Update on Teresa's Sister....

Laura and the kids made it fine. One piece of luggage came a day later. But nothing major happen. We praise God for that. They made the trip from the airport to here pretty good. It was long and they were tired. All in all they were excited to get here.
Over the last few days have been tiring as well for them. We have traveled quiet a bit and it is catching up to them I think. Poor Seth has been fighting a fever but we have given him so antibiotics so that has seem to get it under control. Please no alarm, he has battled with sinus infections in the past so we were not suprized to much by this. I'll let see a few pictures and update you some more later.

"I Pray to you, O Lord,

in the time of Your favor; in Your great love, O God, answer me with YOu sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, form the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide Your face from Your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble." Psalm 69:13-17, NIV)

Now lets not get alarmed, I'm not in trouble yet, I going through some verses of over coming the enemy and thought I would share as I find them.

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Teresa's Sister...

For the ones that are keeping up...Laura and kids made it fine. Michael Wayne's check in didn't make it but we think we will have it by tomorrow. The are recovering from the trip. We'll try to keep you posted on the visit.

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Father,

You're teaching me that pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10)

Help me discern the pride that is involved when I am quarrelsome.

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My Faithful Father...

My faithful father, you've warned me that when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

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OVERCOMING PRIDE...

Lord God, Your Word clearly warns us that pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

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November News...(catchy)

Wow where did this month go...we have been so blessed to say that this month has been busy. We look forward to December and January as being just as busy. As you seen the JEBU event went fantastic. We made many new friends and rekindle old ones. Teresa has finally gotten her feeling back in her finger from all the papas she peeled. It was a great time in the Lord and look forward to seeing how God is going to use that in the town of Minas.
We came home after that event to prepare for the ladies event that the Church in our home town put together for all the local christain ladies. A team from the capital city come up and put on a workshop type event. They had times of worship and encouragement. Teresa and the pastors wife gave away door prizes. It was a great time for all.
Later on in the month we were able to go down to Montevideo and celebrate Thanksgiving with our missionary family. Many are on stateside assignment so attendance was scarce but none the less we had some great food and fellowship with all that were there.
I almost fogot. I preached again in Minas. This was really my first sermon in spanish. I have done things in the past but this was my first opportunity I share the word all in Spanish. As many of you know me I'm not good in front of people and then you put speaking in Spanish on top of that...WOW...the night before I was so nausiated. But as always our father was faithful and I pray he was glorified. People say I have come a long way on my spanish. I pray that it just glorifies God and nothing more or maybe I continue to order pizza correctly anyway. For those that live abraod you understand. We love you all and thank you for your cards, emails and phone calls. Remember that your gift to Lottie Moon supports us and through that you touch many lives throughout the world.
Areas of Prayer...
1. For the departments of Treinta y Tres, Lavalleja and Rocha
a. Hearts will be opened.
b. False doctrine will be silenced
c. All our christian brothers will be encourged.
2. For the pastors families...
a. Guillermo and family
b. Walter and family
c. Family in Aigua who the pastor past away a few months past and we have started visiting twice a month.
3. For the new believers in Santa Clara and Cebollati
4. For Teresa's sister and her kids that will be visiting during the Holidays.
Enjoy the photos...
Womens Event in November "Animate Mujer"

Thanksgiving with our missy family!!!

Worship time in Aigua...

JEBU #4

Coming up on Sunday, we were all felling a little tired ("tarred" for all my folks back home). Teresa didn't want to see or smell another potato or carrot. I was ready to start my a new profession in a taxi service. But really we were so blessed to see how God was working in so many lives.
Sunday morning after feeding time we started the Sunday morning worship service. During this time several of the leaders and I went to the highest point in the city. The name is "Cerro de Artigas". At this point there is the largest horse statue in Uruguay. It has the icon Artigas riding this horse. You can see in the photos that both the the horse and Atrigas are looking down like they are already defeated. This is kind of how the people in Minas view life as well. Already defeated with no hope, looking for hope in all the wrong places and not seeing the thier hope lies in Jesus Christ. We all took turns praying for the city leaders and all its occupants. We returned back to service and shared with the group of our prayers and closed out a great conference in God's name. I can't say enough how fortunate Teresa and I feel that we could be apart of this youth event. Enjoy the photos.
Please continue to pray for Minas...
1. For the pastor Walter, Vickie, Carmila and Abigail.
2. For the people in Minas that they would see were their hope lies.

You can continue to pray for Trienta y Tres...
1. For the pastor Guillermo, Etel, Maria, Deborah and Jonaton.
2. For the womens event that Etel and Teresa have planned this weekend.
3. For an event that all the evangelical churches will be participating in February. I will give you more details as time grows closer.

Continue praying for "Santa Clara" about two hours north of were we live. That the three believers continue grown spiritually.
Also for the believers in "Cebollati". As they struggle to continue...
I want to thank all of our Prayer Warriors. For their faithful prayers, emails, cards and phone calls.

FYI...
Michael Browning
Simon del Pino 1089
Treinta y Tres, Uruguay

Stateside address...
14494 Dogwood Rd
Athens Al
Also if you want to call us you can call this number (205) 278-4119. It is a stateside number but rings here. This is a stateside number, there are no international phone charges for you.
Thanks again for your faithfulness.
The Brownings....

