My time in New Orleans was really special for the way I was able to connect with our students, to laugh with, pray for, challenge, support and encourage them as they leaped out of their comfort zones to serve Christ.
Through God’s power, our team was able to:
visit people we’ve met in past trips and remind them that God is working in their lives…
provide inner city children a safe place to play, eat, and learn about God…
bless and pray for people in a variety of circumstances…
lead children to Christ for the first time…
make new friends outside of our own groups…
consider how God may be challenging us to live differently back home…
serve by painting at Bethel Colony (men’s rehab center)…
look homeless people in the eye, shake their hand and give them dignity…
serve lunch to hungry people in need…
comprehend just how lucky we are, and how much we have to be thankful for…
I firmly believe that there is no greater pleasure in all the world than to experience the privilege of God working through you to bless someone else. A close second might be the delight to see firsthand so many students experience this pleasure for the first time! What a week!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Home Sweet Home!
I am pleased to report that the New Orleans team arrived back home safely last Friday night (or should I say, veeerrrrry early Saturday morning?)
The only snag was a delay in our layover, though in my opinion the extra time turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as impromptu bible studies and prayer sessions popped up right there in the airport!
Though exhausted, and missing our new found friends, our team is excitedly looking forward to a special thank you dinner for our supporters at the church this Saturday evening. We will be sharing our pictures and stories, so that we can all give glory to God for what He's done in and through us this past week.
Keep checking back, because we hope to continue posting stories and pictures from the past week.
God Bless!
The only snag was a delay in our layover, though in my opinion the extra time turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as impromptu bible studies and prayer sessions popped up right there in the airport!
Though exhausted, and missing our new found friends, our team is excitedly looking forward to a special thank you dinner for our supporters at the church this Saturday evening. We will be sharing our pictures and stories, so that we can all give glory to God for what He's done in and through us this past week.
Keep checking back, because we hope to continue posting stories and pictures from the past week.
God Bless!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Can't Wait to See You Again
By: Cory KickI have taken advantage of the opportunity to come to New Orleans, Louisiana with the Fair Oaks Baptist Church youth for the second year in a row. Last year, God amazed all of us, and so far this year hasn’t been any different. We had many particular places to visit last year and one was a Christian alcohol/drug rehab center for men run by a man named Pastor Mel. We met him last year and he was a very strong believer and was very others-oriented; he always put others before himself. Unfortunately, when we showed up at his ministry site, we found out that he was in Israel. Even though he wasn’t there, God used us like we would never imagine.
We arrived at the rehab center at about eight in the morning while the members were watching a DVD of a man named Dr. Evans giving a bible study sermon. All of the men seemed to be very interested in the study and were taking notes themselves. I assume Pastor Mel has the men take notes so it keeps them focused, and it really works. They often shouted out bold statements that reassured us that they were believers and didn’t care what anyone thought. One particular thing I remember Dr. Evans saying was “It doesn’t matter if you have a PhD or a GED; when you walk into the Kingdom of Heaven, you all will be going through the same door.” That was really inspirational.
When the guys finished their bible study, one of the leaders acknowledged us and thanked us for coming. They started a session of brief praise and worship. All they used for worshipping was a decently sized bass drum and their voices. No microphones, no guitars, no bass, no drums. It wasn’t the type of worship that I had become accustomed to at Fair Oaks. Nevertheless, their worship was just as strong and meaningful. It was nice to see past drug addicts singing about how much they loved the Lord without caring what anyone else’s opinions were.After the praise and worship, the leaders invited two of the members to come and give their testimony in front of everyone involved in the program. The first man’s name was Mike and was a crack addict. He had met Pastor Mel in a bar a little over six months ago. Mike had just finished a few hits of crack and was frustrated that this random guy came in to mess up his high. Amazingly, God gave Mel the words to say that would influence him to come check out his rehab program. Mike has been involved in the program since that day and has been sober since then. He plans on sticking to the program for at least another six months. The second man that shared his testimony was named Joseph. He was also a crack addict. Joseph went all over the southern United States area when Hurricane Katrina hit. He met Pastor Mel and was also admitted into the program. He has been there for about the same amount of time that Mike has.
Next, we went out to the shed that we would be adding a few coats of paint to. The shed was across from a washer and dryer. One of the members of the program couldn’t walk very well, so he didn’t do any construction. He usually did the laundry for all the other guys. Since he was standing about ten feet from us, we talked pretty much the whole time we were there. His name was Sean Brooks and he had a very interesting past. In 2003 Sean was involved in a drug deal and was shot five times in the back. He lost six pints of blood. Naturally, he fell to the ground. He was lying there in his own blood thinking “Where am I going: Heaven or Hell?” Sean was admitted into a local hospital where he found out one of the bullets hit him right at the base of his spine. He couldn’t feel his legs and the doctors told him he was paralyzed. They said he probably would never be able to stand, let alone walk again. He wouldn’t let himself believe that. He trusted that God would be merciful and help him with this issue. Eventually, Sean was able to walk, but only by the grace of the Holy Spirit. He’s now using a cane, but I think Sean wouldn’t mind using it if it meant he would be able to walk. He kept telling us how much he loved us and how thankful he was for what we were doing. It was very easy for him to connect with Daniel Araujo, Michael Grieb, Clara Farley, Rebecca Halvorson, Lauren Politis, Vangy Celestre, as well as myself.
When we finished painting the shed, Sean showed Daniel and me his bed. On the wall, he had a few pictures of family and friends. Sean seemed to really appreciate that we would be willing to go check out his space. At the time, I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. But thinking back on it, he didn’t get that opportunity all that often. He showed us pictures of his 10-year-old daughter who he seemed to love unconditionally.
Next, we went back into the room where the bible study was held to have lunch with the guys. Michael and I sat next to Sean, and we talked about everything from giant cats to the New England Patriots losing the Super Bowl. It was nice to be able to open up to someone I hadn’t even known for a whole day. I couldn’t have done that myself; God was with me the whole time helping me connect with Sean.
Saying goodbye to Sean wasn’t easy for me. We went back out by the shed and took a quick picture. Next, he individually thanked all of us for being there and gave us a hug. I pray that Sean will stay in the program and stay clean so he can support himself as well as his daughter. I am excited that he now knows that when his time here on earth is over, we will meet again in Heaven, which is a great thing to look forward to.
