Worth of Water

Benjamin Franklin once said, “When the well is dry, we learn the worth of water.” For millions of children around the world, they have already learned this difficult lesson.

In Rwanda, children are walking one to three miles, carrying back 40 pounds of water four times a day. The constant need for water is time consuming and exhausting.

Around the world, 376 million children must walk more than 15 minutes to access water. Studies show that in sub-Saharan Africa and many other areas around the world women and young girls must walk an average of four miles every day just to provide water for their families.

Each year in Africa, 40 billion working hours are spent just on fetching water. The consequences are tragic. Children have no time for school and the adults, especially the women, have little time left to pursue opportunities that would financially benefit their families. The long-term damage and ripple effects of this loss of time are too great to measure.

The world’s poorest 1.4 billion people live on less than $1.25 a day. Many of these same people lack a basic education. And it should be no surprise that a large part of this number—1.1 billion—lack access to clean water.

In addition, communities without water do not thrive and there is usually no infrastructure for schools. Without water, communities literally dry up, and as always, it is the children who suffer the most.

There is an African proverb, “Filthy water cannot be washed.” It is a simple statement but it reveals the helplessness of those who have no way of reaching clean water. It is said by those who know water’s true worth.

Coming Sunday!

Good Morning:

I pray this morning that God may open a door for the Word, and that Janet, Laura and the rest of the group in South Africa may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which they are in chains. (Col 4:3).

This week began by being able to witness the ministry of the Spirit of God in the lives of Andrew and Bullen as they testified of the goodness of God and led Bethel Baptist Church in worship on Sunday. On Monday I carried all four guys to new student orientation and began the process of registering for classes. As I sit back and observe where God has brought us from and the work that he has already accomplished I rejoice recognizing that it is not by coincidence or happenstance that the events have happened as they have but rather it is by the sovereign hand of God. From our time in Honduras, to Avondale, to Mexico, to studying the Word and fellowshipping at Fox and Marcia's home, God has used each one of you to form this ministry and for that I thank Him.

The rooms are ready, the guys have attended orientation this week and began registering for classes, Andrew and Bullen will take their final exam for English 101 tonight and based on the manner in which God has used each one of you to shape this ministry I believe it is only fitting that our small group will be there Sunday night to welcome the members of ThreeSixty. We will meet at 6:00 pm at 144 Thornberry Drive. When you turn off of Valleydale onto Thornberry there are a couple of office buildings immediately on your left. Please park in this parking lot so we minimize our disruption on the neighborhood.

I look forward to seeing everyone Sunday.

Chad

Rick and I are so excited as weeks of preparation and anticipation are coming to a true life picture on Sunday. God has orchestrated His plan and we will start a new chapter in our journey as we follow Christ. Thanks you Father that you have chosen us to be part of Your plan to share Christ with the Nations! Lisa

Focus

If I focus on the plan of my life, I will ride a rollercoaster of ups & downs as the circumstances change. If however I focus on the purpose of my life then I have an anchor & I'll be grounded, able to ride thru the storms. so what is my purpose? It is to glorify God - and that can be done in ALL circumstances -

Anita Bucher facebook quote spoke to my heart and I was able to share it with a friend who was searching for answers.

Fire!

This overnight camping excursion was short-lived. It was inclement weather from the start, but a big fire was started and hot dogs and burgers were grilled. Just as we were beginning to eat. Lighting bolts, thunder, and strong winds begin to whip through the trees. I headed for the car as fast as possible. I arrived home almost an hour later only to find out that we were in the middle of straight line winds and strong storms. About 1/2 of an hour later - my husband showed up. The camp out was over when a tree fell beside the camp site. Andrew stated - Oh more firewood!

Drugs & Bibles

MEDICINE - Cipro was provided for our Mission Trip June 2009.

It was distributed in Solola and Guatemala City.

His name is Mynor Figueroa,

He is another doctor here in Guatemala, you bless him and the people trough medicine.

He said Thank you very much and God bless you,

And also God provide trough you new testaments for the people,

Blessings,Immer [our brother in Christ / Translator]

New Alabama Driver!

Stephen is trying to trick me and tell me that he failed his driving test, but that little smurk tells the real truth. He PASSED!

Waiting....Waiting.... Waiting

On July 11th during our second visit with each other, Stephen told me that he was ready to take his road test for his drivers license. Stephen explained that a sweet former foster parent had offered to take him and therefore he was waiting on a convenient time for her. We left this conversation with Stephen knowing that he had a backup plan if needed. On July 18th, Stephen came to help with 360 Construction Day 1. Our conversation during the day led to his request for a car and driver for his road test as soon as my schedule would allow.