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JEBU #3

As we went into Saturday, it kick off with a great worship time, After getting some 300 kids through the chow line. While the kids and leaders were being taught, myself and others started checking out the status of what was to happen later that day. We were to have a march through the city, finishing at the plaza with one of the national contemporary Christian rock groups. Walter and I had double check the set and everything had looked fine. Later that evening we were preparing things and come to find out that power was not supplied by the local government. So no concert at the plaza. But as in normal Uruguayan fashion, no foul. We on with the march, which was fantastic. We ended it in the plaza. We sang praises to do God and got down on our faces before God. Praying for souls to be reached and changed for the Glory of God. It was an awesome time. We walked back to the church and had the concert. I believe God was edified and glorified. Enjoy the photos....

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JEBU #2

Friday kicked off with a great worship service, several churches prepared dramas, and Walter from the local Baptist church gave a very moving devotional and charge. He is a passionate proclaimer of the Word of God. I feel blessed to be a friend of his.
We slept at the house of the pastor and his family. We didn't see much of the wives for they were steadily preparing food. I spent time with Walter discussing strategy and the spiritual state of the town of Minas. I was able to carry people to and fro for different reasons. Garrett was able to participate and he helped a lot with the power point. We used our projector to project the words of the song on the wall.

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JEBU #1

As I start to post installments from our weekend. I will start with the ones that kept us going. These women prepared and feed some 300 young people. I'm going to list just a few things that were bought and prepared. The whole weekend was fantastic. We were able to stay with the pastor and his family. They are very special people, we were able to make some lasting memories. Well let me get started....
1. 35 whole chickens already prepped for cooking. (that is an important point here)
2. 176 lbs of rice
3. they peeled 132 lbs of carrotts
4. peeled some 308 lbs of potatos.
5. each morning they served .....
50 liters of milk
10 liters of cafe
20 kilos of sugar (44 lbs)
40 kilos of bread (88 lbs)
5 kilos of butter for the 3 days (ll lbs)
6. there was some 60 liters of oil used for cooking (15 gallons)
7. 5 kilos of cheese rollado (11 lbs)
8. 7 kilos of mayonesa (15 lbs) that was used in one meal
There was several other things like salt, red pepper, garlic and green peas.
Teresa, the pastor's wife Vicki were up by 6 or 7 and normally did not get in bed till 1 or 1:30 in the morning. To what I saw with no breaks. When they weren't preparing food they were cleaning up the comodor and cocina.
It was impressive to say the least.
As I get my thoughts in line I post on the total weekend.
Thanks to all that prayed for us during this time.

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Day of the Dead

As I'm sure many of our friends will be finding opportunities to minister during this time, please remember us as we will be working the the Young Adult Baptist of Uruguay this weekend. Having some workshops and times of evangelism in one of the active catholic towns of the interior, Minas, Uruguay. You can follow this link to find out more about this day.

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Personality Test ...Do they show personality flaws???

You know this might be my problem. I'v taken personality test before and I'm not sure that it turned out like this. BUT!!! this is taken after being on the field for a few years. We were told that things change after a while.

Garrett's progress....

I thought I would post some news on Garrett. Even though I might be bi est on my comments. Garrett is doing well on his racing year. After placing second on several races. He has won his first in a exciting finish. I'll try to give a run down how it went. I will not be able to do it justice with words.
As they started out, one of the first obstacles was a down hill to a funnel section across a rough made bridge. It was a rapid decent with large rocks on the other side of the bridge. On the decent Garrett lost one of his bottles that contained Gatorade, the other he had was water. I was able to get the Gatorade bottle. Teresa and I set off to try to catch them at a intersection crossing. They were riding faster than I would have guest, so we missed him there. At that point I was just hoping he could hang to the group and I would catch at the last water stop. Teresa and I found the last water stop which left him with 16 kilometers till the finish. (it was a 48 kilometer race.) As were waiting, some of the race people said the elite racers would be coming by any minute. As we waited, we began seeing 2 man groups coming up after about 3 or 4 sets come by we saw a solo and what a suprize, it was Garrett. As he came by I passed off his Gatorade to him and told him that he had 16 kilometers of more or less gravel road but mostly up hill. As we left that point we are told he had a 6 minute gap on his nearest competitor. We continued on to see him at the finish. As we were waiting at the finish, we noticed that two others had joined him. To our suprize it was his rival. Later Garrett went on to tell us that he had run out of energy on one of the big climbs. He said that once the guy caught him he was able to stay on his wheel. The guy and another attacked Garrett several times but he said gain some strength back and was able to fight them off. Now if you don't follow cycling this is about as interesting as reading Greek. At the end Garrett was able to sprint to the finish and win his first race by half of a bike length. Come to find out later Garrett told me that he decide to pull a gutsy move by breaking away from the group early. This disrupted all the others in the group and Garrett was able to capitalize on it. It was a risky move but as many cyclist say you don't win if you don't take those risks. He is learning fast on how to race and how to train and I can't say enough how proud I am of him in his racing. Now saying all that, let me tell you that he is also living out his faith in front of these guys. I have had the opportunity to share with several of his friends. He is not shy about standing up for his convictions.

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Failure???

Is there such a thing as failure? How do you handle it? How do you counsel someone that seems to always experience failure? Is this something that God allows? How do we teach about personal failure? Did Jesus experience personal failure? I'm tired of personal failure!!! I'm not talking about other people, I'm talking about myself...How can I encourage some one to keep trudging on when I'm at the point of quiting? I'm frustrated and ticked!!! Dirty laundry you bet...we are always to told to watch what we say, people might think we are weak. WE ARE WEAK...HELLO!!! Now what? We'll see.

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I have just a thoughtful Wife!!!