Meeting Mamma Jan
By: Jacob Roth
This morning we had the opportunity to visit a rehab type place run by a lady called “Mamma Jan”. She was most definitely an interesting lady. She’s a big lady in about her mid-50s, and she might be one of the wildest, craziest, and most unforgettable people I have ever met.
We arrived at her place in the morning when she was busy preaching to the people staying at her place (which she calls her “kids”). We went and sat down and she welcomed us and gave us background on what her place does. Basically, she takes people off the street who struggle with addictions and puts them through her rehab program. Even if they run away or start using again, she’ll always accept them back.
Soon after we got there she began to share her testimony. It was absolutely amazing. She said that she was raised in a witchcraft-oriented family, and got into just about everything terrible you can imagine. She was continually rejected and disowned by her friends and family. She even at one time had multiple personalities because she was controlled so much by the devil and his work. One was a champion pool shark, one was part of Hell’s Angels, one was a bar room dancer on Bourbon Street, and I think the last one was a witch.
Sometime later (I don’t remember how old she was) she was getting arrested and decided to fight the cops. She ended up getting a couple of them pretty good, and was eventually sent to solitary confinement in prison, where she was bound at the hands and feet by shackles. Soon she started hearing a voice repeating, “You need Jesus,” over and over again. It was then that she realized that Jesus was the only one who loved her and did not reject her no matter what she did or didn’t do.
After that, she started attending church, even though she still dressed and talked like the street woman she used to be. She recalled being there and having the other people at the church act afraid and ignore her because of her appearance. But that didn’t stop her, for she loved Jesus way too much and wanted to spend every moment thanking Him for what He does.
She was eventually led into street ministry, although her ministry is hardly anything you would normally think of. She told us stories of grabbing a man on the street into a headlock and casting demons out of him. She even told us about putting “anointing oil” into a super soaker and chasing a crowd of drug dealers around the streets with it. She had so many outrageous and crazy stories I can’t even fit them all here (ask us when we get home).
Many call her radical, insane, crazy (which she is a little of all of those), but without a doubt she is a woman who loves God with every ounce of energy she has. She explains her methods by saying “As Christians, you have all the power of Jesus inside of you. What’s the point of having it if you are too scared or boring to use it? Have fun with your faith!” I think she makes a great point.
After sharing her testimony, she told us that we should be more excited about Jesus. So she had me get up in front by myself, and jump up and down yelling “Thank you Jesus!” as loud as I could. It was pretty cool.
Although I probably won’t tackle someone on the streets and cast demons out them with a super soaker of oil anytime soon, I know that I will never forget my encounter with Mamma Jan.
This morning we had the opportunity to visit a rehab type place run by a lady called “Mamma Jan”. She was most definitely an interesting lady. She’s a big lady in about her mid-50s, and she might be one of the wildest, craziest, and most unforgettable people I have ever met.We arrived at her place in the morning when she was busy preaching to the people staying at her place (which she calls her “kids”). We went and sat down and she welcomed us and gave us background on what her place does. Basically, she takes people off the street who struggle with addictions and puts them through her rehab program. Even if they run away or start using again, she’ll always accept them back.
Soon after we got there she began to share her testimony. It was absolutely amazing. She said that she was raised in a witchcraft-oriented family, and got into just about everything terrible you can imagine. She was continually rejected and disowned by her friends and family. She even at one time had multiple personalities because she was controlled so much by the devil and his work. One was a champion pool shark, one was part of Hell’s Angels, one was a bar room dancer on Bourbon Street, and I think the last one was a witch.
Sometime later (I don’t remember how old she was) she was getting arrested and decided to fight the cops. She ended up getting a couple of them pretty good, and was eventually sent to solitary confinement in prison, where she was bound at the hands and feet by shackles. Soon she started hearing a voice repeating, “You need Jesus,” over and over again. It was then that she realized that Jesus was the only one who loved her and did not reject her no matter what she did or didn’t do.
After that, she started attending church, even though she still dressed and talked like the street woman she used to be. She recalled being there and having the other people at the church act afraid and ignore her because of her appearance. But that didn’t stop her, for she loved Jesus way too much and wanted to spend every moment thanking Him for what He does.
She was eventually led into street ministry, although her ministry is hardly anything you would normally think of. She told us stories of grabbing a man on the street into a headlock and casting demons out of him. She even told us about putting “anointing oil” into a super soaker and chasing a crowd of drug dealers around the streets with it. She had so many outrageous and crazy stories I can’t even fit them all here (ask us when we get home).
Many call her radical, insane, crazy (which she is a little of all of those), but without a doubt she is a woman who loves God with every ounce of energy she has. She explains her methods by saying “As Christians, you have all the power of Jesus inside of you. What’s the point of having it if you are too scared or boring to use it? Have fun with your faith!” I think she makes a great point.After sharing her testimony, she told us that we should be more excited about Jesus. So she had me get up in front by myself, and jump up and down yelling “Thank you Jesus!” as loud as I could. It was pretty cool.
Although I probably won’t tackle someone on the streets and cast demons out them with a super soaker of oil anytime soon, I know that I will never forget my encounter with Mamma Jan.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Prayer Requests for Tuesday
Friends, we had an amazing first day of ministry. The stories just keep coming. I'm encouraging students to write them as soon as possible, but there's not a whole lot of time for writing. But rest assured, more stories are on the way.
As for today, please pray for the following:
- Yesterday, we had about twenty kids at our VBS program. Please pray that God would grant us momentum to carry this program throughout the week. Pray that we might reach kids who have yet to make a decision for Jesus.
- Today, a large portion of our group is going to prepare a meal and deliver it to a large "tent city" where many dozens of homeless people have put up tents under an overpass. Please pray for God to communicate His love to these men, women, and children through our team.
- Today at 4:00pm our time (2:00pm back home), we are combining forces with the mission teams from the other two churches for a basketball outreach, at the abandoned school we worked at last year. There are many neighborhood teenagers, and we are praying that they may be reached for Christ. Please cover this outreach in prayer this afternoon.
Again, everyone is well. We are amazed at God's faithfulness to use us, if only we make ourselves available. Thank you again for your prayers and support.
Serving Him,
Pastor Gary Weston
As for today, please pray for the following:
- Yesterday, we had about twenty kids at our VBS program. Please pray that God would grant us momentum to carry this program throughout the week. Pray that we might reach kids who have yet to make a decision for Jesus.
- Today, a large portion of our group is going to prepare a meal and deliver it to a large "tent city" where many dozens of homeless people have put up tents under an overpass. Please pray for God to communicate His love to these men, women, and children through our team.
