Well, the answer has come!
NO!!
After 10 months & 4 attempts the CIC have held their ground to keeping Foreign Workers to a minimum. We had set out 4 various circumstances to use as indicators of God's will for us and these have played out to lead us to return to America. So let the planning begin!
Trying to get housing in a different state, with no job is proving to be difficult. We may just have to put everything in storage and stay with family a few weeks to get settled. OR God will answer prayer and prepare a place for us to land. We continue to pray for the latter!
Telling this news has been rough. Our Church family is very sad but understandable. Our camp family is really sad but understandable. Our family family is quite happy for our return. We really have been blessed during our time here. Much love & growth has occurred and we don't regret coming here at all. It's a wonderful journey we're on and God has asked us to do some amazing things while we were here; teaching, leading, speaking engagements, mentoring, encouraging, listening, exploring, and serving to others.
Our plan at the moment is to travel back to the Southwest region. With Holly's love of art and my passion for the out-of-doors, the Southwest has both of these interests in abundance. And beautiful scenery too. With the skills God has given me in building and carpentry I know that employment should be available.
In other news: Holly took a 3 day art workshop and had an amazing time. She feels that she learned enough to keep her busy for at least a year! My Deer hunting season ended on Oct 21st. My second time in the woods, on a drizzly afternoon, proved successful as I arrowed a 8 point Whitetail, stopping him in his tracks. My first deer in 3 years. Then on the next 2 Mondays Tess & I went Pheasant hunting and got a total of 5 birds. She really enjoyed the time afield as did I. The Alpha Course I've been teaching concluded just last night. With 12+ people each week, we helped 6 newer Christians learn about the faith and the Love of Jesus. Rewarding indeed.
That's all for now. Please pray for us as we plan, pack and prepare to exit this country.
kNO Jesus, kNOw peace!!!!
Monday, November 11, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
Waiting on the LORD!
Well, I'm still here. My work permit has not been renewed, YET, and I will be applying for a fourth time. Having been here over 2 years now, living & serving in a foreign country has been ?????????? I can see many blessings but also some disappointments. But waiting on the Lord to see what He would have us do is nerve stretching.
You see, my permit expired in late July. We had applied back in January to renew it, but the government has tighten the rules on hiring of foreign workers. It seems the banking industry was taking advantage of paying foreign workers 15% less than its own citizens. So people with deep pockets started complaining to Parliament about it. So the rules were changed and tightened to slow down the hiring of foreign workers. I am caught in the middle.
While the paperwork process is moving I have been given "implied status" to stay in the country. But each refusal means starting over again. So as I wait I also am looking at my options come 2014. Will I be here or do I have to return to America and find employment there? Where do I go? Where shall I live? What will I do? Thankfully the Lord has provided for us the resources to return to wherever we choose. But seeking the Lords will for us, that is the question!
Waiting!
Waiting!
Waiting!
Oh! that will build character in me!
How do you seek the Lords will in your life? I would enjoy your input.
You see, my permit expired in late July. We had applied back in January to renew it, but the government has tighten the rules on hiring of foreign workers. It seems the banking industry was taking advantage of paying foreign workers 15% less than its own citizens. So people with deep pockets started complaining to Parliament about it. So the rules were changed and tightened to slow down the hiring of foreign workers. I am caught in the middle.
While the paperwork process is moving I have been given "implied status" to stay in the country. But each refusal means starting over again. So as I wait I also am looking at my options come 2014. Will I be here or do I have to return to America and find employment there? Where do I go? Where shall I live? What will I do? Thankfully the Lord has provided for us the resources to return to wherever we choose. But seeking the Lords will for us, that is the question!
Waiting!
Waiting!
Waiting!
Oh! that will build character in me!
How do you seek the Lords will in your life? I would enjoy your input.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
2013 Summer Camps Completed
Well here at the Bible Camp, we just finished the run of weekly Bible camps. Our summer starts off with a Seniors group, (65+ years old); Then a Church group in the second week, (again mostly 65+ years old).
Our third week starts the kids camp with the 14-18 year old group. Week four has the 6-10 year old. Then week five, 11-13 year old. Week six is a Day Camp sponsored by a local church, kids 6-12 years old. That week is when we get a slight rest as that camp runs from 8:30 - 5 pm each day, no overnight guests.
