DO YOU CONTINUE TO GO WITH JESUS?

September 19 -- DO YOU CONTINUE TO GO WITH JESUS?

"Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations Luke 22:28).

It is true that Jesus Christ is with us in our temptations but are we going with Him in His temptations? Many of us cease to go with Jesus from the moment we have an experience of what He can do. Watch when God shifts your circumstances, and see whether you are going with Jesus, or siding with the world, the flesh and the devil. We wear His badge, but are we going with Him? "From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him."

The temptations of Jesus continued throughout His earthly life, and they will continue throughout the life of the Son of God in us. Are we going with Jesus in the life we are living now?

We have the idea that we ought to shield ourselves from some of the things God brings round us. Never! God engineers circumstances and whatever they may be like we have to see that we face them while abiding continually with Him in His temptations. They are His temptations, not temptations to us, but temptations to the life of the Son of God in us. The honour of Jesus Christ is at stake in your bodily life. Are you remaining loyal to the Son of God in the things which beset His life in you?

Do you continue to go with Jesus? The way lies through Gethsemane, through the city gate, outside the camp; the way lies alone, and the way lies until there is no trace of a footstep left, only the voice, "Follow Me."

—My Utmost For His Highest

Mornings with the Proverbs.

Chapter 18

Words Kill, Words Give Life

1 Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.
2 Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.
3 When wickedness arrives, shame's not far behind; contempt for life is contemptible.
4 Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.
5 It's not right to go easy on the guilty, or come down hard on the innocent.
6 The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him.
7 Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.
8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?
9 Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.
10 God's name is a place of protection— good people can run there and be safe.
11 The rich think their wealth protects them; they imagine themselves safe behind it.
12 Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.
13 Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.
14 A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed?
15 Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.
16 A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people.
17 The first speech in a court case is always convincing— until the cross-examination starts!
18 You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.
19 Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond.
20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.
22 Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of God!
23 The poor speak in soft supplications; the rich bark out answers.
24 Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.

Prov 18:1-24 (MSG)

Time....How is passes by so fast...

I have been thinking on what to write for some time. Telling myself daily "Just sit down and write stupid". Sitting in front of the laptop answering emails, preparing pp and working on my schedule, it is just hard to write. Well here it goes...
We have been home now since 15th of July. So many people have asked, "well have you readjusted to being back in the states?". Each day passing that question has become more and more difficult to answer. I guess the best way to answer would be that I hope I never adjust. If I do, it would be that I have forgotten where I have been the past four years. I don't believe that God had us sell everything we had to readjust. I don't think he carried us to Costa Rica to learn a language and culture to readjust. I'm positive that God didn't send us to share the good news of the Gospel with a people group (Uruguayans) that is one of the least evangelized in SA to readjust.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Cor 5:17 (NKJV)

I do believe this means daily...

Not to offend any of my friends or family. But I really don't want to readjust.

Second week home....

We have been back in the states now for 7 days. It pretty much has been a whirl wind. We landed on Tuesday afternoon. Stopped by an mexican restaurant. (didn't taste like i had remembered) Made it back to my sister-in-laws place for a little rest and visit family. Wednesday we recouped a little but we went to my younger brothers place for supper. Thursday we rested some but made a run into town to look and shop a little. ( I couldn't stay in Wal-mart long. I think my mind was having a problem processing all the English being spoke. Normally I can block out sounds when I'm walking and talking with whom ever I'm with. But I guess my ears weren't accustomed to hearing it so it wanted to focus on it. It gave me a pretty bad head ache. That was a little weird.) Friday and Saturday Teresa was out with my brother's wife and her sister. Sunday we went to church and early Monday morning we off on a plane to the International Learning Center. That is where we are at now. We are going thru some new training and a type of debriefing. We will finish up here on Sunday and 5 am on Monday we are on our way back to the airport and return to Athens.
The kids are enjoying their time. The ILC had many treats and debriefing for them as well. Making new friends and even reengaging some old ones. As well as meeting friends in 3d instead of 2d chat. They are doing a lot more but I'm not sure what. They keep them pretty busy which is a task working with TCK's. (third culture kids) If you want to know more about those type of kids send me note or email and I will go into more detail. It is quiet interesting to see TCKs interact.
Thanks again for all your prayers. In upcoming post I will be sharing what we are planning for our next term on the field.

