Patrice Deaton - The World Race 2008

A Look into Real Life

Sun, 7 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Since I know so many of you love pictures I am just going to post a bunch of pictures on here and tell you a bit about each and then let your imagination do the rest. My team heads out to live with the Turkana Tribe this week, pray that the Gospel will be preached and that lives WILL BE SAVED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!!!

This is my Kenya Real Life team with our Maasai friends. We were able to live with them for a week, it was incredible!

This is Elizabeth, while we were praying for her and her daughter in her home she yanked the Maasai bracelet in the next picture off of our translators wrist and put soap and water on my wrist so that she could fit it on me. It was such an honor to be given a genuine Maasai bracelet.

Above are all picture from out trip to the Maasai tribe.

This is our team with the mother and father of Seth Barnes, they volunteer in Kijabe at the hospital.

Each Wednesday we visit the Christian hospital here in Kijabe.

These are my two favorite patients, left is Jacinta and right is Sophia. They share a room and I call it the JOY room!!

This is Jao, he is a child at the Internally Displaced Peoples Camp that we minister at on Saturdays.

This is Liz and Jenna preaching to the women of the IDP camp about community and prayer.

Two other amazing children at the IDP camp.

This is what the area that I live in looks like, BEAUTIFUL!!!

I hope you have enjoyed these pictures, have an amazing week!

Catching UP!!!

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Considering it's now been a month since I left the USA for Africa, I think I owe you an update!!!

After arriving in South Africa on the 19th of January I was blessed to traveled with my good buddy Gretchen to see MAMA RITA!!! We were so stoked because we actually got to fly to Mozambique this time, the flight was only two hours the bus ride is over 24 hours and pretty sketchy, God is so good and so are my parents for paying for that flight. When we arrived at her home our June squad was also there and they had felt moved to fund the repairs of her roof. Warren Cheely had woken up in the middle of the night to find rats crawling around and on top of children sleeping in the kitchen. He was so shaken by the situation he made it his person mission to eradicate all of the rats. The rats are just something that the children and Mama Rita have come to live with, they can't afford to keep buying poison so they just live with the rats. The June Squad left and Gretchen and I stayed a bit longer and there were definitely less rats but a few still lingered. Fixing the roof is a good step but it is really just buying time, something still must be done to improve the quality of life for these orphans and Mama Rita. Gretchen and I had many talks with Peter and Mama Rita and we found out that it will cost $30,000 to build Mama Rita her new home. We made no promises to them but we are praying about how God is going to make something like this happen. In the mean time there are school fees, school uniforms and water bills to be paid, if you are interested in helping this cause please let me know and I will help you fulfill that. I can't remember exactly who donated the money for the boys to go to English class when I was there previously but I want to report that one of the two boys is still learning English. The other boy was not able to stay in school so they allowed for Emmanuel to go to two years of English classes. Thank you SO much for investing in his life, he will significantly help this family with his improved English. It was amazing to be back in the home of Mama Rita for a week but we were anxious to move on to South Africa to the debrief of the June squad and to get to see Terri Cash (she was a racer with Gretchen and I on our first race who now serves in South Africa).

It was great to reunite with all of the June Squad in Nelspruit, South Africa. The squad has come so far from the place I left them almost 3 months ago. God threw us a curve ball for the debrief and the squad got to choose the teams they would operate in for the next few months. We as a leadership team entered the team changes wanting the squad to get an opportunity to listen to the Lord and allow him to form new teams. So one morning everyone gathered in a room together for a few hours and hashed through team formations. The process was very intriguing and the results were awesome. The squad showed so much maturity in the formation process and I know that God is using those teams to bring some much needed growth for them in Asia. I wasn't with the squad for long before I caught another flight to Nairobi, Kenya.

I was excited and anxious to see what lie ahead for me in Kenya. A team of Real Life student and my co-leader Blair had already been together for a week at training camp in Georgia. A lot of bonding and growth had already taken place for them as a team that I missed out on but I knew that I wouldn't be too far behind. When I arrived in Kijabe, Kenya I was warmly welcomed by my new family with incredible respect. I have no clue what the AIM staff had told them about me at training camp but whatever it was it must have been good because the amount of respect this team had for me without evening knowing me was incredibly humbling and honoring.

I have now been with this Real Life team for three weeks and nothing has changed, they still honor me with their respect and I try to do so in return. There is something AMAZING about this team, they are so enjoyable. They are all 18-23 but they are incredibly mature and willing to do just about anything especially stepping up and serving the Lord! I am INCREDIBLY blessed to be working with this group, God has brought us through some sicknesses and some trials thus far but it doesn't seem to stop them from pressing on to serve.

Coming out of the June Squad debrief I was challenged by Tom Sipling with the question of whether we are Peace- Corp volunteers or we are missionaries. Both are great for the World but only one brings the TRUTH of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the HOPE of a Savior and life everlasting! I brought that to these Real Lifers and they have been hashing it out daily. We have had so many incredible opportunities to present the Gospel and many have come to know the Lord. I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to walk with this group for three months.

Thus far we were honored to spend a week with the Maasai tribe, where they are planting a church. We camped outside of a man named Amos' house. He many years ago heard about Jesus from some other Western missionaries, it was so encouraging to hear that because so many times I get discouraged when I don't see the fruit I am expecting. Now Amos is studying to be a pastor and he is doing an amazing job loving on the people around him. During our time there we went house to house and shared life with many people. So many times we felt like we were in the National Geographic magazine when we looked out and saw the beauty of the valley and the uniqueness of the people and their traditional wardrobe. It was even more amazing to see this group of Maasai turn their age old traditions into something that glorifies the Lord. Continually we were brought back into reality check of where we were and the opportunity that was in front of us. God reminded us often that these are our brothers and sisters even though they look and act nothing like us.

Other than visiting the Maasai tribe we have been doing something different every day; we have visited schools, hospitals, and many different villages. Everyday is something new around here and God is showing up in big ways. Thanks for your prayers and for your support of the crazy things God has me doing. Blessings to you all.

A Happy Ending in Haiti

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday my father told me about a pastor friend of his, Clint Rabb, who was missing in the rubble of the earthquake in Haiti. I found this story on the internet of his rescue after 55 hours trapped in a 3 food high cavity... READ IT we all need a little hope in such a devastating situaion!!!

