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Belize mission trip day 4 (God's Love)

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For those of you thank pray for us on an ongoing basis...thank you! For those of you that sponsor us through monthly support...thank you! It's people like you that Rachel, Isaac and I can continue to grow in the areas that Christ has called us to, Missions.

I admire those that blog on a regular basis, for me I don't seem to have the time or I just don't look for the time, in either case I don't blog on a regular basis. I do give a blurb when I feel like I've heard from the Lord or have something on my mind, or in this case while I'm on a mission trip.

I spent from July 5^th to July 21^st in Uganda. That trip for me in itself was life changing. The team I went with was truly amazing and I have so many pictures and stories of what God has done on that trip, I have not prepared to share just yet. However, currently I'm in Belize, Central America.

My thoughts for Belize were different than reality. A mixture of all type of races! God has been good to this group of 45 participants. I will try to download pictures but the only internet available is dial up so it's slow. However I want to explain something that has been on my heart since Africa and it has flowed into this trip; God's love.

I was on the plane on my way to Africa when I decided to write what God's love meant to me.

God's love is:

Never changing
Always solid
Life changing
Remarkable
Pure
Faithful
Joyful
Worth talking about
Truth
Unbreakable
Abounding
Compassionate
Gracious
Forgiving
Not angry
Happy
Good
Merciful
Righteous
All powerful
Never ending
Always available
Personable
Rest
Unified
Family
Bright
Trust
Healing

Jason Upton has a song where part of the Chorus sings; "such a wonderful revelation...such a needed education...to learn the language of love".

Psalm 103:11; "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, as far as the east is from the west, God loves you". What an awesome feeling to know that we can tap into a fountain of love that never runs dry!

Off to Belize

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, James left for Belize and will be gone until August 8. He'll be leading four youth groups on this trip. It's actually his first trip this year leading youth. He's incredibly tired and has to address some issues that have come up for AIM's Belize trips. Please pray for him to get through these next two weeks, but not just surviving them, that he would feel energized and be encouraged by the participants' zeal for the Lord. Please pray that he would have grace and wisdom in dealing with any issues that come up. Please also pray for comfort as he is once again away from Isaac and me for two weeks. Please also pray for Isaac and me to enjoy this mama/son bonding and 'growing' time again :) Pray for spiritual protection for all of us as well as the teams. Thank you!

Uganda Update/Prayer Request

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This morning, I finally got to hear my husband's voice. The text messages have helped me to not miss him so much, but I still missed talking to him. They went somewhere to shop today and had enough reception on Jenny's phone to actually receive a call :) Isaac lit up when he heard Daddy's voice and tried to kiss the phone. It was so great, because I prayed last night that I would get to talk to James soon, just to hear his voice, because I miss him so much.

Please pray for the team as they will be having their last day of ministry on Sunday (tonight for us). The team is exhausted and ready to come home. Pray that God would sustain them to finish out their trip fully focused on Him. Pray for comfort as they are missing the families back here at home. Pray for their safe travel on Monday and Tuesday and that they would find some rest on their overnight layover in London. Please pray that they would really be able to enjoy their time in London to relax and unwind as well.

Praise for the Lord working so mightily through them in their various ministries. Many people have accepted the Lord, and tomorrow is a baptism at Lake Victoria. Praise that the Lord has taken care of the families back at home, too. God has really blessed me with grace and patience to deal with Isaac's occasional terrible-two moments in a loving, frustration-free manner.

I've found myself staying up rather late these past two weeks (until 1:00am) and praying for the team before I go to bed which is when they are in the middle of their ministry. Other spouses back here have said they, too, have been staying up late. Normally, when James is gone, my mind races before bed planning out an exit plan if someone broke in the house (we're in a safe neighborhood with wonderful neighbors). I've had absolutely none of that while James has been in Uganda. I have prayed against it, and James told me that he is praying for me when he wakes up in the morning, because he knows I'll be going to bed soon. Isn't it wonderful how God works out our prayer times across many time zones to lift each other up at the perfect moment? Thank you, Lord!

Uganda update...sort of

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After not hearing from James for a few days, he was able to text me (using Jenny's phone :) to let me know that God is doing great things (and the "I love you and miss you stuff"). They don't really have options for communicating with us and it has been so hard not hearing from him. I am used to him traveling, but we typically get to talk and/or e-mail at least. My heart is so overjoyed to just receive a text message! Praise the Lord for technology!

