Back Home Again

It was a weekend of reconnecting with friends from my childhood. We went as a family to the annual banquet at the high school where I grew up. Stayed over night at the house of one of the teachers, because he also goes to the church where I grew up.

We visited Sister Lakes Community church in the morning, and spoke to their missions committee in the afternoon. Sister Lakes Community church has steadily grown over the years, and it continues to serve as a place where people come seeking God's forgiveness.

It was a great weekend.

Devon Church, Chicago, Illihnois

Michael and I boarded a train for Chicago, and Marge and Maryellen took the weekend off. Michael and I had a pleasant trip on Friday. We met my sister Beverly at the union station which was as crowded and chaotic as always.

I had been asked to come and teach on running sound. The seminar I taught was called "Sound Principals: Ministry Through Technology". When we arrived at Devon Church I noticed their mural. It says, "We will not hide these truths from our children, but will tell the next generation the glorious deeds of the Lord."

That's a powerful, life changing promise.

It was the first time I had conducted a Sound Principals seminar, but the people that came had lots of questions, and it was an excellent time of learning and discussion.

The premise of the seminar is that in the body of Christ we all impact the group. We either add value to each others lives or generate waste. It's the "value chain" principal of manufacturing. To a degree it certainly rings true in our lives as believers.

It also is true for the components in the audio chain from the microphone to the mixer to the front-of-house speakers. At each point in the audio chain we can add value to the sound or create something that hinders the listener (waste).

I was thrilled at how well the presentation was received. It was also the first time that my son Michael has served as my "tech" on the road. I gave him the outline and he put together the PowerPoint presentation. I like that, because I'm really not good at creative presentations. I'm better at the design side, but never can get it to translate onto the screen. Michael made a great team mate.

We stayed over night and enjoyed leading worship with the worship team at Devon the following day. It was another chance to play bass guitar. In the train station going home, having a bass guitar strapped over my shoulder was a conversation starter.

Adam

Quiet in the Midst of the Busy

I'm busily working away at my desk. It's nearly lunch time, so I thought I was stop to leave a note hear in the blog.

All around me is the combined noise of busy, productive employees and the animated banter of a Friday in the office. Work is fairly busy for me now, so I put on my headphones and listened to a group from Cedarville College called Heartsong.

They were singing a familiar hymn:

I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene
And I wonder how He could love me a sinner condemned unclean
How marvelous, how wonderful, and my song shall ever be
How marvelous, Oh, how wonderful is my saviors love for me

He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them His very own
He bore the burden to Calvary and suffered and died alone
How marvelous, how wonderful, and my song shall ever be
How marvelous, Oh, how wonderful is my saviors love for me

When with the ransomed in glory, His face I at last shall see
Twill my joy through the ages to sing of His love for me
How marvelous, how wonderful, and my song shall ever be
How marvelous, Oh, how wonderful is my saviors love for me

It sent shivers down my spine as I worked while my soul worshiped the Lord. Suddenly I realised that I was in this little island of quiet and worship in the midst of the happy clamor of my coworkers.

It is quite profound. God's fearsomely beautiful holiness somehow comes closer into view, and it's all I can do, but to find a quiet corner somewhere and weep over Jesus sacrifice on the cross, and God's kind provision of life.

It's quite real yet quite invisible to those around me.

Adam

Frequently Asked Questions

1. PRAYER SUPPORT
2. FINANCIAL SUPPORT
3. PRE-FIELD PREPARATIONS
4. ONCE WE ARE IN THE CZECH

1. PRAYER SUPPORT


2. FINANCIAL GIFTS & SUPPORT

Q: Where do one-time gifts go?
A: One-time or "special" gifts are counted in our Outfit and Passage account. Prior to leaving for the field, we will need to have $45,000 in that account. Outfit and Passage is a one time fund that pays for travel expenses, shipping household items, purchasing a vehicle, outfitting our home, language study, etc. Because all electrical in the Czech (and much of Europe) is 220v none of our home appliances will work. Also, apartments and homes do not usually come with any cupboards, cabinets or light fixtures. We will have to purchase those furnishings and all our appliances.

Q: If I want to be a monthly financial supporter is there a special number or code I should put on the check?
A: Yes, two things:
1) Include our missionary identification number on your check or money order. It is 013408.
2) If you plan to send a monthly amount also note "monthly support" on your check or money order. ABWE will automatically count your donation as a one time gift until you let them know you are a monthly supporter or you've sent the same donation three months in a row.

Q: Where do I send financial donations?
A: Send check or money order to:
ATTN: Parmenter Support #013408
ABWE, P.O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8585


3. PRE-FIELD PREPARATION


4. WHEN WE ARE IN THE CZECH

Q: How long will you stay?
A: We are committing to a life long career with ABWE. We will initially stay in the Czech for one full term which equals four years. At the end of the first term we return to the states for about one year to visit our family & supporters, make needed arrangements for our children's education, attend training, etc. Then we go back for our second term and the cycle starts over again.

October Update

SHARING THE CROWN OF LIFE

Parmenters and the Mission to the Czech Republic

OCTOBER UPDATE

I'm about two weeks behind for this month's newsletter, but here it is.

WHAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED

I've heard ministers encourage us not to take our freedom of worship for granted. Can you imagine living in Central & Eastern Europe under communism just about 16 years ago? Christians were considered uneducated or unenlightened. They were monitored, restricted, and arrested. Click on this link to see the testimony of a young lady, Gabriela Henson, who grew up in a Christian family and came to Christ as a child, while living under the communist regime in Romania. She is interviewed on the show "Giving an Answer."

CZECH NEWS

Is Russia returning to it's imperialist ways? Some in Prague are concerned. Click here to learn more.

GIVING THANKS

Because of a special donation and generous monthly support, I'll be ordering a video projector today. We are thankful and humbled by how God is providing through the generosity of people.

Also, we are giving thanks for an anonymous gift of gasoline gift cards. We were given two $25 BP gift cards. This past weekend we traveled to central Illinois for Marge's parents 60th wedding anniversary. It was an absolutely critical trip, that we were hard pressed to afford. It was also something that isn't strictly missions related so we didn't feel like we could share it as a support need. Even so, God provided through the generosity of other believers and family. What a joy to celebrate with family, and to visit Marge's parents. Marge and I only have 44 years to go to reach our 60th anniversery. Marge also had numerous opportunities to connect with friends and family and share our vision for the Czech Republic.

PLEASE PRAY

• Safety in upcoming travel to Indiana (River of Life Church) and Chicago (Devon Church).
• We need to put our house up for sale early next year. Selling our house will let us focus more time and energy on our pre-field efforts.
• As always please pray that each day our focus will be on Christ and that we would each have a desire to know and please Him.

