher. The cost of lumber has gone up again. So has the cost of tin. Calculate the increase in fuel prices and it won’t take long to realize that it is going to cost more for transportation this year to operate our buses.
The bottom line is the fact that the money we are trying to raise for the work fund this summer isn’t going to go as far as it has in the past. Simple reality tells us that we are going to have to bring more money to the table to do our projected work projects or we are going to have to cut back. As group leaders we need to make sure we do our part to secure funds as discussed in the team leader’s packet I sent out several weeks ago. As individuals we need to try to help too. If each team member brings just $25.00 with them to go towards the work fund we would be able to add enough money to offset the cost increase of the food we will buy for the food distribution.
Our trip is not about projects or numbers. Our trip is not about how many houses we build or how many families we deliver food to on the mountains. Our trip is about being the hands and feet of Jesus. Our trip is about taking the good news about Jesus to the people of Honduras. Our trip is about sharing and caring. Just being there is important enough to go. Certainly God will provide and we will make a difference. Let us rise to the challenges before us and walk with the assurance that the Lord is with us and we are walking in His light. Let us constantly be all things to all men that by all possible means we might win some. It is going to be an amazing trip, I am excited about the trip and I hope you are too. God is bringing an amazing group of people together to do His good will. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us!
God is good all of the time.
TR
Sunday, March 30
Honduras trip updates
According to our count down ticker we are less than 90 days to our 2008 mission trip to Honduras. Time is ticking and everyday we get closer and closer to that date that has been marked on the calendar for months. And even though it is about 3 months away, I can say that it will seem like a blink and the time to get on the airplane will be here. I know all of us have been starting our trip preparations and have been getting things ready.
Hopefully you have looked at flight information by now. I have talked to some group leaders that are locked in and ready to go. For the rest of us, it is just about time to bite the bullet and get the tickets purchased. Whether you are flying American, Continental, or TACA, I need flight confirmations from all of you so that I can get them into the “Book of Much Importance.”
Deposits should already been in my possession. (Hint… that means some of you have not mailed in your deposits yet…) It will not be long before I will be sending in our deposits to Villa Gracia (Mission House), Torch Administration fees, and our deposit for our retreat to Tela. Without your deposits in hand I cannot make our required deposits. The longer you wait the longer I have to wait. Thanks to all of you that have been on time for your checks, I appreciate it! (Brett and Judy win for being the first to pay their deposits. Bravo to the Canadians!)
Our team continues to grow. 5 weeks ago our team had 63 people signed up for the trip. As of Sunday, March 30, 2008, we have 101. With this growth comes a lot of extra planning. Mega teams can get a lot done in a short amount of time but it takes a lot of resources to accomplish this and to keep everyone busy. It is very important that all group leaders focus on securing money for the work fund. I am thrilled to have such a large group because it shows the will and desire of the hearts of so many that want to go and work for the Lord. It is going to be an amazing trip.
We are very fortunate to have a great team of translators coming this year. To date we have 16 translators committed to work with us on our trip. Most of these translators have been with this team for several years and bring a wealth of experience and dedication to our mission team. Our translators will be working with our evangelism and medical teams, and will also work with the visitation teams when we go to the hospitals and children’s homes.
Our medical team continues to grow. We are excited that Dr. Tom Whitworth, from the Western Hills congregation in Nashville, has committed to return again this year. Nurse Angie Chaney, from Sarasota, will be with us again. Dr. Judy Mitchell (Montgomery, AL) and Dr. Anna Jane Maria Josefina Palmer Jimenez Alvarez Valdez (Dyersburg, TN…. It’s a long story…) are back again for wound care and physical therapy. We also have a nutritionist, Lisa Shepard (Nashville), and a dental hygienist, Terri Barber (Centerville, TN), with the team, as well as Steve Kemp, our athletic trainer.
Team members this year come from the following states: Alabama; Alaska; Connecticut; Florida; Kentucky; North Carolina; Ohio; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas; and Washington, and from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Brazil. The team is about 50% male and 50% female. The team is about 33% teenagers, 33% college/young professional, and 33% adult. The team is about 40% rookies and 60% veterans. It represents dozens of congregations, which blend together to make one fantastic team.
Although it is still too early to know all of the details, I can share with you a few things that have been set up for this year’s trip. As always, we will be building several houses. We have already had funds raised to build houses that will be dedication houses. We also plan on returning to the good Shepard Children’s Home to build the 3rd tower to complete the playground we started 2 summers ago. We plan on building 2 new classrooms for the school in Nueva Oriental and to outfit it with desks, chalkboards, and school supplies.
I have talked with Jorge and Maria at Dadasko and we have worked together to plan an evangelistic outreach in the Tamara area. We are organizing a 3 day VBS at the Dadasko home along with an adult Bible class. Jorge and Maria, along with the children of Dadasko, are going to door knock and invite the community to come to the VBS. Our medical team will be offering a free clinic at Dadasko for the community as well. We will conclude the events on Sunday with an outdoor worship assembly and dinner on the grounds. Veterans know what that means, “A Banquet for Jesus!”
We plan on doing at least 2-3 large food distributions in different areas as we go door to door. I hope to send workers to serve and cook at the Manna Project in Mololoa, and of course we plan on several visits to Hospital Esquela, and Hospital San Felipe. Trips to the Blind School, the Special Needs Orphanage, and Jovenes en Camino are also being planned.
Remember, our retreat plans have changed. We will be going to Tela for the retreat. Tela is on the northeast coast of Honduras, about 30 minutes east of San Pedro Sula. So, make sure you book your airline tickets into Tegucigalpa and out of San Pedro Sula. I will post information about the retreat soon.
The Mission House has completed the construction from last year and I can assure you the singing at the devotionals is going to rock the house. From the moment that we set foot on the ground until we leave I feel that this year will be the best trip ever (of course, I have said that 7 years in a row…. And meant it every time).
If this doesn’t get you excited, check your pulse and get to a doctor right away! Remember our theme, “Becoming all things to all men so that by all possible means we might win some.” We want to be Christ to those we come in contact with on our trip. Good luck on your fundraisers. Good luck on your preparations. Good luck on your supply collections. May God receive all of the glory we are going to do and may we praise Him for making all things possible.
Terry
Hopefully you have looked at flight information by now. I have talked to some group leaders that are locked in and ready to go. For the rest of us, it is just about time to bite the bullet and get the tickets purchased. Whether you are flying American, Continental, or TACA, I need flight confirmations from all of you so that I can get them into the “Book of Much Importance.”
Deposits should already been in my possession. (Hint… that means some of you have not mailed in your deposits yet…) It will not be long before I will be sending in our deposits to Villa Gracia (Mission House), Torch Administration fees, and our deposit for our retreat to Tela. Without your deposits in hand I cannot make our required deposits. The longer you wait the longer I have to wait. Thanks to all of you that have been on time for your checks, I appreciate it! (Brett and Judy win for being the first to pay their deposits. Bravo to the Canadians!)
Our team continues to grow. 5 weeks ago our team had 63 people signed up for the trip. As of Sunday, March 30, 2008, we have 101. With this growth comes a lot of extra planning. Mega teams can get a lot done in a short amount of time but it takes a lot of resources to accomplish this and to keep everyone busy. It is very important that all group leaders focus on securing money for the work fund. I am thrilled to have such a large group because it shows the will and desire of the hearts of so many that want to go and work for the Lord. It is going to be an amazing trip.
We are very fortunate to have a great team of translators coming this year. To date we have 16 translators committed to work with us on our trip. Most of these translators have been with this team for several years and bring a wealth of experience and dedication to our mission team. Our translators will be working with our evangelism and medical teams, and will also work with the visitation teams when we go to the hospitals and children’s homes.
Our medical team continues to grow. We are excited that Dr. Tom Whitworth, from the Western Hills congregation in Nashville, has committed to return again this year. Nurse Angie Chaney, from Sarasota, will be with us again. Dr. Judy Mitchell (Montgomery, AL) and Dr. Anna Jane Maria Josefina Palmer Jimenez Alvarez Valdez (Dyersburg, TN…. It’s a long story…) are back again for wound care and physical therapy. We also have a nutritionist, Lisa Shepard (Nashville), and a dental hygienist, Terri Barber (Centerville, TN), with the team, as well as Steve Kemp, our athletic trainer.
Team members this year come from the following states: Alabama; Alaska; Connecticut; Florida; Kentucky; North Carolina; Ohio; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas; and Washington, and from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Brazil. The team is about 50% male and 50% female. The team is about 33% teenagers, 33% college/young professional, and 33% adult. The team is about 40% rookies and 60% veterans. It represents dozens of congregations, which blend together to make one fantastic team.
Although it is still too early to know all of the details, I can share with you a few things that have been set up for this year’s trip. As always, we will be building several houses. We have already had funds raised to build houses that will be dedication houses. We also plan on returning to the good Shepard Children’s Home to build the 3rd tower to complete the playground we started 2 summers ago. We plan on building 2 new classrooms for the school in Nueva Oriental and to outfit it with desks, chalkboards, and school supplies.
I have talked with Jorge and Maria at Dadasko and we have worked together to plan an evangelistic outreach in the Tamara area. We are organizing a 3 day VBS at the Dadasko home along with an adult Bible class. Jorge and Maria, along with the children of Dadasko, are going to door knock and invite the community to come to the VBS. Our medical team will be offering a free clinic at Dadasko for the community as well. We will conclude the events on Sunday with an outdoor worship assembly and dinner on the grounds. Veterans know what that means, “A Banquet for Jesus!”
We plan on doing at least 2-3 large food distributions in different areas as we go door to door. I hope to send workers to serve and cook at the Manna Project in Mololoa, and of course we plan on several visits to Hospital Esquela, and Hospital San Felipe. Trips to the Blind School, the Special Needs Orphanage, and Jovenes en Camino are also being planned.
Remember, our retreat plans have changed. We will be going to Tela for the retreat. Tela is on the northeast coast of Honduras, about 30 minutes east of San Pedro Sula. So, make sure you book your airline tickets into Tegucigalpa and out of San Pedro Sula. I will post information about the retreat soon.
The Mission House has completed the construction from last year and I can assure you the singing at the devotionals is going to rock the house. From the moment that we set foot on the ground until we leave I feel that this year will be the best trip ever (of course, I have said that 7 years in a row…. And meant it every time).
If this doesn’t get you excited, check your pulse and get to a doctor right away! Remember our theme, “Becoming all things to all men so that by all possible means we might win some.” We want to be Christ to those we come in contact with on our trip. Good luck on your fundraisers. Good luck on your preparations. Good luck on your supply collections. May God receive all of the glory we are going to do and may we praise Him for making all things possible.
Terry
Saturday, March 15
back home and back to work
Home again, home again, jiggery jog. I got home LATE Friday night after a great week of work in Honduras. And work it was. For those in the know, we did not make a single run to Dunkin’ Doughnuts, Cinnibon, or Baskin Robins. I know it is hard to believe, but I am just stating the facts. (We did, however, find time to go to El Corral for dinner 1 night.)
As I mentioned in my previous blog, our medical team was doing volunteer surgeries for children that were born with facial abnormalities. Parents brought their children from as far away as Miskitos, also known as the province of Gracias a Dios. This province is on the east coast of Honduras and is sparsely populated and vastly undeveloped. Traveling by prop plane and bus, they trekked their way to the hospital for the free treatment.
The doctors and nurses were absolutely awesome and compassionate. They worked as hard as any group I have ever seen. They wanted to be at the hospital everyday before 7:00 and they did not leave until after 7:00 each evening. I really do think they would have stayed longer if they could have kept the operating room open. The Honduran medical staff received training on the plastic surgery procedures and techniques that they had not seen before. All in all it was a fantastic experience for all. The newspaper ran 2 different stories about the doctors. The first was a ½ page article that appeared in Tuesday’s addition and the other was a full page on Thursday.
My plane was scheduled to leave at 11:30 on Friday. On my plane to Houston was Dr. Smythe Rich, who was the fist doctor to leave (the rest were leaving Saturday morning). Smythe was leaving a day early because his mother is extremely sick and was not expected to live through the weekend and he wanted to be there for the last moments. However, there was one little baby girl that had traveled all the way from Miskitos and Dr. Rich wanted her to receive the surgery to help repair her upper lip. So the medical team met and agreed to operate on the girl early Friday morning before Dr. Rich’s flight so that he could be there for it. What an amazing man.
While at Hospital Viera on Wednesday, Jen Wright saw us. She had brought a little girl in from Santa Ana that was in desperate need of medical attention. The little girl was 4 years old and only weighed 19 pounds. She had been abandoned by her mother and was living at the grandmother’s house. She was having seizures and was just lying in bed day after day. Her muscles had drawn her body up into a fetal position were unmovable. The doctors immediately put her on IV to try to restore some of her fluids. They are hopeful that after a few days of fluids and medicines that the physical therapists will be able to start working on the muscles. Unfortunately traumatic situations like this happen all too frequently and our prayers are with the little girl at this time.
Thursday was an amazing day for me. The day started with an early morning trip to the hospital to get the doctors up and going. They are part of the scene at the hospital now, roaming about like the own the place. They have made good friends with many of the doctors, nurses, and surgeons who work at the hospital. Things were running smoothly so at 9:00 we took a 6 block walk to Plaza Centro, with Congressman Rojas, for our first meeting of the day.
