Journey2Missions

Parmenters Change of Plans

2010-06-07T18:43:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends:

We want to let you know the sad news that we are resigning from ministry with ABWE.

It has been agonizing and heart wrenching to make this decision, but God has been close and faithful. After three years of Prefield and 83 meetings, we had only attained 30%. During 2009, our support fluctuated between 25% and 28%, and then finally up to 30% in May of this year. Our personal finances began to run perilously low.

Over the last several months we did not have peace that we were still where God wanted us to be. So we had been praying that God would reaffirm His direction for us. Adam started calling the churches we had visited so far hoping that the answer to our prayers would be several churches wanting to support us or at least expressing a strong interest in supporting us. We could not find any new support and it seemed our phone and e-mail went silent. Instead, the answer to that prayer was a phone call from a job recruiter. Our direction, though not what we were hoping for, seems clear: Adam accepted a contract position at a local corporation. As a result, the new job does not allow for us to continue in pre-field, and we must resign from ABWE.

While we did not raise our needed support, our prefield ministry has resulted in changed lives for Jesus Christ in churches all over the Midwest. When people shared with us how our ministry had made them think, convicted them, or encouraged them, it made the thousands of miles traveled worthwhile.

We know God is sovereign and His plans are perfect. I don’t think we will ever truly understand why we couldn’t go to the Czech Republic, but we do not doubt God on this. We can be certain that He is faithful. My son Michael always says, "Start by assuming God knows what He is doing." With that in mind we are submitting to this new direction and trusting Him for the outcome.

For HIS Sake….

Adam & Marge Parmenter

Pray With Us

2010-05-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends:

Last week we completed a week of travel which included a concert in Iowa, then a concert in Illinois, followed by a day of ministry and presentations in Iowa again. It was a wonderful time of effective ministry. Also, I was able to spend time with a new friend in the Czech Village, Cedar Rapids, IA. It was also the week that our support level finally made it to a full 30%.

Back in Kalamazoo, MI, the satisfying glow of ministry began to fade and the problem of our support level weighed on our hearts once again. It has taken us three years to get to 30% support, and for 18 months of that time our support has been moving up and down between about 26% and 29%. Two churches have joined as supporters, and several individuals have joined, which offset some other support that was lost.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." Psalm 127:1

We've begun to wonder if we are "laboring in vain". We had about 83 meetings in three years and have a full schedule into the fall. The response to our ministry and our mission to the Czech republic has been exceptional. Here are some quotes from the evaluation forms we give for each church we visit.

"They blessed and challenged me"
"The Parmenters were a blessing to our church"
"The day was a blessing, challenge and very positive"

We are worried that after such a full schedule of great meetings that we are not seeing more support come in. ABWE guidelines show that we should be at about 60% support by now.

In the coming week, we are working to discern if we are supposed to continue with prefield. Please, pray with us that we will have clear direction from the Lord. We need a clear indication that God will provide the supporters we need to continue. Also, this week, I'm going to call churches we've been to in an attempt to find out if there are any that are planning to support us. We are also praying that we will be able to discover any individuals that have been considering supporting us.

If there are no churches planning on adding us then that could be an indication that we aren't where God wants us to be.

Over and over I think about the Czech. In such a strongly atheist country like the Czech, there are college students that are curious and interested in Christianity. They would be willing to study the Bible with some one. Our age and background make us suitable for a number of ministries to help the little church in Southern Bohemia grow and Christians there mature in their faith. It's heart breaking to consider that we might not have the funds to go help the Czechs.

We have been praying about our support for some months, some times with tears. We know that God is good, and that He is able to do anything in His will, regardless of the economy or political system. Pray with us that we will have wise discernment and clear direction over what to do next.

We appreciate your prayers, and will keep you posted on our next steps.

Adam Parmenter on behalf of Marge, Michael & Maryellen

www.sharethecrown.com

Our Heart for the Czech Republic

2010-05-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

www.Heart 4 Czech.com

“Now I'm not alone...” (Czech believer speaking to an ABWEmissionary)

It’s heart breaking to realize the vast majority of Czechs believe God is a myth for the weak minded. Believers (only 0.5%) are isolated, facing intense opposition from friends and family.

Working with a team of missionaries alongside isolated Czech believers, we’ll help them reach their country for Christ and mature as a church family.

“We need to get you here...” (Ron Barnes, missionary/team leader, Czech Republic)

Pastor Ron Barnes and his family have been in the Czech four years. What he has discovered is that while many Czechs are hardened to matters of faith, there is a younger generation hungry for a life changing relationship that will sustain them regardless of their circumstances. The opportunities to share Christ with the Czechs are growing. The need is now.

"Two are better than one...” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

We can accomplish more together than we can alone. We are looking for hundreds of supporters who each donate a a small amount, $5, $10, or $25 per month. If each of us does what we can, together we can quickly raise the monthly income required to live and serve in the Czech for many years to come.

"We can't do this alone.” (Adam & Marge Parmenter)

In today’s economy giving is a sacrifice. Pray about it. With many of us working together we can field a team of missionaries to serve those living in deep spiritual poverty. Share our heart and vision for the Czech Republic.

*Click this link for a printable financial support form.

