To all our readers....

Hello. I know, I don't post anymore. Well, God has blessed and we have been very busy here in Kenora. Victory Baptist Church now has a building! God opened the doors for us to purchase a 5 acre piece of property with a building already on it. The best part was that it was already zoned correctly!

Anyhow, between homeschooling, church renovations, and getting ready for Christmas, I just haven't found much time for blogging. I would like to get back to regular posting, but I just can't keep up with two blogs, so I'm not going to be posting here anymore. I have another blog, "Love... In A Loveless World." I will be posting over there. It would make me very happy if you would continue to follow me at my other blog. I also post an update on the ministry at Victory Baptist Church once a month at the KJV Blog Directory.

I will keep this blog open, however. And how knows? Maybe, I'll learn to be more organized and life will slow down a little!? Okay, so, maybe that's asking a little too much! Thanks for following us.

Leia Mais…

We're still here...

Sorry, we haven't had much time to spend with you in the blogosphere. I have a few minutes between laundry, children, and supper preparations to bring you up-to-date.

Jerry is now cast free and his arm is healing straight. He still has to be careful for the next four weeks, because it isn't healed completely. Tell me, how do you keep an active five-and-a-half-year-old 100% boy from climbing, swinging, or jumping seven feet off the deck until his arm is completely healed? It helps that we've started homeschooling him yesterday. That at least takes care of part of the day, however, you can't home-school 24 hours a day!

We still haven't heard any news about the property the church put a bid on. It's just not the right time yet. We are still praying diligently for the property. The problem right now is that the Realtor still doesn't have all the facts from the survey. Please, continue to make it a matter of prayer. The things God could do with that property is exciting! We will let you all know as soon as we hear one way or the other. In the meanwhile, you can take a look at it here.

Our last paperwork has been sent in to the Canada Revenue Agency and we are waiting to hear their verdict on the our residential status while on deputation. Please pray with us for the sake of all Independent Baptist missionaries from Canada. The CRA is challenging the fact that our church is independent and not a part of a national denominational office. Please, please, pray that the CRA will recognize that we were indeed factual residents while on deputation in the USA. If they do not, we will appeal, but they could begin to attack other IFB missionaries from Canada resulting in a great financial loss, possibly forcing some of them home from the field. If you are in Canada, write your local Member of Parliament and express the fact that we still have "freedom of religion" in Canada and Independent Baptist is indeed an established denomination across Canada and the World.  Silence from God's people has already cost us so many freedoms in Canada. Let's not allow it to happen again. Basically, this means that we would have had no right to claim the benefits that come from filing taxes in Canada. Since, we have already received and used these tax benefits, the CRA is asking us to repay the amounts received while out of the country. For more information read "Canadian Residents Abroad" especially page 5 under the heading of missionaries.

We covet your every prayer and can testify of God's amazing provision since loosing half of our monthly income. God has provided Keith with a temporary job doing lawn care for the elderly which will last as long as the snow stays away. We've heard it often comes as early as mid-October in this part of the world. If this hasn't been solved before then, we trust that God has another plan. God bless you all as you serve Him each day.

Leia Mais…

Jerry's Arm and Other Things...

Good Morning, to you all! Sorry, I didn't update this the other day, it has been crazy busy around here. Jerry did not have surgery on Monday since the surgeon felt his arm seemed to be healing straight. However, he had Jerry go in yesterday for an X-ray and it looks like it may be starting to angle. The Surgeon wants Jerry back in for another X-ray in two weeks to see what is happening. Please, pray that his arm will correct itself and heal straight.

Keith got away for youth camp late in the morning yesterday. I'm trusting he arrived safely, since cell reception is non-existent where they are and no one has called looking for him. Keep the youth in prayer as they will be under some great preaching. Some of our girls have decided to sing solos in this year's competition for the first time. Keep them in prayer as they're a "little" nervous. I'm proud of them for stepping out of their comfort zone. Also, pray for Keith's sanity! It's been a few years since he was involved in the camp ministry and having three small children has worn down his nerves some since then. :o}