Then the Family Camps in weeks 7, 8 & 9. Each of these camps starts Sunday @ 2 pm and run thru Saturday @ 10 am. With a morning & evening teaching time, multiple swimming pool times, climbing wall, archery, volleyball, mini-golf, basketball, soccer, tennis & evening campfires, the guest go home exhausted each week.
Our staff is also weary by the end. We have 4 full time adult staff, then we have young people who come for 3 weeks at a time, (a block) and stay at the camp facilities. Some of the kids stayed all summer long. It is a good time as we all work together to make the camp run smoothly.
We know of several campers who made a declaration to follow Jesus and many others who learned more about Him and asked questions. To me, that is what is really important, getting to know Jesus!!
Our third week starts the kids camp with the 14-18 year old group. Week four has the 6-10 year old. Then week five, 11-13 year old. Week six is a Day Camp sponsored by a local church, kids 6-12 years old. That week is when we get a slight rest as that camp runs from 8:30 - 5 pm each day, no overnight guests.
Then the Family Camps in weeks 7, 8 & 9. Each of these camps starts Sunday @ 2 pm and run thru Saturday @ 10 am. With a morning & evening teaching time, multiple swimming pool times, climbing wall, archery, volleyball, mini-golf, basketball, soccer, tennis & evening campfires, the guest go home exhausted each week.
Our staff is also weary by the end. We have 4 full time adult staff, then we have young people who come for 3 weeks at a time, (a block) and stay at the camp facilities. Some of the kids stayed all summer long. It is a good time as we all work together to make the camp run smoothly.
We know of several campers who made a declaration to follow Jesus and many others who learned more about Him and asked questions. To me, that is what is really important, getting to know Jesus!!
Know Jesus, Know Peace!
No Jesus, No Peace!
Now it's time for me to rest a bit, but coming in 1 week AWANA starts up again. Then Tuesday night Bible Studies resume and this year I am running a "Alpha" course for 7 weeks on Sunday evenings. For details go to www.alphacanada.org. Plus hunting season starts October 1st. Yeah, a busy Fall.
Keep reading The Word!
Get involved at Church!
Go public about your faith!
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Lost Thoughts
Well, it's official. At least in my eyes it is. America is lost, it isn't coming back, and history will be rewritten so that "America" will be remembered as a failed experiment in self government. Really, "a failed experiment in self government"? So does that mean that every other government has been a success? Hardly.....
So what has happened that America is lost? Well, when you have Billion dollar legislation being passed (which no one reads), corruption at the voting booth to elect corrupt leaders, redistribution of wealth & property to people who don't work and immorality legalized for all to enjoy, America, as founded, is no more.
I shouldn't be surprised. Paul gave us a "heads up" two thousand years ago.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 states;
"1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self- control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." ESV.
Paul says, "Avoid such people". These "people" are the ones running the country! These "people" are voted into office by a democracy of other "people" who don't know who God or Jesus are! These "people" are changing the laws, charging fees and collecting our tax dollars to pay for immorality to occur. It can be quite discouraging!!!
But praise the Lord that God has a plan in place. And it has always been His plan. God never has a plan "B" ready, "just in case". He knows what is going on and we must be patient. If you are "saved" you are already in eternity and this life will be soon forgotten. We must be obedient and do the work He has asked us to do. Tell others of His plan! Join me in praying, daily, for our leaders, family members and friends to be given Spiritual eyesight. At that point the choice is left to them.
It's funny, odd really, that I write these blog post to encourage myself. But each day I must remind myself of these truth's from the Apostle John.
(I learned these from James MacDonald's teaching's)
Love deeply
Obey Faithfully
Live Authentically
Know Completely
Believe Confidently
Over the next 8 weeks I will be training, teaching and encouraging young adults to follow Jesus, not the world. I was greatly encouraged by the comments I received after last summer. But encouragement is like adrenalin, it can run out too quickly and you can't bottle it up for later. Each day is a new battle.
Thankfully the battle belongs to the Lord!
Stay strong, read your Bible each day, Pray continually!!!
