The Rocks - Don & Connie - Adventures In Missions - Serving the Lord...locally and globally.

Update March.

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SWAZILAND ON OUR WAY.

This week we lead a team of 15 to Swaziland. Three of which are Ambassador participants. What began as a medical trip with a nurse and those with medical experience has changed. It now consists of one "medical" member (and old friend of mine), Amanda Knoll ... who is a licensed medical assistant. The rest of us have little to no experience. What does God have in store? I believe He will use us to minister to the sick even without the medical knowledge. What's more powerful than prayer? So pray with us that through the power of our Heavenly Father and Great Physician individuals are healed. Not only physically, but spiritually, emotionally etc. I look forward to sharing more as the trip unfolds.

Upon our arrival we will call Kristen Torres-Toro, who is our answer to prayer of an Administrative Assistant, and she will post a blogs for us when possible. Internet is slim to none where we will be. (Nosoko in Swaziland)

We will stay in a backpacker's lodge and work with Adventures in Missions, NOVAS team, our college-aged participants who spend six months serving around the world. There is a team of five in Nosoko caring for the orphans and women.

HAITI UPDATE.

Dad is still in Haiti and will return on the 16^th. Just a few days later, he takes off to lead another trip to Guatemala. Please keep both my parents in your prayers.

To read and see just a little bit of what AIM is doing in Haiti, please check out this link.

http://www.sethbarnes.com/?filename=please-connect-with-a-church-in-haiti

We have recently added an Ambassador trip there this summer. Don and I will fly out in July with the Haiti Ambassador team then visit our team next door in the Dominican Republic.

So much to pray and praise God for. Join us!

Thank you!

Twin anacondas. Thousands of piranhas. Pink dolphins.

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lima - Pucallpa - Iquitos and finally, the beginning of the Amazon River - Nauta!

Photo by Crock Amazon

Meeting us in Iquitos, was Crystal, AIM staff, who has spent the last couple of years living and ministering to the people of Nauta. It took an hour and a half by taxi to arrive to the village of Nauta. Much of the scenery in Peru reminds me of my years in Bolivia.

Photo by Chris Iquitos

Ready to greet us with high fives and hugs were handfuls of beautiful children. Immediately they learned our names and began to holler them through our window which faced the street.

Photo by Crock Juan a.k.a Dimples.

Photo by Crock Beauty queens 1, 2 and 3.

Photo by Crock The boys...and female dog, I named Gary.

Photo by Crock Omar, the man. He has no family...

Our days were spent visiting with local pastors...brain storming, dreaming, praying, and planning for our next Ambassador team, who will arrive there in June!

Following our time meeting with Crystal and Pastor Williams, we feel led to do something different for this community during our teams time there.

Photo by Crystal Pastor William, his wife Clementina and local children.

Pastor Williams explained to us a lot about the state of the Church in the jungle and what it desperately needs. As with the Church in many areas of the world, unity is a big problem. Churches work against each other in competition ("Come here to my church, it's better than yours' ") instead of working together as the Body of Christ. So our team is going to go in and intentionally try to engage different denominations and churches, asking them to work together with our team-which is also composed of teens from all walks of life.

Another area the people in this area of the jungle really needs help is with their greatest resource-the land. Despite what many of us would assume, not a lot is known about agriculture and taking care of the plants. We're praying about training our students in this area so that they can go and teach those they come in contact this too. The result will be plants that will live and produce food-it will sustain the people and provide physical nourishment.

At the end of the trip our students will take a group of people (from several churches) with them on a trip up river to a primitive village. Only instead of being in the forefront, our team will be in the background. They will do what gringos do best (according to Crystal)-which is draw a crowd. It's true. Gringos overseas-in any country-draw attention. We always try to use that for good, like using that attention to talk about Christ. So people will come and our team will support, pray, and encourage the national team as they disciple the church in the village and also teach them about how to best tend to their land. Best of all, we won't be the one finally teaching. Ultimately, the end goal of missions is to work ourselves out of a job-to equip an area of the world with the gospel and discipleship tools that the Church is self-sustaining without the help of missionaries. This team's purpose is to work towards that end. Pray with us.

Photo by Crock Crystal's home and street.

Photo by Crock Crystal's street looking up from the river.

Photo by Kristen Crystal's street.

Photo by Kristen The Amazon.

Crystal has been such an instrumental part of what is taking place in Nauta. The relationships she has built with many churches and pastors is extraordinary! You could see the impact she has on so many. I've been to few places where people were so friendly. I believe they have seen it modeled for them, by her. There wasn't a night in which Crystal wasn't tending to the heart of someone. There is little to no privacy in Nauta. Children and adults, if not already inside, knocking on the door for a cup of water, a place to pray or talk. Once you step out the door, the children flock.

Photo by Crock Crystal's home.

Photo by Crock Crystal's home, the bathroom and bucket showers.

Photo by Crock Our room.

Photo by Crock The kitchen.

Crystal holds English lessons and Bible lessons often. It was pure joy for my friend Kristen and I to be a part. The children memorized one of my favorite verses...Proverbs 4:23: "Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life."

Photo by Crock Crystal teaching.

Photo by Crock Proverbs 4:23

Photo by Crock Linus.

Photo by Crock My volleyball partner.

While visiting yet another pastor, he asked if we'd be willing to share that night with the youth of his church. I thought it would be rude to say no, so I said yes...fully expecting Crystal to step in and teach. But no...she wouldn't and didn't. I'm not a teacher naturally...but shared that night about unity. About building bridges of love that could bear the weight of truth.

Photo by Crock The youth service.

