This past weekend was the first "Mission Trip" that I have taken since joining NEHBC and let me just say, I am so glad I went. I was joined by some of the most fearless soul-winners (18) and was just in awe of what God is able to accomplish with willing hearts. Below I written a summary account of how it changed me, to here from others I challenge you to join us on Wednesday February 29th at 7:00pm to here personal accounts from team members.
We left Houston Saturday morning at 6:00am, okay more like 6:30, in two passenger vans and luggage in tow headed to New Orleans, LA to share the good news of Jesus Christ. We arrived around 3:00pm after driving through huge and oftentimes blinding downpours. I was sitting in the back seat of one of the vans, a seat I was not used to sitting in because I normally drive, so I had plenty of time to think and pray. I started to feel a rather ill feeling sometime after Lake Charles either because of spiritual attacks or the van swaying back and forth from the 60mph wind gusts first from the north then from the south. For now I just prayed for the ill feeling to go away and it did for the most part. We stayed at the guest houses on the NOBTS and accommodations were dorm room/ hotel in nature, no complaints. Soon after arriving our leader Pastor Greg wanted to get right to the streets; so after a short training, prayer and a quick tour around the area it was to the streets armed with tracts, Bibles and rain attire we hit the streets in groups of three.
My team consisted of Veronica (Veteran Mardi Gras--er), Alex and myself big old guy to protect the lady's. I stuck to the rear as we walked toward Bourbon St., handing out tracts to any that would take them. My first encounter was with a Muslim shopkeeper, as I needed to get a ball cap to keep my rain hood from blocking my sight. Gave him a tract with the money and he gave me my change along with the tract. First rejection out of the way, I'm alive nothing happened, now time to get a taker. We approached a cigar shop, have to say I love the smell of a good cigar, so I asked this young man that had just come out what he was smoking and how was it. After using the CAST technique. I found C-ommon ground; in that he was in NO for a drill competition at Tulane with the Corp of Cadets, personally I'm not an Aggie but Regina's twin brother is '87 so that allowed me to break the ice a little. When I moved into Spiritual matters he said he was an Atheist. I continued to ask him questions about his faith to see if we could find any common ground. When asked about morallity he said, "there was none." So I asked him if I punch one of my girls in the mouth what would he do? "Stop you," he said. Why if my reality says it's okay ot do it who are you to stop me. We finally agreed he was not an Ateist but an Agnostic because he didn't care one way or the other. His friends prompted him that it was time to go of the five the "born again" guy and the "Pordestant" did not take the tracts but the others did. Finally, to Bourbon St. and the rain stopped people began to fill the streets it was soon a very crowded and oppressed place to be, and I was feeling it. At this point it was all I could do to pick my feet up to walk, a feeling that I have never experienced in my life, knowing this exactly what Satan would want I sent out a prayer request to about the ten people that said they would pray for me and my family while I was there. Simply said "PRAY NOW" and they did because we took a quick break to eat and went back to the streets. All and all-many tracts passed out and the gospel was shared 3-times. Back to the room after feeling like I did 12 rounds with Satan and slept like a rock.
After taking a ribbing from my roomate for snoring, a problem I shared before going to bed, it was time to debrief share with the 9:00 service and back to the streets. Day two accomplished about the same type of encounters for our group, with many chances to talk to people about why we were there. On day three we concentrated our efforts to the Riverwalk and I had one very good full gospel presentation with a young college student from WFU in Tallehasse, although Ryan did not make a decission he was listening very closely.
I can say that this was the hardest and most fullfilling time we can have as Christians on mission. The attacks are great, the oppression is felt and the Holy Spirit was engaging. Given the opportunity I will do this again. I will also be going with Hellfighters as a supporter until further notice. I teach my class to be on mission where ever they go, as we are cammanded. This has brought a new passion for the lost.
God Bless
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
This New Season of Life
This is what I'm going to say tonight at a "Father/Daughter" banquet so around seven this evening I would be honored if you would pray that I give a word that can be used by others.