This story is from the TIMESONLINE.. .

Clinton Rabb was dropped off at the Hotel Montana shortly before 5pm on Tuesday for a meeting with his fellow Methodist missionaries. Moments later, the ground began to shake and the building collapsed.

Mr Rabb's driver was one of the lucky ones: he had got away and was able to confirm the 60-year-old missionary's movements to his friends at the United Methodist Relief Committee (Umcor).

But that was the last anyone heard, until a team of French firefighters systematically picking through the rubble of the four-star hotel found Mr Rabb and another Umcor executive, Sam Dixon, trapped in a three-foot high cavity last night.

It was not to be a simple rescue. Some 200 people had been trapped or buried in the rubble of the hotel, which is on a ridge overlooking the devastated city.

The French firefighters used metal cutters to clear the way but Mr Rabb's right leg had been crushed by a large concrete slab, which had also trapped Mr Dixon's feet. The rescue workers set up IV drips to rehydrate the two missionaries and control their pain.

"When I get pain I ask for help and they give it to me," he said. "I have fantasies of ice-cold water, but I know I'm in good hands."

As their colleagues had made clear when it emerged that the two men were missing, both are experienced and resourceful travellers. If anyone could pull through, it would be them.

But back home in Westchester County, New York, Mr Rabb's wife Suzanne, a Methodist minister, had already admitted to her local newspaper just how frightened she was. "There's almost a part of me that's afraid to know," she said.

She explained that her husband had just come back from a mission to Cuba and had been suffering from a cold. She had asked him to delay his trip but he left anyway and arrived in Haiti on Tuesday morning.

In Port-au-Prince, as the French firefighters struggled to cut him free despite the ever-present risks of after-shocks, Mr Rabb asked a Times reporter to pass on a message. "Tell my wife I deeply love her and we're going to survive this," he said. "And I'm praying for all those who did not survive."

The message was duly delivered over a crackling phone line from Haiti although it was only afterwards that Mrs Rabb found out that her husband and his colleague had been freed after 55 hours under the rubble

"Miracles happen," she told The Journal News which serves the Lower Hudson Valley." "We couldn't believe it. Thank God."

Alongside the Frenchmen an American search-and-rescue team from Fairfax County, Virginia, was working alongside to free two others trapped in a toppled lift shaft.

One of them, a hotel worker, Luckson Mondesir, had survived since Tuesday's quake on one bottle of water.

"I slept a little and thought about my family," he said. "I never thought I'd die. I had no idea that thousands of people have died."

Are you still looking to help the people of Haiti??? click here to help!!! http://www.adventures.org/haiti/

Haiti needs our help!!!

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As the news piles out from Haiti many people are wondering how they can help but many are nervous of scams from people just wanting to make a buck. Here is a note from Seth Barnes, who is the head of Adventures in Missions, I know him personally and greatly respect him. I also have friends who have worked with the couple he speaks of, in other words this is a legitimate effort that is being formed. Please read Seth Barnes' email and help in whatever way you can...


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 here to make a Donation to the AIM Earthquake Haiti Relief Fund:

http://adventures.org/haiti/?ppc=email&campaign=haiti

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...

Return to Mama Rita

Thu, 3 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A year and a half ago I stood on this plot of land outside Beira, Mozambique with a Saint whom I like to call Mama Rita. It was a special day for Team Kaleo we went with Mama Rita and Peter to see the land that had just recently been purchased by Team Isaac, led by Gretchen Kiehlbaugh (my co-squad leader on this last race I lead). Team Isaac along with supporters had been able to help Mama Rita and her family purchase this land for the orphans she takes care of and her family. At this point we had only been with Mama Rita for a week but we already loved her eternally.

We had just come from a debrief with Team Isaac where they told us all about her and her need and the amazing love that she possesses. We were blown away with her story and couldn't wait to meet her. I remember hearing Gretchen talk about Mama Rita and being heart broken too just from the stories of her. There were only a few things that didn't have me excited to go to Mozambique. One was the 18 hour smelly bumpy bus ride the other were the rats they said live in her house. I cannot stand rats! While I was there I prayed A LOT about the rats not visiting us in the night while we were sleeping(in our tent inside her house) and they didn't, PRAISE GOD!!!

This is the home that Mama Rita and her children live in currently, it houses 30 people.

Now let me take you back a minute to tell you why Mama Rita even came into my life. In 2007 Ezekiel, her husband, was forming a relationship with some Muslim people who said they were interested in becoming Christians. He was invited to their home to share and on the way he was stabbed so harshly by some Muslim extremist that he ended up dying a few days later in the hospital. Ezekiel had started a denomination of churches in the north central part of Mozambique . As men and women from his churches would die because of the harshness of Mozambique life and the AIDs epidemic their children would be left without parents and a home. Ezekiel had a huge heart for the orphans and he took the children in as their parents would die. At the time of his death Ezekiel and Mama Rita had taken in 25 children plus the 7 of their own birth children.

When Ezekiel died the missionaries who had been involved with Ezekiel's ministry did not know who would continue the ministry or who would provide for all of these children. Peter, Ezekiel's nephew, ended up being the man with the job and heart for helping children. Peter grew up most of his life in Malawi because of war situations. Because of this he learned how to speak English, which is one of their national languages, but he also ended up with Malaria and no way to cure it so he ended up going blind. Peter and his wife, who is blind, both teach at a school for the blind in Beira, Mozambique. Peter, his wife and some of the church provide financially for the children to eat and live on. Through the death of Ezekiel the Lord told Mama Rita that he would send people to help her out, we turned out to be an answer to that promise.

Amazingly enough Mama Rita and her family served us beyond belief while we stayed with them. One day we felt so horrible when we found out that they had no food for the children but had fed us a nice supper that evening. As I think back to that situation I am reminded why I want to give back to this family. Their love for God and for his people is so amazing and inspiring!!! They never asked us for anything, no money , nothing the whole time we were there. Some people you meet along the way are beggers but not these people!