The last day we took a boat out on the river and visited a village an hour up river called Amazonas. We walked through the community, stopping, visiting, and praying with those who followed us.

Photo by Crock The Amazon.

Photo by Crystal On the Amazon.

Photo by Crock The rain arriving while on the river.

Photo by Crock Our red and blue boat.

Photo by Crock Visiting the village called the Amazonas.

Photo by Crystal The church in the Amazona village. Rock of Power Church.

Photo by Crock Amazona girl.

On the return trip to Nauta, the heat got the best of us and we jumped into the Amazon.

Photo by Crystal One word...struggle. It's easier getting out than in.

Photo by Crystal

I fought off twin anacondas, thousands of piranhas, and rode a pink dolphin.

A perfect end to a successful trip. Thank you all for your prayers and support that made this possible. Please keep Nauta, Crystal, and the ministries there in your prayers.

Photo by Crock Crystal and roommate Chris, who has been helping the last year...while learning Spanish.

Crystal Reitsma http:\\crystalreitsma.myadventures.org

Kristen Torres Toro http:\\kristentorrestoro.myadventures.org

Peru February 18-23

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I'm excited to share God has provided enough money for me to book a ticket to Peru! I'm trusting the remaining amount will arrive soon. Thank you for your prayers and support. I will keep you posted as I can. Unfortunately Don won't be able to go with us. I look forward to meeting the pastor and seeing the area our team will work with and in this summer. Nauta is located in the Amazon Jungle, on the edge of the river. I leave on the 18th.

On another note...
I've been given the opportunity to use my "creative" gifts. One is designing the van signs that are being driven by our AIM Haiti teams in Haiti. Our Adventures in Missions - Mercy in Motion vans were to be flown in by cargo planes, but are soon to arrive instead by boat. AIM's blogging teams have arrived safely as have my van magnets. It's not much, but its fun to say, "my design/photo is in Haiti" That will have to do until God allows Don and I the opportunity to go help firsthand. Please pray about this with us. Thank you.

Here are some links to follow AIM's work in Haiti:
http://www.sethbarnes.com
http://clintbokelman.myadventures.org/
http://youthspecialties.com/blog
http://whyismarko.com/
http://rhettsmith.com/

The other "creative" outlet I've had recently, is a home on loan to AIM, here in Gainesville for an indefinite amount of time. It's a beautiful but run down lake house. We will use it to house missionaries as they return home, train teams and house leaders. I'm in the process of collecting furniture, supplies, carpet, floors etc...to be donated to the use of this home. I'm looking forward to pulling out my paint swatch book, painting, and decorating! What a blessing this house will be to so many who need a place to crash.

Nauta, Peru God willing.

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Two weeks ago we posted our schedule for the Spring. Since that entry, God has brought an opportunity for us.

A good friend of ours...Crystal Reitsma (http://crystalreitsma.myadventures.org)... is AIM staff living in Nauta, Peru, which is located in the Amazon Jungle. She is currently in the Gainesville area and will return to Peru February 16. While exploring opportunities for our Ambassador trip this summer, she invited me (Connie) and our Administrative Assistant, Kristen Torres-Toro (http://kristentorrestoro.myadventures.org) to return with her and set up the trip with her. Because Crystal will go up river soon, we are leaving in a few weeks...February 16-21, 2010. We found tickets at a good price (even better, a straight shot to Lima and then a short flight to Iquitos) but in order to go, I need to raise $400. This amount includes flight, transportation, lodging, food, etc. We have prayed about this and are amazed at how God has already worked out many of the details. He's even provided a portion of the cost already. We need to purchase tickets soon... so the amount doesn't go up. Will you pray about a one-time gift for this trip?

This trip is a time to love on Crystal as overseas staff, minister in the area, and complete set-up for the team going to Peru this summer. "Set-up" means we will meet with pastors, check out local ministries, find lodging, and in general check out the area we are sending our teams. Preparing the way..that entails a lot! There's a lot of work we do pre-trip so the teams can jump right in to ministry. It's also important that Don and I see firsthand the locations and ministry for the trips we've sent overseas.

-Photo of Nauta, Peru by Crystal R.

If you would like to give towards this trip or partner with us monthly, just click on the "Support Us!" link to the left.

Thank you for praying about it... for your prayers, encouragement, and support. It means more to us than you could ever know.

Update January

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NEW YEAR UPDATE:

Starting the year off, on January 9, our niece, Kelsey married Nick! We made the trip to Nashville, TN, where the Rock family gathered to celebrate the first of our 9 nieces and nephews to get married. It was a beautiful day, gorgeous bride and great couple who love God and desire to continue serving Him. On January 11, our oldest niece Ashleigh accepted Jonathan's proposal for marriage. We couldn't be happier for them. We meet Jonathan when he came last year to lead worship for 2 of our Ambassador training camps. He is a wonderful man of God. He is currently living in Colorado, but hopes to find a job in Nashville where Ashley is dance teacher and living.

JANUARY 12 HAITI

Heavy on our hearts is the devastation in Haiti. AIM is responding by sending several teams and are offering ways for you to be a part of reaching out. To learn more, click on the banner/image above our blog.

Our friend, Ashley Musick, a World Racer now working in the Gainesville AIM office with us, is currently in the DR with a team. They are working along side Miguel Shaul, another AIM staff and his wife. Please keep them all in your prayers. (See our previous blog update)

We continue to get the question - "Will you be taking an Ambassador team?" The answer is, "when the time is right". With that said - we will continue to pray for God's leading and respond in obedience.

NEW AMBASSADOR STAFF

We've added staff to the Ambassador program! Both have been answers to prayer as we continue to grow...and are doing an incredible job.

