tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9527733055233870382024-02-07T18:17:04.997-08:00Stone Soup MediaMission CommunicationsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-78807076578577820422012-03-26T09:47:00.000-07:002012-03-26T09:47:57.103-07:00A Beloved UncleLast week, I learned that my uncle Charlie, who was only seven years older than I am, committed suicide. He had a rough life, and the last week of it was spent losing a job and getting a time-out from some loved ones who didn't know how to help him. At last he ended it all. <br />
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It was a difficult funeral, and I doubt that I will ever stop grieving now and then because I loved him. and he always made us laugh, and he was a good man. <br />
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It all causes me to stop and reflect on many things. In the first chapter of John, he describes who Jesus is, that He came in to our world, but we didn't recognize Him. He was light, the one who created everything. Nothing came in to being without him. <br />
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But somehow we are blinded to those things, even though they are everywhere around us. For some of us, we manage to wrap our minds around this wonderful idea that life is an adventure, and everything in it was created by this awesome being. For us, everything has a meaning and a purpose. But for others like Charlie, they can never quite see the gift. And the everyday attempt to escape the demands of the world around us takes them down and down.<br />
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Without that connection to the life-source that created us, everything is hopeless. And even people who are "successful" in life, always strive towards something more, something more. But the more is already here, and the more does not make the same requirements of our lives as the world does. The more, Jesus, only requires that we accept the gifts God has to offer of life and grace. Everything is forgiven, and there are no other requirements other than to recognize and love our Creator. Once we get that, then everything in life is success.<br />
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I will grieve for my uncle Charlie, because I will miss him. That grief is part of life also, and helps me see in to the lives of others who have not yet found our Creator. I'm glad that I have loved someone enough that it moves my heart, not only for him, but for others like him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-57391893626322854532011-02-24T23:56:00.000-08:002011-02-25T00:20:31.700-08:00Melody's Newsletter February 2011<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Dear Friends and Family,</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Since my last newsletter, I have traveled to Gulu and back several times. Gulu is part of the war-torn area in the north that was ravaged by the Lord's Resistance Army for more than twenty years. For those who don't know, this was a terrorist group that went through the villages killing and kidnapping children for their army and to keep as sex slaves. The stories of what was done to them are some of the most horrendous you'll ever hear. About the time I left Uganda four or five years ago, that war was was finally ending. Now the rebuilding has begun. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My heart is definitely being called to participate in that rebuilding, and I have already been working on several projects in the north which promise to have a great impact there, bringing hope, rejuvination and the love of Christ to the people. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">Sanctuary of Grace</span></b></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">One of my favorites is a school called Sanctuary of Grace. The missionaries there, Keith and Lisa Coggin, came to Gulu as the war was ending. Although they believed they would begin an orphanage like the one the had run in the south, God had other plans. Instead, Lisa began a Christian school, revamping a Christian home schooling curriculum from the states, replacing American stories and culture with those of the Acholi people in Uganda. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The children are learning at an amazing rate, and their parents as well as top level government officials are astounded. Educating the children at this level is creating hope and a new generation of Ugandans that can truly make a difference. Because of the war, most of their parents never received any kind of education at all, but in these villages hundreds of children now have that opportunity. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Our hope is that the media I create can be used to help the missionaries duplicate these schools throughout the north, reaching teachers, government officials, Christian organizations, and churches that can send funds and teams out to help build schools throughout the country. School is not funded by government and the local villages are so poor, so these children must be sponsored from outside the community.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Because the curriculum is Bible-centered, the children are bringing new values in to their homes and villages. It's amazing to see. Here are some of the photos from our recent trip there. We leave this Sunday to go and do some more media work, pray for us as we are leaving during the Uganda election time. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.stonesoup.tv/photos/sanctuaryofgrace/">http://www.stonesoup.tv/photos/sanctuaryofgrace/</a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">Bible Studies with University Students</span></b></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">KIU Bible Study began with a small group of women last week. I will have eight women, and we are studying the book Twelve Extraordinary Women. Our first study was received very well. The women were sharing with me that in this culture, women are generally regarded as unimportant and worthless. This study focuses on how much God loves and blesses women, and how they have played such an important role in Christianity. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FakyFLJnLrYQSteM-YCdfqB4kFh_UjDeaCiZ3FLf6LNpvKoiVgwvTUOO4bJSQ7aXYXi1YPfhFMDuN2hgMbMowdZn-QeEaebZQDC-uZMXDvqmvbXZ439xPPHTx3w5z5XdTTpud0TbFw/s1600/nateteslum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #008aba; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FakyFLJnLrYQSteM-YCdfqB4kFh_UjDeaCiZ3FLf6LNpvKoiVgwvTUOO4bJSQ7aXYXi1YPfhFMDuN2hgMbMowdZn-QeEaebZQDC-uZMXDvqmvbXZ439xPPHTx3w5z5XdTTpud0TbFw/s1600/nateteslum.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">Natete Slums</span></b></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Back to Kampala. In the city, there are slums where people from the north moved during the war in the north, hoping they would find work in the big city. But when they arrived there were no jobs to be found. They found themselves in a place where they were crowded together, without land to even plant food. As a result, many turned to whatever means they could to find a way to stay fed and sheltered. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A few weeks ago, we went in to the Natete slum to document the water and sewerage conditions there with a friend of ours, Douglas Oliro, from International Missions for Christ. We hope to find ways to bring awareness and change to this neighborhood through the media that we create. See for yourself what it's like in this slum:</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.stonesoup.tv/photos/nateteslums/">http://www.stonesoup.tv/photos/nateteslums/</a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">Prayers and Blessings</span></b></div><div style="color: #4d1590; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><b></b></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">As you can see, the need for media is one that is growing, and I already have several other projects to share with you next time. I find that I need more help as I go, especially with working partners, and keeping my equipment and software up to date. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Please continue to pray for me, for others to partner with me in this ministry, and for God to provide all I need. Also pray for a new web site that we are creating called Changing Story that tells stories of the lives that have been changed by the outreach ministries of God's people. </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have been seeing how each of these ministries is changing many lives, and bringing many to Christ, because they can see the love of Christ reaching out to them in a very real and tangible way. For all those who partner with me in prayer and finances, never forget that you are a part of that. I hope my photos and videos bring this work to life for you. Thank you so much for your support.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">May God bless you,</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Melody Warford</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Melia Missionary to Uganda and beyond </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Global Outreach International</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">662-842-4615</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">-------------------------</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you would like to keep up with me more often, please visit Facebook and place a friend request for Melody Warford.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">if you would like to help this ministry financially please visit </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.stonesoup.tv/participate.html">http://www.stonesoup.tv/participate.html</a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">or contact Global Outreach at 662-842-4615, P. O. Box 1 Tupelo, MS 38802.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-13149286600075932662011-02-24T23:42:00.000-08:002011-02-24T23:51:25.130-08:00December Newsletter<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Dear Friends and Family,</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I am finally here in Uganda after three and a half years of international work. God blessed me with the same house I was living in before, and I am enjoying my time here already.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I hit the ground running, finishing up video and print projects for Interdenominational Christian Ministries in Peru, followed by photography for Mission Aviation Fellowship, Postcards and a banner for LED Uganda, and editing and print for African Bible University.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In addition to the media work I've already been doing, I have been working with university students at Kampala International University. It's interesting to realize that they never get the opportunity to hear or study God's Word in their home villages and towns. As an American, I tend to take it for granted that it's readily available. However that's not true outside the city here. So, when the new semester begins, I plan to be leading a ladies Bible Study from the university church. The university itself was founded by Muslims. Unfortunately leadership there has been lax, and often the teachers don't show up for class, or give the materials needed for the test until it is too late for students to study. I am looking forward to bringing God's Word to these struggling students, and helping them see how great His love is for them.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to more media projects, and seeing what the New Year will bring.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Please pray for me as I readjust to this culture, and try to tell the stories of God moving through the world and bringing His light to all people. If you have the opportunity to support this ministry financially, I invite you to do so. This ministry helps magnify the ministries of many other missionaries on the field. Helping me out financially helps many other ministries do their work by providing a means to tell their story to get their message out and get more people involved. Whether it's a one-time Christmas gift, or a much-needed monthly commitment of any size, God will use it in amazing ways.