Following Christ...

Loch Lomond Fishing/Hiking Trip July 16-17 2010

2010-07-18T10:23:00.031-07:00

View of Loch Lomond and the falls from 11,200', just East of the Continental Divide

Mt. Evans and our campsite

West view & trail to Lake Caroline

Heading out toward the falls - water was rough on Friday

Base of the falls

Looking up the falls

Looking back toward camp

Marmot friend

Jeff testing out 4 low with Deric spotting

Snowmelt runoff stream with lush surroundings

"Test Hill"

Halfway to the top

We passed - Jeff D & Jeff A

Looking East

South view

West view - Deric, Dustin, Jeff A, and Dominic - shooting guns

God's Chisel - The Skit Guys

2010-05-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Visit to Крим (Crimea) pronounced "Cream"

2009-08-27T02:24:00.012-07:00

Don't forget to roll the "r" (р)!

We had a nice trip to Крим, it was beautiful there. The city we visited, near the Sinitsa's, Evpatoria, dates back to 2500 BC. It is said that the Apostle Andrew preached near there. As I stood in the Black Sea, I could only imagine him arriving on shore with a fresh passion to tell others about the One he knew and walked with side by side. I pray that God will increase my passion for Himself every day until I see Hm face to face!

We met up with the Sinitsa's. It was so good to see them! We were welcomed as family. We shared tesimony of what God is doing - it was very encouraging to be there. Their home & yard is still in bad shape from all the destruction. Pray for them as they work to complete this big job.

Here is Jeffrey and "Papa" Sinitsa heating water for their outside shower. Papa really loves Jeffrey & Emilee.

Faith, Katrina, Jeff, Tonya, Emilee, Jeffrey, Nina, Alla (Mama), and Papa

This is the hotel where we stayed in Саки (pronounced Sock-ee). The people that own it are Christians and are good friends of the Sinitsa's. They lived in the US for 11 years before coming back and building this hotel.

The top circle is where the Sinitsa's live, Evpatoria is just south on the coast, and where we stayed in the hotel is the other circle.

Be Disciples.

This one's for Mom

2009-08-25T01:25:00.004-07:00

I remember when Mom used to joke about the "honey wagon". So, when I saw this honey wagon in Crimea, I had to take a picture. Of course, this honey wagon has "real" honey!

This honey (МЕД) wagon has the hives on board and possibly a place to sleep.

Love you Mom!

Be Disciples.

Final update on Katrina

2009-08-08T10:33:00.003-07:00

Katrina made it through the surgery ok. She needed 7 pins and a plate to repair her broken fibula. Her tibia was broken as well, but the doctors said it would heal on its own. We praise God that her flights home went smoothly and she only felt pain on the car ride to the hospital. She is home now, but will be in a wheelchair and will have a walker for the next three weeks. The doctors have said she will need to be home for 3 months - Katrina says 6 weeks:)

Be Disciples.

Update on Katrina

2009-08-03T01:26:00.002-07:00

American doctors confirmed Katrina's leg is broken in 3 places. It is a severe injury. They are scheduled to do surgery sometime during the day today August 3rd (central time). They have removed the “missionary cast” and replaced it with a splint. She was kept overnight at the hospital (St. Johns in Joplin, MO).

Pray for protection from discouragement from the enemy. Pray for Katrina’s family and her doctors.

Be Disciples.

Pray for our friend Katrina

2009-08-02T00:36:00.008-07:00

Katrina Randolph, our friend and fellow missionary here in Nova Odesa, broke her leg in Crimea. She and a friend, Faith, were hiking a hill near Simferopol and on the descent, she fell. Faith, who does not know how to drive a manual transmission vehicle, had to drive Katrina back to the hotel where we were staying. Katrina shifted while Faith pushed in the clutch. Our friend Nina Sinitsa and her nephew Dima drove Katrina to the hospital. X-rays were taken and they showed Katrina's leg (fibula) was broken diagonally, just above her ankle. The doctor (yes, only one doctor in the whole hospital), said she needed surgery immediately. They only put a partial cast on the back of her leg and under her foot. Because of the severity of the break, it was decided that she return to the US for proper care. The hospitals here in Ukraine are quite inadequate, and the processes are not the smoothest (or the cleanest).