Kristen Torres-Torro :: Admin/Writer (my co-leader from one of my trips last summer)

http://kristentorrestoro.myadventures.org/

Amanda Bryant :: Admissions Coordinator

http://amandabryant.myadventures.org/

MARCH BE CONFERENCE

Don has been asked to spearhead the BE CONFERENCE that AIM offers. He has been hesitant to step into this role, fearing it would pull him away from Ambassadors. Please keep this in your prayers...as it's an addition to other responsibilities.

MARCH 13-21 SWAZILAND TRIP

Both Don and I will be leading this team of 15. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare, set-up etc. We are excited to return and share this trip with a cousin of mine, a friend from MI, and a student (now adult) from a previous church we worked with. Part will be medical, house visitations, children's ministry and anything in-between. God is doing great things in Swaziland!

APRIL 8-11 AMBASSADOR LEADER TRAINING

This is always a highlight for us. We will need 50-60 leaders for all our trips. We have been blessed with some leaders who have lead the past few years and some new ones including World Racers. We are still short on male leaders. Do you know of any?

NEW NUMBERS We'd love to hear from you.

Don 770-823-5804

Connie 770-283-0655

THANK YOU, for your support and prayers.

AIM Earthquake Haiti Relief

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The following is a letter from Seth Barnes.

Dear friends,

The news reports are still coming. I just saw one that said 500,000 are dead in Haiti. The number is numbing. That is 500,000 children, mothers, uncles, fathers. God's people must respond.

As you consider your role, know that we have a conduit established: Miguel and Kristen Shaul, a committed young couple who have led AIM's efforts in neighboring Dominican Republic for five years.

Miguel is heading across the border into Haiti today to meet believing churches and set up operations in areas where we can make a fast, meaningful impact.

More details will follow regarding both short and long-term opportunities to help in person. But right now, the greatest need is for donations to fund the purchase of essential supplies. We have set up an opportunity set-up for you to give online, which is fastest and easiest right now.

>> Click above to Make a Donation to the AIM Earthquake Haiti Relief Fund <<

100% of your donations are tax-deductible, and we will make sure that every donation gets turned into essentials like food and blankets. I will email more details as as I get them from Miguel. In the meantime, pray for him, Kristen, and Samantha, as he is heading into some chaotic areas soon.

Stand with us at AIM as we stand with Miguel. He is providing a lifeline for the Haitians. Make no mistake, that's what we are talking about right now: life and death. You can also visit our website for more frequent updates, as we receive them.

This is our hour.

Seth Barnes

Adventures In Missions
Online: www.adventures.org
Email: info@adventures.org
Phone: 1.800.881.2461

P.S. You have an opportunity to bring tangible hope to the people of Haiti. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to the relief efforts AIM is pulling together. Read more about how you can help...

Project Leader Training

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is now over a week since we were involved with the Project leader training for AIM's Short Term missions trips. We were asked to be involved this year with the project leader training because of some of the really good things that we saw happening in our leader training with Ambassadors this last summer.

The four days of training were really good and the Lord was there for sure. The following video is just a glimpse of what the training was about and some of the things that we did.

How Do You Describe An Ambassador Trip?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How Do You Describe An Ambassador Trip?

When someone asks us how to describe an Ambassador trip with Adventures In Missions, we often just point them to the stories being told. They tell so much more than clever words can say. Here are a few things any high school student can expect on an Ambassador mission trip with AIM:

Life-Changing Ministry
"When we arrived at his house later that afternoon we started talking to him and his two sons that lived with him. We decided that we would pray for them... One of our team members decided to step up and ask if they were wanting to make the decision to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. Both the son and father said that they would. It was an amazing thing to witness." Read more...

Prayer and Worship
"Ministry doesn't always happen in between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., specifically in a church or on a school playground. Ministry is a lifestyle. This trip was structured specifically to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Everyday, there was some type of specific ministry, but much of the day was spent in two very intentional ways: Prayer/worship and in just living life." Read more...

Growing in Community

"I've been learning how although we are serving the people in Puerto Rico, much of our ministry can also entail serving, loving, and pouring into the other team members. Before we look out with distant vision, which is often what we focus on in ministry, we need to be aware of those around us-the hurts and joys of our team." Read more...

To view a list of upcoming Ambassador mission trips for the summer of 2010, click here.

Swaziland trips for adults and students! Join us!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In 2007, Don and I had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks in Jeffery's Bay, South Africa and Swaziland, where we were able to see first had the needs the people there have. Now it's your turn!

Each summer we send teams to Swaziland, but this year is a little bit different. The World Cup will be in South Africa the summer of 2010...making airfare unaffordable for our teams. Instead, we will be sending our Ambassador team in March when we can still afford a flight. Our friend Amanda Roberts, who is a nurse, will be one of the leaders. She has a heart and passion for the people of Swaziland. She spent a few months there this past summer with our Real Life team - caring for the sick. If you are 14 or older - adults included and would like to know more....click on the links below or contact me. There are 2 different links...one for students, another for adults. Don and I would love to have you join us on this trip. We both hope to return - providing there are enough participants!

SWAZILAND, AFRICA TRIPS!

Medical, but not limited to medical! You don't need medical skills to go!