Tom Gilroy, Tim, and I met with what we would call in the States the “Ways and Means Committee.” There were 4 congressmen and 1 congresswoman at the meeting, all top ranking members of the Conservative Party. Our meeting was to discuss different ways and avenues in which the supplies from our containers could reach different groups of people in need in different areas of Honduras. The government has budgets set up to secure supplies and equipment but many times red tape or improper mismanagement occurs when dealing with vendors and organizations within Honduras. Our reputation of honesty and “no strings attached” policies has earned us great respect in this area and I foresee the possibility of having our relationship with the government strengthen our ministry opportunities in the near future.
Just a few hours later Tim and I had a lunch meeting with Juan Diego, who is the personal assistant to the mayor of Tegucigalpa, and Mario Zelaya Rojas, congressman and surgeon at Hospital Viera. During our meeting we discussed ways in which Torch / IRC could help assist the government in various ways such as securing medical equipment, school supplies, emergency transport like ambulances, etc. They were very excited about what we do and why we do it and offered ideas in which they could help us in return such as helping with expenses to get shipments into the country. It was “another power meeting," as Tim would put it. It is amazing that even during a time when the president and his cabinet are from the liberal party (which leans very much towards communism) that there are those within the government that can and want to help.
Thursday evening we were invited to dinner hosted my Dr. Rojas and his wife. He took the entire team, including Janet Hines, Mark and Lori Connell, and Marc and Terri Tindall, to a local steak house (I honestly do not remember the name of the restaurant, I had never been to it before). It was a great meal and several took advantage of photo opts with the congressman (rumor has it that he is considering a run for presidency down the road). To be honest, by the end of the day I was worn out from all of the meetings. Power meetings are physically and mentally draining. I was quite ready and relieved to get back to the hotel at 10:15 that evening to start packing.
So, another trip is under my belt. Lots were accomplished but so much more went undone. Mark Connell is heading up a team from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, starting this weekend. Marc Tindall has a group coming in just after that. The trips have begun and we are off to the races. For those coming on trips this year, I wish you God’s speed as you prepare. Always keep your eyes on Jesus and strive to walk in His ways in all that you do. With Him all things are possible.
TR
As I mentioned in my previous blog, our medical team was doing volunteer surgeries for children that were born with facial abnormalities. Parents brought their children from as far away as Miskitos, also known as the province of Gracias a Dios. This province is on the east coast of Honduras and is sparsely populated and vastly undeveloped. Traveling by prop plane and bus, they trekked their way to the hospital for the free treatment.
The doctors and nurses were absolutely awesome and compassionate. They worked as hard as any group I have ever seen. They wanted to be at the hospital everyday before 7:00 and they did not leave until after 7:00 each evening. I really do think they would have stayed longer if they could have kept the operating room open. The Honduran medical staff received training on the plastic surgery procedures and techniques that they had not seen before. All in all it was a fantastic experience for all. The newspaper ran 2 different stories about the doctors. The first was a ½ page article that appeared in Tuesday’s addition and the other was a full page on Thursday.
My plane was scheduled to leave at 11:30 on Friday. On my plane to Houston was Dr. Smythe Rich, who was the fist doctor to leave (the rest were leaving Saturday morning). Smythe was leaving a day early because his mother is extremely sick and was not expected to live through the weekend and he wanted to be there for the last moments. However, there was one little baby girl that had traveled all the way from Miskitos and Dr. Rich wanted her to receive the surgery to help repair her upper lip. So the medical team met and agreed to operate on the girl early Friday morning before Dr. Rich’s flight so that he could be there for it. What an amazing man.
While at Hospital Viera on Wednesday, Jen Wright saw us. She had brought a little girl in from Santa Ana that was in desperate need of medical attention. The little girl was 4 years old and only weighed 19 pounds. She had been abandoned by her mother and was living at the grandmother’s house. She was having seizures and was just lying in bed day after day. Her muscles had drawn her body up into a fetal position were unmovable. The doctors immediately put her on IV to try to restore some of her fluids. They are hopeful that after a few days of fluids and medicines that the physical therapists will be able to start working on the muscles. Unfortunately traumatic situations like this happen all too frequently and our prayers are with the little girl at this time.
Thursday was an amazing day for me. The day started with an early morning trip to the hospital to get the doctors up and going. They are part of the scene at the hospital now, roaming about like the own the place. They have made good friends with many of the doctors, nurses, and surgeons who work at the hospital. Things were running smoothly so at 9:00 we took a 6 block walk to Plaza Centro, with Congressman Rojas, for our first meeting of the day.
Tom Gilroy, Tim, and I met with what we would call in the States the “Ways and Means Committee.” There were 4 congressmen and 1 congresswoman at the meeting, all top ranking members of the Conservative Party. Our meeting was to discuss different ways and avenues in which the supplies from our containers could reach different groups of people in need in different areas of Honduras. The government has budgets set up to secure supplies and equipment but many times red tape or improper mismanagement occurs when dealing with vendors and organizations within Honduras. Our reputation of honesty and “no strings attached” policies has earned us great respect in this area and I foresee the possibility of having our relationship with the government strengthen our ministry opportunities in the near future.
Just a few hours later Tim and I had a lunch meeting with Juan Diego, who is the personal assistant to the mayor of Tegucigalpa, and Mario Zelaya Rojas, congressman and surgeon at Hospital Viera. During our meeting we discussed ways in which Torch / IRC could help assist the government in various ways such as securing medical equipment, school supplies, emergency transport like ambulances, etc. They were very excited about what we do and why we do it and offered ideas in which they could help us in return such as helping with expenses to get shipments into the country. It was “another power meeting," as Tim would put it. It is amazing that even during a time when the president and his cabinet are from the liberal party (which leans very much towards communism) that there are those within the government that can and want to help.
Thursday evening we were invited to dinner hosted my Dr. Rojas and his wife. He took the entire team, including Janet Hines, Mark and Lori Connell, and Marc and Terri Tindall, to a local steak house (I honestly do not remember the name of the restaurant, I had never been to it before). It was a great meal and several took advantage of photo opts with the congressman (rumor has it that he is considering a run for presidency down the road). To be honest, by the end of the day I was worn out from all of the meetings. Power meetings are physically and mentally draining. I was quite ready and relieved to get back to the hotel at 10:15 that evening to start packing.
So, another trip is under my belt. Lots were accomplished but so much more went undone. Mark Connell is heading up a team from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, starting this weekend. Marc Tindall has a group coming in just after that. The trips have begun and we are off to the races. For those coming on trips this year, I wish you God’s speed as you prepare. Always keep your eyes on Jesus and strive to walk in His ways in all that you do. With Him all things are possible.
TR
Wednesday, March 12
spring break, Honduras style
Ahhhh, spring break. One of several reasons I went back into education. But, for Friendship Christian School, it gets even better. We are on the “year round” schedule, which means we go to school for 9 weeks then get TWO weeks off. 2 glorious weeks off. Makes you want to teach, doesn’t it?
So, what does one do for 2 weeks off? For me, I am lucky enough to be in Honduras the first week of my break. I came down with Tim Hines and Tom Gilroy to assist in a medical brigade and to do some prep work for the summer trip. Included with this group are Janet Hines, and Mark and Lori Connell. Yes, you read that right, Mark, Tim, and I are all in Honduras at the same time. It is kind of like Haley’s Comet, happens every 96 years or so.
It has been a busy week so far and we still have a lot to do. The medical team includes surgeons from California and South Carolina who specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are operating on children that were born with cleft lips and pallets. They plan on operating on 40 patients this week. Their day starts at 6:30 in the morning and ends at 7:00 at night. They are all wonderful people and are extremely talented at what they do.
During the evenings we have been showing them around town and going out to eat. Camperos and El Corral have made the rounds so far. I personally hope to squeeze La Cumbre in this week too, but I am trying not to be greedy! They are laid back so even a trip to Wendy’s would be good with them. Of course, I am like a fish out of water during evening dinner conversations since they are talking about medical stuff………. Not exactly my line of knowledge.
We went to a professional soccer match last night. It was my first time to be inside the national stadium. Matauga, one of the local teams here in Tegucigalpa, was playing a team from Mexico. The stadium was packed (probably 30,000) with soccer crazed fanatics. It was awesome. Of course, the final score was 0-0, so most Americans would think it was a boring game. But it was not at all. The match was well played and there was a lot of stuff going on inside the stadium too. Really cool stuff. I was only afraid for my life a couple of times during the whole match. Just kidding!
Today we met the mayor of Tegucigalpa and his wife at the hospital. They brought lunch to the surgeons and mixed and mingled with us. The mayor is a possible presidential candidate in the next election and Torch/IRC has a wonderful working relationship with him. As always, Tim is the front runner to make all of this happen. Not having a group to keep up with allows me to spend a lot of time with Tim and to see what he does. And he does a LOT! We also went out to Mololoa today to see the daycare facility construction and to take some photos. We got to see and visit with a lot of families and friends in the community too which was really cool.
Wednesday Tim, tom, and I are going to the congressional building to make a presentation before congress. We are meeting with the “Republican” party, known as the conservative party here. Later in the evening we have been invited to a reception at the home of one of the congress representatives. We also plan on going out to Santa Ana to see Janet Hines´property and to visit with Jen Wright and the kids.
I also had a chance to go up to Villa Gracia to see the completed construction from last summer. It is absolutely beautiful and will be a wonderful facility for our teams this summer. I am posting some photos for all of you to see. All I can say is that the singing this summer is going to ROCK!
I hope to post again before I leave. Continue to offer up your prayers to Honduras and the trip leaders as we get ready for the summer. God has given us a wonderful ministry and with that comes big responsibilities. Pray that we will truly make a difference this summer to all of those we come in contact and that those coming on the trips will be touched as well.
Until next time, God bless!
Terry
So, what does one do for 2 weeks off? For me, I am lucky enough to be in Honduras the first week of my break. I came down with Tim Hines and Tom Gilroy to assist in a medical brigade and to do some prep work for the summer trip. Included with this group are Janet Hines, and Mark and Lori Connell. Yes, you read that right, Mark, Tim, and I are all in Honduras at the same time. It is kind of like Haley’s Comet, happens every 96 years or so.
It has been a busy week so far and we still have a lot to do. The medical team includes surgeons from California and South Carolina who specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are operating on children that were born with cleft lips and pallets. They plan on operating on 40 patients this week. Their day starts at 6:30 in the morning and ends at 7:00 at night. They are all wonderful people and are extremely talented at what they do.
During the evenings we have been showing them around town and going out to eat. Camperos and El Corral have made the rounds so far. I personally hope to squeeze La Cumbre in this week too, but I am trying not to be greedy! They are laid back so even a trip to Wendy’s would be good with them. Of course, I am like a fish out of water during evening dinner conversations since they are talking about medical stuff………. Not exactly my line of knowledge.
We went to a professional soccer match last night. It was my first time to be inside the national stadium. Matauga, one of the local teams here in Tegucigalpa, was playing a team from Mexico. The stadium was packed (probably 30,000) with soccer crazed fanatics. It was awesome. Of course, the final score was 0-0, so most Americans would think it was a boring game. But it was not at all. The match was well played and there was a lot of stuff going on inside the stadium too. Really cool stuff. I was only afraid for my life a couple of times during the whole match. Just kidding!
Today we met the mayor of Tegucigalpa and his wife at the hospital. They brought lunch to the surgeons and mixed and mingled with us. The mayor is a possible presidential candidate in the next election and Torch/IRC has a wonderful working relationship with him. As always, Tim is the front runner to make all of this happen. Not having a group to keep up with allows me to spend a lot of time with Tim and to see what he does. And he does a LOT! We also went out to Mololoa today to see the daycare facility construction and to take some photos. We got to see and visit with a lot of families and friends in the community too which was really cool.
Wednesday Tim, tom, and I are going to the congressional building to make a presentation before congress. We are meeting with the “Republican” party, known as the conservative party here. Later in the evening we have been invited to a reception at the home of one of the congress representatives. We also plan on going out to Santa Ana to see Janet Hines´property and to visit with Jen Wright and the kids.
I also had a chance to go up to Villa Gracia to see the completed construction from last summer. It is absolutely beautiful and will be a wonderful facility for our teams this summer. I am posting some photos for all of you to see. All I can say is that the singing this summer is going to ROCK!
I hope to post again before I leave. Continue to offer up your prayers to Honduras and the trip leaders as we get ready for the summer. God has given us a wonderful ministry and with that comes big responsibilities. Pray that we will truly make a difference this summer to all of those we come in contact and that those coming on the trips will be touched as well.
Until next time, God bless!
Terry
Monday, February 18
Captain Obvious and the pop quiz
A pop quiz for all of the “Captain Obvious" out there….
Directions: Read each question and write your answer down on a piece of scrap paper. Answers are below. Grade your paper (10 questions… 10 points each). Grading scale is as follows:
A: 93-100
B: 84-92
C: 77-83
D: 70-76
F: 0-69
Good Luck!Please answer all questions before scrolling down for the answers. You cannot use outside sources to obtain answers. Good luck. Besides, how had could this possibly be? :)
1. How long did the Hundred Years' War last?
2. Which country makes Panama hats?
3. From which animal do we get catgut?
4. In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5. What is a camel's hair brush made of?
6. The Canary Islands in the Atlantic are named after what animal?
7. What was King George VI's first name?
8. What color is a purple finch?
9. Where are Chinese Gooseberries from?
10. What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?
All done? Easy, right? Now, remember, you need 7 just to pass to pass the quiz (D). Miss 2 and you make a C, miss 1 and you make a B. 10 for 10 means an A. Let’s see how you did. No cheating!!! You cannot change your answers!!!
