Pray Without Ceasing - Conclusion

As some of you may know, Josh went in about 2 weeks ago for a 24 hour EEG study. This test was recommended by Josh' neurologist in order to get an accurate and longer reading.

Shortly after Josh was dismissed the doctor called me with the results. By God's grace, his EEG has slightly improved! After four years of having reports that were not so good, this is great news to us.

Will you join with our family in praying for Josh without ceasing? If you have a word of encouragement for Josh or something that God has laid on your heart, we would love to hear from you.

We will continue to rejoice!

Pray Without Ceasing - Part 3

Our family believes that all things work for our good. Yes, that would include the trials and tribulations that we are faced with at times. That doesn't mean that we enjoy those times but it does mean that we are called to embrace them. To just get through a difficult time would be that God is robbed of glory.

And though the last four years have been challenging, our family has grown mainly in the area of praying without ceasing. Josh' medical condition has brought us closer together and our faith has increased. We are dependant upon God.

Josh is an amazing young boy. He has an incredible amount of faith and is dependant upon God. There have been many days when we just didn't know what to do. And, Josh would say "let's just pray". I'm encouraged and provoked by Josh' faith.

Please check back as I conclude with some encouraging news.

Pray Without Ceasing - Part 2

Josh was diagnosed with epilepsy about 4 years ago.

Previous to his diagnosis we noticed several things that caused us to wonder. He began to drool occasionally out of the corner of his mouth. And, his hand would go numb from time to time. These two symptoms always appeared separately.

In God's kindness and His sovereign timing, an episode occurred where many symptoms appeared together. This episode lead to an emergency room visit, which lead to a hospital stay and testing. The neurologist concluded it was epilepsy and immediately put him on medication.

Immediately, our family began praying for Josh without ceasing.

Since then, Josh has battled seizures on a regular basis. He has endured many doctor visits, testing, and several changes in medication to try and control his seizures. The medication makes Josh sleep and he usually takes a nap during the day. There were times where Josh would wake up with night tremors (typical for an epileptic).

By the grace of God, Josh has experienced some good days along the way.

Please check back as I continue to communicate our life long journey of praying without ceasing for Josh. In addition, I hope to explain how such a trial has brought our family closer and how Josh has embraced this time.

Pray Without Ceasing - Part 1

I hope to be able to communicate how we have been praying for Josh for the last four years. This picture was taken last Tuesday when he went in for a 24 hour EEG to monitor his seizures. Just look at this picture... Josh is a happy young boy who loves God.

At first, I was hesitant to put this picture on this blog. However, my heart would be to communicate the work that God is doing. And, I believe this picture is just one way I can effectively do that.

Please check back as I try to communicate how our family has prayed without ceasing for Josh. But more importantly, I want to articulate God's continued faithfulness in our lives.

Beach Day!

We had a great day at the beach with some friends! I hope to get a couple more days in before school starts!

Mission Trip - Niceville & Abroad

The last two mission trips are preparing to leave! Please pray for the team leaders, the people who they will be leading and the people who they will be serving.

Brandi, will be posting for the Niceville mission trip at www.mission-x-niceville.blogspot.com

Jennifer, hopefully will be updating us on her blog at http://www.bndrylnsndplsntplcs.blogspot.com/2007/06/countdown26-days.html. In addition, in one of her post there are several prayer request.

Lets us all join in by praying for these last two teams!

Mission Trip - Wales

Please continue to pray as there is about 20 people right now in Wales on a mission trip. From what I heard only about 5% of the people who live in Wales would consider themselves a christian! The other 95 % need to hear the gospel.

Here is a link to Stephanie's blog who is keeping us updated on the trip. http://www.szthdyfrhsglry.blogspot.com/

Bolivia Testimony- Tim

Though happy to be home, the Bolivian people made a lasting impression upon Tim. Hopefully, I will be able to convey his message.