I had commented yesterday that my 40th birthday was pretty much uneventful. Not complaining by no means. I didn't ask for any specific present. That is my norm. I admit that is hard to buy for me because, normally if I need or want something I get it. I'm not the waiting type. Anyway a movie came out last year I think, maybe earlier in the states. The name was "Cinderella Man". It shows just a small part on how the American culture has been shaped. Also I like the fact of how you can see how even the older generation can still endure. Anyway, it was on and I commented to my wife on how I really enjoyed the movie. She said, that is why I got it for your birthday...and I said, "Well where is it?"...she started laughing and stated she had forgot to give it to me until I said what I said. Well I'm thankful she started having senior moments and she hasn't reached 40 yet!!! October 3rd and I get my September 30th present. Better late than never. I'm so thankful for my wife. She keeps me laughing even when she doesn't feel like laughing. She is truly my soul mate. If she ever leaves me I'm going with her!!! I love you babe...
CAUTION...The movie has language in it that is not appropriate for young children...

A Late September update....

Well it's the third of October so I'm not too late. September was rather slow. We are coming out of our winter and it just didn't want to let go. Just to let you in on some cultural things. By the time September got here heating fuel was at a low. Wood was hard to find and if you did find some, they had jacked the price up it just wasn't affordable. The country had a shortage of heating gas. We ended up heating with gas and electric, we had to watched the electric, it gets a little pricey as well. We normally have two milk companies that deliver to our town. We are not really sure why but the one that we like is not delivering here any more and we think that they have stopped delivering to the country all together. That is yet to be confirmed. The other choice is pretty nasty and getting used to the taste is going to take a while.
It is funny how the interior part of the country is...well, when things are happening they are happening fast. But when things are slow, you wonder if you should check the pulse of the people and the town. September I was checking my pulse frequently.
September was a special month, for my 40th birthday was at the end. Really no big deal I feel just as old as I did at 39. What is special about the whole deal is that now at 40 all my run races, road races and mountain bike races, I can race in the veterans class. Divisions run from 30 to 39 yrs old 40 to 49 yrs old and 50 above. So my next bench mark will be 50.
The kids are doing good. September was the second month of home school. things seem to clicking along for them. Garrett seems to enjoying it a little better. CoraBeth is really liking the DVD system. Mama is as well.
CoraBeth is active in gymnastics. She is doing it all over the place, living room, and furniture.
Garrett has gotten serios about racing. He races in the 15 to 17 year old division. That is for road and mountain bike. At the moment he has won second on several mountian bike races and is leading the points race for one of the national outdoor orginazations. His road racing is improving as well. He normally has to race in the Masters A division. (29 yrs old and younger) So far he has taken second and third in few of those races. I believe his involvement has helped him stay motivated in school . Knowing that if school slips, cycling stops.
As you can see by the photos I posted below. We stay busy with Garrett and Corabeth. This also allows us to meet many new people. Build relationships with people we would not meet if would for our kids. Through these relationships we can share what we cam e here to share.
I'm still teaching English as a second language. They are not learning much...a lot of that is my fault but they keep coming back...so I'm still going. Trying to make an impact thier lives.
The ministries that we are involved in are still marching on. Minas is moving on there. Here in Treinta y Tres is doing well. It has had a good influx of new people of late so we are very thankful for that. Santa Clara is going on with only two beleivers at the moment steps are slow but steady.
This past 27th, 28th and 29th of September we had an evangelical event called "Mi Esperanza". This a county wide event that is televised on the TV. I don't have are results yet but as soon as I have them I'll let you know.
This next month I will be taking myself and two pastors from here to participate in a Timothy Barnabas Conference in Monte, Argentina. This is done by First Baptist Woodstock. I'm looking forward to this trip. So I covet your prayers of a safe journey, and that all three of us would grow closer to the Lord.
I know the grammar is terrible, please forgive me. My English might be going to pot but I feel my Spanish is getting better. (je, je)
I want to thank all that sent letters and care packages for my birthday. The kids loved all the candy. And a special thanks to Cindy and Bev for the Starbucks Colombian coffee.
We have a special church family back home and we apreciate you so much. For all our prayer warrior, thank you agian for your continue intercession.
May God continue to richly bless you.
Michael, Teresa, Garrett and CoraBeth.

Just a few pixs from September.

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Video update....

Some photos of some work we done about 1.5 to 2 hour drive west of where we live.

August Update in Treinta y Tres....

Wow another month gone...even though it has seemed to pass slowly due to the cold, it actually passed by fast. The ministry has been a bit slow as well. We still are driving two hours south to attend and encourage a new start in Minas. I've posted some stuff on them in some earlier post. They are doing well and Walter definately has a vision for his church. As we continue to build relationships with our friends we are finding oportunities to share one on one. We are looking at investigating some other areas of work in towns near by. Along with Minas, we are traveling every two weeks to a small town 1.5 to 2 hours west of here. There are three believers there and we have had two worship services with them.
I am still teaching English classes on Thursdays with anywhere to 14 to 20 kids.
Our Saturday youth nights has come to a halt. With the kids going off to school and others participating in sporting events Garret has been the only one available. Please pray for direction in that area.
As we look to September, it looks to be busy. We are preparing for the "Mi Esperanza". (My Hope) This is a mass Billy Graham event. It is in short, a 3 day event that will be broad casted over the television. It is reported that they have had many decisions in other South American countries. All the churches are looking forward to this event.
The kids are doing well. Both got started with their home schooling at the beginning of the month. Garrett is using the same system North Star Academy. CoraBeth is using something new. It is all on DVDs. It is like she is sitting in the class. She seems to like it so far. Only time will tell.
Teresa is managing all the homeschooling stuff. Working with their homework and administrating their test and cracking the whip when needed. She is doing a great job just taking care of us daily. That is a major ministry task in its self. I am thankful every day even though I probably don't show it enough. She is also taking care of herself quit well as well. She has been going to an aerobic classes everyday of the week. Making friends along the way.
Thanks you for all your prayers....
The kids are counting down the days till stateside...till next month keep dropping by, I try to post updates every so often.
Michael

Disaster Relief efforts by Southern Baptists

Here is some updates from the disaster relief efforts in Peru.
Go to the this site for updates and photos.

