Guatemala Update

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31: Tonight I am logging on from the city of Huehuetenango in Guatemala. Our mission team is serving in the orphanage Fundación Salvación. We flew to the city of Guatemala on Saturday where we met our translators and connected with our transportation. The drive which followed was very long and tiresome, but we made it safely.

On Sunday, we began the day with a brief church service for the children. This was followed by lunch and playing with the children. In fact, most of the day was dedicated to playing with the children.

The next day, Monday, began the work project phase of our trip. Everything from plumbing to painting and playgrounds to electrical work has been involved.

In the afternoons, our team has been dividing the children into three groups and offering something very similar to Vacation Bible School.

Tuesday we became aware of the fact that two of our team members were celebrating a birthday this week. This turned into a great excuse to have a party with the children...complete with three clowns and multiple piñatas.

It would be very difficult for me to explain in black and white the way that God has worked and the manner in which my heart has been touched. I could not begin to count the number of hugs and kisses I have received. Nor could I add up all the times a little child has called me (in Spanish) friend, teacher, and even daddy.

Tomorrow, Thursday, is our last day with the children. We will work until lunch. Then our plan is to have a pizza party and play games until evening with the children.


I miss my family, and God continues to remind me of how He has blessed me with my wonderful wife and three awesome children. I thank God for this opportunity to serve these children in Guatemala, and I thank my family for their encouragement and prayer support for us while here. I also thank God for the awesome team of people I have had the blessing to travel here with. They have blessed the children and me personally.

Ambassador Madison

Conroe Independent School District
NEWS RELEASE
From the Office of Communications

October 2007 Ambassadors Honored
Conroe Independent School District Trustee Mr. John Husbands and Superintendent Dr. Don Stockton visited several campuses on Friday, October 12, 2007 to award an outstanding teacher, student, and paraprofessional from each campus with the prestigious Ambassador Award. The honor is bestowed only once a year on each campus. The recipients are chosen because they exemplify outstanding character and integrity and are committed to excellence. The recipients are paid a surprise visit when the award is announced and presented to them. CISD Board of Trustees will take turns each month until all fifty campuses are visited once each school year to announce the award winners. Student Ambassadors honored include ... Madison Talbert, Peet Junior High.

Way to go, Madison! Your Mom and I are so proud of who you are!

The Big "Cover Up"

When you hear the phrase "cover up" what comes to mind? If you ask someone around you they may list one of the following:
* An attempt to hide criminal or immoral activity.
* An article of clothing you wear at the beach over your swimsuit.
* Make-up to cover a blemish.
But is this list really complete? Do the words "cover up" ever direct your thoughts toward the idea of love?

Over the past several days the words of 1 Peter 4:8 have been turning over and over in my mind and on several occasions finding their way into my conversations (sometimes even during committee meetings). God's Word says, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." In the previous verse (4:7) Peter calls attention to the fact that, "The end of all things is near." Knowing that our time on this earth is brief should lead all of us to make proper life changes and focus on those issues recorded in this chapter. Regarding this passage and its context Matthew Henry writes:

"Our approaching end, is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religion. There are so many things amiss in all, that unless love covers, excuses, and forgives in others, the mistakes and faults for which every one needs the forbearance of others, Satan will prevail to stir up divisions and discords."[1]

So let me ask you the following: In your marriage, have you been exercising love through forgiveness? What about in your parenting, your friendships, your workplace, or even with your mother-in-law...have you been exercising love through forgiveness?

This forgiveness must also be proactive in nature. This is the example set by our Savior. The Bible makes it clear that Christ took the first step regarding our forgiveness, and in Romans 5:8 we read, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

I am pretty sure that today you and I are going to need someone to be a little forgiving toward us. Let's be thankful that God, in Christ Jesus, has forgiven us, and with humility, gratitude, and thankfulness let's "love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

[1] Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. "Chapter 4" 16 Oct. 2007 <http://bible1.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/MatthewHenryConcise/mhc-con.cgi?book=1pe&chapter=4#1Pe4_7>.

The 12th Man

On October 6, my family and I had the opportunity to travel to the campus of Texas A&M to watch them play Oklahoma State. Some dear friends bless us with tickets each time the Cowboys make the trip down to Aggieland, and we are so grateful! Win or lose, we always have a lot of fun together cheering for OSU and enjoy the rich heritage and unique traditions associated with Texas A&M, its students, and the alumni. One of my favorites is the legend of the 12th Man. To help you better understand, I have included the following piece from ESPN online:

"The story of the 12th Man was born in Dallas, during the Dixie Classic -- the forerunner of the Cotton Bowl -- on Jan. 2, 1922. The Aggies, champions of the now-defunct Southwest Conference, were playing Centre College. It was a close, hard-fought contest, and A&M's limited reserves were wearing down. Dana X. Bible, a well-traveled coach who'd won at a number of schools in the early days of the game, remembered E. King Gill, an A&M basketball player who moonlighted on the football team. Gill had traveled from College Station with the team, but had not dressed. He'd been assigned by Bible to work up in the press box as a spotter for Waco News-Tribune sports editor Jinx Tucker. Gill was called down to the field, where he went beneath the crowded stands and donned the uniform of an injured Aggie player. Then he assumed his place on the Aggie sideline and in A&M football history. The Aggies won the game 22-14, but Gill's services were never needed. Gill later said, 'I wish I could say that I went in and ran for the winning touchdown, but I did not. I simply stood by in case my team needed me.'"