While I was standing at the plot of land that will someday be a home for Mama Rita and her children God spoke to me and told me I would return to see Mama Rita some day. Well that day is coming in January when I travel to debrief the June squad. I am so excited to see what God does while I am there. My hope is that God will use me to further the process of building the orphanage whether that be through fundraising, bringing teams to build or to minister or whatever God has for us.

Will you join me in praying for this process? Do you have a desire to serve in Africa? Do you have a desire to give financially to orphans and AIDS victims? Please let me know if through hearing about Mama Rita you have a strong desire to do something. I am excited to see what God is doing in Mozambique and how we can partner in that!

I am still in need of financial support please consider giving a year end tax deductible donation in my name!

Israel to Home

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is the view from our balcony here in Israel, sorry you are not here to experience it with me.

Sadness came over me yesteday as we dropped off some of team Illumoonations to meet up with their contact. We traveled this past weekend around Israel with our contact who is so incredibly brilliant and knows so much about the Holy Land. He showed us to Masada, En Gedi (where David hid away from Saul) and all around the Sea of Galilee where so much of Jesus ministry too place. It was neat to be able to be in those places and to see some of the land where Gods son literally walked.

(King David's Waterfall, which is the area where David hid from Saul)

We were gone for three days on this adventure and I would have thought that the sightseeing would be my favorite part but it wasn't. The last day we split off in our two vans to get home and deliver people to where they needed to go. Our van found some CDs in the glove box and we began to explore them. With each new song we belted out the words that we knew and came up with tons of motions and silly things just like any great road trip. We dont really get the opportunity to be in our own vehicles on the race so it was even more fun to get to navigate and explore Israel on our own.

(Our road trip crew)

As we began to drop the team off around Mt. Tabor I was unsure why I was so sad, then it clicked I go home in 11 days. I hadnt really thought too much about going home because this is just what I have done for the past five months. I love doing life with the June Squad. Even in some of the most challenging things I have ever gone through I have still loved being out here with this squad. It is not the places that make bring me joy IT IS THE PEOPLE!!! I love seeing God change the lives of these people and getting to play a small part in it. I know that Christ had only 12 disciples so that he could pour so much into their lives in such a short time. I love being able to pour out into the people around me.

One team asked me if I would like to stay here with them and just be on their team for the next six months; I really had to think through it! At this point it seems like it would be easier to just keep on with this race. I know what I am doing, I know the people and who doesnt want to go to Africa. BUT that is not what I am called to do. I was called out here to lead, train, empower and leave these people to learn and that is what I must do. It is time for me to head back "home for however long I am there. I will get to come back out and debrief this squad at some point and that excites me!

Back to the ledge of the cliff where God likes to keep me, this way when he says to jump I am ready!

Thank you all for supporting me on this journey. I only need 20 more people or families to support me with $50 to complete my goal by the 29^th of this month OCTOBER! Please give to the glory of God. SHALOM!

We have been teaching English to Sudanese refugees here in Israel. These pictures are of Sunday and me, I got to love on her while her big sister learned English!

The Awakening Dance Off Video

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I PROMISE WE DO OTHER THINGS BESIDES DANCE OUT HERE!!!

BUT SOME OF US ARE JUST THAT GOOD WE DANCE MORE OFTEN!!!

YOU CAN'T ARGUE WITH THE GIFTS WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN!!! said humbly of course

Headed Out to Israel

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We leave tomorrow for what will be my last destination on this section of my second World Race. I am committed to this squad until May 2010 but will do the majority of my work after October through correspondence via email, blogs and the ever so lovely SKYPE. I will get to come back out to the field twice to visit the squad for debriefs, just not sure when and where yet.

It has been an incredible journey thus far. One of my main goals in coming was to learn to lead and teach to lead better. I have gotten so much practice leading and empowering other leaders, it has been really neat. I have loved watching people flourish as they step up and out and serve others through leadership and whatever other giftings they are growing in.

In coming out I knew that I would not be staying through the whole journey with this squad but I didn't know how long I would actual be out. As a need arose I ended up staying a month longer than my co- leader Gretchen, who is now back in Arizona. Since she left we have been in Turkey doing ethnographic on unreached people groups, specifically the Gypsy people. It has been so interesting to learn about Turkey, the Muslim culture and the different people groups that reside here. With the work we have done people in the future will be able to better reach the people of Turkey for the Kingdom of God! SOME INCREDIBLE WORK HAS BEEN DONE FOR THE KINGDOM HERE IN TURKEY!!!!

At this point I have transitioned out of leading the squad almost completely. Part of my job for this squad was to train up new leaders to replace me and that has been done in the last month. Tiffany and William are now in full swing leading the June Squad and my job is to sit back and enjoy the ride. It has definitely been a crazy learning experience to go from being upfront to barely even being seen and heard. There is a saying that "your greatest strength is often your greatest weakness", that is so true for me. Sitting back and letting someone else run the show is hard but I know it is ultimately what I came for.

I am excited to be headed to Israel, it looks like we will be working along some incredible people who are expanding the Kingdom in some unique ways. Please keep praying for us, pray that we would be the LOVE, TRUTH and PEACE that Israel needs.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING ME PRAYERFULLY AND FINANCIALLY ON THIS SECOND JOURNEY! I am still in need of 27 people to give $50 (or however much you feel led to give) for me to reach my financial goal by October 29th. If you are willing or know someone who would like to give please share my need with them. Blessings!

Recently four World Race Squads and 30 plus World Race alumni and a bunch more staff traveled to Brasov, Romania for the first every World Race Awakening. During that time the 200 of us were able to worship, learn and grow together as a body and as a generation that expects the return of Christ. This photo is of Michael and Kathy Hindes and the people from my original race in January 2008, all of whom are still working with AIM and the World Race in some way, Becky Miller, Andrea Wendel and Matt Peters were also present at the Awakening but were not present for the picture. There were 11 of us total, it was incredible to have that part of my family back together in Romania, God is so good!

Headed Out

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tomorrow morning I head out to start my last full month on the field. Many of you may not know but I ended up staying out on the field a month longer than expected and I am now going into my fifth month on the field.