International World Changers Uruguay 2008

I have been wanting to post about one of the most exciting things we have done here in Uruguay. June 14-21 we were involved in ministering with the International World Changers. Paul Sheaffer has posted with the details so jump over and give a look see. Paul and Pam Sheaffer did an awesome job working with the staff of IWC and orchestrating all the events. Also all the stats of what was done is stated on the IWC Uruguay Blog.

Looking Back....

Wow how four years has flown by.
First...Thank you for all your prayers, emails, and care packages. Family, Church Family and friends have been so gracious with all that you have done for us over the last 4 years.
Second...I apologize for not doing better communicating what has been going on the ministry. I wanted to share more but always fell back into the loop of sharing what was going on in our family.
Costa Rica was fun enjoyable and a blessing. Costa Rica was hard difficult and well ryhms with carcel. Maybe it wasn't that bad, maybe so...there was times I wasn't sure which way was up. But it is all in the process of preparing for the field. Language is tough. It will always be tough, and I have accepted that. I have embraced it and now I'm enjoying it. Ministry is tough, I have accepted it, embraced it and now I'm enjoying it. My marriage is tough, It will always be tough, I have accepted it,embraced it and have been enjoying it for almost 21 years. Do you see the pattern. It's part of the process. That is the way God has designed it. I love it.
We are on to our next chapter in our lives. Monday we will be heading home for our first stateside assignment. We are all excited about seeing family and friends. Recharging our batteries. Getting some spiritual rest. Worshiping with our church family. It will be emotional to say the least but we are ready.
I'm a little nervous about going home.
My dad died about 2 years ago. We were blessed with being able to go home and be with family. But there is a lot of mourning process that we haven't went through. Like passing by the places we always saw him out doing stuff. Seeing him when we walk into the house. Drinking coffee with him in the morning. Or talking about work, laying brick or what is his next project. Dad and I had a neat connection in that he taught me how to lay brick. Something I will always cherish. He was a talented brick layer. It was done right or it wasn't done.
Also during our time while in Costa Rica my stepfather died. He was instrumental in our lives that he was one of the first to encourage us to follow our God calling to the ministry and missions.
It has been a while, I'm praying that I can hold it together for my children's sake.
I have been thinking on how I could recap these past 4 years. I can't think of anything more than to say it has been like my walk with the Lord. It has been one fun, exciting, emotional filled roller coaster ride. There is always excitement, nervousness waiting in line. It builds as you climb the first hill. You peak over the top, then you get a adrenaline rush down the other side wondering when it will stop. What can I say God is good.

Getting close to closing out this stage of my blog....

As you have seen, my blog is titled First Term on the Field. As some of you might know and for those that don't. We will be finishing up our first term officially on July 14th. That is also the date in which we fly home for our "First Stateside Assignment". It is most commonly known as furlough. But as we are finding out, there won't be much down time. I haven't decided on how I will close out this blog or if I will just change out the name. This blog and our first term has been a learning experience. My intentions were to share those experiences here on this blog but I failed to really share the ups and downs of ministry. So I turned to photos and sharing family experiences. As you have noticed I have a hard time keeping my topics in order and tend to jump around. Well that has been my experience our first term as well. I tried something here and there and never really seen any results. We kept plugging but time and time again it seemed like nothing worked. What I have learned more than ever is that God is in control. It will happen in his time and not on mine. This race is long and hard. I will continue eating (the word) and drinking (the blessings) to finish the race well. God has plans for us all and we have to see and enjoy the blessings he has in store for us as we run the race.