I have officially entered into a New Season for my life, one I did not choose, one I did not want and one that at times I am ill-equipped to handle. Nevertheless it is one that through God's providence I am in. In all things of God you choose to run to Him or you choose to build resentment and anger, your choice. I personally am choosing to run too God. Because the Bible does teach us that everything that God brings us to He will also bring us through. Over ten times in the Bible both Old and New Testaments it states, "I will never leave you or forsake you." I can try to do this on my own or I can allow God to work in my life as I rely on His promises. Again I say as Joshua did, "as for me and my house I choose the Lord."
I said I was ill-equipped, I am. I am not sure anything I have done in life could have prepared me to play the role of Father and Mother, Father - yes Mother - NO! Katie has been pretty well taught most things she needs to know being a woman; hygiene, the dreaded talk and what boys really want. I taught her to always have an exit strategy and to have it preplanned because your mind becomes very foggy when stuck in a position you didn't want to be in, and when he says I love you his definition may be different than the one you have for love, his may require action and yours just attention. This all makes perfect sense to the guys out there because this is what we do. We plan, we fix and we just take care of it, but Katie and Hannah need something different, something that is not very natural to me. They need someone to listen, just listen, nothing else but look at them and listen, now the really hard part, and empathize with there struggle at the same time without judgment, when executed properly often only requiring a hug at the end to make it all well. Sounds easy try to do it, when you walk in the door from Bible Study and hear your daughter running downstairs, she's already crying so you know it's got to be serious, met by the sobs and a hug. She said, "Just hold me. I'm sorry for crying, I know you can't handle crying, it's just -- I wish Mom where here -- she always knew what to say." All I could think is who hurt my daughter and am I going to have to hurt them too (Constant struggle in a mans head "turn the other cheek", "or an eye for an eye"). So I simply asked do you want me to take care of it or just hold you? (note to self here, High School girl drama only requires a hug, as the cure) I didn't have to go all "Mafioso" (in my mind sounded like- with a Brando deep growl, "You hurta my daughter now you know I must hurt a you, what would peoples think if I allow this disrespect." I know to much TV and in my head it sounded like Brando).
Now Hannah that's a different story, she is only half trained, yes she has heard all of the stories but has been allowed for the past year to kind of self-train because I didn't want to take that away from Regina's role of Mother. I will have to step up my game some with Ms. Hannah and solicit the Titus women of this church to come alongside and help train up this child. Hannah needs to learn how to be the supportive wife understanding that each of us has roles and this is done not to say ones better than the other but simply to prevent chaos.
As for me, I sometimes feel like I caught a disease that if you get too close you too may catch it. Lonely - yes, discouraged - on occasion, giving up - no way. Still I'm trying to find the time to grieve, this usually happens on Wednesday evenings right before church and I have no idea why. So, what does all this mean? Instead of me trying to teach my kids how to be the best students or the best athletes, I am going to train them to love the Lord our God with all their heart, mind and soul and to put others needs before their own. To respect authority, work hard and to obey God. What has this New Season of Life caused me to do, rely on God not just for the big things but for all things. Thank you and God bless all of you.
I have officially entered into a New Season for my life, one I did not choose, one I did not want and one that at times I am ill-equipped to handle. Nevertheless it is one that through God's providence I am in. In all things of God you choose to run to Him or you choose to build resentment and anger, your choice. I personally am choosing to run too God. Because the Bible does teach us that everything that God brings us to He will also bring us through. Over ten times in the Bible both Old and New Testaments it states, "I will never leave you or forsake you." I can try to do this on my own or I can allow God to work in my life as I rely on His promises. Again I say as Joshua did, "as for me and my house I choose the Lord."