*Click this link for automatic withdrawal from checking or credit card

If you have any questions please visit www.Heart4Czech.com

Adam, Marge, Michael & Maryellen

The Parmenters: Prefield missionaries to the Czech Republic

Mission Board: Association of Baptists for World Evangelism

Home Church: Bethel Baptist, Kalamazoo, MI

Tax Time Supporters

2010-04-10T12:40:00.001-07:00

Our individual financial supporters are very important to us.

They range in amounts from $10 per month to hundreds and range in age from a children's sunday school group to eighty year olds. One supporter supports us at the $10 per month level ($120 annually), and sends the support annually from her tax return.

We need your financial support, and being a Tax Time Supporter is an easy and fairly painless way to support us financially for $10 or $20 per month. If we had 300 supporters each donating the equivalent of $20 per month, we would have almost all the monthly financial support we need.

Getting a refund this year? Please consider becoming a Tax Time Supporter and sending an amount each year from your tax returns. Go to the "Help Us Get There" page at this link. It has information about how much support we need to raise, how much we have so far, and options (check, credit card) for you to take part in supporting us.

As always, send us a note via this link. We love to talk about the Czech.

Adam & Marge Parmenter
www.sharethecrown.com

Impossible?

2010-04-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

Throughout Scripture, God calls upon people to do what is beyond their own ability to accomplish. Once, early in Jesus’ earthly ministry, he saw the disciples fishing. They had fished all night but caught nothing. These were experienced fishermen. Jesus said,

“Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So, signaling their partners in the other boat for help, they filled both boats so full they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees, exclaiming, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

Luke 5:5-8 (ESV).

No amount of human effort resulted in fish. Instead, it was the Lord who provided. Marge and I can identify with the disciples. God has provided for us a full schedule, encouraging churches, enough gifts of money to finance car repair and over thousands of miles of safe travel. But—our financial support level remains unchanged. It is currently not enough to meet our needs. I have not found part-time work. We are beyond our human ability to continue pre-field.

We can’t imagine how 2010 is going to turn out. Our belief is that God will provide our support needs according to His timing. I know that we aren’t the only ones dealing with difficult spiritual, emotional, health or financial challenges. Perhaps the struggle you face threatens to overwhelm you. Join us this year in trusting God, resisting the urge to “cut our losses and run.” Join us this year in prayer as we daily pour out our hearts to God. Join us this year as we saturate our lives with God’s Word. Challenges can drive us closer to God if we let them. Join us in trusting Him who alone can accomplish the impossible.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5&6 (ESV)

Adam, Marge, Michael & Maryellen

www.sharethecrown.com

www.facebook.com/ShareTheCrown

THE FINANCIAL END GAME

2010-02-02T12:38:00.000-08:00

How Much Money Are The Parmenters Required To Raise?

In order to head to Czech the Parmenters must have $6,846.98 in monthly support. That’s a little over $82,000 per year. $45,173.76 annual salary before taxes, $16,242.00 Medical insurance and retirement, and $20,748 for ministry costs and the ABWE home office.

How Much More Do They Need To Raise?
They currently have $1,793.33. So they need $5,053.65 more in monthly support.

If they had 31 new supporting churches each giving $100/month and 200 individuals each giving $10 a month, they would have all of our support. Many individuals could handle $10 a month but would think, “Why bother with an amount so small?” The point is, these are difficult financial times for many people and churches, but if a lot of people each do a little, the Parmenters will quickly have the support they need. Want to join as a monthly financial supporter?

Print a copy of the financial support form from this link and send it in with your first months support. Join us in reaching the Czechs with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Parmenter Missions - The Treasure Has Arrived

2009-08-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today the UPS truck arrived with the end product of months of prayer, labor, and the help of some great friends, a CD of inspirational music and contemporary worship titled, "The Treasure".

A collection of 11 songs, The Treasure started as the Parmenters began their pre-field ministry, sharing music when they visited churches to talk about their burden for the people of the Czech Republic.

As Adam sang and Michael played his trumpet, the idea arose to capture some of that music on CD. .

Earlier in the year, the Parmenters faced the death of Adam's parents. Christian parents, Allen & Grace Parmenter loved missions and loved music. When Adam & Marge received a gift of money from the estate, it provided needed funds for them to continue prefield. It also provided funds to record The Treasure.

The songs on The Treasure include:

There Is A Savior

The Lord Is My Light

How Beautiful

Crucified With Christ

In Christ Alone

Embrace The Cross

We Shall Behold Him

Wonderful Merciful Savior

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

The Gospel

To purchase your own copy of The Treasure send $12 check or money order per CD payable to Adam Parmenter c/o Bethel Baptist Church 402 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Be certain to include a shipping address for us to send the CDs.

You can also purchase a copy online using Paypal at http://www.hammsterwheel.com/Store.htm, Hammsterwheel is a Christian recording studio and music retailer in Grand Rapids, MI. The Owner, Tim Hamm, has been a helpful partner in completing this recording.

Proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to help the Parmenter's "Outfit and Passage" fund, and they pray that the music will be an encouragement to you. If you enjoy it, please let us know by leaving a message on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ShareTheCrown.

Adam, Marge, Michael & Maryellen.

Journey to Missions moving to Facebook

2009-08-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Journey to Missions blog is moving to www.facebook.com/ShareTheCrown.

Please, join us there.