So what has happened that America is lost? Well, when you have Billion dollar legislation being passed (which no one reads), corruption at the voting booth to elect corrupt leaders, redistribution of wealth & property to people who don't work and immorality legalized for all to enjoy, America, as founded, is no more.
I shouldn't be surprised. Paul gave us a "heads up" two thousand years ago.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 states;
"1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self- control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." ESV.
Paul says, "Avoid such people". These "people" are the ones running the country! These "people" are voted into office by a democracy of other "people" who don't know who God or Jesus are! These "people" are changing the laws, charging fees and collecting our tax dollars to pay for immorality to occur. It can be quite discouraging!!!
But praise the Lord that God has a plan in place. And it has always been His plan. God never has a plan "B" ready, "just in case". He knows what is going on and we must be patient. If you are "saved" you are already in eternity and this life will be soon forgotten. We must be obedient and do the work He has asked us to do. Tell others of His plan! Join me in praying, daily, for our leaders, family members and friends to be given Spiritual eyesight. At that point the choice is left to them.
It's funny, odd really, that I write these blog post to encourage myself. But each day I must remind myself of these truth's from the Apostle John.
(I learned these from James MacDonald's teaching's)
Love deeply
Obey Faithfully
Live Authentically
Know Completely
Believe Confidently
Over the next 8 weeks I will be training, teaching and encouraging young adults to follow Jesus, not the world. I was greatly encouraged by the comments I received after last summer. But encouragement is like adrenalin, it can run out too quickly and you can't bottle it up for later. Each day is a new battle.
Thankfully the battle belongs to the Lord!
Stay strong, read your Bible each day, Pray continually!!!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Truth over Love
Hello all,
It is almost mid May and warmer temps are helping Spring along. I have been helping my Church with their Tuesday night Bible Study & Prayer Meeting. We have been going through 1, 2 & 3 John. Very encouraging letters of what marks we have as Christians, warnings of false teachers outside the church and cautions on false brethren in the church. It helps bring to light to current affairs in North America too.
Today we have "leaders" who are more dishonest than Satan. In Job 1:7, Satan is asked, by God, what he is up to. He replies that he is going to & fro on the earth seeking whom he may devour. An honest statement if you ask me. But here in 2013, elected leaders are lying to their citizens, covering up murders they are responsible for, using Government agencies to harass private citizens who oppose them, spending money we don't have and, well I could go on for a long time. But it comes down to truth.
After some discussion at prayer meeting, we agreed that truth comes before love. John even told us to use discernment when meeting brothers we don't know. And not to help out those who are false teachers or who follow a false doctrine about Christ. If we assist these people, we are guilty of spreading their false lies.
Times haven't changed a bit in 2000 years. More proof that we aren't evolving at all. Just sinners doing what we do best.
Do continue to read & study your Bible. It's the greatest thing in our world today. And many ignore it daily. How sad!
It is almost mid May and warmer temps are helping Spring along. I have been helping my Church with their Tuesday night Bible Study & Prayer Meeting. We have been going through 1, 2 & 3 John. Very encouraging letters of what marks we have as Christians, warnings of false teachers outside the church and cautions on false brethren in the church. It helps bring to light to current affairs in North America too.
Today we have "leaders" who are more dishonest than Satan. In Job 1:7, Satan is asked, by God, what he is up to. He replies that he is going to & fro on the earth seeking whom he may devour. An honest statement if you ask me. But here in 2013, elected leaders are lying to their citizens, covering up murders they are responsible for, using Government agencies to harass private citizens who oppose them, spending money we don't have and, well I could go on for a long time. But it comes down to truth.
After some discussion at prayer meeting, we agreed that truth comes before love. John even told us to use discernment when meeting brothers we don't know. And not to help out those who are false teachers or who follow a false doctrine about Christ. If we assist these people, we are guilty of spreading their false lies.
Times haven't changed a bit in 2000 years. More proof that we aren't evolving at all. Just sinners doing what we do best.
Do continue to read & study your Bible. It's the greatest thing in our world today. And many ignore it daily. How sad!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Only 2 Paths!
