Billy's Captures

To Ankuash and back DAY 5

2009-12-01T08:49:00.001-05:00

We have been in the village long enough now to begin to follow the rhythms of this simpler life. At 4:30 you hear the first rooster crow and later at about 6:30 you can hear small children crying in the dawns first light. It is music to my ears.

We are working all the kinks out in the clinic and pharmacy on this second day in Ankuash and we all really feel like we are making a difference for these people who are taking such good care of us hear in their jungle.

Doctor Doug McFadden in his element with translator Eric at the ready.

Anna administering a vision test with a eye chart depicting universally identifiable hand positions.

The waiting room.

Our Dentist with all his supplies neatly laid out ready for any eventuality. Getting to know Ben I quickly realized this impeccably organized set up in the middle of the jungle is truly a metaphor for his life. He is a neat guy and his presence always gave me a sense that things would go to plan.

Jessie and Molly at the pharmacy table with the ubiquitous Brad LeBlac keeping all the functions at optimum levels of performance.

Benbo tirelessly filling prescriptions as he did all week!

Andre who could do anything and was usually a step ahead was also well received by all the little people of Ankuash.

Pastor Jorge Ailla who was a very charismatic character and very lovable had the kids delighted.

THe best part of the trip were the children of Ankuash. They were always around and their smiles and laughter made the jungle feel like a the most inviting place I have ever been.

What a great second day more to come tomorrow.

Ecuador trip brief as recorded by Don Wolfram our missionary guide in Ecuador.

Day 5: Tuesday 01^st- After Breakfast we went to the Clinic and started to do medical work seeing about 65 people this 2nd day, mostly by family group. As this was the 2nd day, there was
Don walked to Kuakash during the Afternoon looking to see if we could get a boy “Calixto” on a plane flight out to have him checked for Tuberculosis. There was an Av-gas shortage and no planes were flying that day so we returned and set it all up for a walk-out with Ps. Jorge on Thursday morning.
We ended clinic about 3:00 and then proceeded to XX. Again the idea was to endorse and build up Octavio’s, Leonardo’s andMauro’s ministryy in that community. That evening, we had an outdoor meeting in Ankuash on the Ecua-volley court in which we showed the “Escape from Hell” film, gave the gospel, an invitation for salvation and prayer. A few came forward for prayer and some new friendships were formed.
We saw people mostly from the communities of: Ankuash, Kumay (1 hr), Kawa, (1 hr)
New Places: Ankuash,
People: Roberto & Gladis Ankuash, and the many people we played games and soccer with there. The many friends we made in the night meetings and on the paths and trails.
Things & Food: For lunch we had rice and fish “mitos” also known as “Ayampacos” along with the usual platano verde, papa chino, yucca,

To Ankuash and back DAY 4

2009-11-30T22:27:00.000-05:00

Traveling is certainly an option with anyone who has the means and the will but there is no comparison between going to a far away place as a mere traveler and going in the name of Jesus. The experience of living five days in the village of Ankuash with newly discovered brothers and sisters in Christ was sublime. This did not occur to me all at once but be sure that before I left I was aware of just what a gift God had given me in this place. I knew within the first two days that when I left this place I would be leaving behind true spiritual family members.

Village life is a life I can say I enjoy and admire but more about that in a later post. We had work to do and set about getting the clinic ready for visitors.

The unpainted building to the left was used as the clinic the yellow and blue building to the right was our living quarters. Both building were adequate for their respective uses and I would even say they were example of God’s “just right” provision.

This is an image showing the sleeping arrangement in the boys area the first morning and ever morning after. I sleep on the floor to the right under that white netting.

This is a worm in the jungle.

You will notice that a worm in the jungle is a good 10 times large than any worm in the states I have ever seen.

This is the stream we used to gather water for filtering to drink.

We used a Sawyer water filtration system and it served us very well the duration of the trip.

With the pharmacy up and running and the doctors writing prescription we began to see to the physical needs of the people.