Adam, Marge, Michael and Maryellen

Not Afraid

2009-07-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

We are at a training for two weeks on language learning. The first step that I am learning is to face my fears of learning another language. Did you know that the most frequent imperative command in the scriptures is "do not be afraid?" I guess God knows me well. Anyway, he encourages us, like Joshua, to be strong and courageous and he will be with us. I am also learning to quit saying, I can't do this, to I can do this much so far..... We are learning to make sounds with our mouth and lips and tongue that are different than the 44 sounds of English. I can now say that I have a few more sounds that I can make with my mouth.

Another great tip today was to listen with comprehension rather than trying to mimic words when you begin. We tried this out today on a tribal language from Vietnam and we get to try it tomorrow in Russian with a Russian language helper. So, I am learning techniques that I can do now-observing everyone else's mouths!!!!!, etc...... to understand how sounds are made.

I read the first day I was here in the last chapter of John. Here, Peter questions the risen Lord when he challenges Peter to feed my sheep. Peter wants to know " what is going to happen with that "other disciple" (meaning John). My paraphrasing, but the Lord asks Peter to do what he is asked to do and not worry about the other disciple. In the same way, the Lord is challenging me not to compare myself to others in this language learning process, but to work hard and learn and try try try.... Do you know how difficult that is surrounded by all these missionaries - I think I am the oldest in the room.....?

Colorado is beautiful and God has given me a wonderful setting, away from the distractions of home to step out in faith and try this language learning on way before I get on a plane to the Czech. I am grateful for this opportunity.

Marge Parmenter

Apa Apa Apa

2009-07-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in a room with eight other adults making sounds I might expect to hear from a 1 year old. It's all part of opening up our eyes to hear and equipping our mouths to say sounds that are not part of the English language. The English language has about 44 basic sounds that make up all the words we use. When we are infants we are capable of hearing all the sounds that are possible to make and could learn any language. That's why small children have an easier time learning a second language.

As we grow older our brain locks into just those sounds in our native language. It's not just that we have difficulty saying them, our brains may not recognize them well enough to even attempt to reproduce them. Try to reproduce a word from a language in which tone of voice is part of the meaning of the word. The teacher demonstrated pairs of words that all sounded the same, but were each different, if you listened to subtle shifts in tone or elongation of vowel or consonant. On the flip side, individuals from Japan who have learned English well are still not able to pronounce certain common sounds. Those sounds don't exist in their language and their brains may not even recognize when the "hear" them spoken.

So, each day, twice a day, we drill phonetic sounds. One example is to drill making unaspirated "P", "B", and some other letters. When English speakers use those letters at the beginning of a word they make a puff of air after it. You probably don't even notice that you do. Many languages use those sounds in the unaspirated form. No puff. So we drill through making those unaspirated sounds. This is just the beginning as the staff take us through numerous non-English language sounds. The end goal is to be able recognize language sounds that are not part of English and to make them correctly when we are learning another language. We also get to laugh at ourselves a lot.

Later yesterday, the demonstrated some langauge learning techniques that we can do while we are attending language school. They make a point that acquiring the language is our task. Language school is there to help, but even outside of it we should be using creative ways to learn the language. Right now, I can't even imagine that I will become fluent in another language. It seems impossible. Marge and I are thankful that God does the impossible, that so many wise individuals have been there before us, and can help us find the way.

Kalamazoo to Palmer

2009-07-21T14:12:00.001-07:00

We spent 10 hours in the car each day on Sunday and Monday to make our way to the 4pm orientation here in Palmer Lake, CO. Though exhausting we enjoyed the drive, listening to music, stories on disk, talking or just sitting in silence as we left Kalamazoo 3 pm on Sunday after speaking at First Baptist in Bellevue. We stopped at about midnight in Lincoln, NE. The next morning we were up and out the door by 7:30 in order to arrive in Plamer Lake on time.

As happened onto the prairie/foot hills (if that's what they are called), I was stunned by the wide open spaces. Then as we drove through Denver and headed South toward Palmer Lake we just sort of gawked at the mountains. The small road that leads from the highway to the MTI office is like a roller coaster. Marge was driving. Thankfully. The kids wooped it up and laughed as we topped several hills. I just closed my eyes and turned my head.

Today is the first full day of training and classes. I frankly feel overwelmed. We are surrounded by individuals and couples from different mission agencies bound for countries all over the world. Each of them excited about successfully communicating Christ to the language/cultures in which they will reside. Most of our day today was occupied with phonetics training. We are learning to identify (hear) and reproduce the basic sounds of language. Recognizing the sounds of our langague and other non English sounds. Each day we will be drilled on how to identify and reproduce basic linquistic sounds. This will prepare us for identifying the unique sounds of a language and reproduce them.

We are also learning techniques for learning language.

Believe it or not, it's tiring work, but we still plan on hiking on the trail that is behind the training center. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful location to receive training. I almost feel a little guilty. I always thought missionaries were supposed to suffer, but sitting in the midst of these mountains is a glorious experience.

Two years down . . . Two to go?

2009-07-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

When Marge and I were appointed as missionaries, we were blissfully unaware of the roller coaster that the first two years of pre-field would be. I thought it would only take two years of pre-field ministry and then we would be in the Czech. As a painter it took me years to figure out how long it would take to paint a room. I always underestimated. So it's no surprise that I underestimated this. What I didn't realize is the learning and maturation that would take place during pre-field. It is a training ground for us, and a ministry to the churches we visit.

