A Day of Rest

Following a day of rest and study, we joined some of the 'Fuge staff for dinner at Osaka Restaurant (Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse) in Santa Fe.  Tomorrow begins another week of camp. Meanwhile, we are on the lookout for roadrunners, snakes and bears.  We don't care so much about encountering the latter, but would love to catch a glimpse of a roadrunner.  :)

Closing Camp

Church Group Devotions

Camp

Thursday we enjoyed one of the best hamburgers in the world at a local dive called, Bobcat Bites (located in Santa Fe).  It was a blessing to fellowship over such cuisine with friends - Smokey, Mary - from FBC Biloxi, Mississippi.

A beautiful view of the Holcomb Worship Center steeple at Glorieta. This was taken from the back porch of a campus eatery as 'Fuge staffers shared comedic talents, which were quite entertaining. :)

We enjoyed more Spanish and New Mexican food for lunch today at Frankie's Cassanova Diner in Pecos, New Mexico (approximately 6 miles north of Glorieta).

This afternoon I joined a 'Fuge staffer and dear family friend's (Molly Bostleman) afternoon track time. It has been fun to see her in action. She shared a devotion on 1 Corinthians 10:13 with her volleyball students.  An encouragement to us all about the faithfulness of our Sovereign God.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Molly is seen above (wearing the bandana) praying with and over her students.

Please Pray...

* For safe travel for churches going home tomorrow (Saturday)

* For students to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" to which we have been called (Ephesians 4:1ff)

* For our worship band, Addision Road, as they travel this weekend to participate in a Christian Music Festival in Dallas - for safety and strength

Our Week at Camp

We have had beautiful weather this week at Glorieta Conference Center, but more importantly, it has been a great week of worship and fellowship here in the mountains of New Mexico. There is a great group of students gathered here this week who have been actively engaged in Bible study, recreation, worship and mission projects in the Santa Fe community. Please continue to pray for God to transform lives into the image of His Son.  May we be hearers and doers of the Word. 

The setting sun over the Glorieta mountains...

We are blessed to be led in musical worship by the band, Addison Road.  We are grateful for their heartfelt, Spirit led worship and musical talents.  Check out their website: www.addisonroad.com. 

A glimpse of Adobe style houses along the Santa Fe skyline...

This summer's theme at X-Fuge is Kilimanjaro. Students are studying the Parables in their morning Bible studies.  They are challenged to worship through giving toward a common mission goal each week.  One area of focus is ministry to the Roma people (the largest people group without their own country). Check out a video clip of where their mission offering will go to work: www.lifeway.com/fuge/downloads/videos/STUDENT-Roma2.mp4

Bringing Mercy Home

Many of you are aware of the fact that Tony's sister and brother-in-law are in the process of adopting Mercy from Ethiopia.  She is the younger sister of their son, Derara (whom they adopted a year and a half ago).  They just learned today that they have received a court date for July 17th!  

Please be in prayer for Ryan and Lisa for the following...

- that all the final paperwork will be completed without delay or complication before then

- that their request for adoption will be approved by the court on that day

- that travel arrangements for 6 weeks later will go through with ease

- that the expenses would be taken care of (may the LORD provide for their every need)

- that their visa, upon travel in late August/early September, would go through smoothly upon initial submission so they will not have to be away from home too long

- that God's hand of protection, peace and provision be upon Mercy as she waits for her new home... may her transition go wonderfully well

Thank you for your prayers.  To learn more about their process, visit Lisa's blog at: www.bringingmercyhome.blogspot.com 

Glorieta

We made it to Glorieta Conference Center in New Mexico yesterday just before noon, got checked in, then drove back to Santa Fe for lunch and Walmart run.  We made it back to our room around 2:30 PM (MST) and took a much needed nap.  Now we're adjusting to thinner air and beautiful weather (highs in mid-80's and lows in the 50's!). Upon our arrival to New Mexico, Tony stated that we've never done 'Fuge on the moon before... the landscape is very dry and scattered with cactus shrubbery.  It is beautiful though.