Originally we were planned to head straight to Israel for the month but the Feast of Tabernacles is happening at the beginning of October, which makes it very difficult and expensive for us to travel to Israel. So our incredible logistics people have found us some friends to work alongside in Turkey(there has recently been flooding in Turkey) for 10 days and then we head to Israel until the end of October. At that point I will transition home to Texas for a while in between the few debriefs that I will travel to for the June Squad. I am committed to walking alongside this squad until their final debrief at the beginning of May. During the time in between I will still be working with The World Race helping to further advance the Kingdom of God.

I have seen a good response from supporters financially for this race but I am still lacking $2,000 for this year. My prayer is that God would have me fully support raised by October 30, 2009, which means I need people to pray with me for this to happen and I also need people to respond to the call financially.

This past week four World Race squads, alumni and staff came together in Brasov, Romania to worship, pray and activate ourselves spiritually. It has been incredible to watch as many of the racers have opened themselves up to the Holy Spirit and allowed him to renew and rebuild their hearts. Ultimately we want to be the generation to see Jesus Christ return to the Earth and it was incredible to see at least 300 people gathered together who are determined to help multiply the Kingdom of God on Earth as it is in Heaven.

I know the Lord has called me to lead this squad for many reasons and it has been incredible to watch them learn and grow and claim their identity and strength in the Lord God almighty. Thank you for your support and prayers. Please continue to pray that God would give me vision for this squad and give me eyes to direct them so that they can further advance the Kingdom of God.

Please pray that the people of God would respond and help me financially. I know God will provide, will it be through you?

Left is a picture from the First Annual Awakening Dance Off, which WE WON! It was amazing! You may think all we do is dance but it's not it's just one of the things we do to bring UNITY amongst the body. The picture on the right is of the squad at the Awakening with one of our coaches Tom Sipling! Keep praying for these 30 young people as they pursue the presence and power of God Almigthy in their lives.

Throughout this next month I won't be communicating through this blog to keep our contacts and ourselves free of too much trouble. Please be cautious what you send me on this blog and through email, no comments is an OK thing! Blessings!

Kingdom

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Kingdom of God is so important to me that the word Kingdom is tattooed on my wrist. Take a look at this video to see all of the June World Racers and hear about what the Kingdom of God means in their lives.

Brasov Dance Off

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On the 22nd of September four World Race squads and many past World Racers will meet together for the first annual World Race Awakening, prophetic conference. As World Race squads travel around the World, dancing is one of the greatest ways we have fun and minister to and with others. A challenge has been set for a Dance OFF between the January (H) squad and the most incredible June (I) squad. The date and time is yet to be set but the competition is a must. Check out the video too see what is to come.

Surender All??

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have come to a place again in life where I am faced with the joys and struggles of living in community. On my world race I lived with 25 other people for the majority of the race. This go round I have typically been with 15 others. Every community has its' own quirks and rhythms. I feel like I have so much wisdom in this area from living in community on the race and at Shelterwood in Missouri, but even with this wisdom learning to live in community is still a process. I have a hard time not jumping ahead and telling people what the outcome will be if you do such and such things. I feel like I must give people grace and let them figure it out for themselves, but there are some things I just can't hold back on. Like for instance I know that if you leave hair in the drain of the shower it will eventually make someone mad. They may not come directly to you to tell you but they will spout off to someone about it passive aggressively. Also if you leave your shampoo in the shower people will tend to use it because no one is looking and they think you won't miss just a little. The big kicker of World Race community living is FOOD!!! We try to share things but we get so mad if someone took our Coca Cola out the fridge.

It really is so funny to watch groups go through a RIGHTS stage. We believe we have rights to things. We have a right to not share our chocolate because we bought it with our own personal money. We have a right to eat bread because we want it and we should always get to eat bread. Where did we get these rights? Who told us we could have rights to anything? We as believers and especially World Racers say that we have abandoned everything for the Lord but for some reason there always seem to be some areas we hold back and hold on to.

I have been reading Acts recently trying to compare it to our community living as World Racers. One part actually evoked fear in me the other day. In Acts 5 it tells the account of Ananias and Sapphira. Earlier in this book it tells that the Church of Acts decided to share all of it's belongings. It says "No one claimed that his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Ananias and Sapphire sold some land and kept some of the profits back for themselves but told the disciples they gave all the profits. "Then Peter said 'Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your hear that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold?" It wasn't that Ananias was forced by the church to give his profits to them, it was his choice as to what to do with the money. It was that he lied to God and to man about the profits. Through this Ananias and Saphira at two different times end up dropping dead because they lied to God. WOW talk about justice!!! In the study I am doing it asks how serious is it when Christians pretend to surrender all to God but deliberately hold back from him? This is the part that evoked fear in me. Do I hold back things from God and his people? Am I really that honest? This is no laughing matter to God, these people died because of their lack of honesty to God.

I know sharing your Coca Cola or your chocolate on the World Race is not quite the same as in this account of Ananias and Saphira but the principle is the same. Are you being honest to the Lord? Are you giving with a pure heart to others? Are you sharing the gifts the Lord has given to you? Not just of possessions but also of the gifts the Lord has given you physically. Are you willing to serve the Lord and your church with the gifts the Lord has put in you? I challenge you today to examine your heart. Are there things you are withholding from God? Are you surrendering all? Only God knows.

Log Rolling in Romania

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Check out my newest adventure on the World Race... Consider Supporting me financially to help me finish this leg of the World Race.

Be Still!!!

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Being a squad leader of a World Race is such a weird place to be. I find myself often putting pressure on myself to do certain things because I am supposed to be the "leader". For some reason I have in my brain what a leader is and isn't supposed to do. I also have a hard time understanding my purpose this year. Am I supposed to be the one leading people out into doing ministry or am I supposed to be there alongside them guiding them. I find myself not even desiring to serve the people of the countries I am in but ultimately desiring to serve the North Americans I am traveling with. Then as I start to think like that I condemn myself for being selfish, if I am here shouldn't I be throwing myself out into the community to serve? Aghhhhhhhhhhhh...... Too much thinking!

RELAX AND CHILL OUT are two of the things the Lord continues to tell me...

Most of my month has been spent traveling from place to place hanging out with the three different crews all over Nicaragua. I have had such a hard time calming myself down and relaxing with God, which is crazy because I have been in some of the most relaxing places in the world. I have spent time on the side of a mountain in a Swiss Family Robinson hut with incredible greenery all around.

