The Ends of the Earth

Pastor Bob leaves Wooster Grace

2012-01-25T11:33:00.001-05:00

Pastor Bob Fetterhoff left Wooster Grace to travel with Jim Pike & Roger McManus to visit the people we support in Cambodia & Thailand. Their travels, pictures, and stories are on Pastor Bob's blog.

Pastor Bob highlighted one ministry in Siem Reap, Cambodia--White Dove Ministries in a blog post. Please read more about this ministry from an earlier post. You can watch a five minute video of the ministry to capture an overview of what this ministry does--rescue girls from the sex trade industry.

White Dove is a ministry of YWAM dedicated to helping girls get out of prostitution. Rescued girls live in community with other women at the White Dove Center where they learn about Jesus, get counseling, start healing, and receive instruction to learn a trade to support themselves so that they can be free from the lure of prostitution as an income. Many girls arrive uneducated. Some are illiterate. Yet God is glorified when one girl chooses to leave the sex trade and to start a new life in Jesus. A great post overviewing the ministry and contact info is by Rachel Harman on her blogpost.

Director of White Dove Ministries & Pastor Chhom

We thank God that Pastor Chhom of the Siem Reap (Cambodia) Grace Brethren Church has partnered with this ministry to develop fully devoted followers of Christ from the ladies rescued from the sex slave industry. All praise to God!

Team is home!

2012-01-20T06:18:00.000-05:00

The team is back in Wooster!

I praise God for their safe return. May God help them adjust to our time zone and to work through the culture shock of what has happened while they were away.

Please keep them in prayer for the next week as they recalibrate their lives to life back home. It's not easy to encounter a BIG world, to expand your vision, and then to resume life as it was. Life will be different now. May the Lord be praised with their new commitments to develop into fully devoted followers of Christ.

A couple comments/and pictures from FB from the team:

"Back home safe and sound, praise God for such an awesome opportunity and great time with the 2012 Team Hope Asia Trip! Missing my new friends in Cambodia & Thailand... ready to sleep in my nice warm bed =) Thank you for all who prayed for me on my trip it was greatly appreciated! The Lord was able to do many awesome things threw our team (Carlin Tiano)."

"Great, not only am i in cleveland with sandals on and it's snowing, I just realized i left my jacket in Korea (RAD)."

Steve Knight changed his profile picture.

"Wow" by Traci Schar

2012-01-17T13:20:00.000-05:00

Wow! This has been one time-warped illusion. It’s hard to keep all my thoughts straight. It feels like one month’s worth of activities is happening in a day. Today we spent the day with the GROW children. They are so very special and cared for. They are group of wonderful children. So fun and crazy like their mom, Faa. We gave them the “American experience,” by taking them shopping in a mall. Something they never had the opportunity to do previously.

We started a mural on the walls of the new art room. As we were leaving an imprint on the walls here, I couldn’t help wonder if we too would leave an imprint on the children here. Well, I can’t speak for the children here, but I have most definitely been imprinted by them. Upon arriving at Grace Place, Battambang, I felt like I was meeting relatives for the first time. I was welcomed in the same manner, just like when we opened our home to one of our foster children and they become part of our family. This is how the children there made me feel.

Now, I knew it was going to be that way with our sponsored child, Heng. We have pictures and have been praying for him for a long time. But, I got that feeling from every child here. It so hard to even talk about because my heart aches when I think of all the children’s faces. How could I get such a close connection in such a short period of time? I think God is breaking my heart for my future. The love from these children is amazing- praying for us as “Mummy and Daddy.” What a blessing to sponsor these little angels.

Traci Schar

My name is Traci Host Schar and I am the wife of Charlie N. Schar. Together we have 2+ sons, Gavin (age 8) and Logan (age 4). The + is because we are foster parents, and for the past year, we have at least one more extra son in our home. I am looking forward to going on this trip because I want to meet in person and hug another son, Heng Ny Seang. He is one of the orphans we sponsor and he lives in Cambodia. I have compassion for hurting children everywhere and want to help anyway I can. I also have a heart for missions, which makes this trip super exciting for me, because it is my first mission trip! I pray that God will use me to show His compassion to His children everywhere. I pray that God will show me where He wants to lead me next. God willing, I hope this will be the start of many more mission trips, maybe even long term.

Pastor Bob makes it to SE Asia

2012-01-17T08:33:00.008-05:00

Pastor Bob Fetterhoff is in Cambodia with Jim Pike & Roger McManus. Read his first post on his blog. Please keep this team in your prayers too.

Pray for the team returning. They are in the middle of a thirty-hour odyssey as they come home. Ask God to help them adjust to our time zone, adapt to what has happened here, and to try to share what God has done in them with passion, grace, and tact.

I glorify God for His work through us to impact the peoples of the world for Christ!

We need time! By Jim Rhea ("Stretch")

2012-01-16T21:44:00.000-05:00

There is a time for every season….but does it have to be this time?

Hello from the other side of the world! I will “try” to share about my experience so far. My excitement of being here with the team is high, but the opportunity to be with the children I’ve bonded with is so much greater.

These precious ones who pray for me every day, who communicate their love in words and actions that frankly are overwhelming... Do you know what they want from me? It’s the same thing that I want. TIME!
We are now in Thailand but my most of my heart needs to catch up with me. For me it seems that we we're only there a few hours. To be asked to stay longer and to return every time is very emotional. There was a line in a song that said “All I ever wanted was someone to care for me, someone who’d always be there for me,even in my darkest hour”. Pray with me that I will not let them down.

From Wiang Pa Pao, where we have already had a wonderful day with these little ones, may God alone lead us in His way. Now it is time to go.

Stretch

Hi, I'm Jim Rhea or "Stretch" to many of you. It is a great joy and privilege to be on this team representing the Lord Jesus Christ and His people. I live in the country, love outdoor activities--hiking, motorcycling, the mountains, God's creation. I came to Christ as a nine year old and He has led me to serve in areas that often involve youth or as I like to say, "foundational ministry". This is exactly what we will be about on this journey, i.e. widows, orphans, those truly in need. Pray for us that God will be honored.

We are at Grace Place, Thailand!

2012-01-14T20:15:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I am borrowing someone's aircard to get online. Connection is slow and it is expense, so I will be brief. Thanks for the prayers. We arrived in Wiang Pa Pao, home of Grace Place, Thailand, yesterday early afternoon. The children were waiting for us. As I type this, I can hear them outside playing and having a great time with our team. It is a bit past 8am here and the team is just finishing serving them pancakes. Contrary to the Cambodia kids, who kept coming back for more until there was no more left, the kids here weren't too crazy about the pancakes.But they did enjoy it and had a great time.

Please keep praying for the general health of the team. Stomach issues are still a problem, though imodium has done the trick for several of our team members. Everybody is in good spirits. There is a great amount of cooperation among team members and we are having a blast with the kids here.

It's a bit chilly here today (we are up in the higher elevation of northern Thailand), so we changed our plans a little. We are taking all kids and staff to a chinese buffet for lunch today. That will be a first for the children and it will give the staff a little break. Then we will go together to Hot Springs, where natural hot waters will restore our bodies and minds to perfect health. :) The kids will have fun especially since it will not be cold water. After we return today we will look at the products the widows make here and buy some things from them, then we will have dinner, enjoy worship together and distribute the gifts so many of you sent to your children. It will be a busy day.

Thank you in advance for your prayers!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

Before we go to Grace Place, Thailand

2012-01-13T12:04:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Today represented a bit of change in the crazy schedule our team has been keeping. We were able to spend time with the eight G.R.O.W. children under Sumitra (Faa)'s care. The girls had a makeover and the boys carried sand to the playground. Everyone joined in the work and the fun that came later on -- throwing balloons with a sling shot, taking pictures, swimming, shopping with the kids, eating ice cream and eating some of the best food we have eaten so far, courtesy of Beam, Faa's assistant.

But tomorrow it is back to the insane pace again as we head north to Wiang Pa Pao, where Grace Place, Thailand, is located. We will be riding on the back of trucks and sleeping in the "Bamboo Hilton." More later, but you will have to stay tuned because we will be without Internet for a couple of days.

Several of our team members are still dealing with some stomach related issues. I am feeling better but still lacking energy from little sleep. I am hoping I can resume running pretty soon, I haven't been able to for two days in a roll.

God's blessings on you all and keep the comments coming. We read them every day.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

Ah Thailand, my home away from home, thoughts from Renee Shilling

2012-01-13T02:57:00.005-05:00

Why would you not want to live in a land that literally means "beautiful?" I cannot think of one good reason; unless of course you don't love orchids, elephants, and coconuts. But before I dig into the details of today, I must update you on some team anecdotes.

Tuesday en route to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat): Pastor Ivanildo offered people some dried cranberries as he does every time that we're on the bus. As he poured some cranberries into my hand, a red bug started crawling out from among the cranberries and up my arm. A red bug! REALLY?! Had it not crawled up my arm when it did, it would've gone straight into my mouth with the cranberries! In a fit of panic, I squealed like a little girl, and the cranberries and bug went flying out of my hands. Pastor Ivanildo reminded me that people eat those bugs in Cambodia. Yes, but ALIVE?! Unfortunately for everyone else, the reaction was too quick to capture on film. I, for one, am grateful!

Wednesday at a street corner in Phnom Penh: And today's Black Market Special (ding, ding, ding), Moto License Plates! Please, come here. I sell for good price! Would you like blue? Green? How 'bout yellow or red? Need I say more?

On a more serious note, one of our team members had trouble passing through security. Mike has a battery powered breathing machine that security would not allow him to take on the plane. While Ivanildo went to intervene, I felt prompted to pray for the situation. Ivanildo told security that Mike was disabled and he needed the apparatus while he was traveling. Security finally allowed Mike to carry his battery. Praise You Jesus!!!

I enjoyed hearing the first impressions of my teammates as we arrived in Chiang Mai. "It's a lot different than I expected." "It's more developed than I expected." "This looks like a nice place to vacation." Well I say it looks like a nice place to live! And apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so! We picked up a stowaway at the train station by the name of Brenden Miller; maybe you know him. He is checking out different ministry opportunities for him and his wife in this part of the world.

As I walked through the night bazaar, I was reminded of why my heart breaks for this country. Young, beautiful girls dressed for success -or at least for the night. The men that they're with are so dirty. Don't these girls see what I see in them? The potential to be so much more than a one night stand? Why do women easily fall into the trap of finding their self worth in such creepy men. It disgusts me to see such degradation in this world. It really takes Genesis 3:16 to a whole new level. It must sear the heart of God.

Because of one woman's desire to protect innocent children at risk of such exploitation, G.R.O.W was founded. Faa is a young woman after my own heart, and the ministry that she is providing to 8 at-risk children inspires me. We had an opportunity to eat dinner and have a worship service with the children. Please continue to pray for the GROW ministry with the wisdom to make several decisions with expansion.

Thank you so much for your prayers, and continue to do so. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement in our obedience to carry out the great commission. God bless you!

Renee Shilling:

I LOVE people. I love how diverse we all are, and I love learning about the cultural and religious background. My favorite people in the world are children, specifically my nephews, Jonathan, Logan, and Gabriel, and my niece, Cadence. Jesus encourages us all to have faith like a child. We can all learn so much from their teachable minds and vulnerability to trust.

I am a musician, and have had the privilege of playing trombone in the Church Orchestra, and participating in the Bell Choir. My greatest musical joy is leading worship in the four14 band. I love worshiping a risen Savior, and want to lead a life that worships him. My desire is to see others develop that same passion of worshiping the only true God.

"Leading the Angels in Worship" by Ed Tirakis

2012-01-12T10:34:00.005-05:00

Imagine that you walked into heaven and one of the first jobs you were assigned was to lead the angels in worship. That was my dilemma on Sunday. As we entered the Asia's Hope compound we were met with the usual crush of smiles and laughter and 30 plus voices shouting "Hullo D'ddy! Hullo Mu'mmy!"

Just getting off the bus is an event. While trying to avoid stepping on little toes, two sets hands quickly take your right hand and forearm, two more sets take your left hand and forearm. Another set of hands grabs you from behind and you are immediately relieved of any baggage you might have had. Meanwhile anyone who is left is hugging you from the front. You have to shuffle your feet because you can't move any faster and you don't want to step on anyone. I got led into the Team Hope Pavilion and seated on the boys side of the room, meanwhile Diane was led to the girls side of the room. As the music started, I was surrounded by children smiling warmly at me and then they began to sing. I'm telling you this was a moment I won't soon forget. The children on either side of me were were gently caressing my arms and then the worship started.

Every tear in my eyes immediately left my face. I looked over at Diane and she had lost her composure. I have never felt so welcome, so special, so honored as I did in that moment and it occurred to me that I was getting an earthly glimpse of what heaven is really like.

I had been preoccupied with so many things. What song was I going to sing? Would they have a music stand? Would there be a microphone? Would the guitar be in tune? The kids were only concerned with two things. Worshiping God and serving our team. All the details I was concerned about immediately became irrelevant in light of these little ones' love and care for us. These kids worship like they do everything, passionately, purely, and with unadulterated energy! I have been leading worship for over 20 years. I have led countless thousands in worship in that time but this day I wasn't there to lead them in worship. They were leading me. My little offering of a song that morning while politely welcomed by them, was really the least important thing that happened that morning. I've struggled to put into words what being with these kids is really like and how one can become so attached to them in such a short time. Diane and I were left unable to process our time with these kids because it is so sweet and so bitter all at the same time. I heard this quote today during my study time.

"Beauty is unbearable. It drives us to despair because it offers us, for a moment, a glimpse of an eternity that we desperately want to stretch out overall of time." (Albert Camus)

As I watched the angels worship God this day I caught for a brief moment a beautiful glimpse into an eternity that I did not want to end.

Ed Tirakis

I am the Laboratory Manager at Wooster Community Hospital. I have thought about going to Cambodia and Thailand for a few years now but always saw too many reasons not to go. God worked on my heart, and now I desire very much to go and be with the children we are trying to help through Team Hope. My goals for the trip are the following:

1. Show God's love to all the kids.
2. Connect with Ry Vith, our sponsored child.
3. Learn how Team Hope can help these little ones and save more kids.
4. Help out in whatever ways I am able, i.e. lead worship.
5. Learn more about the culture of Cambodia and Thailand.

"Leading the Angels in Worship" by Ed Tirakis

2012-01-12T10:33:00.000-05:00

Ed Tirakis

1. 1. Show God’s love to all the kids

2. 2. Connect with Ry Vith, our sponsored child

3. 3. Learn how Team Hope can help these little ones and save more kids

4. 4. Help out in whatever ways I am able, i.e. lead worship

5. 5. Learn about the culture of Cambodia and Thailand.

tHThanks for praying for me!