We spent that night at our hotel because she needed crutches and could only get them the next day. Katrina was able to use the crutches to get around in her room and to the vehicle. The owners of the hotel helped take care of Katrina and were a huge blessing. The owners are Christians and live in the hotel. They recently moved back to Ukraine from Oregon where they lived for 11 years. So it was nice to be able to communicate in English during this time.

It was decided that I drive back to Nova Odesa. I am not legal to drive here, but only because of Katrina's medical condition I was. It was a 7 hour trip. Katrina was a good sport. We got back to Nova Odesa around 9:30pm Friday and met Jason, Jeff Appling, and Josh. They spent the night after arriving by bus from Osikovo, and would take Katrina to Osikovo and then Sunday to the Kiev airport.

Pray for Katrina and for the doctors/nurses in the US. Also pray for the needs here in Nova Odesa. With Katrina gone, there is a vacancy in the ministry. She may not return for 2 months. Faith will be returning to the US Aug. 17th.

Be Disciples.

Map

2009-07-28T10:22:00.003-07:00

Here is a map detailing where we are, where we've been, and where we are going. The red rectangle is the area we covered on our Bible trip. The top circle is the Osikovo/Kenyasechee area - Jason and Joanna live in Osikovo, Roman and Nadia in Kenyasechee. We spent some time in both places, preached, held VBS's. The lower middle circle is where Tonya, the kids, and I have spent most of our time - Nova Odesa. The bottom circle is where we will be going to visit our friends the Sinitsa's in Crimea.

Be Disciples.

Bible trip near Belarusian border

2009-07-26T22:51:00.011-07:00

On Tuesday, July 21st, Artyom, Roman, Jason, Stephon, Jeff Appling, and I, left for our trip to deliver Bibles to remote villages along the Belarusian border. We traveled up to 2 miles from the border. There was a threat of encountering border guards, but we prayed that we wouldn't run into them unless God wanted us to give them Bibles. We didn't - God had other plans for us. In most villages, we split up into 3 teams, each with a translator, so we could reach more people. Some of the villages were very small, 10-20 houses, with many vacant and only a few residents. The people survive off their own little gardens and fruit trees. Some go into the forests to pick wild blueberries to sell them. Very few ever get out of the village - they rely on weekly or bi-weekly deliveries of bread. Many of the babushka's (grandma's) that we met, we very lonely. They told us stories of WWII when the Nazis came into their villages and killed people and burned their villages. Some told us of losing their children to alcohol. They opened up to us and cried. Many of the older people were blind and uneducated. I was reminded of the verse, Matthew 9:36 - Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.

Sergey (with the bandage), was the first to repent. When Roman and I went in his home and started telling him about Jesus, he said, "I want this". He told us he just had his 4th car accident and that he went to a "witch doctor" babushka that told him he was going to die in a car accident. We told him how God spared his life and is having mercy on him and how God is more powerful than a witch doctor. He was ready to receive God's word! Please pray for him. In this picture left to right: Artyom, Roman, myself, friend of Sergey, Jason Sturtevant, friend of Sergey, Sergey, Stephon, and Maxim (Jeff Appling took the picture).

Our first campsite. We stayed in a forest that was plush with moss. Perfect for bedding under the tents. Jeff Appling and I brought these tents from the US - they worked out perfectly for the 6 of us. God blessed us with unity in our group and we had great fellowship and times of encouragement and devotions. God knew exactly what he was doing when He put us all together.

The forest was full of wild blueberries. All the plants you see in this picture are wild blueberries. Many of the villagers depend on these for food and money. We had some for a midnight snack and breakfast the next morning. We praise God for providing for the people and for us.