One more update: We still have not heard back about the property bid we made as a church last month. The bank was to have a surveyor out around the tenth of the month, but things still have not been settled. God's timing is perfect and we are still praying that He will allow us to have the property. It's a little out of town, but the property would be useful for so many ministries in the future. (including providing a retreat for those in full-time ministry) So, if you need a vacation, pray, PRAY, PRAY!!! Just kidding, although that is one of our (Keith and mine) heart desires to someday have a piece of property with a few cabins to provide a retreat for tired pastors, missionaries, and evangelists. And what better place than Kenora? Anyhow, for the present time, our greatest need is a permanent meeting place. We have to re-locate again this Sunday, because the community center is booked again. Also, they are no longer allowing us to store our equipment in the building. We have been given a trailer and Bro. Will is fixing it up for us to use, but for those of you who either do or have had to pack and unpack every service, you know how hard it is on the church. Please, please pray that God will provide something soon. We do not have a contract with the community center and so, we have no guarantee of an affordable place to meet.

Also, could you all keep us in prayer. I don't think I've blogged about this, but we have been having trouble with Canada Revenue concerning our residential status while we were on deputation. I will try and explain in more detail later, but in a nut shell: they are challenging the fact that we come from an independent church and not a national religious organization. This could mean trouble for all Independent Baptist missionaries in Canada. We have submitted the last documents and forms requested and now we wait. This could mean that we will have to pay back about $30,000 to the government and we were only gone two years. It would be worse for larger families and those who where out of country longer (longer deputation and foreign missionaries.)

Well, I'd better go and check on the kids and make sure Jerry isn't climbing or doing some other fool thing that'll result in another broken arm (which by the way, his arm is broken clean through after all.)

Have a great day, and don't forget to let God have some of your time!

Leia Mais…

Jerry's Arm

Update on Jerry's arm. Well, our boy has decided that he hates casts! I spent a total of ten hours in the emerge on Friday because he took his cast off twice. The last time, the doctor on duty (who happened to be a mother) decided that a full arm cast would do the trick and so far so good!

We are going in tomorrow morning to have his arm checked again. Jerry will likely have to have surgery on his arm. The surgeon will take a more extensive x-ray to determine if its necessary. I was told that if the angle of the fracture is as it appears to be, it could result in a crippled arm and no use of his hand. The doctor explained that instead of the bone growing and healing the fracture, it would grow out the opposite side causing a bump on the bone. As Jerry grows the bump would cause his arm to grow at an angle which would render his arm useless.

Lord willing, the surgery won't be necessary. Please, keep Jerry in prayer tomorrow morning. I was assured that the surgeon is one of the best. Also, pray for us as we try to find ways to occupy a rambunctious five-year-old who can't climb, play in the sand, or do most anything that requires his right hand (he's right-handed.) "Lord, help us!"

Also, pray for our young people who are leaving in the morning for camp. Keith was supposed to take them, but he won't be leaving until Tuesday now. Pray that God will speak to them and given them strength to live for Him. It is an uncertain world they have to face and today's young people need more faith and grace than ever before.

Leia Mais…

It's finally happened....

Yesterday, all three of our children lost their privilege of playing outside when they sneaked under the fence and went to the neighbor's. Well, as we were all getting ready for church, Jerry sneaked off again, this time to his swing set in the back yard.

Now, I've been telling him for a long time that one of these days he's gonna get hurt when he chooses to disobey the rules. Of course, Jerry thinks he's invincible because God has protected him this far. As five-and-a-half-year-old boys do, he chose to learn the hard way.

I was down-stairs doing my make-up when I heard Keith calling me in one of those "someone-got-hurt-bad" voices. Of course, I was applying my blush at the time and ended up with a long heavily applied streak in a strange direction. I went upstairs to see what the fuss was about (after rubbing off the excess blush, of course.) Jerry was holding his arm and crying in a sincere manner. I guess, he was swinging high in the air when a bolt came loose and sent him crashing. (Don't worry, Daddy tightened all the bolts today before anyone else was allowed to play.)

After he calmed down and we saw he could still move his arm; we decided to wait until after church and see if he was still favoring it. By the time we got to church, Jerry was getting adamant about the fact that he "really did" hurt his arm. So, I borrowed Nancy's car and took him to emergency room at the local hospital.