ADULT SWAZILAND TRIP

3/13/2010 to 3/21/2010

Cost: $910 plus all your airfare.

http://www.adventures.org/a/trips/level3/3323.htm

AMBASSADOR SWAZILAND TRIP (ages 14-18)

3/13/2010 to 3/21/2010

Cost: $2,500 including airfare from ATL.

http://www.adventures.org/a/trips/trips.asp?tripID=3316&locationID=188

Project Overview:

Swaziland is a small country within the borders of South Africa. Currently it is one of the countries hardest by the HIV/AIDS crisis. With this high rate of AIDS, the life expectancy is at an all time low as of 32 years, leaving almost every family and individual affected, in some way, by this disease. In this country of extreme poverty, hunger and disease we believe that Christ is the only one who can bring the physical, emotional and spiritual healing so desperately needed. As we are called to be Christ's hands and feet here on earth, we have the opportunity to bring the gifts that He has given us to the people of Swaziland. While sharing His hope, His truth, and His healing with them we will be tangible examples of Christ's love.

Ministry Description:

Much of the ministry involved will be ministering to people in need of healing. At the care points we will be able to minister to children, while also bringing medical supplies to care for wounds and other medical problems that we see. Through home visits we will be able to meet, pray and care for those in the community. Our ministry will be mostly medically focused, bringing knowledge and medical supplies to those in need. However, we will also focus largely on the healing that Christ brings - as He is the only one who can truly know each person's needs.

If you have ever thought of or wanted to go on a medical mission trip, or desired to be involved in helping people through medicine, this an opportunity to use first aid skills to help people, while also pointing them to Christ, the ultimate healer.

Texas::Mexico

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We've been back from our Texas/Mexico trip for a couple of days now. Thank you for your prayers. It was great catching up with some of you while there - trips never seem long enough to see everyone. Although our time in Mexico was short, we enjoyed seeing the AIM staff and Novas participants.

While in Mexico we went with the Almanzars to visit a women (Marissa) who lives along side the main road...with her 8 children. Riding home one day, Shannon felt the nudge to stop and leave food with this women. At that time they did not realize the number of family members living in the one mud room...sleeping on the floor. The Almanzars and Novas team have continued to pour into this family, providing goats to raise and sell. There is much more to this story and I hope to share more at a later date. At this time, we have plans of sending an Ambassador team there this summer to help build a home for Marissa and family of 8. In order for this to happen the land needs to be purchased...at around $2,500. Please keep this in your prayers.

Marissa's home where she lives with her 8 children. All of which, sleep on the mud floor.

The kitchen.

Don and the Almanzar family checking out the goats. The Almanzars gave them goats to raise...they boys within a matter of days, built this fenced in area.

For those of you from Houston - notice the Cy-Fair t-shirt!

The Almanzar family with Marissa and some of the kids. The oldest is in the striped shirt, age 15.

The land they are hoping to purchase for $2,500 for a home.

October 16th.

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tomorrow we are off to Texas and Mexico. While in Texas we are staying with friends, Michael and Wanda Sturm. On Friday, October 16^th... they have opened their home so we can visit as many of you as possible. We'd love to see you. Below is the invitation created by Wanda.

IT IS A TIME OF HARVEST

A TIME OF CELEBRATION

JOIN US TO SOCIALIZE,

RECOGNIZE ACCOMPLISHMENTS,

AND LEARN THE FUTURE WORK

DON & CONNIE ROCK

Adventures in Missions Leaders

Friday, October 16, 2009

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

(open house format)

15810 Stable Creek Circle

Cypress, Texas 77429

(Stable Gate Subdivision-entry code 6875)

RSVP by Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Wanda Sturm - 281-546-0753 or sturms@att.net

It was a good day.

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday was a good day. Here's why...   I've been dealing with some health issues for some time now...and last week while at the Drs office, they ran an EKG. The results were a serious concern, and I was sent immediately to the ER where, after many test, I was diagnosed with a rapid heartbeat (Tachycardia). Later in the week I had a stress echocardiogram done. Yesterday, I returned to the Dr. for the complete results. We are thrilled with the news, it can be treated with medication.    

On another note:   

We are hanging around the area for AIM's 20th anniversary celebration this coming weekend. Then on Monday, the 12th...we pack it up for a short trip and hit the road again. This time we are off to the AIM base in Mexico. There will be a pit stop in Houston. Please call or email if you are in the Houston area and would like to catch up! We would love to see you.

We are so grateful for our family and friends. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

-The Rocks

Roi, our little rebel of a shitzu, continues to grow, is healthy and brings us a lot of laughter.

El Roi.

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

El Roi

Written by our friend, Dianne Pruim

owl.raoset.com.

You've heard it before - El Roi was here. Or was that Kilroy was here? I'm not sure. I know I've heard of El Roi before...then my friend showed up a few weeks ago with it tattooed on her arm.

"What does it mean?" I said.

Through a crowd of people, she answered, "It means, God who sees...you know...Haggar, cried out to Him (El Roi) in her grief."

Oh...okay.

My friends returned home, and within weeks, their wonderfully cute and quirky, amazingly loving, furry-child passed away. This one of a kind Shih Tzu named Bruno did so much more that just fill a void in this childless couples' life...he became one of the family. And for 6 1/2 years, life was good. Then he was gone.The next day, in the midst of their overwhelming grief, a friend of theirs showed up with another Shih Tzu puppy. The agreement was to try him out and if it was too hard, they could give him back. Ugh! What a hard place to be in...what a wonderful, yet difficult gift!

"What is his name?" I asked.

"He doesn't have one because we aren't going to keep him," my friend replied. She went on to say that he was definitely cute, cuddly and all those other things one might expect from a puppy, but he wasn't Bruno. And they wanted Bruno back.

Two days passed and they were 99.9% sure they weren't going to keep him. I offered to nanny him until they were ready to keep him, secretly wishing someone would give me a dog, but there was no response. Perhaps they thought I was joking.