- Today at 4:00pm our time (2:00pm back home), we are combining forces with the mission teams from the other two churches for a basketball outreach, at the abandoned school we worked at last year. There are many neighborhood teenagers, and we are praying that they may be reached for Christ. Please cover this outreach in prayer this afternoon.
Again, everyone is well. We are amazed at God's faithfulness to use us, if only we make ourselves available. Thank you again for your prayers and support.
Serving Him,
Pastor Gary Weston
Monday, March 24, 2008
Painting at Pastor Mel's
Posted by: Karina Bauermeister & Max Vale
Katherine, Bryan, Jake, Michael, and we (Max V. & Karina) went to Pastor Mel’s place to paint the wall of a shed. Pastor Mel helps men with addictions and houses them for 6 months. We waited in their meeting room while the paint was getting picked up, and 2 people, Steve and Sean, shared their testimonies. Steve was raised in a Christian home, but his dad was really harsh on him, which led to his doctor prescribing him to take tranquilization pills. Later, when he was off the pills, he discovered alcohol and realized it also “numbed” him. Through lots of struggles and the meetings of the right people, he soon realized his life was messed up and he needed God.
Sean was shot 7 times in his life, two by accident and five by his friend. Two of the places he was shot were his aorta and spine, and he lost a gallon of blood through his aorta wound, half the amount of blood that people normally have in their bodies. He got out of surgery and was told that he would never walk again. He was always into a lot of drugs, pretty much anything you could imagine. He was sober for a year at one point and he didn’t think that he needed God’s help anymore. But he finally realized that he couldn’t make it on his own and he needed God’s help. So he came to Mel’s place.
And even as we walked in, he was reading the Bible and writing everything he learned down. He also taught us that we need to forgive everyone. He used his friend’s shooting as an example. It took a while, but he finally forgave his friend. And he was also walking around the place. He said it was by God’s mercy that he could walk again.
We toured around the buildings, and as we did, the people there were so hospitable and generous. We were walking and twice two people asked us how many of us there were, and one brought us a chocolate and caramel bar, and another one (it was actually Sean) brought us chips. We could clearly see the love of Christ in them.
So we toured the buildings and saw their living quarters and future development sites. Then we finally got to paint. Once we started painting, someone there went up to us and asked us if we would like lunch. We were just blown away at how generous these people were.
We were painting and the person who bought the supplies was there advising us how to paint well. It was so funny because after everything he said he always said “Amen!” Like, “To get in the grooves, you’ve got to get your paintbrush really full of paint, amen?”
So we finished the first coat. Max had paint all over his hands, and was trying to wash it off in the water, but it wasn’t working too well. Someone brought out hand soap for him. We were going to wash the paintbrushes, but someone offered to do it for us. Then we went inside for the lunch they prepared for us of barbecued chicken, potato salad, stuffing, and chocolate cake (Bryan and Max had potato salad for the first time!), which was absolutely marvelous. Then we took our dishes to the kitchen and they said they would wash the dishes. Then we left.
We had a great time, and it was such an encouragement to us to see these people who had previously been addicts to show such strong faith and servanthood.
Katherine, Bryan, Jake, Michael, and we (Max V. & Karina) went to Pastor Mel’s place to paint the wall of a shed. Pastor Mel helps men with addictions and houses them for 6 months. We waited in their meeting room while the paint was getting picked up, and 2 people, Steve and Sean, shared their testimonies. Steve was raised in a Christian home, but his dad was really harsh on him, which led to his doctor prescribing him to take tranquilization pills. Later, when he was off the pills, he discovered alcohol and realized it also “numbed” him. Through lots of struggles and the meetings of the right people, he soon realized his life was messed up and he needed God.Sean was shot 7 times in his life, two by accident and five by his friend. Two of the places he was shot were his aorta and spine, and he lost a gallon of blood through his aorta wound, half the amount of blood that people normally have in their bodies. He got out of surgery and was told that he would never walk again. He was always into a lot of drugs, pretty much anything you could imagine. He was sober for a year at one point and he didn’t think that he needed God’s help anymore. But he finally realized that he couldn’t make it on his own and he needed God’s help. So he came to Mel’s place.
And even as we walked in, he was reading the Bible and writing everything he learned down. He also taught us that we need to forgive everyone. He used his friend’s shooting as an example. It took a while, but he finally forgave his friend. And he was also walking around the place. He said it was by God’s mercy that he could walk again.
We toured around the buildings, and as we did, the people there were so hospitable and generous. We were walking and twice two people asked us how many of us there were, and one brought us a chocolate and caramel bar, and another one (it was actually Sean) brought us chips. We could clearly see the love of Christ in them.
So we toured the buildings and saw their living quarters and future development sites. Then we finally got to paint. Once we started painting, someone there went up to us and asked us if we would like lunch. We were just blown away at how generous these people were.
We were painting and the person who bought the supplies was there advising us how to paint well. It was so funny because after everything he said he always said “Amen!” Like, “To get in the grooves, you’ve got to get your paintbrush really full of paint, amen?”
So we finished the first coat. Max had paint all over his hands, and was trying to wash it off in the water, but it wasn’t working too well. Someone brought out hand soap for him. We were going to wash the paintbrushes, but someone offered to do it for us. Then we went inside for the lunch they prepared for us of barbecued chicken, potato salad, stuffing, and chocolate cake (Bryan and Max had potato salad for the first time!), which was absolutely marvelous. Then we took our dishes to the kitchen and they said they would wash the dishes. Then we left.
We had a great time, and it was such an encouragement to us to see these people who had previously been addicts to show such strong faith and servanthood.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Day Two: Easter Sunday
We celebrated Easter this morning at Victory Fellowship. They presented an "illustrated sermon" on Jesus' sacrifice for us that included music, drama, and preaching. We all especially enjoyed the worship music, which was modern and loud and rocking!
After church, we visited the various ministry sites we'll be working at this week and prayed over them. At Broad Street Mission, we met a little boy named Dominic. He was excited to see our group, and excited that we were spending the whole week in his neighborhood. So as we prayed for Broad Street Mission and for our week of ministry, we prayed for little Dominic too. As each student prayed, Dominic would work his way over to that person and lay a hand on their shoulder to agree with their prayer. He was precious for sure.
We told him we'd be back tomorrow, and invited him to come to VBS and to bring all of his friends. Several students are really looking forward to seeing him again. I know I am, too.