There have been difficult and tiring moments for me being home with an 18 month old who is testing limits and doesn't understand them. We have certainly been praying a lot for this time of growth as Mama and son and for Daddy who we miss so very much. This is hard for Daddy to not call or e-mail and he really misses Isaac (and me). Please continue to pray for him, the team, and their families.

Thank you!!!

Faith. Part one - How is life working for you?

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

(This entry was written by a dear friend who allowed me to share it on our blog. We have mutual friends, but it was actually our sons that brought us together in nursery as they are just one week apart. She and her family have been through quite a lot with her health since December, and she has shown remarkable grace and faith even in times of frustration and pain. I pray that her own reflections encourage you as they have me. Rachel)

I have been reflecting a lot the last past couple of months. I have a couple of friends who have been dealing with their own scary health issues, one of them with cancer. I have a couple of friends whose husbands lost thier jobs. There has been so much uncertainty, even in my own life. I had an opportunity to share my thoughts with one of my sick friends and then began to reflect on it myself. If there is anything that I have learned through my health scares, it is to remain faithful!! God has a learning opportunity in each thing that comes our way. Sometimes He blesses us with an answer to it all, and sometimes we never figue out why things go the way they do. While I was scared and laying in the hospital God kept telling me to just have faith in Him. On the second to last day I was there (in the hospital) I was tired of feeling sorry for myself and feeling like I was left alone. I was in a place that I can only describe as dark. I cried to Jesus and asked him...why? Why did I have to be going through this? Why was I taken, yet again, away from my family? My son? He overwhelmed my heart with the peace that He WOULD carry me through this. He told me that all it would take is for me to have faith. So often we try and control every area of our lives and forget that God is the one who is ultimatly in charge, not just in the things we do but in out emotions and feelings too. There is nothing we can do to change what is dealt in front of us. We just have to pray for the strength to get through. God does have perfect peace for us if we are just willing to seek it, ask for it. God calls us to our knees in scary ways sometimes. Sometimes that is the only way we will listen. Today, we live in a world where the is an answer for everything. Google is just a mouse click away and for one question we get 196,003 answers. I am learning that life is not that simple. Sometimes we have to come to terms and have peace in knowing that we aren't meant to have every answer. Why do you think they say, "God works in mysterious ways?" When we are screaming for answers and trying to wrap our minds around something so huge, God only gives us enough light for the step we are on. He promises to NEVER leave us in the dark, but that doesn't mean it is always going to be bright and sunny. He won't give us those answers all the time, but He WILL shine His light for you to see the step you are on today. Sometimes it is only a minute by minute process and that is how we get by. That was something else I had to learn. Take it one day at a time and truly take it one day at a time. I can't waste anymore of my precious time worrying about what the future will hold. Look at all I have today! Do not worry about tomorrow because we aren't promised it. I may never know why I have Crohn's and why I have to wake up some days and not be able to be the mother and wife that I want to be. But I do know that God is going to give me the strength I need, everyday. I have complete faith that He is right here with me. Carrying me when times are really tough. I try and wrap my mind around how much He truly loves us and everytime I can't seem to close the loop. I have to choose to wake up every morning and give my day over to Him. And that is how I choose to lead my life. It's working for me. How is life working for you?

Uganda Trip Day 3

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone!! I have 5 minutes to write so this will be brief. We are unable to check email here, but will try to keep you updated as best we can. We head out to the village tomorrow and have been preparing today. The people here are so friendly and hospitable. We have been well taken care of, and can't wait to return the favor once we get to the village. God is doing amazing things!! It's very slow internet access, we will try to contact when we get to the village.

Uganda MIssion trip day 1

Sun, 6 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Saturday: we left at 6:30p.m.

From James: The feeling of going so far, long plane rides, missing my wife and son is reality now. Traveling this far is actually my first and I'm excited to see what God is going to do.

The team that God has put together is solid, we're trusting in each other and in our King. We'll try to send as many updates as possible.

From Courtney: We just arrived in London. The flight was long. My peanut butter got confiscated, they claimed it was a liquid, but I'm pretty sure you can't drink peanut butter. My husband Ben kept laughing at movies all night, so I didn't really sleep too much. Although I'm glad I wasn't sitting in front of him, because James didn't seem to thrilled about being kicked all night either. I'm glad we are in London and safe. I'm really anticipating arriving in Uganda and hopefully sleeping on the way. Please keep praying, our journey is just about to begin!