What has happened in these first two years. Well we started out the first year and a half with me juggling a full time job and pre-field. That meant, while at Pfizer, rushing to find an empty conference room and with my cell phone and note cards seeing how many churches I could contact on a break. In a good week I might contact 40 churches and send out ten information packets. Then, Pfizer gave me a flexible work schedule and each Tuesday, from home, I would contact 60 churches. My position at Pfizer was restructured last December and I was let go. Some weeks since then, but not every week, I've contact 150+ churches. It has really accelerated the process of setting up meetings.

In 2008, we spoke at 12 churches. In 2009, we will probably speak at about 30+ churches. These meetings are where we have a chance to share about the Czech and why we feel called to go there. Some churches, after praying, will sense that God wants them to support us financially or through prayer. Some individuals will also make a decision to support us.

Another thing that has developed over the last two years is our ability to articulate our two fold message. Part of the message is about our mission to the Czech, but the second part is that at every church we are encouraging people to value Christ above all else. So, even when a church doesn't feel called to support us, we have the opportunity to encourage and challenge people in their Christian faith. We do this in morning services, sunday school lessons, and concerts. We also challenge them to realize that God is at work all over the world in ways we don't often realize. At each church we have also had opportunities to be a listening ear and to counsel with people. In that way, pre-field is much more than fund raising. It really is a mission of encouragement to churches all over the Midwest.

The two years of pre-field have been a maturing process. Spiritually, as necessity has driven us more and more to prayer and acts of faith. We have seen God provide our needs such as the time our car broke down on the road, and the church at which we were speaking covered all the expenses through a special offering. We are learning how to trust in God even when He doesn't act on our timing. It is stretching and deepening our faith. We are maturing in knowledge as we study the Bible and teach others. Our patience and ability to stay calm when confronted with obstacles has grown. That's something you need lots of on the field. We've also learned how to be more organized and prepared.

There have been low points and low low points when we lie awake at night and wonder how in the world this will all turn out. Or wondering if we are really missionary material. Through it all our resolve to continue on this road, working hard and praying harder, has not abated. It may take us another two years. In fact God may have more for us to learn or other churches in which he wants us to minister. In that regard then we will remain faithful to this pre-field ministry until such time that God calls us across the ocean tot the next stage in this adventure.

Gearing up for the Rockies

2009-07-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday, after speaking at First Baptist in Bellevue, we are heading off to ?? for the two week PILAT training at Mission Training International (http://www.mti.org) located in Palmer Lake, CO. PILAT is the Program in Language Acquisition Training and while there we will learn the skill of language acquisition.

I honestly don't know what we will be doing for two weeks, but I want to have the skills necessary to learn the Czech language well. After the training we are going to drive up to Estes park where we've rented a cabin for several days. This opportunity won't arise again for a long time, so we want to enjoy the beauty of the region while we can.

I'm a little nervous. I've never done a cross country road trip before. Growing up we flew everywhere. My dad was a pilot for United Airlines, so tickets were very cheap or free. This is a new experience for me, but I'm looking forward to it.

Check here, and I'll keep you updated on what happens.

Getting back on the road

2009-06-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

We are starting to get back onto the road after a number of weeks off in June. Last Sunday we were in Eureka at Liberty Bible, Eureka, IL for their evening service. We had been in Illinois for Marge's family reunion. I must have eaten something that didn't agree with me or gotten a mild case of food poisoning, because by Saturday night of that weekend I was feeling sick. Like a major heart burn.

That Sunday morning I stayed in bed and miss morning services at my in laws church, but built up enough steam to get up and present at Liberty.

Last week has been a slow recovery from heart burn.

This weekend we presented at Pocahontas Regular Baptist Church, Pocahontas, IA. We also presented our first concert based on the music I'm recording for the treasure. I was pretty nervous. God really provided for us in all regards, even though I've still been feeling queasy.

After a wonderful morning with the folks at Pocahontas, we took Michael and Maryellen to meet up with the youth group from our home church, Bethel, who happened to be doing a week of service projects in Des Moines with several other youth groups.

Marge and I used points from our credit card to stay over night in Des Moines and doing some looking around. In the fall we will be presenting in Iowa or Nebraska churches every weekend, and we are considering a temporary move there to cut down of travel times. It would also give us the opportunity to try to schedule mid-week visits to churches. We checked out an extended stay hotel and the price was roughly double what we pay in mortgage, so that is not an option.

We are also going to start checking around for any churches that might have missions houses or an empty parsonage. Kip Crigger, Bethel's youth pastor, is from Iowa, so we hope that he can help us make some connections with churches in this area.

We also made a stop at ManPower to check on temp jobs. That way i can earn a little extra to cover expenses while we are in Des Moines.

Now Marge and I are relaxing in yet another hotel, and tomorrow will stop in Cedar Rapids on our way home to see how the Czech Village is progressing, and to visit the Czech museums gift store that is located in a local shopping mall.

Still, so many questions about where we will live in the fall. God knows. We just need to continue to exercises our trust.

Adam

The Treasure - Recording Progress

2009-05-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

The recording is progressing nicely, but I'm learning about what it takes to manage a recording project when all the help are volunteers.

My key vocalist who would have recording all of my harmony background vocals (also called BGVs) when from being very available to maybe available on one night. My guitar player is waiting for his guitar to come back form the shop. Finally, the software I ordered that is supposed to allow me to make all the sounds of a symphony orchestra is suddenly not available and I had to reorder it from somewhere else.

