Endure and Enjoy

Today we are participating in the fifth day of a five day missions conference at Aetna Calvary in White Cloud, Michigan. It's a test of endurance to be on the road for that long living in someone else's house. I always look forward to sleeping in my own bed. I suppose it would be out of the question to simply move into one of those RVs and drive it from place to place.

Last night one of the people at the missions conference asked me if I get tired of making the same presentation night after night. Does it get old presenting each night at a missions conference? I thought about it, and frankly I enjoy each night. I don't ever get tired of telling people about our burden for the Czech Republic, encouraging them with a Bible lesson, and singing or teaching. This missions conference is hosting three different mission families. Instead of feature a different family on each night, each family presents their missions in a small group called a "huddle". Each night I presented the same presentation, and the groups rotated each night. The first night (Saturday) was a potluck where we told our faith stories (testimonies) and tonight is a rap up night were we've been asked to discuss our financial needs and our next steps. One of the families is currently supported by the church and the other two (us and the Walkers) are seeking support.

It has been great to spend this much time with the people from a church. We begun to get a feel for the "personality" of Aetna Calvary and its people, and I hope they've gotten a sense for what the Parmenters are all about. This is really the best way, because we want to develop relationships with churches, especially if they decide to support us financially.

So, while we'll be happy to sleep in our own beds, we've enjoyed each day with the folks at Aetna Calvary in White Cloud, Michigan.

Adam

Our Missions Journey Jan/Feb 2009

SHARING THE CROWN OF LIFE

Parmenters and the Mission to the Czech Republic

JUST THE BEGINNING

We started our pre-field ministry in July 2007. Driving back from ABWE headquarters in Harrisburg, PA, just appointed as missionaries to the Czech, we could practically hear the jet engines taking us to Europe. Yet, like everyone else, we started with nothing. No printed materials to hand out, no PowerPoint slides, and no display. We’re learning to articulate our mission and God’s desire for the Czech people.

July 2007 marked the beginning of one of the most formative “training” periods of our lives. The whole family has learned to speak in front of groups, enjoyed opportunities to start Bible studies with new believers, and began reading the Bible in a way that makes it come alive! These are skills that we will use over and over in the Czech.

In 2008 we shared at 12 different churches with the same message each time, and the message never gets old. In 2009 we look forward to every opportunity to share the message about the Czech, and encourage our listeners. We would love to visit with your church or in your home and share our message. Contact us at 269-762-2202 or parmenters@abwe.cc

Parmenters Welcome Newest Supporting Church, Pomona Bible.

Several members of Pomona Bible (Copemish, MI) have been faithfully praying for us, so we were excited to hear that they, the church, would be adding us as missionaries for financial support as well. Copemish, Michigan is a forest filled area of lakes that is beautiful in all seasons. It was a treat just to drive up there. The folks at Pomona were enjoyable as well. Not only were they friendly, but they were curious and eager to hear about our mission. That made meeting them fun, and we're looking forward to returning to visit with them again.

ONLINE

If you haven't been to www.sharethecrown.com in a while, give it a look. We've updated, the home page to include a video window and blog. The video and blog are updated several times a month.

MARCH IN NEBRASKA

In March, Adam & Michael will spend a week in Omaha, NE area, home of our first supporting church, Heartland Baptist. The men will present in services at churches and Christian schools, as well as meet with pastors and other individuals who want to learn about their mission to the Czech. They currently have an opening on Sunday 15-March for a church meeting and are open to meeting with individuals on Tuesday and Wednesday. To schedule a time call 269-762-2202.

Meanwhile Back on Bank Street:

Marge is hard at work on “Grasping God’s Word”, one of four courses that all ABWE pre-fielders take as part of their training. Along the way she leads a ladies Bible study, and is home schooling Michael. Marge has also prepared several women’s Sunday school sessions that she is looking forward to presenting at churches in the future.