From Mary: What Courtney forgot to mention was along with the peanut butter incident, Dan was pulled out of line in London for taking pictures in the terminal. I guess he breeched security by shooting photos. Not to worry--we got him back. In fact, he is sitting talking to a man who is traveling back home to India from New York because his mother died. God is working in ways that we hadn't even anticipated.

what happens when the conviction is gone?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What happens when the conviction is gone? As christians we're faced with the world in every direction. When I say world I'm talking about the sin that so easily entangles us. It's in our non christian friends (and christian friends), our T.V., our radio, our everyday life. We truly wouldn't hang out with the type of people we actually watch on our t.v., yet everyday we invite them into our living room. What are we to do?

We feel an uncomfortable conviction when we do something, and as time goes by we get more and more comfortable. All of a sudden we take a real hard look and start examining our lives only to find out that it's different now than it was a year or so ago. The things you were convicted about are no longer convictions, only mere compromises.

What happend to the passion?

What happened to the early rising to pray?

What happend to hearing the voice of the Lord?

What happend to the urge to speak to the person next to you about our Father?

What happend to the tinacity of getting close to our God?

What happend to our worship?

What happend to our study?

What happaned to our love?

Did it all leave with our conviction?

Mexicali and beyond...

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We returned home after a month of traveling on June 17.

A week after visiting my family in Iowa, they were hit with major flooding. Thankfully, my family's homes were okay. My dear friend, Rachel, was flooded out at work, and God worked it out for her to be working 10 minutes from James' sister in Long Beach at the same time we were there. What a blessing to see her in Iowa, then in SoCal, and again next week when she comes for a planned visit.

Mexicali was a great trip, and we were incredibly blessed to join with three different pastors to work in their community. Isaac was quite tiring (as toddlers can be), but our church's team and the NY team were such a blessing to James and me by loving on Isaac. It was so wonderful to see the Mexican children flock around Isaac and play with him. His smile draws in so many people :) He was quite a trooper!

It was such a different experience for me to be on a mission trip than in years past. It had been 5 years since I was involved with anything, and now I was participating as a wife, mother, leader, and more mature adult. I was able to see and understand things on a deeper level than years ago. We experienced spiritual warfare while we were in Mexico, and even when we returned. Satan had been trying to discourage me from going on the trip in the months leading up to it. The most important thing I've learned from these attacks is to not be afraid to ask for prayer and tell people you need a little help.

James will be in Uganda from July 5-22 and Belize from July 26-August 8. On his previous trips, I never thought to ask for prayer for spiritual protection while he was gone, but this year, it's different. I know Isaac and I are easy targets for Satan to get to James when he needs to have his heart and mind focused on the Lord. This is the first time James is traveling to countries that don't neighbor the US, and he's going to have so many new experiences as a trip leader.

Please pray for James, me, and Isaac while he is gone. Pray against spiritual attacks on the mind and body and for safety and good health for all of us. Please also pray for patience and endurance for James traveling and me at home with Isaac.

Thank you all for your faithfulness to the Lord and support of our family!

Family Update

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Wow, it's been a long time since we posted a family update. James has been so incredibly busy these past few months and this summer will be even crazier. I figured I could help him out by posting an update of some Isaac pics.

Isaac finally started walking on his own a few weeks ago. He'd been cruising along the last 7 months and taking a few steps here and there. Now, he's all over the place! He is more and more active and I am more and more tired :) He loves being outside and exploring. He has learned a few sign words like "eat", "milk", "all done", and "please". He is the happiest little guy and so incredibly content to go off and play/discover on his own or bring me along. We have a hummingbird feeder outside the kitchen window and he gets so excited when there is a bird/pajaro feeding. He loves animals, especially dogs. We miss Yukon so much and are considering getting another dog later this year after the crazy summer is over so Isaac (and we) can know the joy of having one again.

Our next few months are going to be adventurous and tiresome. We head off to IA for my brother and sister's high school graduation, then we return home to head to Mexicali, Mexico for an AIM trip. We are incredibly excited to go serve the Lord together as family. There is a small group from our church going on this trip as well. It will be a challenge participating in some of the ministry with our group and having Isaac, but we are looking forward to it. After that trip, we will be celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary and Father's Day in Southern CA. James wants to take me to Sea World, and I'm excited to take Isaac to the beach. It will be nice having a few days away for a family vacation. In July, James is leading a team from our church to Uganda for 2 1/2 weeks. In August, James will be taking 1-2 weeks off to rest, some of that time will be as a family, and some of that will be just him. With all he has been doing since starting with AIM 2 years ago and as a husband and father, he needs some time to get away and be refreshed .