After five hours we were finally ushered back to an examining room. Two hours later Jerry was sporting a half-cast wrapped in a tensor bandage. He has fractured his right arm (can't tell you the name of the bone). He has to wear a half cast until next Friday when they will ex-ray his arm again and probably give him a full cast.

We finally got to bed somewhere between 2 and 2:30 this morning. Between a lack of sleep and the fact that he's right-handed and "can't do anything fun", Jerry was miserable all day. I'd like to believe that he's going to learn that obedience IS the very best way, but who am I kidding? He's a five-and-a-half-year-old boy and has already tried climbing on the piano "because he didn't have anything else fun to do." That's my boy!

Leia Mais…

It's not their fault!!!

Yesterday, Jerry came up with a very ingenious theory on why mosquitoes bite. Not knowing the difference between the male and female of the species, Jerry has devised a very logical explanation. I told him that only the little mosquitoes bite so the kids would stop freaking out at the large male mosquito on our bathroom wall. 

So, what is Jerry's reason?

Here it is.... (drum roll, please)

The little mosquitoes do the biting because they haven't grown up yet like their parents and so they don't know any better.

Well, now you know why the little mosquitoes do all the blood sucking. Have a great day!

Leia Mais…

Reply to comment on "Local Church Bible Publishers"

This morning we received the following comment on a post we published in January titled Local Church Bible Publishers.

Todd said...

"braided for broided hair" ? If you try to reach children with the Gospel by speaking 1611 KJV English to them you will seem like a foreigner. This is the same kind of thinking that kept people in darkness in the Roman Catholic Church "Latin the holy language". Praise GOD some clear thinking men risked their lives to put GOD'S WORD into the then common language. I hope that we would study Greek and Hebrew and continue to bring GOD'S WORD to the common people in the common language. Remember it says "the common people heard him gladly".
GOD BLESS.

I do want to say that I appreciate the cordial way in which Todd disagreed with us. However, I do wish to share my rebuttal since most people will likely never see the comment on the post in question. 

 The Loveless Family said...

Todd, I appreciate your comment and I agree that we need to have God's Word for the common people. However, that is where we part ways. You see, the Auhtorized Version is written in a language common man can understand. Yes, some words are seldom used anymore,and the meaning of others have changed (i.e. gay) but that is where education comes in.

Also, you must realize that often the more "modern" term does not convey the whole meaning of a word. Not one of my children were born speaking the English language, they learned it. And they are also learning "the King's" English.

Another aspect that you have overlooked is the fact that God's Word is spiritually discerned. One may, without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, be able to understand some intellectual concepts of Scripture, but never the Truths of Scripture.

Unsaved man needs only to understand one thing... "Ye must be born again." And only the Holy Spirit can help them to understand that.

The English language has not changed sufficiently to warrant a new version. If the day comes that it has changed so much so that the Truths of God's Word are no longer available to the common man, then God will raise up more men to translate it. Until then, we must educate our children in the use of a dictionary that surprisingly enough still lists those supposed archaic words.

Thank you for giving me a chance to explain myself more clearly. I do have one more thing to suggest:

Study the modern English versions prayerfully and let me know if you find ONE that agrees 100% with the AV and has not changed God's doctrines in some way. I would rather have my children use a dictionary to find out that "broided" means braided than to have them taught a false doctrine. May God bless your search for the Truth.

Leia Mais…

Rest For Frustrated, Angry Parents by Wendell E. Miller

REST FOR FRUSTRATED, ANGRY PARENTS

Are you becoming frustrated because you are trying to
control your children with your voice?

by Wendell E. Miller

Q. I love my children very much; but often I lose my temper, yell and scream at them, and become so frustrated and angry at their disobedience that I am afraid that I might harm them. What can I do to control my anger?

A. There may be some very simple things that you can do to increase your ability to cope with stress, and it is worthwhile to consider them.

First, are you getting enough rest? You are responsible for the way you act no matter how tired you are, but it is easier to behave in a godly manner if you are not unduly fatigued.

Mothers of small children tend to work long hours and seven days a week, lose some sleep during the night when one of the children is awake, and then think that they have to do their housework while the children nap.