I have also spent time on a beach listening and watching some incredibly powerful waves.

Both places that most people would save up vacation days to get to so they could relax for their whole stay and here I am having a hard time sitting still and enjoying the beauty around me.

I have realized that I seem to have this idea that is hard to break about what a "quiet time" with the Lord looks like. Things you need for a "quiet time" often consist of:
Your Bible
Journal
Pen
Ipod
Devotional or Christian book

WHO MADE THIS LIST UP????????

What is quiet about any of these things? All of these things typically require me to think and do something.

AM I SCARED TO SIT AND JUST BE STILL BEFORE THE LORD?

AM I AFRAID THAT GOD MIGHT ACTUALLY TALK TO ME, AND REQUIRE SOMETHING OF ME?

YES!!!

This morning during a time of musical worship with Teams Fuego and Abandon I felt a physical weight on my chest and felt like the Lord was telling me to ask if there was anyone in the room who has felt disconnected to God, who in their "quiet times" has felt distant to the Lord. I of course went through the inner struggle of whether or not to share but thankfully I did. After I asked who had felt disconnected two people answered that they had felt that way. It was cool because I could share with them that I too had been feeling the same way but the Lord had given me some cool wisdom.

I recently have heard people here come back from their times with the Lord and sharing that it was such an incredible experience and on and on and so I began to question the Lord. Why don't I find you in these really cool ways? Why are my times with you so uneventful? The Lord so kindly reminded me that He is everywhere, that He speaks to me all the time and I recognize his voice clearly and that I should just relax and enjoy his creation.

WHY AM I ALWAYS TRYING SO HARD TO FIND GOD WHEN HE IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME???

Be still my child and know that I am God!

I know being still shouldn't be scary but there is something about our culture that causes us to think negatively about being still.

I wasn't going to blog about this but for some reason the Lord has this blog for some one, I have no clue who you are and won't have any clue unless you share with me. My encouragement to you, whoever you are is to BE STILL before the Lord today. Find yourself a quiet place with just you and God, no pen, no paper, no music, nothing! Just sit and be still and see what happens. Leave your expectations behind of what the time should look like and allow the Lord to surprise you.

IF YOU ALLOW GOD TO MOVE HE WILL SHOW UP, YOU CAN BE CONFIDENT IN THAT!!!!

BLESSINGS TO YOU THIS DAY AS YOU EXPERIENCE THE PRESENCE OF GOD!

I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE IF YOU FEEL SO INCLINED TO SHARE!

The People You Meet

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It is so crazy to see who you meet up with around the world! You think you are going to be off in some foreign country not knowing anyone and then you end up meeting people from your home town or home state on the street. Ultimately I believe it proves the Lord's sovereignty, that He knows and has plans for everything. This week I have been staying at a place called Casa Mateo, it is a hotel that is used the majority of the time to house missionaries. During this time another Adventures In Missions team has been here as well on a short term mission trip. Most of them are from McKinney, Texas and the rest are adults from all over. Just in the past few days we have gotten to know some of the adults/people more our age. It has been such an incredible encouragement to have them around. They were genuinely interested in what we are doing and spent time asking us questions about the Race and our lives and that means so much to us. It was a pleasure meeting you Erin, Marilyn, Russel and Rudolf your hearts are huge and your love is so genuine! May the Lord bless you all as you unlock the Kingdom of God in wherever you go! BLESSINGS!

LOVE FROM YOUR BIGGEST WORLD RACE FANS!

PATRICE AND GRETCHEN

Guate Guate Guatemala!

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I had an incredible month in Guatemala. Nothing like what I expected but I learned so much. Coming back out for a second race at first wasn't too appealing. Sleeping in strange places, eating whatever is served, and starting over with a new group of people that I don't know didn't seem so fun as I arrived in Guatemala. Not that I didn't like the people I was with but I didn't know them and they really didn't know me.

The process of transition is rarely, if ever, easy but it is necessary. Michael Hindes, my second earthly father speaks often on transitions by using a metaphor about putting on a bigger coat. Stepping into something that you aren't necessarily big enough for or ready for but doing it because God will grow you into your new coat. i totally feel like I am putting on a much bigger coat with being a squad leader.

I led some last year on my race but this is so different. My leadership last year involved people that I was comfortable with. I knew so much about my last squad by the time I took over leading them, I knew their quirks, likes, dislikes, things to avoid, ways to confront and I especially knew how they liked to worship and enter the presence of God. We had been through months of life together and we had mutual respect.

This go round is so different. I am their leader solely because God and the leaders of AIM have named me and Gretchen their leaders. We still have to get to know each other and they still have to learn to trust and follow my leadership.

Many people view leaders as someone who is upfront barking all of the orders and making things happen. While I do feel like I bark a lot sometimes the Lord led me into a quiet mode of leadership this past month.

I spent the month with Team Fuego, led by Tiffany Berkowitz and Team Azariah, led by Kaleb Poth. I found myself in the background of everything as we travelled to and began ministry with Servant Ministries in Camotan, Guatemala. I found that my goal was for the leaders and the teams to be able to own their time in Camotan, so I stayed silent. I allowed the team leaders to communicate with our contact so much that half way through the month our contact was clueless as to who I was and what my purpose was for the teams, that was humbling! I often felt like a fly on the wall, looking in from the outside as the Lord began a significant transition in all 12 World Racers lives. At times I was the pesky fly buzzing in to point things out and bring confrontations to the surface. At times I was asked for wisdom in certain situations but other than that I tried my best to be in the background.

Our squad spent five days in Antigua, Guatemala doing a spontaneous debrief. We were scheduled to leave Guatemala for Nicaragua but in order to get there had to pass through Honduras. Honduras has been in a time of turmoil as their president was removed. The safety of the passing through Honduras was a big concern of ours so we decided to stay put in Guatemala for a while longer. Lucky for us as a squad we were able to spend time in Antigua with the October 2008 squad, Michael and Kathy Hindes, Dr. Gary, Matt Snyder (who was on my race last year) and Allison Johnston. We were able to worship together and learn together, it was so incredibly refreshing. I loved seeing the freedom that the October racers walk in, they are free in the Spirit of Christ and they have no problem dancing, singing and prophesying in worship.