Hows your core family doing? I'm talking about you, your mother & father and your brother's & sister's? The family you grew up with. Mine is scattered all over North America. That's not a bad thing. We keep in touch over the phone & internet, but visits are years apart. And when we do talk, mostly it's about our health, weather, jobs, etc. I can have those conversations on a public bus with strangers! I know I am part of the problem too. I just don't get to the core subject;
Where will YOU be in a 100 years?
Since turning to God 10+ years ago, I have been an avid Bible reader and studier. I'm still trying to throw off the "Old Me" lifestyle, but I do see a new creation coming forth. God says that He can only accept "perfect" people in His Kingdom and this side of Heaven I will never be perfect. And neither will you. That's a tough pill for many to swallow. But through faith in Jesus Christ, He is my advocate and I can stand before God on judgement day and He will accept me. His question to me will be;
"What did you do with your salvation?"
I'm still building that answer and will continue to add to it in the years to come.
This world is getting worse. Everyone sees it happening. And as it get tougher to make a living, buy food, get a roof over our heads, we see no end in sight. Well that's not really true. Believer's & follower's of Jesus see the end in sight. A glorious Kingdom with no sin, no pain, no tears. Something so wonderful that the cares and troubles of this world will be forgotten. And that's the only two paths in this life.
1. Headed toward God's Kingdom and eternal life with Him. or
2. Headed toward a lake of fire and eternal torment without Him.
Those aren't my words or thinking. That is what God's word clearly explains over and over and over. So as I complete this thought and prepare to attend church service, I ask you:
"What path are you on?"
Where will YOU be in a 100 years?
Since turning to God 10+ years ago, I have been an avid Bible reader and studier. I'm still trying to throw off the "Old Me" lifestyle, but I do see a new creation coming forth. God says that He can only accept "perfect" people in His Kingdom and this side of Heaven I will never be perfect. And neither will you. That's a tough pill for many to swallow. But through faith in Jesus Christ, He is my advocate and I can stand before God on judgement day and He will accept me. His question to me will be;
"What did you do with your salvation?"
I'm still building that answer and will continue to add to it in the years to come.
This world is getting worse. Everyone sees it happening. And as it get tougher to make a living, buy food, get a roof over our heads, we see no end in sight. Well that's not really true. Believer's & follower's of Jesus see the end in sight. A glorious Kingdom with no sin, no pain, no tears. Something so wonderful that the cares and troubles of this world will be forgotten. And that's the only two paths in this life.
1. Headed toward God's Kingdom and eternal life with Him. or
2. Headed toward a lake of fire and eternal torment without Him.
Those aren't my words or thinking. That is what God's word clearly explains over and over and over. So as I complete this thought and prepare to attend church service, I ask you:
"What path are you on?"
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Good vs. Evil
“Woe
unto them that call
evil good, and good
evil;"
Isaiah 5:20.
It has been happening for a long time, but it seems to get worse everyday. The world is doing a complete 180 degree turn when it comes to morals and living a godly life.
We see it everyday, elected officials ignoring their oaths of office, people being imprisoned for their belief's, God forbidden lifestyles being glorified and evil deeds given a pass from the Judges. Everywhere you look it is getting worse. I know that God see's it and He is permitting it for now, but soon a day of judgement is coming. I hope for that day to come soon!!!
I have been a part of Awana this year and helping young boys to learn about God and His word. It has been encouraging to see a good number of these boys are headed down the right path in life. A remnant if you please. But just like the world, there are some boys who just keep walking down the wide path of the world. I pray for them the most as I see their evil deeds and the hurt it causes their fellow clubbers.
We have a reward system in place to encourage the clubbers to complete their handbooks & memorize scripture, but even that is in jeopardy. Each week we award a special prize to a clubber who has shown good behavior; ( the clubber gets a key to our prize box and he can choose his award himself, from a variety of gifts). But during game time the key was stolen by someone and later found in a trash can. One of the boys must have been jealous of the award and couldn't contain himself, so he took the key. Evil came forth!
Now all the boys will be affected because we are going to discontinue the special award until the guilty person comes forward and confesses. Just like in the real world, one bad apple spoils the whole basket. A sad case indeed! Even at 10 years old sin is reigning in a person's life.
So how do we deal with a corrupt world?