I picked up Stephen at 6:30 am - but not before I had already called him at 6am - after being awakened in the middle of the night thinking - what documents does he have to have? - thanks God and Google for reminding me. He was ready and waiting with his Gatorade and potato chip breakfast in hand when I arrived. Stephen preferred to go to Bankhead Highway instead of Greensprings. We arrived at DMV at 6:50am -we prayed together - 8 people already in line - 7 sharp the officer opens the door giving instructions - Steve's turn at the sign-in desk - insurance and registration please - Steve hands officer the envelope - uh mam [I am sitting in waiting area chair] - yes - do you have another insurance card - your insurance is expired - Stephen looks at me - I jump up "let me go and look again in the glove compartment" - I run to the car - find another insurance card - hustle back in - Steve is now at the back of the line - great - Steve's turn at the desk again - Officer request his company license - Steve looked in his envelope and handed the officer an invoice for an oil change - Officer "Your company drivers license" - Steve fumbled through the envelope with this blank look - Officer "Who brought you here" - Oh that's me as I jump up out of the chair - Officer "Your drivers license" - Digging in my big-bird pocketbook, I find it - Sorry "I didn't know he needed my license" - Officer gave Steve a number and sent him to the testing room - he waited about 15 minutes and I hear them call his number - Steve leaves the testing room out the back door - I immediately exit the front door - I want to watch! - the black super nanny car is still parked in the same spot - I strain to see if Steve is in the car - I walk to the car thinking Steve is in there and I can't see him cause he has blended in with the black - I cup my hands to peek into the car - no one in there - I stroll casually back to the entrance - here comes Steve waiving the keys at me - Steve needs the car pulled up to the testing line - I get the car and turn through the wrong cones - PERFECT - I get out and ask Steve if he needs to go over anything - Nope - waiting - waiting - Steve looks at me "I am nervous" - "me too" - I'll pray for you the whole time you're driving - Steve "I'm gonna need it" - Steve "How fast should I go" - "I have no idea - slower is better" - "remember to count to 3 at a stop sign" -Stephen is shifting his weight from one foot to the other in the same spot - "Can I take your picture?" - NO! - Pleaseeee - I grab the camera out of the back seat - dead battery - "OK you got your wish" - Steve "Here comes the officer and I think that last girl passed" - I snap a shot with my phone - Officer gives him instructions - brake, honk, blinkers headlights... - Officer goes to the front of the car and is pointing for him to turn on each blinker - Steve has no idea what she is saying - I see him begin to try to roll down the window and ask her, but he can't find the roller downer [Super nanny car has funny looking switches in the middle of the car to roll down the windows] - Steve opens the door to ask the officers "What?" - blinkers! - Officer gets in the car - Steve starts the car - car cuts off - Steve starts the car - car cuts off - Steve starts the car - car cuts off - My mind is thinking WHAT in the world! - "I sure hope super nanny is not having trouble starting - Steve starts the car - car moves 1 foot - nose dive - car moves 1 foot - nose dive - I can not believe what I am seeing - Steve pulls out of the parking lot - 8 minutes later here comes super nanny back - OH "I don't think that was long enough to pass the test - I hope the car didn't stop" - I am looking to see any expressions in the car - NONE - Officer BLANK - Steve BLANK - I move toward the car as the officer is approaching me and I smile - BLANK - I look to Steve BLANK - "Did you pass" - Steve hands me the keys - Did you PASS? - I then see he is trying so hard NOT to smile with those pearly whites. Excited is an understatement - He is ecstatic! As we travel home I can not wait to ask about his driving test experience. "Why did the car keep cutting off? She was asking me to show her the emergency brake and I cut the car off each time - I told her sorry "My BAD". When the car took a nose dive I was pulling up the emergency brake! Oh OK. Steve told me that he didn't know how to put the car in drive - He forgot to push the brake petal for the car to go into gear! Thank you God for Your guidance, grace and mercy!

Homeless JAMES!

This man is only known as James. You can drive around a 4 square block area in downtown Birmingham and call his name and usually from between the buildings James will appear. He always says " I am starvin like marvin, do you have any food?"

Dear Family

Good morning,
My dear family in Alabama, is a beautiful to know how God is working trough your lives,

Praise The Lord for you!!!!!!!!!!!