Roman calling to see if anyone is home.

Jason and Roman with a 98 year old man. This man told us stories of WWII and how he remembered Americans coming to help him. He was happy to see Americans again and did not want us to leave. He accepted the Bible and we prayed with him.

Our second campsite. We were about 75 miles from Chernobyl. People in this area talked alot about the radiation and how it still affected them.

Artyom and I were weary from going house to house for quite a few hours. We talked with many people and even got yelled at one time. We were waiting for Jason to pick us up to go camp for the night, but he did not show up. I told Artyom that we needed to pray and ask God for strength because we were hungry and tired. I did not want Satan to discourage us from reaching more people. We prayed. We walked up the street and saw some benches in the shade - looked like a good spot to cool off. Before we got to the benches, we saw these children with puppies. We gave them Bibles and Bible story books. They went and got more of their friends. Jason, Roman, Jeff A, and Stephon showed up. The benches started to fill up with men, drunks included. Before we knew it at least 10 men came and Roman and Stephon started to preach. They all listened and received the Word. More people showed up. More children too. We gave out more Bibles and tracts at this one location than any other on our trip!

Be Disciples.

Pray for Tural

2009-07-12T02:25:00.002-07:00

Last evening, July 11th, the kids were outside playing and the dogs that are here at the house where we are staying, were barking like crazy. Tonya looked outside and saw Emilee & Jeffrey talking to a neighbor girl thorugh the fence. to keep the dogs quiet, she told the kids to go outside the front gate near the street. A little later, I noticed it was quiet and decided to go check on the kids. I went out the gate and saw a guy. He didn't look Ukrainian, but he started to speak to me in English. We introduced ourselves. His name is Tural and he is visiting from Azerbaijan. He met a local girl on the internet and has been here for about a week, staying with her family. He bought a one-way ticket and is not sure when he will return. He said I was the first American he has ever seen and talked to. I thought that was pretty cool! I taked to him about God and invited him to come to Bible study this morning and church this evening. He has never been to church. He came to Bible study this morning! We studied Rev. 1& 2. He paid close attention and read along. Afterwards, I asked him if he believed in God or Jesus and he kindly said, no. I gave him a New Testament. He does not seem opposed to the Bible or church. Please lift him up in prayer, bring him before God's throne. What are the odds? Meeting someone in Ukraine, who is from Azerbaijan? Pray that God will draw him close and that the Holy Spirit will lead him to the Truth. Pray that he will see Jesus. May God be glorified!

Be Disciples.

Ukraine scenery - Nova Odesa/Ulanivka

2009-07-11T08:33:00.010-07:00

Our kids aren't used to seeing so many cows close to houses and roads. The owners usually tie them to a stake in the ground and will move them from every day or so.

The soil here is very dark and fertile.

Beautiful wheat fields! We have been watching them harvest the wheat - big combines and tractors.

Be Disciples.

Our first VBS - Ulanivka

2009-07-11T02:41:00.011-07:00

Our first VBS location was about 45 minutes from Nova Odesa. Remember the picture of the highway to Nova Odesa? Yeah, the roads to Ulanivka were a lot more fun! This village was nice and we are thankful that we had a little house to be in. It was very hot and the block house provided sufficient relief. We had as many as 19 kids (including ours). They were all very attentive and respectful. Continue to pray for the kids age 11 and older that they may attend our youth camp in August.

The view down the street from our VBS house

Entrance to the VBS house

Look at all the sandals!

Bobbing for apples - new game for the Ukrainian kids. They had fun!

Emilee got one too!

We had a picnic day the last day of VBS - pinata, food, and best of all - Bibles. I wish you could have heard the kids busting that pinata! They never saw one before and they loved it! We blindfolded them and spun them around - it was great! One of the girls, Anya, cracked it open. Then after it all settled, we gave them all Bibles. Sasha asked for one the day before and when he got his, he started reading it immediately. Continue to pray for Sasha. I will point him out in the group picture.