On the third day, I got a message that, for the time being, they were keeping the puppy. Everyone thought they should and that they would at some point be sorry if they didn't. But she made it clear that he would never be Bruno, never get to play with Bruno's toys, never get to sleep with them, never have the run of the house, and especially never get the run of their hearts. Okay, if you say so. Now...have you named him yet?

"We're calling him Roi" she said.

"Roy? Are you serious? You're calling the puppy Roy?"

"Not Roy, Roi, as in El Roi."

"Oh, that Roi."

Thinking back to the tattoo, I decided it was time to look up what that really means. So I googled it and according to the Holman Bible Dictionary, El-Roi is a Hebrew word meaning "God who Sees me" or "God of Vision" (Genesis 16:13). God sees the needs of His people and responds. Hmmmm...I wonder how that might apply in this situation? Could it be that simple, that obvious? Time will tell. I know I'm starting to love Roi already. I got to see his cute little furry self on the web cam tonight. But more than that, his name carries a promise...that God has seen the need of some of his people and is already responding.

BRUNO (Dec 15, 02 - Aug 31, 09) Roi....Bruno's little "brother from another mother & father".

Thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement. We are blessed to have such wonderful friends and family!

...a special thanks to our friend who gifted us with Roi.

Bruno Rock

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

BRUNO ROCK.

Dec 15, 2002 - Aug 31, 2009.

Heading to Michigan.

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's been over a year since visiting family, friends and our church in Holland, MI. So, the decision has been made. We're coming this week. It will be a quick trip...but would love to see you!

If you are interested in catching up, please email us at:

connierock@adventures.org donrock@adventures.org

713-828-0491 (Crock) 713-828-0495 (Drock)

Guatemala.

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'm back in Gainesville! The remainder of the Ambassador teams are on their way home. It's been a great summer. Thank you for your prayers. I had a team of 13 wonderful young women and 2 co-leaders. There is so much to share. To read and see pictures from this latest trip to Guatemala...check out the links below.

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=training-camp-video

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=arrived-in-guatemala

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=our-first-day

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=enjoying-san-pedro

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=the-last-few-daysby-the-girls

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=greetings-from-guatemala

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=more-stories

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=i-forgot

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=all-safe-back-in-ga

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=part-1-beauty-in-the-shadow-of-a-volcano

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=part-2-seasons-in-the-land-of-eternal-spring

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=part-3-prayer-and-worship

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=part-4-the-power-of-forgiveness

http://09gu0630yi.myadventures.org/?filename=part-5-in-the-marketplace

San Pedro

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Connie wrote this on her team blog a few days ago:

When the team arrived in Guatemala my laptop broke down....prayed over laptop and it came back. At internet cafe right now.

We are all well and enjoying San Pedro! This morning we went to a Baptist church with the 1 month Ambassador team and later this evening we will attend another, where we will be singing, sharing, drimes etc. Sorry we are unable to post pictures right now. Wish we could - it's beautiful as are the people!

This is such a talented team of girls. The three of us leaders are loving every minute with them. Our team times are filled with great discussions worship and prayer. Tomorrow is another exciting day....they don't know this....yet - but we are surprising them with a boat ride across a part of the lake to Santiago where we will be doing prayer walks, VBS and school program.

If possible, we will have another update tomorrow

To Check out all the Ambassador team blogs follow the link below:

http://www.adventures.org/blogs/?sitetag=amb

Two Week Ambassador Training Camp

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last Weekend we finished our last Ambassador Training Camp. Our Two Week trips all headed out. We have teams serving in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Guatemala over the next 10 days.

Connie is currently leading a team of girls in Guatemala. I will try to post some of her recent posts from her trip in the next couple of days.

I am in Gainesville communicating with all of the Ambassador team leaders. I am happy to say that all of the trips are going well. This week will be filled with getting ready for all of the teams to come back and do their debriefs in Atlanta. It seems like we just sent them all out.

1 Month Ambassador Training Camp Video

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One Month Ambassadors:

TEAM PERU (Leaders: Aaron, Kaci, Tara)

TEAM GUATEMALA (Leaders: Gary Lengkeek...my dad, Lindsey, Maggie)

TEAM SWAZILAND (Amy, Jessica, John)

TEAM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (Sean, Natalia, Esther)

TEAM IRELAND (Traci, Danna)

Prayer Request for teams: Spiritual growth. Open hearts to the Father. Ministry in country. Home-sickness. Health. Safety.

Camp Pictures:

Our second group of Ambassador leaders for the 2 week trips will arrive on Saturday for the last bit of their training. On the 30th, the 65 participants will arrive for training camp and we depart on July 3rd! Please keep them all in your prayers.

Don and I need your prayers. On top of the two camps, me preparing to lead a trip, our dog - Bruno...if very sick and fighting to live. Our battle is not against flesh and blood - so we ask for prayers of protection, strength and wisdom. Thank you!

We have a great team of individuals who help to pull off these camps...we are so very grateful for all they do! We are blessed with great family, friends and co-workers.

Busy season at AIM.

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Isaiah 61:1-2

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn."

Above: We celebrated our 15^th anniversary on June 4^th.

If there is one season busier than any other at AIM...it's now. World Race training ended just in time for the Real Life training. It was another great camp with wonderful people passionate about their call to share the love of Christ.

Above: Real life Training Camp

Above: A handful of the Real Life team...heading to Swaziland.