The village leaders had a very comprehensive schedule for the week and hide sight being 20/20 we met the demands of the schedule praise God and His provision! More to come tomorrow.

Ecuador trip brief as recorded by Don Wolfram our missionary guide in Ecuador.

Day 4: Monday 30^th- After Breakfast we went to the Clinic and started to do medical work seeing about 85 people this first day, mostly by family group. As this was the first day, there was a rhythm to be found and soon it was found and the team really started to click together and serve the community.

We saw people mostly from the communities of: Ankuash, Kuakash (45min) and Kumay (1 hr)

We ended clinic about 4:30 and then proceeded to have a soccer game. Again the idea was to endorse and build up Octavio’s, Leonardo’s and Mauro’s ministry in that community. That evening, we had an outdoor meeting in Ankuash on the Ecua-volley court in which we showed the “Felix” film, gave testimony, the gospel, an invitation for salvation and prayer. XX came forward for prayer and many friendships were formed. This night it rained hard and sounded great on the tin roof of the school.

In the back of the audience was the “Shaman” or witch doctor from Kumay whom one of our students had burnt down his house about 6 months earlier as a sign that he was not welcome in the community. It’s hard to say exactly what influence was made as he left pretty quickly afterwards.

The “Police Hat” – was a trophy from the capture of 4 policemen in a confrontation about 4 weeks earlier over mineral rights in the jungle. Samuel was the one who seemed to be the “new-proud” owner. Demonstrations & brief hostage takings are one of the few ways in indigenous people groups can have their opinions and voice heard before the provincial and national governments.

New Places: The Shuar community of Ankuash (also known as San Pedro). And the bathing whole!

New People: Wow, and endless list of names here. Just to mention a few of the most notable: (see Sunday’s list)

New Diseases perhaps: Tuberculosis, Leshmeniasis, Chagas disease (cousin of malaria)

New Things & Food: Ate platano verde, yucca (a tubor i.e. manioc/cassava), papa chino (a tubor also), camote (sweet potato), and drank avena (oatmeal) and chucula (banana drink) and/or chicha (life!)

To Ankuash and back DAY 3

2009-11-29T08:46:00.000-05:00

Chiguaza in the morning was dreamy and the mist over the Pastaza river made the sunrise glow with a pink hue.

We had devotion at breakfast as we took in the beauty of the morning all the wile aware that the most challenging leg of journey was only hours ahead.

We were soon on the bus rattling down a steep winding road to the location where we would meet the villagers and their horses for the trek into the jungle village.

The team assembled for this group photo graciously captured by Don Wolfram just before departing.

With the horses and locals all present we loaded up each horse with the duffle bags of medications.

And we're off on what turned out for me to be one of the most arduous hikes I have ever experienced. I have walked long distances before but I had 45 or more pounds on my back and it turns out that make a very big difference.

There were more than twenty very tricky mud holes and creek crossings and the extra concentration necessary to keep one from getting mired in the slough would add to our exhaustion.

Federico Borman and Don Wolfram got every one through with great efficiency.

The Docs were ever present to attend to any health issues that arose and after five hours of slogging we arrived at the narrow trail of logs leading to our home for the next five days among a family I truly grew to love.

Ecuador trip brief as recorded by Don Wolfram our missionary guide in Ecuador.

Day 3: Sunday 29^th- We got an early start, distributed sandwiches and 2 liters of water and chulpi (corn nuts) to everyone and took the bus and backtracked back into Pastaza province about 5km to Chuwitayu, then turned off the main road down a dirt road headed towards Chapints. (see attached .pdf map file). We were able to drive down this road being newly constructed for about 12 km to where the loads of stone and sand dumped over the jungle clay and mud abruptly ended. Here we unloaded the bus and bid it farewell, agreeing that it would pick us up here on Friday at 2 pm.