ADVANCEMENT IN THE CZECH

The Bible study in Ceske Krumlov continues with about 7 attendees. None of those in attendance are Christians. Please pray that those seven will attend regularly and that the Bible study will grow.

Also in Ceske Krumlov, English-as-a-Foreign-Language class will be starting back up. Pray that they will continue to make and build relationships through these classes.

The Baptist Theological Seminary in Pelrimov has launched is very first semester with 7 students. In the meantime, remodeling work on the seminary building is still underway. The building contains both the classrooms and the living quarters. One of the students is doubling as the construction manager, overseeing volunteers. Please pray that the work will continue safely and efficiently.

Ron and Brenda Barnes are making preparations to return to the states for a visit and some speaking engagements. Pray for their safety as well as an enjoyable and productive trip.

PRE-FIELD PREPARATIONS

We are continuing to emphasize home and personal visits. This is an enjoyable way to build relationships and to share our vision for ministry in the Czech Republic.

In the next several weeks we will be visiting in a number of homes with church sponsored small groups and simply with families and friends. October 27th we will be presenting and I'll be preaching at The River of Life church in Warsaw, IN. A more detailed schedule is included at the end of this newsletter.

• Prayer Support

Romans 15:30
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me."

We are building a prayer squad at Bethel, and looking to start prayer squads at other churches, and with individuals as well. We have about 13 people so far who have met with us to commit to praying for us daily or weekly. We welcome anyone who would like to be part of our committed prayer support.

We understand that many people are praying for us perhaps when they get our newsletter and whenever God brings us to mind. You are very much appreciated.

However, if you feel called to make praying for the Parmenters in missions your personal ministry, and you would be willing to pray for us one or more times per week, please get in touch with us. We will want to add you to our prayer squad. You will receive a weekly prayer update, special notices as things come up, and as our pre-field work progresses we may even set up a call tree to use in the event of an emergency. We also try to personally visit with all of our prayer squad members.

Financial Support

Currently we are at $100 (or 1.51%) of our required $6,638.33 monthly support. You might be thinking "Hey, it should be more than that, because I'm sending in $?.??." We've received over $1000 in special one-time gifts in the last month (which we will use for the projector). Until you send the same gift three months in a row or designate your gift as monthly support it will be counted as a one-time gift.

FAQ: Where do one-time gifts go? One-time or "special" gifts are counted in our Outfit and Passage account. Prior to leaving for the field, we will need to have $45,000 in that account. Outfit and Passage is a one time fund that pays for travel expenses, shipping household items, purchasing a vehicle, outfitting our home, language study, etc. Because all electrical in the Czech (and much of Europe) is 220v none of our home appliances will work. Also, apartments and homes do not usually come with any cupboards, cabinets or light fixtures. We will have to purchase those furnishings and all our appliances.

At this point, we are using both our monthly support and Outfit and Passage to pay for the start up expenses of pre-field.

FAQ: If I want to be a monthly financial supporter is there a special number or code I should put on the check? Yes, two things:

1. Include our missionary identification number on your check or money order. It is 013408.
2. If you plan to send a monthly amount also note "monthly support" on your check or money order. ABWE will automatically count your donation as a one time gift until you let them know you are a monthly supporter or you've sent the same donation three months in a row.

Send checks to:

ATTN: Parmenter Support #013408

ABWE, P.O. Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8585

• Other special needs?

We are beginning to think about putting our house up for sale. If you know anybody in the Kalamazoo area who may be looking for a starter home, please have them contact us.

Also, another big expense is gas and meals while traveling. Gas cards (BP & Speedway are good) and restaurant gift cards are very useful. Phone cards are nice, but we will typically use our cell phone.

Thanks for taking the time to read and pray for us.

Welcome to Dearborn Heights

We are spending part of the weekend with childhood friend of mine from the Detroit, MI area. The car trip is only a little over two hours long, but when we got off of I-94 we made a wrong turn.

O.K., I should tell the whole story. When I printed out the mapquest map, I didn't enter in my friends entire address, just the city, state, and zip. So, here we are driving by the gigantic Rouge River Road Ford plant. It's mostly rust, and the towns around it are fairly run down.

We got ourselves headed in the right direction, but it took about 20 min. to find the right street address.

Right now I'm sitting in my buddies living room. It's the end of the evening, and they are laughing at me, because I'm able to type while I'm talking with them and not looking at the keyboard.

Gregg and Jennifer and I met when we were in our early teens while at Bible camp each summer. Our relationship was via US Post all year until we got together at camp. It was the highlight of our summers. Then during high school and college we would travel to visit each other throughout the year. They look the same to me, but I know we've all aged considerable since our early years.

I gave my standard Parmenter Missions presentation. It was about the goofiest the presentation has ever been. I've known these guys for so long, that it was difficult to keep it serious the whole time.

It's been a busy week of presenting in homes, but I enjoy it much more then presenting to large groups. With a home presentation I'm able to connect with people and answer questions. I'm also getting to know people in a new way.

Tomorrow Michael and I sing at Greg's home church, Covenant Community. We're looking forward to it.

How Beautiful

How Beautiful. It's the song I sang at my parents church this weekend.

I'm sorry to say I just enjoyed the whole weekend and kept forgetting to pull out my camera to snap pictures. Friday night we got a visit from a long time friend of mine Ron Hoffman. Ron came from Chicago to Kalamazoo to visit his parents, but he also wanted to get a fuller understanding of what we were doing.

We spent considerable time going over Why the Czech, Why us, What we'll be doing when we get there, and What steps we'll have to take to get there. It was heart warming when Ron asked to be on the Prayer Squad. The Prayer Squad is something that I want to set up in any church that shows an interest in supporting us. I also now that individuals from non-supporting churches may also share the same commitment.

An individual in the "Squad" commits to receiving a prayer update each week, and taking time at least once each week to pray for us. A member of the "Squad" considers this prayer support his or her ministry, and is part of our team. While my family and I will be the only part of the team physically going into the Czech the whole prayer and financial support team enters into ministry and shares in both the burden and the joy of that ministry.

Saturday, we spent the day at my parents house. Some friends joined us and I had the opportunity to share our extended presentation with them. Today I sang at my parents church and spoke briefly with their pastor. Doing this is a lot of work, but it energises me. I grow more and more eager to get to the field, but I'm most eager to be serving and encouraging others in this Pre-Field process.

Adam

Lack of Power?

I had made arrangements to meet Pastor Doug Cuthbert for breakfast in Sister Lakes. Pastor Cuthbert was my youth pastor when I was growing up at Sister Lakes Community Church (SLCC). Later he and his wife were in other ministries and eventually were asked to take the position of senior pastor at SLCC.

He and I had made arrangements to meet Saturday morning for breakfast at the Corner Cafe at 9am, and then we would both go on to the funeral of Bob (Grampa) Doorn, who had died earlier that week.