Now, it is time for the two Ambassador (High school) camps. Over the next two weeks, we will have @ 115+ participants and 23 leaders take part in these two camps. Our Ambassador leaders arrive next Tuesday with participants coming in a few days later. The 5 teams that will be going on one-month trips leave on June 24^th. The training for leaders and participants in our second group of Ambassador teams begins 2 days later and then they take off on July 4^th. I (Connie) will be leading a team of all girls to Guatemala with friends Jess and Kristen. From there, I'll update when I can. Don will be staying in GA to provide support for all of the teams while they are on the field and then debrief with them as they return.

This is our third summer working with AIM and it is extra special for us. We are excited about the teams, the leaders and the serve crew (potential and previous leaders) coming to help with all things training camp from prayer and teaching to team builder activities. It's a big task that requires a team of people. There are a couple individuals going on trips that we knew from previous churches we served at....(Allie Mrakovich and Jennifer Wahler) in addition to a few of my much younger cousins. A few of our nieces as well as Don's sister, Shelly will be helping with the camps. It will be great to see all of them.

There's a lot of great ministry happening here and abroad. I wish we had time to tell you all about it. Please take some time to snoop around the AIM website to read some blogs and look at the pictures. If you'd like to be a part of what God is doing in and through AIM - please contact us.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support. Thanking God for you.

Prayer Request:

Participants' last minute preparation and support raising.

Training camps: For prepared individuals and leaders.

Safety for all teams on the field.

Wisdom in how we lead the expanding Ambassador program.

My parents: My dad is leading the 1-month team to Guatemala while mom stays here in GA.

My Guatemala team of all girls: That they would have open hearts to what God has in store for them.

Continued financial support.

Healing for my continued dental issues.

Leader training then and now.

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It was almost a year ago - exactly - that my youngest sister, Laura was in the hospital on the verge of death. We were supposed to be at AIM getting ready to start leader training and instead were on our way to Michigan to see her - possibly for the last time. Instead, Laura survived! She had a liver transplant and now a year later she is moving out on her own, and is healthy and working again. Praise God! We are so blessed to be surrounded by such great friends, family and our AIM family who prayed and walk along side us. Thank you all!

A year later - our third year being involved with the Leader training, and we are excited. Thankfully, both Connie and I were able to participate. Connie has been releasing her other responsibilities and working more with the Ambassador program as well as the leaders. This year we took a different approach during our training. Much time was spent focusing on: Who am I in Christ? Who am I as a leader? and Who are we as a group of leaders?

There were times of interactive teaching, shared experiences/team building...like building a raft or surviving a "plane wreck".

Other times were filled with worship and bonding with co-leaders. All evolved around different models of leadership and activities that could be used with their team.

We are excited about the group of leaders that we have leading our trips this year. God has uniquely gifted each of them and is preparing them for the many tasks they will face. Their passion and desire to point others to and connect them with Christ is contagious. Please keep them in your ongoing prayers. Next time we see them for further training, will be just a few days before the participants arrive in Gainesville.

At the end of our training camp we found ourselves at AIM, facing a tragedy. One of our FYM (First Year Missionary) participants died in a car accident in South Africa Sunday morning. Seth Barnes speaks of this tragedy in his blog

http://www.sethbarnes.com/?filename=coping-with-an-unimaginable-loss

http://www.sethbarnes.com/?filename=sarah-buller-lived-a-life-in-love-well-miss-her

We ask that you join us as we pray for this young woman's family, her teammates in South Africa, and the leadership at AIM.

Pastor Teddy

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On my recent trip to Kenya, I was able to attend many of the ministry sites that AIM partners with. One of those sites is a pre-school that a Kenyan woman named Monica runs. I really enjoyed the time spent with the children there. One particular little boy that many of the Real Life participants had fallen in love with was - "Teddy". He had such energy and a joyous spirit. Many of the team members referred to him as "Pastor Teddy"...due to the fact he liked to talk - a lot!

It was with great sadness, that I found out today that six year old "Pastor Teddy" passed away a couple days ago. One of our leaders, Traci, writes in her blog about the conditions in Kibera and the circumstances leading up to Teddy's death. Please pray for his parents, the team, and any others who were touched by Teddy's life.

Please read the following...

Losing Another to Poverty

By Traci VanSumeren on 3/25/2009

tracivansumeren.theworldrace.org

It's hard to describe the poverty in Kibera. From first appearances it looks terrible, yet still bearable. It's as though the people here have found a way to survive in spite of the extremely challenging circumstances they live in. I have learned that appearances are often deceiving, though. And even if it looks like they are dealing with their circumstances, many Kenyans here live in a completely desperate state.

A few days ago there was a fire just a few houses down from where our cook, Reagan, lives. By the time I talked to him in the early afternoon, he had been up for hours helping deal with that. He asked if we had some first aid stuff at the house because he had scraped his foot in a few spots. He had helped a woman get away from the fire, but had to kick down a tin fence, cutting his foot in the process. The houses are so close together, and there are no fire-alarms, extinguishers, or even access by fire trucks, so the people had to work together to help put out the fire. The main house was completely destroyed and burnt to the ground. This is what poverty does. It makes a possibly bearable situation tragically difficult or overpowering.

Last night I got a call from one of the other staff girls here--Connie. She told me that she had just received a call from Monica and one of the children from the preschool had passed away. He had gone home Thursday with a bad fever, and the family was not able to afford to take him to the hospital. My heart sank. Another child dies at the hands of poverty. I have been to the preschool only a handful of times, and from that have only learned the names of a few of the children, so I assumed I wouldn't know who he was. Even still, I asked the name so that I could tell the team--maybe they would know him. Connie said that is was Teddy and I immediately got sick to my stomach.

"Pastor Teddy?" I asked her, hoping she would say no.

"Yeah, Pastor Teddy."