Last night was opening celebration for 'Fuge combo camp (X-Fuge, Centrifuge, MissionFuge and X-Fuge on Mission). There are hundreds of students gathered here this week from as far as Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas and elsewhere to learn about Jesus and His Mission. We are excited to reunite with staff, ministers, students, and the band Addison Road.  Please pray for Tony as he speaks each morning and evening, as well as for all the leaders.  May the Lord make Himself known here in a powerful way for His Glorious Renown!  Stay tuned for pictures from our time here... 

Cardboard Testimonies

  A moving video... How can you testify to God's grace today?  

I once was lost without purpose, but now am found with purpose to know God and make Him known.  I once was without peace, but now know the Prince of Peace.  I once walked in confusion and darkness, but now walk with the Author of Light.  He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Who is He?  His name is Jesus. 

NOTE: Please DO NOT click on any additional videos that YouTube may list following the one presented. The content of those videos is unknown and it is best not to take a chance. Thanks.

Home for a Few Days...

Titus tackling part of Tony's new hobby...GOLF!

We had a wonderful time of fellowship this past Sunday celebrating Fathers Day with our church family.  Our time of worship was a time of celebration of what God has done for us through His Son, Jesus - Adopted us!  Galatians 4:4-7 reads,

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

We thank Almighty God for adopting us!  We also thank God for the gift of wonderful earthly fathers! Thanks to my Dad, in particular, for introducing me to Christ Jesus and for his godly example of unconditional love, generosity, hospitality, diligence and faithfulness!  

Check out the following article describing a new and exciting ministry at Temple:www.tbclife.net/media/thepresence/pres0608web.pdf

Meanwhile, we are enjoying a few days at home in New Orleans of rest, study and catching up on work around the house...

Long Road, Late Night

Beniam, Uncle Tony, Noah and Derara before the game...

Aunt Kimberly and Lauren chillin before the games...

Noah preparing to bat...

Derara after playing a great game...

Beniam and Uncle Tony watch Noah's game...

We had a short but very sweet visit to Kentucky.  Following our visit to Georgetown with Ryan & Lisa and their crew, we headed a couple more hours south to spend Thursday night and Friday day with Tony's parents in Barbourville.   We were able to see Tony's Dad in action (alongside of some of Tony's former high school buddies)  coaching 7 & 8 year old baseball Friday evening. Now, it is well after midnight and we are checked into a great hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. Thanks to all who prayed for our trip. Our Gracious God blessed us with a sunny, traffic-free drive.  We look forward to worship on Sunday with our Hattiesburg family before spending the coming week at home in New Orleans.

Two Days and One Night in Kentucky

Derara, Uncle Tony and Noah after their baseball games...

We left Indy Thursday morning and drove to Georgetown to see the boys play baseball, as well as visit with all our G'town fam. Lisa and I enjoyed some bleacher-side chats too. :) I'll have to upload more pictures once I'm able to use my computer again (requires wireless and we don't have any here in Heidrick). It was great to see Derara and Noah play finally. Wish we could have had more time to fellowship. Stay tuned for more. We hit the road this evening and hope to make it to Birmingham.

Seeing Family at the Convention

Kimberly with sweet Cousins from Ohio en route to Anderson, Indiana to see more family. It was a special treat to meet up with Jane, Vivian, Peter and Gordon.  :) 

Chaplain Arthur (Kimberly's brother-in-law) with Tony. It was great to see Dave again after finishing his training. He was there working with and representing NAMB (North American Mission Board).

Later, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and fellowship with Jim and Debra Shaddix at a Japanese Steak House. Dr. Shaddix is one of Tony's mentors.  He and his lovely wife pastor in Denver, Colorado. It is always a blessing to get together, catch up on life, share a few laughs and such.  