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Thank you so much for all your support both in prayers and finances. I am so blessed to be on this particular mission field using this particular gift for God. It's amazing how God has used it to raise support for conference centers, to raise sponsorship for orphans, to find committed students for Bible universities, and so much more. </div><div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Melody Warford</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Melia Missionary to Uganda and beyond </div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Global Outreach International</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">662-842-4615</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">-------------------------</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you would like to keep up with me more often, please visit Facebook and place a friend request for Melody Warford.</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This ministry is part of Global Outreach International. For more information on the ministry, please contact Global Outreach at 662-842-4615.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-13970155347265537032011-02-24T22:38:00.000-08:002011-02-24T22:38:42.955-08:00Picking Up Where I Left OffIt's been a long time since I posted here.(feels like a confession doesn't it?) Since my last post, I returned to Uganda, and have been living here for about five months. Time sure flies! I hope to make this the home of my newsletter from now on. Getting settled in has taken quite some time, but now my projects are beginning to take off, and I'm creating media for many different organizations. <br />
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I think I need prayer the most for keeping up with everything! I want to start posting here more often and figure out how to send this post to Facebook. When I send out email newsletters, many of them bounce back because they are seen as spam. Maybe this will help resolve the problem! <br />
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Bottom line, I'm being blessed once more here in Uganda, but always missing my friends and family in other places.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-47948360205164088862010-03-02T11:05:00.000-08:002010-03-19T10:43:29.658-07:00Returning to Uganda<div style="background-color: #303466; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span><span style="background-color: #073763;"></span></span>In June I will be returning to Uganda for two months to try and find a house to rent. I am in the process of finding a car also. Then In October, I plan to return there to live and make Kampala my home base for international media work.s</span></div><div style="background-color: #303466; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Why I'm Going<br />
</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Since I left Uganda, there has been an ever-present desire to return. While I was in Uganda, I built many relationships that are very dear to me. I shared through Bible Studies, and used all my life experiences to encourage others to trust in God, and to have faith in His love for us all. My desire is to return there to continue relationships that grow towards Christ, and also to create an international home base for my work there in Kampala. Please pray for my return, and that the needs I have will be met.<br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: #303466; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What I Need<br />
</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Because Kampala is a large city, and was hit hard by our economic crisis, my living expenses will have increased. Things like a house for rent, electricity, water, and fuel have all gone up since I left. Although I have monthly support that can meet those needs, there are many other expenses that come in addition to monthly expenses.</span></div><div style="background-color: #303466; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know that you can't participate if I don't share howa, so I've made a list of all the extra expenses I would have paid for in the past. These are needs that could rob me of the ability to meet the monthly expenses with my current support. </span></div><div style="background-color: #303466; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you have an interest in participating in some way, please click on the <a href="http://stonesoup.tv/participate.html">You Can Help</a> button to see how. Please understand that more than one person may decide to give me funds for a specific thing. In that case I will use the funds for something else on the list. Another option is to decide to give something small on a monthly basis. Whether enough to cover and of these expenses, or just a little towards them, God will use everything for His purposes.</span></div><div style="background-color: #303466; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Necessities</b> <br />
(estimates, shown in order of importance)<br />
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Car $10,000 (or $7,000 if I can buy the one that is currently available!)<br />
HD Video Camera $3500<br />
Laptop for Videographer $1430<br />
6 month's rent $3600 (required to rent a house in Kampala)<br />
Airfare $1800<br />
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Work Permit $500<br />
3 Terrabyte drives $$550<br />
Lenses $1500<br />
Software updates $500<br />
Voltaic Backpack power generator $500<br />
Keyboard $50<br />
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There are five people that this ministry supports for their education in Uganda. Two of these are at university level. Both are in media, hoping to use their skills to do media mission work like I do. They are both exceptional men that have a heart for God and for missions.<br />
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Daniel Mugoda: $2,500/year for the next three years Bachelor's degree (this is partial support, actual yearly support is $4,000)<br />
Brian Ourien: $14,000 one time to complete Master's degree in Media<br />
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Three of the people that need educational support are young, around 10-12 years old. In Uganda, you must pay for your education, but most families only make enough to pay for food and shelter. This is the case of the families these children belong to.<br />