We waited briefly from about 8:30 to 9:00 am for the reception/pack crew to show up. We greeted about 8 guys and 3 mules which would then help us get ourselves and the 500 pounds of meds into Ankuash. We then proceeded to hike south and east about 5 ½ to 6 hours into Ankuash. We passes through the communities of Pastas, Kajekai, Shakap, Chapints and Kumay , arriving in Ankuash a little before 3 pm.

New Places: Chiguaza in Morona Santiago province, then Chuwitayu, Pastos, Kajekai, Shakap, Chapints, Kumay – all communities in Pastaza province.

New People: Just to name a few of the Ankuashes: Octavio & wife Sonia Ankuash, Leonardo & wife Lidia Ankuash, Mauro & wife Piedad Ankuash, Rogelio Taish (the strong porter guy), Enrigue & wife Martina Ankuash (stocky brother), Alcides, Samuel, Germon and Sabina Ankuash, Juan, Maria Nunkuich (the 78 yr old grandmother), Ruben & Rosa, Miguel and Victoria.

New Things & Food: Ate “chulpi” (corn nuts) and sandwiches on the way in, then “mitos de lomo y palmito”, Mito (wrap style of cooking in leaves - leaf grilled beef with palm heart), platano verde, yucca (a tubor i.e. manioc/cassava), papa chino (a tubor also), camote (sweet potato), and drank avena (oatmeal) and chucula (banana drink) and/or chicha (life!)

To Ankuash and back DAY 2

2009-11-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

Day 2 and we are on the road. Quito is a bustling place and it is very enjoyable to watch the world go by form the comfort of the bus surrounded by our great team. Don is as great tour guide as well and keeps us informed in each area we pass through.

Just when the miles begin to become tiresome Don makes a quick stop for ice cream!

We called this little number chocolate covered butter. All natural cream frozen and dipped in chocolate. I was delighted!

This was a three layer fruit “La Finca ice-cream (three flavors were Mora/Limon/Taxo)” as Don describes below in his debrief. It was also delicious and as with all the food I sampled in Ecuador it was the freshness and all natural ingredients I appreciated the most.

The local String Cheese which was very good as well! For a tall lanky fellow Our friend Don Wolfram sure does get excited about food. By the end of the trip I was very glad for this fact.

Here we are riding a cable car over a gorge and ride above a water fall!

This was our first full meal out on the road and the place was amazing. I had much trepidation about eating local food for fear of getting miserably ill but with Don’s enthusiasm and experience I finally abandoned most of my caution and boy am I glad I did.

This plate of Trout was caught right out of the farm pond and prepared in 20min. The price was less than $4.00. It was delicious.

An unexpected stop along the road was the Nate Saint house in Shell. I could feel history come alive for ever since I was a little boy I had heard the story of the five missionaries who were willing to give their lives to reach people for Jesus.

It was very exciting to wander the grounds and see the house.

After our days travels we came to rest at the most amazing lodge “Los Laberintios de Chiguaza” which was just across the Chiguaza River! You will have to read tomorrows post to see the great images we captured of the place at sunrise.

Ecuador trip brief as recorded by Don Wolfram our missionary guide in Ecuador.

Day 2: Saturday 28^th-Traveled from Quito to Shell by first heading straight south right down the center of the Andes mountains, then turning East in Ambato and dropping elevation quickly out of the mountains to the edge of the Jungle at about 2000 ft. elevation. We added Fede, Eric and Ps. Jorge to our team. On the way we saw the “Panecillo” or small bun-like hill in the center of Quito which holds the Virgin Mary protector of Quito statue. We saw Pichincha, the mountain that dominates this capital province, and tried to see the snowcap volcanoes of Cayambe, Antisana, Cotopaxi, Illinizas, Chimborazo, Carihuarazo and Tungurahua. We saw mountain Indians known as “Quichuas” – they are the descendants of the Inca Empire and farm these highlands.