The church in Minas, Uruguay...

This the newsletter that Walter sends out to his prayer warriors and I thought I would send it out as well. For those that can read Spanish. God is really working with this family. Several of you have came down to work with this church. For those that don't know this is a new work or a restart. I'm not sure how many times that it has restarted but I feel that this couple is ready for the challenge that lays before them. Please pray for the family of Walter, Vicki, Camila and Abigail Saavedra.

Iglesia Bautista de Minas

Minas, 27 de agosto de 2007

Estimados hermanos: Que Dios les bendiga y la paz de nuestro Señor Jesucristo este sobre usted!!Les escribimos para saludarles y hacerle llegar el informe de nuestro ministerio aquí en Minas, Uruguay.

Gracias a Dios se están restaurando poco a poco los diferentes ministerios de la iglesia. Hace ya un par de meses que el trabajo con los niños, principalmente a través de la escuela dominical, está marchando y podemos decir que en forma estable.
Hemos aprovechado las fechas especiales como la semana de vacaciones de invierno y el día del niño para llevar a cabo actividades especiales.
En la semana de vacaciones se tuvo una escuela bíblica de vacaciones por tres días. Gracias a Dios contamos con el apoyo de algunos comerciantes de la zona y pudimos darles una rica merienda cada día, además de juegos y enseñanzas bíblicas. Fue bueno ver niños carenciados divertirse sanamente cuando de otra forma no hubieran podido acceder a las posibilidades de entretenimiento de la ciudad.

También en el día del niño preparamos una fiesta especial con títeres, regalos, y chocolatada ,lo que les encantó. En todas estas actividades además de los niños que habitualmente asisten también se acercaron otros por primera vez.

Como iglesia entendimos en estos últimos tiempos que Dios quería ahora restaurar el ministerio a la juventud, entonces comenzamos a orar para que Él levantara un líder para ello. No paso una semana en que recibimos la llamada de un joven misionero que está trabajando en Villa Española con la intención de apoyar la obra aquí en el trabajo a la juventud. Poniéndonos de acuerdo con sus pastores comenzó a venir los días jueves y en tan solo dos reuniones ya hay un grupo de siete adolescentes reuniéndose con él por las noches.

Las damas de la iglesia han comenzado a reunirse también, este sábado pasado ha sido la primera reunión informal en la casa de una de ellas y seguirán los sábados haciéndolo.

También, preparándonos para la campaña de Mi Esperanza, comenzamos los miércoles a tener día de ayuno como congregación ya que a la noche terminamos en el culto de oración.

Gracias a Dios las clases de escuela dominical para mayores y las de estudio entre semana cuentan con asistencia de los hermanos ya que ha través de ellas buscamos la madurez de los mismos.

Oración
Ruego que usted pueda estar orando por:
-que Dios abra puerta amplia para la predicación del evangelio
-salvación de las almas
-derrocamiento de las fuerzas del mal
-restauración de la iglesia y su testimonio
-economía familiar
-la iglesia en Pilar, Paraguay
-los niños de la escuela dominical
-el trabajo con los adolescentes
-campaña de Mi Esperanza

La salud, la economía y los estudios de la familia están bien, gracias a Dios. Ruego sus oraciones también sobre una puerta que Dios ha abierto hace ya un tiempo para ministrar la Palabra a través de un espacio en internet. Me ha sorprendido el que todos los días muchas sean las personas que consultan los artículos bíblicos allí escritos y ya algunos hasta se han comunicado conmigo pidiendo consejo.

Les agradezco muchísimo a aquellos que se preocupan por nuestro sostén económico y que no tengamos necesidad, pido a Dios que haga realidad sobre ellos las bendiciones de Malaquías 3:10-12.

Sin más y agradeciéndole que haya leído este informe, me despido en Cristo...


Walter Saavedra

P. D.. Usted ha recibido un informe de los misioneros Walter Saavedra y flía. que están como pastores en la iglesia Bautista de Minas, Uruguay. Para contactarnos por favor escribir a: wsaavedr@ internet.com.uy
Si usted quiere enviar una ofrenda para el proyecto de reapertura de la obra aquí puede hacerlo a través de las oficinas de la Convención Bautista en Montevideo.
Sitio en internet para leer comentarios : http:// articulosdewalter.obolog.com

Some Air Time for CoraBeth!!!

CoraBeth seems to not get the air time that Garrett gets so...here she is home schooling and gymnastics. She is growing up fast.