Please pray for us this summer when you think of us. We are anticipating much joy and fatigue in all of our travels, but the hardest part for us might be when James is in Uganda. We will have limited calls, and we're going to miss each other a lot! Thank you for your support through all this time and know your prayers are very much appreciated.

Spiritual Masturbation Part 2

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Spiritual Masturbation part 2- Worship Service

(Guest blog from Jonathan Almanzar)

Before we start I need to state this. I am not against singing out to God as part of my praise. It's not the songs it's what we do with them.

Here is where I've found myself lately. Engaged in the music. Engaged in the atmosphere of the place. Crying out with the mob that, "You're all I want, You're all I need, You're everything, everything." Yet I find my focus not to be on Him. In fact, if I was truly honest I shouldn't even be singing this song. Maybe I WOULD be worshiping God if I kept my mouth shut, but that wouldn't feel as good.

I have found myself lately disappointed with the way the worship service felt'. As if the way I felt had anything at all to do with Christ being the King. So I am faced with this question. Am I worshiping the Lord of all Creation, or have I just found an easy way to get off during a 4 song set? What about you?

Spiritual Masturbation Part 1

Wed, 5 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Spiritual Masturbation part 1-The Poor

(Guest blog from Jonathan Almanzar)

We're going to use the next 5 days to look at ourselves. If we are truly motivated by love for our Saviour, or if we've just found a new way to feel good.

I live in Mexico. When I head out to the city I make sure that I have around $5 in pesos to pass out. There are homeless and beggars on every street corner and traffic light. I give to everyone who asks until I run out of money. I feel good about it (especially if someone is visiting us and riding along) and feel like I'm helping people or being charitable. But at the end of the day I go home to my tiled floors, my mostly full refrigerator, to my purified drinking water and I have to ask myselfhave I walked 2 miles with anyone? Mat. 5:41

Here's my question. When we give our 5 bucks or donate our old clothes to the poor, are we really concernedor have we just found a cheap way to get off? (especially glaring in this are the drive-through clothes-drop at the salvation army.)

A sad day

Sun, 2 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There has been several times in my life when someone has lost a pet and I was insensitive, thinking to myself that it's only a dog or a cat. The day has arrived when I don't see that way anymore. Yesterday, my dog Yukon died suddenly from a Tumor in his stomach. I was away from home and Rachel had to see him go painfully. He died in the backseat of the car on the wait to the Vet.

I find myself struggling a bit, constantly asking myself why am I such a mess. You must understand that there are times a dog is a dog, but many times it's more than that. It's part of the family. Monday will be a different day as Yukon won't be at my feet as I work. I won't be feeding him at 9p.m. When things are on my mind and I go for a walk, I will go alone now (We do walk as a family, but many times I loved just taking him on walks around the block).

Yukon was 71/2 years old and was loved among our friends, family, and everybody who he came into contact with. He was a different kind of dog, he was close knit friend whom listened to my complaints, my joys, my heart, and everything else friends do.

Please pray for Rachel and I as we've never been sorrow like this.

Rest...Rest....Rest!

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For the last several weeks I've been watching my days fly by with chaos. I've found myself double booking appointments, forgetting what I'm doing the next weekend. I am constantly asking Rachel (my wife) of what am I suppose to be doing at what time.

A few days ago I had a doctors appointment and I went a little early just to sit and think. It appears that I'm filling up my schedule with little or no room for my God. "Be still and know that I am God" keeps echoing in my head like crazy. We've got to find rest in Him. I often find myself rushing to church being ingulfed in ministry and hours later on my way home feeling I missed Him.

My goal this week is to allow sometime for me and my God, you should do the same!

Busy Year..please pray for safe travel

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This year's theme for our home church is "World Impact". I would say that fit's in perfectly with who we are and what we're involved in. This year will probably be the busiest year ever. Rachel is home full time now which is great in allowing me to be 110% involved with mobilizing churches for missions. Please pray for the days below as I will be travelling and ministering the love of Christ!

2/1, 2/2 Connections Church: Yakima Washington ("Missions 101)

2/22-24 Higland Church, Alberta BC, Canada (Teaching a "Missions 101 PLUS")

3/6 - 8 BASS Convention, teaching a breakout sessions on missions, San Fransicsco
(www.bassconvention.org)

3/13-15 Teaching a "Missions 101" in Dallas, TX

4/12 Teaching a "Missions 101" in Sacramento, CA

5/2 - 4 Tsawwassen Alliance Church, Delta BC, Canada (Teaching a "Missions 101 PLUS")8

6/5 - 15 Leading a mission trip to Mexicali, MX

6/19 - 28 Leading a mission trip to Denver, CO

7/3 - 20 Leading a mission trip with Bridgeway Christian Church to Uganda

8/4 - 18 Possible Vacation (first one!)