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
1. How long did the Hundred Years War last? 116 years
2. Which country makes Panama hats? Ecuador
3. From which animal do we get catgut? Sheep and Horses
4. In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution? November
4. In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution? November
5. What is a camel's hair brush made of? Squirrel fur
6. The Canary Islands in the Atlantic are named after what animal? Dogs
7. What was King George VI's first name? Albert
8. What color is a purple finch? Crimson red
9. Where are Chinese gooseberries from? New Zealand.
10. What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane? Orange of course.
So, how did you do? A?.. B?…. C?…… D? ………… F??? Now, throw your paper away and pretend that never happened. OK? Good. You are the only one that knows what you made on that quiz. And the good news is you now have some questions to use on all of your know it all friends!
Isn’t it amazing what we know and what we don’t know? And the one thing that we know for sure, some things is not what they seem! Sometimes the obvious answer is not the right answer at all. And when we guess? You got it, we can guess incorrectly.
This past weekend I was in Gatlinburg for the Winterfest youth rally. I know that there is a 1000 different opinion about Winterfest, and mine holds about as much weight as the others, maybe less. But I have been going to Winterfest since it began, and always find good things to take away from it to add to my Christian walk. This year was no exception. Jeff Walling had 4 excellent lessons about “The Mission,” becoming real missionaries for Christ. If you were not there the 4 main points were:
Know Christ
Be Christ
See Christ
Share Christ
One lesson in particular really stood out and made me think. It challenged me to think about things I thought I knew, things that Captain Obvious would see. It was the Saturday night lesson… “See Christ.” Jeff’s main point was that we as Christians must be Christ (look like Christ, act like Christ, talk like Christ….) and that we should look at other people as if they were Christ.
That really hit me hard. I have to admit I do not always look at other people as if they were Christ. I see them for who they are physically. I see people as rich; poor; homeless; cool; jerks; smart; white; black; athletic; goofy; drama queens; tree huggers; Democrats; closed minded; drug users; “Christian;” lost; cashiers; janitors; and the list goes on and on and on. And, because I do not see them as Christ, I do not always treat them the way I would treat Christ. That smacked me right across the head. Maybe right now you are pondering the same thing.
If you are like me, you have been taught the golden rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. If you are like me, you have been taught that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. If you are like me, you have been taught to seek and save the lost. And, if you are like me, you have done “your part” of going on mission trips and doing service projects to serve others. And, if you are like me, once you have been challenged to think about this, you realize you have not seen others as Christ. You have fallen short. Way short.
So, I challenge you, like I have been challenged, to look at everyone as if they were Christ. See if it does not change the way you act. The way you think. The way you talk. The way you behave. When you think about it, this challenge is not an easy one. You will really have to work on it. And here is the kicker… the more you look at others as if THEY were Christ, the more YOU will look like Christ. If you take this challenge, get ready for a spiritual workout. We have a lot of work to do.
Be a blessing!
So, how did you do? A?.. B?…. C?…… D? ………… F??? Now, throw your paper away and pretend that never happened. OK? Good. You are the only one that knows what you made on that quiz. And the good news is you now have some questions to use on all of your know it all friends!
Isn’t it amazing what we know and what we don’t know? And the one thing that we know for sure, some things is not what they seem! Sometimes the obvious answer is not the right answer at all. And when we guess? You got it, we can guess incorrectly.
This past weekend I was in Gatlinburg for the Winterfest youth rally. I know that there is a 1000 different opinion about Winterfest, and mine holds about as much weight as the others, maybe less. But I have been going to Winterfest since it began, and always find good things to take away from it to add to my Christian walk. This year was no exception. Jeff Walling had 4 excellent lessons about “The Mission,” becoming real missionaries for Christ. If you were not there the 4 main points were:
Know Christ
Be Christ
See Christ
Share Christ
One lesson in particular really stood out and made me think. It challenged me to think about things I thought I knew, things that Captain Obvious would see. It was the Saturday night lesson… “See Christ.” Jeff’s main point was that we as Christians must be Christ (look like Christ, act like Christ, talk like Christ….) and that we should look at other people as if they were Christ.
That really hit me hard. I have to admit I do not always look at other people as if they were Christ. I see them for who they are physically. I see people as rich; poor; homeless; cool; jerks; smart; white; black; athletic; goofy; drama queens; tree huggers; Democrats; closed minded; drug users; “Christian;” lost; cashiers; janitors; and the list goes on and on and on. And, because I do not see them as Christ, I do not always treat them the way I would treat Christ. That smacked me right across the head. Maybe right now you are pondering the same thing.
If you are like me, you have been taught the golden rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. If you are like me, you have been taught that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. If you are like me, you have been taught to seek and save the lost. And, if you are like me, you have done “your part” of going on mission trips and doing service projects to serve others. And, if you are like me, once you have been challenged to think about this, you realize you have not seen others as Christ. You have fallen short. Way short.
So, I challenge you, like I have been challenged, to look at everyone as if they were Christ. See if it does not change the way you act. The way you think. The way you talk. The way you behave. When you think about it, this challenge is not an easy one. You will really have to work on it. And here is the kicker… the more you look at others as if THEY were Christ, the more YOU will look like Christ. If you take this challenge, get ready for a spiritual workout. We have a lot of work to do.
Be a blessing!
TR
Thursday, February 7
BBQ, lemonade, and an athiest
I work at a Christian school in Lebanon, Tennessee, where I teach high school Bible and am one of the campus ministers. About a week ago we had a service project with some of the students from Friendship Christian School. About 18 students, teachers, and parents went to the Green Street Church of Christ, located in downtown Nashville, to work on a Wednesday night with the homeless ministry. It was an amazing night of ministry.
Our school had collected several large bags of clothes, jackets, blankets, shoes, etc, that we took down to the church building to donate to their clothing center. We were able to have worship services with about 100 homeless people who come to the church building every Wednesday for a hot meal and for any clothing needs that they might have. These people come from all walks of life and were a joy to be around. After worship, which by the way was inspirational, we worked in the kitchen fixing and distributing the evening meal. (BBQ pork, potato salad, coleslaw, chips, brownies)
I was working the drink station, a relatively safe place to put me. My job was to fill up the cups with ice and pour coffee. I was working with another volunteer who was in charge of pouring the lemonade and ice tea (btw, here in the south you drink sweet tea, no questions asked). The visitors flowed through the line and kept our job hopping for quite some time. We were having a blast visiting with the people and just being a friendly face that night.
Once things slowed down I was able to talk with my partner. He was a student at Lipscomb University and his first time to Green Street. He was from Nashville and was a pre-med major (OK, I know what you are thinking, and you are right, we didn’t talk about pre-med for very long!). I asked him the normal chitchat questions, and asked him where he went to church. He caught me off guard when he told me he didn’t go anywhere. As a matter of fact, he told me he was an atheist.
OK, I have to admit that his statement took me back. I am pretty sure my facial expression gave it away. I wasn’t exactly ready to meet an atheist from Nashville attending a Christian college working at a church on Wednesday night helping the homeless. Sooooo, after cleaning up the ice that I spilled on the table, I casually asked why he was there that night. His response was very casual and matter of fact: “It will look good on my resume when I apply to med school.” Wow, unbelievable. He actually admitted it to me.
He was a very pleasant guy, and the conversation changed over to my life. I told him that I was a minister, taught Bible at a Christian school, and had volunteered to come because it sounded like something important that needed to be done. So, there we stood, in opposite corners. An atheist trying to look good on paper, and a Christian who was just trying to do a good deed. Interesting, to say the least.
This whole conversation only took a few minutes. As we were standing there, one of the visitors, a woman named Emily, came up and asked for a refill on her lemonade. She was probably in her late 40’s or early 50’s, but her hard life gave her the appearance of someone much older. She had beautiful blue eyes, clear as could be, and a warm smile. She looked at Matt straight in the eyes and said, “Thank you and God bless you young man.” He gave her a smile and watched her walk back to her seat. I told Matt that in the book of Job it says that God knew us before we were ever born. It is by his grace that we are on this side of the serving table instead of the other. He gave me a puzzled look; I guess he had never thought about that before. I then told him that in Matthew chapter 25 it says that whenever we help someone that is in need, we do it as if we were helping Jesus Himself. Even though Matt was there to make Matt look good, he was still being a servent to Jesus that night. Isn't it amazing that Emily saw Jesus in the face of an athiest?
We didn’t get to talk after that because it was time to clean the kitchen and get all of the trash picked up. I headed down stairs to the basement area to help with the clothing give away. We gave away a lot of sweaters and coats that night because it was really cold outside. One by one the visitors walked outside with their new possessions into the very cold night. They stayed outside the building for quite some time before they walked away. They disappeared into the darkness of the night. The group from Lipscomb was already gone.
We stood by our cars watching them leave. We were one of the last ones to go. 3 of my students rode in the car with me and we talked all the way back to Lebanon about the wonderful experience the service project turned out to be. It was wonderful. Our students had a great experience, the homeless received a hot, delicious meal, and I had a chance to witness to an atheist. I hope we made a difference that night. God allows people to come into your lives, even if it is for a brief moment in time. Take every advantage to be a light to a world in darkness.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25: 34-40
Our school had collected several large bags of clothes, jackets, blankets, shoes, etc, that we took down to the church building to donate to their clothing center. We were able to have worship services with about 100 homeless people who come to the church building every Wednesday for a hot meal and for any clothing needs that they might have. These people come from all walks of life and were a joy to be around. After worship, which by the way was inspirational, we worked in the kitchen fixing and distributing the evening meal. (BBQ pork, potato salad, coleslaw, chips, brownies)
I was working the drink station, a relatively safe place to put me. My job was to fill up the cups with ice and pour coffee. I was working with another volunteer who was in charge of pouring the lemonade and ice tea (btw, here in the south you drink sweet tea, no questions asked). The visitors flowed through the line and kept our job hopping for quite some time. We were having a blast visiting with the people and just being a friendly face that night.
Once things slowed down I was able to talk with my partner. He was a student at Lipscomb University and his first time to Green Street. He was from Nashville and was a pre-med major (OK, I know what you are thinking, and you are right, we didn’t talk about pre-med for very long!). I asked him the normal chitchat questions, and asked him where he went to church. He caught me off guard when he told me he didn’t go anywhere. As a matter of fact, he told me he was an atheist.
OK, I have to admit that his statement took me back. I am pretty sure my facial expression gave it away. I wasn’t exactly ready to meet an atheist from Nashville attending a Christian college working at a church on Wednesday night helping the homeless. Sooooo, after cleaning up the ice that I spilled on the table, I casually asked why he was there that night. His response was very casual and matter of fact: “It will look good on my resume when I apply to med school.” Wow, unbelievable. He actually admitted it to me.
He was a very pleasant guy, and the conversation changed over to my life. I told him that I was a minister, taught Bible at a Christian school, and had volunteered to come because it sounded like something important that needed to be done. So, there we stood, in opposite corners. An atheist trying to look good on paper, and a Christian who was just trying to do a good deed. Interesting, to say the least.
This whole conversation only took a few minutes. As we were standing there, one of the visitors, a woman named Emily, came up and asked for a refill on her lemonade. She was probably in her late 40’s or early 50’s, but her hard life gave her the appearance of someone much older. She had beautiful blue eyes, clear as could be, and a warm smile. She looked at Matt straight in the eyes and said, “Thank you and God bless you young man.” He gave her a smile and watched her walk back to her seat. I told Matt that in the book of Job it says that God knew us before we were ever born. It is by his grace that we are on this side of the serving table instead of the other. He gave me a puzzled look; I guess he had never thought about that before. I then told him that in Matthew chapter 25 it says that whenever we help someone that is in need, we do it as if we were helping Jesus Himself. Even though Matt was there to make Matt look good, he was still being a servent to Jesus that night. Isn't it amazing that Emily saw Jesus in the face of an athiest?
We didn’t get to talk after that because it was time to clean the kitchen and get all of the trash picked up. I headed down stairs to the basement area to help with the clothing give away. We gave away a lot of sweaters and coats that night because it was really cold outside. One by one the visitors walked outside with their new possessions into the very cold night. They stayed outside the building for quite some time before they walked away. They disappeared into the darkness of the night. The group from Lipscomb was already gone.
We stood by our cars watching them leave. We were one of the last ones to go. 3 of my students rode in the car with me and we talked all the way back to Lebanon about the wonderful experience the service project turned out to be. It was wonderful. Our students had a great experience, the homeless received a hot, delicious meal, and I had a chance to witness to an atheist. I hope we made a difference that night. God allows people to come into your lives, even if it is for a brief moment in time. Take every advantage to be a light to a world in darkness.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25: 34-40
Tuesday, January 29
Go Rest High on the Mountain
In the past 6 weeks 2 people that were very close to me passed away. I know that death is just a part of living and it is the way that our spiritual souls are able to enter into eternity. But even knowing all of that, most, if not all of us, struggle to understand and accept death. Today I struggle to put into words what I am feeling and thinking, but it is important for me to try.