I couldn't believe it. He is this amazing little six-year-old that we have been calling Pastor Teddy due to his desire to become one when he grows up. He speaks a fare amount of english and is such a joy to be with. He has, by far, become the most talked about child at that school. Even the team members that don't work at the preschool know about him and love hearing stories, seeing photos, and even watching short video clips the other team members have captured. Connie said that even while he was suffering a fever on Thursday, that he was sitting in her lap singing some of the children's songs that the team has used at the preschool. What an exceptional being. What a devastating reality of life and death in Kibera.

Please be praying for the team as they process through this loss. I'm sure it will be difficult to minister at the preschool now, knowing he is gone. His grace is sufficient, though.

"Spring Break"

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In less than 24 hours after Don landed from his trip to Kenya, I was on the plane to Nicaragua. This was a follow up trip to the one Don and I took in October to visit the First Year Missionary (FYM) team.

FYM team picture from October.

This time my traveling buddy was Kayla Phillips, who has been with AIM for 4+ years. When Kayla joined AIM, she was a participant on a First Year Missionary trip, and is now organizing the training camps. In addition my friend, Dianne Pruim from MI joined us at the last minute.

Above: Dianne

Above: Kayla - kaylaphillips.myadventures.org

We were able to spend a couple days with the team prior to their "Spring Break". Afterwards, some chose to return home (to the US) to visit friends, family, churches...supporters. Others took the week to travel and bask in God's creation. So we did the same and headed out with some of the team and their leader and our good friend - Tana Turner by Tica Bus to Costa Rica. This was a sweet time of loving, caring, praying for one another...as we like to say "Speak Life!"

Part of the Nicaragua First Year Missionary Team in Costa Rica on "Spring Break" for a few days.

The fearless leader - Tana Turner in the middle. tanaturner.theworldrace.org

We returned to Nicaragua in time to meet some of the Short Term Missions team from Athens, GA. Their stories were just more confirmation of God's working in Nicaragua. Please pray for our missionaries who have settled in long-term there...The Kayes and their two children. In addition, pray for the base that they have invested in and are using to house the First Year Missionaries, hold church every other week, Bible studies, a 24 hour house of prayer ...and in the future a library for the community. They call it El Puente!...in Spanish...The Bridge. It's a great team of individuals who are committed to many different ministries in Granada, Nicaragua. Please keep them and this community in your prayers. Thank you.

Granada, Nicaragua.

El Puente.

The House of Prayer being built.

Above: Tana and friends walking to El Puente.

Kenya

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have been back from Kenya for almost five days now, and it all still seems like a whirlwind in my mind. Many of you know that the main reason that I was going was to help with a team that we have serving in Kenya at this time. The team has a number of difficult circumstances to process through and my main responsibility was to bring conversation to a focus on Christ and what He is doing in and through the team.

I spent four days traveling (two on each end of the trip) and four and half days in Africa. During my time In Kenya, I split it between time at the team house and in Kibera. I went to ministry everyday with the team so that I could get a feel for what the team is doing there. The team is involved in several ministries. They share their time between tutoring at a school, working with a pre-school, ADIS ministry, Bible studies, program at a boy's detention center, and relational ministry with the people they have met walking through the town, and a host of other ministries. They have been very busy as a team.

My time was short but I did see God at work in the ministries, the team, their leaders, and the churches they are partnering with. I would ask each of you to pray with me for this team as they continue to work through heath issues and the strain of working day after day in poverty and hunger attempting to offer the Hope of Christ.

Off to Kenya...

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Please keep Don in your prayers as he left Wednesday around 5 pm to Kenya.

AIM has a team of 20+ Real Life college participants that he'll be spending four days on the ground with... as they process and debrief the last month of their time there.

This was a last minute, unexpected trip. As you pray, pray for unity within the team and leadership. Pray for the ministries. Pray for their health.

Thank you!

El Estor, Guatemala

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

El Estor, Guatemala! The medical trip...

Many of you have asked about the trip. "Great" just doesn't seem to say enough. Here's a brief overview of what we did during our time there.

We spent 5 nights in El Estor. We "had clinic" for two days in El Estor, and the other days in different communities located outside of El Estor. There were two full days of travel and the last two days were spent in beautiful Antigua.

El Estor... the view from our rooms!

Antigua

Lake Atitlan... Where we have a Ambassador (high school age group going this summer)

Early, but not too early...we would pack the supplies that were needed for the day and hit the road.

We met in churches...with the pharmacy laid out on a table that was covered by surgical gowns taped together. A large black tarp or curtains were used to divide the two areas used for doctor visits. Groups of adults and children would wait patiently outside...even though it might be hot or raining.

Nurse, Mary Ellen

Connie's mom translating in the "pharmacy"

Connie's dad, translating and messing with the children.

Connie and I along with friends Seth and Ashley would begin right away with children's activities. When we weren't with the kids, we were walking through the community, visiting schools, prayer walking and talking with anyone who would listen.

These guys led us up to this cross. They wanted to be close, but not too close.

Don...clown.

A much needed break was usually taken at noon. Once during lunch, we were close enough to a hot springs to explore them for about an hour. Since arriving in Guatemala... it had been my hottest shower.

We saw on average between 100-160 people a day. The people had everything from worms to headaches. Connie along with her parents translated for the pharmacy and the nurse who came with us from GA. We also had a couple friends from Guatemala who joined the team. Byron, a doctor and Betty who worked with Connie's parents during their time serving there. Guatemala will always have a special place in our hearts. As always, we look forward to our next trip there.

Part of the group from left to right...Us, Seth and Ashley, Mary Ellen and Larry...and the Lengkeeks.