So, I'm thinking of switching and having the vocalist play guitar instead.

The all I need is to find a person or two that can harmonize by ear without lots of prep time and be willing to do a recording session or two with very little pay. I know some others in places like Texas and South Carolina.

Also, I always say, never introduce new technology into the middle of a recording project, but I'm purchasing the Miroslave Philharmonic software. Five of the songs on the CD are recorded with accompaniment tracks that I've purchased from he store. I've been singing them in churches for nearly a year. The other six songs, I'm using live musicians to lay down the instrument tracks. For consistency and listenability, I want a string section. Since I don't happen to be friends with a chamber orchestra or anything, this is the next best thing.

There is at least one point each week when I think to myself, "Who was I kidding? This will never work". Last week, it was when I was trying to teach myself the bass line to There Is A Savior and How Deep The Father's Love and found out that the way I was plucking the strings was making them play sharp. I had to learn the part and relearn the best way to play the strings for that style of music. It took most of a day, but God provided. There's a few spots where I'm off, but otherwise it sounds good.

Pray for the progress of this recording. It has been a dream many years in the making and I'm hoping that it is integral to our pre-field missions ministry. No clue how God will use it once we are on the field.

Adam

Parmenters say, "Aetna, I'm glad I met ya!"

2009-05-12T07:26:00.001-07:00

SHARING THE CROWN OF LIFE

Parmenters and the Mission to the Czech Republic

Our Week at Aetna Calvary

We spent a wonderful week with the folks at Aetna Calvary Church in White Cloud, MI. They are a group of down-to-earth, friendly people, that are interested in how God is working all over the world.

Aetna Calvary is just one example of the great people we are meeting in churches all over the Midwest. You can watch a series of short videos that I made from each day of our trip at http://sharethecrown.com/AetnaCalvary.aspx.

MARCH IN NEBRASKA and Beyond
In March, Michael and Adam spent 10 days presenting at churches in Iowa and Nebraska. Since then, the family has visited with First Baptist Temple, Oshkosh, WI and Heritage Baptist, Manistee, MI.

From Manistee, MI to Wahoo, NE we are having an adventure as we travel from church to church sharing our burden for the people of the Czech Republic.

It’s a family affair as each of us is involved in setting up, presenting, music, and teaching. It’s a treat to work as a family and enjoy each other in the process. At each stop we work to be encouragers and servants in anyway we can. It’s fun to be able to pitch in where ever needed. Once Adam helped a church improve their sound system, in another the family filled in for the church praise team (that was a stretch).

Always, there is the joy and excitement of talking about the spiritual needs of the Czech. Presenting about the Czech makes us even more eager to be there.

We are working toward having our support raised by the middle of next year, but only God knows the exact schedule. Even so, the work of pre-field has proven to be a fruitful ministry of encouragement in churches throughout the Midwest.

We would love to visit with your church or in your home and share our message. Contact us at 269-762-2202 or parmenters@abwe.cc

Meanwhile Back on Bank Street:

Marge Is starting to struggle with a virus of some kind, and is feeling "under the weather". She works hard to keep Maryellen and Michael going on school work, keep the house clean and comfortable, and help with missions presentations. Because the family presented on Mother's Day, they decided to celebrate a week later. She's earned breakfast in bed. Pray that she will keep up with the schedule, and also find times of refreshment in a busy life.

Adam recently started working on a vocal recording that features songs he sings in churches as they travel for prefield: Embrace The Cross, In Christ Alone, We Shall Behold Him, How Deep The Father’s Love and 7 more. The CD should be available for sale near the end of July, and some dates in August are being set aside for concert performances. Two concert dates have been scheduled so far. A concert during the morning service on 23-Aug at Pomona Bible, Copemish, MI and an evening concert on 30-Aug at First Baptist Temple, Oshkosh, WI. To schedule a concert call send us a message via this link. Proceeds from sales will help fund the Parmenters' mission effort. Hear a sample at http://sharethecrown.com/stc.aspx. In the midst of that, Adam is contacting hundreds of churches a week in order to find those who want us to come and speak. Pray that he will continue to be energized for the work at hand.

Michael has been "plowed under" by a head cold. The coughing has made it tough for him to play trumpet, but he has bravely stepped up to play his horn. He's coming to the end of his school year, and is excited about starting driver's training. Pray for his health.

Maryellen Is feeling the crush of year end school assignments. It seems the closer she gets to the end of the school year, the more assignments her teachers hand out. Pray that the pressure of school mixed with pre-field travel won't get her down.

Our house is still up for sale and recently relisted at a lower cost when our realtor switched companies. Please pray that it will sell in God's timing. See our house online at http://1512bank.canbyours.com/.

We thank God that we are able to add more meetings, that we have had safety in travel, and that our presentations have been so well received.