My Dad's Birthday

Today would have been my dad's 59th birthday...I'm thankful for the time I had with him here on earth. I love you dad...I pray you are praising our Lord as I type.
Your Son
Michael

1 A David song, which he sang to God after being saved from all his enemies and from Saul. I love you, God— you make me strong.
2 God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout.
3 I sing to God, the Praise-Lofty, and find myself safe and saved.
4 The hangman's noose was tight at my throat; devil waters rushed over me.
5 Hell's ropes cinched me tight; death traps barred every exit.
6 A hostile world! I call to God, I cry to God to help me. From his palace he hears my call; my cry brings me right into his presence— a private audience!
7 Earth wobbles and lurches; huge mountains shake like leaves, Quake like aspen leaves because of his rage.
8 His nostrils flare, bellowing smoke; his mouth spits fire. Tongues of fire dart in and out;
9 he lowers the sky. He steps down; under his feet an abyss opens up.
10 He's riding a winged creature, swift on wind-wings.
11 Now he's wrapped himself in a trench coat of black-cloud darkness.
12 But his cloud-brightness bursts through, spraying hailstones and fireballs.
13 Then God thundered out of heaven; the High God gave a great shout, spraying hailstones and fireballs.
14 God shoots his arrows—pandemonium! He hurls his lightnings—a rout!
15 The secret sources of ocean are exposed, the hidden depths of earth lie uncovered The moment you roar in protest, let loose your hurricane anger.
16 But me he caught—reached all the way from sky to sea; he pulled me out Of that ocean of hate,
17 that enemy chaos, the void in which I was drowning.
18 They hit me when I was down, but God stuck by me.
19 He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved—surprised to be loved!
20 God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start.
21 Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted.
22 Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick.
23 I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step.
24 God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.
25 The good people taste your goodness, The whole people taste your health,
26 The true people taste your truth, The bad ones can't figure you out.
27 You take the side of the down-and-out, But the stuck-up you take down a peg.
28 Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life; I'm blazing with glory, God's glory!
29 I smash the bands of marauders, I vault the highest fences.
30 What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward him Makes it.
31 Is there any god like God? Are we not at bedrock?
32 Is not this the God who armed me, then aimed me in the right direction?
33 Now I run like a deer; I'm king of the mountain.
34 He shows me how to fight; I can bend a bronze bow!
35 You protect me with salvation-armor; you hold me up with a firm hand, caress me with your gentle ways.
36 You cleared the ground under me so my footing was firm.
37 When I chased my enemies I caught them; I didn't let go till they were dead men.
38 I nailed them; they were down for good; then I walked all over them.
39 You armed me well for this fight, you smashed the upstarts.
40 You made my enemies turn tail, and I wiped out the haters.
41 They cried "uncle" but Uncle didn't come; They yelled for God and got no for an answer.
42 I ground them to dust; they gusted in the wind. I threw them out, like garbage in the gutter.
43 You rescued me from a squabbling people; you made me a leader of nations. People I'd never heard of served me;
44 the moment they got wind of me they listened. The foreign devils gave up;
45 they came on their bellies, crawling from their hideouts.
46 Live, God! Blessings from my Rock, my free and freeing God, towering!
47 This God set things right for me and shut up the people who talked back.
48 He rescued me from enemy anger, he pulled me from the grip of upstarts, He saved me from the bullies.
49 That's why I'm thanking you, God, all over the world. That's why I'm singing songs that rhyme your name.
50 God's king takes the trophy; God's chosen is beloved. I mean David and all his children— always.
Psalms 18:1-50 (MSG)

Providing info on the earthquake relief effort from the International Mission Board missionaries serving in Peru

Here is a LINK for all those interested in the relief efforts going on in Peru.

The Message

I was reading this morning I was so encouraged, once again, by God's word. So many times we get discouraged by our circumstances and forget what God has already done for us.
May God bless you today...

2 CORINTHIANS
Chapter 4
1 Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we're not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times.
2 We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.
3 If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention.
4 All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get.
5 Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you.
6 It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

2 Cor 4:1-6 (MSG)

Update from our friends in Peru...

This was an email I received from our friends in Peru. thank you for all your prayers.
Michael

Dear friends and family...
We are fine!
As you may know, Lucas, Noah & I travelled to Lima on Wednesday night to spend the rest of the week and weekend car shopping. We left Pucallpa on a flight at 6:50 p.m. and arrived in Lima around 8 p.m. - an hour after the major earthquake hit. (which, by the way, also actually was felt in Pucallpa over 500-600 miles away - just not too strong). As we were waiting for our bags to come through, I started talking to this woman who had a son that Noah was chasing around. She mentioned something in passing about the earthquake, and I had no idea it had just happened - we had been in the air! Evidently our flight was one of the last allowed to land for awhile though because of the fear of "replicas" (aftershocks). All passengers were quickly ushered out of the airport as soon as bags had arrived and there was not a SOUL in the rest of the airport. As we came out of baggage claim, we noticed several ceiling tiles had fallen from various spots and there were already men there on a scissor lift taking down the remaining ones that were dangling. We walked outside to a mass of people either waiting for friends/family to arrive or waiting to be able to enter the airport to start their trip. It was chaos. And cell phone service was non-existent for several hours. We were being picked up by friends of ours - they got there late because of horrible traffic. We had planned on having dinner, but almost every place of business was closed so that people would not be caught in their building in case of another big one. Another effect seen in Lima was no electricity in some sectors, one of which happened to be where our friends live. So we were without electricity for about 24 hours. Interestingly enough though, we didn't see a whole lot of other effects in Lima - just the coastal highway was shut down for 2 days until rocks and dirt from the cliffs could be cleared.
Thank you for your prayers - we were not around Internet to be able to check/send messages while in Lima. Just got back home today, Sunday, to Pucallpa. But please continue to pray for the thousands of survivors who have been displaced from their homes and towns - and for family members who have lost loved ones and are still looking for loved ones. Last I heard there were over 500 dead.
Safely home,
the Bishops

Earthquake in Peru...

This was posted yesterday on the BP. As we pray for our IMB missy's please pray for all missionaries in Peru. Not only for thier safety and health but also that God would bring many more to the Kingdom. We have some dear friends their that we haven't heard from Lucas, Krystin and the 6 o 7 month old son. Thank you so much for your intercession.