A Day at the SBC

(Karis enjoying a stroll around Indianapolis and the Convention)

Our Tuesday... Tony began the day very early in good company at the Founders' Breakfast before sitting in for part of the morning business of the convention. He had NOBTS booth duty from 11:30 AM until 3:00 PM. Meanwhile, I enjoyed breakfast and morning fellowship with my friend, Ashley, and her daughter, Karis.

We enjoyed the Ministers' Wives' Luncheon. Karis' mommy, Ashley, is seated on the far right in the above picture.

Another part of our sweet table at the Luncheon.

Dr. Gary Chapman (author of "The Five Love Languages") spoke, quite humorously I might add, at the annual Ministers' Wives' Luncheon on "How to Love a Leader".  Below are his points (in general), which you may also find helpful in your marriage: 

1. Praise is always better than criticism (see Prov. 18:21)

2. Requests are more productive than demands 

3. Unconditional love is the only true love 

     5 ways to express love:

*words of affirmation (1 Cor. 8:1)

*gifts (Eph 4:11-12)

*acts of service (1 John 3:18)

*quality time (Mark 3:14)

*physical touch (Mar 10:15)

4. Learn from his defensiveness

5. Understand male sexuality

6. Learn to apologize

7. Don't expect perfection 

 Kimberly with Krista (and her second son, Luke, who is 3 months old now) at the luncheon.

On the Road Again

Following Church on Sunday night, we hit the road again and made it to Birmingham for the night. Monday we drove through Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and made it to Tony's parents in Kentucky late afternoon. We dropped our Titus off to spend a couple nights with g'parents.  :) We finally made it to Indy around 10:30 PM (EST). Thanks for all your prayers for our safe travel.  The Lord blessed us with little to no traffic and sunny skies. Stay tuned for pictures from the Southern Baptist Convention here in Indianapolis, Indiana!

Quick Trip to Virginia

Tony and I made a quick trip to Virginia to see family. My sister, Priscilla, had driven in town from Virginia Beach to say hello with my niece and nephew. It was a joy to see each other again since they recently moved away from New Orleans. Priscilla's husband, David, is now serving as an Army Chaplain.
Isabella Grace is growing up so fast!
David Isaac is as cute as ever (and into everything!).
Thursday night we double-dated with my parents to a Washington Nationals' game at the new Nationals' Park. Despite the terrible parking accommodations we enjoyed $20 hotdogs (just kidding) and the beautiful new ballpark... not to mention a victory over the St. Louis Cardinals!
My cute parents...

I slept in today while Tony arose early to go and study at Panera Bread. My Dad had business on the Hill in the afternoon, so I ran errands with my Mom. We ended the evening with steak, pictures' show-n-tell, and an episode of "John Adams". We've had a short, but very sweet time at home in Stafford. My sister, Jessica, (who is serving in Iraq), as well as my sister, Amanda, and her husband, Josh, were missed. We give thanks to the Lord for our family! May HE continue to grow us closer to Himself and to one another. Tomorrow we head back to New Orleans...

SportsPlus Goes to Kenya

Tony and I have the privilege of taking part of ISF's training this week. I've attached a video of theirs from a team who spent Christmas sharing the hope of Jesus Christ in Kenya. To learn more about this wonderful mission organization check out their website: www.sportsmissions.com/sportsplus. Please be in prayer for the two teams preparing to head out to Uganda and Russia in the coming days. To God be the Glory!

On the Road Again

www.sportsmissions.com/sportsplus

Tuesday we fly to join a couple groups for training and commissioning with SportsPlus in Atlanta, Georgia. Check out their website to learn more about their international ministry. Please pray for the teams preparing for Russia and Uganda. We will be leading the evening worship time with the teams and pray that this will be a sweet time of equipping, encouragement and worship. Pray also for an undisclosed technicality that has arisen that may delay our travel time. Pray that it will be resolved quickly.

"Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon the earth." Psalm 67:3-4

Following our time with ISF we fly to Virginia for a couple days to enjoy family there (Thursday - Saturday). We look forward to that time and hope to catch a Washington Nationals game while we're there. Blessings to each of you!