Crazy to see how the Lord can work good out of the chaos of Honduras. Had there not been problems there we would have not had time with the October squad and the AIM staff. Thank you October squad for encouraging the June squad, your willingness to love on us and share your journey with us was refreshing and encouraging.

I am currently on a journey with Gretchen traveling all over Nicaragua visiting the three sites of our squad. Trying to figure out my place everyday and follow where the Lord is leading. Thank you for continuing to pray for me and this incredible squad. It is definitely a challenge to walk this out and the "coat" of being a squad leader seems too big at times but I know it is where the Lord has me for a purpose so I am trusting in his provisions. I love you all and really appreciate your support!

BLESSINGS FROM NICARAGUA!

The picture on the right is of Ana and Marcos, a couple who served us meals the whole month in Guatemala. They were definitely my ministry for the month. I loved getting to be with them, despite our language differences we were able to know each others hearts in a crazy cool way! Please pray that the Lord would bless them with children, they desire to be parents but they are trusting in the Lord's timing.

My Newest Journey

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many of you know but some still may not that I left May 31 to co-lead the June 2009 World Race. Having only been back since the end of November I wasn't sure when approached if I wanted to head back out so soon. But as I began to pray and seek answers I found that the Lord was birthing a new vision for his people in my heart.

My heart was hurting as I would see and hear of many people not choosing the fullness of Christ in their lives. Brokenness of families, friends and vows made to the Lord. In all of this hurt and pain I saw a cycle that will continue on unless something or someone takes hold. As I was processing all of this I realized that one of the many solutions to this problem was in a process I had just gone through, The World Race.

The World Race is really just a journey or a pilgrimage to the solution but it is a process to something life changing. During my race I watched and went through an incredible journey as my squad allowed the Lord to shape and mold us. Lives were transformed from believers to doers of the Gospel. As we went throughout our year we found that the Lord spoke directly to us and had great plans for our lives. Many of the things we learned throughout the journey we would not have learned in our home churches living the way we lived. Living with 26 other people and people from 11 different countries around the world challenged us in every aspect of our lives.

My prayer as I invest in the 33 lives of the June 2009 racers is that by them stepping out in faith this year their lives will be radically changed. I believe that the Lord desires for a generation to step out and proclaim the Gospel for it's own.

I believe that the World Race is playing a significant part in activating young believers to be a generation who IS the Gospel!

I am a missionary, maybe not your typical missionary but I am called to my generation. To ACTIVATE, LEAD AND EMPOWER my peers to their destinies.

Thank you for your prayers and support!!!

Happy Father's Day!!!!

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Dad

I love you because you first loved me!

I love you because you are silly!

I love you because you are serious!

I love you because you are passionate!

I love you because you always made time for me!

I love you because you modeled a full life for me!

I love you because you always allowed me to be ME!

I love you because you put me first even when life was hard!

I love you because you made a commitment to Christ for yourself and for our family!

I love you because you preach and LIVE the TRUTH, FREEDOM and GRACE of GOD!

I model a life after God my Father and you my Earthly Father!

Because of your commitment to the Lord I have laid my life down to unlock the Kingdom of God in people all over the world!

Because of your commitment as a husband I know why God loves the covenant of marriage and why Satan tries to destroy it so often!

Because of your commitment as a husband I have a renewed hope for all marriages and especially for the young men of my generation!

The steps that may have seemed small and often difficult in your journey have EMPOWERED Taryn and Me to be what the Lord is calling us to be!

Thank you for living a HOLY (set apart) life and for allowing the Lord to move in you!

You are an incredible Father to Taryn, Me and SO many others!!!

Happy Fathers Day Mark Stephen Deaton!!!!!!!

A Hoe Down for Missions

Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

YOU ARE INVITED TO A

HOE DOWN FOR WORLD MISSIONS

THIS FRIDAY MAY 15TH FROM 6:30-10:00PM

AT BULVERDE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

28300 HWY 281 NORTH SAN ANTONIO, TX 78260

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO MY DAD MADE FOR

THE OCCASION! IF YOU THINK I AM CRAZY

HERE'S WHERE I LEARNED IT ALL!

REVOLUTIONARY

Sun, 1 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This past week I've been able to spend with my grandparents down in south Texas. It's always interesting to spend time with people who are older and have already lived a majority of their lives. Even if you know someone you may never really know all of them, their pasts, desires, regrets and triumphs. I continually wonder what will my life be like when I am 80 or will I even live that long? I know I am not guaranteed another day on earth and I really don't know if I want to live that long.

I went to see the movie Revolutionary Road tonight. While I think it's a good movie I am not necessarily suggesting it to everyone, especially people who like feel good movies. The two main characters end up in a mundane life just like every one else they live around. At one point they devise a plan to get out and live out their dreams but they get caught up in what their friends and their culture said they should be doing. Their friends think of their plans as irrational and childish and after hearing the same responses from everyone the characters begin thinking the same way, and it leads to them giving up their dreams.

I wonder as I sit with my grandparents, other seasoned adults and well anyone, what are the dreams and revolutionary ideas that we have given up on because the world and our "rational" thinking friends think we should put away our childish ways and conform to the society we live in.

Maybe you are young like me feeling the pressure of your family and friends telling you that you should get a job with good health insurance. Maybe you've been working for a while and you're just doing it because well it's just what you do right? Or maybe you think so rationally that you can't quite wrap your brain around why you would want to give up everything in your life or just some things to follow your dreams and the passions the Lord has sparked in you. I think why not is the best question! Why not follow your dreams? Why not allow the Lord to lead you off of a cliff into the great unknown? There is the other alternative of continuing on with your life and leaving behind your dreams.

If you've never jumped off the cliff for the Lord you're really missing out! There's no greater place to live than in the center of the Lord's will.

Whether it's the World Race or something only God knows about don't think twice follow your heart and that small voice that's nudging you, you won't regret it!!!

Live without REGRETS today! Don't get to 80 and be saying "what if"? Get out there and see where you end up, you'll surely be surprised!

Human Trafficking

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This BLOG was written by my friend Matt Snyder. I hope you are enlightened and challenged through his words and the video.