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Yosam's daughter $900/year<br />
Maureen $600/ Year<br />
Paul $600/year </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-78615551923445369402009-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:002009-09-19T11:20:44.366-07:00A Clearer Picture<span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">A friend of mine who helped run the photography department of a Christian organization rec</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">ently lost his job because of the economy. I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts with him</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;"> and his family about what to do next. After a great deal of prayer, they decided to become full-time media </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">missionaries, just like I am.<br />
<br />
I wanted to share their latest newsletter, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">because it is so encouraging to me. It communicates the importance of our new kind of ministry, and I hope it </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">helps us see the value of what we do. From my friends:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dear Friends and Prayer </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Partners,</span><br />
We are excited to report our most recent ministry activities. A growing young</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;"> church in</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;"> Geneva, NY invited us to share what God is doing in our lives. They were excited to hear our vision of using </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">photography and media technology to help missionaries tell stories of God’s work all over the world.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;"> The pastor made a great illustration by getting people to recall the mo</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">st memorable photograph they can remember seeing. He then explained that such images become emblazoned </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">on our brain and are remembered longer than the best sermon you’ve heard, or the most eloquent</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;"> speech. The power of visual images is critical to missions communication, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">and the role God has put us in is vital to missionaries being able to tell God’s stories.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;"> Our next journey will take us to Indiana and Michigan </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">for meetings, starting September 27 at First Baptist in Bristol, IN, where Becky grew up. We will end at a missions </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">conference at Twin Branch Bible Church in Mishawaka, IN on October 7 before </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial; font-size: 85%;">heading back to Pennsylvania.<br />
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<b>Please pray for:</b></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;">Visits with supporters and potential supporters to share our vision<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;">Wisdom as we prepare </span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;">presentation materials<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;">Travel safety</span><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;">Our young children, will be away from home for 2 weeks</span><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeff and Becky Raymond</span><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><a href="http://jeffandbeckyraymond.shutterfly.com/">http://jeffandbeckyraymond.shutterfly.com/</a><br />
</span><br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mo3byOlAdGN6Kd7sVeF7XsAJF8CIpHftM0ezfs-TCaCkn1vdZ0TJ89CReWUpUq0D3pnW-NGCUN9k4SRvtold9iJ8Rt1vxTwkHg-vCZTTNaoBA13-PqcKzO4-3bdX5iSctrM-9oHEHw/s1600-h/jeffandbeckyraymond.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383212296207481026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mo3byOlAdGN6Kd7sVeF7XsAJF8CIpHftM0ezfs-TCaCkn1vdZ0TJ89CReWUpUq0D3pnW-NGCUN9k4SRvtold9iJ8Rt1vxTwkHg-vCZTTNaoBA13-PqcKzO4-3bdX5iSctrM-9oHEHw/s400/jeffandbeckyraymond.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 286px; width: 300px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-53829235268589173642009-09-10T13:40:00.001-07:002009-09-10T13:47:56.538-07:00Las Cruces WildlifeI find myself in the "Land of Enchantment". That's the official motto of New Mexico, and I find it to be so true! From where I am sitting, I have a wonderful view of mountains, hummingbirds, and cactus. Not to mention the roadrunner I met on the front drive this morning. He was enjoying a worm from the garden!<br /><br />But even more interesting is the fact that I've been having a great time working on video here, and getting to know the people. It has been a blessing, and a time of renewal for me. It's easy to get lost in God's creation here. <br /><br />So, I am busy working on video and print for Global Outreach's upcoming conference on East Africa. In addition to that, I am working on several other videos from my recent trips. It's nice to be blessed with such a great place to work in. Here are a couple of photos from the yard outside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHqpXDRtYOmP4x2c_2X9yJHqAV8WqHSxbJGNyhl1bq-A_tb9JaDT2uCuXC4HquhsdLSeYpdTw5GQj4UqpBjbHF9q42haGCR234U4BzE135lwZJZbn9flWaCoOv1u3CdkKu-62BVGvJw/s1600-h/IMG_2623.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHqpXDRtYOmP4x2c_2X9yJHqAV8WqHSxbJGNyhl1bq-A_tb9JaDT2uCuXC4HquhsdLSeYpdTw5GQj4UqpBjbHF9q42haGCR234U4BzE135lwZJZbn9flWaCoOv1u3CdkKu-62BVGvJw/s400/IMG_2623.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379942092416434562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiEcCGOQyrAx9ufuyeurfAgup2ZWJhyqs-ArhplKVVybNBRpJesR7XPEHAwaZcAO9m1E0hyphenhyphenmyrsf_jWGWBYJk77yrSOQXoHWNIUgl6aIS0vnD9eTYqnEnwNKcAsNKa_QTd6MJEc2V1A/s1600-h/IMG_2655.