To get more adequate rest a mother should 1) take a nap while the children nap, 2) teach the children to entertain themselves part of the time so that she can do the housework, 3) teach them to keep their own things in order, 4) teach them to be helpers with household chores, and 5) be content with a house that is reasonably well-kept, rather than striving for one that is immaculate.

The financial situation of some two-parent families (and nearly all one-parent families) is such that, at least for a short time, the mother must work outside of the home.

However, some mothers are excessively tired because the family has been made a slave to things that they "must" have as one or more of the family members have been taken captive by the lures of advertisers.

Consider your attitude toward people who are presently in your life and those who were in your life in the past. If there is resentment and unforgiveness, then this stress needs to be removed from your life (see "How Should I Deal With Anger?" and "Is Forgiving Forgetting?"). Pray and forgive-- release the penalty of all offenses to God.

Resentment and unforgiveness can cause fatigue and thereby make it harder to react biblically to irritations. Also, it is quite common for bad feelings toward one person to be vented against another person. For instance, a woman who must work outside the home may resent her husband because she must work outside the home--and she acts these feelings out as an irritable and angry mother.

With regard to parental anger, you must not yell or scream at your children, and you must not punish them while you are angry.

An obvious way to avoid yelling and screaming at your children and punishing them while angry is to avoid becoming frustrated and angry.

Winners do not become frustrated and angry. Winners do not "tip over the checkerboard." It is losers that become angry and frustrated. So, to avoid frustration and anger, become a winner at being a parent.

To become a winner at parenting, you must have a plan (God's plan), you must be confident in your plan, you must be determined to follow through on your plan, and you must be disciplined in following through on your plan. You may lose a few battles, but you will be confident that you are going to win the war.

God's plan for child rearing is "nurture and admonition." Biblical "nurture" means structuring your children's minds and actions (see "Child Rearing--Don't Just Take Anyone's Advice" and "Bringing About Biblical Child Rearing").

One way to be a winner and to avoid parental frustration and anger is to use positive as well as negative incentives to structure your children 's actions (see "Dare I Spank My Child?").

One positive incentive is to structure your children's actions in life's daily duties.

You can do this by establishing a chart of personal-care and/or household-help duties, and then giving a weekly reward based upon faithfulness in doing the assigned duties. For small children, stars or stickers on the chart serve as an effective daily incentive without money; but, even at as young an age as five years, stars plus pennies may be more effective than stars alone.

The use of a duty chart with rewards can change morning chaos to peaceful order and reduce the workload of the mother throughout the day.

In order to obtain the maximum benefits from the duty chart, 1) make the child responsible for reminding himself to fulfill the duty, rather than your reminding him and nagging him; and 2) train the child in good stewardship of his finances by training him to give to God's work and to save for larger purchases.

Warning! Do not condition him for credit buying by agreeing to buy things for him and letting him pay you back out of his future earnings.

There is another way to avoid parental frustration and anger and to avoid punishing while angry: Punish before you become frustrated and angry.

If you are a parent who knows of no other way to structure your children's behavior than spanking, it is quite likely that you will not punish them until you are frustrated and angry.

The solution to the problem is to be creative in using some punishments and in punishing consistently.

For instance, you may determine that a certain behavior is punishable by the child standing or sitting with his nose in the corner (five minutes for a smaller child, ten minutes for a larger child). Then, if by his disobedience he chooses to spend time in the corner ten times each day, it is his choice. Why should you get upset?

Instead of being upset, you should be calmly confident that you can and will punish him consistently until the unbiblical habit pattern is corrected. You are winning! Winners don't get frustrated and angry.

However, a word of warning after the bad behavior habit is broken, he will come back and try you in a week or two to see if the rule is still in effect. Apply the small punishment immediately, and you will reassure him that it is.

But if you are a parent who knows no other way to punish the child except spanking, then, when he misbehaves, you will try to evaluate the severity of his misbehaviour to determine if it is bad enough to require spanking this time. Quite likely, you will decide that it is not bad enough to spank this time. You will be somewhat irritated that he has misbehaved, and you will be somewhat frustrated that you have not corrected his misbehavior.

It is quite likely that your child is testing the rule to see just how bad he can be and still avoid being spanked. So having established that he can get by with a certain level of misbehaviour, he will try it again.

