Chad's September Update

Greetings family, friends and fellow blog readers.

Let me start by thanking each and every one of you who have supported the eight of us going on this trip.  We continue to ask for your prayers and any other help that you can provide.

This will be my third time traveling to Ethiopia and my second time traveling to Uganda, however I feel more equipped than ever before. Not only will my lovely wife be with me, but also some of the closest friends the Lord has ever put in my life.

Although we are not entering into a physical battlefield, there certainly will be spiritual warfare all around. The Lord has commissioned us to spread the gospel to every race, tribe, and tongue. For many of you, however, this may not mean that you have to travel halfway around the world. But when He calls (and He will if you're listening) run freely with obedience to all the Lord has instilled in you. Don't just be hearers of the Word, but be doers of the Word also. Yes, it will cost you something: time, money, energy, but mostly it'll cost you yourself. To live is to die and to die is gain.

We've been asked to speak on marriage. Wow!!! Is there any other subject the can challenge people more. Regardless of where you live or what your culture.  Marriage is a great challenge. To be  completely transparent with one person who knows you emotionally, physically and spiritually. Yes, I said spiritually. When you begin to examine yourself spiritually it raises all kinds of things. But when you begin to see the person you love in a spiritual way NOW that changes everything. You quickly begin to learn that it's not all about you.

If you're reading this and you feel your marriage is not what you thought it would be, don't be discouraged! Begin to make efforts to change yourself and draw close to the Lord and He will guide you. The Lord will only change a willing vessel.

-Chad

How you can Help:

The whole team covets your prayers! As we finalize our plans and begin preparing our families for our departure, agree with us for God's favor and grace over this trip. If you are interested in helping, we are still looking for the following items:

Ministry Supplies:

• 20 sheets White tissue paper
• Stickers (Happy stickers, so nothing military or skulls, etc).
• 5-6 Washable Ink Pads (Multi-Colored, not green)
• 3 Antennae Head Bands
• Face Paint (Black, Green, Red)
• 10-15 Black Felt Circles (3-4 in diameter)
• 300 Gallon Sized "Ziploc" Style Bags (any brand)
• Snack, to be purchased in Africa (300 kids @50 cents a piece) $150 *
• 4 to 5 Coaches jerseys (for soccer, but sport related will do) * 
• 4 to 5 Whistles*
• A few small cones
• Color bands for teams*
• Popup soccer goals*
• Rope*

* The team would like to purchase some of the items while in Africa to support local business, if you prefer to make a cash donation for any of these items, please make a note as to how you would like your gift used.

Gifts (for Pastors, Children, and Local Ministries):

• Puzzles (Ages 3-12)
• Outdoor Team Games (Ages 3-12) (Small, easy to fit in luggage)
• Crafts for Children's Camp (Ages 3-12)
• Solar Powered Lights (We may consider purchasing these while in Africa)

Donations:

• Reach One Touch One (Funding needed to help start Elderly Ministry in Ethiopia). Check out their website: http://reachone-touchone.org/ We'd love to leave a gift with them to help them implement ROTOM in Ethiopia
• Outreach in Ethiopia (donations for evangelism event - $300.00) 

Donations can be mailed, delivered in person, or you can use this secure Pay Pal Link: Pay Pal Link