Prayer requests:
-Tomorrow is the first full day of ministry for us. Pray that God does exactly what He wants to do through us.
-Tomorrow, our VBS starts, with Alpha Team (Karina Bauermeister, Zaira Lara-Nava, Ian Gingrich, Becky Smith-Covey, Max Vale, Cory Kick, Molly McRae, Bob Nass, and me) leading. Please pray for a great first day that sets the tone for the rest of the week.
-Others from our team will be helping to prepare and serve food to homeless people at Broad Street Mission. Please pray our hearts will be filled with compassion, and our spirits filled with boldness, as we serve and pray and listen.
All are in good health and spirits. Please keep on praying. Hopefully tomorrow, we'll have the first of our reports written by a student this year, plus some pics for you.
May God's joy and peace be with you all.
Serving Him,
Pastor Gary Weston
After church, we visited the various ministry sites we'll be working at this week and prayed over them. At Broad Street Mission, we met a little boy named Dominic. He was excited to see our group, and excited that we were spending the whole week in his neighborhood. So as we prayed for Broad Street Mission and for our week of ministry, we prayed for little Dominic too. As each student prayed, Dominic would work his way over to that person and lay a hand on their shoulder to agree with their prayer. He was precious for sure.
We told him we'd be back tomorrow, and invited him to come to VBS and to bring all of his friends. Several students are really looking forward to seeing him again. I know I am, too.
Prayer requests:
-Tomorrow is the first full day of ministry for us. Pray that God does exactly what He wants to do through us.
-Tomorrow, our VBS starts, with Alpha Team (Karina Bauermeister, Zaira Lara-Nava, Ian Gingrich, Becky Smith-Covey, Max Vale, Cory Kick, Molly McRae, Bob Nass, and me) leading. Please pray for a great first day that sets the tone for the rest of the week.
-Others from our team will be helping to prepare and serve food to homeless people at Broad Street Mission. Please pray our hearts will be filled with compassion, and our spirits filled with boldness, as we serve and pray and listen.
All are in good health and spirits. Please keep on praying. Hopefully tomorrow, we'll have the first of our reports written by a student this year, plus some pics for you.
May God's joy and peace be with you all.
Serving Him,
Pastor Gary Weston
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Day One: We Have Arrived
Well, we're here, all safe and accounted for. Not too many snags along the way, apart from a 45 minute delay in Phoenix. Both flights were smooth and uneventful, just like I like 'em!
Our base for this week's operations is a Knights of Columbus hall in Lakeview, just north of the area known as mid-city. It's a very nice, very quiet neighborhood. Along with our team, there are teams from two other churches here, which means more than sixty people living together for the next week.
I'm sitting outside on a quaint brick porch, enjoying the cool of the evening as I type this. The hall is buzzing with excitement and energy. Tonight, students from all three churches are mingling, laughing together, playing games, and getting to know one another. The sounds of joy echo out into the night. It's a very sweet sound.
Tomorrow, we celebrate Easter at Victory Fellowship, a large church here in town that also runs the mission we'll be working out of. Then, we'll visit the week's ministry sites to pray for God's blessing on our efforts.
More good news. Internet access is close by. This means daily updates are likely, so keep checking back here for more info, stories, and prayer requests.
And speaking of prayer requests, here are a few:
- Pray for God to go before us in everything we do this week. Pray for open doors for VBS, soup kitchen, construction, and prayer ministries.
- Pray for clear leading from the Holy Spirit as to what we should do and how we should do it.
- Pray that our students would love people boldly, as Jesus would. No more, no less.
- Pray for logistics issues including transportation, meals, chores, etc. to go smoothly.
Thanks for your support. I can't wait to see what God's going to do.
In His Service,
Pastor Gary Weston
Our base for this week's operations is a Knights of Columbus hall in Lakeview, just north of the area known as mid-city. It's a very nice, very quiet neighborhood. Along with our team, there are teams from two other churches here, which means more than sixty people living together for the next week.
I'm sitting outside on a quaint brick porch, enjoying the cool of the evening as I type this. The hall is buzzing with excitement and energy. Tonight, students from all three churches are mingling, laughing together, playing games, and getting to know one another. The sounds of joy echo out into the night. It's a very sweet sound.
Tomorrow, we celebrate Easter at Victory Fellowship, a large church here in town that also runs the mission we'll be working out of. Then, we'll visit the week's ministry sites to pray for God's blessing on our efforts.
More good news. Internet access is close by. This means daily updates are likely, so keep checking back here for more info, stories, and prayer requests.
And speaking of prayer requests, here are a few:
- Pray for God to go before us in everything we do this week. Pray for open doors for VBS, soup kitchen, construction, and prayer ministries.
- Pray for clear leading from the Holy Spirit as to what we should do and how we should do it.
- Pray that our students would love people boldly, as Jesus would. No more, no less.
- Pray for logistics issues including transportation, meals, chores, etc. to go smoothly.
Thanks for your support. I can't wait to see what God's going to do.
In His Service,
Pastor Gary Weston
Insomniac
I should be sleeping. But I'm not.
In just three and a half hours, Katherine and I will be picked up by our ride to the airport to begin this year's Spring Break Mission Trip. In just four and a half hours, we will meet up with the rest of the mission team at the airport and start the large scale process of checking bags for 37 people. In just six and a half hours, our plane will be taking off.
Which is why I should be asleep right now. But I'm not.
Just thought I'd share.
In just three and a half hours, Katherine and I will be picked up by our ride to the airport to begin this year's Spring Break Mission Trip. In just four and a half hours, we will meet up with the rest of the mission team at the airport and start the large scale process of checking bags for 37 people. In just six and a half hours, our plane will be taking off.
Which is why I should be asleep right now. But I'm not.
Just thought I'd share.
Friday, March 21, 2008
We Serve, Because He Served
One of the traditions I love at Fair Oaks is how the Good Friday Service coincides with the commissioning of our students as they head out on their annual spring break mission trip.
Tonight was a special time of remembrance of the day on which Jesus gave His life for us on the cross. Just as He desired to be a servant to others on this Earth, we are going to New Orleans to serve and love others in need.
Thank you to those of you who prayed over us this evening, and thank you to those who will be lifting us up in prayer throughout the week.
A few of the students in our group:
Students performing their skit for the congregation:
The team standing for prayer:
God willing, the next time you hear from us, we'll be in New Orleans!
Tonight was a special time of remembrance of the day on which Jesus gave His life for us on the cross. Just as He desired to be a servant to others on this Earth, we are going to New Orleans to serve and love others in need.