Jesus said,
Jesus said,
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
Jesus also said,
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." John 15:18.
It's hard to do, but have patience, pray for those who are spiritually blind, and continue to look for the Lord's return. It will only get worse as we draw nearer to that glorious day.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Today!!!
If Jesus came today, would you be ready?
That's a question Christians ask themselves a lot these days. But is it true.
We just finished the Christmas season and the new year is upon us. I spent some time with family and friends over the past few weeks and the discussion kept going back to the decline of America. We have watched as the American leaders have done foolish things to our economy and the rights of the American people. The leaders will not admit that the country is broke financially and headed toward collapse. When that happens the people may revolt, there will be fighting among each other to survive and protecting our families will be necessary.
As I discussed the possibilities with others, I discovered that those who, "don't put their trust in God", have no hope at all. Each scenario led them to realize that their guns, skills and or personal strength would not be enough to defend against an angry mob or the government.
Let me be clear;
Will times get tough? Yes!
Will survival get to be near impossible? Yes, for a short time!
Will it be wonderful when God raptures us OR allows us to physically die to be with Him? YES!
Those without God will not experience this hope. I am secure that He will deliver me, take care of me, bless me with what ever His will is, when "times get tough". Am I planning for the tough times? Yes, I need to be faithful with what God has already given me and also to prepare for the future.
I find it difficult to make plans while I live in a foreign country. I say that because God asked me to come here and do His work, but I don't know how long I will be here. The Bible Camp where I work is feeling the effects of a downward economy too. We see the group numbers getting smaller and this effects the camps operating budget. I realize that at any moment the Camp Board of Directors may decide that I am no longer needed and they could let me go! Am I worried? No, not at all, but I must remain diligent to what God has for me next. Being able to hear God's voice does not just happen. I have had to grow, to train myself to hear Him. Only by reading and studying His word has this happened.
While all that is going on, I need to continue to serve Him each day. I need to continue to bless others with what He has given me. I need to continue to encourage others to "hang in there". I need to continue to humble myself each day. I need to tell others about Gods plan for salvation. Being saved has a stronger meaning these days.
If the economy collapsed today, if there was no food or fresh water today, if you had no place to live today, would you be ready? If Jesus came today, would you be ready?
That's a question Christians ask themselves a lot these days. But is it true.
We just finished the Christmas season and the new year is upon us. I spent some time with family and friends over the past few weeks and the discussion kept going back to the decline of America. We have watched as the American leaders have done foolish things to our economy and the rights of the American people. The leaders will not admit that the country is broke financially and headed toward collapse. When that happens the people may revolt, there will be fighting among each other to survive and protecting our families will be necessary.
As I discussed the possibilities with others, I discovered that those who, "don't put their trust in God", have no hope at all. Each scenario led them to realize that their guns, skills and or personal strength would not be enough to defend against an angry mob or the government.
Let me be clear;
Will times get tough? Yes!
Will survival get to be near impossible? Yes, for a short time!
Will it be wonderful when God raptures us OR allows us to physically die to be with Him? YES!
Those without God will not experience this hope. I am secure that He will deliver me, take care of me, bless me with what ever His will is, when "times get tough". Am I planning for the tough times? Yes, I need to be faithful with what God has already given me and also to prepare for the future.
I find it difficult to make plans while I live in a foreign country. I say that because God asked me to come here and do His work, but I don't know how long I will be here. The Bible Camp where I work is feeling the effects of a downward economy too. We see the group numbers getting smaller and this effects the camps operating budget. I realize that at any moment the Camp Board of Directors may decide that I am no longer needed and they could let me go! Am I worried? No, not at all, but I must remain diligent to what God has for me next. Being able to hear God's voice does not just happen. I have had to grow, to train myself to hear Him. Only by reading and studying His word has this happened.
While all that is going on, I need to continue to serve Him each day. I need to continue to bless others with what He has given me. I need to continue to encourage others to "hang in there". I need to continue to humble myself each day. I need to tell others about Gods plan for salvation. Being saved has a stronger meaning these days.
If the economy collapsed today, if there was no food or fresh water today, if you had no place to live today, would you be ready? If Jesus came today, would you be ready?
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