Tim's appreciation for the Bolivian people was magnified during his 12 day stay in Entre Rios. He was humbled in many ways that only God knows how it will affect him in years to come.

Tim was inspired at the Bolivians work ethic. He had the privilege of working with a few Bolivians on a project. "It is not uncommon for the men to put in a hard days work and then go and serve somewhere else." In addition, Tim says "the Bolivians work happily, not grumbling and complaining.. they just do it." They work unto the Lord!

Tim was humbled by the fact that the Bolivians have little to work with. "They utilize what little supplies they have." There is not a Home Depot on every corner. So, when you need something you either make due without or you think creatively. They needed lumber one day so they chopped down a tree and made lumber!

Once again, this testimony has provoked me to consider how I live from day to day. Am I working with all my heart and doing it unto the Lord? And, do I really appreciate all that I have? Or is grumbling and complaining part of my day?

What does this all look like for us? Consider it for a moment..

Bolivia Testimony - Erika

Well, the last couple days have been spent catching up with Tim and Erika. They had an amazing time in Bolivia. God in His goodness bless them immensely. They have such a heart for the Bolivians. It was a trip they will never forget. In the next couple paragraphs, I will try to convey Erika's message.

Erika expressed to me that the Bolivians simple way of life really inspired her. "There is little temptation to worldliness." Their means of living is very modest and frugal. "They appreciate what they do have and are very happy people." For almost two weeks, Erika was able to live like a Bolivian. She was humbled by their generosity and freshly aware of how privilege she really is! And, how easily she can take advantage of that.

Also, Erika was amazed at how the Bolivian people serve unconditionally. True servanthood is when you serve without being asked, doing it without any expectations and serving when it is least convenient. This is something the Bolivians do each and every day. Erika went to serve and she was the direct beneficiary of being served!

This testimony from Erika has provoked me to consider how I actually live from day to day. Am I being a true servant of Christ? Am I drawn to wordliness and the luxuries of life?

What does this all look like for us?

Check back as I will convey Tim's message tomorrow.

Why I Love Jesus Christ

My friend, Jaime at http://www.herronclan.blogspot.com/ has tagged me. I have to come up with five reasons why I love Christ. Then, I have to tag five other bloggers.

Five reasons I love Christ:

1. I love Christ because He sacrificed in saving me from the penalty of my sin. Indeed, Christ died in my place! I nailed Him there! Romans 5:8 says "but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

2. I love Christ because I have been chosen! I'm part of His elect. Out of millions lost, Christ chose me. Why me? This reminds me of words to a song "out of millions lost, thank you Lord for saving me."

3. I love Christ because I have been given eternal life. The greatest gift ever! Because of His infinite love for me! Romans 2:23 says "for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ our Lord." It doesn't get any better than that!

4. I love Christ because I've been forgiven. Daily I sin, yet Christ has forgiven me. Isaiah 43:25 says "I,even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake and I will not remember your sins." What a tremendous thing!

5. I love Christ because He has given me an amazing husband who I've shared the last 2o years with! He is always thinking the best of me. I always feel loved and cared for.


Here are the people I tagged.

1. Virginia www.homeschoolblogger.com/virginiaknowles
2. Debi http://www.walterhome.blogspot.com/
3. Kelly http://www.goodnplentydays.blogspot.com/
4. David http://www.dade4christ.blogspot.com/
5. Tracy http://www.lytle-family.blogspot.com/

Bolivia Pictures!

Bolivia Pictures

Bolivia Pictures

Bolivia Pictures

Bolivia Team Arrives in Miami Airport!

Praise God! The team just arrived at the Miami Airport at 9:45am! I imagine that it will be 4-6 hours before they arrive at Metro.

Welcome back Bolivia Team!

***Please check back tonight as I will have pictures posted on this blog!

***In addition, I will post in the next couple days Tim & Erika's testimonies of Bolivia. So, please share as well.

Bolivia Team Arrives at Santa Cruz Airport/Coming Home!