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiEcCGOQyrAx9ufuyeurfAgup2ZWJhyqs-ArhplKVVybNBRpJesR7XPEHAwaZcAO9m1E0hyphenhyphenmyrsf_jWGWBYJk77yrSOQXoHWNIUgl6aIS0vnD9eTYqnEnwNKcAsNKa_QTd6MJEc2V1A/s400/IMG_2655.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379942024206217074" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-26689399781559908372009-09-07T07:58:00.000-07:002009-09-07T08:45:54.456-07:00From New MexicoI have been traveling this past week once again. First to Las Cruces, New Mexico by air, then to Hobbs by car for Labor Day weekend. It's been a great weekend here with my Mom. She's been beating me at all the board games we've attempted!<br /><br />Mom invited her Sunday School class over for a lunch to thank them for their support of my ministry. I am always blessed by all the ways that people support me in my ministry. It always shows me how God is watching over me.<br /><br />I am heading back to Las Cruces today to spend a week or so working from the home of Jeanne Gleason, a new friend who is very interested in future possibilities of media missions work. I also booked a trip to Togo (that's in Africa for those of you who... don't worry, I had to look it up too!) I will be taking photos for a new hospital that is opening up there.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I have many video projects to finish, and will be working diligently to get all of them done by the time the missionaries need them. I am looking forward to working while in Las Cruces, the home I am staying in has a wonderful view of mountains and many hummingbirds that hang out at the balcony feeders. It's a charming place to think! And ponder God's creation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-68592105280667522982009-08-22T20:03:00.000-07:002009-08-22T20:11:38.411-07:00Today in MarylandI spent the day wandering through photographs after having gone out for coffee and some catch-up shopping this morning. I kept trying to step on the clutch in my little black car, only to let out a happy little sigh because I realized that I no longer have to shift gears in that old truck I've been driving the small winding roads of Spain! It's surprising how much I appreciate the little things when I get back home.<br /><br />Although I have my photos organized, I need a software update before I can post them. So, I'm checking out for the evening, and will get back to posting later. <br /><br />I have to admit that Spain, Uganda and Costa Rica have worn me out! I'm glad not to have to leave the country for a while.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-2711175510920373822009-08-14T06:25:00.000-07:002009-08-14T06:36:55.337-07:00My Last Week in SpainBeing at camp for four weeks for four different kinds of camps has been tougher than I thought. Sleeping in a teepee with new people each week, walking around up and down for electricity, food, bathrooms, or anything else I need has reminded me how grateful I am for a relatively care-free life in America. I can't even count how many different kinds of bugs there are here, most of which reside in my tent! I am so ready for my homeland.<br /><br />But even as I think of all the struggles that come from living here these weeks, I remember that Spain has less than one percent of a Christian population. And the ones who do believe face ridicule and temptations from every quarter. This camp is one of the few ways that the youth of Spain, and most of Europe, can even be reached anymore. They no longer value the religion and churches of their forefathers, it has not worked for them. So they are looking for new answers.<br /><br />For the short time we endure the inconveniences, the heat, the bugs, it's worth it. To see the lives of young people strengthened, and new answers given, that's worth it all.<br /><br />I admit though, that I have to remind myself of this over and over, each time that I find a new species of bug in my tent that has just shed it's skin.<br /><br />Blessings as you go, and remember that all the world was made by God, and we are all His children.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbNo2HkPjyekOJpatZW_8NmyQgx-cpdaudu1F4CdyXlnPpsyneyGzFz-9HcyU0lx77-ome-4R_ZQsUk7-WMUoP8Zdrzc2PmM4BwkNbU6uftX_jBaRKzIVHUM6zbr3ADSuaKMcI_6FFg/s1600-h/IMG_1535.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbNo2HkPjyekOJpatZW_8NmyQgx-cpdaudu1F4CdyXlnPpsyneyGzFz-9HcyU0lx77-ome-4R_ZQsUk7-WMUoP8Zdrzc2PmM4BwkNbU6uftX_jBaRKzIVHUM6zbr3ADSuaKMcI_6FFg/s400/IMG_1535.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369812602089065026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKkMBnNZEaTlYctTVSJ8akwNlHx4IibyFAsomjm8oI1_3EP0YhDerTmTif7rwpkzWqxnVOf_UBaz5vCVOaF9bTk-eXYLJs_27wnZDogi3OSHH7I00pOTQfERNhN4OINIfEHpIuhT4yQ/s1600-h/IMG_2058.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKkMBnNZEaTlYctTVSJ8akwNlHx4IibyFAsomjm8oI1_3EP0YhDerTmTif7rwpkzWqxnVOf_UBaz5vCVOaF9bTk-eXYLJs_27wnZDogi3OSHH7I00pOTQfERNhN4OINIfEHpIuhT4yQ/s400/IMG_2058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369812702027195746" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-27334309404544865182009-07-26T09:45:00.000-07:002009-07-26T09:46:36.111-07:00Kampala traffic is on my mind!!!!Our short term team here has been praising me for my adept abilities in this amazing tangle of transport, but they don't see the concentration and reflexes that seem to drain me of every bit of energy! All I want to do is get to the destination without harming anyone!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-55542974841324528742009-07-24T10:05:00.000-07:002009-07-24T10:10:39.864-07:00Joy and PainDriving in Kampala was a BEAR today! And I am worn out. So, I leave you with a couple of images from the orphanage we went to yesterday. Forever burned in my memory -- the cry of a child abandoned left wondering why, and the joy of a child remembered by God.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKh5JQegGXLx4mspydrxpYmDkx21np-3mYcJIMaYSkdJSviOlcFI6gvy-IpKSbmvXB3jdodfAK1D498PujQeg9aaPEQgGVxyeLY_y3aEgCixDqS2CsZPLqIQB2nYa2ObADsPx0N-2ZGw/s1600-h/IMG_0589.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKh5JQegGXLx4mspydrxpYmDkx21np-3mYcJIMaYSkdJSviOlcFI6gvy-IpKSbmvXB3jdodfAK1D498PujQeg9aaPEQgGVxyeLY_y3aEgCixDqS2CsZPLqIQB2nYa2ObADsPx0N-2ZGw/s400/IMG_0589.