The Minstry of Aigua...

I would like to introduce you to one of God's special servants. We all have or know someone special that has weathered the ministry, has a super sweet soul, who sees Gods great accomplishments in other people. And continues to praise God daily.
She is sitting next to my wife to the right, next to the TV. Her name is Rosa, with two last names that I can't attempt to spell.
Her and her husband have ministered in the town of Aigua (roughly 2000 inhabitants) for more than 40 years. Last year her husband went to be with the Lord. They have two daughters. Both due to economic situations have had to move away leaving one child each with their mother.
After her husband untimely death. they have seen a revival break out through out the congregation. Many that had fallen away are returning to the fold. As a result the ones that are returning are sharing with more people of the community.
As you can imagine, Rosa is faced with trying to keep the ministry moving.
We (my family and the pastor from another town ) have been visiting every 2 weeks. Encouraging, preaching and praying with the church. I'm thankful we have a big God.
Things that I would ask you to pray for this ministry...
1. That God would raise up a pastor for this ministry.
2. That God would continue to strengthen Rosa and her small team.
3. That God would provide them with the means to house the many sheep returning to the fold.
4. That many would come to know Jesus through this ministry.

Again thank you again for all you prayers.
For my family....
Please continue to pray for...
1. Our preparations for our first stateside assignment.
2. Our health during this stressful time.
3. Our future serving God.
4. our few weeks left here sharing Jesus...

A little Information on the Country of Uruguay...

The Name...
The conventional long name for the country is ORENTAL REPUBLIC OF URUGUAY, or in Spanish, REPUBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY. The short form is simply Uruguay.


The name given to Montevideo, Uruguay's capital origiantes from 1520 when Ferdinand Magellan made his visit to the region. According to folklore, a sailor on board saw land and shouted, "I see a hill," or in Portuguese, "Monte vide eu." Also, the phrase in Spanish on early maps of the area have: "Monte VI de E.O.," or "The sixth hill from east to west."

Thanks to Ron and Carla Roy for this information. All this information can be fond on most country profiles.
I'm studying more and more of the cultural background of Uruguay. I'm also praying more here lately on what my role will be or better yet what role God has planned for us when we return in June of 2009.

Some Vacation Time with Garrett....

Well Garrett and I made it back safely. This past week Garrett and I struck out on a little adventure to La Cumbre, Argentina. We were invited to go with about 48 Uruguayans to participate in a 75 kilometer challenge. This challenge was an mountain bike race across some of the toughest down hills with one that descended about 5oo meters (1600 feet) in 5 kilometers. We continued through very arid conditions with water crossings along the way but that, was not the challenge. After we arrived at kilometer 45, the challenge started. Climbing over 3000 feet in 10 kilometers. Then traveling through rolling hills to the finish. In total it was approximately 75 kilometers.
The results were not what we were hoping for but the key word was that we all finished safely. Garrett had two flats, which did not allow him to finish on the podium. We are guessing if he had not flattened he would probably have finished in the top three. he finished 13th out of 49.
As for me, I finished. I wasn't sure how would do coming off of 4 weeks of racing then trying to do this. I went into the race to just finish and see what it was that drew over 3000 racers to participate. My finish was 172 out of 450. I was pleased considering that I did not train specifically for this race.
It was impressive how they started all the categories and just a few mishaps. I saw many cramping and many crashes but to what I understand there were no major crashes that required hospitalization.
Garrett and I was able to share our faith with many people along our way and touch people that we wouldn't have touched if had not gone.
I was blessed with the time that I got to spend with my son. And on that note, I have talked a lot about how things went but I forgot the biggest blessing of the whole trip. The morning of the race as we were making final preparations. Garrett came out of the bathroom and asked to pray with me. I was overcome with joy and pride as I had spent an hour or so prior praying for us both and that God would protect him from harm. I am proud of Garrett as he is taking the steps to becoming a man (spiritually). Garrett is not perfect, nor are any of us, but thank God we have a perfect Saviour.