WHERE WILL BE SERVING NEXT

Sunday 24-May-09

Volinia Baptist Church, Decatur, MI 269-782-5680

June 15-18

Basketball Camp, Bethel Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, MI 269-381-2080

Sunday 21-June-09

Liberty Bible Church, Eureka, IL 309-467-4814

Sunday 28-June-09

Pocahontas Regular Baptist Church, Pocahontas, IA 712-335-3191

Sunday 19-July-09

First Baptist Church, Bellevue, MI (269) 763-9247

Sunday 19-July-09

First Baptist Church, Russell, IA (641) 535-2126

For the complete 2009/2010 calendar go to http://sharethecrown.com/calendar.aspx

PRAYER SUPPORT

Currently there are 30 people registered on our Prayer Watch that are actively praying for us. Our goal is to assemble a team of 100 individuals who are committed to praying for us each week. Those on the Prayer Watch team receive a weekly e-mail. If you would like to join the team please give Adam a call at 269-762-2202.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

If you would like to help with our monthly financial support, send checks to:

ATTN: Parmenter Support #013408

ABWE, P.O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8585

Remember to mark it as monthly support if you plan to give each month. For a printable support form click this link.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and pray for us.

We would like to hear from you. Click this link to send us a message. We will respond back to you.

I'm Different Now

2009-04-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning we were at a host home, and I was up early. I needed a file folder out of the trunk so I went through the kitchen door, closing it behind me, and raised the garage door to get to our car. Upon returning I found that the kitchen door was locked from the outside, and I was stuck in the garage.

At that point something odd happened: I laughed. Not a synical laugh or a laugh of derision, but a good natured laugh. I closed the garage door and waited, instead of banging until I woke our host. I studied my notes while I waited and listened to the wind and rain outside the garage walls. I also took note that not that long ago I would have been outraged that I had been so stupid as to get locked out.

God has changed me over the last eight years in ways that are only now becoming apparent, and the transformation process has accelerated since we started our missions journey. Another example is that on Wednesday I lost our family video camera. Ouch. That’s an expensive thing to misplace. I lost it on the way home from Iowa. On our way to Wisconsin yesterday there was one place we could check, but it wasn’t there. Years ago, I would have been in a deep slump over losing something like that.

Truly, if I can’t find it, there’s nothing I can do about it, I need to try and be more careful, and move on with life. This week I realized I had done that. I even felt a little bad for not feeling worse about it.

I guesse my point here is that for me a consequence of pursuing missions has been a greater maturity, and a deepening of my spiritual understanding. Namely, an understand that in light of eternity things have little value. Also, in light of eternity trials and difficult times are quite small.

What a blessing for me. I used to get so bent out of shape when things didn’t go how I thought they should. I can’t guarantee that I’ll never lose my temper again or get upset about something, but my perspective on life has changed so much, that it is changing how I react to circumstances. What a blessing. Raising support has been difficult considering our current economic climate, but even in that God continues to give me energy as I grow in my certainty that He is in control.

Fighting Deamons Hand-2-Hand

2009-03-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Michael and I started our trip that we are calling "March 2 Nebraska". It's catchy. We were put up over night at a Christian Camp Ground about one half hour away from where we spoke today.

I thought they would just put us up in a bunk house, but the acomadations were more like a hotel room with a kitenette. Everything was just great. Overnight, I don't think that I got one wink of sleap. I kept having dreams of spiritual warfare and battling deamons.

Each time I woke up I felt a little more edgy. It gets so dark out in the country and in an unfamiliar place, after waking up several times from these dreams I was a little creeped out.

One dream in particular stood out. In the dream a person told me don't go in that house. He pointed to a large building. The man in the dream said, if you go in there you will be deceived and will probably die. I looked and my family was walking in. I took off after them, but they had already entered the building.

When I walked in, it was set up for a weading reception. It was beautiful and it was also entirely engulfed in flaims. I ran up to my family and said, "We have to get out! You'll die in here!" They couldn't see the flames. They just wanted to stay to enjoy the beautiful event.

Finally, unable to convince them, I dragged them out forcibly.

That's when I woke up.

???

I've never had a dream like that. I'm not sure where it fits in. I understand the symbolism . . .but ... I've never been sure what to do with the whole dream thing. Is it just a dream or does go ever try and tell us something?

I honestly don't know.

Adam

Endure and Enjoy

2009-03-11T09:30:00.001-07:00

Today we are participating in the fifth day of a five day missions conference at Aetna Calvary in White Cloud, Michigan. It's a test of endurance to be on the road for that long living in someone else's house. I always look forward to sleeping in my own bed. I suppose it would be out of the question to simply move into one of those RVs and drive it from place to place.

Last night one of the people at the missions conference asked me if I get tired of making the same presentation night after night. Does it get old presenting each night at a missions conference? I thought about it, and frankly I enjoy each night. I don't ever get tired of telling people about our burden for the Czech Republic, encouraging them with a Bible lesson, and singing or teaching. This missions conference is hosting three different mission families. Instead of feature a different family on each night, each family presents their missions in a small group called a "huddle". Each night I presented the same presentation, and the groups rotated each night. The first night (Saturday) was a potluck where we told our faith stories (testimonies) and tonight is a rap up night were we've been asked to discuss our financial needs and our next steps. One of the families is currently supported by the church and the other two (us and the Walkers) are seeking support.

It has been great to spend this much time with the people from a church. We begun to get a feel for the "personality" of Aetna Calvary and its people, and I hope they've gotten a sense for what the Parmenters are all about. This is really the best way, because we want to develop relationships with churches, especially if they decide to support us financially.

So, while we'll be happy to sleep in our own beds, we've enjoyed each day with the folks at Aetna Calvary in White Cloud, Michigan.