Thank you to those of you who prayed over us this evening, and thank you to those who will be lifting us up in prayer throughout the week.
A few of the students in our group:
Students performing their skit for the congregation:
The team standing for prayer:
God willing, the next time you hear from us, we'll be in New Orleans!
Big Prayers
I must confess, as a youth leader it is so easy to live from event to event. I'll prepare for what I'm teaching that evening, then the next day I'll take on the next thing. It's a way to keep focused, and not get overwhelmed, but the tyranny of the immediate can keep me from dreaming big.
It really hit me this week, as I came off the rush of my weekend of chaos, that though I'd been looking forward to the upcoming mission trip to New Orleans, I haven't been dreaming big enough.
Specifically, I was challenged by the thought, "If God answers all my prayers for this trip, what would that look like?"
It's so easy to let my prayers focus on basic things like safety, and raising money, and unity within the team. And don't get me wrong, those things are necessary and good. But they are not the reason we are going!
So, I invite you to join me in praying big prayers. Asking God for things that only He can do. And if He doesn't answer them all, that's ok. But the book of James says that "You do not have, because you do not ask." So, let's do our part.
Lord, I pray for transformed lives. I pray that each one of our students and leaders would be 'Jesus with skin on' to the people we meet in New Orleans. Bring us to new depths of love and compassion!
I pray that through our construction work, houses and lives would be rebuilt. I pray that fear would have no hold on us, that we would boldly share our stories of faith, and clearly explain the reason for hope we have in Christ Jesus. Help us to pray attentively, to hear and obey that 'still small voice' as You direct our steps.
I pray for new friendships that will last a lifetime. I ask that by our prayers, You would bring spiritual, emotional, and even physical healing to the hurting people that we will encounter.
Oh Jesus, I pray that many would make you Lord of their lives, and finally know the joy and freedom of a saving faith. Lord, I pray that You would redeeem the horrors of Hurricane Katrina, and through the tragedy Your children would see Your hand at work, and give You the glory You deserve.
Oh Jesus, be glorified in us. Take our eyes off of ourselves, and help us to love You more. In Jesus' name, amen.
It really hit me this week, as I came off the rush of my weekend of chaos, that though I'd been looking forward to the upcoming mission trip to New Orleans, I haven't been dreaming big enough.
Specifically, I was challenged by the thought, "If God answers all my prayers for this trip, what would that look like?"
It's so easy to let my prayers focus on basic things like safety, and raising money, and unity within the team. And don't get me wrong, those things are necessary and good. But they are not the reason we are going!
So, I invite you to join me in praying big prayers. Asking God for things that only He can do. And if He doesn't answer them all, that's ok. But the book of James says that "You do not have, because you do not ask." So, let's do our part.
Lord, I pray for transformed lives. I pray that each one of our students and leaders would be 'Jesus with skin on' to the people we meet in New Orleans. Bring us to new depths of love and compassion!
I pray that through our construction work, houses and lives would be rebuilt. I pray that fear would have no hold on us, that we would boldly share our stories of faith, and clearly explain the reason for hope we have in Christ Jesus. Help us to pray attentively, to hear and obey that 'still small voice' as You direct our steps.
I pray for new friendships that will last a lifetime. I ask that by our prayers, You would bring spiritual, emotional, and even physical healing to the hurting people that we will encounter.
Oh Jesus, I pray that many would make you Lord of their lives, and finally know the joy and freedom of a saving faith. Lord, I pray that You would redeeem the horrors of Hurricane Katrina, and through the tragedy Your children would see Your hand at work, and give You the glory You deserve.
Oh Jesus, be glorified in us. Take our eyes off of ourselves, and help us to love You more. In Jesus' name, amen.
It's good to share
Since I can't get this song (a youth group favorite) out of my head, I'll share it with y'all so you can feel my pain!
ht: Andrew Seely
ht: Andrew Seely
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Welcome, Spring!
The beautiful weather lately has inspired me to get outdoors and reclaim the wilderness that has been my front yard, before all the weeds dropped their seeds. Eleven pink geraniums, a flat of vinca (periwinkle), and a tangerine tree (!) later, I have an official garden!
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Monday, March 17, 2008
New Orleans 07 Pics
Wow... in just four days, I, along with 36 others from Fair Oaks Church, will be heading to New Orleans for a week long mission trip! This will be the third year that the Fair Oaks youth group has gone to New Orleans to serve and encourage those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Looking back definitely stirs my excitement about what God will do through us in the week ahead, so I've put together a slide show with some of last year's pictures. Enjoy!
For more pictures and stories from last year's trip, click here.
For more pictures and stories from last year's trip, click here.
Breathing Deep
Well, I made it. I survived the crazy weekend! This is where I've been:
Junior High Girls' Sleepover
This event was such a blast! Twelve girls, 6th through 8th grade, in one house for 13 hours. I was so impressed with this group; there were no problems with clique-iness, nobody was mean, or insensitive, or oversensitive (at least, as far as I could tell!). We all hung out and had a great time together. Highlights were a treasure 'show and tell' time as well as a hair/makeup challenge - with the makeup artist blindfolded! I got some great pics out of that one! And, I believe I even got six hours of sleep - woohoo!
Guatemala Team Meeting
As it stands right now, Gary and I will probably be bringing seven high school students with us when we return to Guatemala this summer. We won't start our in-depth training and team building until after we're back from New Orleans, but we've met a couple of times to pray and worship together, and get started on basic stuff like passports and vaccinations.
It's such a delight to see the character of this group begin to emerge- it is a team of servants and worshippers, and as a group they are particularly musically inclined. I am thrilled to see how God will use these talents to cross language and cultural barriers this summer!
Car Rally
After taking students home from the Guatemala meeting, I ended up with about two minutes to change clothes and run over to the church for my next event. Whew! The women's ministry planned a fun event for the ladies to get to know the high school girls. The team did a fantastic job and we all had a really fun time (I'll post some pics if I get them); the only downer was the high number of no-shows by girls who had signed up. The afternoon involved a car-rally scavenger hunt around Concord, a jewelry-making craft, and a pizza dinner. I am proud to say that all my world race challenges did me good and I was able to help my team to victory (Red team, you would be so proud! And, hooray for no race rules committee!)! Way to go Chi, Lorrie, Heidi, and Becky!