The 12th Man is a great tradition, and while life is incredibly more complex and important than any game, I feel we can learn something from this story about the Christian life. Consider a few verses from the Bible regarding the need to be ready and willing...

Isaiah was ready:
Isaiah 6:8 - "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

Matthias was ready:

Acts 1:22-26 - Peter said "'it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.' So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."

Paul ensured that Timothy was ready:

2 Timothy 4:2 - "Be prepared in season and out of season."

That legendary Aggie, E. King Gill, never made it on the field that famous day in Dallas. You and I will probably never be called out of the bleachers to suit up and play for our favorite team either. However, you and I are on life's game field every day. Let me encourage you today to look to God's Word and "in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).

Work Cited:

"Beano Cook's Top 10 Moments in College Football." http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2615391

Glen Eyrie Retreat Photos

These are just a few examples of the fun and fellowship we enjoyed together at The Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Check This Out!

It was August of 1979, and I was 12 years old. Dad called home and asked Mom to bring Donnie, Brenda, and me to the American Airlines Maintenance and Engineering Base in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dad was in management for American, but on this summer day the attention of many was drawn to something very unusual outside. Throughout the offices people were calling family and friends saying, "You've gotta come to the airport and check this out!" You see, the Space Shuttle Enterprise and its 747 transport (formerly owned by American) had landed and was near the AA hangers. The Enterprise was the first Shuttle constructed and was used for test flights within the earth's atmosphere. So Mom loaded all of us up, and we made the short drive from Claremore to Tulsa and joined my dad. What I saw was incredible. In front of me was a real space ship sitting on the back of a huge airplane. For a young boy (and many adults) it was truly a sight to behold.

When was the last time the words, "Check this out," came out of your mouth? What was it about? Was it a book, a movie, maybe a new restaurant? Okay, now let me ask you this. Regarding your church, when was the last time you invited a friend or family member to check things out? One day Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman at a well which resulted in her going back to the people in her town and saying, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" (John 4:29) Shouldn't it be the same today . . . you and me asking those around us to come and check out our church and discover more about our Savior?

That trip back in 1979 to "check out" the Space Shuttle remains in my memory as a fun time with my family in which I encountered something truly incredible . . . The Enterprise. But I thank God for Christian family and friends that offered an even greater invitation as through the years they guided me toward the Savior with a simple invitation to church saying, "Check this out!"

Will You Take Care of Our Pets?

Do you know how you can tell when someone trusts you? They ask you to take care of their family pets while they are away on vacation. On several occasions Kim and I have both asked and been asked by others to feed and water the pets during family trips. It is a blessing to have friends you can call on for help. It is also good to know that those around you trust you and feel close enough to ask for your assistance. Now before you non-pet owners start to laugh, think about all this request to care for the family pet encompasses. You are being asked to care for many of your friend's most valuable possessions. You are given the code to the neighborhood gate, a key to the home, the home security access log in, the responsibility of gathering the mail and newspapers, and if that is not enough, you also have the responsibility of feeding and watering animals that are really counting on you not to forget them.

God knew that we would need His help each and every day. So many years ago He gave His people an incredible promise. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jer. 33:3). Pardon, peace, provision, purpose...it all begins by calling on the One who is able to do so much more than we will ever ask or even imagine of Him (see Eph. 3:20-21). God never forgets to take care of us either. He promises, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb. 13:5). Today, be content with God and His provision for your life. He, alone, knows what is truly best for you anyway.

So as you read this today, maybe you too have been asked to feed and water a neighbor's pets. Now is probably a good time, while it is on your mind, to go and take care of them. And when you return to your home remember to spend some time with God. He has never forgotten you!