Earthquake toll passes 400 in Peru

Posted on Aug 16, 2007 | by Kristen Hiller

LIMA, Peru (BP)--Missionaries Pam and Kevin Shearer were sitting down to dinner with their daughter when the Aug. 15 earthquake struck Lima, Peru, and nearby regions.

"We went out in the backyard ... and it felt like the ground was moving in waves, like you were standing on a boat," Pam Shearer recounted. "We could hear neighbors just screaming and panicking and it lasted about two minutes -– which seems like an eternity when everything is shaking."

News reports Aug. 16 from Lima indicated 437 were dead, 829 injured and more than 80,000 affected by the earthquake during the early evening of Aug. 15.

All International Mission Board personnel serving in the affected areas have been accounted for.

The earthquake's epicenter was 90 miles southeast of Lima, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Many have been left homeless in the towns of Ica, Chincha and Pisco near Lima.

"Many spent the night outside in the parks because they were afraid to go inside or because they didn't have a house to go back to," IMB missionary Judy Hughes said.

While the three towns sustained the worst damage, residents of Lima have experienced power outages, phone service disruptions and some structural damage to buildings.

IMB missionaries serving in the area planned to meet Aug. 16 in Lima to discuss possible relief efforts. Meanwhile, Southern Baptists are asked to pray for those affected by the quake.

July!!! Wow!!!

I wouldn't have guesses that July flew by so quickly. We have been going and going especially now that the kids have started home school. We started with CoraBeth this year using the ABEKA DVD program. So far she seems to like it. Garrett is marching on with the North Star Internet program. The first year of it was the worse. Last year he did better. This year he can see us going home in a less than a year so he see a light at the end of the tunnel. Taaalking....about the light at the end of the tunnel. We have started our preparations already on going home for our first Stateside Assignment. So many things to think and pray about. So many questions arising about our future. All first termer's will tell you the first four are the toughest. And all first terms are different. To try to compare is an impossibility, just because every situation is different as well as personalities. The devil has seen fit to attack our family (for us) in most weakest points. We have fought depression, health and spiritual battles like never before. And without a doubt I'm sure all missionaries can testify to all this. So when we say we are excited about coming home for a "descansa" is an understatement.
I've started the process of looking for us a place to stay when we get home. We would like for it to be close to Teresa's moms and the kids school. As well I will be looking at acquiring a vehicle for the time we are home. I will also start booking dates for sharing what God is doing here in Uruguay. I guess that is what excites me the most. Not just sharing but being able to share in English.
I posted a few pictures below of our College summer interns, some of the house bible studies and CoraBeth. Garret is still racing, I just haven't made any pictures as of late. We thank all of you for your prayers. We would appreciate it if you would continue praying for the following.
--The home schooling.
--New believers in Santa Clara
--New believers in La Charqueada
--The new work or restart in Minas. the familia de Walter Saavedra.
--that all people in the Department of Treinta y Tres would come to know the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Check out my Slide Show!

A good example to follow!!!

Just to clarify this is not my little girl, even though I would be blessed to have her.

When the Spirit of Truth comes

This was an email deviotional I get each day. I thought this was exactly how I wanted to pray today.

When the Spirit of Truth comes
by Carolyn Baker



Today, I’ve asked my friend, Carolyn Baker, to provide us with a devotional based upon John 16:13-14. This is written to be read like a prayer. – jw

But when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. (John 16: 13-14 NIV)

My God, today I look deep within, seeking to understand the mysteries of my faith. Your Word is true and deep – yet my meager understanding only grasps bits and pieces. Your Holy Spirit is my hope for unlocking what I cannot discern with my own human understanding – and I cry out for your help! As I cry, I hear your call to rest in your peace!

Thank you, Lord, that your love is so great for those who have yet to find you – and that even though there is a great unrest afoot, you are at work causing “all things to work together for good.” What an awesome God we serve!

I am praying for all of my brothers and sisters, Lord, that they will stand their ground. For those you have called as your leaders, now is the time to dig their feet in and stand on your truths and on your power to accomplish all things according to your will. I hear you remind me that you will keep us safe and strong. You have always had your eyes on us from the moment of our birth. We have never been alone, even when we felt alone.

May your angels of protection follow my brothers and sisters all around the world, into every country and village. May the presence of our Lord and Savior be apparent to all with eyes to see and ears to hear, and may every stronghold within the sound of our prayers be brought down as many new brothers and sisters are brought safely into the family of God.

I know you do not expect perfection. I know you use struggles to grow and refine us. I also know we are not to fear struggles – and we are to anticipate your greatness and your victories, no matter what circumstances we face. Draw us all to yourself so we can see you as you are, which in itself will wipe away the fears.

I humble myself before you, my God, knowing you are who you say you are. It is a sobering and exhilarating experience to look to you as you are. I do not understand it all, but my faith is not blind. You are revealing yourself to all of us in these days – if we will just look in Your direction.

I cry out to your Holy Spirit, needing your help! I cannot continue on as you have called me without a deeper, more intimate walk with you. My human side can only understand and comprehend so much, but my spiritual being is built to last forever – and can absorb all the Holy Spirit has to share.

Even though, with each passing day, the challenges seem to get a little harder, my peace seems to increase. I appear to have less and less “head knowledge” ruling my life, and more and more spiritual learnings that are absorbing into my inner being. Only your Holy Spirit can accomplish such a thing!

I also know that, left to my own devices, I would easily fall victim to the fears and struggles of this world. That is why my dependence on your Holy Spirit is so vital. Without the presence of your Holy Spirit guiding and directing me, I would have been sidelined years ago. Yet, here I sit, beaten up and bruised, yes, but even more determined to fight the fight of faith.