About half way through the craft, I hit the wall and totally pooped out. I gave up on the earrings I was trying to design and waited for the pizza. I'm glad I hung in there, because I ended up having the best conversation of the day with Becky and Karina, two high school girls that are also in my Sunday night small group. They're part of the New Orleans mission trip (first time for both), so it was fun to talk about our preparations.
Sunday School
I went to bed early the night before, but Sunday morning was still brutal. Our mission trip prep has been during the Sunday school hour, and this was the final meeting before the trip. We had a really special treat for our team: a special guest, a first time visitor to Fair Oaks Church here in town on business.
Kirby is from Louisiana, and picked our church to visit because he saw that our youth group was headed to New Orleans over spring break. He connected with Gary, and they arranged for him to come in and greet the students, tell his story, and pray for us. Turns out, he's a Sunday school teacher for the youth in his church back home! He was absolutely fantastic, and just what we needed to remind us what we're going to do and why. What a blessing - thank you, God!
Church
After all that good stuff, and with more meetings ahead of me, I confess that church was a struggle. It's pretty typical for me to come out of the morning sessions with my mind racing as I think about our kids, our leaders, what's coming up, what needs to be done, etc. Putting all that aside to worship God seems the most unnatural thing I could possibly do at that time. (Any of you out there experience this? Any tips you want to share?)
I was also saddened by the fact that our interim worship leader of over a year left this past week; as a congregation we were simply told that he had resigned. There was no 'last Sunday' at which we could recognize and thank him. I don't know what happened to cause him to leave like this, but it's one of my peeves that a main contributor to a church family could just disappear with so little explanation or closure. When churches handle transition so quietly, I can't help but wonder why. Unexplained disappearances don't do much to build that sense of authenticity or family or community that I am hungering for. (But, that's another post for another time)
Omega Team Meeting
Immediately following church, I met with my subgroup of the New Orleans mission team. With 37 people participating in the trip, we've put together four teams (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omega) to lead ministry on different days and to prepare and debrief together. My team is planning a skit about a crippled man who is healed by John and Peter, and as our own creative touch we have decided to add a song / dance to the end of the skit when the guy comes to his feet. That sounds like it could be pretty terrible (!) but it has really come together and I think will be quite effective and memorable. (Definitely memorable!)
High School Small Group
The final event of the weekend was the most powerful for me. To recognize the coming of Easter, and to celebrate what Jesus did for us on the cross, Gary set up the stations of the cross for our small group. This is our second year in a row doing this exercise, and it's one I hope will continue. We had eleven different stations with various depictions of religious art as well as guided prayer exercises. Candlelight and low music added to a thoughtful atmosphere. We spent probably an hour and a half in prayer, moving through the various stations, and when everyone was finished we gathered around our dining room table and took the Lord's supper together. It was such a blessing to me to have so much undistracted time in prayer, to talk to God and pour out my heart to Him.
Despite the craziness, I really enjoyed all the time I got to spend with students this past weekend. Now that I've survived, I'll be catching up on my rest and whatever else I have to do before we leave for New Orleans on Saturday. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement, and especially for not calling before noon!
Junior High Girls' Sleepover
This event was such a blast! Twelve girls, 6th through 8th grade, in one house for 13 hours. I was so impressed with this group; there were no problems with clique-iness, nobody was mean, or insensitive, or oversensitive (at least, as far as I could tell!). We all hung out and had a great time together. Highlights were a treasure 'show and tell' time as well as a hair/makeup challenge - with the makeup artist blindfolded! I got some great pics out of that one! And, I believe I even got six hours of sleep - woohoo!
Guatemala Team Meeting
As it stands right now, Gary and I will probably be bringing seven high school students with us when we return to Guatemala this summer. We won't start our in-depth training and team building until after we're back from New Orleans, but we've met a couple of times to pray and worship together, and get started on basic stuff like passports and vaccinations.
It's such a delight to see the character of this group begin to emerge- it is a team of servants and worshippers, and as a group they are particularly musically inclined. I am thrilled to see how God will use these talents to cross language and cultural barriers this summer!
Car Rally
After taking students home from the Guatemala meeting, I ended up with about two minutes to change clothes and run over to the church for my next event. Whew! The women's ministry planned a fun event for the ladies to get to know the high school girls. The team did a fantastic job and we all had a really fun time (I'll post some pics if I get them); the only downer was the high number of no-shows by girls who had signed up. The afternoon involved a car-rally scavenger hunt around Concord, a jewelry-making craft, and a pizza dinner. I am proud to say that all my world race challenges did me good and I was able to help my team to victory (Red team, you would be so proud! And, hooray for no race rules committee!)! Way to go Chi, Lorrie, Heidi, and Becky!
About half way through the craft, I hit the wall and totally pooped out. I gave up on the earrings I was trying to design and waited for the pizza. I'm glad I hung in there, because I ended up having the best conversation of the day with Becky and Karina, two high school girls that are also in my Sunday night small group. They're part of the New Orleans mission trip (first time for both), so it was fun to talk about our preparations.
Sunday School
I went to bed early the night before, but Sunday morning was still brutal. Our mission trip prep has been during the Sunday school hour, and this was the final meeting before the trip. We had a really special treat for our team: a special guest, a first time visitor to Fair Oaks Church here in town on business.
Kirby is from Louisiana, and picked our church to visit because he saw that our youth group was headed to New Orleans over spring break. He connected with Gary, and they arranged for him to come in and greet the students, tell his story, and pray for us. Turns out, he's a Sunday school teacher for the youth in his church back home! He was absolutely fantastic, and just what we needed to remind us what we're going to do and why. What a blessing - thank you, God!
Church
After all that good stuff, and with more meetings ahead of me, I confess that church was a struggle. It's pretty typical for me to come out of the morning sessions with my mind racing as I think about our kids, our leaders, what's coming up, what needs to be done, etc. Putting all that aside to worship God seems the most unnatural thing I could possibly do at that time. (Any of you out there experience this? Any tips you want to share?)
I was also saddened by the fact that our interim worship leader of over a year left this past week; as a congregation we were simply told that he had resigned. There was no 'last Sunday' at which we could recognize and thank him. I don't know what happened to cause him to leave like this, but it's one of my peeves that a main contributor to a church family could just disappear with so little explanation or closure. When churches handle transition so quietly, I can't help but wonder why. Unexplained disappearances don't do much to build that sense of authenticity or family or community that I am hungering for. (But, that's another post for another time)
Omega Team Meeting
Immediately following church, I met with my subgroup of the New Orleans mission team. With 37 people participating in the trip, we've put together four teams (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omega) to lead ministry on different days and to prepare and debrief together. My team is planning a skit about a crippled man who is healed by John and Peter, and as our own creative touch we have decided to add a song / dance to the end of the skit when the guy comes to his feet. That sounds like it could be pretty terrible (!) but it has really come together and I think will be quite effective and memorable. (Definitely memorable!)