I said I was ill-equipped, I am. I am not sure anything I have done in life could have prepared me to play the role of Father and Mother, Father - yes Mother - NO! Katie has been pretty well taught most things she needs to know being a woman; hygiene, the dreaded talk and what boys really want. I taught her to always have an exit strategy and to have it preplanned because your mind becomes very foggy when stuck in a position you didn't want to be in, and when he says I love you his definition may be different than the one you have for love, his may require action and yours just attention. This all makes perfect sense to the guys out there because this is what we do. We plan, we fix and we just take care of it, but Katie and Hannah need something different, something that is not very natural to me. They need someone to listen, just listen, nothing else but look at them and listen, now the really hard part, and empathize with there struggle at the same time without judgment, when executed properly often only requiring a hug at the end to make it all well. Sounds easy try to do it, when you walk in the door from Bible Study and hear your daughter running downstairs, she's already crying so you know it's got to be serious, met by the sobs and a hug. She said, "Just hold me. I'm sorry for crying, I know you can't handle crying, it's just -- I wish Mom where here -- she always knew what to say." All I could think is who hurt my daughter and am I going to have to hurt them too (Constant struggle in a mans head "turn the other cheek", "or an eye for an eye"). So I simply asked do you want me to take care of it or just hold you? (note to self here, High School girl drama only requires a hug, as the cure) I didn't have to go all "Mafioso" (in my mind sounded like- with a Brando deep growl, "You hurta my daughter now you know I must hurt a you, what would peoples think if I allow this disrespect." I know to much TV and in my head it sounded like Brando).
Now Hannah that's a different story, she is only half trained, yes she has heard all of the stories but has been allowed for the past year to kind of self-train because I didn't want to take that away from Regina's role of Mother. I will have to step up my game some with Ms. Hannah and solicit the Titus women of this church to come alongside and help train up this child. Hannah needs to learn how to be the supportive wife understanding that each of us has roles and this is done not to say ones better than the other but simply to prevent chaos.
As for me, I sometimes feel like I caught a disease that if you get too close you too may catch it. Lonely - yes, discouraged - on occasion, giving up - no way. Still I'm trying to find the time to grieve, this usually happens on Wednesday evenings right before church and I have no idea why. So, what does all this mean? Instead of me trying to teach my kids how to be the best students or the best athletes, I am going to train them to love the Lord our God with all their heart, mind and soul and to put others needs before their own. To respect authority, work hard and to obey God. What has this New Season of Life caused me to do, rely on God not just for the big things but for all things. Thank you and God bless all of you.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Thank you
Many of you know because you participated, but recently there was an imprompto fundraiser to assist in paying off some of the medical bills that mounted up during the battle waged against Regina's body. We know that the cancer didn't win but it did pay a mighty toll on us, and as Satan has come to steal, kill and destroy, God has sought fit to reclaim, give eternal life and restore. I want to thank all that participated, it was a huge blessing to us. Daron said that many did not get to participate and wanted to do something, don't worry I think Daron has agreed to cook again just before Easter to once again give you the opportunity to enjoy his awesome smokehouse foods. (More Details I am sure later.)
This actually came at a perfect time because last week I was feeling extremly lonely and it just was a very difficult week. This week has reminded me once again how hard this is: Katie has had a few blows given to her and generally she would talk to her mother about such matters because normally her dad would say dust your feet off and move on. Last night all that was here was me and all I could do was hug her because I didn't know how to fix it other than beat up the other person an act THAT I WILL NOT CARRY OUT (for the record). So again as I said all I could do was hug her, it just didn't seem like enough. I also missed an opportunity to pray with her and I'm sad about that, but I have prayed since for her and will be more watchful for the next moment. All of this just proves why God puts a mom and a dad in the home; as I struggle to understand emotion, Regina was all emotion and her problem solving came from that line of thinking. I on the otherhand fix stuff, garbage disposal not working then I fix it, someone hurts my kid then I fix it. I am learning, my mouth on the end of a open fire hydrant, to breath listen and let some things just work themselves out. Don't worry honey if you read this I am always here for a hug, I love you!!!
Wanted those of you that read this to know that on Thursday evenings we have started a new Bible Study for men to meet here at my home, 8611 Malardcrest Dr., Humble, 77346, ALL ARE WELCOME. This is a Matt Chandler series that we will do on the book of Philippians. Look forward to seeing many of you, it starts at 7:30pm and we will go until 9:00pm this should give you time to get home from work and then come and share with others.