The "injury list" for January 11

2012-01-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

Steve Knight: fever, stomach issues, lying down on the back of the bus for most of the trip from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

Ed Tirakis: fell while playing with the kids at the State Orphanage. Bruised knee. Walking gingerly.

Renee Shilling: congested, rough ride on the back of the bus.

Pastor Ivanildo and Kelly Stewart: sore throat. Hate it, that's usually a sign that I am getting a cold. Ouch!

Jim Rhea: stomach issues, exhausted and heart broken over leaving the kids at Grace Place, Battambang.

Everybody else: sleep deprived and longing for the children we just left, while longing for home in the U.S.

Thanks for your prayers. We leave for the airport at 7:00 am tomottow morning and would appreciate if you remembered to pray for us. It is the middle point of our trip and we all need to get better.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

Listening to Jesus from the heart of Diane Tirakis . . .

2012-01-11T10:12:00.019-05:00

My name is Diane Tirakis and I am the wife of Ed, mother of Will, who is 6, and Lydia, who is 8. I am currently a stay at home mom, which is the best job I’ve ever had! I have been a runner for 9 years and began Team Hope in 2009 after God burdened my heart for the children of SE Asia. I traveled on my first mission trip as a junior in high school to the Dominican Republic and have desired to travel in a missions capacity since. I have since prayed about being able to visit SE Asia, especially to have a chance to meet the precious girl that our family sponsors in Cambodia and the amazing boys that Team Hope sponsors in Thailand. I feel certain that God has more to do through Team Hope and it is my prayer that He will give us direction for how we can rescue more children.

A Country of Contrasts

Hello from Siem Reap, Cambodia! We have finished another great day today, though most of us are still grappling with emotions from our time with the children of Grace Place Battambang. Today we took about a 3 hour bus ride to the city of Siem Reap. Approaching the city, we passed a “country club,” the first of those we’ve seen here! Then, began another day of great contrast. There are large, sprawling, Las Vegas style hotels lining the streets (well, not quite Las Vegas) and more modern shopping than we’ve seen. This is because Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat which is one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, thus attracting a great deal of tourism. Among these hotels remains the extreme poverty we’ve seen everywhere on our trip.

We spent our day today visiting the ruins of the temples of Angkor Wat (google it to learn more!). These were built over a period of 600 years around the 9th century for Hindu gods. They are unbelievably large and beautifully detailed in the carvings and writings. What struck me was the amazing amount of work, time and cost to build something to gods that would never answer, never speak, never bless. Even today, within many of the inner chambers, people were lighting incense, making offerings to gods and ancestors. I even saw people shedding tears as they did this. I wanted to tell them that I know the One and Only. Jesus. He answers, He speaks, He blesses. He is alive!

The most difficult part of the day was to navigate through the throngs of people, mostly children selling trinkets, books and jewelry in an unrelenting manner. We had been advised to smile at them, say “thank you” but move along and largely ignore them so as not to be swarmed. Contrast. We just came from a place of pouring our every ounce of attention on children. Children who, if it had not been for Grace Place would be these very children selling goods to tourists for $1. The children we saw today were vacant. Their eyes were empty as the followed us repeating the same few phrases again and again. One little girl followed me all the way to our bus barefoot. She had no shoes. She just stared. This beautiful place, these beautiful people, so much poverty and need. Contrast. The children of Grace Place are lively, their eyes light, their smiles wide. They are thriving in the hope and truth of Jesus Christ. There are so many more children who need the chance to know Him.

Contrast this beautiful place of ancient history with Steve and Carlin planking. We seem to draw attention wherever we go!

Tonight we finished our evening enjoying dinner with the Pastor of Grace Brethren Siem Reap and the founders of White Dove, a ministry to young women leaving a life of prostitution. Our time with them was short, but inspiring to know that people from all parts of the world are following the Holy Spirit as He calls them into ministry. They are people of passion. We are becoming people of passion.

And we're also finding out that planking isn't half bad either:)Thanks for your partnership in prayer with our team. Lydia and Will, Mom and Dad love you and can't wait to see you!!

Back in Phnom Penh

2012-01-11T08:13:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,
We made it back to Phnom Penh -- the longest bus trip ever. We arrived in a city that never sleeps because they have to stay awake for the crazy traffic on the streets. Everything is so crowded and seemingly small. The congested traffic in and around the city prolonged the trip by about two hours.

I didn't share this with the team but yesterday I witnessed a motorcycle crash on a busy street in Siem Reap. One guy simply rammed on the other and wiped out on the side of the road, pieces of his bike flying everywhere. Thankfully, both guys got up and drove away on their bikes, apparently with no scratches.

After arriving in Phnom Penh, we ate a late lunch at Lucky Burger, the closest you will get to a McDonald's here in Cambodia. We were so tired and hungry so it was good to get some food. A couple of our team members are sick so we ask you to pray for a quick recovery.

After arriving at the hotel, we went to the State run orphanage on the outskirts of the city and visited with about 150 children and staff at a facility I have been ministering at since 1999. More about that later, hopefully, but you need to know that the time with the kids there was outstanding, our team did extremely well and Kellie gave a wonderful testimony.

I have to go, but imagine about 120 kids opening the first Bible they've ever seen and learning how to turn it to John !4:6. RAD brought Kellie's message home with a bang.

Blessings,

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

In Siem Reap, Cambodia

2012-01-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

We spent the day in Siem Reap. I am sitting at the hotel lobby, having just finished a meeting, and am trying to gather up courage to get up the six flights of stairs to go to my room. I have fallen asleep white typing at least two times. Everybody else is in their room. They are exhausted. Pray for a good night's rest, and our long six-hour bus trip to Phnom Penh tomorrow. We're are tired but thankful; healthy but not without the occasional stomach blues.

Keep praying!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

A Day Like No Other...

2012-01-09T11:07:00.000-05:00

You would think that after many times saying good-by to our kids at Grace Place, you manage to control your emotions and things get a little easier. Well, not really.

Today was one of those days our team will never forget. This day will forever mark the time in our lives when our love for our kids was sealed with a sense of deep sadness. So often love is labored in pain and sealed in sadness. People swear eternal love in times of war and go on into the night without knowing what the future will bring. We, on the other hand, tasted the sweetness of love in a moment of separation after only a few days, so few the math of love doesn't add up. How can you love so deeply in such a brief span of time. Maybe it is because of a bond stronger than love itself unites us.

This was indeed a day for the history books. Our team cooked pancakes for the children... hundreds of them, non-stop, for a couple of hours. The kids were so fun to watch, especially as they kept coming back to the line to get more. Love is also sealed in the company of food and this would be proven true again later in the day as we took the kids and all the stuff to eat at their favorite restaurant -- an all you can eat buffet that lets you pick and cook the food you want to eat, right there on your own table. Our children were so well behaved and they have perfected dining to an art.

In the afternoon, we divided the team between several units of recreation, art, hair and nail make over, and filling water balloons for a different kind of war that was to be fought later on. Love thrives in the midst of merry-making. And time does fly when you are having fun.

Our parting was sad but it was also rich. We sang with the kids back at Grace Place. RAD led us on a candlelight moment, and then we released lanterns into the dark Battambang sky (Mr. Steve's idea). We also prayed for each of the children in small groups and asked them to pray for us. And then we extricate ourselves from their embrace, hoping they don't catch a glimpse of the adults balling like little children, but knowing full well that their love will always remain more than a glimpse, a blossoming flower that refuses to die.

I wish I could tell you more about this day but I have been up for 19 hours now and can't keep my eyes open anymore.

Sorry for the predictable letters on "page" and no image. Next time.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

"Kelliessential"

2012-01-08T14:59:00.004-05:00

We've got a pretty busy schedule tonight with a dance party, ice cream and barbecued egg social and presenting sponsor gifts to the children so I’ll just be covering the events of this morning. Wow, where to start?

We met with the Kanes this morning for breakfast at a noodle shop. Just in case Mike was not humiliated enough with the “Mary Magdalene” picture, I thought I’d share a funny incident from our meal. The napkins here are very small and thin, more like a sheet of toilet paper. Mike was eating his soup (yes, soup for breakfast , when his napkin dropped into his bowl. He didn’t notice this until he mistook it for a noodle and tried to eat it (with a chopstick). He might have invented a new recipe, but I don’t think we’ll see him on Iron Chef any time soon, but we will forever tease him about eating “napkin soup.”

On a more serious note, we had a church service with all the Asia’s Hope children today. There are six other homes here besides Grace Place so there were many children. There was lots of enthusiastic singing and dancing. Jim and Diane gave testimonies and Pastor Ivanildo gave a message. The service was held in the pavilion that was built with money raised by Team Hope. Just being in that pavilion gave me an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that God would allow me to be here. So many times, we never see the fruits of our labor. We plant or water, but we don’t see the harvest. Today I had the joy of being in this place, worshiping our Savior with these sweet children who used to be faces in photographs, but who were now little bodies snuggling against my shoulders and continually smiling at me.

One goal of mine for this trip was to bring all of you along with me in spirit. This morning I wanted to grab your hand, point at that pavilion and shout, “Look at what God as done through you!” Sometimes we feel so small. We think that we don’t have much to offer to God that can amount to anything big. Today I saw with my own eyes how He can take little offerings and multiply them into something great. To everyone who has run or walked in the Team Hope events, all those who gave money to support them, and the ones who cheered the runners on and offered up prayers for endurance and protection against injury, look at what those offering s have accomplished! We are small on our own, but Christ has knit us together into one body that can do incredible things through His power!

Guest author's bio: "My name is Kelly Stewart. I was born and raised in Wayne County. I graduated from Wooster High School, Wheaton College, and Walden University.

I have been married to Jeff for 12 years and have two children, Riley, age 6, and Colin, age 4. I taught 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade at Apple Creek Elementary for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. I am the nursery coordinator at Grace. I enjoy antiques, crafting, and playing with my kids.

I decided to go on this trip because God's call to care for orphans is something that weighs heavily on my heart. I want to find out what more God would have me do to carry out this command. I am so excited to be going on this trip. I can't wait to spend time with the children, to fellowship with these sweet little souls, and to learn what God would teach me."

Dinner time on Sunday night...

2012-01-08T06:18:00.003-05:00

Dinner tonight at Piazza Hand and then we off to Grace Place for a celebration with all the homes including ice cream, traditional Cambodian dance, some fireworks, and then it's Christmas in January as we humbly try to pass on all the love from the people of Wooster Grace as we deliver sponsor gifts. And then to culminate the night... we will be spending the night with the kids at Grace Place and then in the morning, we are cooking breakfast American style with pancakes all around! Thanks for all the comments we cherish them at dinner time as mail from home.

Thanks for being here with us through the prayers you are offering on our behalf.

Thinking about today from the eyes of Carlin Tiano...

2012-01-07T09:31:00.008-05:00

"Putting today into words is more difficult than I thought it would be when I was asked to write the blog for today. Between the bus ride that felt like an earth quake simulator that rattled my brain, to stepping off that bus and being greated by a group of children with open arms was quite a roller coaster both mentally and physically. When I exited the bus, the first face I saw was that of my families sponsored child waiting to hug me It didn't feel like we were meeting for the first time, but rather that I was reunited with a little brother.

Though I only have spent a few hours with these kids, I feel a very deep connection with them. Now I really know what this trip is all about, it is real. I see the outpouring of love from these kids as a true blessing and I wonder whom is ministering to whom? We played with balloons and they had such a blast making hats and animals! It was Kelly's Birthday today so we surprised her with a cake, and as Cambodian tradition would have it, the cake ended up being smashed and smeared all over the nearest friends face!

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be here bringing all the love that our church has to share with our family from Grace to our family in Cambodia. And most of all, I'm so grateful that the Lord has allowed me to experience and grow and deepen my heart for how big He is, and how awesome it is to be a part of the family of God. Thanks everyone for your prayers and support of our team and of me. My name is Carlin Tiano, that's my story and I'm sticking with it!"

We are here! Off to meet the kids at Grace Place Cambodia:)

2012-01-07T03:27:00.000-05:00

Street Walking in Phnom Penh

2012-01-06T17:41:00.000-05:00

It's 5:30 am here in Phnom Penh, and RAD and I are slowly getting up to welcome the new day. I am getting ready to go on my morning walk/run (today I am going to the river front, by the Mekong River) and RAD is getting ready to put on the John Tesh radio show as we both need a lot of intelligence for what lies ahead today.

It is a solid six hours to Battambang from here on our blue bus, which doesn't go fast but gets us there safely. Our bus driver is our friend of many trips, Khandy, who is a believer and a very fun person to be around. He has a very loud laugh and is a big fan of a nice joke. We will have a very busy day ahead but at the end of our trip what waits us is more than worth the effort.

Today is a special day for another reason I will tell you later. Cannot tell you know because it is a surprise. But if you come back in the next day or so, you will read about it, perhaps with some pictures to illustrate it.

Walking along the busy streets of downtown Phnom Penh yesterday allowed us to see this country with a bird's eye view. We stopped to chat with children who were in school -- they were so adorable, using the English they know to greet us with many smiles. We peaked at a little boy and a little girl from a distance, who were sitting side-by-side with their arms around their shoulders, talking in each other's ears, smiling and not having a care in the world. What a contrast this was to the stark surrounding of the classrooms where they sat -- dark, virtually no bright colors on the wall, and from a distance what appeared to be very little educational resources.

Outside though, it is the daily grind of people trying to make a living. Small repair shops line the streets, with workers sometimes doing their work right on the sidewalk. Uneven sidewalks, by the way, seem to be the perpetual reminders that nothing is at appears and nothing seems predictable in this country.

Except, that is the love that awaits us from our kids at Grace Place, Battambang. That you can predict, you can take to the bank, and I am starting to feel it right now as we get ready to get on the "Khandy express."

Thank you for investing in the lives of these precious little ones on the other side of the ocean. And thank you for giving us a chance to represent you here.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

Thoughts from the team. . . . Mike Ohlsen

2012-01-06T11:34:00.017-05:00

Greetings! Just a quick moment to say thanks for the prayers of God's people and especially as many of you leave even a short post for members of the team. Today we enjoyed your "thoughts from home" while we shared lunch with some of our Cambodian family. Just watching the faces of the team as they hear words from folks at home communicated clearly once again to me the value of our two way communication in the lives of the team.

Each day along the way we'll be spotlighting one of the team members so that you might get to know them better and how to pray more effectively as well as how the Lord is impacting them along the way.