A Three Month Recap....

I wasn’t sure on what I’ve shared over the last 3 months so I thought I would do a recap and maybe a few photos. January came in flying and some flying out. Teresa’s sister came down to spend Christmas with us and her and her two boys flew out on the first. Then we went to planning mode in January. One of the things I like about January and February is that I can knock out Teresa’s, Garrett’s and CoraBeth’s bday along with our anniversary. So January was Teresa’s and our anniversary. After that we planned for our annual meeting with our Regional leadership in Paraguay. Sounds simple but again nothing is simple living cross culturally. After getting back from our 8 or 9 day trip to Paraguay we recovered and tried to get the kids back on schedule for their schools.
February came in with me having the opportunity to preach for the local pastor here in Treinta y Tres. I assumed it went over well. There weren’t as many puzzled looks this time like the last time I preached. We celebrated Garrett’s and CoraBeth’s bday. They both had friends over and didn’t different type things, movie, pizza type stuff.
Teresa organized with the help with some of the ladies in the church an evangelical event for women. Teresa lead the study and God used her to reach two women for his kingdom.
Toward the end of the month we were involved with working with the Canadian Samaritans Purse. We translated for several days. And I don’t have the numbers but there were a bunch of boxes given out and love of Christ was shared through this event.
Again after that we were getting the kids back on track on school. Have you noticed the trend?
March was busy with working locally but also we were blessed to be involved in a wedding. It was a missionary from another sending agency and a Uruguayan. It was a blessed time.
We just finished up with working with our country team leader in one of our areas. This was in the city of Minas. Many of you have heard me mention it many times. The family is Walter, Vicky, Camila and Abigail. Our team leader had lined up for a church from Texas to come down and do a three day, all day basketball camp. We saw many professions. The neighborhood that we focused was one of the hardest in the city. In regards to poor, drugs and other things, by the end of the 3rd day we had over a hundred kids that were participating. This group from Texas shared many of the principals that Upward Basketball teaches. It was a blessing. Not only were there kids touched but many adults were asking questions on what, why and where. It was amazing to see God again break down so many barriers.
I want to thank you for your continued prayers and support. Believe it our not our time is growing short here for our first term. (Arriving home on July 15th) It has been an amazing ride and I will mention more on that subject another time.
Prayers points….
1. Continue praying for a Church Planting Movement to break out in the east side of Uruguay.
2. For the pastoral families in Minas, Treinta y Tres, and Rocha.
3. For the work of Aigua were there is a fresh wind of God moving through this small town.
4. For our leadership in South America Region and Uruguay specifically.
5. For us as we make preparations to come home for our first stateside assignment.
I post some photos later...

God Knows what we need to hear and When we need to hear it!!!

March 9 -- THE TIME OF RELAPSE "

Will ye also go away?" (John 6:67).

A penetrating question. Our Lord's words come home most when He talks in the most simple way. We know Who Jesus is, but in spite of that He says - "Will ye also go away?" We have to maintain a venturing attitude toward Him all the time.

"From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him." They went back from walking with Jesus, not into sin, but they relapsed. Many today are spending and being spent in work for Jesus Christ, but they do not walk with Him. The one thing God keeps us to steadily is that we may be one with Jesus Christ. After sanctification the discipline of our spiritual life is along this line. If God gives a clear and emphatic realization to your soul of what He wants, do not try to keep yourself in that relationship by any particular method, but live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. Never try to live the life with God on any other line than God's line, and that line is absolute devotion to Him. The certainty that I do not know - that is the secret of going with Jesus.

Peter only saw in Jesus Someone to minister salvation to him and to the world. Our Lord wants us to be yoke-fellows with Him.

V. 70. Jesus answers the great lack in Peter. We cannot answer for others.

—My Utmost For His Highest
(Bold emphasis mine)

February Recap...