In December, during our Torch / IRC meeting, Tim Hines announced to us that Gerardo Flores, a long time employee of Baxter School of Biblical and Cultural Studies, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, had died. This came as a shock to most of us since we had just seen Gerardo just a couple of months ago. Those who knew him will always remember his huge smile, which he wore most of the time, and his outgoing and friendly personality. He was always there, ready to help in any way, and was a true friend and dedicated Christian.
For years he went by the nickname, “Tony,” because I had trouble pronouncing his real name (I have been known to do that from time to time….). He married his wife Sandra, a few years ago and they worked at Baxter together. Anytime I could not find “Tony” I could go to her and she could locate him for me. Gerardo was a wonderful man, husband, and role model for all of us who went to Honduras. He had struggled for years with a chronic disease that required blood transfusions. He had become sick and went to the hospital for a transfusion but for some reason he died just a day so so later. He was a special man, and I know that I, for one, will miss him greatly. But I am so glad that he came into my life and that I was able to spend time with such a great man.
This week, another friend passed over to the other side to receive his reward. Clint Chaney, from Sarasota, Florida, died this week after a battle against skin cancer. Clint and I were both from Huntsville and I have been friends of his family all the way back to high school at Madison Academy. Clint and I were both diagnosed with melanoma within a week of each other; about 4 years ago. My cancer was very aggressive but remained isolated in the same basic area in which it was found. My doctor’s attacked the disease aggressively because it was evident it was there and it was growing. I continue to fight the cancer but at the moment it appears that it is in remission. However, Clint’s melanoma migrated beneath the surface and traveled throughout his body and went unnoticed until just a few months ago. By the time Clint knew what was going on the melanoma was so advanced that it was all but impossible to treat. However, he and his doctors used all of the treatments that were available and he faced the cancer head on. In the end he and his wife decided to allow nature to take its course and began the journey to prepare for the end. Of course, it was only the end of his physical body, Clint was preparing to cross over from physical life and death to eternal life.
Clint, with his wife Angie, faced the ordeal with the strength and the fortitude that most of can only hope to have. They lived out the life that can only be described as an image of what a true Christian couple would be in the face of a difficult challenge and ordeal. Clint was a wonderful Christian young man and taught us all how to live, and die, in Christ. Even until the very day he passed away, he lived his life as an example to us all. Clint listened to the singing at church by phone just moments before he passed. Clint said that he was ready and he died as a man full of hope in the saving power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Everyone that I have talked to in the past few weeks has told me the same thing; Clint was a true role model of what a Christian is in both words and in actions. I am going to miss Clint deeply but rejoice that he is now at home where he wanted to be. I am proud to call Clint and Angie both friend and a brother and sister in Christ. Clint lived his life as a legacy for all of us and his life was not in vain.
Clint and Gerardo were friends. Clint met Gerardo a few years ago when he was with us on a mission trip to Honduras. I am convinced that they have hooked up and are hanging out together along with all of the other friends and loved ones that have gone on before them. I cannot help but rejoice for the victory they have received and the joy that they are now experiencing. The old, corruptible bodies have been put away and their eternal bodies now allow them to be what they have both always dreamed to be.
Even though I am sad to say farewell, it is good to know that I have not said goodbye. For we too have a crown of righteousness awaiting us, in that moment, when we will be separated from this world to enter the next. Until that day comes, I pray that I will live in such a way that I too may join them and to hang out, in a new body that will be perfect and incorruptible, living in the place I dream to be some day.
Clint loved to sing and he was really quite good at it. He could play a mean guitar too. So, I leave this blog with the words of a song that came to mind when I was thinking about Clint and Gerardo. I think the words reflect the way I feel and I write them as a way to comfort those of us who hurt right now.
Go Rest High on that Mountain
I know your life on earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren't afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son
Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son
Vince Gill
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
I Corinthians 15:55-58
Please offer up your prayers to Angie Chaney and Sandra Flores and their families at this time. Let their morning be turned into dancing; their sorrow into joy. With love,
"And now these three remain; faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
I Corinthians 14: 13
In December, during our Torch / IRC meeting, Tim Hines announced to us that Gerardo Flores, a long time employee of Baxter School of Biblical and Cultural Studies, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, had died. This came as a shock to most of us since we had just seen Gerardo just a couple of months ago. Those who knew him will always remember his huge smile, which he wore most of the time, and his outgoing and friendly personality. He was always there, ready to help in any way, and was a true friend and dedicated Christian.
For years he went by the nickname, “Tony,” because I had trouble pronouncing his real name (I have been known to do that from time to time….). He married his wife Sandra, a few years ago and they worked at Baxter together. Anytime I could not find “Tony” I could go to her and she could locate him for me. Gerardo was a wonderful man, husband, and role model for all of us who went to Honduras. He had struggled for years with a chronic disease that required blood transfusions. He had become sick and went to the hospital for a transfusion but for some reason he died just a day so so later. He was a special man, and I know that I, for one, will miss him greatly. But I am so glad that he came into my life and that I was able to spend time with such a great man.
This week, another friend passed over to the other side to receive his reward. Clint Chaney, from Sarasota, Florida, died this week after a battle against skin cancer. Clint and I were both from Huntsville and I have been friends of his family all the way back to high school at Madison Academy. Clint and I were both diagnosed with melanoma within a week of each other; about 4 years ago. My cancer was very aggressive but remained isolated in the same basic area in which it was found. My doctor’s attacked the disease aggressively because it was evident it was there and it was growing. I continue to fight the cancer but at the moment it appears that it is in remission. However, Clint’s melanoma migrated beneath the surface and traveled throughout his body and went unnoticed until just a few months ago. By the time Clint knew what was going on the melanoma was so advanced that it was all but impossible to treat. However, he and his doctors used all of the treatments that were available and he faced the cancer head on. In the end he and his wife decided to allow nature to take its course and began the journey to prepare for the end. Of course, it was only the end of his physical body, Clint was preparing to cross over from physical life and death to eternal life.
Clint, with his wife Angie, faced the ordeal with the strength and the fortitude that most of can only hope to have. They lived out the life that can only be described as an image of what a true Christian couple would be in the face of a difficult challenge and ordeal. Clint was a wonderful Christian young man and taught us all how to live, and die, in Christ. Even until the very day he passed away, he lived his life as an example to us all. Clint listened to the singing at church by phone just moments before he passed. Clint said that he was ready and he died as a man full of hope in the saving power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Everyone that I have talked to in the past few weeks has told me the same thing; Clint was a true role model of what a Christian is in both words and in actions. I am going to miss Clint deeply but rejoice that he is now at home where he wanted to be. I am proud to call Clint and Angie both friend and a brother and sister in Christ. Clint lived his life as a legacy for all of us and his life was not in vain.
Clint and Gerardo were friends. Clint met Gerardo a few years ago when he was with us on a mission trip to Honduras. I am convinced that they have hooked up and are hanging out together along with all of the other friends and loved ones that have gone on before them. I cannot help but rejoice for the victory they have received and the joy that they are now experiencing. The old, corruptible bodies have been put away and their eternal bodies now allow them to be what they have both always dreamed to be.
Even though I am sad to say farewell, it is good to know that I have not said goodbye. For we too have a crown of righteousness awaiting us, in that moment, when we will be separated from this world to enter the next. Until that day comes, I pray that I will live in such a way that I too may join them and to hang out, in a new body that will be perfect and incorruptible, living in the place I dream to be some day.
Clint loved to sing and he was really quite good at it. He could play a mean guitar too. So, I leave this blog with the words of a song that came to mind when I was thinking about Clint and Gerardo. I think the words reflect the way I feel and I write them as a way to comfort those of us who hurt right now.
Go Rest High on that Mountain
I know your life on earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren't afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son
Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and Son
Vince Gill
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
I Corinthians 15:55-58
Please offer up your prayers to Angie Chaney and Sandra Flores and their families at this time. Let their morning be turned into dancing; their sorrow into joy. With love,
TR
"And now these three remain; faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
I Corinthians 14: 13
Sunday, January 13
God sees the heart
Today my brother in law, Scott McDowell, delivered a really good sermon. Now, don’t get me wrong, just about every Sunday he preaches a really good lesson. But today’s sermon touched on some things I was thinking about so I have decided to combine my thoughts with his in this blog.
In I Samuel 16 God had instructed Samuel to go to the house of Jesse to anoint the new king of Israel because God had rejected Saul with all of his pride and arrogance. Samuel is quite hesitant because Saul was still king and very much alive and well. Samuel was afraid of what might happen if Saul found out what God had commanded him to do. Never the less, Samuel went to Bethlehem to offer sacrifices and to anoint the new king. When Samuel arrived he saw Jesse’s son Eliab and thought to himself, “Surely this is the anointed one!” However, God’s response is found in I Samuel 16:7: “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
So many times we look at things through the eyes of man and not God’s. God does not see things the way we do nor does He think the way we think. His ways are higher than our ways and He has the big picture in mind at all times. Our vision is clouded by all kinds of things that makes our decision making flawed. Samuel was clouded by fear and doubt. He was looking at the outward when God was looking at the inward. He simply had the wrong perspective in the way he looked at things.
We need to, on a regular basis, take a look at things from a different perspective. We need to see things from a different angle, from a different point of view. Sometimes our vantage point simply is not where it needs to be. For example, look at this photo.
In I Samuel 16 God had instructed Samuel to go to the house of Jesse to anoint the new king of Israel because God had rejected Saul with all of his pride and arrogance. Samuel is quite hesitant because Saul was still king and very much alive and well. Samuel was afraid of what might happen if Saul found out what God had commanded him to do. Never the less, Samuel went to Bethlehem to offer sacrifices and to anoint the new king. When Samuel arrived he saw Jesse’s son Eliab and thought to himself, “Surely this is the anointed one!” However, God’s response is found in I Samuel 16:7: “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
So many times we look at things through the eyes of man and not God’s. God does not see things the way we do nor does He think the way we think. His ways are higher than our ways and He has the big picture in mind at all times. Our vision is clouded by all kinds of things that makes our decision making flawed. Samuel was clouded by fear and doubt. He was looking at the outward when God was looking at the inward. He simply had the wrong perspective in the way he looked at things.
We need to, on a regular basis, take a look at things from a different perspective. We need to see things from a different angle, from a different point of view. Sometimes our vantage point simply is not where it needs to be. For example, look at this photo.
From this vantage point the chalk drawing on the sidewalk looks totally weird and strange. I did not stretch this photo, this is the way the artist drew it. However, if you move and change your perspective, it looks like this
Interesting, isn't it? Looking at the chalk drawing one way the image looks very strange and out of proportion, but when you look at the proper angle you can see what the artist intended for you to see, an amazing drawing of the world. I am constantly amazed when I talk to people about the idea of going to Honduras, or Brazil, or any other country to do mission work. People in the states, who have never traveled very much, simply do not get it. They do not get the “big picture” of the great commission in Mt. 28 and Mk. 16.
I am afraid that the great commission has become the great omission because our viewpoint has become so inward that we cannot look outward anymore. I just showed the movie, “End of the Spear” to my Bible classes at school. Nearly all of them agreed it was a great film. Very moving, very touching, very inspirational. But very few of them could see themselves going to do mission work somewhere like that. As a matter of fact, NONE of them could see it. They openly said that they could not give up their “stuff” and live in tough conditions to try to reach sinners to Christ.
Torch Missions strives to provide an opportunity for us to go to other countries to do mission work. It provides the opportunity to see the “rest of the world” and to understand the importance of mission work. Hopefully, through Torch Missions, seeds are being planted for participants to understand that we CAN become full time missionaries and that it can be done.
Warning: Changing one’s perspective has some serious side effects. By changing your perspective you could change the way you think and the way you see things, and it could cause you to change the way you live and act. Wow, wouldn’t that be something?
Terry Reeves
Saturday, December 29
Adios '07, Hola '08!!!
It has been a very busy year. 2007 is in its final days and I sit here wondering how in the world that the year could be over. For goodness sakes, I am just now getting used to writing 2007 on my checks instead of 2006! Yet, ready or not, the old year is about to be out and the new year will be in. I hope you had a wonderful 2007. I know I did.
Just a few weeks ago we had a monumental event take place here in Nashville. We did what should have been done years ago. We had a combined Torch / IRC board meeting and coupled that with a team leaders meeting. We had team leaders from across the United States come to Nashville for a much overdue information meeting. More than 20 attended the meeting that was held at Lipscomb University. Meetings began at 8:00 and ran until 4:30 that afternoon. A lot was accomplished including going over 2008 calendars, team trips, rules, retreat ideas, and lots and lots of information. I am convinced that this meeting will help all of us to have a better and more productive trip this summer.
As 2008 approaches, many of us will begin the ritual of making our new year’s resolutions. Yes, I know, lots of people do not even bother with such a frivolous activity, but some still do. And, I also know very well that most people will break their resolutions within 3 months of the new year. Can we all say, “Been there, done that?” So, as we prepare our lists of do’s and don’ts for 2008, may I suggest a few for you to consider? I challenge us all to consider the following:
1. Dedicate specific prayer time each week to Torch Missions. There are at least 14 teams signed up and ready to go for 2008. We are estimating between 400-500 people will go on the various trips. There is a lot of planning and coordination that will have to take place to make all of this run smoothly and effectively.
