food for fish

Kerstin and Alexis.

The beauty of Europe. If only they would allow God to return, then the beauty would be true.

Starbuck's in Frankfurt!

And finally both of us.

The highway back to Zakapane. It is divided for only the first 25K, then it becomes a two lane road for 75K. They are expanding it, could take 10 years.

Oh, by the way, we are in Poland now. We come home on the 10th.

This is my highschool small group swaying to "Friends are Friends forever"

This is my woman, and I am her man. And our God is making a beautiful three strand chord.

Humanity apart from personally knowing God's grace, becomes Satan's tool.

I hate being in debt, trying to be obedient, and still let Him be in control.

Isn't that what its all about

Well, I have one month until I return for a mini-trip back to Poland. We'll be in Zakopane for almost two weeks starting on July 22nd. Alexis and I and the rest of the team are getting very excited. During our prayer meetings (every Thursday from now until the trip) God has been showing each person his/her place for this trip, each person on the team will be the head of what the camp is calling "tribes" the primary role of a tribal leader will be as spiritual guides for the campers. This is certainly a place where I feel called to, a place where I can use all this passion and urgency that seems to be built up inside of me with nowhere out.

Now on the more human side, we still are far from our goal of $2,500. This has been by far the hardest trip to raise money for that I have ever been a part of. By God's grace we have our tickets purchased on credit, not the ideal position to be in of course. We have until July 10th to raise another $2,190 each… This is a bit overwhelming… But somehow someway it will work out. Right now I've taken a step of faith (and idea that came while I was sitting on the toilet) and used some of my retirement to pay for our airfare, this amount has to be paid back within 60 days (of which I have about 40 left). Thank God I got a new job last week that pays quite well, but at the moment my hours are not that many. It is possible for me to actually pay myself backing this timeline, assuming that I can work 5 hours a day for the next 40 days. So, anyway. Bottom line, please donate. Donation link on your right. Blessings.

Yes it is true. This school year is nearly done and now I know that I really do know much about God, and I'm okay with that. In fact I am so happy that I have come to this place, I like having God in control, it is much less stressful. Praise God.

Wouldn't it be nice if we were older
Then we wouldn't have to wait so long
And wouldn't it be nice to live together
In the kind of world where we belong

You know it's gonna make it that much better
When we can say goodnight and stay together

Wouldn't it be nice if we could wake up
In the morning when the day is new
And after having spent the day together
Hold each other close the whole night through

Happy times together we've been spending
I wish that every kiss was neverending
Wouldn't it be nice

Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray it might come true
Baby then there wouldn't be a single thing we couldn't do
We could be married
And then we'd be happy

Wouldn't it be nice

You know it seems the more we talk about it
It only makes it worse to live without it
But lets talk about it
Wouldn't it be nice
[Beach Boys - Wouldn't it be nice]

That's where I'm at right now…

I hate talking about money, but it seems to be the one thing that just keeps coming up. Thankfully Alexis and I have found a creative financial solution to pay for our plane tickets to Poland this summer. Essentially, I am barrowing from my retirement account with the faith that we will fundraise all of our money and be able to pay myself back within sixty days, or else face a tax penalty. Already God is showing us His faithful ness because Alexis and are going to be staying an extra week and a half in Europe, and our airfare is costing us $130 less per person than the rest of the group. It's an amazing sign from God and we are very thankful. Of the $2500 we need for the trip, Alexis and I both have $440. We know we are called and God always provides just what we need.

Lord, thank you for your provision, even in my failure to be faithful in my giving. Thanks for the roof over my head, the bed to sleep on, my friends, and for the food we have everyday. I know you are the Lord of everything and I know that you have called me, so let me be your hands, your feet, and may your will be done. In Jesus' name. Amen.

You Are 25% Left Brained, 75% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Well, we have about 3 months and a week before we head off to Poland. This time, I am going with a team, three Germans, and sixteen other Americans! It will be an amazing time where God will move in many people, including ourselves, and especially me. This is just the beginning of many return trips that the Lord has shown me will be in my future.

As this date draws near, so do our deadlines for finances, I currently owe $600 to the college for the rest of this quarter (praise God it's not the $3200 I owed a little over a month ago), once that debt is dissolved I will focus all my funds directly to the Poland trip. For the trip I need to raise $2,350 more, much of this is being done through fund raisers and our desert dinner on May 26th (for more information on this, which includes a time for you to hear everything about our mission in Poland and our commitment to Europe simply reply to this email message). If everyone I have emailed this to donated just $14.50 for the next three months I would have all of school covered and the trip covered. I know the God I serve is not short of cash, we will be going to Poland and touching lives. If you would like more information please do not hesitate to hit the reply button and ask me some questions, or visit my website foodforfish.blogspot.com prayer is always welcomed. I will be writing more about what I am doing right now in the INTENational Training Program at the Oregon College of Ministry and how it all relates to the future of my time in Poland. Thank you very much, and be blessed.

Ahh

And here we are.

My friends Josh and Erin just got married!