Again thank you for all the support that each of you give to me with your comments and encouragement to the blog and also to all of you that helped this past week bless us in a time of need.
God Bless
Kevin
This actually came at a perfect time because last week I was feeling extremly lonely and it just was a very difficult week. This week has reminded me once again how hard this is: Katie has had a few blows given to her and generally she would talk to her mother about such matters because normally her dad would say dust your feet off and move on. Last night all that was here was me and all I could do was hug her because I didn't know how to fix it other than beat up the other person an act THAT I WILL NOT CARRY OUT (for the record). So again as I said all I could do was hug her, it just didn't seem like enough. I also missed an opportunity to pray with her and I'm sad about that, but I have prayed since for her and will be more watchful for the next moment. All of this just proves why God puts a mom and a dad in the home; as I struggle to understand emotion, Regina was all emotion and her problem solving came from that line of thinking. I on the otherhand fix stuff, garbage disposal not working then I fix it, someone hurts my kid then I fix it. I am learning, my mouth on the end of a open fire hydrant, to breath listen and let some things just work themselves out. Don't worry honey if you read this I am always here for a hug, I love you!!!
Wanted those of you that read this to know that on Thursday evenings we have started a new Bible Study for men to meet here at my home, 8611 Malardcrest Dr., Humble, 77346, ALL ARE WELCOME. This is a Matt Chandler series that we will do on the book of Philippians. Look forward to seeing many of you, it starts at 7:30pm and we will go until 9:00pm this should give you time to get home from work and then come and share with others.
Again thank you for all the support that each of you give to me with your comments and encouragement to the blog and also to all of you that helped this past week bless us in a time of need.
God Bless
Kevin
Friday, February 3, 2012
Missing Her Like Crazy
I keep coming across things that remind me of some of the quirkie stuff we used to do and say and still making me sad. For example, I saw a journal entry from her about someone and she said, "they were such a crack smoker." Regina also, has so many pictures, so many that it is borderline hording the amount that I have. I need to put them in albums, but am afraid I'd go broke on supplies (note to self: project for another day). Too many years of memories to forget, so how do you get through a day without breaking down? Each day gets better and I know I can still expect sad days. The hardest part is waking up at night after having such a vivid dream and looking for her and she is nowhere to be found.
Last night I had a dream that somehow she had come back to life (clue #1 this is a dream) and they now had a cure for her. I know that's crazy but that was the dream. The problem was that it was so vivid in my mind that it seemed to be real. I have had some real sad days this week and really need to get past this. Yes, I know it's a process and I am learning to be content in the process but, I am truley lonely, all I have known for the past 30 years is a life with Regina as a part of it, and now the part that made me complete as Christ kneaded us together is torn away leaving a wound. Sure, I'll keep going on and most people will never even know the pain I feel, and "no," I probably won't even admit to it.
The kids seem to be doing better, grades are going up schedules are normalizing and we understand this is "make it" time. We are all getting excited about our vacation together it should be a good time. I hope it is a time to reflect, heal and draw close as a family. We will focus on all that God has given and be thankful we are still able to say his name boldly.
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
God Bless, Kevin
Last night I had a dream that somehow she had come back to life (clue #1 this is a dream) and they now had a cure for her. I know that's crazy but that was the dream. The problem was that it was so vivid in my mind that it seemed to be real. I have had some real sad days this week and really need to get past this. Yes, I know it's a process and I am learning to be content in the process but, I am truley lonely, all I have known for the past 30 years is a life with Regina as a part of it, and now the part that made me complete as Christ kneaded us together is torn away leaving a wound. Sure, I'll keep going on and most people will never even know the pain I feel, and "no," I probably won't even admit to it.
The kids seem to be doing better, grades are going up schedules are normalizing and we understand this is "make it" time. We are all getting excited about our vacation together it should be a good time. I hope it is a time to reflect, heal and draw close as a family. We will focus on all that God has given and be thankful we are still able to say his name boldly.
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
God Bless, Kevin
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