Human Trafficking is an issue that I would say a significant number of World Racers are wrecked for during the course of the year. Not only has my heart broken for those enslaved, but so have the hearts on the squads going out before and after me. The people that are praying the dangerous prayers inevitably run into this issue, an issue that I struggled to call an issue'.

Human Trafficking has a name and a face - and there are an estimated 200 million of them scattered around the globe crying out for FREEDOM.

We want to answer their cries.

Oftentimes human trafficking is referred to as modern-day slavery... because it's just that. And out of the millions enslaved, roughly 80% are said to be used for sexual exploitation, either through forced prostitution or other means.

My friend pointed me to this six-minute video that explains in greater depth what Human Trafficking is and why it's a problem; causes range anywhere from globalization to organized crime to a high demand for sex (usually fueled through pornography).

I recommend you watch this video put out by Exodus Cry, although I'll warn you that he kind of gets pretty intense in the last minute (he's calling people to action and he's not afraid to raise his voice).

** I'll also say while I think Exodus Cry is a great ministry and they're doing amazing things by calling people to prayer, I don't think we can necessarily ONLY pray this probably out of society. We have to get our hands dirty, not just our knees**

Merry Christmas

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas to all of you, I hope you are having a wonderful day with your families. I am spending Christmas day at home with my parents, so we had a late breakfast and we're planning on our annual trip to see a movie later this afternoon.

To catch you up just a bit I have been back in Texas since the day after Thanksgiving. Immediately upon my arrival I had strep throat, so I spent at least a week battling that with some antibiotics. After a month of being home I am finally gaining energy and getting somewhat used to being in America. I am still unsure of what my next step will be but as soon as I hear from the Lord I will definitely be blogging about it.

Today I want to write a blog in honor of my World Race coaches, Michael and Kathy Hindes. Part of the World Race adventure involves debriefs. Debriefs are a time of reflection and spiritual renewal at the end of every month or two on the Race when our coaches or other AIM representatives come to meet the squad out on the field wherever we are. Our squad was the first to have two main coaches for our whole journey. It was so wonderful to have coaches who cared so much about all 27 of us individually.

Michael taught me so much about the gifts of the spirit, more specifically how the Lord has gifted me. He encouraged me so much in my leadership and the development of my gifts. It was so incredible to get to the end of a hard month of ministry and have both he and Kathy there to set me back on track, to remind me of who I am and give me a push in the right direction.

Kathy is such an incredible listener, she was always more than willing to spend time with any of us listening until we were done talking. When she would show up it was so nice to have her motherly wisdom around. Just the comfort of having a mom who's also a nurse was so comforting especially after being sick so much throughout the race.

Michael and Kathy literally have given up there lives to serve the Lord through the World Race. They are so passionate about igniting a generation to bring the kingdom of God to this dark world.

Thank you SO MUCH Michael and Kathy for all that you do! The Lord has used you to bless my life tremendously! I look forward to seeing how the Lord will put us back together in the near future. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Never Going Back

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I am officially a World Race Alumni, on the 21st of November I flew out of Bangkok, Thailand to Amman, Jordan by myself (now that's weird after travelling with 26 people all year). I am now touring around Jordan and Israel with my family until after Thanksgiving. I am still definitely in shock that my 11 months of the World Race is over. There have been moments where I have wondered if it was all a dream BUT I realize quickly that it wasn't and I really did get to travel all over the world for the sake of bringing the Kingdom of God to the nations of the world.

One of the greatest things I learned about this year was living in community and how vital it is to us as Christians. Yeah it can be rough living in community but the deeper we go with each other the more we are able to learn about who God is. The gifts that are in each person are so unique and important to the Kingdom of God. I always found it harder to live as a squad this year but I also found that as a squad we were able to all shine in our giftings. When we operated as a large squad we had so many gifts to work with, it was incredible.

If you have kept up with the World Race web page you might have seen some videos by my sister Kimberly Daniels. www.kimberlydaniels.theworldrace.org Kim is gifted in editing and story telling through the camera, and she does it really well. I am so thankful for her gifts,and I want to share an incredible video with you that she put together. It will show you a glimpse of all of my squad mates. I hope you enjoy a look back at what God has done in our lives this year.

I have lots of GOD DID stories and I hope to sit down with many of you soon to share the GREATNESS of the Lord.

Thanks for all of your prayers and suppot!

FAITH

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I keep looking down at my watch to look at the date and every time it validates the truth, I come back to America so soon. I land in San Antonio, Texas on
the 28th of November.

It's unbelievable to see what the Lord can do to and with a group of 27 people. I have no idea how many lives have been transformed this year through our trip but I know for sure that there are 27 people who left on January 5, 2008 that are transformed into warriors for the sake of the Gospel.

We have lived together in intense community for the past 11 months, sometimes sharing the smallest of tents and many times sharing more of our stuff and ourselves than we would have liked. I have no idea what it will be like to sleep in a room by myself and honestly the thought kind of makes me queasy. I have a love/hate relationship with community.

Everyday, good or bad, I had up to 26 people allowing me to see my reflection through their eyes. Somedays I hated how I looked in the reflection of my peers and others it was amazing to see how they saw me because it was only because of the Lord that I looked so good.

I have learned so much about who I AM, me in the natural and the supernatural. The intimacy I now have with the Lord is priceless, I never knew that the KING OF KINGS spoke to me directly. I mean seriously I can ask God a question and most of the time He will answer and sometimes He will even joke with me! AMAZING! God has broken out of so many of my silly boxes this year.

I can say that I HATE BOXES and "SHOULDs AND SHOULDN'Ts". I have always hated when someone would tell me I "SHOULD" do something. I got in trouble growing up because I hated "should's" so much and I didn't know how to handle them emotionally so I would explode on people and usually cuss a lot.

I KNOW THAT GOD DOES NOT OPERATE OUT OF SHOULDs AND SHOULDN'Ts!

He challenges us to walk in faith NO MATTER HOW GREAT THE COST or how incredibly it goes against the patterns of this world.

As much as I enjoy hearing the Lord's voice it is such a great responsibility. When the Lord tells me to step out in faith I must do so, I CANNOT DENY THE VOICE AND THE LEADINGS OF THE LORD! I do not want to be out of the center of the will of the Lord. I always want to live right in the center, in the sweet spot with the Lord, basking in His glory and plan no matter how absurd it may seem.