I cry out today for a deeper faith – a stronger trust – and greater dependence on the Holy Spirit and your Word. I cannot live in this world any longer without your wisdom. Spiritually, I am so very hungry, and I know the people you have placed me with are the same. To say we need a fresh new wind of your Spirit is to put it very mildly.

For myself, I cannot take one more step unless you shine your light on it. In these days especially, I need your wisdom and discernment. I have many decisions to make, so I humble myself under your sovereign hand and ask the Holy Spirit to shine his light on my path so I do not misstep. Help me my God – I am in desperate need!

So what?

•God is mighty, all powerful, loving and compassionate - and God is spirit. You were created to have fellowship with him. Because of this, you have a deep inner need for a intimate, personal spiritual relationship with your Creator.

•It truly is possible to walk closely with God every single day of your life. You can learn to listen and hear his “still, small voice,” and as you do your confidence will grow and your hope will increase. As you surrender to his lordship, he will increase your understanding of his truths, and over time you will gain his wisdom and his discernment.

•Being able to see with the eyes of God’s heart changes everything. It makes all thing possible and allows you to be a living, breathing witness of a truth that will set this world free from fear and struggle.

•Ask yourself what is stopping you from reaching out to him in “spirit and in truth?”

Some shots of those crazy Interns!!!

Those Crazy Interns!!!

Well we sent off our first college students from the summer. Unfortunately it was winter here. They arrived a few days before our volunteer group from the states. They fell right in step with the group and ministered with them for about ten days in total. After, they worked with me teaching English classes. We had planned to let them work with the youth here but that didn't work out. We were able to do some prayer walking and Gospel distribution. That generated some interest along with opening a door to work with some kids in another barrio. The girls did a great job adapting to the culture. We were able to share and show how difficult it is to share with such a hard culture. They were a blessing to us and two very Godly young ladies. My prayer is that they continue seeking God's face and I have no doubts God has some big plans for them.
I'm not sure if the photos will be below or above this article but enjoy just the same.

"All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten"

I guess one of the drawbacks of have technology is being able to keep up with all the world and national news. I'm just amazed at all the bickering, fussing and fitting that is going on. I read a book years ago on the subject of "All I Really Need to Know I learned In Kindergarten" or you could say Sunday School but I didn't grow up in church but my parents did and taught me a lot of what I'm going to list. So here it goes...



1. Share everything
2. Play fair.
3. Don't hit people.
4. Put things back where you found them.
5. Clean up you own mess.
6. Don't take things that aren't yours.
7. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
8. Wash your hands before you eat.
9. Flush.
10. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
11. Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work everyday some.
12. Take a nap every afternoon.
13. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
14. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
15. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
16. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned--the biggest word of all--LOOK.
This is from the author...
"Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. the Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.
Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life of our work or your government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all -- the whole world -- had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.
And it is still true, no matter how old you are -- when you go our into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together."
I have had this book now for better than 15 years. I can't help to think about it when I see how the world is getting so complicated. When all they have to do is look back to what they learned as a child. (Well most anyway.)

Another Update,

It has been a few days, I guess you have been wondering where we have been. I don't have the time to go into details. We have been busy with the two girls from Mississippi. Laura and Melissa have been great here with us. Things have not gone as planned but we have done a few things. This being are first college students we have had during their summer break, I feel it has been a good experiences. Once they leave I will give a recap of their time with pictures and a few videos.
Some have heard that I cut my finger and want to know how bad. Well it was not that bad but bad enough for a few stitches. You'll see in the picture. The doctor said I was lucky. I was using a busting ax or mallet to cut up some small kinlin. I miss judged and you can see the results. Till next time, Chao...

June recap!!!

Wow, June has been a busy month. I have sat down several times to jot down a recap but something has always come up. So here goes a little recap.
We started out traveling and getting our two interns for the summer break. They arrived safely and to their surprize we didn't live in huts. That was on the 2nd of June. on the 5th the Clements Baptist group was to arrive but were delayed in Dallas due to weather.
Once they arrived we hit the ground running. Worked three days in Minas doing mini VBS. Finishing on Friday night with a Evangelistic movie. It was a great shot in the arm for the new work that is starting there. We traveled on to our home town to have a special time with some kids in a comunity where I am teaching English. It was a great success. Sunday morning we did Sunday School at the local Baptist church. Follow up on Monday traveling back to Montevideo to prep for the groups travel home. We have continued working here with the interns. We have went back to visit the work in Minas to encourage and worship. Monday, July 2 we traveled to a new work in a small town called Santa Clara. We held the first service with a new believer and a few others.
Tomorrow we will celebrate the 4th with the interns. We are thinking of going hiking and getting away for the day. Who knows what God has instore for us.
Garrett is enjoying his break from school. Teresa is trying to finish up with Corabeth. With her breaks during the groups visits and taking some time off for the summer break, they have been scrambling to finish up before the next year starts.
Gracias a Dios we have been healthy. My herniated disc is still pretty bad. but God had blessed relief when I've needed it. I plan on ordering some gravity boots soon. trying to find some way of rehabilitating it.
I would like to thank the Clements Baptist Church for their commitment to full fill the Great Commission.

Progress on the Ministry in Minas.

If you have ever served...