We drove briefly through Baños, rode the “Taravita” cable car over the Pastaza River at the Manto de la Novia waterfall and hiked around above the “Pailon Del Diablo” waterfall in Rio Verde on some land known as “La Isla”. In Rio Verde, Don went to fetch Rolando, a Bible and Dental Student who then joined our group. We then stopped for an asado (grilled) trout lunch at “Arco Iris” where the Cashaurcu stream meets the Pastaza.

After lunch we continued east towards Puyo, now entering the Pastaza province, stopping briefly in “Mangayacu” to drop off some parts at the Bible Seminary. Mangayacu is the campus where we meet every 2^nd month with about 30-35 Bible students for training. We then drove through Shell so as to drop off the surplus of meds at HVO (Hospital Vozandes del Oriente). We were received by Florence Judd, a long time nurse from Australia. Some members took a brief hospital tour while the others unloaded and sorted out the meds.

**the hospital was VERY low on meds and greatly appreciated these supplies for their regular needs as well as for the medical, rural and jungle outreaches that they initiate. They send a big “THANKS & GOD BLESS YOU!” Dr. Mark Nelson and many others were ecstatic!

We then also visited the Nate Saint house in Shell and saw the kitchen and radio room in which the 5 widows first heard confirmation that their husbands had been martyred. We then proceeded to Puyo where we added Ana Galindo to the team and also Octavio Ankuash (student, pastor, community leader and guide) and pushed on our way another 70km (44 miles) to the bridge across the Pastaza on the road

“via Macas”. We crossed into Morona Santiago Province, just across the Pastaza river and there we turned off towards our Hostal: “Los Laberintios de Chiguaza” which was just across the Chiguaza River. The bus could not cross this bridge, so we huffed all our stuff across so that we could reorganize one last time for the walk-in in the morning. Romulo Garlarzes received us there and we found our rooms and ate roast pork for a late supper.

New Places: Drive about 120 miles south to Ambato, then 80 miles East to Shell. The Pastaza river forms just above Baños at “Las Juntas”. Baños is a touristic town with many hot springs. Rio Verde is where Don & Mary started their ministry here in Ecuador. The Pailon waterfall is famous. Mangayacu is the campus where we operate the CEMIM (Centro de Entrenamiento Misionero Internacional Mangayacu) Bible seminary. In Shell we visited the HVO hospital, the Nate Saint house. Puyo the Capital of Pastaza province, Los Laberintios de Chiguaza – in Morona Santiago Province where we spent the night.

New People: Byron-the bus driver, Fede (Federico) Borman – assistant to Don & Translator, Eric Soledispa – Translator & CEMIM instructor, and Ps. Jorge Ailla – AG (Assemblies of God) pastor and a national missionary to the Shuar Indians. Rolando Zamora??-CEMIM student and dentist/student, Ana Galindo – CEMIM student, secretary and optomologist/student. Octavio Ankuash – CEMIM student and community leader in San Pedro/Ankuash.

New Things & Food: Ate “avas” (highland bean), La Avelina ice-cream (chocolate coated butter), La Finca ice-cream (three flavors were Mora/Limon/Taxo). Trout at Arco-Iris in Cashaurcu; Then roast pork, xx and xx.

To Ankuash and back DAY 1

2009-11-27T08:35:00.003-05:00

In life it is the unexpected opportunities provided by our Father in heaven that hold the riches rewards. The following posts are a brief account of the ten days following a phone call from a brother in Christ informing me of an opportunity to serve in the small village of Ankuash Ecuador!

I must say that all my flights were smooth and on time and my time spent in transit was fine. The hostel in Quito was plenty comfortable with a soft warm bed.

Breathing was a little laborious at 9000 ft. which made it challenging to sleep. We all settled in packing away the med bags and the next morning we loaded onto a bus and drove away knowing we would return to the hostel for our last night before returning to Mariscal Sucre airport fro the return home.

Ecuador trip brief as recorded by Don Wolfram our missionary guide in Ecuador.