I was accidentally 30 min. early to our 9am breakfast engagement at Corner Cafe, so I sat drinking coffee reading and thinking thoughts. About 10 min. 'til 9 all the power went out. The cook finished what she had cooking on the grill with the waitress holding a flash light.

Pastor Doug came in at about 9am with one of the church leaders not far behind. They had to figure out a way to have a funeral dinner with no electricity. Pastor Doug and I chatted for about an hour. As we were leaving he said hello other patrons at the diner. Several were volunteer fire fighters. Before we had left the room, they had made arrangements to help with generators so that the funeral dinner would take place.

I really appreciated the sensitivity and community spirit in evidence in the small town. I know that it really touched the heart of the bereaved, and it spoke to me about people helping each other in need, even when it isn't in your job description.

Adam

Family Fun

It was a weekend of reunion with family, and sharing with our loved ones where we believe God is leading us.

Friday night we enjoyed my nephew Anothy's wedding to Yasuko. It was their big night, but we still got lots of questions about missions from our family. We enjoyed the evening and it was fun to share how God is leading us.

Then Saturday morning we traveled down to central Illinois for the annual Blunier family reunion. It's always something different. One year the zoo, one year a boat ride, one year a camp out. This year we all met at the Midwest Food bank, and helped organize and box up food for about four hours.

Like the Parmenter's the Blunier's like to work hard, and they did. Afterward we enjoyed a meal together, played a few games, and then various family members that had been on missions trips shared their slides. Marge and I had the opportunity to present our call to serve in the Czech Republic.

It's a treasure to being a family that honors God.

Devon Church

Marge, the children, and I spent the weekend in Evanston, IL visiting my sister Beverly, her husband John, and their daughter Mercedes. We helped lead worship at their home church Devon Church in Chicago, and Michael and I sang solos.

I was a privilege to be part of their worship service. One line from Pastor Carlini's message stuck with me. He said, "There is no such thing as personal sin. One a person sins it always has an impact on the community (i.e. family, and church) around him."

It's so true. Sin damages our relationship with God, and when I sin it has an impact on my biological family and my church family. How important it is to live lives of repentance and to be transparent in our dealings.

Adam

Pre-Field Beginning

It's amazing the mass of details to attend to while we are getting our self ready to raise support and be prepared for the field. Part of the effort is to take the information and materials from Candidate Seminar and start to sift back through them.

I haven't started that yet. What I have been doing is starting to write some letters and work on a presentation that I'll be giving to our home church's missions committee. I'll then give a similar presentation to our whole church.

We are also starting to meeting in homes with various friends and family to share what God has called us to do. I have a lap top, but don't yet have a projector, so I'm going to do what ABWE calls "down-teching", and bringing handouts.

In the meantime, we will be making arrangements with a photographer for a family photo so that we can get our prayer card made, and start pulling together an informational package that will be sent to churches. It's a fair amount of work, but it's actually enjoyable. It's important that we present our selves well, and that we present ourselves clearly. Doing all of this work of presenting helps us clarify the what and why of our missionary call.

I firmly believe that when God calls some one to do something, that He provides what is needed to do the work. In our case then, I can only assume that he has prepared churches and individuals who will feel called to support us through prayer and monthly financial giving. It's not our job to convince people to give, but our job is to mobilize the ones God has called.

A big effort, but an enjoyable one.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 13

Day 13 has been filled with more excellent training. My brain is over full, and fortunately we get little breaks here and there. Russ Ebersol was the host for this evenings 80th anniversry dinner. Russ has been actively serving in ABWE for 54 years.

I'm amazed and encouraged that all of the veteran missionaries that I meet love what they do. There has to be some one that has gotten disgusted with ABWE and left, that can happen in even the best organization. Yet, all those who have received their award for 35 years or more of service say they feel honored to have been able to serve and wish they could do it all over again. Then there's Russ Ebersol, who is passionate about his work even after 54 years.

Dr. Kempton gave the banquet message. Dr. Kempton was president of ABWE for 36 years prior to the current president who has been in the post for 6 years. Having spent time in corporations and business, I'm stunned at how smoothly the leadership transition seems to have taken place, and who close the current and former president seem to be.

The pastor at my church, Dana Arledge, said that when we all come before Jesus Christ we have unity. I've seen that lived out during this week. A bunch of people, all unique from the other, having the deepest bond. It's Jesus that unites and binds us together in love.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 12

Well, this today marks the end of my ABWE bass playing career. Such as it is. During the first week of Candidate Seminar the request was put out that they were looking for a bass player for the next week, did any one play bass. I said that I serve as a fill-in bass player or drummer at church.

So, off I went. I've never played that many songs. One song in the morning meeting, and then four in the PM session. We never repeated any either. I was in a little over my head.

In the picture, I'm standing, but after the first night I set up a little bass cubby hole, where I could sit safely in the background and keep my eyes on the charts or if I got completely lost, just stop playing.

Tomorrow night is the ABWE 80th Anniversary dinner, and then Friday is the Candidate Recognition service, so tonight was the last night for me to play bass. It was a lot of work, but it was a great opportunity. It made me want to own my own bass so I could practice and build some confidence.

Tonight the speaker was from Brazil. It's amazing to find out that the churches in Brazil have sent missionaries into Cuba and have a thriving work there. I feel like I'm way out of my league.

Each night they have been recognizing ABWE missionaries that have served for 20 25 or 30 years, and then a special award is given to those who have served for 35 or more. Some of these people sailed over on ships. One of the men that was getting his award for serving 30 years said that he never felt like a real missionary, and he was thankful that they let hang around for so many years. All of them expressed a joy and appreciation for having had opportunity to serve as missionaries through ABWE.

In the corporate world the veterans often are the ones who are more jaded or who have become embittered due to disappointments and changes. The veterans here are energizing and exciting. The couple tonight that was getting their 35 year award was in Togo and then somewhere in East Africa, then in Ghana West Africa. Three different languages. All because the mission needed their experience and skill as new fields of service were opening up or their help was needed. They are currently on furlough and are excited to be returning and have plans for when they get back.

What other job is there where the people are still excited about what they do after so many years. I know that there has to be people that don't like ABWE, and there are missionaries that are tired, lonely and depressed. Each one of the veterans that got up to receive an award could likely testify to hours of frustration and hardship, yet what energises them is when people come to put their trust in Jesus Christ and their lives are filled with hope and a new purpose. That must make even the hardest times worth while.

I'm sure I'll find out one way or another. I'm just sort of humbled to be in such company, and hope that it will be me up there in 30 getting to encourage the younger ones.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 11

We continue each day with training on how to effectively communicate the teachings of the Bible. It has me energized, to approach some of my acquaintences and see if they would like to more about the Christian faith.