Today you get the chance to meet Mike Ohlsen, and just wanted to say thanks for allowing me the priviledge of reprensenting the fine folks of Wooster Grace here in Asia.

Blessings,
RAD

Hi. I’m Mike Ohlsen. I am married, have two married children and two grandchildren. I am very excited about going back to Asia. My heart was opened up after the trip a year ago. I look forward again in using my talents to help others and spread God’s love.

Here are Mike's thoughts for today, Friday, January 6th:

"As you know the team arrived safely in good health and sprits. The nice arrival time gave the team a chance to unwind and have a midnight snack before turning in. The first day in Cambodia has given the team a chance to bond with an early morning Temple walk. Pastor Ivanildo helped guide the walk explaining the do's and don’ts of Cambodian culture. Following this was a team breakfast. Nothing like starting the day off with pork rice noodle soup instead of a nice bowl, of Oatmeal, good old Cheerios or Special K. Pastor RAD then gave a good devotional to the team mentioning that there are still 1.5 billion people who need to hear ab9ut Christ. That's like taking the record attendance of the 1980 Super Bowl held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA - 103,985 people and to get to 1.1 billion you would have to fill that stadium, with that many people, 10,578 times! We've still got plenty of work to do.

The first stop today was the Russian market. Pastor Ivanildo had to purchase a number of items for the G.R.O.W. house. Some items were purchased by the team before heading to the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields where the silent cries of a tragic time still cry out from the walls, the photos and the ground of those killed during that awful time in Cambodian history.

After a quick trip back to the hotel to freshen up we embarked on a sensory overload of cultural experience as the team traveled by TokTok to our dinner destination.

We closed out the night praying for our early morning trip tomorrow to Battambong where everyone is clearly excited to be able to see our kids and freely distribute the many, many hugs that were packed in our bags from so many of you.

Thanks for praying and sending us to be here,

Mike

P.S. Mary Magdelene doesn't have anything on me!"

We are in Cambodia!

2012-01-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

This will be a quick post to let everyone know that we arrived safely in Phnom Penh. It's past 2 am now and we are all nicely placed in our hotel rooms. I need to try to get some sleep but how can I when RAD got Dave Coz and Billie Holiday on? Seriously... No, don't get me wrong. I like that stuff!

We have an early morning start later and a busy day ahead, visiting Toul Sleng (the genocide museum here) and the killing fields. Please pray for stamina for the whole team. It will be hot and sweaty.

Thanks for your prayers!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

We are off to Asia!

2012-01-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

In a couple of hours I will be heading to church where our team will be congregating not for a service but for an adventure. We will all be wide awake, full of exciting and nervous energy, as we head to Cleveland and then to South East Asia, a first time experience for several on our team and a life-changing experience for all of us.

As always, we will blog here as often as possible and we would appreciate your prayers and thoughts on our behalf. And please please, leave comments. This blog is often the only source of news the team members have. It is our lifeline back to the U.S., so please keep those comments coming!

To help you follow us, here is our tentative schedule for our trip:

SE Asia Winter 2012 STM Team Hope Trip Tentative Schedule

Key

PP – Phnom Penh WPP - Wieng Pa Pao

SR – Siem Reap GPT – Grace Place, Thailand

GPB – Grace Place, Cambodia CM – Chiang Mai

Wednesday, January 4^th

2:30am Meet @ Wooster Grace, leave for CLE at 3:00

Thursday, January 5^th

Arrive in PP @ 10:20 pm

Spend the night @ the hotel

Friday, January 6^th

8:00am Street walk with Pastor Ivanildo

9:00 Breakfast and Team meeting at the hotel

10:00 Toul Sleng (Khmer Holocaust Museum) and Killing fields

2:00 Lunch

3:00-5:00 Free

5:00 – 7:00 Visit AH homes in Prek Eng

7:30 Dinner

8:30 Team Debrief @ the Hotel

Saturday, January 7^th

6:00 Walk (optional)

7:00 Leave by bus to Battambang (breakfast and lunch on the way)

12:00 -12:30 Arrive at the TEO hotel

2:15 Load up for GPB

2:30 – 8:00 Spend time with children at GPB

Dinner and evening program

8:15 Load up for TEO

9:00 Snack and Team Meeting @ the Hotel

Sunday, January 8^th

7:00 Breakfast (@ Noodle shop with Kevin and Jill Kane)

8:00 Worship Service with all the children

12:00 lunch with GPB staff

1:30-2:45 Free Time, possible prep work for mural

2:45 Leave for Ministry Center

3:00 Service @ The Minister Center (Kanes)

5:00 Dinner

7:00 Party at GPB to deliver Sponsors’ gifts

10:00 Spend the night @ GPB

Monday, January 9^th

6:00 Walk (optional)

7:00 Cook breakfast

9:00 Serve Breakfast for children and staff

10:30 Back to the TEO

10:30 – 11:30 Free time

11:30 Team Meeting @ the TEO

12:00 Lunch

1:30 – 5:30 Projects with children @ GPB

6:00 Dinner

7:30 Farewell Party and Ice Cream @ GPB

9:00 Pack for SR

Spend the night @ the hotel

Tuesday, January 10

5:00 am Leave for SR

8:30 Breakfast @ hotel in SR

9:00 – 3:00 Tour Angor Wat and other sites

5:00 Meet with local GBC pastor in SR and hear about ministry to current and former prostitutes

8:30 Team Meeting @ the hotel in SR

Wednesday, January 11

7:00 Leave for PP

12:00 Arrive in PP (lunch at the Thmorda)

1:30-3:30 Free

3:30 - 4:30 Luggage Prep

4:30 Leave for State Orphanage

7:00 Dinner

8:00 Team Meeting @ the hotel

Spend the night @ the hotel in PP

Thursday, January 12

7:00 Breakfast

8:00 Leave for PP airport

10:00 Leave for CM

2:05 Arrive in CM

4:00 Check into hotel in CM

5:00 Team Meeting

9:00 – 11:00 Night Bazaar

Spend the night @ the Hotel

Friday, January 13

6:30 Walk (optional)

8:00 Breakfast & Team Meeting

9:00 Leave for G.R.O.W. home

9:30 – 4:00 Projects @ the G.R.O.W. home

5:00 Swimming & Dinner with G.R.O.W. children

9:00 Night Bazaar (optional)

Spend the night @ the Hotel

Saturday, January 14^th

6:30 Walk (optional)

9:00 Breakfast & Team Meeting

10:00 Leave for GPT in WPP

11:30 – 1:00 arrive @ GPT and mingle, get settled

1:00 Lunch

2:00-6:00 Projects @ GPT

6:00 Meet Widows

7:00 Dinner

8:00 Fireside service

9:00 Team Meeting

Spend the night @ GPT

Sunday, January 15^th

7:00 – 9:00 Cook Breakfast

9:00 Serve Breakfast

10:30 Worship Service with GPT staff and children

Distribute Sponsors’ gifts

12:00 Pack, hang out with children

1:00 Lunch

2:00 Travel to CM

4:30 Service and dinner with College Students

6:45 Travel to Sunday market

11:00 Back to the Hotel, spend the night there

Monday and Tuesday, January 16^th

6:30 Walk (optional)

7:00 Breakfast and Team Meeting

8:00Travel to Faa’s village

Return to WPP and spend the night there

Tuesday, January 17^th

8:30 Breakfast and Team Meeting

9:30 Leave for Water Park with GPT children (possible)

Spend the night @ Hotel in CM

Wednesday, January 18

8:30 Leave for Doi Sothep, Team debrief there

Leave for the CM airport @ 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 19

Arrive in CLE @ 5:30 pm

Thank you again for your prayers!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

Saying Farewell to Africa

2011-10-27T17:39:00.002-04:00

Today is our last day here in Bangui, Central African Republic. We started out this morning doing some shopping at some local shops. The shopping is fun because the shop keepers will negotiate the price. The rest of the day was spent meeting with different people. We visited the Grace Brethren Missionary compound and met with the American missionaries.

We also requested that Andre' our cook would bring his family here so we could meet them. Andre's family came and we enjoyed meeting them and giving them some gifts.

I guess at this point, it is time to sign off from this blog from Africa, it has been amazing to watch God work to assemble our team, bring us all here, and allow us to accomplish more than we expected. It is humbling to be a part of God's plan and we commit all that we have done to Jesus.

Thanks to all who have supported us, prayed for us, followed our stories. Please continue to pray for our health and safety as we begin out journey home. We look forward to sharing our experiences with you, but be patient with us as we have a lot to process as we have seen extreme poverty first hand and sometimes it takes time to make sense of it all. Reverse culture shock is something we deal with as we readjust to the American lifestyle.

I challenge all who have read this blog to help spread the gospel around the world as well as your home and hometown. Everyone has something to offer to help others. Our team theme verse has been 1Peter 4:10-11 which says, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever . Amen"

I encourage anyone interested to check out ICDI's website and on facebook.

In His Service

Tim

Three pictures, 3,000 words

2011-10-26T16:25:00.000-04:00

Three more pictures from New Horizons ABF team in Bangui, Central African Republic.

Relationship Connection: Honor of eating with Central African couple

2011-10-26T15:48:00.000-04:00

Today was a day of mixed emotions, we were glad to go work again at PK 22 but we knew today was our last day of work. Every one worked hard to finish projects so the African guys can finish. We set the last truss just before the end of the day for the mechanics shop.

We had a great lunch with Fabian and his wife today. Fabian invited us which is a huge honor and all of us enjoyed the time with him. It also gave all the guys the opportunity to be in an African home. Fabian expressed his appreciation to us for all of our work and for teaching him new skills. This was awesome because the main purpose of our trip was to build relationships not just a building.

Bob Belohlavek

We had a special time of dedication of the new barn with all of the top African staff of ICDI and Bob Belohlavek of the American staff. We had a time of prayer committing the barn to God's work through ICDI.
At the end of our work day, we also spent some time with all of the workers that had worked with us these last two weeks. We gave them shirts and other gifts to express our appreciation for their hard work. We ended our time with prayer and then said our goodbyes.

Now we start turning our attention to heading home, tomorrow is a day for shopping and packing suitcases. We leave Friday morning to begin our journey home.

Tim

Leverage your skill from work to impact Africa

2011-10-25T18:57:00.000-04:00

Today we continued our work at PK 22. We worked at mounting the trusses onto the containers for the mechanics area. We are doing it the African way, using two truck frames as our steel support beam. Dave worked on the M 36 Army truck to get it running, then he worked on the fork lift.

It is awesome to have such highly skilled guys on this team. Each guy is using his talents and abilities for the Lord's work. Josh used his skills in the backhoe to fix the driveway into PK 22, he attracted quite a crowd of kids heading to school. He gave a couple kids a treat and gave them a ride. We had a rain storm hit around lunch time, it was nice to be able to take refuge in the new barn. We are down to one more day for work projects so we are determined to finish as many things as we can, thanks to all who have followed our blog and prayed for us. You have been part of the team.

Tim

Pastor Ivanildo & his wife Naza arrive in SE Asia

2011-10-25T16:58:00.000-04:00

Just an update: Pastor Ivanildo posted on FB. They have arrived safely in SE Asia for their vacation. You can follow him on his blog. Post a comment to encourage them.

Work team continues getting things done in Central Africa

2011-10-24T19:37:00.000-04:00

After a great couple days to relax we went back to work at PK 22 today. We did a multitude of projects from leveling dirt around the new barn to building trusses, putting a fork lift together and get it running, to setting a generator to moving shipping containers into place for storage.

Craig was able to take a load of corn into the neighboring village with Fabian and other African guys. He met Fabian's wife and got a tour of their house. Fabian is in charge of PK 22 (photos of PK22 on FB) for ICDI. Craig also got into a short soccer game with local children, sorry he did not have his camera.

We also visited the ICDI Orphan Care Center (photos of summer camp here). We toured the center looking at the woodworking shop used to train the boys as well as the sewing room for the girls (photos of expo). We met with the directors and learned about the program.

Tim

Woodworking Trade Finished Products

Sewing Products on display

The Sabbath is for all humans

2011-10-23T18:59:00.000-04:00

Today we attempted to go to church for the 7am service but on our way we found out that the bridge had been washed out and it would take over a half an hour to get around the bridge so we decided to go back to the guest house and have our own service.

We used technology and had Pastor Bob preach using the Wooster GBC website. Our impromptu service turned out to be a very special time. The message Pastor Bob preached matched very well with our team devotions on Saturday night.

We enjoyed a time of sharing about how God has worked in all of our lives to allow us to be here to serve Him using our time and talents. We all believe God has brought us here to fulfill His plan in our lives. The sacrifice of each of us to be away from our loved ones strengthens our faith in God's plan.

After church we went out for breakfast at the French Cafe' and then we headed out of town to Boali to see the water falls. It was fun to get out of town and see smaller villages We got to hold some monkeys at the water falls and see God's handiwork and beauty of the water fall full of water from the rainy season.

Then the guys walked across a cable walk way that crosses the river just before it goes over the falls. For lunch we stopped at a roadside grill we called our McDonald's, we bought meat and sodas and headed up to the ICDI radio station to have a picnic. We toured the radio station and then headed back to Bangui. It was nice to have some time to relax and see some new things.

Tim

No Speed Limit Racing

2011-10-22T23:55:00.000-04:00

After our visit with the farmer, we had some well deserved fun. We visited the only go cart track in the CAR. We all had a blast, the track has no rules including bumping and cutting off to prevent a pass so we took aggressive driving to a new level. We had lots of laughs but it was a great time just letting lose a little. Enjoy the pictures.

Tim

Helping Africa one barn at a time!

2011-10-22T23:50:00.002-04:00

Today we finished the barn!! The guys did a great job figuring everything out. Like putting a puzzle together, we put the barn together piece by piece. However, we did have pieces left over but I'm pretty confident they were extras. Since we worked so hard this week, we decided to only work half a day. The afternoon we went and visited a farmer who is growing spirulina, bananas, and fish. We especially were interested in the spirulina growing as it can provide many nutritional benefits to those who eat it.

Tim

"Big White Guys Build Big White House" (No prejudice intended)

2011-10-21T17:45:00.000-04:00

Storms skirt worksite

Here are some pictures of Rick and Bruce who we have given the name "orange team" because they like to where orange shirts on the same day. Today they finished building the wagon and took a wagon ride to celebrate, I said it looked like two pumpkins in the wagon smile!! One picture is of a storm cloud going around us, it has been cool to see how many rain storms have gone around us allowing us to continue our work, we thank God for His grace. We are starting to attract crowds during the day coming to see the " big house" and the big white guys.