I am sending some pictures from my church, I took the pictures yesterday in our serice. In the first picture We were praying for you and your minister, because you bless us a lot All the members send to you greetings, blessings, hugs and they said thank you very much for everything, and also I said I blessed the day when I met with you, and now we are working in God´s kingdom. And also I an sending pictures from our sunday school classes.
Have a good week in God,
Psalm 37:4,

Immer Mitchell Roberts Houston

Man on Moon

40 years ago today - I remember my dad waking me and my brother up in the middle of the night to see what he told us was history. He sat us in front of our television on the floor in the family room of our home. I do remember it very well! Thank you Lord for my life and the beauty of this world. You made it all for Your Glory.

Genesis 1:15-17 God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also.

Psalms 8:3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;

1969: Man takes first steps on the Moon. American Neil Armstrong has become the first man to walk on the Moon. The astronaut stepped onto the Moon's surface, in the Sea of Tranquility, at 0256 GMT, nearly 20 minutes after first opening the hatch on the Eagle landing craft.
Armstrong had earlier reported the lunar module's safe landing at 2017 GMT with the words: "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."
As he put his left foot down first Armstrong declared: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." He described the surface as being like powdered charcoal and the landing craft left a crater about a foot deep. 'We came in peace' The historic moments were captured on television cameras installed on the Eagle and turned on by Armstrong. Armstrong spent his first few minutes on the Moon taking photographs and soil samples in case the mission had to be aborted suddenly. He was joined by colleague Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin at 0315 GMT and the two collected data and performed various exercises - including jumping across the landscape - before planting the Stars and Stripes flag at 0341 GMT. They also unveiled a plaque bearing President Nixon's signature and an inscription reading: "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon July 1969 AD. We came in peace for all mankind."

After filming their experience with a portable television camera the astronauts received a message from the US President. President Nixon, in the White House, spoke of the pride of the American people and said: "This certainly has to be the most historic telephone call ever made." Many other nations - including the UK - sent messages of congratulation. Moscow Russia Radio announced the news solemnly in its 1030 GMT broadcast.

Chipmunk Cheeks

Stephen had his wisdom teeth removed yesterday! LOOK at those chipmunk cheeks. He didn't have 4 wisdom teeth - HE HAD SIX!

Growing Up Southern

Growing up Southern is a privilege, really. It's more than where you're born. It's an idea, a state of mind that seems imparted at birth. It's more than loving fried chicken, sweet tea, high school and college football, hunting and fishing. It's being hospitable, being devoted to screened porches, BBQ's, Coca Cola and each other. We don't become Southern-we're born that way. Anonymous.

NO Eggs!

These chickens have not laid any eggs in the last couple of days. I think maybe Chema doesn't know what to do with all of these chickens!

Lover or Prostitute?

THE QUESTION THAT CHANGED MY LIFE

-by David Ryser.

A number of years ago, I had the privilege of teaching at a school of ministry. My students were hungry for God, and I was constantly searching for ways to challenge them to fall more in love with Jesus and to become voices for revival in the Church. I came across a quote attributed most often to Rev. Sam Pascoe. It is a short version of the history of Christianity, and it goes like this:
Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship;

it moved to Greece and became a philosophy;

it moved to Italy and became an institution;
it moved to Europe and became a culture;

it came to America and became an enterprise.

Some of the students were only 18 or 19 years old--barely out of diapers--and I wanted them to understand and appreciate the import of the last line, so I clarified it by adding, "An enterprise. That's a business."
After a few moments Martha, the youngest student in the class, raised her hand. I could not imagine what her question might be. I thought the little vignette was self-explanatory, and that I had performed it brilliantly. Nevertheless, I acknowledged Martha's raised hand, "Yes, Martha."
She asked such a simple question, "A business? But isn't it supposed to be a body?"
I could not envision where this line of questioning was going, and the only response I could think of was, "Yes."
She continued, "But when a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?"
The room went dead silent. For several seconds no one moved or spoke. We were stunned, afraid to make a sound because the presence of God had flooded into the room, and we knew we were on holy ground. All I could think in those sacred moments was, "Wow, I wish I'd thought of that." I didn't dare express that thought aloud. God had taken over the class.

Martha's question changed my life. For six months, I thought about her question at least once every day. "When a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?" There is only one answer to her question. The answer is "Yes."

The American Church, tragically, is heavily populated by people who do not love God. How can we love Him? We don't even know Him; and I mean really know Him.
I stand by my statement that most American Christians do not know God--much less love Him. The root of this condition originates in how we came to God. Most of us came to Him because of what we were told He would do for us. We were promised that He would bless us in life and take us to heaven after death. We married Him for His money, and we don't care if He lives or dies as long as we can get His stuff. We have made the Kingdom of God into a business, merchandising His anointing.