One of the speakers was from Ukrain. The Ukrain is in the CEEMed region where we will be serving. CEEMed stands for Center/Easter Europe and the Mediteranian. Pastor Pyotr and Tamara Rodoslavov from the Ukrain where on hand, and Pastor Pyotr spoke.

Amazingly, just 20 years ago in the Ukrain, many Christian churches were still meeting secretly in the woods and pastors had been placed in jail. Both Pastor Pyotr and his brother served prison terms for being Christians, and Pyotr's church was bulldozed down twice by the government.

Then laws were passed to provide freedom of religion. This presented unprecidented opportunity and challenge. It was about that time that an ABWE missionary, Michael Loftis (now president of ABWE), came to meet with Pastor Pyotr and others, offering to work with them in partnership. ABWe brought in fresh ideas and a process for planting more churches and tell many others about the hope of Jesus Christ. They were thrilled and agreed.

It takes time for a mission agency to mobilize a team of missionaries, but Pyotr and the other Chrisitans were to excited about the Lord Jesus Christ to wait for them. They took what they had learned from ABWE and started using it. Many many people were hungry for the hope that Jesus offers, and there were many that put their trust in Jesus. When the first ABWE missionaries arrived the work was already underway, and new churches were being started before enough pastors could be trained.

ABWE has helped this group with church planting and with training new pastors. What an exciting work. Such a thrill to see the truth of Jesus going forward all over the world.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 10

Slept in a little today. Packed and oops.... I had used a cable lock to secure my laptop to the hotel desk. All week I had kept track of the key. Some days I even took my laptop with me to sessions. I didn't use my laptop much on Sunday, and also later realised I couldn't find the keys to the cable lock.

I thought, "Certainly it will turn up." We unpacked/repacked everything and dug through every inch of the car......no joy. So, I went to the front desk and borrowed a big pair of pliers, using them to cut my way through the cable. When we get home I'll have to get a locksmith to open the lock that is still locked onto the side of my computer.

We made our way toward Messiah College for the Missionary Enrichment Conference. The are sessions in the morning and evening in which pastors from countries all over the world are speaking about how God has blessed their congregations through the worked of ABWE. This is ABWE's 80th anniversary year. It's more than patting ourselves on the back. It's renewing (for some) and igniting for others an understanding of how the good news about Jesus Christ is being preached all over the world. ABWE missionaries have had the privilege to start churches in numerous countries. Now, in those same countries indigenous Christians are taking up the work of spreading the message and sending out missionaries. In other areas, like Central adn Eastern Europe, ABWE is working to support existing churches to grow and multiply. Also during Missionary Enrichment, the new appointees take part in Candidate Seminar II.

So, anyway, we got to Messiah college, registered, and found our dorm. It's everything that you would expect from a underclassman dorm. Brick walls, little beds, bathroom is down the hall. Marge and I are roommates, but we have to sleep in separate beds because we just wouldn't fit together in the little single beds. It's actually kinda fun.

Our room is right by the loading doc so Marge opened our window and had me hand all of our luggage through. It's weird to feel like I'm in college again, but it's also fun. Our Candidate Seminar workshop today was on Evangelism and Discipleship. It was challenging and informative.

Since this is Missionary Enrichment, there are active missionaries here that are on furlough, retired missionaries, and others. So in the evening we are all together and we heard from a pastor from Hong Kong and then a pastor from the Philippines.

I was asked last Saturday to fill in for the individual who originally was supposed to play bass guitar with the worship team. It was fun and quite challenging. It's been a good day, and right now marge is trying to sleep while I sit here typing.

Good night.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 9

Today was a half day for us. We sang worship songs together and one of the ABWE staff encouraged us with a message from the Bible.

We had two training sessions: Missionary Family and Finding Your Niche.

Missionary Family.
There were some important encouragements from Ron Washer about protecting and nurturing your family at all times. ABWE leaders have stressed over and over how critical healthy marriages and families are to the mission. It's realy true for all believers: Our families are our first priority.

One caution they provided is that in the business of pre-field children can begin to feel marginalized. The encouraged us to purposefuly set aside a time for family to have fun together every week. We should guard it, and treet it as a critical committment. We've already set aside a night for Marge to have a break each week. Marge and I already make a point of spending special time with each of our children, but a set aside family fun night would be cool.

Finding Your Niche, was about the unique and important role of women in both the Bible accounts as well as in missions. The session also described how families can serve as an encouragement to single missionaries.

After lunch, Marge and I went for a short hike in a local state forest, and then had dinner at a steak restaurant. Later that night I practiced with the worship team that will be playing at Missionary Enrichment Conference.

Then it was about 9pm, and Marge and I still felt like doing something else for fun, but didn't want to go out anywhere. So we rented a DVD and watched it on the laptop. That was fun. We both needed to unwind.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 8

Today the main session was on dynamic Bible teaching techniques. We also had other training sessions.

The sessionp on teaching techniques was excellent. The Bible is deap and rich, and I'm guilty of making it boring or relating it in a way that is not relevant to the listeners.

The "suprcultural" truth of scripture needs to be communicated in a way that is apropriate to the culture of the listener. The truth doesn't change, but the methods of delivering it do.

Any message, no matter how life changing, can be communicated in a way that is boring or even incomprehensable. It was challenging to learn techniques to communicate the life saving message of the Bible.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 7

So, this was the big day. This was the day we gave our testimony before the ABWE board of directors. Then they had the opportunity to ask a few questions. We were nervous and excited before hand.

We didn't have much doubt that we would be appointed, but this was the final step. The board of directors are a great group of men and women. They love the Lord and they love missions. They also take their role very seriously.

So, we did our thing, and then waited in the hall for about 10 min. while they discussed and took their vote. We happy to say that they approved us, appointing us to the Czech Republic.

Marge and I took another nap that evening and then went to do laundry. There was a sense of elation and joy that quietly stole over me. I feel that I am right where god wants me.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 6

The bulk of this day was the DiSC assessment and discussion. DiSC assesses each persons personality type and the ways in which a personality type interprets and reacts to others. It also points to each personality type's expectations, what energises and stresses.

It was very acurate and informative. Frankly, I can see that a lot of conflict is based on different personality types misunderstanding each other.

The results of the assessment will help the other member of the team understand who we are.

The afternoon sessions were led by Brad Winkler. He is our point of contact for our Pre-Field ministry. He spoke on strategies and building a pre-field team.

We were done by 7:20 that night and that gave us an opportunity to get ourselves organized for our Friday board interviews and get a few extra hours of sleap.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 5 - Afternoon

There were several more informative training sessions, and then Marge and I raced back to the hotel to grab a 45 nap. It was a beautiful thing.
At 4pm, we met with their educational team. We've been assigned a number of Bible courses that we will need to take during pre-field.