Each time he misbehaves below the misbehaviour level that has been established as meriting a spanking, you will become more frustrated, become more angry, and perhaps yell at him in a louder and more angry voice.

Perhaps he will learn just how angry you have to be before there is danger of being spanked. If so, after you have thoroughly lost your patience, after you have yelled or screamed at him in a voice that discredits Christianity among your neighbors, and after you have a splitting headache, then he will obey you.

Or, you will go through a cycle of increasing frustration and anger, spanking out of anger, feeling guilty for spanking out of anger, perhaps being plagued with fear that someday you will harm the child when you are angry, and then starting the cycle of frustration and anger again.

Use positive incentives and small and consistent punishments, as taught above, to avoid becoming angry. But, if you do become angry, exert self-control and avoid acting angrily. The anger is not a sin, but actions that result from anger can be sinful.

Also, avoid errors that are being taught by the world--and even by some Christians. For instance, venting your frustration and anger by attacking, and perhaps damaging, an inanimate object (beating a pillow or even breaking an object) 1) is an exercise in losing self-control; 2) may include thoughts of physical harm toward a person; 3) may result in violence against a person sometime in the future as a habit pattern of reacting violently is established; and 4) is nothing more than an adult "temper tantrum."

Another error of the world to avoid is "scream therapy." Temporary relief from frustration and anger by uncontrolled and irresponsible behavior can only result in having poorer self-control in the future. God's answers to anger do not include sessions in which the frustrated and angry person practices a lack of self-control.

When you have a problem of becoming angry with a child that has disobeyed you, remember that it would not make "two cents' worth" of difference whether the child obeys you or not--except that God has told him to obey you.

So who is the child really disobeying? God, of course. Then why are you angry rather than being saddened that your child is rebelling against God and (figuratively) shaking his fist at God? Is it not that old sinful pride that we all have in such abundance? To quench parental anger, confess the root sin of your anger to God.

Consider this prayer, "Lord, I am angry at my child because he didn't obey me. But, Lord, my child's sin is really against You. In comparison to my child's sin of rebelling against Your commandment, his offense of disobeying me is nothing. If it weren't for my sinful pride, l would be sorrowful instead of being angry; and if it weren't for my sinful selfishness I would be more concerned for my child's relationship with You than for my feelings. So please forgive me for my sinful pride and my sinful selfishness, and cleanse me from being so prideful and selfish."

You can "bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," if you make it a priority in your life and if you devote sufficient time, thought, energy and prayer to it. And you can have a home in which there is love, honor, obedience and peace; but it will take work and diligence.

Copyright 1986 by Wendell E. Miller
Downloaded from http://www.biblical.counsel.org

May be reprinted and distributed in quantities if distributed free or at cost, and if
copyright, download, and permission information is included.

Leia Mais…

Kid Quotes

Josie -- "Momma, do you know why God created people?" ... "To make the world way more snugglier and warmer."

Daddy -- "Why are there so many people in this world?" Jerry -- "Because its not Mars, Daddy."

Leia Mais…

It's a Girl!!!

We are in the midst of adopting a beautiful Brown-eyed girl. She has a beautiful disposition and is about eighteen months old. Our poor baby was found wondering alone on a near-by Native Reservation. We've named her Gracie, isn't she beautiful?

"Gracie" is the newest addition to the Loveless family. She is mostly German Shepherd although much smaller. We've always told the kids that when we settle down, we would get a dog. So, "Gracie" is our testimony to God's grace in bringing us to Kenora to serve with Victory Baptist Church. Our family is now complete!

Leia Mais…

Update on Property for Victory Baptist Church

Hello, again. Keith and Bro. Keith went to the bank this morning to see about financing for the property I mentioned yesterday. Because it is undeveloped land, the bank will only loan the church $25,000. We are praying that the Lord will provide another $25,000 which will allow us to make a bid of $50,000. Please make this a matter of urgent prayer.

First, that God will provide the finances we need

Second, that our bid will be accepted

Finally, that the owners would not choose to reclaim the land before the deal is final.

Thank you for joining with us in prayer. We have faith that God will give us the perfect place to build in His perfect timing. It is our prayer that this will be that place & time.