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362074456502784242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSXg4PG93etyZry0Rd3Co9ET5sveUAUWPVLSAftHDo6Ws4zoDeLD759UE_LZg80uSENdrCzQpxhey222kiUoq3lCjrsVBy2-2HDbeRbvyr1twkZ9FOcj9wRMeWkrQ4Cjdqh-uiaaxFA/s1600-h/IMG_0598.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSXg4PG93etyZry0Rd3Co9ET5sveUAUWPVLSAftHDo6Ws4zoDeLD759UE_LZg80uSENdrCzQpxhey222kiUoq3lCjrsVBy2-2HDbeRbvyr1twkZ9FOcj9wRMeWkrQ4Cjdqh-uiaaxFA/s400/IMG_0598.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362074725231800274" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-55210030428703240322009-07-22T03:38:00.000-07:002009-07-22T03:48:32.121-07:00Meeting of MindsThis morning I got up early and attended a prayer breakfast here in Uganda. About twenty-five or thirty people attended, one of which is a member of Parliament. We had a discussion afterward about her district in the northwest regions of Uganda, and her dream to start vocational training there, because there are no jobs for the people who actually finish high school level. Unemployment is still extremely high.<br /><br />My next conversation was with an old friend, a respected Ugandan businessman. We discussed ideas for improving agriculture, and finding retired teachers to donate time to come and teach in Uganda. Lately, there has been little rain, and people who do not live in the cities are going hungry.<br /><br />Driving around Kampala and visiting old friends reminds me how much I care about what happens here, and indeed in every country where there are people struggling to live out each day in good health and peace. I cannot help but lay my life down again to do whatever work God puts before me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-13642540290301441742009-07-20T05:15:00.000-07:002009-07-20T05:23:58.156-07:00Going IrishThis week I have been staying in a Christian Guest House with a team from an Irish girl's school. Last night they invited me to join their quiet time, and I discovered once again that when we are in God's Word, we have the same heart. There are about twenty girls, and a hand full of counselors, one of which is the president of the school. As I listened to their quiet time, I could see that many of these girls already have such a great heart for Jesus and God's Word, and it was a blessing.<br /><br />Today, I'm working on editing the second in a series of Christian television shows. The first was televised yesterday. It's so cool to be a part of reaching even more people through that medium. Who knew? Yesterday (or so it seems) a graphic designer, today a tool in God's Kingdom and loving it!<br /><br />Blessings!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-13282641527789495752009-07-14T06:49:00.000-07:002009-07-14T07:20:53.930-07:00Long and Winding RoadAt last! I am in Uganda. But not without a long trip through the London Heathrow Airport. I flew in to one terminal, lugged carry-ons down stairs hooked up to the plane, stood on a bus for ten minutes, stood in line for twenty more, walked through 3 security checkpoints, one more bus, two more lines, to wait twelve hours to take a tram to another section of terminal! <br /><br />But I am back in this country that I love so much. I forget until I get here about the unique bird sounds, the people walking everywhere on foot, the friendliness, and the places I grew to cherish while I lived here. I am staying at a Christian Guest house at the moment, planning for the next two weeks. I feel blessed to be here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-11044709090108376002009-07-09T08:49:00.000-07:002009-07-09T09:02:48.217-07:00Building RelationshipsToday the camp director talked to us about the great need in Spain for sharing about Christ. The camp reaches out in love, teaching values and life-lessons, like team building, that will open the door for deeper relationships. At the same time, the kids have fun. I am also building relationships, and am constantly amazed at how I see God's hand in everyday life. People who come here to work have given of their time because of love. And that core motivation bonds us together like the rest of the world cannot understand. But these kids see it. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUybTb3a-ei6MSremvUfgnVd_92_ug-RqrmuGsdOoDar64kI2JqRI_zx2Pzm_UVK1pR39Y1PiOxc80APAMYiIKJOwUVX-z0mRDwCTfIti7R8h0cXn56HwZlMnGa2ouPHMg2r3y2l_vg/s1600-h/girlIMG_9109.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUybTb3a-ei6MSremvUfgnVd_92_ug-RqrmuGsdOoDar64kI2JqRI_zx2Pzm_UVK1pR39Y1PiOxc80APAMYiIKJOwUVX-z0mRDwCTfIti7R8h0cXn56HwZlMnGa2ouPHMg2r3y2l_vg/s400/girlIMG_9109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356490300936428818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIg4J5zstr1AgzFgAVKV_GLVZQpG0Rw1OajKYbKc_F_oyKqM3cx9hx8AV-EtthR7W5-XFRWkZkP10pUSvjv_48Omb3DsfSpkAW6ANcyQ5kQOzjBToPPHZgT6XakjORlBO_ZEaokDp39Q/s1600-h/watersplashIMG_9196.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIg4J5zstr1AgzFgAVKV_GLVZQpG0Rw1OajKYbKc_F_oyKqM3cx9hx8AV-EtthR7W5-XFRWkZkP10pUSvjv_48Omb3DsfSpkAW6ANcyQ5kQOzjBToPPHZgT6XakjORlBO_ZEaokDp39Q/s400/watersplashIMG_9196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356490054974292146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img src="file:///Users/Melody/Documents/a%20For%20Blog/girlIMG_9109.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///Users/Melody/Documents/a%20For%20Blog/watersplashIMG_9196.jpg" alt="" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-80588655660953405482009-07-07T06:16:00.000-07:002009-07-07T06:29:00.604-07:00L'arcada CampThis week I have roomates in my big teepee, and three of them are basketball coaches here for the basketball camp. I love meeting new people, and it has been a blessing to see them interact with the kids. There are also volunteers here from different churches in the states doing work around the grounds. A new week, and new hearts to share Christ with. Pics of my office, my living quarters, and the basketball court:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJt1hysBMA3lcXxr5-1r_hbdEtTEK3cWX9VvdmV1NUKTRMqe6Xj9lmGlkCid5dpR_2FzcVWP48O22gfiaAEjqWUgDpFQ-C6HnnMKq1gKxUVRmT9bh_HkanTAw0PDZkIkZdUUdSf_P-A/s1600-h/myofficeIMG_8930.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJt1hysBMA3lcXxr5-1r_hbdEtTEK3cWX9VvdmV1NUKTRMqe6Xj9lmGlkCid5dpR_2FzcVWP48O22gfiaAEjqWUgDpFQ-C6HnnMKq1gKxUVRmT9bh_HkanTAw0PDZkIkZdUUdSf_P-A/s400/myofficeIMG_8930.