Thanks Carl!

Today we installed a new sign for our church. It would not be there without the hard work of this gentleman. Carl is one of the truly fine men at Fellowship of Montgomery. Thanks Carl!

Will Rogers Quotes

"Never miss an opportunity to shut up."
Will Rogers

"The best way out of a difficulty is through it."
Will Rogers

Catalyst West Conference 2009

These are a few pics from a great experience at Catalyst West Conference 2009, in Irvine, California. Photos include a little downtime on Balboa Island, Steve Fee Band, and Hillsong United both leading worship.

A Test of Streaming the Church Service

Click on the logo to go to our streaming location. Our Sunday worship service starts at 10:45 a.m.

... For a Good Cause

Girl Scout Cookies…Sure, I just ate 640 calories and 32 fat grams after midnight. But in a strange way I feel I was supporting a good cause.

Valentine's Day Party - Small Group

Week Two

As day two of week two begins I want to say "thank you" to everyone that has prayed for us. Your prayers have encouraged us as God has reminded us to Whom we belong and in Whose power we serve. Sunday was very special to us with new and old friends coming together to praise our Lord and seek direction from His Word. Fellowship of Montgomery, I am blessed to serve as your pastor.

New Beginnings

Today was the first day in my new office. I must admit, it was a little difficult. I was used to seeing all of my friends that I worked with at FBC Conroe and First Baptist Academy. Seeing and talking with the children on the playground and in the classrooms had also been a special part of my daily routine.

Please don't get me wrong. I would not go back. None of us should ever go back. When God calls us to something new our response must be, "Here am I; send me" (Isaiah 6:8). So today I went. And you know what... I talked, planned, prayed, and laughed with new friends. And even more importantly God was there, too.

I love our brothers and sisters at FBC Conroe, and I thank God for the wonderful years my family and I served and worshipped there. But today, I am also very thankful to God for the brothers and sisters at our new church home... Fellowship of Montgomery, and I am asking God for many years to worship and serve Him here.

Christmas 2008 and Ski Trip

Don't Give Up...

The Making Chasm

Great caption for a cartoon in this week's New Yorker:
There's a lot I want to experience, but not a lot I want to actually do.

In my exposure to companies big and small, this is probably the single biggest gulf. Lots of people there for the ride, not so many actually doing.

Doing appears risky, because it exposes you to criticism and perhaps failure. Experiencing is hot right now, being part of the social network, helping maintain that online tribe you belong to.

Getting your ducks in a row is not nearly as powerful as actually doing something with your duck.

Seth Godin from his blog

Madison and Kim... In Enemy Territory

Kim and Madison had a great time with Dennis, a wonderful friend of ours, at the OSU - UT football game.

Today's Quote

"Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, or worrying about planning for it to be magnificent, maybe you can consider living a life so adventurous and extraordinary - from one powerfully surrendered moment to the next -that you don't need to figure out or worry about how to escape from it. In other words, it becomes its own escape from the ordinary."

Seth Godin, in Tribes

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 7

Today we began by meeting at our bus at 6:00 a.m. to start the long trip back to Guatemala City. Karen led our devotion focusing on Proverbs 19:20-21 which says, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Each of us has a purpose for being here in Guatemala, and God will be the one to ensure the completion of His plan in us and through us with the children of Fundación Salvación.

Along the way today, we took a detour through the city of Antigua. We visited a few popular sights which included a coffee plantation and a tour led by the owner.

Saturday morning we head to the airport and return to Texas. It has been a great week here in Guatemala. We have already started talking about mission opportunities for 2009. I hope you will begin praying right now that God will direct our planning as well as your availability to be on mission with us.

Serving with you,

Dale

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 6

This morning began with a devotional from Robin. She reminded us that God is not interested in us keeping rules. He is interested in our hearts. The cross proves that Jesus loves us no matter where we have been or what we have done... His love is greater!

Following breakfast, we made our last drive to the orphanage. As we entered the gates, our welcoming committee ran to the door of the bus. Cleaning the smudges on the glass from the fingerprints and noses will keep our driver busy for a while (it's great!). Several of the children were wearing the tye dye t-shirts we made on the second day of VBS.

Finishing the project work was a priority today. The baby room had been needing a way to keep the older and younger babies separated in that one room. We provided them with a foam mat for the floor and constructed a corral to help the workers divide the children. Electrical work continued until the last possible minute as did the sewing of curtains for the boys dorm room.