Day 1: Friday 27^th- Traveled to Quito arriving about 10:30 pm and getting to the ANGELICA’S Guesthouse about 12 am. Hosts of guesthouse is Sra. Angelica a faithful Christian sister. Bus driver is Byron. That evening, sorted out the walk-in items from the meds to be left at the “edge of the jungle” hospital about 5 hours away.
New Places: Quito Guesthouse – “Angelicas”. Quito elevation is about 9,700 ft (above sea level)
New People: Met Don Wolfram (Missionary Ventures Int’l), (wife Mary, Zachary 20, & Jordon 18 are all out of town; Jenna 14 is staying with a friend as we have an early departure)

Ecuador!

2009-11-26T15:09:00.001-05:00

This will be a real adventure. I will miss everyone I am crazy about and look forward to returning with amazing tales. God sees us all everywhere we are every second all at the same time. God is our true connection, our common origin and most of all our perfect Father. This planet is His creation and there is no place we can go that we should not feel at home and in His presence.

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
(Act 26:18)

I am grateful to know the truth of the gospel and anyone who wants it can have it. We speak the Word with complete reliance on the Spirit of God to draw those He has chosen. Yes or No and away we go.
View Larger Map

2009 Tampa Bay Start! Heart Walk

2009-11-14T15:26:00.003-05:00

Today I was snapping photos for TDO Audio and the American Heart Association on the grounds of Raymond James Stadium. There was an impressive turnout of happy people.

This was the neatest group I snapped. They are the recipients of hearts donated by those who chose to give their organs in the event of their deaths. The incalculable value of the organ donor program really becomes evident when you are face to face with a group of folks who you would have never had the pleasure of meeting. Some of these individuals are even on their second donor heart!

Harry Vanderburg marries Stacy Bennett

2009-11-08T16:03:00.001-05:00

Blue skies and brisk cool breezes in St. Pete for Stacy and Harry’s wedding celebration. I have know Stacy Bennett and Harry Vanderburg from church for a long time and it has been an inspiration to watch them grow together in love for each other. There are plenty of weddings but few true blue Christ centered marriages. This is as true blue as I have witnessed!

It was great to see our old friend and pastor JJ Johnson officiating the ceremony. His words about both Stacy and Harry being true servants to the Lord were right on.

It was a delight to be at the reception as well. Stacy had everything so well planned for all the guests. The food was spectacular. It was catered by Chives and was so tasty and in such variety I had to mention them. Thank you Stacy and Harry for being a shining example to us all!

Light of Life Gala 2009

2009-11-06T11:26:00.001-05:00

Another year gone by and last night I was again at a light of life gala. A Woman’s Place is always growing and the ministry continues to bless more and more people in more and more places. As Pat Layton said the things that have been accomplished only God can do!

Pat’s book has been making an impact at churches and of the churches gave testimony to the freedom it’s members are finding in Surrendering the Secret.

Rebecca St. James was on hands and sang a few of her songs and shared some scripture with all those present.

Pat gave a brief update on all the exciting things only God could bring to pass in the ministry!

The stars of the show were those whose lives have been changed by God thorough the ministry!

A Woman’s Place now facilities adoptions and this year has place children with families who are delighted to have the precious additions to their Christian homes!

God continued blessings!

Here are some past events

Father & Mother

2009-11-02T20:41:00.002-05:00

We do not need to learn how to be who we already are. The first skill a child learns is to be a parent. A little girl watches to be a mother a little boy a father. It happens in real time every moment. Happy mommy and daddy who enjoy each others presence. Who share every precious detail of their lives.Contentious man and woman living in a marriage they resent, mother and father to children they have conceived together. No respect for each other suffering on one or both having already given up but waiting for the just the right turn of events to put them in the most positive light as they sever the bond of marriage vowed before God and witnessed by everyone closest to them.

None of this is lost on the child. It is as we grow that we become less willing to do the work necessary to share vital relationships. After all unlike the child we can take care of ourselves now.