Please pray as I travel. Rachel and Isaac will be with me on the Mexico trip.

The Little Foxes

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I have a good friend Dave who is a full time pilot and has been flying for some time. A thought came into my mind the other day so I called him to find out the specifics. I asked what happens if on your map or chart you're one degree off. His reply was, "it depends on how far you go, the further you go the further you're away from your heading.

Wow! That weighed on me for several hours. I've always wondered that if we as Christians are getting to comfortable with the uncomfortable. Are we as a Christian society being too relaxed with our place in this world? Are we still bothered by the crude humor, the gossip, the way we talk to our brothers and sisters, what we watch on T.V., or the way WE drive our cars?

I think of the verse in Song of Solomon's 2:15, "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin our vineyards that are in bloom." It's the little things that I allow in my life that over time creep in to only become bigger and more dangerous things. When we get comfortable with sin, we sin more!

If we're just o.k. with the way we live our lives now, what would be o.k. fifteen years from now? Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say we should be "all that" in our walk. I often meet people that even I'm thrown off by the way they spiritualize every detail of their life.

What I am trying to say is let's tame our tongues, let's have more of a careful eye on the things we watch, the people we hang out with. I'm constantly asking myself when I leave a grocery store; does that clerk know that I'm a Christian, not by walking up and preaching down her throat, but simply being Jesus to her or him.

Don't forget, when we're only a little bit off, the longer we go that way the further we are from our destination.

It's happening!

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Most of the people around us have heard the news. It didn't really come to a huge surprise, but Rachel's office closed last Friday! They spoke to each employee one by one and when it came to Rachel's turn they asked her if she would stay until December 15th or when everything is "done".

Rachel is excited as she has been wanting to stay home to help me with AIM and mother our child.

I am excited as well but at the same time I don't think I've been this stressed in sometime. It's been a wild ride the last few years as we have raised support. And now, the support raising continues. It will be a HUGE help with her home as Isaac is growing to the point that it's hard to do ministry while he is in my home office. It's cute in a way, him crawling in my office and grabbing my pants pulling himself up. But it does get hard when I have my papers organized on my desk and they come flying off.

We'll need to raise $2,000 more a month to make ends meet. I am going to send support letters to everyone I know in addition to churches that I've done missions trips for.
I am a man of faith, I truly believe that God NEVER leaves us! If you believe He's there for you, then can't go through every obstacle with a look of defeat on your face! I'm teaching the book of James to my small group this month. Chapter 1 is more alive right now than ever before:

"Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kind"

I constantly go through life proclaiming "My God is a Big God". He is a Big God, and right now I have joy knowing how big he is in my life.

Please Pray for Rachel and I as we'll need to raise this amount by the end of January. And for you that are fans of Isaac, I've attached some pictures.

smiling at God/Rachel's testimony

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Tonight I was outside sitting by our wood burning stove, drinking a cup of coffee, reading a book, and praying. Then there was a noise coming from the sliding glass door. It was Isaac with his tongue on the door. He would stop periodically to smile at me. Moments ago I was inside with him playing watching him play with a soccerball.. Only a few minutes went by before he wanted to be with me.

The other day my parents were looking after him while I was at an appointment. After the appointment I quietly entered my parent's home, peeked around the corner to see Isaac playing joyfully with some post it notes. Then, I went to the other room to hide from him. After crawling to the living room I peeked around the corner and as soon as he saw me he speed crawled into my arms with the biggest smile on his face.

I loved to be loved, don't we all. It moves me every time I see him smiling at something I do or say or just being there.

Tonight by the fire, I was thinking of how much God loves us and how much he longs for us to run into His arms with a smile across our face. We often spend Sunday's worshiping him and praising him but how many of us, how often do I look up and just smile at my Jesus, my Father.

Think of how awesome He is, about how faithful He is, today would you allow a smile to erupt and just gaze upon the heavens. I did that tonight, smiled at My Jesus and just thanked him for his faithfulness to Rachel and me.

Our God is a Big God! A few weeks ago, I sat at church and watched Rachel's video testimony. Yes I have heard it before, but this time I was thinking of how much Rachel smiles up at God because of His faitherfulness.