Tim

Helping Africa one barn at a time

2011-10-21T17:40:00.000-04:00

Crew mixing cement by hand

Today was another good day, thanks for all of your prayers for us. God has blessed us with safety and success and good weather. All of us are pretty tired tonight, starting to wear down a little but we are hoping to only work half a day tomorrow but I am impressed with everyone's commitment to work extremely hard and get as many projects done as we can. The team is working extremely well together I thank God for each man.

Tim

[PHOTOS] What would your commute to work in Africa look like?

2011-10-20T17:17:00.000-04:00

Here are some more pictures from the road as we commute to work. Enjoy

Tim

140 degrees in the sunshine, but work gets done in CAR

2011-10-20T17:13:00.000-04:00

Temp Reading 140 degrees

Not a lot of exciting stories today, just hard, hot work. We got the siding and cover on the barn and Rick and Bruce built a wagon. The temperature reached over 140 when the clouds parted. Here are some new pictures. Thanks for your prayers.

Tim

2011-10-19T21:27:00.000-04:00

New pictures of the work the team is doing in the CAR with ICDI. Pictures show the ongoing construction of the barn for the agricultural center at PK22 in Bangui, CAR. Thanks to the team for showing us their progress. Way to go team! We are so proud of God's work in you. Serve on!

The Amish would be jealous? Raising the barn in Central Africa

2011-10-19T17:59:00.001-04:00

Raising the barn at ICDI

Today we got a lot accomplished on the barn. We thank God for the safety of our guys because we worked with a lot of pieces of steel and some of the guys were up about 25' connecting the top of the barn. Josh spent most of the day on scaffolding mounted on the bed of a truck and Craig spent most of the day in the bucket of the backhoe high up in the air. We don't have access to special equipment that is available at home to get up high, so we have to be creative to make it work and still doing so with safety in mind.

We appreciate your prayers as we will continue to work up high to finish the barn. We also enjoyed our time with the other workers laughing at each other and learning each others langage a little. We had competitons to see who could lift the arch structure into place with a group on each side, the Africans would cheer when they were first. On the last arch they had the Central Africans on one side and the Americans on the other side, thankfully for us we won! I believe we are having an impact on these guys more than building a barn hopefully they see Jesus working through us.

Bruce and Rick continued their work on the farming equipment. They even went out into the field and used the plow and trained the ICDI employees.

Bruce & Rick

I appreciated that Rick and Bruce wore matching outfits today I guess I did not get the memo. Our team is doing a great job, each guy is willing to serve the Africans and each other. We have lots of fun picking on each other but we all are committed to working as hard as we can to do as much as we can. Thanks to all the families who have allowed these guys to be here.

Tim

[PHOTOS] New Horizons Team in Central Africa

2011-10-18T17:19:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures from the road and some children who came to see the big white men and Bruce with a distant relative.

Equipping Central Africans to take over [Guest post--Tim Harley]

2011-10-18T16:21:00.001-04:00

Equipping men to mix cement

Tuesday, October 18 in the CAR

Today was another day at work. We continued work on setting posts for the barn, the African staff mixed cement by hand on the ground. One of our goals is to teach the Africans so it was exciting to see them catching on to how to use the transit and set the posts and make them perfectly level. We just stepped back and let them do it. It is also great to see our guys bridging the language barrier teaching them with hand signals and also laughing at each other. We look forward to working with them tomorrow. Rick and Bruce continued working making adjustments on the tractor and getting the equipment ready to go to the fields. We did a little sight seeing at the end of the day and enjoyed sodas sitting down by the river.

More tomorrow.

Tim

Team arrives in Bangui! [Guest Post by Tim Harley]

2011-10-17T00:09:00.001-04:00

Sunset in Bangui

Hello! We made it!

Our journey to the Central African Republic began at 2am. Saturday morning as we loaded our luggage and left for the airport. We arrived in Bangui 2pm Sunday, I think all the guys would say it was a test of endurance but now we can relax a little and sleep in a bed tonight. We thank God for protecting us on our flights and allowing us to make all of our connecting flights. We are especially thankful that all of our luggage arrived with us; we had 18 checked bags at 50pounds full of donated tools and gifts for orphans plus 2 carry ons a piece. Our first flight out of Cleveland ran out of storage space for the luggage and had to put some bags in a closet in the main cabin so that tells you we were leaving our mark

Once we arrived at the guest house we enjoyed some cool water and made our introductions with the ICDI staff who are here. Jay Parks is the Chief Financial Officer and Jay Hocking helps with the computer network for ICDI in the CAR. Now for what we came for, we drove to the property we will be working at which is called PK 22. PK 22 is the name for property that ICDI(Integrated Community Development International www.icdinternational.org)has aquired from the CAR government to use as its new headquarters for the water well drilling and Agricultural teams. One area will be used as a shop area with storage and mechanical repair capabilities. The other parts of the property are being used to grow fruits and vegetables. Our projects will impact both areas of PK 22.

I look forward to how God will use the unique skills of the men on this team to further the work of ICDI and its desire to be used by God to help the impoverished people of the CAR physically and spiritually.

The attached pictures show some of the equipment we will be working with that was shipped from the Wooster area. God also welcomed us with an amazing sunset while we concluded our time at PK 22 for today. Thanks to God and thanks you for your prayers!

Tim Harley

2011-10-15T02:21:00.001-04:00

Ag-Director Nanga gets training with tractor

The New Horizons Team is leaving this early morning for the Cleveland airport to embark on a short term missions trip to the Central African Republic. We praise God for this team of seven men. You can read about them on yesterday's post (October 14, 2011).

Tim Harley shared the purposes of the trip to build relationships, do construction, training, and projects with ICDI staff from Oct 14-29. Follow their adventures on the short term blog www.woostercar.blogspot.com. (See detailed goals below as well as pictures)

Construct building like this one pictured

continue partnership with ICDI(Integrated Community Development International) www.icdinternational.org
construct large building for new headquarters for ICDI well drilling and Ag ministries donated by local business
train African staff to operate farm tractor and equipment donated by local individuals and businesses (see picture below)
clear more land for farm fields
construct second pond for raising fish
repair dam in river
electrical work for mechanics shop
build shelving for storage containers
continue to build relationships with African ICDI staff
visit ICDI orphan care center

Pictures of Proposed Projects the team will pursue:

ICDI Agricultural Center

ICDI AG-Center Gardens

To excavate a New Fish Pond

Donated Farm Equipment for the ICDI AG-Center:

Seven Men Leave Wooster Grace

2011-10-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

Departing tomorrow at 3am, Saturday October 15, seven men from the New Horizons ABF will gather to pray and to say farewells. The team will travel to the other side of the world--to the Central African Republic (CAR). These seven men leave Wooster Grace to share God's love in a real way.

Tim Harley & Bruce Imhoff

The team is led by Tim Harley. Tim has been to Central Africa on many occasions to leverage his skills as well-driller and large machinery driver. By God's grace, relationships with Central Africans will be renewed and solidified.

Bruce Imhoff returns to the CAR for a second time. His first trip prompted him to help in any way he could. He partnered with a Central African to facilitate the start of a spirulina pool for harvesting the protein-rich product so that this CAR family could support themselves and help others.

Rick Ratzel

God has worked in Rick Ratzel's life each time he has spent time in Central Africa. The more recent time when Rick served he was able to bring a bicycle for Andre the head of Guest House Services. Rather than purchase a car or truck, the bicycle greatly enhances Andre's life. To pedal to work or to do errands, maximizes getting things done. Rick knows all about "African" time. But has a great attitude and a huge heart for the people. Wooster Grace praises the Lord for those in our church who seek to make a difference in far away places with the limited vacation time they accrue. I can't wait to hear how the bicycle has improved the service and ministry in Central Africa.

Larry Wiseman

This is not the first time Larry Wiseman has traveled to Africa. I can't remember which North African country he visited. I'll have to get an update from him to post later. But Larry has always wanted to return to Africa.
Larry attended the New Horizons ABF and heard about their passion to develop fully devoted followers in all the nations of the world through their group. He witnessed how men from the ABF went to the CAR to help last year. Now he gets to go with a team of seven to minister in the CAR. He will surely recall his time in Africa to draw from those experiences and encourage the team to persevere despite unknown challenges ahead. Wooster Grace praises God for ABFs who not only grow deep in community, but also reach out together to impact the world for Christ. I can't wait to ask Larry how his two trips to Africa compare.

Craig Simmons, Dave Brenneman, &
Josh Weiser

The last three men have never been to Africa before. By reviewing itineraries, cultural challenges, and health & safety concerns, Tim has tried to equip the team for what may await the team. I guess the can meet and talk, but in the end, you got to get on the plane and disembark in Africa to feel the experience yourself. I pray for the team now. Even though we commissioned them with prayer this past Sunday, the team covets your prayers. Please keep in prayer these three men: Craig Simmons, Dave Brenneman, Josh Weiser. May the God the Holy Spirit empower them to glorify the Lord, to love one another, and to love every person they meet on the way to Africa and back home again.

I want to pause here to ask, if you ever sense God prompting you to start thinking about going to the world to impact people for Christ, then please contact Pastor Daron (330) 264-9459 x 236. I'd love to discuss why you'd like to go, what a successful missions trip might look like, and brainstorm how to help you discern God's will for a missions trip. Tomorrow I will post their prayer requests, goals, and tentative work projects. Please keep checking back to view pictures and comments from the team while they are in the CAR.

Be on on-mission today by praying for the New Horizons Short Term Missions Team!

[Guest Post] Melissa shares about our time with the school children

2011-09-17T07:27:00.001-04:00

Waiting for the bus

What an experience our family has had. Two days ago we learned again how schedules are different in the DR. We took a 20 minute walk to meet the bus again. This time we walked in the daylight. We praise God for our family as they greeted every Dominican passing-by with a smile and an "hola."

We arrived at the bus stop "on-time." The target time was 3pm. We arrived at 2:59pm.

We waited.

We waited.

We waited.

Getting on bus

A good lesson in patience emerged because we waited for over an hour before the bus arrived.

Excitement and nervousness stirred in our kids--uneasy about the unknown. We arrived at the school. The schoolyard was filled with children dressed in blue & white uniforms. The sheer numbers of students amazed us. Six years ago only 40 students attended. Today almost 600 students attend in two sessions--morning and afternoon. The wealthy Dominicans and nationals pay for their kids to go to school in the morning session. Then in the afternoon session the poor families especially the Haitian children go to school for free.

Johanna, the Principal

The principal Johanna gave us a tour of the school and we interacted with the students during on of their recesses. The girls painted fingernails and faces. The boys played a pickup game of basketball. Our children showed brave hearts as they tried to communicate with the students.

The most stretching experience was the bus ride after school. Imagine 90 kids plus 12 US Citizens packed into a 66 passenger bus. The afternoon session had Dominican and Haitian children to take home. So we felt surrounded. The school children wanted attention and love, so they crowded closer and closer--pushing each other out of the way to touch us. Of course, our children were overwhelmed. Personal space is different here in the DR.

Our family was taken-aback by the visible poverty and odorous filth as we dropped children off at their homes. But there was hope. On each child's face hope shines through. Praise God for this school's dedication and love for the children who attend the school. We look forward to spend more time with them and possibly sponsor one of the children as a family.

Thanks for your prayers. We leave in four hours for the airport. We are scheduled to arrive at 10:30pm tonight. Adios!

"Catch a Wave...And your out of your comfort zone"

2011-09-14T00:23:00.001-04:00

Missions trips s-t-r-e-t-c-h you.

Every day we have experienced new things: new foods, new schedules, and new activities.

The Dominican Republic is on the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. The country is surrounded by water. I am a Navajo and our traditional lands is surrounded by four sacred mountains on high desert plateaus. So it is a stretch to engage the water as one who's ancestors engaged the desert.

So when my bro-in-law Jeff asked us to go out-of-our comfort zone and go surfing. Part of me was excited for the new adventure. And the other part of me was a bit uneasy.

However, our family has been on a quest from the first day of 2011. On Jan 1, 2001 we jumped in the iced-over Winona Lake with other "polar bears" to declare that we would go beyond our comfort zones this year.

Rafi & Gustavo of Macao Surf Camp

Our family took another step out-of-our-comfort zones. Each child had fears. But each one overcame them. We praise God for new Christian friends from the Macao Surf Camp--Rafael & Gustavo. They minister to Dominican youth by training them to be surfing instructors. Each youth has dropped out of school in junior high because high school demands extra money to pay for transportation. Please check out their fb page and pray for their upcoming Christian Surf Camp in October.

My favorite story is Carissa. Her countenance had traces of tears forming in her precious little eyes. But she cautiously listened to the instructors, followed her personal trainer's directions, and after two wipeouts, rode her first wave onto the beach. I was so proud of her. The smile that glowed from the beach out to me was priceless.

So when you take your missions trip with your family. Take the lead. Experience new things. Then debrief with them to instill confidence in the Lord and to guide them as they experience challenging obstacles.

Hurrican Mara changes our plans for the day

2011-09-13T00:03:00.002-04:00

Hurricane Maria--N of DR

Today we had to rearrange our plans. Torrential bands of rain and thunderstorms pummeled Bavaro. These bands are associated with Hurricane Maria, north of the DR.

Our family had to adjust. We struggled. I forget how ingrained culture can be. I misunderstand how time influences us in the US. Here there is no clock on the walls of the church or in the rooms where we stay. I have heard our kids say, "What time is it?" They want to know what the plan is. Both are part of our culture in the US.

Here in the DR time is not measured by the watch, but by the event. You don't look at your watch to determine when is lunch. You check your tummy to determine when to eat, then check the cook to know when food may be ready. How good to be stretched out of our comfort zones.

We are doing well. We played UNO and other card games while the rains poured in large bucketfuls.

In the evening, I got the opportunity to meet Pasquel's leadership team at the church. I did not know what he wanted me to share. But I found out about it last night after the services. So he let me have the pulpit.

By God's design, I am an encourager. I see the big picture too. So I targeted leadership stumbling blocks (II Corinthians 6:3-10) and leadership building blocks. The stumbling blocks correspond to Satan's mighty weapons: "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." I heard Jentezen Franklin say in a message that the three things that make pastors fall in ministry are either girls, gold, or glory. I put each stumbling block together with each phrase like this--girls (lust of the flesh), gold (lust of the eyes), and glory (pride of life). So I challenged the leaders to beware of these stumbling blocks.