Children are acutely sensitive to every turn of attitude. Children seek to maintain peaceful relationships with everyone they know not the least of which their parents. You know how important this is, and fragile when you begin to hear older children use the threat “ I am not going to be your friend anymore” to manipulate. This is the beginning of accountability and a very grown up approach to life. This is what we do, only as time has passed we have learned to do it quietly.

There are those who have so lost themselves in trying to be whatever popular culture’s every changing standard is and they do not know who they are.

Mothers and fathers are the foundation of a peaceful world.

STF Autumn Fest 2009

2009-11-01T17:31:00.001-05:00

Saturday was our church family’s Halloween/Autumn get together. Last year we cancelled for lack of funds this year we had the biggest one ever. Many thanks to whomever made it possible and to Kelly Pruett for organizing an all around sweet event!

Yoda was there

All the kids in costumes were really fun to see!

There were lots of wonder women around and some of them were even in costume.

There were happy families everywhere.

There was lots of food and a cozy area to sit together and eat it!

Jon Locklear Red Fish Master.

2009-10-30T16:31:00.002-04:00

Went back into the mangroves behind Picnic Island on a high tide. It all started with a call at 8:30 am from Jon Locklear. I like it when I am rousted out of bed to go do something worthwhile I might not have done on my own. Here are the results.

As we left the bay started swarming with very large Jack Cravelle. John hooked into two that started smoking his drag but the rig was to light for either on and they broke off.

Mike Moser 1945 - 2009

2009-10-29T23:06:00.001-04:00

The older you get the more death you see until soon enough it is your own demise you face. I met Charles Michael Moser through South Tampa Fellowship. I first met his daughters family at STF and later as Mike came to know and grow in Jesus I had the pleasure of knowing him. He is an awful sweet fellow and I am happy to know that he is where I will be when I pass form this death unto my new life with the Lord.

It was only a couple months ago that we would see him at church just about every time we would gather. On Fridays we would see him behind the welcome desk in the morning and it was always a blessing to have his welcoming presence there to greet us. The last two Fridays we saw him it was evident he was experiencing a change in his health. There was talk of a hernia but I suspect he knew something more was up. It was not long after he went to see a doctor who gave him the news I think he already anticipated. Cancer was the diagnosis but no one could have suspected just how pervasive it was. Now when I arrive at church I miss seeing him but I know I will see him soon enough along with my father and the growing number of folks I love who have gone on before. It really is a happy thought to know that as soon as I leave this body I will be in the presence of Jesus with all my bothers and sisters who have gone on before!

Truth Is Truth No Matter When Spoken

2009-10-28T21:44:00.001-04:00

Tyler and His Nemo 200

2009-10-27T08:28:00.001-04:00

Tyler has acquired a Nemo 200 Underwater housing so we tested with a Canon HV20 recently. It work very well!

Here is video I captured with my little canon sd800.

Here is the HD video of me blowing bubble rings under da water.

Tanya & Scott Amity Wedding Celebration

2009-10-25T22:22:00.001-04:00

Yeah, yeah, I know they have been married and have a sweet little girl but that is all the more to celebrate. I had a really enjoyable time of fellowship with everyone as we slowly floated along on the Star Lite Majesty.

Always A Distance.

2009-10-21T23:25:00.002-04:00

A place that is completely familiar can suddenly become as foreign as the other side of the world. It is not often but there have been times in my life when I have found this to be true. It most cases it is not the surroundings, unless of course you factor in some catastrophic natural disaster that radically changes the landscape you once found familiar. In most cases it is a shift in relationships.

A change in leadership and values without a change in direction can so change the social dynamic of a place you find yourself feeling lost. It becomes increasingly more difficult to gracefully fit in as you once believed you did. This is the natural course of things after years of watching those you know so well grow older and turn their focus in new directions.

One thing I do find the hardest to process is letting people down. On so many occasions I have felt an expectancy from others as to who I might be to them as time passed. I have seen the light in their eyes fade as I have failed them. It is never more heart breaking than when in the mind of a little one they decide we are to be the one who rescues them from the tragic circumstances they find themselves in.