Attached is the link to Rachel's video testimony. http://www.bridgewaychristian.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=77&Itemid=162

STIR YOUR WORLD

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Growing up Isaac

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

It's been some time (more than a month) since I have written an update. It's the one thing you don't want to do when writting a blog. At the same time, our lives this last month has been nothing less than hectic.

tonight I can't sleep. I was having one of those nights where I am just thinking of how awesome God is and the things He has done in my life. I'm finding myself opening Isaac's door and looking at him sleep, sitting in a rocking chair praying for his life...his future.

I love my family. Having Isaac in our lives has changed me. Today I took some time off to just go and play with him. Walking into Lowes and stuff like that. I love doing that....spending time with him. I'll often stop pushing him and walk in front of the stroller to find him looking up at me with the biggest smile. I love my Isaac.

Isaac is growing! He can stand up on his own (with the help of something solid). About a couple of weeks ago we heard the piano and it was Isaac making some music. When I take him to his grandparents house for babysitting, I'll walk in and he will crawl (and he can crawl fast!) right to me and make his way up my leg..seeing that smile.
Here are some pictures, enjoy. Also, for those of you that don't know, Isaac's adoption was finalized in August.

Stay tuned...Video Testimony of Rachel will be uploaded soon!

Revival

Tue, 4 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

August Newsletter

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Update on baby Isaac

Tue, 7 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

It's been awhile since there has been an update on Isaac so here we go.

I love the guy! Going away a week here and there this summer was harder than expected. I missed Isaac more than I ever thought I would. Rachel oftens says she loves the look he gives when he sees me come into the room.
Never did I thought I would love someone so much more. He is starting to crawl, giggle's most of the time, grabbing things (he's a determined guy!), loves my arm hair and goatee, loves Rachel's hair too.

I can't believe that it's August and we brought him home six months ago. It feels as if it was just yesterday. Here are some pictures of our son:

Is the Church moving together?

Thu, 2 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We're wrapping up a busy summer and looking/planning ahead for 2008. I've been doing this now for about a almost 2 years and everyday my passion and love for God, Missions, and AIM increases. When I arrived back from Tijuana I felt it was the best trip I've ever led. I've led about 18 mission trips and the one a few weeks ago to Mexico was far out the one that made the statement; I'm exactly where God wants me to be.

In working with many denominations I've been thinking lately how the Church (big C) all have the same heart but are not working together to achieve it. They all want to reach out but it's getting harder to find churches wanting to partner together. It's this organization vs the other organization or this church is better than that church.

I remember talking to a pastor a little over a year ago explaining to him about AIM and the opportunity his church had to go on a mission trip. He interupted me and asked me about my schooling. I told him and he explained that because the school was located at an Assemblies of God church (though the college was multi-denominational) he could not partner with me, then he hung up. Wow! Does this pastor not understand that people are leaving the church in America, that we're the 3rd largest unreached nation in the world. Does he not understand that it's not whether I believe in pre,mid, or post trib, but that it's about the Living God sending his Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross so we could have eternal life. It's about uniting together to feed the hungry!

When I was in Mexico I saw four different churches, 2 from the west coast and 2 from the east coast, worshiping together, uniting to worship one God. The worship time were not about who is right and wrong, but about the saving grace our Father has.

With all that said I was excited to know that in 2006 we had 18 churches from the west coast, NM, and TX.

In 2007 we had more than 35 churches in the same areas. God has been good!

It's not about #'s, but it goes to show me that the church is hungry to do God's will and do the great commision. I love to break down denominational walls and move closer to being a tighter group of believers.

Mexico, pre-trip

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Well, I arrived in Mexico on Thursday. Here are the short details about my trip....

First and foremost there was a verse that I can't get out of my mind, it was on a video we watched at our small group called "The Truth Project".
It was Colossians 4:5-6, "Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make most of EVERY opportunity. (6) Let your conversations be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone." Just think about that verse and allow it to sink in.

So back to Thursday. I arrived with my carry on but my suitcase was not so lucky. It was going to be 3 hours untill it arrives. After getting my rental car I ate lunch and hung out in San Diego.

After getting my luggage I drove accrose the border and while on my way to the housing location I was pulled over (a familiar tradition for me in Mexico). They said I went through a yellow light, I guess in Mexico it means STOP! After arriving at my housing location I met with some pastors and then shortly after went downtown and ate some lunch/dinner.