Conversely, I challenged them construct building blocks for leadership. I used a hand to illustrate how it takes five digits to have optimal use. You can function without any one of them. But together the hand can be a great tool for work. The building block that I chose were:

Competence--know what you can do (Ecclesiastes 9:10);
Confidence--feel that you can do anything (Philippians 4:13; II Timothy 1:7)
Capacity--be aware how much you can do (Colossians 3:23-24), include rest (Deuteronomy. 5:12-15)
Character--remember who you are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), so guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23-27)
Control--be filled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-21)

I praise God for giving me this message for them. This church Cuidad de Dios para los naciones--City of God for the Nations--has many nations in its congregation. I hugged and greeted brothers and sisters from the DR, Haiti, US, & Germany. The lost are found in Christ here in the DR.

I will pray for God to help them fulfill the Great Commission. I heard how God has helped them minister in their Jerusalem (Bavaro), then in their Judea (new church starts in their state or county), and in their Samaria (Mata Mosquito--a Haitian neighborhood nearby). Now they must leave the shores of their Island to reach the world. May God grant them vision, courage, and Holy Spirit empowerment to reach the world for Christ.

[PHOTOS] Family missions trip to DR

2011-09-12T06:19:00.001-04:00

Some pics of our journey so far to the Dominican Republic (DR).

Old part of airport as you enter

Paperwork to enter the country

Roads in Punta Cana

Bus ride to church

10:30pm Post service farewells

Melissa thanks Robinson our translator

Our worship is LOUD!

2011-09-12T00:05:00.004-04:00

Last night we experienced church Caribbean-style!

The experience began before the bus ride. We had to go to a bus stop on a street-corner after the sun went down. The walk went down streets lit with an occasional street lamp glowing amber in the dark night. We passed and greeted Dominicans out after a long's day work. We guessed we walked about .75 miles to the church bus stop.

I tried to take a video of us waiting but the camera did not have enough light. So I waited for a passing van to shoot some grainy footage. I'll try to upload a short clip or two if I have time and have extra time with the internet access being so slow.

Anyways, we graciously declined rides from other buses, vans, and taxis. Then the bus arrived. What a relief! Standing on a darkened street corner where the street light is not working with your family in a foreign country takes faith or naivete. I had both. Yet my brother-in-law Jeff has been here many times. We praise God for his leadership on this trip. So we stepped into the school bus for our 30 minute trip to the church and school campus.

We arrived late; culturally acceptable here. And the pastor's wife greeted us with a hug and a kiss. We met a couple from Warsaw, IN, the Wildman's. I met Rod on January 1 at the polar bear plunge in Winona Lake, IN. Others greeted us with a hug and kiss too. We felt tremendous warmth and love.

Upon arrival the church meeting and the kids meeting competed for who was going to be louder. I'm serious! The volume for each sound system seemed to be red-lining. My girls followed their cousins and aunt Stephanie into the raucous children's church. Scripture set to merengue music and dancing overwhelmed them as they entered. What a cultural experience!

We entered the church service amid a full merengue worship band fanfare. Praise choruses on Spanish Powerpoint directed our praise to God. Hands raised, eyes closed, and dignified dancing surrounded us. Praise here in the DR is embodied with total and complete engagement. You must worship with your whole mind, soul, body, and strength. I joined in as "wild" as a Grace Brethren could. :)

I have much more to write but I'll end here and try to upload some pictures tomorrow. We got back very late. As one church attender put it, "Our worship is loud!" It sure was. My ears are still ringing this morning. Thanks for praying. We get to visit the school tomorrow.

First Day in DR--God is working

2011-09-11T09:04:00.001-04:00

Arrived with God already working ahead of us.

My bro-in-law Jeff informed us that we were also taking seven desktop computers to the Christian School in Bavaro where Dominican Pastor Pasquel needed them for their Christian School. We did not know how we were going to get them to the school once we landed.

The Lord provided a way!

Our desire on this missions trip as a family centers on three core values:

Glorify God
Love the people from the culture
Love one another

We want to glorify God now. We packed light, checking in only five bags which allowed us to add the seven computers. Our God is great! Then we arrived at the airport in Punta Cana hoping to connect with the courier who would transport the computers to the school while we went another way to go to our accommodations.

We don't speak Spanish. So this complicated things. Yet God is awesome!

While getting ready to locate the computers in baggage claim, Jeff met the expediter, Renardo. As Jeff was signing for the computers and showing his identification. Jeff told Renardo why we brought the computers and who we brought them for. Renardo hooted and smiled even bigger. He knows Pastor Pasquel. In fact, Renardo is also a pastor working as a Continental expediter. How great is our God!

So Renardo helped us through customs navigating the red tape and contacting our courier. We got through as quickly as you can in a Caribbean culture. (\[Side note: in the airport there was not one visible clock. Culture shock for my kids who wanted to know what time it was. :)] All praise to God who reigns on high. He is at work and we praise Him.

I reflect on this somber day that people here did not stop in silence. 9-11 only affects we US Citizens. Regardless, we stopped in silence to remember. Even though another part of the world goes on with life without remember those heroes ten years ago. May God be glorified in our services today. We will post pictures as we can. Internet is limited here. But I will seek to post as soon as I can. I walked over to a hotel lobby to access the internet. God bless! Daron for the Buriff-Butler tribe

Wooster Grace to hear from Steven & Deb Wise

2011-08-05T04:27:00.000-04:00

Deb & Steven

On Sunday, August 7 Wooster Grace welcomes Steven & Deb Wise to share. Steven & Deb will be introduced in our Sunday services and give presentations in two ABFs and one evening bible study.

The times on Sunday, August 7 include, but are not limited to:

8:30 Kids Praise Room 316
9:00 Berean ABF Room 140
11:00 Internationals ABF Room 425
6:00PM Bible Study Room 334

The Wise's serve with GBIM in the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I trust you can come and listen to what God is doing through them to help start new churches in SE Asia.

last blog until the USA

2011-08-05T02:34:00.001-04:00

if we are asked, "Where were you Friday morning at 10:00 am?", we would have to say, "Well we were in both San Francisco and Seoul at the same time." Yes we actually get to "re-do" Friday. Live it twice. Get an extra day. We will begin traveling further away from Friday only to be back in it. Crazy to think about isn't it! What if we could realy relive a day? Ever had one of those days? Well with God's grace we don't get to relive a day, but we can live today as if yesterday never happened. Yes that is right. When we mess it up with sin, and come to repentence, God wipes the slate clean. We are new. Isn't that wonderful! I am so thankful that God is the kind of God He is, aren't you?!

This trip has been an incredible experience to have as a family. It has been really wonderful to see God working in the hearts of our kids all the while challenging us. If any of you are thinking of going as a family or with a family member or two, we would love to share more with you.

There is one more thing I want to share with you that I have heard over and over again on this trip. It is something from the children. It is so important for us to keep going to see them. When we say to them we love them and never show up again or communicate with them, they doubt our love. Remember they all deal with abandament issues. But when we come back, we reassure them of our love for them and of God's love for them. We are family to them now. And I couldn't be happier than be that for them. Please pray for all of our kids. They really do pray for you. They don't just say it. They do it. So please join me in commitment to be as faithful in praying for them.

It has been an honor to represent all of our sponsors and our church on this trip.

See you all Sunday!

Jeana

HARLEYS ON THEIR WAY TO OHIO!!!!

2011-08-04T13:09:00.000-04:00

Talked to Jeana via text about an hour ago. They have boarded the plane headed to Soul, South Korea, where they will have a nine hour layover. The big news and praise is that their luggage (all of it!) was checked all the way to Columbus without a problem. Thanks for praying! And keep praying that all the pieces will make it to all 5 planes and arrive with them!

Thanks for caring and praying for the Harleys. Make sure you catch them in the hallways this Sunday, even if they look a little tired... :)

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

Update from Jim & Stephanie in Haiti

2011-08-04T09:05:00.002-04:00

Bonswa!
We are doing well. Internet wasn't good for most of our trip. They got a new router today. :) Facebook on my phone seems to work the best....but that depends too on connectivity.

We have been encouraged by what we have seen and our discussions with Greg. Barshaw of Connect2Ministries in Haiti. So much to do here!

We thank everyone for their prayers. The tropical storm Emily disipated, but much prayer still needed for all those in the tent cities!!! Yet CNN shares that TS Emily has been downgraded to a tropical depression. All watches and warnings have been canceled (@cnnlive).

We saw a couple churches in Cap Haitian and an orphanage. We already saw three churches in PAP and two orphanages. We were to see three more churches today, but postponed because of the weather. Please pray we can do this tomorrow (Fri Aug 5).

Blessings!

From Connect2Ministries

Sunday, July 31 with the Harley's in Thailand

2011-08-02T10:58:00.005-04:00

Sharing in worship @ Asia's Hope Doi Soket

Sunday was another great day, very busy, but wonderful. We started out the day at church with the Asia's Hope kids here in Doi Saket. Nathan, Zac and Val had spent last evening practicing with the worship team. Nathan and Zac were invited to play guitar and drums with them. Then Val joined the boys along with David, Tutu's son (on keyboard), for special music.

The G.R.O.W. family

As soon as we returned from lunch, Faa picked us up to spend a couple more hours with the GROW kids. On Sunday, the kids all take their Thirty-One bags with their names on them to church. Two of the new girls didn't have their own bag yet; because the rest of the kids received their bags before the new girls arrived in the home. So Faa explained that to them when the new girls asked, "why don't I have a bag with my name on it." Then we showed up with their bags. They were so excited. Thank you Sarah! We played "hillbilly golf", soccer, water balloons and and bean bag toss. Lots of smiles, lots of fun!

For Sunday evening worship, we went to the college ladies Bible Study group. I should mention that it started raining before we arrived. They meet under an aluminum roof. And it rained hard. So we had to sing really loud to even hear each other. Then the gal leading the group had to almost yell for anyone to hear.

Tim sharing with Mike translating

After several worship songs and a song by our kids, Tim and I had the opportunity to share with the ladies. I felt God putting on my heart to share that even though there are many languages, there are two voices, the voice of lies and the voice of Truth. I shared examples from the Bible of Timothy who was told he was too young, of Esther who was only a woman, and the woman at the well who had a sinful and shameful past. Then I talked about what the voice of Truth has to say. Paul tells Timothy to not let anyone look down on his youth but to be an example. Esther ended up saving her people. Jesus talked to the woman at the well and she ended up telling everyone in her village about Jesus and many came to Christ. I shared other things the voice of Truth says as well as how do we hear the voice of Truth when the voice of lies is also talking to us. I wanted to both challenge and encourage these women. I told them that one day I want to hear stories of how God has used them for His kingdom. Tim shared about how God was preparing each one of them for what He has for them to do.

Still raining, we took a covered river boat ride and spent some and more time with Tutu, her son, David, and Pastor Mike who helps Asia's Hope here in Thailand. He was also our translator for their Bible study.

We head out to the airport Monday to take Faa on a little vacation for a couple of days in Pucket. She will be coming to the States soon and she will be working very hard. She works very hard here too, so we wanted to minister to her by letting her get away and relax for a few days. Then on Thursday, we will begin our journey home, arriving Saturday afternoon.

I will try to make one more entry or so before we leave though! Thanks to everyone following us and praying for us. Pray for luggage issues we may have at the airport today and when we leave Bangkok. We are praying that we can get our luggage checked all the way to Ohio even though we have separate tickets. This would save us a lot of money we would have to pay for luggage fees once we get to the States. Please pray!!!!

Love you all, Jeana

Crazy faces

Jeana shares her heart

Pa & Ami receive their bags

Harley's visit Grace Place Thailand & G.R.O.W.

2011-08-01T06:37:00.002-04:00

Thailand Greetings

Hey Everybody. Wow, we had a great time with the kids this week. We headed up to Grace Place: Thailand on Thursday. We spent the afternoon and evening playing with the kids and having a great time. They greeted us as we pulled up. They were all in a line waving American flags. They are so cute.

Lots of hugs awaited us and we were happy to give those out to each child over and over again. One of the first things we did after arriving was go over to Tutu's parents' house to see the pig that they just slaughtered for our dinner. As we watched them weigh each piece, Val commented that it wasn't as bad as she thought it was going to be. Yes, we are so far removed from this type of lifestyle where we need to kill our own food. But it is still a reality here. Don't worry, I didn't include any pictures of that.

On Friday, Faa joined us to take us to her village. This trip was such a joy as we had the opportunity to get to know her more by seeing where she grew up and how she lived and what she overcame. Here sister -in-law prepared us an Akha lunch. We had to laugh though because there were several dishes that she didn't know the English word for, so she just called it a green vegetable. There were several of those! You know, same same but different. Same green color, different plant. She then took us around her village, to her church, to where her parents are buried, to the land she bought to eventually build a place where she can come and bring the children to see their parents. We also saw the Christian orphanage where she went to live after her mother died. Then we took a hike up into the "Unseen Thailand" to a beautiful waterfall. It was a very hot hike, but the mist off of the waterfall was delightful.

Worshipping God with all you got

On that night was spent in worship with our kids at Grace Place. Nathan played guitar for the kids. Then after worship, Zac had all the boys get up with him and imitate some crazy funny dance moves to some really fun music. They girls laughed and laughed, and the boys had so much fun. Then it was Val and the girls' turn. She had some other fun dance moves that the girls followed. Ok, they will never forget us now. We shared a few words with the kids, brought greetings from all of their sponsors, then headed for bed.

The next morning, we headed out to be the kids as early as we could. They were already waiting for us. We played for awhile, teaching them some new games we brought. Then we gave everyone small gifts. They were so excited. Then we filled some water balloons and the kids had their first ever water balloon fight. We also took turns dumping buckets of water on them which was just as fun. They loved it!

I am including a picture of Sutinun for the Roselers with a gift they sent, one for the Chapmans of Kanyarat (she loved her dress), and one of Wi-lia for Pastor Bob and Roxanne with the jewelry they sent. Thanks to everyone from the kids.

"Ready, set, go!.."

Soaked after water fun

Kanyarat

Sutinun

Wi-la

With Sutida

Wiang Pa Pao Water System Install

More pictures from the Harley's in Thailand

2011-07-29T20:25:00.000-04:00

Harley's in Thailand

2011-07-28T00:29:00.003-04:00

Sorry we haven't written for awhile. Our days start early, end late and are very full. I will try to catch you up with what we have been doing in Thailand. Tim brought an ultra violet light water filtration unit to install at the GROW home. So Tim worked on that also fixing the kitchen faucet since the water was down to dribbles. That made Beam very happy. We did have to get a new faucet for them though.

We decided to take the GROW kids to the zoo and aquarium. None if them had ever been to the aquarium and two had never been to the zoo. I tell you, it was more fun watching the kids watch the animals than it was for us to watch the animals. Their faces were priceless specially in the underwater tunnel where the fish and sting rays swam over us. When we came to the place where you could reach into the water and touch the sharks and sting rays, the GROW kids weren't too sure about that. But after some encouragement from our kids, they were able to do it. Again, priceless expressions on their faces.