I just spoke with Tim and he said they all arrived at the Santa Cruz airport at 9:00pm. Their plane does not depart until 1:00am. So, they should arrive in Miami about 7:00am?

God is so faithful! I'm freshly aware of His love and kindness during these last 12 days!

I've enjoyed communicating with you all via the blog. I'm overwhelmed by the care and prayer that was displayed during this time. It really is a direct reflection of your love for the Savior!

I'm looking forward to keeping in contact!

***I will have pictures on this blog tomorrow night. So, check back!!!

Last Day in LaPaz - Coming Home

Chip just called Holly. He said that Johnnie, the pastor is at the airport trying to make sure that everyone will be able to get on the plane this evening. He sounds confident that all will make it.

Last night in snowed in the mountains so when the team awoke, there was snow (which quickly melted where they are at). Needless to say, it is cold there. I'm sure that was a nice surprise for everyone!

Please continue to pray that everyone would be able to get on the plane. Also, that the last day in LaPaz would a time of great joy and reflection of God's goodness.


**Also, I will be posting pictures late tomorrow night of their trip!!

Embracing Change - Bolivia Team

The six people arrived safely last night in LaPaz after spending 6 hours at the Cochabamba airport. Praise God! They met up with the LaPaz team and spent the morning at the LaPaz church. This evening they will all get together for a party.

The nine people are awaiting to board a plane to go to Cochabamba then to LaPaz. I heard that all 9 will be able to get on the plane! Praise God!

God has been so good. The 9 people were able to enjoy a boat ride today while in Tarija. They also went somewhere (open market?) that had food stands set up. So, they were able to eat some real good food.

Everyone has been embracing this time with so much faith. To God be the glory!

Medical & Construction Team Head to LaPaz

The team rode via bus early this morning to Tarija. Once at Tarija, they found out that 9 of them would not be able to get on the flight. Apparently, you are suppose to call 24 hours in advance to confirm your seat even if you have reservations. Unfortunately, the flight was booked or overbooked (confusing), therefore leaving Cheryl, Derek, David, Rita, Whitney, the 3 amigos (Taylor, Jordan, Alex) and Chip.

From what I just heard, there is a flight tomorrow at 2:30pm. They might be able to get on that plane then travel to LaPaz.

God is sovereign! Please pray that there would be a peace amongst everyone. That they will be able to get on the plane tomorrow and that while they are there in Tarija there would be opportunities to share the gospel.

Medical, Construction & LaPaz Team Update!

The medical team arrived safely this morning about 3:00am back to Entre Rios after doing a clinic.

Today is a day of rest for the construction and medical team. They are preparing to leave Entre Rios early in the morning. They will meet up with the LaPaz team tomorrow.

Please read the comments from the last two days post for more of an update. Also, we would love to hear from anyone on the LaPaz, Construction & Medical Team.

What a week it has been for the teams! God has graciously poured out His mercy and love during this time! I cannot wait to hear more of what God did during their stay.

Please continue to pray for all the teams. Their trip is not over and I'm sure God has much more in store for them the next few days.

Construction & Medical Team

I just heard from Tim. They worked yesterday on pouring the concrete into the headers for the 2nd story mission house. It was a relatively hard day of work for the whole team.

Today, they did some clean up and went to a home where they removed stucco that was coming off the home.

They played soccer with the Bolivians today. The Bolivians are amazing at the sport!

They celebrated Jordan's birthday with a big cake in the morning.

Everyone seems to be doing well. God's grace continues to be present and wonderful biblical fellowship is happening.

The team had fried fish for lunch and for dinner had chicken and beef soup. Tonight they will spend some time with the Bolivian people in fellowship and drinking Mate. It is a herbal tea. I believe it is a Bolivian custom where you share the drink amongst everyone.

Tonight the medical team comes back from a clinic. I look forward to hearing more from that team tomorrow.