CoraBeth had another birthday here in Uruguay. Each year we learn to do it a little more culturally correct. This year it was a little more friends and a little more like what the nationals do. Maybe by the time she is 15 we will have it down.

This was a busy few days. This group came down from Canada. They were from all over. They came down and was part of actually giving the boxes to all the kids. Oh...this was first time for me as well to be a part of giving the Samaritans Purse boxes. All these boxes came from Canada. It was a fun time and all the kids were blessed.

Here is Teresa doing a fantastic job with presenting a ladies evangelistic event. The played games to introduce themselves and Teresa gave a 20 min lesson with an Gospel invitation. they had two professions of faith. WAY TO GO TERESA!!!

Preparing !!!

Teresa is prepping for her lesson she will share at the Ladies event they have planned at the Church. The idea is to invite as many lost women as they can. At this point we got word like so many times before the women are not inviting anybody. We can't exactly find out the problem. They just haven't gotten a hold of the fact that their friends and loved ones will be totally seperated from God eternal and will burn in hell forever...We are praying for something totally different...We are praying that the Holy Spirit will capture the hearts of many.
You might have noticed the can of spray on the desk. Well Teresa hates mosquitos, and normally in our office there are several. Like the Word of God she is always armed with the bug spray...

Garrett's Sixteenth!!!

Well we didn't have a big party. He doesn't have plans to go down to the court house and get his driving license. But he does dream of that day when we get back to the states.
Teresa says she remembers the day when she said after his 8th birthday that just in 8 years that he would be turning 16. I bet she didn't see him turning 16 in Uruguay. I sure didn't .
We have been really blessed with Garrett. Yes we have had some valleys but I wouldn't trade them for nothing. We all learned from those down times. We have had some good times that we will always remember. And I look forward to the times to come. Each day I'm amazed at Garrett's ability to make friends. Never meet a stranger and always wanting to help. I'm his biggest fan and proud to be his father.
Happy Birthday Garrett!!!
Your Dad.

An idea!!!

Well, most of you that drop by, I'm sure ask,"I wonder what kind of ministry things does the brownings do?" We we are building relationships. Share the Gospel every opportunity and work with new starts or NOGs (New Outreach Groups). We travel quiet a bit on the road due to where the groups are.
Last night my son had some of his cycling buddies over for an all nighter at a local cybernet playing games. Which sparked my thoughts to vision.
Sports in general but mostly football (soccer) and cycling are a way for the kids to dream or aspire to do something big here in Uruguay or just maybe make it big to be able to leave Uruguay for a better life. As I have been looking at my son's future in cycling (at the moment that is his main interest), and the possibility of attending a cycling camp when we go home on stateside. I got to thinking of how we could put on an cycling camp for the kids here. Man...my head starting spinning with ideas and how it could touch so many kids and tie it in to the spiritual side, sharing the Gospel and seeing some future leaders coming out of this group.
You might ask Michael why are you focusing on cyclist? Well there a few reasons...
With my limited experience but drawing off the experience of other missionaries here as well. Leadership is at a premium. If you can find a leader who thinks, plans and can visualize for the future. You have found a Gold mine. (side note...I feel like the Deaf Ministry has touched a little of that with an national girl here. Again only time will tell.)
Now if one of these cyclist would sell out to Christ. Let me show you what he could draw off of...
1. Endurance...cyclist knows that you don't win the race in the first 5 minutes.
2. Planning...Planning for your race season takes thought and not waiting till the last minute.
3. Training...They know what if takes to train and train consistently.
4. Finishing...They also know if they don't win that it is not the end of the world and there will be another day to race.
There is so much more but that is just a few thoughts.
Oh yea another reason is I love cycling the sport. It has took a hard hit this past year with doping scandals, to the point I was questioning weather or not I wanted to keep following it.
So now the idea...
I was think of how to put together a cycling camp. If you have any ideas please shoot me you thoughts. There isn't really time to do one before we go on stateside or maybe there is, whatever your thoughts please let me know.
I wanting it to first focus on the spiritual side but also good health, right training and all that encompasses a good athlete.