Faa and I were able to do some shopping for GROW, so we will have many new things when we return.I have some really neat bamboo placemets and silk pillow covers and so much more. At one market as we were leaving, Faa saw tyhe mother of one of the girls at GROW. She was selling scarves. Faa had been trying to reach her but unable, so it was good we ran into her. Faa explained to me that she had to pay her cousin 40Baht every day for a car she was using. Some days she didn't make that selling her things. So of course, I bought some things from her, 100Baht worth. She was so happy. Sorry the picture is on Faa's camera. It was great to be able to help her out too. And who would have imagined God using my ability and desire to shop as a ministry. So cool!

Tutu wanted to spend the day yesterday introducing us to some of the exotic animals here. SO we took some time yesterday to do that. First we went to see the elephants. That was amazing. We watched them play soccer, basketball, paint and more. We also took a ride. Val and I were on one elephant. Val said she was ok with it until the trainer got off leaving us on it along. But we all returned safely. Next we went to the tiger camp. My favorite animal in the world! I couldn't believe that I was actually petting a real tiger. We were able to see the baby tigers 2-4 months old and a very large tiger. Zac was too young to come into the big tiger pen, so he had to stay out. Cool picture I took of Zac, it looks like he is the one in the cage and the tiger not. Tutu really wanted us to see the snake show. We had tried to get out of that one, but we are glad we went. Other than getting real close with those things and being a little freaked out when the trainer swung the snake our way, it was a lot of fun!

On Tuesday, we met two men Faa is considering for the GROW board in Thailand. We had a great meeting with them with good questions on both sides. There are some amazing people here doing amazing things! Last night, Faa took us to some property she is considering for GROW. We walked the property as we listened to her dream and vision for GROW. We prayed over the land too.

Today, we head out to get a few things for our kids at Grace Place: Thailand, then we head up to see them for a few days. We will also visit more possible property for GROW as well as Faa's village. Can't wait to see the kids though. We hear they are excited to see us too!

Well I am sure I missed something, but you can always ask us about it when we get back! Love everybody!

Sunday, July 24 Evening

2011-07-25T22:48:00.002-04:00

Sunday morning was a delight as we joined the Battambang homes for church services. All the home participate in the service which is awesome. Savorn spoke since he drove up for the weekend.

Afterwards Zac jumped up to the drums and the kids gathered around as he played. Back to Grace Place we went for last minute massages and hugs from the kids.

Final massage

We finally had to begin the process of saying goodbye. And believe me when I say process. It only took 1/2 an hour this time to tear ourselves away from the crying children. This is the most difficult part of the trip for us because your heart just breaks and wants to stay and love on these kids some more. It would be easier to never come, some may say. A part of you is left behind, ripped out of your chest. You are never again the same. But it is more than worth it. "At least we have more children to look forward to," says my kids. "It makes leaving a little bit easier."

We drove back to Phnom Penh, rode around in a tuk tuk with Pkeakdey, had pizza down by the river, started to pack for our trip tomorrow to Thailand. Tomorrow we see Faa and the GROW children and Tutu. And now, I say goodnight!

So hard to say goodbye

Gifts from Wooster Grace to Vannak & Home Directors

Sunday, July 24

2011-07-24T22:47:00.000-04:00

Who is that on the menu from Apple Creek?

Well it is Sunday night here and a lot has happened this weekend. We had such a wonderful time with the children at Grace Place: Battambang. They are all doing so well. I had to take a picture at the restaurant where we had breakfast because the Richardsons are on the front cover of the menu at a place coalled "Cold Night"

After breakfast Saturday morning we headed out with Pkeakdey and her father again to visit three more possible children for the up and coming GROW Cambodia home.

Two of the girls are 5 year old twins and the other is three. The girls looked like they were 3 years old because they don't get enough food to eat. Their father died in an accident and their mother has some mental illness that comes and goes. The family eats when neighbors in their village give them some food like a tomato or something.

GROW Cambodia orphan rescue candidates

We spent quite awhile talking with the mother and her friend whom she was staying with in Battambang while she brought her daughter to the hospital. We gave the girls some beanie babies the Roselers gave us and the mother some money to buy some food for her daughters and self. She began to cry as I, Pheakdey and her father all handed her some cash. She was overwhelmed by the love we were sharing with her.

We then headed to Grace Place to pile all 40 kids, the staff and us into 2 vans. Yep, that's a lot of people in a small space, but we did it! The kids had so much fun at the waterpark. We pretty much had the entire place to ourselves. For hours we went up stairs and down slides, played Keep a Way and splashed (see more photos below).

After dropping the kids off, and changing, we met the staff of our home at a BBQ and buffet restaurant as way of thanking them for what they do for these children and to give them a night off.. At first we weren't sure we were going to eat at all because everything was raw (meat and fish). Then we learned that we cook it at our table on these little grills in the middle of our tables. It was quite an experience. Vannak and another staff member kept bringing us new foods to try. You may not wish to know what all we ate, but it was pretty good, never mind we all felt a little queezy in the stomach and bowels later. Yikes. But better now!

We returned to play with the kids some more of course. By this time my kids are wanting to stay here and never leave. It is that or hide 40 kids in our suitcases! We Skpyed with Pastor Ivanildo and the older kids who are doing very well in English, spoke with him. I will say I do not think I will do that again because Nga began crying after speaking with him. She held onto me for 15 minutes or so crying about how much she missed him and wanted him to come back. This began a domino effect as about 5 other girls joined in holdiong on to me. I was able to convince all but Nga to join the others dancing and having fun. I passed Nga off to Tim and she help on to him most of the rest of the evening crying.

Sokha

Sokret

blog entry from Harley kids

2011-07-24T22:33:00.001-04:00

Hey this is Val! The kids were completly awesome! It was so hard to leave them after only spending 3 days with them. I didn't relize how hard it would actually be. The love they give you is enough to last forever and the amount of hugs too :) Ive totally fallen in love with all the kids, we just left Battambang and I already can't wait to go back to the kids! I'm really excited to get to the Thailand so I can play and get to know the kids there as well! By far this is the best trip I have ever been on. The food here is umm lets just say interesting :) We've had a few nights of eating American food so we got to take a little break.

This is Zac writing now. Once I met the Grace Place Battambang children, I immediately became attached to them. They were all so loving kind. They gave us massages every time we came. It was incredible the amount of love these orphans showed us. When it was time to leave, they all started crying and hugging us for a long time. It was so sad to see them all crying. But there are more kids to see in Thailand and I can't wait.

Contrast of darkness & Light in Cambodia

2011-07-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Internet wasn't working last night, so tonight I am writing for two days. Yesterday we visited Angkor Wat which is a large complex of ancient temples and cities. This helped us to understand a little more about the religion of many people here. I am including a picture that sums up our thoughts on this day. Here you see a tree's roots clutching the temple rocks. These are everywhere. It reminds me of how the Evil one takes people into his clutches, destroying lives, and not letting go. This is what I saw with people bowing down before stone statues. Satan has them in his clutches for sure. We even saw an elderly couple with a flashlight searching in a dark part of the temple looking for a water well that supposedly contains holy water that will heal them. They dipped a bucket into the dark well and pulled out the water placing their hope in that. Very sad.

Today was a much brighter day! The day we have been waiting for. The day we get to go to Grace Place and see the kids. Vannak surprised us when we arrived at the hotel with about 25 of the kids there to greet us. That was so awesome to have them there hugging us already. After spending some time with them, they returned for lunch and we checked into our hotel.

After lunch, we met Pheakdey and headed out to visit some children that GROW is looking to bring into a new GROW home in Cambodia. We had to walk quite a way due to the rain making the roads bad then down a bike path to meet the three children. They are living with their aunt and uncle and their two kids on $3 a day. The children do not have enough to eat and are in desperate need of being cared for.

We then traveled to Grace Place. Wow what fun we had. Nathan played guitar while Zac drummed out a beat on the chair and Val sang, we played snakes and ladders which we brought (a big hit), we ate dinner with them, and danced. Zac spent about an hour with Nga imitating everything she said in Khmer. Most of the kids gathered around and laughed at the scene. It then went to mimicking motions and soon broke out into dance. Volleyball, soccer and lots and lots of hugs rounds out the list of things we did with the kids. We were exhausted when we left tonight.

Hope all is going well at home. We miss everyone, but couldn't't be happier than to be at Grace Place.

Mealtime at Grace Place Battambang

Sharing with our kids at Grace Place Battambang

Our Kids!

Zac trying to repeat Khmer words to everyone's laughter

Surprised by Vannak & kids at TEO Hotel

Orphan Children to Rescue

Road to Village

Angkor Wat

Harley's visit the Killing Fields & the Homes of Love in Cambodia

2011-07-21T09:57:00.002-04:00

It was important for today that I arranged for us to visit Tuol Slang and the Killing Fields to get a better understanding of what people here have experienced and what lurks in their memories. For those of you not born yet in the mid-70's or for those who really didn't learn what had actually happened here, I will only briefly share now. Basically the Khmer Rouge, a group of Cambodian people aligning themselves with the Communists, attacked their own people killing 2 million of them in the worst possible ways. The educated, the professional, the wealthy, the leaders, and their families brutally murdered. The vision of the Khmer Rouge was to reduce Cambodia to a non-thinking group of slaves who did whatever the Regime told them to do. They set out to destroy Cambodia financially, socially, spiritually and physically. They wanted to destroy the culture and make pure, innocent, loving people into killers. Just about everyone you meet here has been directly effected by this event. Some lost their parents, some fled the country, some were taken into the military where they were taught to steal and kill. It was a great tragedy and still has its ugly evil fingers trying to grip the people of Cambodia.

After an emotionally heavy morning, we decided a visit to the Asia's Hope Christian School would be a great way to end the day and lift our spirits. We played with the children during their recess. Tim and Zac played vollyball using the tree branch as a net and a soccer ball. Then we visited the classrooms, Nathan, guitar in hand, and played some songs they knew in English ,and they sang some we knew. It was a great time of fellowship. [Please note that Pastor Daron will post pictures later]

Tomorrow we head up north to Siem Reap. Thank you so much for your prayers. Keep them flowing please! So please leave a comment of encouragement.

Monday, July 18

2011-07-18T10:47:00.001-04:00

We arrived safely with all of our luggage yesterday. Today we met up
with Pheakdey, a friend of ours and former Asia's Hope employee. She
is expecting her second child in November. So even though my body felt
like sleeping, I persevered and took her shopping, what else of
course, as a way to be an encouragment to her as she has had a
difficult year. We were able to buy her some maternity clothes. She
was very excited. We also spent time purchasing some jewelry for
GROW. The rest of the family didn't need as much time at the market,
so when a cat came into the market, they found ways to entertain
themselves. I just kept hearing the cat meow and the kids laughing.I
am not sure i want to know.

Cultural note - My children learned that the old saying, "children
should be seen and not heard" is still alive and well in Cambdodian
families. Pheakdey explained that at the dinner table the parents talk
to each other and the children are silent or silenced with the wag of
a finger. Parents do not interact with their children as we do. This
was quite foreign to our children who as many of you know are never
short on words. Their response was that would be boring if we didn't
talk to them. Dinner time around the table talking with family is
precious to me.

Well we are still on Ohio time or somewhere in between and I don't
think i can stay awake any longer. So more tomorrow..

On the way to see our kids in SE Asia (Guest Post)

2011-07-16T08:18:00.000-04:00

We made it to San Fran a little tired and very hungry as we went from dinner Thursday night to 3:00 pm Ohio time Friday afternoon without food as the airline didn't serve any meals, not even a snack. So when we arrived at the hotel and saw a Denny's next door, we joked that it looked like Hyde Park to our stomachs. It was the best Denny's food we ever ate.

When we heard that our students here in San Fran were serving a meal to the homeless, we decided we counldn't miss the opportunity to begin serving even at this point in the trip. So we took a cab downtown and met up with with the team at Youth With a Mission. It was great to see everyone from Grace! I can't wait til they get back to Wooster and have a chance to tell everyone what this trip did for them because the students have grown by leaps and bounds in their spiritual lives.

Nathan & Zac with homeless friend

It was so encouraging to see. They are so excited to be here doing what they are doing! Zac joined Nathan at a table as hosts where they engaged in conversation with the hungry, homeless who sat at their table. Val and I took orders, went to the kitchen to fill their plates, then served the people at the tables. We took the opportunity to talk to people too.

The students then took time to pray for our trip. What a blessing that was to us. Afterwards, the students had a debriefing meeting while Pastor Nick took us to get some dinner and catch a cab back to our hotel. It is now Saturday morning and in a few minutes we leave for the airport. Steve Knight is escorting Nathan to the airport to meet up with us. We will have a 12 hr 20 min flight to Seoul then a 5 hr 25 min flight to Cambodia. We should arrive in Cambodia 10:00 am your time Sunday morning.

San Fran Team prays for Harley's

I want to thank everyone now for following us on the blog and praying for us. We are bringing so many hugs with us from all of you to give to all the children, we can barely wait to give them out. Pray for the usual health and safety, but more so for the encouragement we can be to others and the love we can share from Christ.

God Bless All of You,

Jeana Harley for the Harley family

Harley Family Prepares to Leave the USA

2011-07-13T20:18:00.001-04:00

Tim, Jeana, Valerie and Zac Harley are preparing to leave Ohio early Friday morning to meet Nathan in San Fran and head to SE Asia. Please pray for them as they love on our children at Grace Place in both countries and at the GROW home, encourage our staff there and more.

Hot, hot, hot

2011-06-15T22:33:00.000-04:00


Cordova tornado from Fox 6 WBRC Birmingham

How could I summarize today?

Hot.

Sweltering, sticky, suffocating HOT!

Excessive heat warning HOT!

Yet I can say that we learned a lot about denying yourself today. We sorted hundreds of articles of clothes and items in a warehouse. The warehouse was a steel structure so it felt like an oven. But at least God provided a breeze and the workers provided huge fans to move the air around.

Regardless, we discovered how overwhelming relief work can become when you are trying to do things on your own. I praise God for the team focus we have in our church.

Our team displayed the core values of a team: passion for God and compassion for people. I praise the Lord for students and adults who sought to live for Christ.

The work was hard, hot, and humid. Yet no one complained. The people of Cordova, AL are in their sixth week of recovery. Some were untouched and least affected. Some were scathed but gratefully spared. Others were slammed and suffer ongoing. A few were killed and forever scarred.