Friday I spent all day traveling to our ministry locations meeting with contacts and I was pulled over again, this time I was with Pastor Abel. Abel thinks it's because I'm driving a nice rental car and it could look like I was a possible drug dealer. The cop (in his high leather boots, tight pants, and dark sunglasses I thought I was in 80's movie) said I was speeding, but I was not. He started writing me a ticket but Pastor Abel said I was here to lead a mission trip so they let me go.

Saturday I got up and started heading to the border. I was in line hardly moving when a cop comes by my car and askes me to get out of line ( a line I've already been waiting in for about 45 minutes). He wanted to check on if I had mexico insurance on my car. (of course)

I'm excited about this week. I'm excited to see what God will do and how he will lead us. One of the ministry locations will be a stretching time for some if not all. It's an old folks home of the forgotten people. These people are blind, handicapped, and can't take care of themselves. We will be feeding them, shaving them, and whatever else they might need. We will also share testimonies of what Christ has done in our lives.

Another ministry location is a Rehab center for men and women. They are excited to have us come and make them hot dogs, lead them into a time of worship, share testimonies and get badly beaten at volleyball, a game they don't take lightly.

Prayer walking, door to door, construction and sports ministry will be other ministries for the week. Stay tuned as I will try to add pictures when possible.

Please pray for this week that we will be used as Hands and Feet of Jesus.

on the road...again

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The summer has approached and I found myself in the midst of ministry. Summer his always a busy time but this year with Isaac it's been hard being away from my little guy.

I just got back from leading a trip to Chicago. It was a good trip but had it's set backs. I am back home for a few days and then off to Mexico where I will be leading four different youth groups on a mission trip to the colonies.

Because I'm in the midst of my travel, this has to be somewhat short and sweet. However, I will say that the once again the bible is coming to life as I read it with fresh eyes. We all go though little dry times and I wouldn't even say I've been going through it, but I can say that it's be active in my mind as I read.

Rachel's work is getting scary with layoffs and such. We're constantly asking ourselves if this is the time for Rachel to come on staff with me at AIM. We keep hearing a resounding YES!

Please pray for us as we go through this support raising push once again for Rachel.

It's time for Rachel to Join AIM

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I often explain that Rachel is a partner in my ministry because of her wonderful support in what God has called us to. We both know that I am exactly where God wants me to be. Since we adopted Isaac Rachel has had the urge to be home with him as he continues to grow. She has had the urge for awhile to be home and help me with Adventures In Missions but now it's come time for us to try hard and make that happen.

Rachel has worked at her current job for almost 4 years. She has moved up in ranks and has been the bread maker in our home since we've been married. Now with Isaac she struggles each day missing out on some new thing that Isaac is doing. I will try to call her and cheer her up by having her listen as I cause Isaac to giggle, that makes her day! In addition with being home with Isaac it will free me up to do more pastor vistitation and try to get the word out about AIM and what we're all about. She will assist in answering questions, making calls, responding to the dozens of e-mail that I get each day. Rachel will be a huge addition to the west coast office of AIM.

Our support is currently at $1,000/per month give or take. People often ask me how we do it, how do we live. God has been so very faithful to us in this ministry and we are trusting that God will continue to do so. I look at my list of supporters and believe it to be a place where I have a great foundation for growth. I know each one of my supporters on a personal level and I believe that helps ius n this calling.

We'll need to raise at least $2,000 more in order add Rachel on staff with AIM. That is a total of $3,000 a month.

If you are currently a support we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and consider you close to our family. If you would like to support Rachel and I please go to "support me: under the main menu to do so.

Thank you and Jesus Bless you,

James Hooper

make a run for it

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I was driving this morning on the way to Sams Club (and starbucks...shhhhh, don't tell) and on my way home I was praying about life and then I started thinking about who I am in Christ.

I looked around and saw little store, a department store, a house being built and so forth. Every one of those structures started with a single thought, a vision. Someone somewhere had a dream or an idea and years later it was developed.

Take a look at UPS:

1907-1913: Creating a Messenger Service

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At the beginning of the 20th century, the United States was about to embark on an era of transformation and innovation. America was focused inwardly on its growth, and the West was largely undeveloped. While Seattle, Washington, was fairly well-established, the city was still rife with opportunity, particularly for service-based businesses.