I'm looking forward to it.

In the evening we had dinner with the other people who are planning on serving in Central and Eastern Europe. It was a fun evening. These are enjoyable people with a fun sense of humor.

As I was sitting at dinner, it struck me that I really like this bunch of people. I think this is really going to happen. It made me a little nervous. Can this really be happening? Are Marge and I really stepping out in faith?

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 5 - Morning

This is becomming a test of endurance. I haven't had a chance to get much exercise, and each day's sessions are about 10 to 11 hours. An hour for lunch and an hour for dinner are included, and there are little five and ten min. breaks too. During the time when interviews are taking place, we've had 30 min or an hour of open time also.

For example, today we have a two hour block of open time. Marge and I are planning on taking a nap.

The days are getting long though, and I'm really stiff from all of the sitting. I found a storage room during the last break to try and do a little stretching, and i stood during the last 30 min.

I you are praying for us, please pray that God will help me deal with the pain and stiffness that i get when I spend this much time sitting.

First, there was more discussion on "personal sanctification". Basically, identifying specific areas in your life that don't measure up to what the Bible describes, and making a committment to improve. It really is important that I continuously seek to improve how I live. It's my desire to please God more and more, because I love Him. The more I strive to please Him, the more I enjoy my relationship with Him, and the effort involved in serving God.

Then at 8:30 we started the financial policy and practice class. They covered some of this at a high level yesterday, but today we get more detail. It's very important, because ABWE (and Marge and me) are dedicated to the highest level of integrity in handling finances. ABWE is very strict, and I apreciate it.

So this class is a little tedious, but highly important.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 4 - Interviews & evening program

Marge and I where interviewed by the consulting MD and their consulting Phd level psychologist and his wife. They were both probing and insightful.

We had time off to just hang around, but we visited the media department with questions about software, and such.

In the evening we heard presentations on more areas of the world in which ABWE is at work. It was powerful to see. Many people in nations all over the world are discovering hope in Jesus Christ.

Candidate Seminar - Day 4 - Brad Winkler

Brad winkler is the ABWE Director of Prefield Ministries

Prefield Ministry is a time of study, preparation and raising support. Raising support isn't just about getting churches to committ finances, but it is also a time to visit churches and encourage them.

Prefield also includes online Bible study courses, Langauge Aquisition training, and other training programs.

Most importantly, there is the aspect of gathering together Christians who are willing to pray.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 4 - Spence Jackson

Spence Jackson spoke on The Missionary and Financial Management.

Everyone hates to talk about money, but money is required to go to the field and serve, and money is needed for resources to do the work of the mission. Jesus said a lot about money.

Spence did a great job, providing an over on managing money in a Biblical and responsible way.

Candidate Seminar - Day 4 - Bill Piearson

Bill Pierson is the vice president of ABWE. He has been with the mission for 39 years. So many of these guys have been here for many years. Some missionaries quit after a short time, but I get the impression that the mission works so hard at caring for their people, that people tend to stay.

Mr. Pierson gave an introduction to missionary finances. He made an emphasis on being transparant and fully disclosing our financial dealings with those who support us. He also made it clear that he wants us to understand the financial dealings/policies of the mission and can agree with them.

He went on to describe how our finances and support would be structured. It was very helpful.

Candidate Seminar - Day 4 - Early Morning

Our morning devotional was by Po Wong Yeung. He was born in China in a family that worshiped idols and ancestors. At the age of four his family moved to Hong Kong. As a young teen he met a missionary from ABWE by the name of Bill Commons. He said that it wasn't the knowledge of the missionaries or the truth of the Bible that atracted him to Jesus, but the humility and love of the missionaries.

He became a follower of Jesus Christ, and went on to become an ABWE missionary, planting churches in Hong Kong, and later among Chineese communities in Canada.

Then the first class was by Dr. David Smith. He talked to us about developing a Personal Ongoing Sanctification Project. His Bible text was from the Old Testament Bible book of Ezra. It says that Ezra set his heart to Study the Word of God, apply it to his life, and teach it to others. Dr. Smith pointed out that "setting your heart" on something speaks of the following
*A deliberate conscious choice
*It implies forthought, planning, and preparation
*Set or fix suggests the idea of diligence or whole-hearted devotion to something, involving you emotions and will.

He noted that we must be purposeful about studying and applying the Bible, if we hope to authentically teach it to others.

Each of us where given a challenge to study and apply the Bible to our daily lives. Simple day-to-day application could be in our driving habits, attitudes, money, escapes/comforts, and pleasures, food, and computer use, etc.

Other areas include broken or strained relationships. That cut me to the quick. I know that there are people that may be upset with me. They are upset with me due to something that I did which I believe was the right and moral thing to do. However 12:14 says, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. . .” So the right thing for me to do is also to make every effort to restore peace to those relationships.

I'm sure that I could also improve my parenting.

We have today to brainstorm some areas of application and then he is going to explain a practical method for following through with changes in our lives.

Candidate Seminar - Day 3

Today the first speaker was Ken Nichols. He spoke on A.L.I.V.E. or Always Living In View of Eternity. The essential thought is that what we do in this life has eternal consequences (either good or bad) and we should make our decisions based on that.

A saying he kept repeating is this:
*God's WORD (the Bible) influences my perspectives
*Perspective influences response
*Response influences outcome 100% of the time

If we are students of the Bible, knowing it, internalizing it, living by it, then our perspective will be from God's view point. We will still encounter troubles and pain, but our response will be more healthy and strong, because we are trusting in God.

Later, ABWE's former president spoke on Ethics. He came down hard. In his opinion, the #1 most common sin among Christians is lying. He said that, "the temptation to lie comes when the truth seems too expensive". We were encouraged to always be truthful regardless of the cost.

In the afternoon we were interviewed by
*The Regional Administrator for Central/Eastern Europe & Mediteranian
*The consultant who will help us with our children's education while on the field
*The director of Finance
*The director of Pre-Field ministry

Everyone of them sincerely assured us that they are here to help us in any way they can. They want to help us during pre-field work and once we are on the field of service. They really mean it. I think most, if not all, of them are also supported by churches. Even the president of ABWE is a missionary whose income is provided by the gifts of churches and individuals.

When they say ABWE is a team, they really mean it.

After dinner we saw presentations on the work that is being done in Central/Eastern Europ, Mexico/Central America, and USA. Yes, ABWE sends missionaries to the USA too.

It was so very moving to hear how God is at work in these areas. I'll have to write more about that later. Right now it's time to leave the hotel and start day 4.

These are 10 hour days, but they are full of rich times.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 2

A full and heart moving day. We started at 7:30 this morning and finished up about 9pm.