You know by their complete and unmerited trust they are looking for a savior. You know you are powerless to do anything but show them the love of Jesus in that moment you have with them. You tell them Jesus loves them when you say goodbye knowing full well they are returning to the torment of a home life in chaos and possibly even abuse.

The saddest moment of all is that moment when you know they understand you can do nothing. You hope against all the odds they decide not to count you among their tormentors for you failure to stop the pain, only to have them begin to keep their distance. It is not easy for anyone, even a child to step into the moment when they recognize they are loved unconditionally without the shadow of the rejection they have experienced tainting the present.

You can pray but I get so mad when I pray and nothing changes. I know it is pride but I still get angry. Grown ups are the walking dead, I am the walking dead. None of us live in Christ-likeness powerful enough to transcend our own insecurities and so we all fail to be open and honest. We all fail to walk in the light. We are all strangers to each other. Strangers who are the best of friends rapidly moving to our graves.

The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
(Joh 12:34-37)

Honey Bee Tree

2009-10-20T12:26:00.002-04:00

Let's all Cram Into Craig's house!

2009-10-18T23:07:00.001-04:00

I went to Craig Rees house recently for his "surprise" birthday.

Her was very gracious about the whole thing and actually let us all in.

It was jam packed inside and everyone had a really nice time.

Big Birthdays

2009-10-17T18:23:00.001-04:00

Big birthdays are good business for folks who snap images like me. I have a few really gracious clients who enlist me to record their celebrations. I sure do appreciate them.

Baby Rock Photo Shoot

2009-10-13T14:32:00.002-04:00

I recorded some images for friends of mine who have an online business called Baby Rock Apparel. I enjoyed it and was really happy with the results.

A big thanks to all the little models you did a terrific job!

I Just Found My New Internet Hero!

2009-10-12T13:57:00.002-04:00

All I can say is Ohhhhhhhh Yeeeeeeeeah!

Balance

2009-10-09T21:06:00.002-04:00

There are many times in my life…. more like many times in any given week when I experience an astonishing affinity for this or that person I find myself in proximity to. Perhaps you have have experienced this on many occasions in your daily life as well and this is what prompts me to type these few words. This experience is especially acute when you can see in another’s eyes the same familiar quality of light. This is the kind of reaction I can only ascribe to God and His never ending gaze upon us. A gaze which only we break by turning our eyes away to perishable things.

Where is the balance? I can tell you that few people know the true overflow of affection I have for them. I feel as though I can not reveal this and it is for good reason. There is a process that must be completed because we are all partakers of the forbidden fruit.

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
(Gen 3:7-11)

We come into this world with few inhibitions about loving lavishly and learn quickly as we grow from the innocence of our childhood the sting of rejection, jealousy, and selfish desire both given and received.

Jesus is the balance. His life is the model and His love for His disciples who are the church is the example. The process is not complicated only challenging.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2Pe 1:2-8)

This process builds upon itself and cannot be accomplished out of order. I have become more and more determined not to hide myself but to exhibit the true overflow of love for others in the light of who Christ is and what He continues to do in my life.

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
(1Jn 3:18-24)

It is my Confidence in God my Father that gives me courage to be bold in my affection and I praise Him for this. A gift that is given freely to one who is entirely unworthy of the receiving is to that one a most precious gift.

"It is by loving, and not by being loved, that one can come nearest the soul of another; yea, that, where two love, it is the loving of each other, that originates and perfects and assures their blessedness. I knew that love gives to him that loveth, power over any soul be loved, even if that soul know him not, bringing him inwardly close to that spirit; a power that cannot be but for good; for in proportion as selfishness intrudes, the love ceases, and the power which springs therefrom dies. Yet all love will, one day, meet with its return. "
— George MacDonald

This week I am reminded of this fact by seeing a light in the eyes of a child who having only been in my presence for no more, than hour and not all at once mind you, believed me to be of great value and affection.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
(1Jn 4:10-12)
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.
(1Jn 4:18-19)

Thank you God you are love!