Around 12:30 p.m. we loaded the children on a bus and headed out for a picnic and birthday party. Our destination was an area containing Mayan ruins. We stuffed the children with pizza and birthday cake as we celebrated the children's birthdays as well as three members of our team... Nola, Robin, and Jim. It was a beautiful day, a spectacular view, and a lot of fun for the children.

When we returned to the orphanage we had a closing event in which the children sang and danced in a program they had prepared for us. Sandra, the director of the orphanage, unveiled a plaque mounted in the wall thanking First Baptist Church of Conroe for the trips we have made as well as for our ongoing support. We concluded our time with the children by handing out gift bags to everyone.

Tomorrow is a travel day which takes us through Antigua and back into Guatemala City. On behalf of our team, I thank you for keeping up with our ministry efforts and for your prayer support. It has been an awesome experience with the children, with our team, and with our Savior.

En El Nombre de Jesucristo,

Dale

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 5

The morning of Day 5 began with Nola leading our group devotional. She took us to the Bible to remind us of Jesus’ inexplicable love for children and that even Santa Clause may disappoint but Jesus never will.

Following breakfast, we returned to the orphanage. As we arrived, the children made us feel as though we were best friends being reunited. The hugs and high fives soon turned to swinging, skipping, and sitting with one or more children in our lap. Love and a caring touch transcends any barrier created by language.

Our final session for Vacation Bible School was held today, and all project work resumed with a heightened awareness of our limited time here. I must remember next time to warn the team members working on electrical projects before sneaking up with my camera set to flash.

At the end of the day, we walked outside of the orphanage and jumped on a local “chicken buss.” Our destination was the downtown market (Mercado). People were everywhere buying, selling, sitting, walking, talking, driving, and riding. It was truly a great experience encountering everyday life in Huehuetenango.

Today was another incredible day to be a part of something God is doing, but at the same time it was also a very different day. “How was it different,” you might ask. Well, several of the children began asking the question, “Will you return tomorrow?” We know it’s coming…they know it’s coming…it’s no secret that our time here will end, but it still difficult whether you are 4 or 74. Thursday will be our last day with the children on this trip. My prayer is that my son and I will be able to return again with other members of our family as well. We would love to be on mission with you wherever the Lord leads.

Dale

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 4

The fourth day of our mission trip to Guatemala began at 7:30 a.m., as usual, with our devotional time together before breakfast. John shared his testimony and the incredible story of a simple invitation from a childhood friend which led to John’s conversion. He concluded by pointing us to Isaiah 41:10 which would be beneficial for all of us to remember and practice daily… “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

As we entered the familiar gates of the orphanage, the children, once again, ran to the bus. They grab each of us by the hand, leg, or around the neck and greet us with words such as friend, buddy, teacher, and even daddy (mostly Spanish but a few in English). All you want to do at that moment is surrender and say… “Hola. ¿Cómo estás? Te amo. ¿Quieres jugar conmigo?” (Hello. How are you? I love you. Do you want to play?)

After playing with the children, we started back on our work projects. The plans for the day included sewing curtains, painting the kitchen, repairing broken toilets, and some carpentry work for the nursery.

Vacation Bible School has been an awesome experience this year. Today’s lesson was the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. The children were taught that no matter what is going on in life, good or bad, God loves them and they should keep their attention on Him. This was followed by a brave attempt on everyone’s part to help the children experience tye dying t-shirts we brought from Conroe. The children had a blast! You should also hear all the screams and laughs during recreation time. You really get the sense that God is answering all of our prayers.

Another soccer game commenced following the conclusion of VBS for the day. This was only barely interrupted by the requirement for all children to eat dinner. Shortly after 6:00 p.m. we began popping popcorn. We were then able to surprise the children with a movie they have been wanting to see… “Kung Fu Panda” in Spanish.

During a brief moment of free time, I was speaking with John about his experience in Guatemala so far. I appreciated his insight and comments which he concluded by saying, “These children are really just like us. We all want to have arms around us.” And you know what, that is true. Each one of us wants to and even needs to be loved. I thank God for the loving arms that constantly wrap around me: those of my family, friends, and those of my Savior. And I thank God that for a few days He uses us to wrap His arms around the children of Fundación Salvación.
Dale

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 3 Photos

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 2 Photos

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 1

It's a wonderful experience to be part of this mission team, and I thank God for each and every participant. Having said that, there is nothing that can compare to having my son Brayden serving with me this time in Huehuetenango, Guatemala.