Back!

Vicki and I have returned from Piedras Negras. Suffice it to say that the trip was a HUGE success! 37 pairs of shoes were purchased, hundreds of pounds of school supplies were given, DOLLARS donated to fill pantries with food, people prayed for, and people blessed in many ways.

One of the most memorable points of the trip was when Paulina, the wife of one of the orphanage directors pulled Vicki to the side and said “We thank God for you. You are the only ones who have come this summer. Everyone else was afraid of the swine flu, or told us that the economy was too bad”.

Vicki replied that as long as god gave us the resources to come, we would come. I now live with even greater resolve to attend to these children in need!

God’s Richest Blessings on ALLLLLLL who gave (some sacrificially) and sent us!

One More Day

Just one more day to go before Vicki and I leave for Mexico. It’s a good thing that I have the day off, so that I can load everything early and then relax before the long drive on Saturday. We will be hauling a good bit of stuff down with us, and then going shopping on the US side right before crossing over.

I have had time to reflect on a lot of things in the preparations leading up to this trip. One particualar thing is the fact that on this trip, no one is going with us. Although I havent “worried” about that, I have questioned why. The answers that my logical side came up with were:

1. People did not have the money to go
2. People were too busy to go.
3. People were unaware that there were slots open for the trip.
4. They went on other mission trips.

I pondered on all these things from time to time, but then the Lord opened my eyes one day when I called brother Don to discuss things about the trip. I told him that no one was coming, and he said “Good!”  I was immediately thrown into a mini state of confusion. Then Don explained. “We want to make this trip extra special for you”. I saw then that God had His hand in the entire affair.

What does God have up His sleeve? Havent a clue. But if I know God, it will be just what we need. God is so faithful, good and merciful.

Well, it’s back to sorting, counting and packing.  Next post will be from the hotel room in Katy Texas!

One Fat Cowboy

Ernest Nunley is a man on a mission. He is riding across America on horseback to raise awareness for Children. In his own words on his Website he is riding to:

Bring awareness that there are still way too many children suffering from Catasrtophic diseases and cancer, as did four of my family members who did not make it to adulthood. And………….

Not all children who need help are physically or mentally ill, but have parents that are too self involved.

We met Ernest on the road today and were blessed to meet him. He is truly living out his faith in God! Click the link above to go to his website. He asks for nothing for himself, only that you pick out a charity that helps children and give to it!

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!!!!

These are the type shoes we will be buying for the girls in less than 2 weeks!  On the 4th of July, Vicki and I leave out for Piedras Negras to visit the 3 orphanages, and our mission contacts, the Crabtrees.

Here is Clarissa with her new school shoes. Starting the school year off with a new pair of shoes is a true blessing for an orphan.

Several area churches are working this year to help with this project. City Church in Millbrook is gathering toiletries and 20 dollar donations for shoes.  Harvest Church in Wetumpka has donated an entire rack of shirts and is helping us sell Mexican lunch plates to raise funds.  Others are donating on their own individually, and donating supplies.

Blessings to ALL!!!!!

PS – We need School Supplies!   Packs of paper, pencils, crayons, etc.  If you run acrosss good deals on them, buy them and get them to us NEXT WEEK!!!!

19, 18, 17…..

Counting Down the days until we leave for Mexico.

Ministry In Tabasco

Brothers Raul and Marcos continue to see revival in Tabasco, Mexico.

Raul praying with two new brothers.

Marcos with some of his flock.

Raul Preaching the Word

Brother Raul will be meeting us in Piedras Negras on the 5th of July to minister to the orphans. We are truly excited about all that is happening!!!!!

Just Say No.

How many times do we use an ATM or a Self-Checkout and not realize that we are contributing to unemployment? I say, stop using the infernal things. Is your really so precious that you avoid human interaction in the hopes of gaining a few moments?

• Think about the person who could be employed if the Self-Checkout was not used.
• Think about the missed opportunity to be the “salt of the earth” by avoiding human interaction.

Just a thought for today.

Coming Together

I am always amazed at how God provides. A few weeks back a sister came to us and said that she had some brand new clothing that she had found a unbelievable deal on a year or so back. She bought it and had no idea what she was going to do with it. Then she met us. End of story (as far as the new children s clothing was concerned).

Then this past week we got an unexpected offering from Living Hope Bible Fellowship. Now this week Pastor Gene from Harvest Church was at Walmart and there was a rack (29 total) of t-shirts with an attached toy. They were clearing them out at 2 dollars apiece! A nice toy AND a shirt!  He bought the whole rack.

Picture above has them hanging in the foyer, ready to pack up for Mexico!

Sorry for the quality of the pictures. My cell phone doesnt do the best job.  But you get the picture. On this shirt there is  an action figure motorcycle rider.  On some of them there are small skateboards and other toys. Now we have a special gift for the boys, and it will be exciting seeing what God will bring in for the Girls. There are far more Girls than boys.

Keep us in your prayers!  We will be leaving on the 4th of July, and as always – we sit on pins and needles waiting on the money to come in to fund the trip. Pray for us, and for team members. We need team members!

Blessings! Mike-n-Vicki

Take Heart!

(Copied from Dave Wilkerson)

A Christian woman approached me recently with a rather emotional countenance and asked me if I had heard the latest news report.  It was about an upheaval in Pakistan.  “Can you believe what is happening?” she asked.  “Every day is a bad-news day.  Pakistan has nuclear capacity.  Terrorists could take over and some mad Ayatollah could launch us into nuclear war.”  Shaking her head, she said, “I am really scared.  Things are spinning out of control.”

Right now, people are fearful all over the world.  We are seeing the fulfillment of Jesus’ warning, that a day would come when men’s hearts fail for fear as they witness the things coming on the earth.

Those who have received my monthly messages know that in recent years I have cried out warnings about the coming housing crisis.  I warned a crash was imminent.  Yet I preached it with tears.

Now let me give you a clear word from God’s heart, a word of encouragement.  In spite of all the frightening news, God still has everything under control.

Here is the Word we believers must stand upon as the storm rages around us, words given to us by Jesus: “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither be afraid” (John 14:27).  These are troubling times.  But in such times the Word of God becomes our strength and hope.

• “The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.  They that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee” (Psalm 9:9-10).

• In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5).

I believe the most fearful, troubling days are still ahead.  And I see nothing but growing despair for those who are not daily in God’s Word and praying and talking to the Lord.  It is his Word that lifts our spirits and produces faith.  Discipline yourself now to open your Bible in the morning and start your day getting encouraged with his precious promises.  Then talk to the Lord, even as you prepare for the day.  Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your faith and hope.

There is one Scripture I repeat many times each day.  I urge you also to claim it and believe it: “Cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Birthday Time!

Today was the Birthday Party for Jacob (my chicken coop buddy) and 3 of his brothers and sisters. Jacob’s mom decided to have two parties per year for her nine children, so more people could enjoy getting together for these children’s special days.

Instead of getting toys and gifts, these children decided that they wanted to bless people who have helped them, so they asked that donations be made to LTCM, rather than getting gifts!  Vicki dressed in full clown gear and a wonderful time was had by all. LTCM recieved over $100 towards the shoe trip!