Everything Old Is New Again!

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The only challenge before us now is how can we profit more than the last time the government hyped this pig pandemic.

A sign of the times?

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Below is a post by a former pastor from our church who moved on to a church in Arizona. We at South Tampa Fellowship need to anticipate leaner times ahead as well. It may come to this for many of our leaders who’s finances are a function of the congregations giving. People have less and less money and therefore anyone who is paid to preach, or is part of a church bureaucracy is finding themselves contemplating their financial future more frequently. The Christian church is as over extended as the world around it. We are in debt and not willing to truly cut spending in meaningful ways.

When it gets really bad that is when it is going to get really good. It is much easier to live 1 John 2:16-17 when our choices are limited. God is going to remind us how to truly serve our communities and families with a little lesson in true sacrifice. We will become disciples who will no longer ask what is in it for me, and instead be determined to use up our lives by seeking first the unseen kingdom to come.

You can follow James on his blog HERE

This morning I awoke much like the previous few mornings; very early before the sun has begun to shine its light into the day. I awaken because I am restless. I awaken because something is stirring within me. I awaken…and then remember that my position as Singles Pastor has been eliminated. I try to drift back to sleep but my mind has already begun to churn about the days, weeks, and months ahead. Where will we go? What will we do? Will we have to move again after being here only 15 months? Will I continue being a Singles Pastor elsewhere? Will God use this time to change my role to an Associate or even Senior Pastor in another location? What will become of those we’ve grown to love here in the Phoenix Valley? How will my children fair in this process? Will Tracy and I have the energy to transition and start again in a new ministry elsewhere? The questions are constant and repeating in my mind. I have no choice…I must get out of bed; my mind is now fully engaged in the reality of the moment.

The church where I serve is dealing with an extreme financial crisis. This alone has led to the elimination of my position as well as a few others. Although God tells us that those who are faithful with a little will be charged to be faithful with much, the tithes and offerings necessary for the church to continue the current ministries are simply not being received. As a result, the elders and lead team have had to make some very difficult decisions; one of which has led to our transition.

It is at this crossroads where each one of us has a choice. We can choose to get upset and even angry. We can choose to embrace the bitterness inside because this just doesn’t seem to be the right course of action…there has to be another way. Or we can choose to believe; to believe that God saw this coming; to know that He allowed it to happen; to know that we live in a broken world and yet the church must go on in the midst of trials. We can choose to blame the President, or the economy, or the church leadership, or those attending who don’t tithe on their income. But where will this get us? Will placing blame on the failings of men (whoever they may be) resolve the problem at hand? Surely not. So what do we do in the midst of the chaos of emotions in this moment? We choose to believe on the One who died so that we could live, and we challenge ourselves to honor Christ with this life for which He died.

Tracy and I are waiting for God to reveal our next step in this master plan He has for us. We will not be fearful or afraid, but will remain confident in His promises and lean not on our own understanding. But what does this mean for you? How can you embrace the brokenness of the moment and make it better? By being part of the solution. There is no better time than now to begin to return to God what He has given you through tithes and offerings to the church if you do not already do so. There is no better time than now to stretch yourself financially so that the message of the kingdom will continue to reach a lost and dying world. There is no better time than now to begin to volunteer and serve somewhere at the church to help shoulder the even greater burden which it now carries with fewer paid staff to carry it. You can choose to believe in a God who never guaranteed life would be without struggle, but who promised to always weather the storms of life with us…even carrying us through them when He needs to.

Tracy and I will keep everyone updated through our facebook pages, twitter, and this blog as to what direction tomorrow holds. You can email either of us on facebook or at jpatters13@gmail.com and tracydp@cox.net. Keep running at the cross and keep your head up for the journey. We love you all.

- James