Adam

Our Missions Journey Jan/Feb 2009

2009-02-07T12:11:00.001-08:00

SHARING THE CROWN OF LIFE

Parmenters and the Mission to the Czech Republic

JUST THE BEGINNING

We started our pre-field ministry in July 2007. Driving back from ABWE headquarters in Harrisburg, PA, just appointed as missionaries to the Czech, we could practically hear the jet engines taking us to Europe. Yet, like everyone else, we started with nothing. No printed materials to hand out, no PowerPoint slides, and no display. We’re learning to articulate our mission and God’s desire for the Czech people.

July 2007 marked the beginning of one of the most formative “training” periods of our lives. The whole family has learned to speak in front of groups, enjoyed opportunities to start Bible studies with new believers, and began reading the Bible in a way that makes it come alive! These are skills that we will use over and over in the Czech.

In 2008 we shared at 12 different churches with the same message each time, and the message never gets old. In 2009 we look forward to every opportunity to share the message about the Czech, and encourage our listeners. We would love to visit with your church or in your home and share our message. Contact us at 269-762-2202 or parmenters@abwe.cc

Parmenters Welcome Newest Supporting Church, Pomona Bible.

Several members of Pomona Bible (Copemish, MI) have been faithfully praying for us, so we were excited to hear that they, the church, would be adding us as missionaries for financial support as well. Copemish, Michigan is a forest filled area of lakes that is beautiful in all seasons. It was a treat just to drive up there. The folks at Pomona were enjoyable as well. Not only were they friendly, but they were curious and eager to hear about our mission. That made meeting them fun, and we're looking forward to returning to visit with them again.

ONLINE

If you haven't been to www.sharethecrown.com in a while, give it a look. We've updated, the home page to include a video window and blog. The video and blog are updated several times a month.

MARCH IN NEBRASKA

In March, Adam & Michael will spend a week in Omaha, NE area, home of our first supporting church, Heartland Baptist. The men will present in services at churches and Christian schools, as well as meet with pastors and other individuals who want to learn about their mission to the Czech. They currently have an opening on Sunday 15-March for a church meeting and are open to meeting with individuals on Tuesday and Wednesday. To schedule a time call 269-762-2202.

Meanwhile Back on Bank Street:

Marge is hard at work on “Grasping God’s Word”, one of four courses that all ABWE pre-fielders take as part of their training. Along the way she leads a ladies Bible study, and is home schooling Michael. Marge has also prepared several women’s Sunday school sessions that she is looking forward to presenting at churches in the future.

Recently unemployed, Adam is phoning churches to discover those interested in our mission while also studying Grasping God’s Word. With a background as a writer/presenter/trainer, Adam’s also looking for temporary work. On Wednesdays, Adam leads a Bethel community group called Zeteo.

Michael is learning about acid based reactions in chemistry, kinetic energy in physical science, reading Count of Monte Cristo in world lit, and has a new trumpet solo ready for churches. He is helping lead a Bible study with a friend his age.

Maryellen is busy practicing flute for two school band festivals and for a piano recital. At school she is learning about volcanoes and is meeting the challenge of advanced math. When she has free time she is knitting, sewing, beading, drawing or making a homemade rag doll.

PLEASE PRAY that we will be able to develop a full schedule of meetings. Fatigue is always an issue. Pray that we will stay healthy and well rested

WHERE WILL BE SERVING NEXT

Sunday 15-Feb-09

9:30 am Fox River Baptist, Appleton, WI 920-734-6162

Sunday 1-Mar-09

10 am Crossroads, Scottville, MI 231-757-2857

Wednesday 4-Mar-09

8 am Heritage Christian Academy, Kalamazoo, MI

Saturday 7-Mar-09 through Wednesday 11-Mar-09

Aetna Calvary, White Cloud, MI 49349 Phone: 231-689-0611

Wednesday 18-Mar-09

8:35am Cornerstone Christian School, Bellevue, NE

7pm Cornerstone Bible, Crete, NE 402-826-2691

Friday 20-Mar-09

9am Omaha Christian Academy, Omaha, NE

Sunday 22-mar-09

9:30am Calvary Church, Wahoo, NE 402-443-4745

6pm Heartland Baptist, Bellevue, NE 402-291-4588

For the complete 2009/2010 calendar www.sharethecrown.com

PRAYER SUPPORT

Currently there are 20 people registered on our Prayer Watch that are actively praying for us. Our goal is to assemble a team of 100 individuals who are committed to praying for us each week. Those on the Prayer Watch team receive a weekly e-mail. If you would like to join the team please give Adam a call at 269-762-2202.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

If you would like to help with our monthly financial support, send checks to:

ATTN: Parmenter Support #013408

ABWE, P.O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8585

Remember to mark it as monthly support if you plan to give each month.

Thanks for taking the time to read and pray for us.

Kind regards,

Adam, Marge & the Kids

1512 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Cell (269) 762-2202

Home (269) 373-5402

e-mail: parmenters@abwe.cc

Parmenter Missions - Saying Goodbye to mom

2009-01-18T13:38:00.001-08:00

Is it really only the middle of January? Is it possible that only four months to the day after my father passed away (16-Sep) that my mother also passed into eternity (16-Jan). In less than one year a father-in-law, father, and mother. I can feel myself unraveling like a ball of yarn.