This should not be. We are commanded to love God, and are called to be the Bride of Christ---that's pretty intimate stuff. We are supposed to be His lovers. How can we love someone we don't even know? And even if we do know someone, is that a guarantee that we truly love them? Are we lovers or prostitutes?
I was pondering Martha's question again one day, and considered the question, "What's the difference between a lover and a prostitute?" I realized that both do many of the same things, but a lover does what she does because she loves. A prostitute pretends to love, but only as long as you pay. Then I asked the question, "What would happen if God stopped paying me?"
For the next several months, I allowed God to search me to uncover my motives for loving and serving Him. Was I really a true lover of God? What would happen if He stopped blessing me? What if He never did another thing for me? Would I still love Him?
Please understand---I believe in the promises and blessings of God. The issue here is not whether God blesses His children; the issue is the condition of my heart. Why do I serve Him? Are His blessings in my life the gifts of a loving Father, or are they a wage that I have earned or a bribe / payment to love Him? Do I love God without any conditions?

It took several months to work through these questions. Even now I wonder if my desire to love God is always matched by my attitude and behavior. I still catch myself being disappointed with God and angry that He has not met some perceived need in my life. I suspect this is something which is never fully resolved, but I want more than anything else to be a true lover of God.
So what is it going to be? Which are we---lover or prostitute?
There are no prostitutes in heaven, or in the Kingdom of God for that matter, but there are plenty of former prostitutes in both places. Take it from a recovering prostitute when I say there is no substitute for unconditional, intimate relationship with God. And I mean there is no palatable substitute available to us (take another look at Matthew 7:21-23)

We must choose.

Dr. David Ryser.

~ As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." ~ 1 Pet.1:14-16

BRAXTON Foy

EMAIL Sent: Sun, Jul 5, 2009 10:30 pm

Subject: BRAXTON TAYLOR FOY

Jenny and Lisa, Hey. It's me Darlene. I wanted to get in contact with you and let you see how fast Braxton is growing. He is making sentences now and he is adorable. He has his final surgery scheduled for September, just a few months away. I also want to say that I am sorry for everything in the past. I am attaching some pictures of Braxton and I would love to meet you and have lunch or something. I really would like to talk to you and your sister if possible. When I look at things right now, I see how childish I was in the past. I am ashamed of my ways in the past and I would like you to know that I am a different person now. Larry and I have married and I am finishing up my degree in Criminal Justice. My dad past away in March of this year, and My little boy July 9th of last year.

Sincerely, Larry, Darlene, and Braxton

Sent: Mon, Jul 6, 2009 12:25 pm

RETURN RESPONSE

Darlene,

Oh my gosh! What an answer to prayer. I have been thinking about you so much and wondering how ya’ll have been. I wondered how the baby was doing (I thought it was a girl)? I am SO sorry to hear that the baby went to be with Jesus. I am also so sorry to hear about your dad.? WOW.? rough year.? We too have had a rough year. Little Lee had brain surgery last September and the GM business is terrible, but all happens for a reason. I just read a weekly wisdom before I opened your email that said "Do you believe GOD even when you can't believe what happened"? We also had a setback with my brother who had to go to rehab for a couple of months and we are trying to help him get his life back in order. His wife has divorced him and not really sure about his kids. He has 2 kids that he adores and he is trying to make amends with them.

I Love the pictures of Braxton. You will have to fill me in on his progress, if he had to have any more surgeries. What is his surgery for in September? And do ya’ll go to Nashville to have it? He is sooo big. I can't believe it. He certainly hasn't missed a meal... He is adorable and his smile is contagious.

I would love to catch up--go to lunch or whatever.? Lisa and I both have not stopped thinking of you and often ask each other what is Darlene, Larry and Braxton up to!! I want to hear what happened to your baby. Would love to hear about Martha. Where you are living, working, etc.

I totally appreciate your apology. I forgive you and know that I still really care about you and your family. I am sorry for abandoning you. I felt like I got too involved and was trying to hard to control the situation. For that I am sorry. I am so glad you got back in touch. I am not sure if I will be at church on Sunday because we go to the lake on the weekends but I would love to get together with you sometime this week. I will pray for you as I know this will be a hard week for you.

Thanks again for sending the precious pictures.