Scrambling to get all the candy!

Stephon sharing with the kids after receiving their new Bibles

Pray that Sasha will learn the Word and will disciple the other kids.

Be Disciples.

Day 4 - Nova Odesa

2009-07-10T07:04:00.007-07:00

On Monday, June 22, we headed south to Nova Odesa. This is where Katrina Randolph is living and where Tonya, the kids, and I will spend most of our time. It is about 6 hours from Osikova - closer to the sea and a little warmer.

Here we go! All packed into Jason's van.

Highway to Nova Odesa

Nova Odesa map view

Be Disciples.

Arrived in Ukraine - First Stop, Osikova

2009-07-10T05:48:00.016-07:00

We had a nice flight. Had a long layover at JFK and a 7 hour layover in Amsterdam. While in Amsterdam, a man introduced himself to us and asked if we would watch his luggage while he went to buy some food outside the airport. I decided to go with him - we had a nice conversation and I shared about why we were going to Ukraine. He bought us all lunch! It really is amazing how God takes care of us so far from home. This was the second time a stranger bought us food on this trip - when in Illinois we stopped for supper at Cracker Barrel - a man came over to the table and mentioned how he noticed Jeffrey praying for our meal. He commended us for doing so and we started to share what God had been doing in our lives - he also bought our entire meal, plus desert & tip! Jason Sturtevant and Roman picked us up at Kiev/Borispol airport and we rode to Osikova - this is where Jason & Joanna Sturtevant currently live. We stayed here for 3 days and then Tonya, the kids, and I moved to Nova Odesa where we are currently.

The kids were soon employed to help with a small walnut harvest

The kids got to go swimming while in Osikova - Jeffrey and Josh Sturtevant were the last to get out. They all had a great time.

After the swim, everyone picked mulberries Yum! Fruit trees are everywhere in Ukraine! Any fruit that is outside of a fence is free for the taking. Just driving around you see apricot trees full of fruit! These are big fruit trees too!

Ever see a hedgehog? Ever hold one? OUCH!

Joanna sorting all the VBS supplies she received from people in the US

Joanna sharing with the kids Sunday morning June 22nd.

Sunday evening in Osikova, I was given the opportunity to preach. God spoke to a lady named Svyeta. She asked me to write down the scripture that I shared. Please pray for her as she is battling with alcohol.
Remember: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Be Disciples.

Ready for First Flight!

2009-07-10T05:26:00.007-07:00

Here we are at Columbus getting ready to board our 1st of 3 flights to get us to Ukraine. This was Emilee & Jeffrey's first time flying.

Be Disciples.

Time Spent with Friends

2009-07-10T03:01:00.009-07:00

We spent some time with our friends, Morgan & Autumn Vanaman too. Autumn made dinner for us, then we drove out to see Autumn's horse, Jewell, and her kitten, Breyer, who lives at the stables with Jewell. After that they took us to see the land they are planning to build on.

Jeff and Morgan have remained good friends. They enjoy talking about the Lord and sharing about what God is doing bringing others to Christ. Jeff was very encouraged after seeing Morgan again.

Autumn let Emilee & Jeffrey have a fun ride on Jewell, and they loved it! Especially our horse lover, Emilee.

Autumn holding Breyer so Emilee & Jeffrey could pet her.

Beautiful scene of the land behind the stables.

Thank you, Autumn & Morgan for a wonderful, relaxing evening! We hope to see you again in September!

Be Disciples.

Time spent with Family

2009-07-10T01:27:00.015-07:00

For some reason, we did not take any pictures while we were with Jeff's family. We will be sure to take some when we see them again in Sept. and post them for everyone to see. We had a very nice, quiet stay in Danville, Ohio because we were allowed to stay in the fellowship hall at Mom & Dad's church. It was built just a few years ago, so it is still new and very nice. Mom and Dad and Faye and Joe are doing well and we were thankful to be able to spend some time with them. Jeff did a lot of fishing at the pond behind Mom & Dad's property. No major catches, but lots of blue gill and a couple of bass. They sure tasted good when the guys fried them up for us! Emilee and Jeffrey had a great time playing with Anna & Joey! They are excited about taking them some souvenirs!