Leia Mais…

Urgent Prayer Request

Please pray for Victory Baptist Church in Kenora, Ontario. As some of you may know, we have been meeting in rented facilities for thirteen years. A piece of property has become available and we hope to put in a bid this week. It is just outside of town in the unorganized township of Pellat. Because it is unorganized, we would be able to build a church without the hassle of re-zoning, something the City of Kenora is unfavourable to. It is 35.95 acres and the asking price is $55,000. We are asking everone to pray that our Heavenly Father would blind the eyes of other interested parties and that our bid would be accepted. Also, the current owners have so such time to pay their debt before it would be finalized. We as a church have been praying diligently for a permanent place for the church to meet. The things God could do with a piece of property this size is astounding! The realtors are hoping to open for bids tomorrow or at the latest later his week. Lord willing, this is an answer to our prayers. Thank you for joining with us, "where two or three are gathered" God can do great things.

Leia Mais…

What did Paul, the missionary, expect from the church in Rome?

But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:23-33)

A few weeks ago, Keith preached a sermon on this passage. In Romans 15, Paul was planning another missionary trip. He told the church in Rome that he hoped to visit them on his way to Spain. He also gave them three expectations.

1. Paul expected "to be brought on (his) way thitherward by you" The phrase, "to be brought on my way" is speaking of financial help. When a church has a missionary in, they should keep in mind that it is their responsibility to help that missionary financially on his way. I'm not speaking of monthly support, but rather food, logging, and a financial gift. Deputation is the most expensive time in a missionary's life. In the beginning he has very little support coming in and yet he has some of the biggest expenses: prayer cards, a display, a DVD presentation, a vehicle, lodging, food, family needs... As deputation progresses, the missionary has to prepare for moving expenses, housing, possibly a new vehicle, shipping, etc. Our suggestion is: if you cannot help the missionary along his way, don't have him in unless they have been made aware and are still wanting to come regardless. We had several pastors tell us that they couldn't help much, but if we couldn't find another church to visit, they would be happy to give us a meal and have Keith preach. Often these churches proved to be the encouragement we needed. It is not that a missionary won't come, but the church's goal should always be to help them financially to the next appointment. Missionaries only want to be a blessing to the churches they visit and are trusting God to supply their every need, but all too often churches forget that they are the tools God uses to meet those needs.

2. "that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me" Missionaries need prayer! When you have driven over extremely high mountains in a snow storm on narrow roads with no guard rails you truly appreciate and feel the prayers of God's people. Again, every missionary has financial needs. You may not be able to do much financially, but you can pray. (side note: Why not pray that the Lord will provide through you?) Picture travelling as a family day after day, staying in one-room hotels and prophet's chambers. Missionaries need prayer for spiritual strength, patience, and family unity. We were blessed on deputation, but I have heard some real horror stories. Pray that God will bless the missionaries with churches who will be a blessing to them and for grace for those who are not. Missionaries need wisdom when their GPS sends them to a field instead of the church and they have twenty minutes to set up for service. Their children need pray that the effects of life on the road will build character and that people will be understanding when they are a little (okay if you've met Jerry A LOT) wound up after being strapped in a car seat for five hours. Put yourself in the missionary's shoes and you'll know what to pray for.

3. Finally, Paul expected that he "may with you (the church in Rome) be refreshed" Every missionary worth his weight in salt seeks to be a blessing to every church that he visits. I've not met one missionary who will say, "We need to be encouraged." But driving hours through city traffic on little sleep with crying children and bad directions can wear any one out. When a missionary enters a church he is wearing his best clothes and his "ministry" smile, even if he and his wife were bickering all the way up the front steps and the kids have been fussing because they didn't have time for supper before church. You may not see the "human" side of the missionary, but we are ALL human, sinners saved by grace, who still fight that old nature. Make it your responsibility to see that every missionary is refreshed when they leave your church. Give them the option of dinner out or maybe they would just like a pizza alone and an early bed time. If you have them for a few days, don't wear them out and at the same time, know that everyone wants to feel useful. Sitting around a hotel room all day is not easy on a man who is used to working 40-50 hours a week. Keep their present situation in mind.