Sent: Mon, Jul 6, 2009 1:25 pm

We have been doing okay. Larry finally got his disability. His child support was reduced. I had a little boy his name was Bridger Ty. He was truly God sent. He only weighed 3lbs. I delivered the umbilical cord first and it cut the blood flow off to him. His kidneys were bad and his chest did not grow big enough to house his lungs. God knew what he was doing. I tell myself that Bridger was just for God and me. He was a pleasure to carry. Yeah, it's been a rough year. Why did Lil Lee have to have surgery, not related to TEF was it? I hate to hear about Lee's business to. On a different note,,,,,,,I got a GMC Yukon. It is not a brand new one, but it makes me feel good as a person when I am bumping those BOSE...lol. Braxton has had a total of 28 surgeries. His last surgery in April was to remove a penny from his neck. We all laughed and thought that was humor from God...You know on a penny it says "in God we trust". Braxton wasn't hurt or anything but he had a problem putting change in his mouth. He had his esophagus removed last year and they made an opening in his neck for saliva to drain, which is caught by a washcloth. The daily Mountain Eagle did a big write up on him just this year...It was awesome. The surgery in September will be to take six inches of his small intestines and rebuild his esophagus. We are praying this is his last surgery. I know that Braxton is chunky but he is not able to eat anything by mouth and it touch his stomach. He eats from a Mic-key button in his stomach. You thought he was something back then....o' boy he is saying things, that I know I did not teach him. He loves to talk on the phone so if you ever want to call you can. He will talk your ears off...

oh. Almost forgot, I am a full time student and I don't work right now. I almost thought about working at one of those Bingo Halls down the road...Looks fun. I don't know...

Anyway look forward to seeing you and Lisa sometime...

Oh, I forgot check out myspace...... www.myspace.com/larrydarlenebraxton

Without Christ

Without Christ I am nothing, Without me Christ is still God. It is because of Christ I am able to stand!!!

Read and Heed

President Obama: House Considers Repealing 22nd Amendment

Earlier this year, Rep. Jose Serrano, D-N.Y. introduced H. J. Res. 5, a bill that would repeal the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment which prohibits a president from being elected to more than two terms in office, thus potentially paving the way to make Barack Obama president for life. Not surprisingly, the corporate media currently caught up in Obama-mania has not covered this story.“Will George W. Bush end up being the last true U.S. President?” asked Sher Zieve, writing for the Canadian Free Press on January 14, 2009. “As I warned you on multiple times prior to the 2008 General Election, ‘once Obama is elected, we won’t be able to get rid of him.’ Tragically, this warning is now being realized. Not only has Obama established his election-fraud organization ACORN nationwide, his adherents have now begun the process to repeal the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment.”

4th of July

4TH OF JULY   Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?     Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.   Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.  Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.      They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.   What kind of men were they?   Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.  *****Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his Ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.  *****Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.  *****Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.  *****At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters.  He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.  *****Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.  *****John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.     Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots.  It's not much to ask for the price they paid.    Remember: freedom is never free!

BIG Tour 2009

June 27th - July 3rd - Rick and Robin Roberts co-lead a team of soon to be 10th graders to Solola, Guatemala on a mission trip. Rick and Robin have been small group leaders for this group of young men for the past 4 years. Our mission included:

** A Pastors Conference for 21 pastors with Robin Roberts, Spencer Mitchell, Tom Meter and Paul Rogers sharing the sermon series, LifeBlood

** Rock the Block with the pastors children and other from the orphanage during the conference.

** 4 Onil stoves installed in homes. The homes to receive stoves were selected by the teachers at the school.

** 60 pair of rubber boot for boys were given away

** Roof, window frames, screen, door and chicken boxes were completed for Chicken Coup II

** 6 Toilets were repaired or replaced at the school, Rafael Tellez

** Precept Study Bibles, Holman Bible Dictionaries and How to Study the Bible books were given to each Pastor.

** Tyler Nix and Crawford Rogers shared their testimonies with the Church on Sunday morning.

** Tyler Nix and Austin Brokaw shared their testimonies at the Pastors Conference.

** 100 bottles of tempra paint was provided for the school, Rafael Tellez.

** 360,000 doses of antibiotic was given to the National Hospital in Solola, Guatemala and we visited and prayed with many patients.

** Rafael Tellez school kitchen was cleaned out, painted, new shelving, and put back together

How glorious it is to be able to share Christ with the Nations! Our Father in heaven get all of the Glory - great things He hath done!

2 Heuvos

85 Chickens and two eggs this morning in CCII [Chicken Coup II]. This CC is for the Eagles Nest Orphanage in Solola, Guatemala. Chema and one other worker are responsible for the coup. ENO will receive 50% of the eggs and Chema and workers get the other 50%. They will have to purchase feed for the chickens by selling eggs.