What's ahead? Connie returns to Nicaragua on March 5^th while I continue to work on recruiting leaders and participants for the Ambassador trips. We have a leaders training camp soon...and I'll be doing some short trips, speaking in schools and churches.

Thank you for partnering with us...in so many ways!

James 2:14-17

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Heading out.

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Teams are in the air, landing soon in either Swaziland or Kenya. It was a sweet time at training camp...much thanks for all your prayers! The topic for this particular camp was based on the book "The Life of the Beloved" by Henri Nouwen. Something Don had been passionate about for a while now - being the Beloved of Christ! and what all that means...

And now...

I've packed my shorts....Don and I take off with a team of 10 from the US to Guatemala early tomorrow. Joining us once on ground will be a Guatemalan doctor, Byron and several others, including Betty and Jaime who we've worked with in the past. Mom and dad are looking forward to reconnecting with friends from their time living there. This time we are heading to El Estor...a mining community, where we've not yet been.

We return the 8^th. As always, we'd appreciate your prayers. THANK YOU...for partnering with us!

Real Life Training Camp

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We'd like to invite you into an opportunity to partner with what's going on here at AIM January 19^th through January 26^th. We'll be running a training camp for two groups of Real Life participants in order to prepare them to spend 3 months on the field. We have one group going to Kenya, and one group going to Swaziland. In preparation for their ministry we do some very specific training that is designed to accomplish several things. We talk to them about their identity in Christ, we ask them to come to grips with their own brokenness, we speak to them about recognizing God's voice and responding to His leading in ministry, and we prepare them to be effective as a team.

There are always some participants who God deals with very intensely. Because spiritual issues are being worked through we would like to have as much prayer covering as we can. We would love it if you would agree to pray along with us during that week. We need prayer for the participants and prayer for ourselves as we lead and minister. We know that God has an agenda with each of these kids and we want to lift them to Him and ask that He accomplish His desire in each of them.

Thanks for all you do as a supporter of what God is doing at Adventures In Missions. We pray that God ministers to you as you pray with us.

Pause

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This fall has been full of activity and it hasn't been until just the last few days that we've felt like there has been a moment for pause. For this we are very grateful.

Most of the AIM staff from the office have cleared out for the holidays and it is a bit of "silent night" around Gainesville. It is in this time that we are hoping to find some moments to reflect and rejoice in our Savior. In the busyness of life and ministry...we are excited about this extra time. Recently I began to feel distant in my relationships, most importantly my relationship with Christ.

If you are like me and are in need of a "pause" I hope that you get to take it. We wish you a wonderful time with your friends and family, but most of all we pray that you have some great moments with our Savior.

Connie and I want to also take this moment to thank all of you who have partnered with us in support and prayer. We know that without many of you being behind us we would not be able to be involved in this ministry. We consider you and the relationships that we share to be a gift, a gift that we are very thankful for.

Merry Christmas!

Shop for Christmas and help orphans.

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Originally posted in Orphans by Seth Barnes on 11/23/2008

It's Thanksgiving week in a season of diminished expectations. As long as we're re-configuring our priorities, let me make the following recommendation. As you're Christmas shopping, why not buy something that makes a real difference in the world? Check out these three options that take your buying power up from more than just getting a great product. I know the people behind each business and can vouch for their integrity. With each purchase you bring hope to orphans, widows, and women being rescued from the sex trade. You're also impacting their families and their communities! Who knew a t-shirt, scarf, or purse could have that much power?

The Sound of Hope - click here to buy a T-shirt!

www.thesoundofhope.org

The proceeds from just one t-shirt is enough to feed an orphan in Swaziland one meal a day for over a month! The Sound of Hope is a music-driven campaign that raises money and awareness for orphans in Swaziland, Kenya, and India. Find out more by finding our fan page and group on Facebook, or add us as a friend on myspace!

Corridor of Hope - click here to buy handmade jewelry and beautiful silk scarves from Thailand and India!

www.corridorofhope.org

At Corridor Of Hope we are devoted to connecting orphans, poverty stricken communities and YOU. We are the corridor, a passageway to help people who can't help themselves. We help bring them hope by bringing you quality and affordable products from these countries. In turn, Corridor Of Hope will donate these resources back into their communities by supporting orphans, thereby empowering YOU to help in a multifaceted way. We will bring you updates and newsletters regarding the orphans and how your purchase made a difference in their lives.

Timbali Crafts - click here to buy a handmade African purse from Swaziland!

www.timbalicrafts.org

TIMBALI CRAFTS are created by women who work as volunteer cooks at feeding centers for orphans in Swaziland, Africa, where over 40% of the population is HIV positive.

Many of the women have been widowed or abandoned, are single mothers, or grandmothers (called "gogos") raising grandchildren that have been orphaned. Craft sales help provide an income for these hard working women and their families who would otherwise have little or none. This past week was pay day for the gogos in the Nsoko area who sew the purses and table runners. Nelisiwe received her first check and was so excited that she danced a little dance that Julie Anderson caught in a video below.

Why not make a grandmother dance for joy buy buying a purse? All the profits go right back to them. Please help us reach our goal of selling 3,000 purses this Christmas! And even better, consider throwing a tea for your friends to share the vision of how they can, in a simple way, make a big difference. More details here.

Don and I had the privilege of visiting Swaziland this time last year...after our time at the Awakening in South Africa. The needs are great in Swazi and this is just a small way you can participate. I own a couple of these gogo purses and love them! Everywhere I go...I get compliments. What a great way of getting the word out there about Swaziland, the needs and things God is doing there. I know many of you are shoppers - make a PURCHASE WITH A PURPOSE! Spread the word!