We were able to drive up to Marion to visit Tonya's parents on Saturday. It was a very nice time, and a beautiful day in North Central Ohio. Two out of three sisters and 5 out of 7 nieces and nephews were able to come and see us. That means that for Mom and Dad, 3 out of their 4 daughters and 7 out of their 9 grandchildren were there. Plus 2 great grandchildren with one on the way!

Jeff and Tonya in their matching outfits. Tonya was dressed first that day, so does that mean it was Jeff's idea?...

Note from Tonya: This is my dad, I love him very much!

Note from Tonya: I love my mom very much too. Doesn't she look sweet? She is!!

Tonya's oldest sister, Debbie couldn't be there. This is her next oldest sister, Susan. She excepted Jesus as her Savior again this past year and He has truly changed her. She is so radiant, like NEVER before! Tonya enjoyed her time with her that day. We have so very much to praise God for! Tonya's heart was overflowing with joy to see her sister doing so well and so happy.

There are many more pictures we would like to post, but it would take too long. It was a wonderful day, though, and it was great to see two of Tonya's nieces, all three of her nephews and both of her great nephews!

Be Disciples.

We love road trips!

2009-07-10T01:19:00.005-07:00

After leaving Nebraska, we spent a couple of days on the road and spent a couple of nights in hotels. It was a pretty quiet trip with the exception of the storm we drove through in eastern Nebraska. We heard reports on the radio of tornado watches and warnings. We were feeling scared, so we prayed and asked God to protect us, and that is exactly what He did! We watched the storm all around us and it rained where we were, but it was like God moved the storm out of our way in every direction! We could see huge clouds and lightning, but nothing directly over us except rain. We passed a tractor trailer that was blown off the road and we heard people talking the next morning about tornadoes. God IS good!

Be Disciples.

Thoughts and feelings experienced as we left Nebraska.

2009-07-10T00:12:00.010-07:00

We wanted to add a little more about our time spent in Nebraska before we left for Ohio. As we stated earlier, we very much enjoyed the time we spent with our new friends, the Mertzweillers. Jeff enjoyed helping Stephen with the "manly" chores needed to prepare for camp, and Tonya laughed and laughed with Ruthie as they did some of the ladies chores together. Linda provided wonderful meals for us and we enjoyed their company as we ate together. David took all of us fishing at a beautiful lake (can't remember the name of it). We were happy to see Shari while we were there too. She was the first one we met from their family back in January when she drove down to Colorado Springs to surprise her cousin (Judy Hunt) on her 18th birthday. They are an incredible family - and if they have any flaws, we didn't see them!

We had a hard time leaving Mitchell because the morning we were to leave, several members of our church family had arrived and wanted to see us before we left for the summer. Pastor Derald and Sister Kim, their daughter - Judy, Kim's mom - Joan, and Sister Carol had arrived the evening before and Nathan and Haley drove very late into the night so they could make it in time to see us. We felt so loved and it was VERY hard to leave. We had planned to leave early in the morning, but we were still trying to pack bags during breakfast. It's hard to pack bags and clean when there is a crowd of visitors standing outside your door! By lunch time we were finally packed and ready to go, but they didn't want to say goodbye yet, so they "twisted our hearts" into staying for lunch. Notice we didn't say "arms", because they weren't forceful with it. They genuinely wanted us to stay and that was too hard to resist. So, we were able to enjoy our last meal cooked by Kim Hunt! It was funny because different ones (like Pastor Derald and Sister Carol) had already said goodbye to us two times and when they saw us in the lunch line, they laughed. It made us feel so good to know that our church family loves us that much. Other people from our church who weren't able to make it to camp yet called us on our cell phones as well.

Thank you, Lord, for our loving Christian family! And thank you for leading us to this church!