High School Small Group
The final event of the weekend was the most powerful for me. To recognize the coming of Easter, and to celebrate what Jesus did for us on the cross, Gary set up the stations of the cross for our small group. This is our second year in a row doing this exercise, and it's one I hope will continue. We had eleven different stations with various depictions of religious art as well as guided prayer exercises. Candlelight and low music added to a thoughtful atmosphere. We spent probably an hour and a half in prayer, moving through the various stations, and when everyone was finished we gathered around our dining room table and took the Lord's supper together. It was such a blessing to me to have so much undistracted time in prayer, to talk to God and pour out my heart to Him.
Despite the craziness, I really enjoyed all the time I got to spend with students this past weekend. Now that I've survived, I'll be catching up on my rest and whatever else I have to do before we leave for New Orleans on Saturday. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement, and especially for not calling before noon!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Do NOT call before noon!
Pray for me, because things are about to get CRAZY!
This evening, there's a baby shower at the church for a friend who's expecting her first. I'm hoping to have enough time to drop by before heading to the next event of the evening: a sleepover party with junior high girls in our youth group. Oh, please let sleep happen at that party. Saturday morning, I have an hour between the end of that party and a meeting Gary and I are hosting at our home to pray and talk with students interested in coming to Guatemala with us this summer. Presuming that ends on time, I will have two hours to rest before my next church event: a fun afternoon with the church ladies and our high school girls, sponsored by our women's ministry to connect the girls of all ages. The next morning, I'll be getting up early for Sunday School, church, then leading a planning session with some of the students that are going on the New Orleans mission trip in two weeks. Top that off with our high school small group Sunday evening, and that adds up to about 23 hours with students this weekend... whooo!
This evening, there's a baby shower at the church for a friend who's expecting her first. I'm hoping to have enough time to drop by before heading to the next event of the evening: a sleepover party with junior high girls in our youth group. Oh, please let sleep happen at that party. Saturday morning, I have an hour between the end of that party and a meeting Gary and I are hosting at our home to pray and talk with students interested in coming to Guatemala with us this summer. Presuming that ends on time, I will have two hours to rest before my next church event: a fun afternoon with the church ladies and our high school girls, sponsored by our women's ministry to connect the girls of all ages. The next morning, I'll be getting up early for Sunday School, church, then leading a planning session with some of the students that are going on the New Orleans mission trip in two weeks. Top that off with our high school small group Sunday evening, and that adds up to about 23 hours with students this weekend... whooo!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Anti-slavery activists raise awareness by biking and hiking to the Grand Canyon
Although slavery was outlawed more than a century ago in the States, a modern slave trade industry is flourishing around the world - and a group of twenty-somethings who have seen it firsthand is doing something about it.
"I will never forget their eyes," said 26-year-old Stephanie Fisk of Milford, IA. "They are no longer the nameless and faceless. Their stories are etched on my heart and into my mind."
Fisk, who worked with enslaved women and children in Thailand and Cambodia, along with Eric Hanson, 24, of Phoenix, AZ, have teamed up with several anti-slavery groups to raise awareness about the 30-billion dollar a year industry. By helping coordinate a 450-mile biking and 20-mile hiking event, the duo also expect to raise money for nonprofit groups that are working to end a practice called, "human trafficking."
"When you see that these are real people - people who you can talk to and laugh with - then something in your heart is changed," said Hanson. "You start to see the world in a new light, and you realize that you can do something to help change these people's lives."
The two cyclists are coordinating a long ride for the week of March 24-31 that culminates with a hike through the Grand Canyon. Both the ride and the hike are open to the public - for either the whole event or a portion of it, said Hanson. Both he and Fisk were participants of The World Race, a volunteer experience that took them to a dozen countries in one year. Today, they are staff members of Adventures in Missions, an evangelical organization that serves the poor around the world.
They are calling the ride "Team Up, Gear Up" and hope to win more advocates to the cause of abolishing slavery. Social justice organizations such as NightLight, ALERT, Not For Sale Campaign, Make Way Partners and others are sponsoring the event.
Nearly 27 million individuals are caught in the global slave trade. Vulnerable individuals are often tricked into becoming sex slaves, bonded servants, or child soldiers. Many are trafficked across borders and live in a state of hopelessness.
This is taking place in developing countries, but also in America. The U.S. not only fuels the rising demand of this industry, but aids in supplying the appetite abroad. Hanson and Fisk, so moved with compassion that they can not forget what they have seen, are compelled to share with others to bring this tragedy to an end.
Participants are encouraging those interested to join a nation-wide prayer and informational call from Mar. 23rd through Mar. 31st, at 8pm CST. Each night, a guest speaker from one of the sponsor organizations will share more about the effort to end slavery, followed by a Q&A time, and corporate prayer.
Everyone is invited to join the calls, but there is a limited number of spots available. To call in, dial 1-218-486-1600 followed by the access code 472085#.
Further information about this event is available online at: http://www.stephaniefisk.theworldrace.org
If you are interested in partnering with us please contact Eric Hanson senortopo@hotmail.com
Monday, March 10, 2008
Life in the Big City
The hubbo and I enjoyed a quick get-away to 'the city' (local speak for 'San Francisco') this past week. We have decreed to take more short get-aways this year as a way to build memories and have fun together as well as retreat from the seemingly endless needs of ministry. Fortunately, Gary's off-peak week-end days allow us to travel during the less crowded work week.
So, we jumped on the BART with overnight bags in hand, ready to to some exploring. Who would have thought we would have found ourselves in the midst of a EuroCircle (don't worry mom, it's legal), a tea oasis even we die-hard coffee fiends couldn't resist, or an entire world of toy claw machines?
For all the fun we had, though, I found the diverse sounds and smells of the city to be just too much. It's not enough just to get 'away', if 'away' is not restorative. So next time, we'll be heading to the beautiful rolling hills of Napa. And once the weather warms up, we'll be camping in Yosemite. I can already feel the dirt beneath my feet, smell the fresh air and feel the spray of a waterfall on my face... if I have to give up claw-machine world to connect with the great outdoors, so be it.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Feelin' the Love...