For example: we had one pastor insist on having us to his house for dinner. We had just traveled from Maine to Utah with a two day stop in Missouri in five days total. The kids were cranky and Dad and Mom weren't feeling our best either. Keith asked if the pastor would mind whether we got our own supper and turned in early, but the pastor insisted. You can bet the kids were bad, they didn't know whether they wanted to run or sleep. Goodness, Momma wasn't feeling too polite herself. He kept us talking at his house even after his children were able to get ready for bed. We still hadn't had Saturday night baths yet or ironed Sunday clothes. Sunday, we were absolutely exhausted! The kids were pretty good until lunch. All we needed was a nap! Well, to shorten this story I will tell you that a while after this visit we received a letter from the pastor saying that our kids were undisciplined and that we should leave the ministry until we had our family under control!

The bottom line is... be a blessing to every missionary you are able to have come to your church. They want to be a blessing to you. It is God's job to prepare the missionary for life on the field not the church's. Help them on their way to the best of your ability (remember to ask God to provide). Pray for them often. And be a blessing -- a simple email saying,"I prayed for you." is enough to lift a missionary's spirits and get him to the next appointment.

Here's a video I've posted before. "Missionaries' Life" gives you a light-hearted inside look at deputation. Enjoy!

Leia Mais…

Earn free Amazon gift cards

Who doesn't love free money?!

I know what you're thinking... nothing is ever truly free. In a sense you may be right. It will cost you few moments of your time to register. Just give me a chance to me explain.

I mentioned Swagbucks back in March. At the time, I had only used it for a few weeks. I first signed up March 12 of this year. Since that time I have effortlessly earned $30 for Amazon.ca.

I'll be honest with you, I hate sales pitchs and people trying to "sell" me things, but I just had to share this with my blogging friends. Here's how Swagbucks works:

Just click on the link and sign up. After that you simply follow the instruction to make Swagbucks your search engine. (Don't worry, you can still use your regular search engine if you don't find what you're looking for.) After that all you do is continue using your internet like normal. I'll admit that I probably earn a little more than some, because I have added my toolbar on both of the computers in our house. So whether I'm looking up activities for the kids, or recipes, or Bible study material, or my hubby is searching for material as he studies for sermons we have a chance to win Swagbucks. Doing this alone has won us the majority of our Swagbucks.

But it doesn't stop here... You can earn additional Swagbucks by finding Swag Codes. You will also earn 30 SB to get you started just by signing up. You can earn 4 SB everyday in less than a minute by visiting the Special Offers, Taking the Daily poll, Using the toolbar, and visiting the trusted Surveys.

The trusted surveys section is new to Swagbucks. Once you have signed up for Swagbucks just go on over and register for trusted surveys. You will earn Swagbucks for completing all of your profile surveys. After that you will receive different survey offers telling you what your chance is for qualifying. At first, I didn't qualify for any surveys, but the other day I not only qualified, but won 100 SB for it!

You can also earn by getting referrals. One of my $5 gift cards was basically won by my referrals. If you were to sign up here on my blog, I would get 1 SB for every SB you earned by using the Swagbuck Search engine up to 1000 SB. In turn, you can get others to sign up and you will earn 1 SB for every one they earn by searching up to 1000 SB for each referral!

So, what are you waiting for?

You can use your Swagbucks for other prizes as well, but I found that the $5 Amazon card is the best option. Most of the other gift card options come with "strings" attached. Amazon allows you to add the card to your account and save up until you have enough to purchase something. We are saving ours to buy a collection of Gary Cooper movies including the hard to find "Sargent York" (a favorite of ours.) You could also save for a free Christmas gift for someone.

Think about it. Even if you never use any other segment of Swagbucks, you can earn (okay, you're not really working, so I guess win would be a better word) just by doing your normal everyday searches on the Internet. So just click on the Swagbucks ad below and start earning today.

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Family Baseball Day -- Victory Baptist Church

Here are some photos from our Victory Baptist Church Family Day last weekend. We had a great day! Jerry hit his first ball with the help of Mr. Andrew and made it to second base before getting out. However, after that, he decided the monkey bars were a more exciting challenge. Keith found out that when you haven't pick up a bat in ten years you get a little rusty. He improved as the game progressed :o) Enjoy the pictures.

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