2. If you are going on a trip this year, start now to prepare for the trip. Start collecting things that you want to take to give away. Make sure your passport is current and up to date. Make sure your application and deposit is ready to turn in before February 20th.
3. Start putting away money for your trip. A few dollars a week can really add up over the course of 6 or 7 months. $3 a day adds up to over $500 in just 6 months! Don’t delay on fundraising efforts!
4. Ask to find out what you (or your group) can do to help plan and organize the trip. There are a LOT of different things that need to be done to get ready for the trip. “Divide and conquer” really works when it comes to getting everything ready for the trip.
5. Get others involved. Collecting supplies, boxing and labeling items, and encouraging others to donate money for various projects (Bible give aways, building supplies for houses, food distribution give aways, etc.) are ways to get several involved.
6. Invite and encourage others to go on your trip. Be persistent. It took me a couple of years of constant “encouragement” to get Tim Hines to go on his first trip. The same was true for Jen Wright. Remember Luke 11:1-13? The persistence of the man finally paid off and he received the bread from his neighbor that he needed in the middle of the night.
7. Prepare yourself. Put on your ministry early and wear it often. Make your trip an extension of who you already are… a servant. Get involved in ministry efforts locally and carry that mindset with you into the foreign mission field. It will make all the difference for you and the ones that you serve.
AS 2008 approaches, I can’t help but to think and dream about all of the things that can happen this year. I am so excited about the potential that 2008 holds, but potential must be tapped in order for it to be of any use or value. What does 2008 have in store for you? That, my friend, is up to you. May God bless and challenge you in 2008. And, more importantly, may you be willing to accept the blessings and challenges that He will give you.
Terry Reeves
Up next: important dates to remember and trip information!
Just a few weeks ago we had a monumental event take place here in Nashville. We did what should have been done years ago. We had a combined Torch / IRC board meeting and coupled that with a team leaders meeting. We had team leaders from across the United States come to Nashville for a much overdue information meeting. More than 20 attended the meeting that was held at Lipscomb University. Meetings began at 8:00 and ran until 4:30 that afternoon. A lot was accomplished including going over 2008 calendars, team trips, rules, retreat ideas, and lots and lots of information. I am convinced that this meeting will help all of us to have a better and more productive trip this summer.
As 2008 approaches, many of us will begin the ritual of making our new year’s resolutions. Yes, I know, lots of people do not even bother with such a frivolous activity, but some still do. And, I also know very well that most people will break their resolutions within 3 months of the new year. Can we all say, “Been there, done that?” So, as we prepare our lists of do’s and don’ts for 2008, may I suggest a few for you to consider? I challenge us all to consider the following:
1. Dedicate specific prayer time each week to Torch Missions. There are at least 14 teams signed up and ready to go for 2008. We are estimating between 400-500 people will go on the various trips. There is a lot of planning and coordination that will have to take place to make all of this run smoothly and effectively.
2. If you are going on a trip this year, start now to prepare for the trip. Start collecting things that you want to take to give away. Make sure your passport is current and up to date. Make sure your application and deposit is ready to turn in before February 20th.
3. Start putting away money for your trip. A few dollars a week can really add up over the course of 6 or 7 months. $3 a day adds up to over $500 in just 6 months! Don’t delay on fundraising efforts!
4. Ask to find out what you (or your group) can do to help plan and organize the trip. There are a LOT of different things that need to be done to get ready for the trip. “Divide and conquer” really works when it comes to getting everything ready for the trip.
5. Get others involved. Collecting supplies, boxing and labeling items, and encouraging others to donate money for various projects (Bible give aways, building supplies for houses, food distribution give aways, etc.) are ways to get several involved.
6. Invite and encourage others to go on your trip. Be persistent. It took me a couple of years of constant “encouragement” to get Tim Hines to go on his first trip. The same was true for Jen Wright. Remember Luke 11:1-13? The persistence of the man finally paid off and he received the bread from his neighbor that he needed in the middle of the night.
7. Prepare yourself. Put on your ministry early and wear it often. Make your trip an extension of who you already are… a servant. Get involved in ministry efforts locally and carry that mindset with you into the foreign mission field. It will make all the difference for you and the ones that you serve.
AS 2008 approaches, I can’t help but to think and dream about all of the things that can happen this year. I am so excited about the potential that 2008 holds, but potential must be tapped in order for it to be of any use or value. What does 2008 have in store for you? That, my friend, is up to you. May God bless and challenge you in 2008. And, more importantly, may you be willing to accept the blessings and challenges that He will give you.
Terry Reeves
Up next: important dates to remember and trip information!
Monday, November 5
the anti-God movement
I read this editorial today on Fox News and thought you might enjoy reading it. It certainly applies to the comments that have been made recently on the blog. Father Jonathan is a member of the Catholic Church and is a popular speaker on apologetic topics.
Over the last several years I have had numerous occasions to debate topics of religion and ethics with self-defined atheists. For the most part, my counterparts in these public discussions have been refreshingly rational. They describe how they have come to the intellectual conclusion that God probably does not exist. They are not angry. They are not mean. And like all good truth-seekers, they listen.
But I fear such constructive dialogue is in danger of extinction. Its killers are the promoters of a pseudo-civil rights movement now brewing in our country. The anti-God movement involves vacuuming the world of the outrageous idea — yes, that slavish, medieval, intolerant, moralistic and paternalistic concept — that there may be more to reality than what science can explain.
The movement is not agnosticism. Nor is it traditional atheism. It has the feel of a nerdy Woodstock gathering — a motley crew of social progressives who bind together on the Internet in defense of their own version of dogma. Their creed is two-pronged: 1) all of reality, including every aspect of the human person, is reducible to natural, evolutionary explanations 2) people who disagree with this core belief are a threat to human progress and must be silenced.
Unlike the laid-back hippies of the 70s, the groupies of this new movement are determined to ridicule anyone who thinks differently than they do. They substitute rational discourse with personal attacks. They love straw man arguments.
Last week, for example, I joined Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Freedom from Religion Foundation for a nationally televised discussion about Nicole Kidman's new film, “The Golden Compass,” to be released in December. It is a cinematic production of the first book of a trilogy for children written by one of England's most well-known atheist authors, Phillip Pullman. Ms. Gaylor immediately focused her attention on sidebar issues, including the intrinsic evil of the Catholic Church, clergy paedophilia and the scourge of religion in general on society.
The heroes of this movement are not real atheists because science is their god. They place blind faith in its ability to resolve every one of mankind's quandaries. When confronted with realities that seem to fall outside of science's grasp — like how to explain free will or how and when matter got here in the first place — ironically, the leaders of this movement become very unscientific. They claim these questions are non-questions because they can't be answered by the only valid source of truth — Science with a capital “S.”
God bless, Father Jonathan
The article points out several things that are evident in our society today. Bold and brazen attacks on Christianity are happening all of the time and are found in media outlets around the globe. Satan has found a conduit in which his posion is being pumped into our minds everywhere we turn. In just a few weeks the movie, "The golden Compass" will be released. This movie is being promoted as a family friendly movie with special effects and a theme that it hopes will attract younger viewers. It is based on a trilogy written by Phillip Pullman, a well known athiest. In the third and final book (and movie if the first 2 are successful) God is killed by a young boy and girl so that they can do what they want. Pullman openly states that his books are about killing God. Go to www.snopes.com to read more.
I, like many others, want to openly condemn this movie and strongly encourage people to boycott the film. The anti-God movement needs to realize that there is a group that stands ready to fight for truth and defend what is right. Enough is enough, its time to get up and make a stand. The silent majority cannot be silent anymore. If we do not stand now, we will soon become the silent minority.
"Be strong and couragous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the One Who goes before you. He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
T. Reeves
Over the last several years I have had numerous occasions to debate topics of religion and ethics with self-defined atheists. For the most part, my counterparts in these public discussions have been refreshingly rational. They describe how they have come to the intellectual conclusion that God probably does not exist. They are not angry. They are not mean. And like all good truth-seekers, they listen.
But I fear such constructive dialogue is in danger of extinction. Its killers are the promoters of a pseudo-civil rights movement now brewing in our country. The anti-God movement involves vacuuming the world of the outrageous idea — yes, that slavish, medieval, intolerant, moralistic and paternalistic concept — that there may be more to reality than what science can explain.
The movement is not agnosticism. Nor is it traditional atheism. It has the feel of a nerdy Woodstock gathering — a motley crew of social progressives who bind together on the Internet in defense of their own version of dogma. Their creed is two-pronged: 1) all of reality, including every aspect of the human person, is reducible to natural, evolutionary explanations 2) people who disagree with this core belief are a threat to human progress and must be silenced.
Unlike the laid-back hippies of the 70s, the groupies of this new movement are determined to ridicule anyone who thinks differently than they do. They substitute rational discourse with personal attacks. They love straw man arguments.
Last week, for example, I joined Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Freedom from Religion Foundation for a nationally televised discussion about Nicole Kidman's new film, “The Golden Compass,” to be released in December. It is a cinematic production of the first book of a trilogy for children written by one of England's most well-known atheist authors, Phillip Pullman. Ms. Gaylor immediately focused her attention on sidebar issues, including the intrinsic evil of the Catholic Church, clergy paedophilia and the scourge of religion in general on society.
The heroes of this movement are not real atheists because science is their god. They place blind faith in its ability to resolve every one of mankind's quandaries. When confronted with realities that seem to fall outside of science's grasp — like how to explain free will or how and when matter got here in the first place — ironically, the leaders of this movement become very unscientific. They claim these questions are non-questions because they can't be answered by the only valid source of truth — Science with a capital “S.”
God bless, Father Jonathan
The article points out several things that are evident in our society today. Bold and brazen attacks on Christianity are happening all of the time and are found in media outlets around the globe. Satan has found a conduit in which his posion is being pumped into our minds everywhere we turn. In just a few weeks the movie, "The golden Compass" will be released. This movie is being promoted as a family friendly movie with special effects and a theme that it hopes will attract younger viewers. It is based on a trilogy written by Phillip Pullman, a well known athiest. In the third and final book (and movie if the first 2 are successful) God is killed by a young boy and girl so that they can do what they want. Pullman openly states that his books are about killing God. Go to www.snopes.com to read more.
I, like many others, want to openly condemn this movie and strongly encourage people to boycott the film. The anti-God movement needs to realize that there is a group that stands ready to fight for truth and defend what is right. Enough is enough, its time to get up and make a stand. The silent majority cannot be silent anymore. If we do not stand now, we will soon become the silent minority.
"Be strong and couragous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the One Who goes before you. He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
T. Reeves
Wednesday, October 24
to be(lieve) or not to be(lieve), that is the question
Death to False Metal has left a new comment on your post "Get the door, it's....God?": ”not to rain on your parade, but must everything in the world that goes your way be an act of god? today the top of my sandwich fell off and onto the ground and i had to eat half a sandwich, which was very messy. was that an act of the devil, or did god oppose the idea of me eating that top of the sandwich?the fact of the matter is, highly improbable occurances of good luck are not miracles...they are just that. the thing is, that imagine how many seconds you live. so if something desirable that is million to one shot occurs, that seems incredibly lucky, but think about the million times it didnt occur. it would actually be suprising if things that are million to one shots didnt show up after millions of it not occuring.god is "unbelieveable", alright”
I received this email this past week from the blogspot. As a public domain, anyone can come in and read our postings and leave comments. Many people have left comments on the blog the past couple of years while most do not. From time to time we will receive a comment like the one you just read. I would like to respond to this comment.
First of all, I do not know who “Death to False Metal” is, as far as I can tell. All I really know is that this person read the blog article and made comments. I do not know if this person reads this blog regularly or if it was just a random reading. I do not know if the comment is just a slam on Christianity or if the comments are sincere expressions of this person’s thoughts. Regardless, I think it deserves a response because it represents a sizable percentage of the population’s opinion about this very subject. Death to False Metal is not raining on my parade; he is challenging my core beliefs with his own.
In reality, the basic question at hand is whether God exists and is at work or the idea that everything just happens by chance and coincidence. This is not exactly a new question; this has been around for hundreds of years. Some of the greatest minds have debated this very issue. Whether you are looking at sub-atomic particles or a very messy sandwich missing the top piece of bread, it all boils down to one thing: God or chance?
Skeptics have always questioned the idea of God. Atheists proclaim that there is no God. Believers counter by stating that God is alive and well and the evidence is undeniable. Without getting into a huge theological debate, let’s just cut to the heart of all of this. I think this all comes down to belief and faith. My faith in God is rooted in my belief in Him and by what I observe. I believe in God by what I see and experience. I do not see things happening by chance or by coincidence, I see God at work because I have learned to look for His handiworks.
One of the most famous suspense directors of all time was Alfred Hitchcock. Even though his movies were made years ago they still make their rounds via DVD and TV movies. He made dozens of top notch movies from the 1920’s all the way to the 1970’s. His use of lighting, shadows, and angles made his films much scarier and suspenseful than they actually were. He did not have to use blood and gore to scare people, he used suspense and implications to get the message across. He allowed the audience’s imagination do its thing. One of the most interesting things about his movies was the fact that he appeared in all of them in cameo roles. When I first heard this I did not believe it. But, once I started watching for him, and knew what I was supposed to be looking for, I found that it was true. I had to train myself to look for him in the movie walking down a sidewalk or shopping in a store. Without knowing this information I would had never looked for him, and, of course, never would have seen him. Knowing this now allows me to know that he will be seen in a movie that he made, even if it one I have not seen before.