About a month ago, I was indulging myself in a pity party (makes sense to me, it's healthier than denial, right?) about how hard it's been to feel connected to the people in my life. Don't get me wrong, I've gotten to know a lot of fantastic people since we moved here a year ago, but I've found very few natural connections (ie running into people at the grocery store, while walking my dog, etc.), and I get overwhelmed by the prospect of having to schedule every social event weeks in advance.
Fortunately for me, my loving husband was able to quickly solve my dilemma and advised me to not feel sorry for myself, but take initiative and see what happened (Yes, there's a bit of sarcasm there... it seems few husbands understand the joy of a good pity party). Anyways, I sucked it up, took his advice and brought home-baked pumpkin bread to two of the families on our street.
I'm happy to say the gesture was well received. The following week, I bumped into one of the ladies and spent a half hour with her on the porch, just chatting. She followed up with a lovely thank you note. The other family had G-Dub and I over for games and dessert, and just stopped by this evening with a plate of the most amazing brownies I've ever tasted (sorry, mom!).
So, let me get this straight... give people food, make friends, get food back... this is looking pretty good to me! Until I am blessed to find some 'workout buddies', I do believe I've found the road to 'fat and happy'!
Fortunately for me, my loving husband was able to quickly solve my dilemma and advised me to not feel sorry for myself, but take initiative and see what happened (Yes, there's a bit of sarcasm there... it seems few husbands understand the joy of a good pity party). Anyways, I sucked it up, took his advice and brought home-baked pumpkin bread to two of the families on our street.
I'm happy to say the gesture was well received. The following week, I bumped into one of the ladies and spent a half hour with her on the porch, just chatting. She followed up with a lovely thank you note. The other family had G-Dub and I over for games and dessert, and just stopped by this evening with a plate of the most amazing brownies I've ever tasted (sorry, mom!).
So, let me get this straight... give people food, make friends, get food back... this is looking pretty good to me! Until I am blessed to find some 'workout buddies', I do believe I've found the road to 'fat and happy'!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Tears in a Bottle
If you've been paying any attention, you already know that I'm a Starbucks-loving coffee-drinker, prefer action movies to chick flicks, and that I am and forever will be a dog person. Here's my next self-revelation:
I'm a crier.
My dear husband is very supportive of me, but I'm not sure even he understands this one. I guess it's pretty unusual, even among women, to love crying as much as I do.
The best way I can describe it is as a release - when 'my heart is so full it comes out my eyes'. Strong emotions express themselves in hot tears, filling my eyes until they spill down my cheeks. Giving myself permission to feel this strongly connects me to myself, lets me know that I'm not too distracted by the monotonies of life to experience the depths of my own soul.
Literally crying to God, allowing Him to keep 'my tears in a bottle', is one of the most powerful forms of prayer I've ever experienced. I don't have to find the words to lay all of myself at His feet. What sweet peace to show Him my heart and feel His arms around me.
As much as I value this expression, I don't tend to go around crying all the time. That's why I caught even myself by surprise last Friday, when while hiking with Gary I suddenly choked up with emotion. We had planned to take a short jaunt through the hills, stretch our legs and enjoy the good weather.
We had just gotten far enough to leave the parking lot behind a distant corner, when the fullness of the experience began to hit me: crisp wind on my face, brilliant emerald green grass on the hills, the life-giving scent of clean, fresh air. Surrounded by God's creation, burdens lift away, and freedom and relief come flooding in. Within one grand moment, God shows me that He has heard me praying Psalm 23:3, and lovingly restores my soul.
Thank you, Jesus, for the healing power of the beauty of your creation.
I'm a crier.
My dear husband is very supportive of me, but I'm not sure even he understands this one. I guess it's pretty unusual, even among women, to love crying as much as I do.
The best way I can describe it is as a release - when 'my heart is so full it comes out my eyes'. Strong emotions express themselves in hot tears, filling my eyes until they spill down my cheeks. Giving myself permission to feel this strongly connects me to myself, lets me know that I'm not too distracted by the monotonies of life to experience the depths of my own soul.
Literally crying to God, allowing Him to keep 'my tears in a bottle', is one of the most powerful forms of prayer I've ever experienced. I don't have to find the words to lay all of myself at His feet. What sweet peace to show Him my heart and feel His arms around me.
As much as I value this expression, I don't tend to go around crying all the time. That's why I caught even myself by surprise last Friday, when while hiking with Gary I suddenly choked up with emotion. We had planned to take a short jaunt through the hills, stretch our legs and enjoy the good weather.
We had just gotten far enough to leave the parking lot behind a distant corner, when the fullness of the experience began to hit me: crisp wind on my face, brilliant emerald green grass on the hills, the life-giving scent of clean, fresh air. Surrounded by God's creation, burdens lift away, and freedom and relief come flooding in. Within one grand moment, God shows me that He has heard me praying Psalm 23:3, and lovingly restores my soul.
Thank you, Jesus, for the healing power of the beauty of your creation.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Philistinian Idol
Gary (not Gary W, but perhaps Gary F, Gary K, Gary B, or the other Gary B? Identify yourself!) left a comment on my last post, The New Addition, weighing in on the meaning of Dagodol's name. He wrote: "Dagon meaning "fish" was an idol of the Philistines."
Though I haven't been a great fan of the reality show "Philistinian Idol", the name does in fact, go back to Biblical seafaring times. "Dag" means fish, and "Gadol" means big. The phrase is used in the book of Jonah, referring to the great fish that swallowed that unfortunate prophet. So, my little betta fish has some big fins to fill.
Y'all did so great with the guessing, though, that I thought I'd give you a second quiz, featuring pics from my trip to Capitol Aquarium.
Your task is to match the species to the picture: Black Ribbon Eel, Stargazer, and Dogface Puffer. Ready, GO!
First response with three correct answers gets a high five from yours truly!
Though I haven't been a great fan of the reality show "Philistinian Idol", the name does in fact, go back to Biblical seafaring times. "Dag" means fish, and "Gadol" means big. The phrase is used in the book of Jonah, referring to the great fish that swallowed that unfortunate prophet. So, my little betta fish has some big fins to fill.
Y'all did so great with the guessing, though, that I thought I'd give you a second quiz, featuring pics from my trip to Capitol Aquarium.
Your task is to match the species to the picture: Black Ribbon Eel, Stargazer, and Dogface Puffer. Ready, GO!
First response with three correct answers gets a high five from yours truly!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