Yet the ministry of God to each person continues. Our main contact is a little dynamo named Andrea. Her heart of compassion for the Lord to work through her to help people is inspiring yet a challenge to her. She needs rest, renewal, and revival in spite of daily daunting tasks, monumental headaches, and surmounting needs. Still, she pushes on seeking to help just one more person and to lead them to Christ.

Yesterday, we had many great things happen but one in particular stands out. One man prayed to receive Christ. The student used the ABC gospel outline.

A-Admit your sins
B-Believe in Christ
C-Commit to live for Jesus

God is raising up fully devoted followers of Christ. I think about the change in venue from South Bend, IN to Cordova, AL.It is not a coincidence that we needed to be here because one man needed Christ. Our students were faithful in sharing Christ. And God blessed by bringing one person to Himself through our testimony.

In fact, today also affected several people. Whether people observing our work ethic or other servants watching our worship, God was praised in our team. May we continue to glorify God and to love others within our team and within our reach. Til tomorrow when I hope to post pictures and a few short videos.

Thanks for praying and please leave comments. You can also visit www.smtrips.com to read other things too. Follow Pastor Daron's tweets; @daronbutler on Twitter.

"Breakfast is ready..."

2011-06-14T08:23:00.000-04:00

The ladies are being served their breakfast first here this morning. We praise God for a safe, uneventful trip.

The students and adults traveled without complaint. We exalt the Lord for lives seeking to live by the Holy Spirit.

Today we depart to help Christian Service Mission on a couple of projects. The guys are lining up after the ladies so I better get in line too. I'll need my nourishment for the day of hard work ahead.

Please pray for our team to deny ourselves, to take up the cross of Christ, and to follow Jesus today. May God the Holy Spirit fill us to do His work today.

You can see some pictures and a few videos from the trip down to AL by following my facebook page. When you see a twitter post on facebook, click the link to view pictures and/or video. You can follow me on twitter @daronbutler. Direct message me. I will not be able to reply otherwise. I will try to post pics and/or videos on this blog too as I have time.

Again, we praise God for His heart for mission and outreach that can send us to minister for the Lord this week. May the God of all creation be praised.

NBC teaches the Bible (it's not what you think)

2011-06-12T21:22:00.000-04:00

We value outreach.

Often I cite things going on around the world, but tonight I want to praise God for the first of a series of clubs meeting in Wayne County, OH. Wooster Grace offers Neighborhood Bible Clubs (NBCs) where host families invite children to their homes to have fun, to study the Bible, and to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus, NBC teaches the Bible.

The Number 4--This past week Linda Kline, NBC coordinator, taught a club at the Northwestern Religious Education Building in the morning. 60 children enrolled during the week with the average attendance of 47. The best number was 4. Four children made first time public commitments to Christ.

Keep praying for the other clubs starting later this summer. The other club at Carrie Becker's house had 25 children on the last night. More detailed stats were not available tonight. When I get them I will post them here.

Still, keep praying for the children who came. May each child who heard God's Word continually apply what they learned. May God increase their knowledge of Him. May each one grow in Christ by remembering that "I am a child of God (John 1:12)." Moreover, please pray for the two clubs at the Norwayne Religious Education Building. May many children come to have fun, to study God's Word, and to respond to the Gospel.

Adult Trip to Birmingham AL info

2011-06-05T07:16:00.000-04:00

Please note those who are going on this team must receive from Pastor Daron the following pages of information:

1. Student Ministries Info Page: This page succinctly summarizes the trip. Please keep for reference.

2. Luggage/Packing List: Please be sure to review the items listed. We will be staying in a church using their floor space for lodging.

3. Volunteer Agreement & Release: Please read, sign, and return the Christian Service Mission (CSM) volunteer agreement and release form. We are partnering with CSM to do ministry with them. CSM requires your signed agreement.

4. Adult Application Page: Please complete application form—contact info; spiritual background; spiritual formation; and your commitment to be on this team. Your commitment is to be a high school leader and attend an adult orientation (TBD). Most likely our orientation will be en route to Alabama.

5. Background Check Please sign the form so we can process a background check. All adults are required to get a background check to work with or to accompany students in a program of our church. You may secure and submit a copy of your most recent background check if you get one done for work or other service organizations.

6. Trip fees: Please make check for $175, payable to Wooster Grace placing in the memo: AL trip.

Pastor Daron desires to facilitate your participation in the adult trip to Alabama with our student ministries. Thanks for your willingness to serve others who need help so desperately.

If you have any questions, then please call me (330) 264-9459 x236.

Short Term Missions Trip to Alabama

2011-05-19T09:38:00.000-04:00

NEWS

Tornado Southern US Relief: Informational Meeting to send a team to Alabama to help in the relief efforts. Please join Pastor Daron @ Wooster Grace 4599 Burbank Rd Wooster, OH. We will gather in Room 425 on Sun May 29 at 12:15pm. More information to be added later. Pass the Word!

In his own words: Wooster Motor Ways truck driver helps those in need

2011-05-11T10:14:00.000-04:00

This is a first-hand account from the Wooster Motor Ways truck driver re: delivering aid to the Christian Service Mission in Birmingham, AL. We praise God for Wooster Motor Ways help.

Hi Pastor,

I am the Wooster Motor Ways driver that picked up the trailer Monday for Birmingham, AL. I just wanted to let you know that all went well.

The Christian Service Mission was a busy place. It was so busy that Birmingham Police were actually there to help direct traffic.

Truck & Trailer arrived 7pm Tue May 10

I had 6 or so volunteers helping me unload my truck. Those helping me were as far away as South Bend, IN helping on a missions trip. Volunteers were helping from everywhere, it was quite an amazing sight to see.

I do not remember the names of the people that I talked to when I got there, but they were very happy to get this, and amazed at how much there was on the truck. Several of the volunteers were amazed as well. Everything was much appreciated, and well needed.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this. At one time I was the youth leader at my Church, we went on trips every three years, we did a lot of service projects, it was an amazing feeling to help someone in need.

Sincerely,

Trucker Driver Brad

28,000 Pounds of Generosity

2011-05-11T00:57:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday, April 27th, Pastor Bob Fetterhoff e-mailed me about ideas to encourage people to respond to the disaster in the South. I came out with six or more specific responses. I didn’t realize then that I was actually making up a “to-do” list (for myself!). On Thursday Pastor Bob came into my office and told me that he was going to mention all those ideas in the sermon and put some of them on the response card.

On Sunday, May 1, Pastors Bob and Steve preached and many people responded. Several indicated they were interested in helping. Someone told me they were willing to help us put a drive together. Another person had a contact with the owner of Wooster Motor Ways (WMW) and he offered a trailer, truck and a driver to take stuff down, provided we could contribute to help pay for the fuel on the way there.

On Tuesday, May 3, I made a decision to go ahead with the drive, during lunch, with much encouragement from Pastor Bob, as enjoyed some Chipotle’s food. The moment I said, “Yes, let’s do it,” I realized I shouldn’t have said it – my assistant was getting ready to leave town, the Outreach Coordinator was out of town, and we were getting ready for “Second Saturdays.” What was I thinking?

I called our contact to WMW and he spoke to his friend there. I immediately put together a list of potential volunteers and critical tasks that needed to be accomplished. I had to make sure that we had a connection in Alabama, a trailer on the church parking lot the next day, enough volunteers to receive, sort, pack and load the stuff into the truck, and a myriad of other small and big tasks. I spent quite a bit of time phoning people that day and “phoning” the Almighty. He was easier to get a hold of…

On Wednesday morning, May 4th, I set up the the little white tent, with the help of Sarah Martin, who owned the tent and was kind enough to let us borrow it. It was a heavy duty tent that is set up and supported by heavy weights. That same afternoon the trailer was brought and parked on our parking lot. By now we had changed the church sign, ordered a huge banner, designed by Sorg Sign, advertised all over Facebook, the website, via press release to the media and even radio stations in the area. On Friday morning I actually did a live interview on the radio.

On Thursday, May 5th, Craig Winey showed up to volunteer and brought a brand new chain saw. He said that when the owner of Smith Dairy heard about what we were doing, not only did he authorize for a flyer to be made and circulated around the company, he also gave Craig a credit card and told him to go a buy a new chainsaw to send along. That piece of equipment alone was over $300.00.

By Friday, May 6th, the donated items began to trickle in but by Friday afternoon one gush of strong winds toppled and broke our tent. That was bad news not only because we would have to replace it but also because they were calling for rain over the weekend. Well, contrary to prediction, that was the last time through the remainder of the weekend that it rained. We were kept dry through the end of the project, except, maybe, for a few sprinkles on Saturday afternoon...

At the end of that day Tim Thorpe gave me a total for the money which had been specifically donated for the relief fund so far and on that same night Tim and Jeana Harley and their family went shopping at Sam’s Club. They made quite an impression on the clerks at the store. The main lady helping them said that it was the largest order she ever processed. They spent over $3,700.00 that night, primarily on baby diapers, wipes, food, formula, various juices and paper goods. Harley Drilling also made a generous contribution toward the purchases that night.

On Saturday, May 7th, Rob Miller showed up with a huge Smith Dairy trailer filled with 1,920 gallons of water, and he helped us load it onto the WMW trailer. The money for the water was provided by the InterAct and the Fidelis ABF’s.

I was by the trailer most of the day on Saturday but very thankful for the volunteers who came. We had a grill going and offered free burgers and hot dogs to people who brought stuff. It was wonderful to serve those who were serving and even "Pontius Pilate" showed up to help!

On Sunday, May 8th, I was in church by 7:00 a.m. Prayer meeting at 7:30 and a meeting with visiting missionaries, Rob and Nicole Plaster, just opened the door of what ended up being a memorable day. Steve Crisafully showed up to volunteer at 8:00. He was supposed to help until 10:00 but he ended up staying until 7:30 p.m., mostly inside the truck loading boxes.

Steve's wife, Nancy, came around noon with pizza and coffee, then she joined the crew and worked until the end. At one point, as I was thanking her for helping and letting her husband stay for the whole day on Mother’s Day, she said, “Oh no, this was the best Mother’s Day of my whole life.”

Nancy helped Jeana shop for goods at Wal-Mart and a couple of other stores in town. Yes, people came to the trailer area and handed me checks. Based on that I gave Jeana the green light to spend another $1,500.00, which she did, again with the help of the younger member of her household, Zac, who stayed with her through the end and did a great job. And though the size of the bill on the picture is substantial, this is not really the whole story. This here is the size of the bill, 40 feet and all between Wal-Mart and Sam's Club...

The preaching on Sunday morning got a lot of people motivated to donate. Some people actually stopped by on their way out of the church either to give a check or ask what we still needed and how long we were planning to be there. Some made two trips to the store because they wanted us to fill the trailer as much as possible.

One lady went back home and brought back several teddy bears, which we packed with much care in one box. A couple of ladies from the Smithville Brethren Church brought about 25 new blankets they make as part of their ministry in the church. They were nice, large, warm, and comfortable handmade blankets. They said, “We decided we wanted to share some with those in need.”

As we sat by the trailer waiting for the ladies to finish shopping, Bruce Imhoff called his boss at Wayne Health and somehow got them to donate a trailer full of stuff – wheel chairs, walkers, canes, mattresses, adult pads, etc. We gladly helped him unload that stuff and put it inside the trailer.

On Monday I called the owner of Wooster Motor Ways and he sent a driver over who picked up the trailer. Pastor Matt Carter and I stood around the driver and prayed for him and for the load to be delivered safely and to be a source of encouragement to many people. Then we watched the truck slowly leave the parking lot and hit 83 heading south, carrying 28,000 pounds of generosity.

What a blessing to see all of this come together in such a short period of time. Let’s pray that each item finds a need family, a lonely child, a grieving mother, and brings them some relief, at least for a while in this time of tremendous sadness in their lives. I go to sleep tonight knowing that Jesus approves of this. Thank you all 30 plus volunteers who made this a huge success. May God reward you for your efforts.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
Associate Pastor of Outreach
itrindade@woostergrace.org
PS.: As I finished writing this. I received a nice e-mail from the driver saying that all of our stuff was delivered safely to a very good Christian ministry which is doing an outstanding work helping people affected by this disaster. He was very impressed by the operation and people expressed their thankfulness and amazement at how much we had sent. More on this later.

Txs Buckeye Container for boxes & Sorg Signs for pick up ... on Twitpic

2011-05-05T14:30:00.000-04:00

Txs Buckeye Container for boxes & Sorg Signs for pick up ... on Twitpic
"Many hands make light work"
We thank Paul Williams of Wooster Motor Ways for donating trailer, tractor, and driver to transport relief items to Tuscaloosa, AL. Likewise, we appreciate Buckeye Container for donating boxes to fill with relief items. In addition, we are grateful for Sorg Signs for loading up boxes and getting them to the Wooster Grace parking lot; Dave Sorg also made the huge banner out on US 83.

Find the list of items here. Bring donations to the corner of US 83 & Smithville-Western Rd, North of Wooster.

Wooster, Ohio will do its part in tornado relief

2011-05-04T13:16:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

Wooster Motor Ways helps out

We are scrambling to put together a relief drive here at our church. The relief drive starts today Wed May 4 at 1:00 p.m. and is scheduled to end on Sun May 8 at 1:00 p.m so we can ship a load of items to help families in the Southern States. Thanks to Wooster Motor Ways for being willing to donate a tractor & trailer to transport relief supplies (see list below).

Juana is putting together a schedule for people to volunteer to be in the tent area for two hour shift starting today. If you would be so kind as to help us, we would appreciate it very much. Look at the schedule on the office board and/or contact Juana if you have questions (330) 264-9459 x246.

For your information, here is the list of "approved" items you can donate

Items Needed

Gatorade
Juice (packaged)
Toiletries (teeth care, deodorant, soaps, etc.)
Toilet paper and paper towels
Diapers and wipes
Baby food / formula
Packaged food for distribution (non-perishable, not expired)
Tarps
Rakes
Shovels
Chainsaws
Other large yard tools
Snack food
Aluminum pans
Serving trays
Canned food (not expired)

So purchase and collect the items. Then bring them to the tent set up next to the Wooster Motor Ways trailer. If there is no one tending the tent, then please come to the church office to drop off your donations. Please note the church offices are open Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm. The tent will have attendants over the weekend too. If you have questions please call Juana (330) 264-9459 x246. Let's fill up the trailer to help families who live in the aftermath of the violent storms that ripped through the Southern USA.

You can donate through Wooster Grace or online with Samaritan's Purse or Worldvision. I have embedded a video from Franklin Graham showing the devastation so you can respond with thousands to help families recover.