Be Disciples.

Cool Clouds and Scenery

2009-07-08T03:55:00.013-07:00

We saw these clouds in Nebraska on our way to Ohio. They were stretched across the sky and were in columns as far as we could see.

Wind farms are interesting - did you know that each generator costs $2 million?

Be Disciples.

Leaving Colorado Springs

2009-07-08T02:13:00.021-07:00

June 1st, 2009. We ended our lease with the Applings in Colorado Springs and drove to Mitchell, NE to spend some time with friends before we went to Columbus, OH. We have only known the Mertzweiller's for a short time, but they treated us like family. We helped them get ready for camp this year.

This is the studio apartment where we stayed while in Mitchell.

Jeffrey patrolling the grounds

Stephen and Jeff cleaning out the boys dorm

Our friends

Emilee and her new friends

Haylee, Tonya, and Judy

Nathan, Haylee, Tonya, and Jeff

Just the guys

The Mertzweillers and the Duddeks

Jeffrey and his bud Stephen

Thank you again to David, Linda, Ruthie, Sherrie, & Stephen. You were the first to give shelter to the homeless Duddeks! May God continue to bless you guys! See you in September!

Be Disciples.

Ukraine Bound

2009-04-18T12:58:00.003-07:00

Sorry that it has been so long since we have updated our blog - keep posted for upcoming details of what God has done in the past year and what He is continuing to do...

Be Disciples.

HUGE SNOWMAN!!

2007-12-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Yep, we don't mess around when it comes to making snowmen! Or wait...um...I guess we were messing around. His name is Measly, for one measly layer at a time (took Tonya 2 hours to make him).

Quick update: I started my 2nd trimester on Nov. 26th. I am taking 4 classes - Spiritual Formation, Modern History, Intro to New Testament, and Intro to Music Ministry. God has truly blessed us and we are continuing our commitment to Him. Last trimester, I was able to maintain a 4.0 in the 5 classes I took. I am in my 3rd week of this Winter trimester and I am still holding a 4.0 - only with God's help and the passion He has given me for His Kingdom!

Tonya is continuing with home school for our kids and is doing a great job with the home and proof-reading my papers. Emilee and Jeffrey are doing great and couldn't hardly wait for the snow to fall!

God is awesome and has been faithful as His Word promises. Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. We are also very excited that Jeff and Stephannie will be out here soon!

Be Disciples.

Penny for your thoughts?

2007-11-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

How about $76.99 for your thoughts!

My penny on eBay

I had NO IDEA this penny would sell for that much! So, next time you get change, don't forget to take a look! You never know what you will find!

Be Disciples.

I apologize...

2007-09-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are still here! I have been quite busy with college - just finished an online class, Lifelong Learning. I am also starting my 3rd week of campus classes at NBC (Nazarene Bible College) where I am taking 3 classes, Intro. to Old Testament, Western World Ancient History (with Biblical perspective) and Intro. to Christian Service.

Tonya is busy with homeschool - Emilee is in 3rd grade and Jeffrey is doing pre-school algebra and calculus - not really.

The cat, Munchkin, well, he is still fat.

I will list some fast facts of what has happened since I last blogged.

I am totally healed from my leg injury! Praise God!
We got to see approximately 10 diferent fireworks shows on July 4th. We were at the NBC campus which is on a nice little hill overlooking the city.
It hailed on July 4th - we have pictures!
We have changed churches by God's direction. We still love the Woodland Park church, but God has plans for us at Secruity Church of the Nazarene.
Joe, Faye, Anna, and Joey came to visit us in July.
We picked wild raspberries near Pike's Peak and Tonya made some "killer" (not literally, the berries were not poisonous) muffins.
We went fishing at South Catamount Reservoir near Pike's Peak and Emilee caught 3 rainbow trout.
I finally caught a rainbow trout at South Catamount and he is in the freezer!
I have acquired an entire pastors library (for free). God has been continuing to do amazing things!
The kids and Tonya have been sick - fevers and yuckiness.