Recently unemployed, Adam is phoning churches to discover those interested in our mission while also studying Grasping God’s Word. With a background as a writer/presenter/trainer, Adam’s also looking for temporary work. On Wednesdays, Adam leads a Bethel community group called Zeteo.

Michael is learning about acid based reactions in chemistry, kinetic energy in physical science, reading Count of Monte Cristo in world lit, and has a new trumpet solo ready for churches. He is helping lead a Bible study with a friend his age.

Maryellen is busy practicing flute for two school band festivals and for a piano recital. At school she is learning about volcanoes and is meeting the challenge of advanced math. When she has free time she is knitting, sewing, beading, drawing or making a homemade rag doll.

PLEASE PRAY that we will be able to develop a full schedule of meetings. Fatigue is always an issue. Pray that we will stay healthy and well rested

WHERE WILL BE SERVING NEXT

Sunday 15-Feb-09

9:30 am Fox River Baptist, Appleton, WI 920-734-6162

Sunday 1-Mar-09

10 am Crossroads, Scottville, MI 231-757-2857

Wednesday 4-Mar-09

8 am Heritage Christian Academy, Kalamazoo, MI

Saturday 7-Mar-09 through Wednesday 11-Mar-09

Aetna Calvary, White Cloud, MI 49349 Phone: 231-689-0611

Wednesday 18-Mar-09

8:35am Cornerstone Christian School, Bellevue, NE

7pm Cornerstone Bible, Crete, NE 402-826-2691

Friday 20-Mar-09

9am Omaha Christian Academy, Omaha, NE

Sunday 22-mar-09

9:30am Calvary Church, Wahoo, NE 402-443-4745

6pm Heartland Baptist, Bellevue, NE 402-291-4588

For the complete 2009/2010 calendar www.sharethecrown.com

PRAYER SUPPORT

Currently there are 20 people registered on our Prayer Watch that are actively praying for us. Our goal is to assemble a team of 100 individuals who are committed to praying for us each week. Those on the Prayer Watch team receive a weekly e-mail. If you would like to join the team please give Adam a call at 269-762-2202.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

If you would like to help with our monthly financial support, send checks to:

ATTN: Parmenter Support #013408

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

Remember to mark it as monthly support if you plan to give each month.

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

Kind regards,

Adam, Marge & the Kids

1512 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Cell (269) 762-2202

Home (269) 373-5402

e-mail: parmenters@abwe.cc

Parmenter Missions - Saying Goodbye to mom

Is it really only the middle of January? Is it possible that only four months to the day after my father passed away (16-Sep) that my mother also passed into eternity (16-Jan). In less than one year a father-in-law, father, and mother. I can feel myself unraveling like a ball of yarn.

I thank God that all three are Christians and even now are in the physical presence of our Lord Jesus Christ enjoying themselves. I have no clue what heaven will be like, but I am convinced that the same God who created the vast universe, kissing, and the ingredients that become chocolate bars has put just as much creative genius into our eternal home.

However, I am sitting in my parents earthly home in LaGrange, IN. It's almost like a shrine to their memory. I spent an hour wandering around by myself looking at pictures, trinkets, and the stuff that they left lying around as they went about the business of living. I kept hoping they might be around a corner sitting quietly or call out to me from another room, but I know they are not.

They can never come to me again. There will come a day when I will physically die and go into the eternal presence of Jesus Christ. On that day I will be reunited with my mother, father, and other believers who have proceeded me in death. In that day we will rejoice, and talk, and laugh....

It's the separation between us and the waiting that swells the aching in my heart.

So, everything in life comes to a halt. Time seems to stretch and slow and flow around me as so many others go about their daily lives, but for me and my family nothing else matters. Remembering, laughing, weeping, and honoring are our only purpose right now. I wish that I could visit each of you and tell you how my mother overcame adversity in childhood and spent her life raising a family of eight. How she helped others, and saved lives, as a nurse. I could spend more time telling you about her Christian faith, passionate disposition, and gentle spirit. For now it is enough to say that I owe her my Christian faith for it is she who led me to Christ. What can I say to honor her more.