This morning started out with singing in worship to God. The worship speaker spoke on God's strength to accomplish God's work even in the face of our weekness. It really caught my attention, because I'm sitting in a room with other candidates who seem far more qualified. It's good to remember that God will equip Marge and I to do the work that he has for us.

Dr. Loftis spoke on the vision and values of ABWE. In the typical corporate business environment that would be where I would mentally check out, but at ABWE their vision and values truely drive all that they do. I'm so impressed with the passion and dedication of the men and women who serve in the leadership.

After lunch we spent time learning about ABWE's Education programs and there media department. After dinner we were given presentations on the work being done in Africa, Spanish speaking South America, and Portugease speaking South America. It's exciting to see so many are comming to receive the hope of Jesus Christ.

Tomorow we have some interviews with various people. I really don't feel ready, but I think that God will provide.

Adam

Candidate Seminar - Day 1

Well.....

Something that I ate at Bob Evan's didn't agree with my stomach. So consequently this morning I was feeling a bit under. We soldiered on as they say, but I took a pass on breakfast.

The morning started with some general housekeeping items, and a welcome, and then we launched into testimonies. Marge and I were first on the list, and we got through within the six min. time limit. It is so important to learn how to be brief and to the point.

There are all ages from a couple in their 60s to those in the mid 20s. Over and over there was a theme of coming to a point of surrender to whatever God wanted them to do which was followed by peace and direction. Many spoke of God "touching their lives" or of God's "hand" on their lives. I sat and wondered how I would explain such talk to my friends and acquaintances who are believers. Listening past the words what I heard was people having a vital, on-going, life changing interaction with the true and living God. It is at once intimate, awe inspiring, nurturing and humbling.

Many also spoke of being nervous about how things would turn out, but also trusting God to provide for what was needed. One of the speakers read this verse from the Bible, "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." The "He" is God, and He is indeed faithful.

Dr. Kempton, the former ABWE president, got up to pray for us and comitt us to God. Before he prayed he said, "I rejoice in how God has invaded your lives." That got my attention, because invasion typically has a negative conotation, but in this case it was to redirect us. I wasn't thinking missions when we got the desire to pursue it. It's the best thing we have ever done, and I believe that it is God's prompting that brought us here.

It's remarkable how ordinary everyone in the room is. No especially remarkable people. I'm nobody special. We've just said yes to the call, and trust God to equip us for the work at hand.

Before lunch we took a tour. After lunch the current ABWE president, Dr. Loftis, spoke on what the Bible teaches on missions. There were some presentations on how the mission agency is organized, and then the Administrator for Western Europe presented the work ABWE is doing there. He gave special emphasis on the challenge of reaching a Post-Modern society.

After dinner, the director of missionary care spoke on the importance of moral purity.

Then it was 8:30 and time to go get some sleap. I went for a quick bike ride,even though it was getting dark. I didn't last long in the growing dusk, especially since I was getting pelted with all kinds of bugs. Nice hills though, and I'm hoping that I can get a ride in tomorow AM.

Later,

Adam

Candidate Seminar - 3,2,1,LAUNCH!

This really started shortly after we returned from our survey trip. Marge started making the various arrangements for the children, I arranged a person to watch the house, etc. The July 4th, we finished all of our packing, then watched the fire works. The next day (5-July) I rode my bike to work, and Marge packed the car, put our mail on hold, and ran other errands.

She came by the office at 3pm with the bike rack on the car and the children literally buried in the back seat with pillows and things we needed to take with us. The children thought it was fun. I loaded my bicycle on the car and we drove the hour to my sister and brother in law's house in LaGrange, IN.

Later we drove the 20 min. from their to my parents house where we spent the night. It was encouraging to sit and talk with mom and dad, and finally when it got to be about 11pm we realised that we had to call it a night.

This morning after spending breakfast (8:30am) with my parents we struck off on I-80 to the Ohio Turnpike. We only stopped once briefly for gas and a beverage, planning on holding out until we crossed into the Pennsylvania border before we ate lunch. For those of you that are internet junkies, all of the Ohio Turnpike Service areas have WIFI. We didn't stop long enough, otherwise I would have posted a blog entry then.

Once across the PA border we got off the PA Turnpike at Beaver Falls, and stopped for lunch about three miles off the turnpike at Matty Goff's Cafe. It will a little spot with a basic menu of steak and eggs, burgers, sandwiches, Lo Mein, and even Lumpia (delicious Philipino food). It was affordable and friendly and sure beats McDonalds.

We arrived at the hotel in Harrisburg at 7:45 pm. We are a little beat, but are getting unpacked before we go out to grab a late dinner. Tomorow things start in ernest. We are both a little nervous and excited. God is kind to allow us to pursue this path in our lives.

Adam

Now What Are We Doing?

Our next step is to attend two conferences, which are fortunately back to back.

1. Candidate Seminar is the final "gate" through which we must pass before being appointed as ABWE missionaries to the Czech Republic.
2. Missionary Enrichment. It is a training and enrichment seminar for newly appointed and also experienced missionaries. We will be attending sessions on how to have a successful Pre-Field ministry and also how to stay emotionally and spiritually healthy while everything is going on.

We leave Friday morning and in the mean time are getting the kids ready to go and making all the arrangements that we made just a couple of weeks ago. It feels crazy to pack up and leave all over again, but this is the last big step before we enter pre-field.

You wouldn't believe all of the little things that need to get done. One thing is that I don't own a suite coat any more. It's just one of those things that we left out of our budget. It isn't required for church any more, and I don't need it for work, so I didn't buy one. So, Wednesday, Marge and I went suit coat shopping. We bought a black blazer, which was way nicer than any of my threadbare pants, so we purchased pants as well.

Thursday, a friend of mine offered to take me shopping for a laptop. The practicle side of me still wonders why I can't go into missions without owning a laptop and a projector. That said, they are considered required tools. Those to expenditures alone can hold a missionary couple back from starting their support raising.

Well, praise God, I have the laptop. I'm sure God will supply whatever else we need.

Then we lined up some one to watch the house, who will be taking care of the children, put a stop on the mail. It's all coming together. Marge is doing much of the preparation, but once we get in the car, I do the driving and she relaxes, reads or we just chat.

We're nervous and excited.

Adam

České Budějovice Web Cam

I miss the place already.

It helps a little to have a view of it on my computer screen as I work.

http://www.c-budejovice.cz/CZ/99/WebCam.htm?detail=4

Clink on the link above and you can get an updated shot of the main square in downtown České Budějovice. Notice at the bottom of the web cam picture are a series of readings. The only one I understand is Teplota. That means temperature. Right now it is about 26.3 Celcius which is about 79.3 degreas Farenheit.

Adam

Memories of Our Survey Trip

Survey Trip Wrap-Up

Sunday night, I was a little tense. Ron asked us to sit down with him to "debrief" the week. I knew that this would be the point at which he would either invite us to join his team or suggest that we continue our search elsewhere.