_______________________________________________________________

Kids working hard just so they can eat.

Yes. Those are big. Happy 4th of July hail.

Jeffrey can actually make music that way.

Emilee just realized it was "real" cotton.

Proof that Joe and Faye were actually here.

Proof that Tonya and I were actually here too.

You just can't get it all in! That would be Pike's Peak (far left) 14,110'

This picture is at about 9,000', The Crystal Reservoir.

South Catamount Reservoir - 9,500'

So peaceful!

Fishin' the Cat'

Emilee's catch

Hard to hold!

We had a great time!

Sorry it took so long to update this blog. I hope you enjoyed it. Keep us in your prayers! God is continuing to work in the lives of people around us that are outside the church. Tonya and I have been educating ourselves (God really has) on Spiritual Warfare. It just so happens, that the people God places in our lives, they have problems relating to spiritual warfare. God is awesome and all glory goes to Him!

Be disciples.

Colorado Wildlife - Up Close!!

2007-06-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

After the Truth Project, we went to Woodland Park to pick up the kids. This is just a sample of what our Pastor (Brian Troxell) gets to see quite often - in his front yard.

Be Disciples.

The Truth Project

2007-06-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

Wow!

Tonya and I attended The Truth Project at the Focus on the Family campus this weekend. All I have to say is - Wow. God has totally given Dr. Del Tackett a vision and is now allowing it to reach our churches and communities. This was the 16th conference and approx. 65,000 people are now involved in The Truth Project in small groups.

Find a computer with an internet connection and go to http://www.thetruthproject.org/ and view as much as you can.

Please pray for Tonya and I as we have been called upon to lead a small group starting in September. Please pray for those who will be attending - we don't even know who yet, but that is why the 2 month preparation gap - to pray for whoever God may call upon to attend. This will be a 13 week small group session.

Tonya, Robin and Pastor Miles Trumble

Dr. Del Tackett with Tonya (formerly Tackett) and me

These conferences are scheduled all across the country, so please attend one in your area.

Be Disciples.

Update to injury

2007-06-24T18:58:00.001-07:00

Good news! The orthopedic surgeon said that my quad suffered a partial tear - which means NO SURGERY! He also said that it will take 6 weeks to 3 months for a full recovery. Thank you for all of your prayers!

During my "down time", I have been doing alot of reading. During our VBS in Woodland Park this past week, I started a section called Merciful Sovereignty in the book "Breaking the Bondage of Legalism" - it began with a question - "What areas is the Lord putting His finger on in your life? Usually it is areas of control. God is the Sovereign Lord and He resists all of our efforts to usurp that control from Him." The next paragraph covered areas that we may not be "giving up". Things like power struggles at home, church or work, becoming territorial in a ministry, thinking I am always right, power struggle with God, or is God exposing a critical, judgemental spirit? Am I resisting His grace? Too proud of ministry successes? Convinced that God needs my service for His kingdom?

Wow already. Here's the next line...

"If any of these things are true of your life, don't be surprised if God slips a rope around your leg and hobbles you."

Listen, I didn't trip, didn't fall in a hole, didn't run into anybody, didn't even make it to first base...I am telling you, that was my answer to prayer - God slipped a rope and hobbled me. I am thankful and praising God even though I don't have all of the details. I desire to live in the realm of the impossible where I have to put total trust in Him - for God to be able to do the impossible, we can't have any control, none at all. If we have any "just-in-case's" left over, He still cannot work.

Be Disciples.

Answered prayer??

2007-06-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

Question: Do I take the job in Woodland Park starting Monday?

Answer :
Last night, Thursday 6/14, I was playing softball for our church league (Woodland Park Nazarene Church) and got injured. I hit a nice shot into center field and ran like crazy to first base, but didn't make it. I felt a pop and experienced the "roll-up blind" effect to my right quadriceps muscle. I fell instantly and had to be helped off the field. This was approx. 9:30pm. I did not leave the hospital until 3am. The result is still not clear - the assessment from the ER was a torn quad. I have an appointment with a orthopedic surgeon next Thursday which will reveal the extent of the damage.