The work of God can be viewed in a similar way. Unless you know to look for God and His handiwork, it is very unlikely that you will ever see it. You might even dismiss it all as accidents, chance, coincidence, or random occurrences. However, once you understand God and know how much He cares about His creation, you understand why God would be at work. And, by understanding God, you see His work all around you. Maybe a better question would be, do you accept what you see as God’s work? I am not trying to say that God orchestrates or dictates every detail of every event that occurs here on earth. But, I am not saying that He is not capable of doing just that. God created this universe, which is more massive than we ever thought it could be, all the way down to the sub-nuclear level. If He did that I am pretty sure He can micro manage the affairs of man if He wants to do it.
However, even though God has the capability to micro manage, He does not. Because He grants us all free will. He allows the ebb and flow of life to take place. It is ultimately our choice that takes place when it is all said and done. Can God intervene in man’s affairs? Yes. Does He intervene? Yes. Will He intervene? That answer is prompted by His own will and motive. We can pray and ask, and He will indeed hear and answer. We have to watch, listen, and observe, to see what the answer will be.
Of course, if you do not believe in God, this will make no sense to you at all. If you are a skeptic, you will read this will a grain of salt and put on your doubter hat. If you are a believer, you will understand and agree with all of this. If Death to False Metal is right, and my passport came totally by chance and good luck, then I am a blessed guy and I have nothing to loose. If God was involved through the answering of prayer, I am still a very blessed guy and people like Death to False Metal needs to realize that there is a lot to loose.. Who’s right and who’s wrong? I’ll put my odds on God, what have I got to loose?
Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understoon from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
T. Reeves
I received this email this past week from the blogspot. As a public domain, anyone can come in and read our postings and leave comments. Many people have left comments on the blog the past couple of years while most do not. From time to time we will receive a comment like the one you just read. I would like to respond to this comment.
First of all, I do not know who “Death to False Metal” is, as far as I can tell. All I really know is that this person read the blog article and made comments. I do not know if this person reads this blog regularly or if it was just a random reading. I do not know if the comment is just a slam on Christianity or if the comments are sincere expressions of this person’s thoughts. Regardless, I think it deserves a response because it represents a sizable percentage of the population’s opinion about this very subject. Death to False Metal is not raining on my parade; he is challenging my core beliefs with his own.
In reality, the basic question at hand is whether God exists and is at work or the idea that everything just happens by chance and coincidence. This is not exactly a new question; this has been around for hundreds of years. Some of the greatest minds have debated this very issue. Whether you are looking at sub-atomic particles or a very messy sandwich missing the top piece of bread, it all boils down to one thing: God or chance?
Skeptics have always questioned the idea of God. Atheists proclaim that there is no God. Believers counter by stating that God is alive and well and the evidence is undeniable. Without getting into a huge theological debate, let’s just cut to the heart of all of this. I think this all comes down to belief and faith. My faith in God is rooted in my belief in Him and by what I observe. I believe in God by what I see and experience. I do not see things happening by chance or by coincidence, I see God at work because I have learned to look for His handiworks.
One of the most famous suspense directors of all time was Alfred Hitchcock. Even though his movies were made years ago they still make their rounds via DVD and TV movies. He made dozens of top notch movies from the 1920’s all the way to the 1970’s. His use of lighting, shadows, and angles made his films much scarier and suspenseful than they actually were. He did not have to use blood and gore to scare people, he used suspense and implications to get the message across. He allowed the audience’s imagination do its thing. One of the most interesting things about his movies was the fact that he appeared in all of them in cameo roles. When I first heard this I did not believe it. But, once I started watching for him, and knew what I was supposed to be looking for, I found that it was true. I had to train myself to look for him in the movie walking down a sidewalk or shopping in a store. Without knowing this information I would had never looked for him, and, of course, never would have seen him. Knowing this now allows me to know that he will be seen in a movie that he made, even if it one I have not seen before.
The work of God can be viewed in a similar way. Unless you know to look for God and His handiwork, it is very unlikely that you will ever see it. You might even dismiss it all as accidents, chance, coincidence, or random occurrences. However, once you understand God and know how much He cares about His creation, you understand why God would be at work. And, by understanding God, you see His work all around you. Maybe a better question would be, do you accept what you see as God’s work? I am not trying to say that God orchestrates or dictates every detail of every event that occurs here on earth. But, I am not saying that He is not capable of doing just that. God created this universe, which is more massive than we ever thought it could be, all the way down to the sub-nuclear level. If He did that I am pretty sure He can micro manage the affairs of man if He wants to do it.
However, even though God has the capability to micro manage, He does not. Because He grants us all free will. He allows the ebb and flow of life to take place. It is ultimately our choice that takes place when it is all said and done. Can God intervene in man’s affairs? Yes. Does He intervene? Yes. Will He intervene? That answer is prompted by His own will and motive. We can pray and ask, and He will indeed hear and answer. We have to watch, listen, and observe, to see what the answer will be.
Of course, if you do not believe in God, this will make no sense to you at all. If you are a skeptic, you will read this will a grain of salt and put on your doubter hat. If you are a believer, you will understand and agree with all of this. If Death to False Metal is right, and my passport came totally by chance and good luck, then I am a blessed guy and I have nothing to loose. If God was involved through the answering of prayer, I am still a very blessed guy and people like Death to False Metal needs to realize that there is a lot to loose.. Who’s right and who’s wrong? I’ll put my odds on God, what have I got to loose?
Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understoon from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
T. Reeves
Monday, September 17
God's been good to me
Can it possibly be mid-September? I am amazed how quickly this year is coming to an end. Here in middle Tennessee we have endured a blistering heat wave and drought. It has been so dry that many of the trees surrendered and went ahead and dropped their leaves early this year so it looks like fall but still feels like summer. But we got both rain and cooler weather recently and life seems to be coming back to “normal,” whatever that might be.
I have been so busy at work teaching school and coaching soccer that I am finding it hard to get on the computer to write. Since I am still in the early stages of writing my bible curriculum at school I have to spend a great deal of time typing lessons, lesson plans, and tests. Soccer keeps me away from the house till late in the evening just about every night so finding even a few minutes of time to write is rare. School and work is going a LOT smoother than last year and I do have less driving time since I only live 10 minutes from school now. Never the less, I find myself looking at clocks and wondering where all the time goes.
Margaret and I are STILL unloading boxes that have been stored in the garage since our move. We are getting down to the last 15-20 boxes and with a little work both sides of the garage will be cleared enough to get cars in! Imagine that, a 2-car garage in which 2 cars will fit. The house looks great, to a large degree, because of Nathan. He has painted the inside and outside of the house for us. Even though the house was painted before we ever moved in we decided we needed a little color and contrast. Nate has done an amazing job with the paint and is now taking on trim work. Crown and chair rail moldings will be going in soon to some of the rooms to finish it out.
We feel so blessed to be in such a nice house. To be honest, I never dreamed of a day that we would live in a house with tile and real hardwood, a 2-car garage, and a huge yard. God has really blessed us with the move up here. He has confirmed time after time that we made the right decision. Margaret and I have great jobs, my health seems to be holding steady, and we have become very involved with the work at church. Western Hills has just reached out and welcomed us, and our ministry, with welcome arms. The elders are so supportive of the work we are doing in Honduras and Brazil and the members are very giving. I think that in the near future more and more will goes with us to Central America and more and more supplies and donations will come as well.
We have started a small group on Sunday nights with friends and with college students from Lipscomb. Every Sunday evening we have anywhere from 12-18 over to the house for a meal and a time to just hang out and be together. We just call it “family dinner” and we open up our house for a few hours to anyone who wants to come. Nate always has a group of buddies that come and we get to see 3 of our girls from Sarasota, Florida, which attend Lipscomb. Laughs are plentiful to say the least.
We have a Torch Missions board meeting coming up the first week of October in Pigeon forge / Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We hope to get some things ironed out and some things in place before we launch the 2008 mission trips. Team leaders will be getting together in December in Nashville to go over dates and trip plans. It seems like the plans get rolling earlier and earlier every year. It is exciting to see all of the things that are going on. Containers of supplies are constantly being shipped down to Honduras for distribution. Fund raisers are going on to raise money for all kinds of projects. I have had more inquires about next year's trips than I have ever had before. 2008 might well be the biggest year we have ever had through torch Missions.
How about you? Is God active and working in your life? Can you see His fingerprints in the events that are taking place around you? Are you seeking His guidance and watching and listening to His will? "Its faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes life worth living." Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
“God’s been good to me. He has set me free. God’s been good to me; He’s so good to me.”
T. Reeves
I have been so busy at work teaching school and coaching soccer that I am finding it hard to get on the computer to write. Since I am still in the early stages of writing my bible curriculum at school I have to spend a great deal of time typing lessons, lesson plans, and tests. Soccer keeps me away from the house till late in the evening just about every night so finding even a few minutes of time to write is rare. School and work is going a LOT smoother than last year and I do have less driving time since I only live 10 minutes from school now. Never the less, I find myself looking at clocks and wondering where all the time goes.
Margaret and I are STILL unloading boxes that have been stored in the garage since our move. We are getting down to the last 15-20 boxes and with a little work both sides of the garage will be cleared enough to get cars in! Imagine that, a 2-car garage in which 2 cars will fit. The house looks great, to a large degree, because of Nathan. He has painted the inside and outside of the house for us. Even though the house was painted before we ever moved in we decided we needed a little color and contrast. Nate has done an amazing job with the paint and is now taking on trim work. Crown and chair rail moldings will be going in soon to some of the rooms to finish it out.
We feel so blessed to be in such a nice house. To be honest, I never dreamed of a day that we would live in a house with tile and real hardwood, a 2-car garage, and a huge yard. God has really blessed us with the move up here. He has confirmed time after time that we made the right decision. Margaret and I have great jobs, my health seems to be holding steady, and we have become very involved with the work at church. Western Hills has just reached out and welcomed us, and our ministry, with welcome arms. The elders are so supportive of the work we are doing in Honduras and Brazil and the members are very giving. I think that in the near future more and more will goes with us to Central America and more and more supplies and donations will come as well.
We have started a small group on Sunday nights with friends and with college students from Lipscomb. Every Sunday evening we have anywhere from 12-18 over to the house for a meal and a time to just hang out and be together. We just call it “family dinner” and we open up our house for a few hours to anyone who wants to come. Nate always has a group of buddies that come and we get to see 3 of our girls from Sarasota, Florida, which attend Lipscomb. Laughs are plentiful to say the least.
We have a Torch Missions board meeting coming up the first week of October in Pigeon forge / Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We hope to get some things ironed out and some things in place before we launch the 2008 mission trips. Team leaders will be getting together in December in Nashville to go over dates and trip plans. It seems like the plans get rolling earlier and earlier every year. It is exciting to see all of the things that are going on. Containers of supplies are constantly being shipped down to Honduras for distribution. Fund raisers are going on to raise money for all kinds of projects. I have had more inquires about next year's trips than I have ever had before. 2008 might well be the biggest year we have ever had through torch Missions.
How about you? Is God active and working in your life? Can you see His fingerprints in the events that are taking place around you? Are you seeking His guidance and watching and listening to His will? "Its faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes life worth living." Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
“God’s been good to me. He has set me free. God’s been good to me; He’s so good to me.”
T. Reeves
Friday, August 10
2007 summer Torch summary / all groups
2007 summer trips have come and gone. What a summer Torch Missions experienced. Marc Tindall, who was in Honduras all summer, has written the following summary for the teams:
TORCH Summer Summary
What a summer in Honduras. I arrived on June 11th - a short week after Nicole's wedding and there was already a TORCH team working. The Mark Connell / Larry Sawyer group arrived about a week before me and they had already been very busy building, feeding, teaching, and - well, just being the hands and feet of Jesus. This team was a mix of folks from Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. This group was about 60 strong and didn't quit until it was time to go home. This is also the team that had been the "trainers" for three of the four men that I was blessed to work with for the summer - Bret Flannery & Andy Sawyer are from Louisville and cousin Stephen Sawyer is from Indiana. Bret just graduated from Lipscomb and Stephen and Andy are seniors at Harding. (My other work partner was Andy Hubright from Lipscomb). These guys are the best TORCH Builders that I have ever worked with! (my groups have built over 180 houses so - I've seen a lot of builders)Anyway, the Connell/ Sawyer team built about 16 houses and packed out several tons of food. This team - as usual also worked right in the heart of the rainy season - so almost every day on the mountain- it rained - (drops as big as small cars) - and rained, and rained.
In the midst of the second week of the Connell/ Sawyer team, a group of 35 from Ohio - led by Donna (Dynamo) Brothers. This group of 100% first-timers worked nonstop for the 8 or so days that they were in Hondo. Donna - assisted by Jen Wright led this team in building more than 10 houses, delivering about 5 tons of food, teaching and loving 100's of kids, touching the lives of even more children at several of the area children's homes, and many other projects.