I am called to a life of faith. To following the Lord's voice, NO MATTER WHAT! I must trust, obey and follow as the Lord leads!

I am praying about life after the World Race, I would appreciate if you would pray with me.

Hong Kong Highlight Video

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Last month my team and Team Isaac (Gretchen, Robby and Eli) spent the month on Hong Kong Island. We lived and served at a Christian school, middle school through high school age. Our days were spent having conversations in English with the students. It was a great opportunity to speak with them about Christ, the majority of the students are not Christians, even though it is a Christian school. Our last week at the school Rachel and Nate were able to share the Gospel during lunch time to the students, 30 plus students came forward to accept the Lord that day. It was cool to see such a great response after all of the conversations we had had with the students. All of those students were put in touch with a leader of a youth group that meets at the school during the weekends. Please pray that they can understand their decision and that they will be able to be poured into by older believers.

Also during our time there we were able to attend a Passion Conference and worship with Louie Giglio, the David Crowder Band and Chris Tomlin, it was a great refreshment to have someone else pouring into us for a night. We had a great month together, take a look at this video and see for yourself.

Pictures of Thailand

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We have now transitioned into our last month on the race, I am sad to finish up but I am excited to see all of my friends in America and I am so grateful for the ways the Lord has blessed me this year.

I am still in need of financial support, I am around $2000 short of my overall goal.

I am praying for individuals who are still passionate about this trip to help me finish strong.

If you feel the Lord telling you to give please do so from my home page by clicking the Support Us link in the top left corner, if not please pray for the Lord to provide through others.

Thank you so much for all of your support along the way! We serve a RISEN KING!

This is an over look of my month in Thailand. We had an amazing time serving the bar girls in Pattaya city and seeing many of them come to know the Lord.

Thailand

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Pattaya, Thailand is a large coastal city in Thailand, which makes a majority of its money off of the prostitution industry. Prostitution in Thailand is ILLEGAL, but strongly overlooked by the officials. Walking Street is set along the coast lined on both sides for about a mile with bars. At nighttime the street is shut down to all vehicles, thus the name walking street. As you walk down the paved street overhead are many flashing bar signs, some provocative some not. As you pass by each bar young women and some young men (lady boys) stand beckoning you to enter their bar with yells like "hey sexy", it doesn't matter if you are a man or a woman they still yell for your business.

Lady boys are what you may call a transvestite, many of which have had the operation to change their sex. Thailand is known for having a high number of sex changes. The lady boys and the girls are all beautifully dressed in short skirts and dresses with their hair and make up all done up. The girls don't look like what I think of when I think of a prostitute, they all look very classy, in general Thai people are very beautiful people.

Many of the bars are traditional but there are also many bars with 20 bar tops and 15-20 girls at each bar top. Many men come from all over the world for a good time. The girls at the bars seem to have no cares about what men they talk to, they all want business. Females in the Thai culture tend to be the moneymakers. It is said that some families will even encourage their sons to become lady boys because they know that they will then go out and make money and send it back to their families. Many of the girls and boys in Pattaya are looking for a "husband" someone who will take care of them for years to come. The men are not necessarily expected to stay in Thailand but they come back for a visit often during the year and provide financially for the whole family.

We spent many nights on Walking Street in the bars talking to the women. Each time we were there we would try to share who we are and tell them about the Tamar Center. The Tamar Center is a YWAM ministry where women who are wanting to get out of the bars can do so. They attract women to the center by offering English classes in the afternoons three days a week. All of the women want to learn English because it will help them communicate with the men, no matter where the men are from they can speak enough English to communicate what it is they want. In the English classes they also teach them about Christ. Once a woman decides to leave the bars she is given opportunities to work in the card shop, where they make greeting cards. From there they are trained in the bakery or in the hair salon. It is an incredible ministry that offers the women a safe and productive way out of the bars.

Incredibly enough we were able to lead two young women, Ta and Kung, to the Lord at one of the bars. We had met them at English class and passed one of them on the street and she invited us back to her bar because her friend was sick. When we got there we were able to pray for healing but we were also able to lead them to the Lord, it was awesome. They didn't leave the bars with us that night as we had hoped but we are praying for them to be freed from this lifestyle.

We were also able to form a relationship with another young woman, Nat, who had previously been led to the Lord and through our friendship we were able to encourage her to leave the bars. She left the bars the week after we left and headed home to go back to school. We know that the Lord has been working in her because she had a dream that one of us had been wanting to hear from her so she emailed us, and sure enough Angie had been praying that the Lord would make it possible for us to hear how she was doing. Amazing!!!

I am sorry it has taken me so long to write about Thailand but it is a hard place to understand. As women we thought we would be totally wrecked going into the bars and seeing the effects of prostitution, which on some nights we were, but for the most part we found a place to pour out love. All we could really do was love the women and even the men. Love was all we had so we threw it around.

Please continue to pray for the whole country of Thailand. The women here need a way out and also pray for the foreigners who are coming in, they need so much love and grace. I know it will take the Lord to reshape this country but He is doing it daily in some small but very significant ways. If you are passionate about prayer please add this to your hearts cry.

Voting for President in Hong Kong!

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Taryn and Patrick this blog is dedicated to you!

Nate looks pretty confident in his vote for the next
President of the United States of America!

Jen is contemplating her decision...

I wanted to be Patriotic so I wore my American Flag shoes!
I do what I can to support America the Beautiful!

We had to read a lot of directions and ask many questions but we did it, we practiced our civil duties as Americans in Hong Kong!

Who do you think we voted for???

I hope this will inspire you to take time to vote next month, it really is easy so Rock the Vote!!!

Happy Birthday MOM!!!

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mom I love you so much! I hope you have a great birthday. Sorry I couldn't be there to celebrate it with you but don't worry I am celebrating for you in Hong Kong! I hope you enjoy the video we made for you. We lost a few pounds laughing at ourselves!

Thailand

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So my friends made this video of the ministry they are doing in Thailand. They did such a good job I wanted to share it with everyone. My team is actually in Pattaya, Thailand working with the Tamar center doing similar work. Enjoy the video!