Long story short, Ron invited us to join the ABWE Czech Republic team, and we said that we would be honored. I tried to play it cool, but I smiled despite myself. The next morning we struck off on the train to Prague, then to the airport, and then the long flight home.

Tuesday we unpacked, organized, did laundry, and got our kids back.

Today is Wednesday and I'm crashing a little emotionally. We are already starting the process of preparations for Candidate Seminar, and friends form church are starting to gear up to help us make our way to the "field", but it could be two years between now and when we see the Czech Republic again. That's going to be a long time, but well worth the wait.

Adam

Day 6 through ????

O.K.

I started off well, but sort of fell off on the blogging.

Thursday we spent the day being tourists. We spent the day wandering around the old town part of České Budějovice. We climbed the Black Tower and realised how out of shape we are, but where rewarded with a gorgeous view of the city and surounding countryside.

Later that day Pastor Ron, took us to Ceske Krumlov for a quick tour and some more window shopping. It's all quite beautiful, and in both towns every little winding cobble stone street is crammed with little shops and cafe's in each nook and cranny. We poked our head in a few places, but mostly enjoyed walking and soaking in the atmosphere.

Friday Ron Barnes took us by train to Prauge. Jen Thigpen, the children's teacher, came along as well so that she could learn how to get there on her own. Because of the length of the train ride, we had to walk through fairly quickly, but it was quit remarkable. Prague this time a year is just a crush of tourists, and as interesting as it was, Marge and I enjoyed the quiet charm of Krumlov and Budějovice better.

Saturday, we spent the morning relaxing, and I read up on České Budějovice, then in the late morning we had Mrs. Barnes drop us off near the church and we walked through the more residential apartment area. We walked through block after block of apartment buildings and with the help of a map made our way to the central square about three hours later. We also wandered through the big grocerie/discount store. It was much like the states, accept in Czech. All the prices were in Crowns. At 20 Crowns to the American dollar prices look a little unusual to my American eyes. We wanted a balanced picture of the city, and our walking tour helped.

To reward ourselves, before the Barnes picked us up, we popped into a restaurant and ordered lunch. Our waitress spoke little english, but we communicated using a mix of English, Czech, and German words. What's crazy is that every so often I through in one of the few Spanish words that I know.

Today, Sunday, we enjoyed services at the Baptist church in České Budějovice. Right now the church looks to have about 50 people, many of them are young and some are fairly new believers. I had the opportunity to speak with Vladja Donat, the president of the Baptist Union of the Czech Republic. He has a deap passion for the people of Southern Bohemia, and is eager for more missionaries to come to help in establishing a growing church.

I believe that I am growing to love these people and this city already. I've started thinking of it as "my city" (whatever that means). Tonight after the children are in bed Pastor Ron will "debrief" with Marge and I, then in the morning we take the train to Prague for the ride home.

See ya soon.

Day 5

Hi,

Adam here. Marge spent the morning relaxing and letting it all soak in. I ran some errands with Pastor Ron, and it gave us time to talk at greater length. I also got to see more grocery stores, and České Budějovice's one shopping mall. It's funny that yesterday we had lunch at a Spanish restaurant that wasn't quite what I would expect from a Spanish restaurant, and then today Pastor Ron and I ate lunch at a Chinese restaurant. It's funny how familiar much of this country feels. It feels like the right place to be.

The countryside reminds me of parts of Michigan and parts of the Smokey Mountains. The weather is similar, but about 10 degrees cooler than Michigan. At least Kalamazoo has been getting 90 degree weather, and here in České Budějovice it's more like 70s and 80s.

There is far less noise of cars and so many places to hike. It has a calming beauty, that belies the prevalent spiritual needs in this country.

In the evening we had dinner with Peter and Lidia, a couple from church, at their condominium in České Budějovice. Peter speaks and can translate English very well, so we were able to talk to his wife via translator. Their love for the Lord is evident, and they have a heart to see the church here grow.

I am starting to care very much for these people.

Adam

Day 4: More Czech

This is Marge tonight. Adam is tired, so I get to fill you in. We have had a very full day. I sat in on language learning again this morning. It is really good for me to see what it takes to learn a language. They have been here since September and are on Chapter 7 of the first book. It is a very challenging lesson and a challenging teacher. She is a Masters student at the university here. She does not help them and asks conversational questions, so it is not rote memory. I still see language acquisition as the biggest challenge for me, and am overwhelmed with what it takes. The Barnes already know Hungarian, and are working very hard to learn the Czech language.

However, though I feel overwhelmed here, I also feel a great sense of calm and am thankful for all your prayers. A principle from BSF keeps coming to mind. God's sovereignty is for my good and for His glory. It is not a threat to me because He loves me. So, wherever God leads us, it is for these reasons and I have nothing to fear.

I went daily shopping today. This morning, I went to the grocery store with Brenda. Items are familiar, yet not. I cannot read the labels, although I think I found soy yogurt and different flavors of soy milk, so there is hope for my family. Brenda is too concerned about feeding Adam. I keep telling her to relax, but I also know what it is like to be a hostess, so I just showed her some things that I would buy. I am getting used to using crowns, but my head hurts from trying to think through the prices in my head (20 crowns to a dollar). We also went shopping to a store like Wal-mart and a furniture store. We are pricing things to see what we would want to bring with or just buy here. Prices are similar to the states for us. We were looking at used cars before we got to the furniture store called Rollers. Ron was pointing out some cars and then we walked into this store, so I assumed he was taking us into a car dealer. I was thinking, I don't want to try to talk to a car dealer in Czech, when I realized it was a furniture store. That felt dumb until I realized Adam thought the same thing.

Then we went to see the church and hear more about church body life. Adam and I sat and talked to Ron for an hour or so at church about ministry, his mission and strategies and desires and where we might fit in. One of my questions was where do "green" missionaries fit into a very new work in a new country. He emphasized the variety of people needed on the field and the importance of lay ministry being developed in the church. It felt better to me as I am feeling quite new to all of this and am around seasoned church workers. I have so much respect for the Barnes family. They are very kind and loving, very honest, and very strategic about what they do here.

By the time we arrived home, I was exhausted. I had shopped for food, where we might live, what we would need in a new home, and what we would do in ministry. Too much. I will let it settle tonight and hope to have more time tomorrow to pray and think.

Two things have come to mind for us while we are here. God is the crown that we work towards that does not perish, like the crowns they use here for material goods. Also, I read in the Psalms this morning about Christ as our rock, our protector and our strength. All the buildings here are solid, 16th century or concrete buildings. They don't move. In the same way, our Father God is immutable. He is my rock. What a great illustration to the Czech people of who we can count on in our lives.