Right on the heels of the Brothers team, the combo groups of Gayle Davidson - Melbourne, FL & Mark Halbert of Tupelo, MS - This group of 100 came to work and work they did! There were multiple house building teams, medical teams, VBS groups, food distribution groups, and many great things were done in a bunch of comunities. Here are the numbers - there were 19 houses and 2 Sunday School Classrooms constructed, there were at least 5 days of medical clinics in many communities including - Santa Ana, San Migual, and others. More than 1000 people were treated for their medical needs by this team. This team also delivered about 18,000 pounds of food to really hungry people, they led 1000's of children in VBS, there were 100's of visits to children in hospitals, and the lives of both Honduran's and the mission team were changed forever.
As soon as the group from Florida/ Mississippi departed, we were blessed to have the team from the Campus Church in Atlanta. This small group was amazing in both their willingness to work and the love that they showed to the people of Honduras. Led by Kin & Donna Ellis, the 18 folks started their week by building a home for a young mother and her 8 day old baby. What a blessing to see this team work through the day in a total downpour to make sure that a baby could live in a warm dry place. This smaller team spent other days at children's homes, in Hospital Esquala, at the special needs orphanage, and working in communities where the needs are impossible to describe. Everywhere they went, they were a blessing to the people they met and they were blessed in return. This group delivered food to more than 4oo families and also helped two children's homes with food supplies.
Before the Ellis Team was on their way to Roatan, the first of the two Terry Reeves teams arrived. I was personally blessed by this first team because they arrived on the same day that I needed to finish closing out our old warehouse and moving it to our new warehouse. The Reeves group sent in an army of workers to help with this nasty-dirty-stinky project and we knocked it out in a short 4 hours. This team also rescued us by arriving just in time to unload a massive container - (it just happened that it was the Reeves container and it could be that the timing of the release from customs was arranged so that it had to be unloaded on the date that the Reeves team arrived....could be?) Anyway - the 65 folks from Terry's team arrived over a 3 day period and - once on the ground, they focused on work in children's homes, in hospitals, in food distribution, VBS, and in construction. This team built 5 houses, they distributed more than 20,000 pounds of food, blessed 1000's of kids - and all of this in only 6 days. The team was only in Tegucigalpa for this short time as they also planned work in Southern Honduras. Down south, the team worked in laying concrete in the floor of a new church building, in medical clinics, in building a massive playground for children at the new church, in VBS, and in touching and changing the lives of everyone that they came into contact with.
Terry Reeves - Part 2 arrived next. This team came from Columbia, SC and was about 57 strong. There is one part of this team that loves to dig footers and lay concrete and for 8 days, that is what they did. A new day care facility is being constructed in San Miguel and everyday at 7 AM a group of gringo's went to work mixing concrete (HONDO Style). It is painful to think about the sore muscles that were part of life for this group. While the concrete was being mixed and poured - the rest of the team was building houses, delivering food, treating the sick, teaching about Jesus, and serving others. This team built 4 houses, delivered over 20,000 pounds of food, held clinics that treated over 1000, and worked to change the lives of everyone that they met.
Toward the end of the work for Reeves II, my team from all over the country came in. We were blessed to be able to share meals, devotionals, and the mission house with the group from SC for about 3 days. The Tindall team was about 87 strong and came ready and loaded for work. We were sent out every day as builders, comforters (at Hospital Esquala), teachers - in VBS & evangelism, feeders (packing and distribution of food), and in many other ministries. The team had 2 to 4 people working and staying at Casa de Esperanza every day, there was at least 8 team members that dedicated their day to being Jesus for the kids at the hospital - every day. The builders finished 21 houses and continuing into the next team - finished the 24 that were the goal. (More houses from this team will be built in September when I am permanently in Hondo) There were 28 baptisms that resulted from the work done by the evangelism part of this team. More than 12,000 pounds of food was deliered to hungry families. Work was done in more than 6 different communities. Medical teams treated more than 1000 in the 5 days of clinics - many in places where people hadn't seen a doctor in years - if ever. Everyone on this team was a blessing and was blessed by the work that was accomplished.
The last group of the season arrived on July 28th - from the Lexington Church in South Carolina. The group of 18 was led by Tom Gilroy and all but one or two were first timers. It is always great to be with first timers in Honduras and to see them open their eyes to the needs of the "real world" ... to see their faces with they look into the eyes of the children and see Jesus looking back at them. It is amazing to see the tears flow from the eyes of the tough guys when they stand to pray with a family that has a new house - only because our God chose these "tough guys" to come to Honduras to be a part of an answered prayer. I like to take first timers to Hospital Esquala to see their reaction to the children that lie in the cancer ward or in the area of the hospital where the kids were found to be starving to death.I saw all of this with the Lesington Team and I saw my friend Jesus in them and the way they reacted to the people and the needs that they came to serve. This team built 3 more houses and delivered more than 6,000 pounds of food to some really hungry people. They showed the compassion of Jesus, they touched lives and their own lives were touched in return. As a matter of fact, 2 members of the same family - Sasha & Demi Lane both saw Jesus very clearly and both confessed his name and were baptized. Pray for them as they begin their walk.
I would be remiss if I didn't also commend the Spring Break team from Belpre, Ohio - about 40 strong. This team built more than 10 houses and worked in many areas. Led by Jennifer Wright (director of Casa de Esperanza) the team fed, taught, loved, and blessed many many people from both Honduras and the Ohio.
The year has seen more than 475 TORCH Team members in Honduras. (Terry Reeves also led a team of 30+ to Brazil and several of his first group travelled to El Salvador.) Our teams this year have distributed more than 100,000 pounds of food, they have treated more than 3000 in medical clinics, they have built at least 95 houses and Sunday School classrooms for 2 different congregations, There have been 100's of visits made to childen in the hospial, children's homes were a part of every groups ministry, VBS happened almost every day of the summer, countless numbers of people studied the gospel and 28 people chose Jesus to be the Lord of their lives.Our God is an AWESOME GOD!It has been a great year in Honduras.
Blessings,Marc
Not included in these totals was the December / January trip I led this year. We have 22 on the trip and gave away 4,000 pounds of food and built 2 houses while we were there. We also visited some of the childen;s homes and orphanages and went to the hospital. Also, Nathan led a group in May. He had 15 on his team and they built 5 houses and did a 4,000 pond food give away. The also went on several visitation trips and worked out at Santa Ana at Casa de Esperanza. God was truly glorified this summer and I know that I, for one, came away very blessed by all that we were able to do in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. blessing to you all.
Terry
TORCH Summer Summary
What a summer in Honduras. I arrived on June 11th - a short week after Nicole's wedding and there was already a TORCH team working. The Mark Connell / Larry Sawyer group arrived about a week before me and they had already been very busy building, feeding, teaching, and - well, just being the hands and feet of Jesus. This team was a mix of folks from Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. This group was about 60 strong and didn't quit until it was time to go home. This is also the team that had been the "trainers" for three of the four men that I was blessed to work with for the summer - Bret Flannery & Andy Sawyer are from Louisville and cousin Stephen Sawyer is from Indiana. Bret just graduated from Lipscomb and Stephen and Andy are seniors at Harding. (My other work partner was Andy Hubright from Lipscomb). These guys are the best TORCH Builders that I have ever worked with! (my groups have built over 180 houses so - I've seen a lot of builders)Anyway, the Connell/ Sawyer team built about 16 houses and packed out several tons of food. This team - as usual also worked right in the heart of the rainy season - so almost every day on the mountain- it rained - (drops as big as small cars) - and rained, and rained.
In the midst of the second week of the Connell/ Sawyer team, a group of 35 from Ohio - led by Donna (Dynamo) Brothers. This group of 100% first-timers worked nonstop for the 8 or so days that they were in Hondo. Donna - assisted by Jen Wright led this team in building more than 10 houses, delivering about 5 tons of food, teaching and loving 100's of kids, touching the lives of even more children at several of the area children's homes, and many other projects.
Right on the heels of the Brothers team, the combo groups of Gayle Davidson - Melbourne, FL & Mark Halbert of Tupelo, MS - This group of 100 came to work and work they did! There were multiple house building teams, medical teams, VBS groups, food distribution groups, and many great things were done in a bunch of comunities. Here are the numbers - there were 19 houses and 2 Sunday School Classrooms constructed, there were at least 5 days of medical clinics in many communities including - Santa Ana, San Migual, and others. More than 1000 people were treated for their medical needs by this team. This team also delivered about 18,000 pounds of food to really hungry people, they led 1000's of children in VBS, there were 100's of visits to children in hospitals, and the lives of both Honduran's and the mission team were changed forever.
As soon as the group from Florida/ Mississippi departed, we were blessed to have the team from the Campus Church in Atlanta. This small group was amazing in both their willingness to work and the love that they showed to the people of Honduras. Led by Kin & Donna Ellis, the 18 folks started their week by building a home for a young mother and her 8 day old baby. What a blessing to see this team work through the day in a total downpour to make sure that a baby could live in a warm dry place. This smaller team spent other days at children's homes, in Hospital Esquala, at the special needs orphanage, and working in communities where the needs are impossible to describe. Everywhere they went, they were a blessing to the people they met and they were blessed in return. This group delivered food to more than 4oo families and also helped two children's homes with food supplies.
Before the Ellis Team was on their way to Roatan, the first of the two Terry Reeves teams arrived. I was personally blessed by this first team because they arrived on the same day that I needed to finish closing out our old warehouse and moving it to our new warehouse. The Reeves group sent in an army of workers to help with this nasty-dirty-stinky project and we knocked it out in a short 4 hours. This team also rescued us by arriving just in time to unload a massive container - (it just happened that it was the Reeves container and it could be that the timing of the release from customs was arranged so that it had to be unloaded on the date that the Reeves team arrived....could be?) Anyway - the 65 folks from Terry's team arrived over a 3 day period and - once on the ground, they focused on work in children's homes, in hospitals, in food distribution, VBS, and in construction. This team built 5 houses, they distributed more than 20,000 pounds of food, blessed 1000's of kids - and all of this in only 6 days. The team was only in Tegucigalpa for this short time as they also planned work in Southern Honduras. Down south, the team worked in laying concrete in the floor of a new church building, in medical clinics, in building a massive playground for children at the new church, in VBS, and in touching and changing the lives of everyone that they came into contact with.
Terry Reeves - Part 2 arrived next. This team came from Columbia, SC and was about 57 strong. There is one part of this team that loves to dig footers and lay concrete and for 8 days, that is what they did. A new day care facility is being constructed in San Miguel and everyday at 7 AM a group of gringo's went to work mixing concrete (HONDO Style). It is painful to think about the sore muscles that were part of life for this group. While the concrete was being mixed and poured - the rest of the team was building houses, delivering food, treating the sick, teaching about Jesus, and serving others. This team built 4 houses, delivered over 20,000 pounds of food, held clinics that treated over 1000, and worked to change the lives of everyone that they met.
Toward the end of the work for Reeves II, my team from all over the country came in. We were blessed to be able to share meals, devotionals, and the mission house with the group from SC for about 3 days. The Tindall team was about 87 strong and came ready and loaded for work. We were sent out every day as builders, comforters (at Hospital Esquala), teachers - in VBS & evangelism, feeders (packing and distribution of food), and in many other ministries. The team had 2 to 4 people working and staying at Casa de Esperanza every day, there was at least 8 team members that dedicated their day to being Jesus for the kids at the hospital - every day. The builders finished 21 houses and continuing into the next team - finished the 24 that were the goal. (More houses from this team will be built in September when I am permanently in Hondo) There were 28 baptisms that resulted from the work done by the evangelism part of this team. More than 12,000 pounds of food was deliered to hungry families. Work was done in more than 6 different communities. Medical teams treated more than 1000 in the 5 days of clinics - many in places where people hadn't seen a doctor in years - if ever. Everyone on this team was a blessing and was blessed by the work that was accomplished.
The last group of the season arrived on July 28th - from the Lexington Church in South Carolina. The group of 18 was led by Tom Gilroy and all but one or two were first timers. It is always great to be with first timers in Honduras and to see them open their eyes to the needs of the "real world" ... to see their faces with they look into the eyes of the children and see Jesus looking back at them. It is amazing to see the tears flow from the eyes of the tough guys when they stand to pray with a family that has a new house - only because our God chose these "tough guys" to come to Honduras to be a part of an answered prayer. I like to take first timers to Hospital Esquala to see their reaction to the children that lie in the cancer ward or in the area of the hospital where the kids were found to be starving to death.I saw all of this with the Lesington Team and I saw my friend Jesus in them and the way they reacted to the people and the needs that they came to serve. This team built 3 more houses and delivered more than 6,000 pounds of food to some really hungry people. They showed the compassion of Jesus, they touched lives and their own lives were touched in return. As a matter of fact, 2 members of the same family - Sasha & Demi Lane both saw Jesus very clearly and both confessed his name and were baptized. Pray for them as they begin their walk.
I would be remiss if I didn't also commend the Spring Break team from Belpre, Ohio - about 40 strong. This team built more than 10 houses and worked in many areas. Led by Jennifer Wright (director of Casa de Esperanza) the team fed, taught, loved, and blessed many many people from both Honduras and the Ohio.