Mate!!!

Mate!!! Anyone? Well, it still amazes me how "Mate" plays such a big part of this culture. The guy in the black jacket was on the side of the road watching a cycling race go through our town. We we out to support some of our local riders participating in the "Vuelta de Uruguay". The Polocia pulled over and drank a few swiggs to get a boost. I would really like to see a study done on the true effects of "Mate" or the yerba that "we" drink, yes we. I have found that if I don't have my Mate for the day I have missed something. It really doesn't play a part of my social life like some of the Uruguayans but it does play a part of my daily life. Until next time...chao...

A new hobby...

This is something I started doing on the side. I was able to start a friendship with a guy in Montevideo that does this for a living I believe. Anyway he got me started cutting coins. It's a little vexatious but so is serving as a missionary.

A litte Late...

I know this is late but here are a few pixs from this past Christmas. Some have asked about it. The last few are our Christmas dinner.

Chistmas 2007

Part III of Rick's address....

I'm posting this but haven't listened to it yet...I'm getting tied with preparation and conviction on some other things. Enjoy...

Part II of Rick's Proclamation...

Let me set you up for this one. There are a lot of people that have come out to support Rick. I'm sure as it was evident to Rick, that there were many there that didn't have the relationship with our Father. He definitely proclaimed the Word of God.

Rick and Bubba Show....

You know I never have been a big Rick and Bubba fan. I have listened to them time to time. I got the email when Rick's son died through facebook. I thought, "what a tragedy". I have just listened to part 1 of Rick's celebration time for his son. Yes I said celebration time. Once you watch this video you will hear what I mean. I am a fan of Rick's for sure. One of the most convicting videos I have ever watched. I will post more as I view them.

Trying to Get Back in Gear...

Well we just got back yesterday from our Annual General Meeting. This is when we get together with our Leadership and our fellow missionaries, and receive training and are able to worship in our heart language. It was an encouraging time and I want to thank all that was involved. What a blessing the CrossGate Church was to us. The Pastor and his worship team were tremendous. They also ministered to our children and they will remember it for years to come.
Heart Language...you know I thought I knew what that meant before I came to the field. The truth of the matter is that you don't really understand it till you experience it. I was trying to explain to the team that when they sing and we watch how they share that song with tones and facial expressions we can share by knowing what words are expressed by those facial expressions. While here in our first term we haven't come to be able to do that with our national brothers. Yes we know the songs and yes we understand the meanings but to be able to share the same feeling or heart feeling with that word and facial expression, we haven't arrived there yet. We do long to share those feelings with our brothers in Christ...but I also believe that it plays also a big part on how we see the world. or should we say "World View". That was some or our training time with Jim Slack. I would share some of that as well but it will take a long while to process all that information. And if any of you know Dr. Slack you understand what I'm saying. Until next time...Nos vemos, Dios bendiga.

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Overview of Laura and the Kids...

Well they came, played and left tired...
They had a good time and if I have time I'll try to put photos and comments on all we did. But for now they left tired and I'm glad. That means we filled their time. What it really means is that they were tired of traveling. First let me say I was so thankful that she could come down and experience a little of what her sisters experiences daily. As for as Michael Wayne and Seth. Well I think they left with a better appreciation of the conveniences of home. I want to thank them both for being willing to try different things and thank them for the patients. They both had to take turns riding in the back of the truck. It was hot, dusty and rough roads. They were both troopers. Also thanks go out to my kids as well as doing the same. (But they ought to be used to it.)We had good weather and had some good food (I thought). It took Seth a few days to get over the shock of not having fast food restaurants available. But he finally came around, I just couldn't get him to try the chicken hearts. Maybe next time. All in all we were blessed for them to come down and spend Christmas and New Years with us Uruguayan style.