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355709154373045986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge885aTYsG9bsZu7m_NyYxT3KdVNaaLZAtCo9j4c0FRrCRii4ko1x8EdNo0Y74JDBaPF04iopHjUMppy1CxlrRPz_Z9AHWDn-o6rN2BhvUBZ8F90Pbkyn0gE-xGqS8aNz_hIU2oyFk6A/s1600-h/myhouseIMG_9000.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge885aTYsG9bsZu7m_NyYxT3KdVNaaLZAtCo9j4c0FRrCRii4ko1x8EdNo0Y74JDBaPF04iopHjUMppy1CxlrRPz_Z9AHWDn-o6rN2BhvUBZ8F90Pbkyn0gE-xGqS8aNz_hIU2oyFk6A/s400/myhouseIMG_9000.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355709322818435810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVoMaLgH0Z7ULDhTGdR3XGElzo64Xg04Lx4qw25Y9NgelULgQoMmIpVaI7d9bmsW7JHcw_OkQj-kDi8eB0-In95hQ6mIkkra557FocsrHUMuPQcIzJ6Hbv8Inr8I2Sh98qriOi113hA/s1600-h/bballcourtsIMG_8991.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVoMaLgH0Z7ULDhTGdR3XGElzo64Xg04Lx4qw25Y9NgelULgQoMmIpVaI7d9bmsW7JHcw_OkQj-kDi8eB0-In95hQ6mIkkra557FocsrHUMuPQcIzJ6Hbv8Inr8I2Sh98qriOi113hA/s400/bballcourtsIMG_8991.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355709573771695010" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-87233029459391177302009-07-05T04:07:00.000-07:002009-07-05T04:16:56.869-07:00A Youth Camp in SpainI spent the last three days in L'arcada Youth Camp here in the mountains of Spain. I'm sleeping in a giant teepee with several other women who are here to coach basketball. This particular week is dedicated to that sport. Last week was the English camp, and I arrived just in time for the last days of teaching and sharing. <br /><br />I have learned that although we sometimes consider Spain a Christian nation, maybe because there is a rich Catholic history, in fact most Christian beliefs have died out. This camp is reaching youth who have never heard about Christ before. The last night of English camp, a volunteer youth group form Wisconsin shared a beautiful skit that protraying what Christ has done for us all. I listened as I walked around camp that night, hearing the youth crying here and there because they had been so moved by the realization of what God has done for them through Christ. <br /><br />My video here is meant to help raise support for a young missionary couple hoping to come work here fulltime, and I find that my mission is an important one. Thank you God for letting me have a hand in all this!<br /><br />Pictures later, for now all I've done is videoUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-32717137675911861702009-07-01T07:42:00.000-07:002009-07-01T07:46:24.247-07:00Getting on the PlaneToday begins my travel phase, which will last for quite a while. I will not be in one place longer than three weeks from now until November! I pray for safety for my equipment, and well, also for me! Funny the order that came out in my thoughts! But God watches over everything! I have projects already in the works, and will have many to complete once I finally sit still again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-14677570494770977642009-06-29T12:28:00.000-07:002009-06-29T12:32:16.928-07:00Home is Where I AmAlthough I am in Maryland today, in three days I will be in Spain for my next assignment. So I've been busily preparing all the equipment I need to take both to Spain and Uganda, since I will be going both places. There is a lot to take this time, and I always need prayer for equipment safety. I can't really stop to plan what I do next to get ready, I just have to rely on faith! But that is what my life is made up of, daily faith. It is something I had to grow in to, and something that will remain for the rest of my life. <br /><br />I really love this life I've been given!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-91708238416293043432009-06-25T11:11:00.000-07:002009-06-25T11:51:52.019-07:00Beautiful DayOne more day until I leave for Maryland. This morning there were butterflies floating through the work shop next to our breakfast table. so many different kinds, I can't remember them all. In addition to that, there are a couple of small black birds that have decided they like the human company. So the are flitting around singing a sweet song all the while.<br /><br />In addition to the butterflies, I have been bitten so many times by some small invisible insect that I can no longer count the bites! Just me... I must be special.<br /><br />I can't help but make that in to a parable, about what kind of person each one of us decides to be. One kind of insect bites and runs away, the other transforms in to a beautiful creation that soars on the wind. Can you see the parallel in human life? The interesting difference is that we can CHOOSE to be one or the other, God has given us that gift. I choose metamorphosis!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Our guest at the dinner table last night:</span><br /><img src="file:///Users/Melody/Documents/a%20For%20Blog/IMG_8820white.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ45SHlSeRgXEK3SLB2ZqMkQSO9SiS1cnkvjS-R0XdDsMH1uswzNAZiJw7QVboAH_xtKeXvhZjA4UGt3XpnrfwBgE1zyakDnue2xHuCHQeD94ykGiC8cXI2wU5S36l2TSvPvSRARP6g/s1600-h/IMG_8820white.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ45SHlSeRgXEK3SLB2ZqMkQSO9SiS1cnkvjS-R0XdDsMH1uswzNAZiJw7QVboAH_xtKeXvhZjA4UGt3XpnrfwBgE1zyakDnue2xHuCHQeD94ykGiC8cXI2wU5S36l2TSvPvSRARP6g/s400/IMG_8820white.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351339718026267202" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-8839811785717600482009-06-24T19:20:00.000-07:002009-06-24T19:43:35.963-07:00A GiftI am often overwhelmed with all the people I see called to work for God in one way or another. It's truly amazing. Yesterday, I taped an interview of a young Canadian woman who knows she is called to work with the homeless in Costa Rica. Today I videotaped a young Costa Rican man who feels called to work in India. And my current mission is videotaping Americans who have started a camp and training center here in Costa Rica. I see people who have a heart to cross borders, and share what God has done for them, and each one is called in a different way.<br /><br />God calls each of us to use whatever He has given us to the best of our abilities, whatever they may be. Someone called me blessed by God today because of the gift I was given to share, and I know that I am. But I believe that each one of us is blessed with something special to give, to God, and to others.