Love to all and thank you for your prayers,

Marge

Day 3 - "After Midnight"

AFTER MIDNIGHT

It is a little after midnight on what is officially the second day of our survey trip. I had been asleep for nearly three hours when i was awakened by a dream about missions. It was nothing prophetic by any means, instead it was me discussing what my mission and vision statement might be. I have fairly dull dreams as you can see.

So, I'm sitting up and writing for a bit, before I go back to sleep, even though back in Michigan it's about 6:30 in the evening.

MORNING ON DAY 3

I didn't roll out of bed until about 8:30 this morning, and then squeezed in a quick walk a little ways into Boršov where the Barnes live.

At 10am Marge and I sat in on the language study session. It sounds hard, but I would love to learn this language. This is the Barnes second language as they started mission work in Hungary. I've always heard that after you learn a second language the third is easier, but I don't think that is always true. It's still challenging, hard work as you have to learn not only to say words, but hear them. You have to train your ears to hear correctly.

Marge and I have a growing respect for the Barnes family. They served in Hungary for five years, before coming to the Czech Republic at the request of Vlada Donat Sr. Their were some big sacrifices for Pastor Ron, his wife, and their three children as well. They struggle with learning another language as one would expect, and I assume they have other adjustments, but they see the great need for the message of Jesus Christ. I think it helps them take the difficulties in stride.

Vlada Donat is the president of the Baptist Union, Czech Republic. He invited Ron to come to Southern Bohemia and support the establishing of new churches so that the hope that comes from Jesus Christ can be spread in an area largely bereft of Christian churches.

Later I wandered I wandered farther into Boršov where the Barnes live, and enjoyed its simple beauty.

EVENING DAY 3

In the evening we went to a cafe in Ceske Krumlov to watch some friends play in a jazz band. The sax player is Vlada Donat he recently graduated from seminary and is working to open up the Baptist Seminary to train new pastors. There are currently 36 Baptist churches in the Czech Republic and only 30 pastors. Some of those 30 pastors are nearing retirement, so the need is clear. Pastor Ron is mentoring Vlada and helping him plan for the school.

We also got to meet Milan Pis. He is working on planting a new church in Ceske Krumlov. Tonight's concert was partly an opportunity for Vlada to get together with some old buddies from the states, but it also served as an opportunity for Milan to get to know the community better. It was a great evening, and a fun opportunity to get to know the missionary team and the nationals better.

Well, we just called the kids, and now I need to get some rest. Tomorrow will be a more structured day, and a little busier.

Adam

Day 2 - On the Plane

MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
Our flight to Amsterdam, delayed one hour due to a thunder storm, is fairly comfortable. It's about 7am local (1am Michigan) with ear plugs, sun glasses and a dose of unisom I was able to get some shallow sleep. It's fairly cramped quarters here in the coach section, and the noise of the aircraft seems thunderous to my sound sensitive ears.

That said, it's been a delight to travel with my wife Marge. It's all just a little romantic. The purpose of our trip isn't for a romantic vacation. We our hoping to discover if the Czech is where God wants us to serve. It's a bit jarring to have lost the six hours flying over the ocean. Fortunately it happened while I was asleep, but it still seems a bit unreal.

IN AMSTERDAM
To me the Amerstam airport seemed like the drunken Yellow Brick Road full of confused Dorthies. It just sort of meanders and curves, and many people seemed onsure of where to go. People around us seemed to be walking in slow eratic lines, while we were trying to walk quickly to our gate on time. We found our gate just fine. I carry ankle weights, and wear them when I fly. They help me feel grounded and and my legs don't cramp up as easily. We had to go through a second security check, and I pulled out the ankle weights separately so that they could see them. This time I sailed through security.

The Czech Airlines flight was uneventful. It was only about an hour, but I was ready to get off the plane before we got on. Once in Prague, we sailed through baggage pickup. At immigration we presented our pass ports, they were stamped without the agent even saying a word to us, then in customs, we poked our heads in and looked over at the customs agents and they waived us through without even looking up.

Of course in my over active imagination, I pictured all sorts of trouble.

Pastor Barnes was waiting for us, and after loading our luggage we drove out of Prague on a major interstate. The four laner quickly gave way to two lanes, hills and lots of curves.

I'll post up some pictures soon.

Adam

Ready, Set, Wait

Well,

Marge and I are sitting in the Detroit airport watching a delightful thunderstorm. The airport is closed due to lightning. It's pouring like mad, so we might be delayed for a bit.

Our plane is an Airbus A330. I think it holds around 430 people. It's not as big as a 747. Cruising speed (in mph) is about 580, at about 35,000 feet.

Let me back track to this morning. This morning, just before it was time for the Arledge's to show up to take us to the Detroit airport, there was a knock on our door. Instead of Pastor Dana, it was a couple from our church, the Keisers. The Tom and Pat Taylor showed up. We chatted a bit, laughed a lot, and then prayed with us for our safety, and that God would give us clear direction.

It was deeply moving, and it felt nurturing. I've always said that the people of Bethel Baptist church are my family, and today some of our family stepped forward to make certain we felt loved and cared for.

The drive to the airport was uneventful. No traffic jams or other delays, and we've had a relaxing time. This is my first international trip as an adult, so we weren't entirely sure what to do.

You get your boarding pass using a computer kiosk, and part of that involves passing your passport through a reader to verify your identity. The security line was fairly empty, and I helped talk Marge through what she would need to do. I carry ankle weights when I travel. Wearing them when I'm seated helps me feel more comfortable and grounded.

Unfortunately they were flagged initially because they registered as an unusual extra five pounds on one side of my carry on. The security person went through all of my carry-on, used a special chemical scanner and then passed them through the X-Ray again with the ankle weights out separately. My ankle weights are spandex and Velcro bands with sand in a few spots and four little metal bars in these little pockets on the ankle weights. The security personnel looked at them, scratched them a little, and then eventually let me repack my bag and then be on my way.

I was very low key and on the outside quite calm and unimpressed, but on the inside, I was a little freaked out. I've never been searched by security. They do a great job, and I'm not surprised that they took a second look at the weights. On the way home, I'll take them out right away and send them through the scanner by themselves.

We were thrilled to run in to a dear friend of ours, Donna Brown and her sister inside the terminal. They are flying Northwest to Frankfurt to visit an old friend of their mothers. It was encouraging and relaxing to be able to talk together and pass the time.

Their gate room was only a five min. walk from ours. I also ran into five people from the Pfizer plant where I work. They are waiting on the same flight Marge and I are. They are staying in Amsterdam to examin and test some pharmaceutial manufacturing equipment.

So, who will we see next? Hard telling? Gotta go. I think it's almost time to board the plane, and my 15 min. of rented computer time is up.

Adam