The year has seen more than 475 TORCH Team members in Honduras. (Terry Reeves also led a team of 30+ to Brazil and several of his first group travelled to El Salvador.) Our teams this year have distributed more than 100,000 pounds of food, they have treated more than 3000 in medical clinics, they have built at least 95 houses and Sunday School classrooms for 2 different congregations, There have been 100's of visits made to childen in the hospial, children's homes were a part of every groups ministry, VBS happened almost every day of the summer, countless numbers of people studied the gospel and 28 people chose Jesus to be the Lord of their lives.Our God is an AWESOME GOD!It has been a great year in Honduras.
Blessings,Marc
Not included in these totals was the December / January trip I led this year. We have 22 on the trip and gave away 4,000 pounds of food and built 2 houses while we were there. We also visited some of the childen;s homes and orphanages and went to the hospital. Also, Nathan led a group in May. He had 15 on his team and they built 5 houses and did a 4,000 pond food give away. The also went on several visitation trips and worked out at Santa Ana at Casa de Esperanza. God was truly glorified this summer and I know that I, for one, came away very blessed by all that we were able to do in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. blessing to you all.
Terry
Thursday, August 9
2008 dates
Since returning from Honduras is seems as if I have leaped into hyper-space (Star Wars fans know what I am talking about). It has been a blur as soccer started training, going to teacher in-service meetings, faculty meetings, coaches meetings, and trying to get the recently converted computer lab into my classroom. Moving computer desks, chairs, miles of wires, a couple dozen computers, speakers, etc, has been a lot of fun. Like most of you, I live to sit in on meetings. Love it.
School started for us Monday, August 6 and it is running smoothly and my classes are going to be great. I have a new schedule, a new planning period, a classroom, and do not have a study hall! Live is about as good as it gets here at FCS. Our first scrimmage is this Saturday and our first regular season game is in less than 2 weeks. Of course, trying to squeeze in anything else (outside of school stuff) is hard right now, but I hope to be in a routine soon.
So, while I have a minute or two, I wanted to let you know what the dates and mission trip opportunities will be offered for this coming year. You are welcome to come on any, or all, of the trips, all it will take is an email and some paperwork and of course, money. If you see something that interests you, contact me soon. Some of the trips have limited number of spaces.
December 27 – January 4: Montigo Bay, Jamaica. VBS, door knocking, and benevolence trip; high school and up. Very limited spaces for this trip.
March 6-15: Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America. Humanitarian outreach trip (food distribution, visitation, bible studies, etc). High school and up.
June 1 – 11: Recife, Brazil, South America. VBS, door knocking, construction, food distribution, and benevolence trip. High school and up.
June 28 – July 9: Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Central America. VBS, door knocking, construction, food distribution, visitation, and benevolence trip. High school and up.
Details about these trips will be posted later (cost, flights, etc) and dates are subject to change depending on flight availability and housing. Torch applications for 2008 will be available the week after Thanksgiving. You can sign-up before that via email. I hope to have an updated application form on the IRC website (www.irccorp.org) along with the rules sheet and both the Spanish and Portuguese release forms. All of the forms will be able to be downloaded and printed. All of these forms will also be available by email and hard copies of the forms can be mailed to you through the post office.
Email me some of your great photos from this summer’s trips or send me a CD!!! I need photos of Honduras and Brazil!!! My email address is reeves.tl@gmail.com and my mailing address is 221 Oak Hill Drive, Lebanon, TN., 37087. Look forward to hearing from you. Take care; a new posting will be coming soon.
TR
School started for us Monday, August 6 and it is running smoothly and my classes are going to be great. I have a new schedule, a new planning period, a classroom, and do not have a study hall! Live is about as good as it gets here at FCS. Our first scrimmage is this Saturday and our first regular season game is in less than 2 weeks. Of course, trying to squeeze in anything else (outside of school stuff) is hard right now, but I hope to be in a routine soon.
So, while I have a minute or two, I wanted to let you know what the dates and mission trip opportunities will be offered for this coming year. You are welcome to come on any, or all, of the trips, all it will take is an email and some paperwork and of course, money. If you see something that interests you, contact me soon. Some of the trips have limited number of spaces.
December 27 – January 4: Montigo Bay, Jamaica. VBS, door knocking, and benevolence trip; high school and up. Very limited spaces for this trip.
March 6-15: Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America. Humanitarian outreach trip (food distribution, visitation, bible studies, etc). High school and up.
June 1 – 11: Recife, Brazil, South America. VBS, door knocking, construction, food distribution, and benevolence trip. High school and up.
June 28 – July 9: Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Central America. VBS, door knocking, construction, food distribution, visitation, and benevolence trip. High school and up.
Details about these trips will be posted later (cost, flights, etc) and dates are subject to change depending on flight availability and housing. Torch applications for 2008 will be available the week after Thanksgiving. You can sign-up before that via email. I hope to have an updated application form on the IRC website (www.irccorp.org) along with the rules sheet and both the Spanish and Portuguese release forms. All of the forms will be able to be downloaded and printed. All of these forms will also be available by email and hard copies of the forms can be mailed to you through the post office.
Email me some of your great photos from this summer’s trips or send me a CD!!! I need photos of Honduras and Brazil!!! My email address is reeves.tl@gmail.com and my mailing address is 221 Oak Hill Drive, Lebanon, TN., 37087. Look forward to hearing from you. Take care; a new posting will be coming soon.
TR
Tuesday, July 24
I want to thank you, thank you very much
Monday marked the end of the summer mission trips that are reported on this blogspot. For the past couple of days groups have traveled back to their hometowns to get back to the daily routines that they left behind to do mission work. The final travelers returned home Monday night as we flew into Nashville. The trip ended just about as it began, with lost luggage. Today I am awaiting a phone call from American Airlines on a bag that failed to reach Nashville from Miami. I guess this would be classified as a “welcome to the USA” moment. Oh well, it could have been worse.
This summer was an amazing one indeed. Torch launched its first trip into Brazil. Our 2 Honduras teams did an amazing amount of work in Tegucigalpa and Choluteca. We overlapped with 2 other Torch teams that were in Honduras the same time we were there. We saw several other mission groups from other organizations and congregations while we were there. It seemed that a lot of good work was done in Honduras the month of July and I am glad that we were part of that work.
For some, the work we did was viewed as only a drop of water in a great big bucket. The need there is so great and the amount of work is overwhelming. We constantly ran out of time, money, and materials. So much more needs to be done. But, for others, the drop of water that we provided adds to the other drops of water that are being added day after day, month after month, and year after year. Those who have been going on torch trips for a long time are seeing changes and things are getting better. We must constantly remind ourselves that patience and perseverance is needed to achieve change. And with that thought we will continue on.
I want to personally that everyone that participated on the trips this summer. I saw Jesus in every one of you. The sacrifice, the commitment, the determination was evident in everything you did this summer. You did the big things, like building houses and conducting VBS classes, with great care and the drive to do them well. You did the small things, like packing food and being prompt, with equal care of detail. Because, as you well know, there really are no small things in mission work. Things that we might consider small to us are not small to God and His kingdom. It all adds up to service to Him that makes all things possible.
I want to especially that those who went on our trips and served as interpreters this year. Whether you spoke Portuguese or Spanish (or both), your talents in language skills were critical to all of the things we did this summer. I dream of a day that we all will be able to speak to those we are serving in their own language, and to that end we will continue to work (I know what you are thinking and all I can say is that my Spanish is better today than it was a year ago and I have a lot of Hondurans that told me!). We had more than a dozen interpreters that came on our trips this summer specifically to work in that role. Thank you for making time to be with us!
I want to thank all of the group leaders who came this year. You all did an outstanding job bringing top-notch workers with you to be on our teams. You provided outstanding leadership preparing your teams for the trip and mentoring and chaperoning your groups on the trips. You were great to work with and I consider all of you some of my best friends on the planet. Without you we would not be able to do so much of what we are able to on our trips. Keep up the great work that you are doing and keep the fire blazing within you to do mission work wherever you are, both home and abroad. You are making a difference.
I would like to thank all of the congregations that supported Torch this year. Your support allows people from around the United States to come together to work unified for a single great cause, teaching and showing the love of Jesus. Thank you for your financial support, your prayers, and your commitment to do mission work. The seeds that are planted today will reap a bountiful harvest in the future. Thank you for having compassion for those who are in such great need.
Thanks also to all of my veteran Torch members. We have a long list of people that have been coming on torch trips for many years. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to continue working in this program. Your experience, leadership, and knowledge allow our trips to go smoothly and allow us to be more productive in our outreach and benevolence programs. Thanks also for taking “rookies” under your wings and allowing them to learn from you. With you we do not have to reinvent the wheel year after year. And you have no idea how important that is…..
I would also like to that the “Segundo’s” who worked with me this year. Taking on the role of a leader on the trip is a big responsibility and you all did it well. You took the lead on many issues that allowed me to focus on other “behind the scenes” stuff, which allowed the trip to run even smoother than normal. Delegating has never been one of my strong points but I am learning that there are several people out there that are more than capable of doing jobs and handling responsibilities that I once did by myself. The weight that has been taken off of my shoulders feels great! And that goes for my interns this summer too, you were awesome!
I will be posting the results of our trips soon. It will take me some time to tabulate all of the things that we did, because it was a lot of stuff. Please continue checking the blogspot, and stay in touch. I know that a LOT of people have been reading the blog and I hope that you found it interesting and useful. As 2007 starts to wind down plans for 2008 are already in motion. Trip dates and details will also be coming very soon. It is never too early to begin making plans. And I promise to work hard to make our trips as productive and enjoyable as possible.
Thanks again, and until next time, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Terry Reeves
This summer was an amazing one indeed. Torch launched its first trip into Brazil. Our 2 Honduras teams did an amazing amount of work in Tegucigalpa and Choluteca. We overlapped with 2 other Torch teams that were in Honduras the same time we were there. We saw several other mission groups from other organizations and congregations while we were there. It seemed that a lot of good work was done in Honduras the month of July and I am glad that we were part of that work.
For some, the work we did was viewed as only a drop of water in a great big bucket. The need there is so great and the amount of work is overwhelming. We constantly ran out of time, money, and materials. So much more needs to be done. But, for others, the drop of water that we provided adds to the other drops of water that are being added day after day, month after month, and year after year. Those who have been going on torch trips for a long time are seeing changes and things are getting better. We must constantly remind ourselves that patience and perseverance is needed to achieve change. And with that thought we will continue on.
I want to personally that everyone that participated on the trips this summer. I saw Jesus in every one of you. The sacrifice, the commitment, the determination was evident in everything you did this summer. You did the big things, like building houses and conducting VBS classes, with great care and the drive to do them well. You did the small things, like packing food and being prompt, with equal care of detail. Because, as you well know, there really are no small things in mission work. Things that we might consider small to us are not small to God and His kingdom. It all adds up to service to Him that makes all things possible.
I want to especially that those who went on our trips and served as interpreters this year. Whether you spoke Portuguese or Spanish (or both), your talents in language skills were critical to all of the things we did this summer. I dream of a day that we all will be able to speak to those we are serving in their own language, and to that end we will continue to work (I know what you are thinking and all I can say is that my Spanish is better today than it was a year ago and I have a lot of Hondurans that told me!). We had more than a dozen interpreters that came on our trips this summer specifically to work in that role. Thank you for making time to be with us!
I want to thank all of the group leaders who came this year. You all did an outstanding job bringing top-notch workers with you to be on our teams. You provided outstanding leadership preparing your teams for the trip and mentoring and chaperoning your groups on the trips. You were great to work with and I consider all of you some of my best friends on the planet. Without you we would not be able to do so much of what we are able to on our trips. Keep up the great work that you are doing and keep the fire blazing within you to do mission work wherever you are, both home and abroad. You are making a difference.
I would like to thank all of the congregations that supported Torch this year. Your support allows people from around the United States to come together to work unified for a single great cause, teaching and showing the love of Jesus. Thank you for your financial support, your prayers, and your commitment to do mission work. The seeds that are planted today will reap a bountiful harvest in the future. Thank you for having compassion for those who are in such great need.
Thanks also to all of my veteran Torch members. We have a long list of people that have been coming on torch trips for many years. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to continue working in this program. Your experience, leadership, and knowledge allow our trips to go smoothly and allow us to be more productive in our outreach and benevolence programs. Thanks also for taking “rookies” under your wings and allowing them to learn from you. With you we do not have to reinvent the wheel year after year. And you have no idea how important that is…..
I would also like to that the “Segundo’s” who worked with me this year. Taking on the role of a leader on the trip is a big responsibility and you all did it well. You took the lead on many issues that allowed me to focus on other “behind the scenes” stuff, which allowed the trip to run even smoother than normal. Delegating has never been one of my strong points but I am learning that there are several people out there that are more than capable of doing jobs and handling responsibilities that I once did by myself. The weight that has been taken off of my shoulders feels great! And that goes for my interns this summer too, you were awesome!
I will be posting the results of our trips soon. It will take me some time to tabulate all of the things that we did, because it was a lot of stuff. Please continue checking the blogspot, and stay in touch. I know that a LOT of people have been reading the blog and I hope that you found it interesting and useful. As 2007 starts to wind down plans for 2008 are already in motion. Trip dates and details will also be coming very soon. It is never too early to begin making plans. And I promise to work hard to make our trips as productive and enjoyable as possible.
Thanks again, and until next time, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Terry Reeves
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