In 1907, two teenage entrepreneurs created what would become the world's largest package delivery service. Starting in a Seattle basement with a $100 loan, Claude Ryan and Jim Casey opened the American Messenger Company. With telephones and automobiles scarce, the company fulfilled a range of tasks, from running errands and carrying notes on foot or on bicycle, to making home deliveries for drugstore customers. Their fledgling business entered a competitive marketplace, facing numerous firms that also specialized in message and parcel delivery.

Already experienced in business when he began the company, Jim hired other teens as messengers, and his younger brother George joined the firm's leadership ranks. Operating under the principle of providing the best service at the lowest rates, the company prospered. Jim's steadfast commitment to reliability, courtesy, neatness, and high ethical standards helped establish the values that continue to guide UPS today.

How about Hewlett Packard:

The 30s



		HP's first product, the 200A audio oscillator

Following graduation as electrical engineers from Stanford University in 1934, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard go on a two-week camping and fishing trip in the Colorado mountains during which they become close friends. Bill continues graduate studies at MIT and Stanford while Dave takes a job with General Electric. With the encouragement of Stanford professor and mentor Fred Terman, the two decide to start a business "and make a run for it" themselves. Hewlett-Packard Company is founded January 1, 1939.

We all know the verse in the Bible where it states,"Where there is no vision..people perish". What a very true statement.

Where do I see myself? Where do I see God taking me and what am I doing today to get there. If I am going to be a Pastor of a church someday am I leading my family the way God wants me to, am I reading the Bible and am I allowing it to speak to me.

We can't assume that one day we'll wake up and suddenly be that Godly man or women that we and He desires us to be. It starts with a single thought, a vision of who we see ourselves in Christ. Maybe we should be the ones saying..."let's make a run for it". After all, what do we have to loose.

parenting and public schools

Mon, 4 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Being a new dad has done something in my everyday thinking and everyday living! During the week I am constantly thinking of ways I could improve myself so that I could be a great father!

My friends and I were talking late at a coffee shop called Starbucks, have you hard of it? (It's a joke) We were talking about the differences of home school and public school. I have come accross people who are anti public school who feel that it's very wrong to send your child there. I have also met the other side who argues that home school is better because of it's one one one training. But all that aside there is one thing that I believe is the bottom line; and that is good, Godly parenting.

Rachel and I have some time to decide on where Isaac is going to attend school, but I do know this; that we will be part of his life through his ministry at school. Did you get that? His ministry while he is at that age will be his school. Like each one of us where ever we're at in life, that is our ministry. We need solid young people to step into our public schools and be an awesome witness of who Jesus is. In my area there is a group of people picketing our schools saying Homosexuality is wrong and a sin. My quesion to that is why are you telling a group of people that it's wrong when they don't live on the same moral basis as we? We need our young people to be a witness that will be Jeus to all groups of people! I am willing that will go further than creating a sign that states the obvious.

Let me rant:
Too many people condemn our schools on what they believe or what they teach (example: Evolution), yet these same parents are not spending time with them in the evening. When the student is coming home there is no dialoge of what took place.

I want to be able to sit and talk with Isaac about the in and outs of his day, what was said, what took place, and answer any questions he may have. I know it sound I want to be a over bearing parent, but it comes with a Father's heart. That get's me sometimes, late at night when Rachel is in bed and I'm sitting in my brown chair in my office I will start to just think about a Fathers heart. I really want him to understand who he is in the Lord.

I have an idea: Let's take back our schools by sending our students there.

A long hike with quality

Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This last memorial day weekend was a great one. We spent the night at my parents home in Meadow Vista where we spent some R & R. Saturday we slept in, came home and got ready to attend a graduation party for our friend Jason Truitt, (Congrats Jason on getting through Sac State).
The party was awesome with swing dancing, food, pictures, a character sketch (of Isaac and me), and hanging out with some good friends.

Then come Sunday. We met up with some other youth couples in our small group for what we thought was going to be a walk in the park type hike. 4.5 miles DOWN to the American River and 4.5 miles UP. Isaac had it good he was on Rachel's back on the way down and then I had the great chore (though I'm proud to do it!) of having Isaac on my back. What a great hike with good friends, quality friends! We came back to our house and Barbequed and had a record of the amount of people a hot tub can hold. We have a 4 person hot tub and we had eight in it. However, only the guys were in and the wives just had the feet in.

I hope you all had a great holiday, I am reminded of how good it was every time I move a muscle.

Just a random thought abou Isaac: I never thought I could love someone the way I love Isaac. I sit him in my office in my chair and he looks up at me and I'll make some sound and he will burst with sound of laughter, a sound of joy. He is precious in my life!