Answer to prayer? Yep. I believe it with all my heart. I began to doubt God on whether or not I should've quit my last job - He confirmed that it was OK last night.

I took this past week to go deeper in my relationship with Jesus, but I was struggling trying to adapt to the quietness...my desire was there, but I felt I was getting nowhere. A great brother in the Lord prayed with me before I was taken to the hospital - he said "I believe that God is trying to tell you, Be still and know that I AM GOD." I broke down and cried. Whatever it takes Lord! I am willing to follow You! If I am incapable of finding quiet time, please get me to that place and draw me right up next to You!

I don't take this as a physical injury, it was my Spiritual Assurance of God's presence with me. I give Him all my praise for my pain & for showing Himself to me. My stength is insufficient in all areas of my life without You Lord! Help me to shed my pride and lean on You as my Father.

Be Disciples.

Consider this...

2007-06-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

As followers of Christ, our hearts are compassionate for the lost. So, how do we put our compassion into action?

First, we need to understand the word compassion: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

Next, let's understand the word sin: a willful transgression of a known law of God, a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God, separation from God (distress).

And now the word distress: a state of danger or desperate need.

OK. So if sin (distress) represents a need and compassion represents knowledge of the need and desire to fulfill the need, what is next? How does one cross the bridge (death to life)?

KINDNESS

Kindness. I will say it again. Kindness. How does my kindness, my being nice - alleviate distress and cause someone with a need to pass from death to life? Could Something so SIMPLE do something so SUPERNATURAL? You bet!

Romans 2:1-4

1) Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
2) And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.
3) But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same {yourself,} that you will escape the judgment of God?
4) Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Whoa - wait a minute.

Kindness leads to repentance???

God's Word is God's Word.

Let's look at Ephesians 5:8&9
8) for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light
9) (for the fruit of the Light {consists} in all goodness (kindness) and righteousness and truth).

The fruits of following Christ: Kindness, Righteousness and Truth, are the Essence of God.

Whoa again!

What is one attribute of God? Kindness/Goodness.

What is one fruit of the Spirit? Kindness.

The Essence of God - the individual, real, or ultimate nature of our God. It is the basis, the foundation, the beginning and eternal flow of who God is!!

So, if we are True Representatives of Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit is within us, and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us - His Kindness, His Fruit, His Attributes and His Essence - these will flow through us like Living Water - This Kindness will cause those who don't know Him, to EXPERIENCE Christ. It is not our words that will linger or impress or cause one to repent! But if the lost EXPERIENCE God through Kindness, God can draw them and cause them to sense their need for Him and will place in them a desire and can bring them to REPENTANCE.

Our words will be forgotten.

The Experience - they will never forget.

Be Disciples.

2007-06-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Be Disciples.

Thank you for all of the memories...

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1929 - 2007

The contagious smile, the hearty laugh, the genuine spirit, the fun loving attitude, always gracious and hospitable, the enduring love and warmth. These are our memories of Aunt Rena. We wish we could be with you Uncle John, so please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, John and Lynn. We love you all and hope to see you soon.

Romans 8:17-25
17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with {Him} so that we may also be glorified with {Him.}
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope
21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.
23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for {our} adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.
24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he {already} sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Love,

Jeff, Tonya, Emilee and Jeffrey Duddek

Be Disciples.

Well, if the first one made you cry, you better not look

2007-05-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

Click here: Duddek

This is a huge file, so give it some time to load. You won't be disappointed (unless you have dial-up - sorry!) Actually, if you are having trouble viewing the slideshow from this blog, just right click on "Duddek" and select "save target as" and download it to your computer.

- Jeff

Be Disciples.

Cookie

2007-05-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Blog!!

(you may have to turn up the volume for this one.)

Cookie Video

Be Disciples.