I thank God that all three are Christians and even now are in the physical presence of our Lord Jesus Christ enjoying themselves. I have no clue what heaven will be like, but I am convinced that the same God who created the vast universe, kissing, and the ingredients that become chocolate bars has put just as much creative genius into our eternal home.

However, I am sitting in my parents earthly home in LaGrange, IN. It's almost like a shrine to their memory. I spent an hour wandering around by myself looking at pictures, trinkets, and the stuff that they left lying around as they went about the business of living. I kept hoping they might be around a corner sitting quietly or call out to me from another room, but I know they are not.

They can never come to me again. There will come a day when I will physically die and go into the eternal presence of Jesus Christ. On that day I will be reunited with my mother, father, and other believers who have proceeded me in death. In that day we will rejoice, and talk, and laugh....

It's the separation between us and the waiting that swells the aching in my heart.

So, everything in life comes to a halt. Time seems to stretch and slow and flow around me as so many others go about their daily lives, but for me and my family nothing else matters. Remembering, laughing, weeping, and honoring are our only purpose right now. I wish that I could visit each of you and tell you how my mother overcame adversity in childhood and spent her life raising a family of eight. How she helped others, and saved lives, as a nurse. I could spend more time telling you about her Christian faith, passionate disposition, and gentle spirit. For now it is enough to say that I owe her my Christian faith for it is she who led me to Christ. What can I say to honor her more.

Somehow next week we will get back into the business of educating our children, earning an income, raising support for the mission field, preaching the Word, and teaching others.

In all this, we continue to trust God's goodness and timing.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Adam on behalf of Marge and the kids.

The Crud

2008-12-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I spent the day in the attic updating wiring. If you own a home you understand that there are certain things that you just put off. For me the attic wiring was one of them. disconnect it, cap it, and walk away.

But, it will add to the atractiveness of the home if there is a light switch at the entrance and a working electrical outlet.

Last night as I was awakened with the Thanksgiving crud. It came to me via my mom from a toddler cousin. Tired. Intense heart burn. Lasts about a day and a half. No slinging lines in the attic today.

Even so, the for sale sign went up on the front lawn yesterday.

Feels realy weird.

Adam

15 Years of Clutter

2008-11-25T06:54:00.000-08:00

Fifteen years ago, Marge and I moved to our house on 1512 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI. What a wretched beat up hulk this place was. Me as the erstwhile home improvement guy learned quickly that I would have to teach myself to do all sorts of things I had never done before. I also quickly discovered that it was going to be no quick nor easy task to fix this place up. It's been a money pit, but we've done some great things.

Our children have spent their entire lives here so far. They love this house. It is their home, and full of memories.

We tried to reach out to neighbors and friends, and show hospitality here. Several times our attic or basement became an extra room while a friend or two got "back on their feet." It was a place of family and to treat friends like family. This was a place to mentor kids and adults.

Sojourn practiced here, and lots of dreaming, planning, and learning music happened here.

Throughout all the years, we've worked to keep uncluttered, and to keep the house.

In less than a week our house goes on the market, and will sell sooner or later. While I'm hoping it sells quickly, it is the end of an era for our family. So, as we clean up what clutter we have, and repair the little things we had been putting off, it's a little tough, because it reminds me that this is the end of our time here.

As much as I hate all the work this place takes. It will be hard to say goodbye to 15 years of family and ministry, and the familiar Bank Street.

Adam

From Cicero to Peoria

2008-11-15T05:43:00.001-08:00

At 1pm on Wed I drove to Cicero, Illinois and presented at 58th Avenue Baptist Church. 58th is an old neighborhood church nestled in the midst of Chicago brick houses and apartment buildings. Thirty years ago it was a Czech neighborhood, and pastor Karrow to me to eat down the street at one of the remaining Czech restaurants. No surprise that dinner included gravy and dumplings. It was a great turn-out for a Wednesday night and the people were friendly and enthusiastic.

By 9:30 that evening I was back on the road and home with my family by 1:30 the next morning. It took lots of coffee, but I did fine. I don't bounce back from late night drives quite like I used to, but by Friday I was clicking on all cylinders.

Friday morning I took Marge and Maryellen to school from which they were going on a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. From there they took the Amtrack to visit early with Marge's family. It's also an opportunity for Maryellen to take a trip on a train. She's never been on Amtrack before. Michael and I are driving down today. We'll all be staying with Marge's sister, and presenting in the morning and evening serivces at Calvary Baptist Bible Church, Peoria. Sunday night we will do yet another late night drive to get back to Michigan. At least that's the plan.

After that it looks like we will be off the road for a week or two. That will get us time to finally put our house on the market. December first should be the day it goes up for sale.

Adam

My Trip To Pageland was Providential

2008-11-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

My Trip To Pageland was Providential

O.K. goofy play on words. Providence Baptist Church is in Pageland South Carolina.

It's beautiful here in the land of pages. The landscape is like michigan with lots of open spaces and gently rolling low hills. Some of the leaves have changed color, but other than an overnight chill the daytime temps are in the high 60s and even low70s.

The folks at Providence Baptist are friendly and the worship service was rich and enjoyable. I enjoyed teaching in morning Sunday school and tonight I have the evening service. After church Scott and Angie took me to The Smoke House. I'm told it's world famous. At least the sign says so.

It was crowded and the food was plentiful. Southern cooking is good.

Adam