Somehow next week we will get back into the business of educating our children, earning an income, raising support for the mission field, preaching the Word, and teaching others.

In all this, we continue to trust God's goodness and timing.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Adam on behalf of Marge and the kids.

The Crud

Yesterday, I spent the day in the attic updating wiring. If you own a home you understand that there are certain things that you just put off. For me the attic wiring was one of them. disconnect it, cap it, and walk away.

But, it will add to the atractiveness of the home if there is a light switch at the entrance and a working electrical outlet.

Last night as I was awakened with the Thanksgiving crud. It came to me via my mom from a toddler cousin. Tired. Intense heart burn. Lasts about a day and a half. No slinging lines in the attic today.

Even so, the for sale sign went up on the front lawn yesterday.

Feels realy weird.

Adam

15 Years of Clutter

Fifteen years ago, Marge and I moved to our house on 1512 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI. What a wretched beat up hulk this place was. Me as the erstwhile home improvement guy learned quickly that I would have to teach myself to do all sorts of things I had never done before. I also quickly discovered that it was going to be no quick nor easy task to fix this place up. It's been a money pit, but we've done some great things.

Our children have spent their entire lives here so far. They love this house. It is their home, and full of memories.

We tried to reach out to neighbors and friends, and show hospitality here. Several times our attic or basement became an extra room while a friend or two got "back on their feet." It was a place of family and to treat friends like family. This was a place to mentor kids and adults.

Sojourn practiced here, and lots of dreaming, planning, and learning music happened here.

Throughout all the years, we've worked to keep uncluttered, and to keep the house.

In less than a week our house goes on the market, and will sell sooner or later. While I'm hoping it sells quickly, it is the end of an era for our family. So, as we clean up what clutter we have, and repair the little things we had been putting off, it's a little tough, because it reminds me that this is the end of our time here.

As much as I hate all the work this place takes. It will be hard to say goodbye to 15 years of family and ministry, and the familiar Bank Street.

Adam

From Cicero to Peoria

At 1pm on Wed I drove to Cicero, Illinois and presented at 58th Avenue Baptist Church. 58th is an old neighborhood church nestled in the midst of Chicago brick houses and apartment buildings. Thirty years ago it was a Czech neighborhood, and pastor Karrow to me to eat down the street at one of the remaining Czech restaurants. No surprise that dinner included gravy and dumplings. It was a great turn-out for a Wednesday night and the people were friendly and enthusiastic.

By 9:30 that evening I was back on the road and home with my family by 1:30 the next morning. It took lots of coffee, but I did fine. I don't bounce back from late night drives quite like I used to, but by Friday I was clicking on all cylinders.

Friday morning I took Marge and Maryellen to school from which they were going on a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. From there they took the Amtrack to visit early with Marge's family. It's also an opportunity for Maryellen to take a trip on a train. She's never been on Amtrack before. Michael and I are driving down today. We'll all be staying with Marge's sister, and presenting in the morning and evening serivces at Calvary Baptist Bible Church, Peoria. Sunday night we will do yet another late night drive to get back to Michigan. At least that's the plan.

After that it looks like we will be off the road for a week or two. That will get us time to finally put our house on the market. December first should be the day it goes up for sale.

Adam

My Trip To Pageland was Providential

My Trip To Pageland was Providential

O.K. goofy play on words. Providence Baptist Church is in Pageland South Carolina.





























It's beautiful here in the land of pages. The landscape is like michigan with lots of open spaces and gently rolling low hills. Some of the leaves have changed color, but other than an overnight chill the daytime temps are in the high 60s and even low70s.

The folks at Providence Baptist are friendly and the worship service was rich and enjoyable. I enjoyed teaching in morning Sunday school and tonight I have the evening service. After church Scott and Angie took me to The Smoke House. I'm told it's world famous. At least the sign says so.





























It was crowded and the food was plentiful. Southern cooking is good.

Adam