Medical Team Update!!

This update just came in from Emily Morgan. She heard from Chris this morning.

All is going well. The medical team has been very busy going to villages to serve in clinics. They went to one area deep in the mountains where people didn't even speak Spanish! Chris said they spoke an old tribal language, so the team had to employ two translators, one to go from the tribal language to Spanish and the other from Spanish to English!

They are seeing quite a few cases of skin problems, scabies and body sores. They also seen a 5 year old boy who was tongue-tied. His tongue stuck to the bottom of his mouth and was unable to talk. They were able to clip the skin on the bottom of his mouth and free the boys tongue! Wow! Later that day, the boy came around showing everyone he could freely move his tongue. Just think of the plans God might have for this little boy!

They are going this morning to another village. The team is tired but they are having a wonderful time!

Please continue to pray for the medical team. That God would give them strength and endurance the next few days as they continue and finish the clinics.

The LaPaz team spent 6 days at a youth conference. I believe they get back today.

Work Continues in Entre Rios & Abroad

Tim emailed me tonight. So, apparently they do have access to the Internet. I know he was saying to talk via phone is costing approximately $6.oo for 5 minutes. I hope the Internet is more affordable.

The medical team is coming back tonight from doing a clinic in the village of Timboy. And, will go back out tomorrow to another village. Tim said they will return on Thursday.

Construction continues.. The rebar they are using for the structure is tearing the guys up a little. Everything continues to go well though.

PePe's daughter Sophia is 2 years old. Everyone loves her and thinks she is adorable.

Tim says they are eating well. They ate fried eggs, rice and french fries today. A Bolivian woman from the church comes in everyday and cooks for them. What a blessing.

Erika says that she is amazed at how the Bolivian people serve unconditionally. The way they serve has really affected her.

Please continue to pray for both teams. God's grace is so evident. I look forward to hearing all the testimonies!

If you have heard from someone, post a reply. We would love to hear from you.

Clinics and Construction

The medical team left today to do a clinic at one of the villages. I believe they will be gone overnight.

The construction team continues to work on the structure to the 2nd story mission house. Tim was saying that he is extremely blown away by how the Bolivian's work. We really do take for granted all that we have in the United States. There is not a Home Depot in Entre Rios. So, you chop down trees and make lumber!

Everyone is having fun with the kids that come around.

I think Tim said they had beef and mash potatoes for dinner tonight.

About 30 people showed up last night to the church building. There was a worship time and the medical and construction team got up and introduced themselves. Angela brought her English students and they did a skit. It was about a construction team and a medical team! Tim said it was funny and everyone enjoyed it. I hope someone videotaped it.

Tim said everyone is having the time of their life. God is doing so much and I believe this trip is one that they will remember for many years to come.

Sorry the details are vague. Five minutes on the phone goes by real fast!

Contruction Team & Medical Team

I heard from Tim about 6:30pm today. The construction team is working with a few guys from the Bolivian church to make a structure to hold a second story in the mission house. They are working from about 9:00am to 5:00pm. Tim was saying the process is slow because of lack of supplies and equipment. We really have it easy in the United States. If a job requires using a chain saw, we get a chain saw. There, if you need a chain saw for a job, you might get a hand saw. And, if you are fortunate enough, you may get a chain saw. He says, everything is going well. No injuries... However, he did say that Jordan hit his finger with a hammer a few times! He is okay though!

I believe the medical team saw about 60 people today. And, they will be going out tomorrow to do a clinic. I think Tim said the medical team would be spending the night and coming back the next day.

The team is eating bread in the morning, rice and potatoes for lunch and rice and potato soup for dinner.

The above is a picture of the mission house the team is staying at.

Tonight, they were going to have worship and a time of sharing.

Let's continue to pray for these teams! I'm going to fast on Tuesday in effort to spend time praying for the teams.

Does anyone have any news on the LaPaz team?