2011-04-16T16:50:00.000-04:00

Wednesday

Clearing land for the pond

Well our last two days have been filled with work on the pond. Nothing really exciting but digging as fast as we can because we all wanted to leave with the pond at least functioning. We worked long hours both days to reach the point where the pond is ready to be filled by a small stream. We faced challenges with some of the equipment but our team remained positive and did the best we could to keep the project moving forward.

Today was our last day of project work so we took time at the end of our day to say our good byes to the group of guys who we worked with from ICDI. Through our translater we expressed our joy in serving along side of these men and their hard work to help us. We also spent some time in prayer committing the work we accomplished together to God. We also prayed for God's blessing on the continuing work both with the water well drilling compound as well as the agricultural work. We prayed for the men and their families.

Pond is ready for next phase

It is wonderful to know that our partnership with ICDI will continue with the goal not only to provide for the physical needs of Central Africans but to tell them about the "Living Water" and the "Bread Of Life". Spreading the love of Jesus is why we come all this way, sacrificing vacation time and time with family. While the projects we accomplished encouraged and inspired those working with us and observing us, we want them to see Jesus in the way we live our lives.

It is always hard to convey to you on the blog how God works in each one of us when we step out in faith and watch God do His projects through us, so I encourage you to ask us. Please be patient with us however, it takes a while to process everything we have experienced but I can promise you each one of has seen God work during our short stay here in the CAR.

Tomorrow is a fun day so we will be visiting the orphan care center as well as touring Bangui. We will begin packing and be ready to begin our journey back home Friday morning. Please continue to pray for us and all of our flight to come. We arrive in Cleveland around 2pm.

To God Be the Glory
Tim

Bloggers NOTE: the team got their flight canceled in Wash DC. No flights to Cleveland for two days. So team is driving home to OH from DC. Pray for safe travels.

Wonderful birthday surprise: new shoes and a dress

2011-04-11T16:11:00.028-04:00

Monday


Backhoe/Skidsteer Txs Tom Peters & Brent Hollinger

Today we went back to work just like all of you. We continued our work at PK-22 by completing arrangement of the shipping containers in between a heavy rain storm. Although we got wet the rain cooled everything down nicely. We began a large project to construct a fish pond. Normally in US we would have large digging equipment to accomplish this but here we must use what we have so we are using the backhoe and skid steer. We hope to finish before we have to leave to come home.

As we began our digging we attracted a crowd of observers. One little girl was wearing a tattered dress that was so wore out that she had to hold it on. She was very shy but Dale asked Nanga about this little girl.

She is an orphan. Both of her parents died. She is staying with her grandmother who has very little income. Dale then asked Nanga if it was alright if he could buy her a dress and new shoes.

A birthday gift for you

Once Nanga approved, a couple of Africans went to town to buy some new clothes for this precious little girl. When they returned, it was a very touching scene to watch the girl receive the clothes. She went into the weeds, out-of-sight, to change. When she emerged, a huge smile was on her face. She probably has never received new clothes.

Dale then noticed an untreated wound on her leg. He immediately went to get a first aid kit and treated her wound putting a band-aid on the treated wound.

Afterwards, Dale asked the girl, "When is your birthday?" She shyly replied, "April 12!" How cool that God gave this girl a birthday present from Dale! This is a great story; definitely one of the highlights of our trip so far.

Dale Imhoff & Piangba Florine

We discovered her name. Her name is Piangba Florine. So please pray for Piangba. Ask God to continually provide for her needs and maybe in His will we can have more interaction with her as we continue our work here.

In His Service,
Tim

Please leave a comment on the blog to encourage the team or visit one of their facebook accounts to send them encouragement.

3000 words: 3 pictures from Africa that reflect our values

2011-04-10T23:29:00.001-04:00

Please view three pictures of what the team is experiencing. But most of all, consider how what they do reflects biblical values--values we seek to develop in everyone who attends our church (G.R.A.C.E.). I wonder if your actions everyday reflect biblical values.

CONNECT: Build Relationships to establish Connection

ACT IN SERVICE: Eat "African Fast Food" to use as fuel for serving

EXALT: See God's creation to worship the Lord of Creation

Team blesses Africans with transportation and protein enrichment

2011-04-09T21:14:00.003-04:00

PK-22: Saturday

Nanga in training

Today we had the opportunity to conduct training for Nanga and Kevin of ICDI to maintain and operate the backhoe and skid steer.

There are a lot of details to pass on but our goal is for the ICDI staff to continue the work with the equipment after we leave. As with anything new, it will take them awhile to learn and feel comfortable.

They did a good job and Nanga said he did not want to stop because it was fun feeling powerful to dig and pull things with the big backhoe. We enjoyed our time with all of the guys helping us. After our training we continued the work on the arrangement of the shipping containers until it was time to head back for lunch.

This afternoon we did a couple fun things. The first was to finish the long journey for a very special bicycle that has travelled with us from Ohio. Rick, with the help of Bill Buckwalter, carried a bike through airport security check points, with the intention of giving the bike to Andre' who is the ICDI cook here in Bangui at the guest house.

Rick presents Andre with bike

So after lunch we put the bike back together and Rick presented Andre' with his bike. A huge smile came over Andre' and he gave Rick a big hug. Andre' said that saying thank you was not enough to express his greatfullness to Rick for this wonderful gift.

The next fun thing was to visit a farm which grows a crop called spiralina. We got to tour the farm and see this production in action.

Bruce Imhoff, who came with me to the CAR last March, invested in this farm and they were excited to show us the dividends of that investment. They had constructed a larger area for a spiralina pond and have cleared land for two more ponds that they hope to construct with the proceeds from their harvest from their farm.

Dale Imhoff with spirulina farmers

The spiralina has the highest concentration of protein in the world (70%). This end product can have an awesome impact on the malnurishment probem. In addition to the spiralina the farm also has fish ponds and banannas trees. When the farmer found out Dale was Bruce's brother they could not contain their appreciation and did not stop thanking him. It was great moment! Thanks Bruce!!

We enjoyed Andre's pizza tonight for supper and we are going out to have some ice cream later

Thanks
Tim

Spirulina pool

What's on your menu for lunch? Roasted Snake?

2011-04-09T14:36:00.015-04:00

PK-22: "Fry-Day"

PK-22: Photo courtesy of Tom Peters

Friday was our second full day at PK-22, we felt like we made good progress on our projects today. While we waited for supplies for the skid steer loader, we began placing large shipping containers to be used as the shop area for the water well team.

Backhoe moving containers at PK22

Shipping containers are not only for shipping supplies in from all over the world but they also serve as buildings and storage facilities for the work of ICDI. We used the backhoe to move and arrange the containers.

For lunch we went to a local restaurant which we had placed our order the day before. Our meal consisted of chicken, cucumber salad, rice, gozo, and mango for dessert. The food was actually pretty good and it gave Dale a chance to try the local delicacy of Gozo which has a unique local taste. I encourage you to ask any of us who have eaten it before to tell you what it's like. Usually it's not a favorite for non-locals. :)

After lunch our supplies arrived for the skid steer so Dale and Rick worked to get the problems correctly. Thankfully there efforts were successful and we finally were at full working capacity.

Dale and Rick worked on the plant nursery leveling dirt and making water diversion ditches. I took the backhoe and began clearing a road back to where there is an abandoned building which Nanga hopes to build an office for PK-22.

As part of my project I demolished what remained of the old building. Part way through my efforts I scooped up a funny looking tree branch which I quickly realized was a 6ft long poisonous snake. Thankfully for me I was safe in the backhoe! The snake retreated under some of the rubble I had just removed from the building. John Hocking went and got a machete and then I moved the rubble to find the snake so we could make sure it did not cause any problems. I can give more details later but I will just say the snake is dead. One of the guys wanted to take a picture of the snake but the Africans working near us had already started cooking the snake. They were excited that I had provided them a tasty meal.

FYI The temperature was 130 in the sun!! (At that temperature you can cook a pork loin in a rotisserie grill. Check out Ehow, step 4. Wow, that's hot! by Pastor Daron)

Thanks for your prayers
Tim

SEE what team did the night before departing the country (Picture post)

2011-04-09T08:01:00.000-04:00

Night before leaving out of the country. Pizza in DC

PK22 is not just a Danish leather lounge chair

2011-04-08T13:41:00.000-04:00

PK-22

PK22 Danish Lounge Chair

Today was our first day to visit ICDI's new land called PK-22. This land is under contract from the CAR government to ICDI to develop agricultural and development projects that will impact the people of the CAR.

It was our joy to receive the grand tour of the 360 acres from Nanga Kaye, ICDI's chief agronomist. It does not take long to hear the excitement that Nanga has for the potential of this land. The passion is infectuous and we are excited to join him in developing ICDI's fields of dreams. Nanga was excited to show us all sides of the land which also helped us with our excercise program because we walked and walked and walked as Nanga shared his dream for each area of the land.

PK-22: Land provided by CAR government

Oh, did I mention it was around 100 degrees and very sunny! It was hot but it was awesome to see all the land has to offer. Some of the dreams include: developing fields of corn, soybeans, peanuts, and other crops that will provide seeds for a seed bank as well food to eat. Other plans are for an orchard with fruit trees. Ponds to grow and harvest fish will also be dug too. The new land will also provide another base camp for the water well drilling teams. Shipping containers are already here and are going to be used to store equipment and much needed parts. A tractor and farming equipment as well as a barn and well drilling equipment is on its way across the ocean from Ohio and will end up here at PK-22.

Our projects while we are here will involve clearing land for fields, helping with drainage, arranging and setting up shipping containers, diggings fish ponds and clearing paths making the land more accessible.

Nanga Kaye-ICDI Ag Director

After lunch we began some of our work with ICDI's backhoe and skid steer loader. Our plan is to train the ICDI staff how to properly operate this equipment as well as use the equipment ourselves. As our work began, we soon experienced working in Africa, that means things don't always work the way they should. We spend most of the afternoon trying to fix the skid steer. Rick and Dale did their best to diagnose the problems but with no success. While they struggled with that I began to clear land with the backhoe at least it worked. The land I worked on will be used as a plant nursery so it needs to be flat as well as protected from run off from heavy rains.

Thanks to a call to Jason Steiner of Lowe and Young farm equipment, we now have better ideas to diagnose and fix the skid steer tomorrow when we return to PK-22.

Another goal of ICDI is to be a blessing to the village that is next to PK-22 so today Tom Peters and Ted Rondeau of ICDI spent time talking to village leaders hoping begin building relationships. We also stopped at a local restaurant to see about getting food for future days lunches. Not a fast food place but we hope to eat there tomorrow. We put our order in today so it will be ready for lunch tomorrow. We ordered two chickens, (yes whole chickens) cooked to order, rice, and drinks (#1combo meal).Smile!

Well, I will give you a food review for tomorrows blog entry so stay tuned.

Thanks for all of your prayers
Tim

Today in the CAR [guest post by Rick Ratzel]

2011-04-07T16:10:00.001-04:00

PK22 land provided by CAR government

From facebook today (Thu Apr 7) "Today in the CAR..We walked around the new ICDI ag center land today checking out the 360 acres there.

(We) came back after lunch and started working on clearing land till the skidsteer shut down..Worked on it till it was time to leave,so yes I got dirty already.

Thankful for my leatherman cause tools are scarse..Should sleep good,it was hot today..Again,thanks for all your prayers,we sure appreciate them."

Please leave a comment for the team so that they can gain encouragement from your visit at the blog.

Thanks to Pastor Tom Peters for the pictures of PK-22 from FB. Pictured below are the tools Rick used for the day. These are the kind of things the team is working with in Bangui, CAR. Please pray for their great health, physical stamina and rest, and godly relationships.

Skidsteer

Leatherman

Team arrives in Central Africa [Guest post by Tim Harley]

2011-04-06T15:40:00.000-04:00

Bangui C.A.R. airport txs Wikipedia

Hey everyone, wanted to send a note to let you know we are here in Bangui, Central African Republic(CAR). We arrived around 3pm local time which is 5 hours ahead of Ohio time. We had around 24 hrs of flying time which took us from Cleveland to Washington DC to Addis Abbaba Ethiopia to Duala, Cameroon, to Bangui, C.A.R. If you look at a globe you will realize we covered a lot of miles.

We are all tired but glad to be here, we are looking forward to getting started tomorrow morning on our main project which is called PK-22. PK-22 is the kilometers from the center of Bangui. By tomorrow, I will try to send pictures to post and offer more details regarding the projects and the people we will be working with.

Thank you for all of your prayers, all of our connections went well and all of our luggage arrived including a bicycle provided by Rick and prepared for shipping by Bill Buckwalter, Ride On in Wooster, OH.

God Bless,

Tim

On to Central Africa [Guest Post by Tim Harley]

2011-04-05T06:53:00.001-04:00

11am service-Wooster Grace commissions team

[Tim Harley will send updates on the team serving in Central Africa]

Our journey has begun! We left Cleveland in route for Washington D.C. We have a lay over here with our next flight leaving Tuesday at 12pm for Ethiopia and then Bangui. We will arrive at our final destination, Bangui, Central African Republic, on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30pm. We will be six hours ahead of Ohio time. Tonight we had some time to share dinner together.
We have been joined by our ICDI team leader, John Hocking. We spent time sharing and getting to know each other. We each shared about God's faithfulness in allowing us to be a part of this team. We look forward to watching God work on behalf of our team to use us to impact those in the CAR.
My next communication will hopefully occur Wednesday night which will be the next time I will have access to the internet.

Thanks for all of your prayers!!

Tim Harley

9:45 Service Wooster Grace commissions team

The G.R.O.W. Kids Sing!

2011-03-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

So one day early in the morning I showed up at the G.R.O.W. home and took the kids to school. I wish you could have been there to see the surprise look on the face of the kids as they started shouting to each other, "Adasala is here! Adasala is here." Note: "Adasala" is the name they gave me in Akha. It means something like "Father-Pastor." I felt so happy that day but my happiness trailed in comparison to their joy and excitement. It almost makes me cry when I think that for most of these kids it would have been the first time ever that "Daddy" took them to school. A moment they will probably never forget. I drove the truck with the small children in the cab (the older ones are very proud to ride on the back, with the cover and the benches we've provided for them).

The whole time from the G.R.O.W. home to the school they were singing worship songs. On the way back, I caught them singing this song about the time Jesus calmed the storm when he was out on the boat with the disciples. I thought to myself, "How fitting. These children are singing about Jesus keeping them safe from the storms of life." And that's what rescuing children is all about. No more fear of the evil person who comes like a bad storm in the middle of the night. No more pain from having an empty stomach. No more hopelessness. They are "home now." Sing on, children!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

itrindade@woostergrace.org