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVmNlPiM8N7Haj6awZ7VxL3GlXrdWiM95DjnVpYCJKL-FI0hwIXEvS36e0EtTZKxzE1aOD88UfPOMIzhAOkxMSUyqADWW7jV6zK9GB2lrOmga8r8o3Q0dP88PTPMHnkVDyl7OoULDig/s1600-h/IMG_8687flower.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 366px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVmNlPiM8N7Haj6awZ7VxL3GlXrdWiM95DjnVpYCJKL-FI0hwIXEvS36e0EtTZKxzE1aOD88UfPOMIzhAOkxMSUyqADWW7jV6zK9GB2lrOmga8r8o3Q0dP88PTPMHnkVDyl7OoULDig/s400/IMG_8687flower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351090257771035954" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-29322216877478138522009-06-20T14:12:00.000-07:002009-06-20T14:28:29.040-07:00Rainy DaysTaking photos here is very different from other places. Much of the sky is cloudy. But it makes interesting light now and again. New photos up on Flickr (see the link at the right).<br /><br />I've been chatting with various missionaries from Costa Rica recently, and it's interesting to see how often God provides in miraculous little ways, providing equipment, funds, and whatever else we all need at just the right time. As we chatted, one missionary realized she knew of an apartment opening up that another young missionary in our conversation needed, at just the right amount, in just the right neighborhood. Very encouraging.<br /><br />On Sunday, members of the Tabarcia church will come to the conference center for the first time. I will take video then of the first meeting being held there. It's such an amazing view, you should really go look at the photos on Flickr! Meanwhile, here's a teaser... a local frog living in the bamboo just outside.<br /><br />Blessings!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_dzf6vlNznRsP-DKnUwFpJdS92dQG35ZbpgayW741QMdKhEz4bTC0HR7kxFEcvjQnAn3Ll-RYc34_v805Yg882pMId81mao3YtMhANGsPvk_uuwDTGV_ecRW_1P4RCmmhSIcPwT0Hg/s1600-h/IMG_8219.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_dzf6vlNznRsP-DKnUwFpJdS92dQG35ZbpgayW741QMdKhEz4bTC0HR7kxFEcvjQnAn3Ll-RYc34_v805Yg882pMId81mao3YtMhANGsPvk_uuwDTGV_ecRW_1P4RCmmhSIcPwT0Hg/s400/IMG_8219.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349524713830828850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimeAV8g_MXpz2DOfSXDi1wSMMDvUlGyy8mWcHDRWVt4qqM85xy3ZFey8wNpJeCiRmEwABoKhegMVAbgnTf0lA8LZ9sAamoRvgq-CaEbFQRohJq8eM72yO2xZ8fEkKPGCudmoahOFbDA/s1600-h/IMG_8219frog.jpg"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-74827096676639237632009-06-17T16:05:00.000-07:002009-06-17T16:20:23.043-07:00Mountain Rain Forests<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Life in the Countryside</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I went trekking through the property this morning because Miguel found a rather large ugly bullfrog by a tree. It made for cool video, but it’s one of the ugliest </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">creatures I’ve ever seen! Compared to the tiny green and black frog I found yesterday, like beauty and the beast. Miguel is busy using a machete to clear out the jungle from around the building we are staying in. Still working on doors (almost done), and walls for the upstairs rooms, we watch the clouds roll in and out of the structure. It’s really beautiful here, and you can see God’s hand every where.</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />We painted the front bathroom, a large one, a few days ago. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> And Franklin is busy creating doors, frames and screens and then installing them. There is so much work to do here, and no teams coming in for a while.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPF83l9olAsyUl0KnhisglESZaIKEpEmHZaPfl-qyhGc-gUNiGpPqXbNza5dA7EvK-oh8p1tz-nJ1dMh9xAzPg3uTl2mx9NHoKntbgoVzfuZmm7hh_LMa1MHit-vMpPt0DxTRSZdcAA/s1600-h/IMG_8445.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPF83l9olAsyUl0KnhisglESZaIKEpEmHZaPfl-qyhGc-gUNiGpPqXbNza5dA7EvK-oh8p1tz-nJ1dMh9xAzPg3uTl2mx9NHoKntbgoVzfuZmm7hh_LMa1MHit-vMpPt0DxTRSZdcAA/s320/IMG_8445.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348440309476968114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This morning we went to a local sugarcane </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">farm where they crush, boil, cook and process the cane sugar in to a sort of candy, or table sugar. It was very interesting, and I had great fun shooting photos and video. Then this afternoon, I was left on the road near a mango tree for an hour or so, to photograph the various butterflies that find the fruit irresistible. It smells a bit like a brandy factory there, with all the fruit all over the ground. But the butterflies are gorgeous!</span>  <span style="font-family:verdana;">Everywhere you look, the views are incredible. God is amazing!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952773305523387038.post-42396956021114191062009-06-14T12:19:00.001-07:002009-06-14T12:19:22.646-07:00Costa Rica<FONT FACE="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12.0px'><B>From Costa Rica with Love<BR> </B><BR> Today I was worshiping in church in Tabarcia, Costa Rica. I could not understand the majority of all that was said or sung, but a young man from Kenya was asked to speak for about 15 minutes, and chose the topic of prayer. As I sat there, listening to a Ugandan give Costa Ricans encouragement and words about prayer, I thought about my church’s recent studies on the importance of prayer. I thought of the fact that across continents God has made it clear how valuable conversation is with Him. I realize that there am blessed, and He is truly with us all, everywhere, all the time. He hears each prayer because He is God, Almighty,Omnipotent.<BR> <BR> In the same Costa Rican service, I met someone from each of these countries, England, Colombia, Kenya and Uganda. Six countries together in one small South American Church, worshiping together. And we all had a common heart, a common idea, to love God, and to love others as ourselves.<BR> <BR> Have a blessed Sunday, and may we all make talking with God, and listening, the priority in our lives.<BR> <BR> </SPAN></FONT> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0