Dove Hunting

The first weekend of September Brayden and I were able to slip away for a few days together. Our stated purpose…dove hunting. Our destination…Wheeler, Texas. Now don’t get me wrong. I really enjoy dove hunting. But something even greater always occurs on these trips. I get to spend time with my son. Parenting is an awesome responsibility and privilege God gives us, and the time we have with them as children seems to speed by so fast. But when Brayden and I go hunting, it usually includes trips to Bass Pro Shop, packing our gear, drive time in the truck (18 hours roundtrip this time), sitting in a stand or some other hunting location, mealtimes, hanging out in the cabin between hunts, cleaning birds, and so forth. So as you can see, there is a lot of time we are “with” each other.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Mark 3:14. In it we read that Jesus “appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach.” Before Jesus ever sent these men out to preach He was simply with them. It has been said that some things are better caught than taught. We know that Jesus taught His disciples, but I’m convinced that His plan also included them “catching” His plan for evangelism through making disciples. These early followers would walk with Him, talk with Him, eat with Him, minister with Him, and on and on they would go just being “with Him.” When you look around in your life who is with you? Someone invested part of their life in you sharing the Gospel with you and teaching you the truths of God’s Word. God now expects the same from you and me (see Matt. 28:19-20). Let me encourage you to begin at home by praying daily for your children. Take time through the week to pray with them and read the Bible with them. This simple act will mean so much to both of you and will impact their lives for eternity. Next, prayerfully look around you to see who you could “disciple.” Sure there will be some biblical teaching you will need to share with this person, but also remember that time spent together is an opportunity for a growing believer to see how you act and react, applying God’s Word to various settings in life.

For Brayden and me some of our deepest, most open and honest discussions have occurred on these hunting trips. I thank God that we get to enjoy hobbies such as hunting together. But even more so, I thank God for my children and the opportunities my wife and I have to point them toward the One who wants us to be “with Him” for eternity!

A Prayer for the Day

A simple prayer I overheard - "God, today help me to become the kind of person my dog thinks I am."

Snake Proof Boots

A friend recently gave my son a pair of boots. However, these are not just ordinary boots. These are snake proof, water resistant hunting boots. My son Brayden enjoys hunting. I also enjoy hunting, but I especially enjoy being with him. Although we are relatively new to the sport, we feel that we are learning a lot as we go. After a few hunting trips which required us to walk through some heavy brush, I decided I needed some boots for myself. Knowing that my son's feet are still growing I rationalized the idea by saying, "I'll buy a pair of snake proof boots for me, and I'll be the one to walk out in the brush to retrieve any downed animal." Well this friend of mine, who by the way treats my son with kindness and respect, heard me talking about my new boots and asked if Brayden had boots. When I said "no," my friend informed me that he had a pair that might just fit my son. So the following week at church, guess what showed up. That's right...the boots. You should have seen the look on Brayden's face and the excitement over this pair of boots.

I am convinced that in our relationships we all need to be like my friend and pass out the equivalent of snake proof, water resistant boots for life. Most days involve people and problems that would like to harm us, and we frequently find ourselves wading through the difficult waters of life. But what if we had a friend that would come along side of us and encourage us, pray for us, pick us up, and even help by protecting us? Then again, what if we were a friend like that to someone? The words we speak or don't speak might be a great place to start. God's Word says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger" (Pro. 15:1). Sometimes it's not what we say but how we say it.

The Son of God is a friend that "sticks closer than a brother" (Pro. 18:24). People are very important to the Savior. He laid down His life because of His love for people. Ask yourself this question, "Today, where will I have the opportunity to think of others first and to somehow demonstrate to them the help and provision of Almighty God?" People all around us are in dangerous territory and sinking in problems and separation from God. How can you and I help?

Today, my son and I spoke briefly about our plans for the next hunt. I thank God for the times we have to hunt and more importantly just to be together. Brayden and I are also thankful for his new snake proof, water resistant boots, but even greater is our thankfulness to God for a friend whose words and actions bring blessing and encouragement into our lives.

Church List

During my sabbatical I had the opportunity to do something I don't normally have the time to do...visit other churches. My family and I enjoyed this unique time to worship together. The following is a list of churches I visited and/or met with a staff member:

Fellowship of The Woodlands - The Woodlands, Texas
Northwest Baptist Church - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Church of Christ - Quanah, Texas
North Park Trinity Baptist Church - Claremore, Oklahoma
First Baptist Church - Claremore, Oklahoma
Fellowship Church - Grapevine, Texas
Conroe Community Church - Conroe, Texas

I want to express my thanks, once again, to the staff and congregation of First Baptist Church of Conroe for allowing me to have this special time away. It has been awesome!

Family Concert in Claremore

On Wednesday, August 15, my family and I had the privilege of playing music at our home church North Park Trinity Baptist Church of Claremore, Oklahoma. God has used Pastor Scottie Titsworth, the church staff, and the entire congregation to reach people for Christ and to build disciples. We played about an hour of our favorites and some of our parents' favorite songs as well. The pastor concluded by sharing the Gospel with the crowd that was present and two teenagers received Christ. God blessed us with another great evening together as a family doing what He has enabled us to do.