 
As time permits I will post some pixs and video of the team at work. Here is a picture of the team.
It consisted of ...
8 members of Clements Baptist Church. Lance, Hans and Mia, Bev, Mandy and Justin, Cindy and Stanley.
3 (Monica and Nacho Flandez, Will Herndon) missionaries from the Word of Life ministries.
2 College students. (Laura May and Mellisa)
4 Brownings
4 Saavedras (Walter, Vickie, Camila and Abigail)Pastor Family in Minas.
1 Chofer (Fernandez)

First days in Minas!!!

 
 
 
 

Clements Baptist Church!!!

They made it. After missing a flight in Dallas due to weather and being delayed in Buenos Aires due to radar problems they made it. Once they arrived we hit the ground running. Grabed a quick McD’s on the way drove a couple of hours, arrived at the church, set up for the first VBS class and they did a great job. Clements never ceases to amaze me on how they can adapt to the situation. We have had a good night sleep and I look forward to what God is going to do through the group today. And a special thanks to our friends from the Word of Life. We have some special people helping with translating and organizing as well. Will Herndon, if you don’t know him you might want too. I can give you some contact information. He is a Missionary Kid turned missionary. He lives in Cordoba, Argentina with his wife and two daughters. God is using him in a great way. Then there is Ignacio and Monica. They are missionaries from the Word of Life living in Montevideo, Uruguay. Amazing couple, all in all we have a great team and I feel fortunate that I can be a part of it. God bless and may you have a special encounter with God today.
Michael

After the Floods...

It took a while but we received some funds to help with some of the families evacuated from their homes. Problem we are facing now is finding the things needed. With being hit by the worst flood in the history of Treinta y Tres, we are trying to find the simple things needed. Mattresses are becoming hard to find, along with twin size sheets. They say those will be coming available. We are also being hit with a shot of cold weather. As you can imagine, the people are not seeing things getting Better any time quick. It is giving us a great opportunity to share the love of Christ. Here are a few shots of the Pastor and his wife giving out some of the twins we found. Thanks to all that are giving to the IMB. Not only are you supporting us on the field but you are also helping supply emergency funds to people in need.

To get a view of the flood....

Here is where the water is normally. The video below shows the water at the bottom of the that bridge you see above my head.
Please pray for all the families that were affected by the worst flood seen in the history of Treinta y Tres.

Some more shots of the flooding.

More Flooding...

We are entering into our third day of rain but they say it will quit today. The flooding continues with several families being evacuated from their homes. We helped one family this morning. He is relatively a new believer. He called the house about 8 o'clock am and said,"Miguel preciso su ayuda". We helped move most of their belongings to neighbors and the church building. It was wild seeing all the families moving out of their homes. Also they are having to stay close and guard their homes. There are reports of guys going around by boats and stealing property. He is a short clip of the floods. In the history of the city the water has never been this high. The video your about to see the water is touching the bottom of the bridge. normally the water is some 20 to 30 feet lower. Unbelievable!!!

Some Flooding in our Back yard!!!

April News...

This April has been a busy month. We started off the first week taking the youth group to a town called Santa Clara. We staged a three day evangelistic impact. Two nights of showing an evangelical movie. The first night there was not much interest. The second night we were able to get about 16 people that where interested. We have followed up these past three weeks and have had two professions of faith. Oh during that 3 day event we also baptize one of the converts from last years event. She has become our base point. Thursday nights I continue teaching English to some young kids. And Saturday nights we have a youth time. Normally it is at our house or the church.

On a family note Garrett has gotten interested in racing mountain bikes and road bikes. He finished third in his age group in a mountain bike race he did and finished 6th in a road race riding against young adults. CoraBeth continues with her studies and has started gymnastics. She played basketball but I think the gymnastics is more in line with what she likes. Teresa keeps marching on. There are days that both of us have our ups and downs. We miss our church family, our family family and other things. God has proven himself faithful and we continue to faithfully obey his command.

ESL clases...

Here is my ESL class at the moment. We meet every thursday night at 6 pm.

CoraBeth Info

CoraBeth has started playing basketball. Her and two others are the only girls playing. She is always up to the challenge. Sports here are really still left up to the boys. He are some pixs of a sports saturday they had.

A Good Start to the Racing Season...

Garrett had a good start to the racing season. He has committed to race and train this year for only mountain biking. We had our some what of our official race. He did great and everyone is saying that he has promise. If we can just keep his head deflated we will doing good. He finished third in his division. The guy the placed first comes from a family of racers and has been racing all his life. He will be the one that Garrett will mark for most of the season. The race was extremely muddy. My goal was just to finish safely. The day before the race Garrett and I was able to ride some of the course to familiarize ourselves with some technical parts. It started raining the minute we left with the guy that was going to show us around. It continue to rain all night. The after pictures really doesn't do us justice on how muddy the course was. All in all it was a good time for Garrett. It helps break up some of the schooling and cultural things that we deal with on a daily basis. God has been so good to us. I pray each day that Garrett and Cora will see God's grace in their lives. I'm thankful we have family and friends that help support us on the field. Not just financially but with all the Easter cards we received. The care packages that were sent with the "peeps". Also the special package of English muffins and Velveeta. Something that you will not find down here.

A Rare Find? Or Not?

Can you tell me what is so special about this picture?

Some of our Easter Drama!

Use which ever way you want to view the pixs.

Easter

Another good one....

Here is another post Guy turned me on to. Boy can we relate!
Check it out. Nohad 4 God.

Missing Home...

Guy beat me to it. So since he so edicuatly described what we miss at home I'll just let click and read it there. The M Blog.

Garrett...

I thought I would throw in a family shot. This Garrett getting to race. The guy next to him is probably one of the top 20 best in the country. That day Garrett's brakes where touching bad and he could not keep up with the peloton. I'll try to keep you updated on Garrett's races as the year goes on.