Christmas is for seeing old friends again!

What a great time I had, spending quality time with family and getting to also visit with out of town friends and now their babies! Look at that! Four babies! I am on the right, with my brother and sister-in-law and niece. The rest are all reall y good friends, some that I hardly see but every other holiday, every year. It amazes me how quickly life changes. In fact, the smiley guy center, seeminly missing a wife, is a new dad! So actually these families represent 5 babies!
As to what is happening with me right now, I am looking for new ministry opportunities. I am going to be spending next week with some staff of NexGen of Wycliffe Bible Translators. I do not have a final idea of what this will lead to, but I will certainly keep you posted! (literally!)
Right now my youth group kids are back from their EFCA District conference and they are really pumped! They desire to know the Bible better, and they see value in studying the scriptures. Pray that this desire continues and that we the staff, capitalize on it!
We are again advertising a Lebanon Medical Mission. If you know of anyone who is a medical professional, who would like to serve in missions, the trip is scheduled March 18- April 1. Also we have a Prayer Walk mission in Enlgand for March 2-11. Call me if you would like more info! 715-309-2224!
Thanks for checking in! Next week there will be pictures from Orlando, where my meeting is with Wycliffe!

Mixing it up in Menomonie

Yah, it's a bit fuzzy, famously, this is how my indoor pic's turn out. But, this is me with some of the other tour guides at the 1856 historical Wilson Place Mansion. For Christmas, we dress up in somewhat period costumes and lead tours all week and longer on the weekends. I've had such a good time leading these tours. I have had a chance to get to know Menomonie history a bit better (did you know that our own Capt.Wilson owned the largest fleet of steamships in America at his time? and the Wilson and Stout money came from the largest Lumber Co. in the Midwest!). Yes, and Senator Stout (the second generation to live at Wilson Place) build Menomonie into a bustling, active social center, not only by building beautiful by-ways and buildings, but also founding the first Manual Training school in the US- Stout Manual Training School, which is today the U of W Stout). There is lots more to tell, but suffice it to say, I think this is a 'trip'!
In the midst of this experience I've had a chance to get to know some members of the Menomonie community, and have even had a chance to share my testimony!
As for ministry life, I'll be leaving my youth group for the next 3 weeks, and that is actually part relief and mostly sad. There is so much to make me worry, and so much I want them to know! The number of divided families is amazing! I think of the 20+ that come every week, 3 of them have their original parents! But those three are the children of the other youth leaders! Last night, one of my more troubled girls, told me that her father had died, just like that... hardly any emotion, hardly any noticeable reaction besides a desire for attention in regards to the news. Now, this "sperm donor" was no real dad, and yet, so very sad. Is it not? When does Jesus return????
We had the Chief of Police for Boyceville speak, and he shared his stories and ended with the gospel!! :-) the Chief of Police!! such a great guy and so well liked by the kids. He invited me to a prayer meeting that member of the community hold every Friday 6am. They pray for the kids, for the families etc, and they actually meet at the police station! So, although it's so "stinkin" early, who could pass up a chance to effect these kids lives, by praying in unison!? He also told me that Wisconsin has the highest rate of alcohol and "other" drug related incidents in America! and that Dunn county , which is my county, apart from being the poorest in Wisconsin, has the highest alcohol and other drug related incidents in Wisconsin. That makes my county, Dunn county the worst for alcohol and other drugs in the USA! THAT is hard to believe, rural/rurban Dunn county? Explains alot about these kids.
So, pray for them. Pray for me, that I might be creative in finding ways to meet with a few of these girls, and that God would then give me wisdom beyond myself to know how to handle the messiness that I'm bound to discover as I get to know them better. I will just have to simply "GO" if He is in it. He'll do the rest. Oh, these kids need Him! They need the freedom that knowing Jesus can bring!
Thanks!
I'll be seeing some of you soon in Connecticut! to the rest, Merry Christmas!

Let it snow, let it snow....

Nice cold Wisconsin. Actually, currently it no longer looks all white and pretty here. A majority of the snow has melted, but this was too good to pass up. It's been "real" winter this last week. Temp's in the 0's to 10's. Yup. But a big difference between here and CT, is the lack of moisture here. What is cold here, seems to be colder in CT because the dampness goes right through you. Here, is saps your body of moisture. My skin is drained and my hair is full of static!
As for what is going on in ministry here... I've been to two meetings in Minneapolis, one to help us prepare for the change in our email system and the other to meet with the other members of Connect, to discuss what our goals will be for next year.
This week's youth group meeting was amazing as usual. I got really nervous the week before the meeting. Not sure why, but I was reminded to pray and ASK God to do His thing. As soon as I was done praying, he released my worries and the rest of the time I just waited to see what He was gonna do. My girlfriend from Atlanta, Jennijoy, is here for a visit. She came along, the girls accepted here immediately and she joined in the small group conversation. She was even able to reinforce some comments that I made last week, without being prompted by me. But we serve the same God who works in me and her and loves these girls. It was a great conversation.
The plan is to spend some time, next week, working at the Grovers house and volunteering my time at the local museum house for the Christmas tours. Already I have had the priviledge of sharing my testimony with the curator and hope that i will be able to share again.
I am loving Wisconsin, loving the Christmas season and loving the rurban life. I wonder what it'll be like once the holidays are over? My local friends have promised to help me adjust and show me the ropes.
Bring on the snow! It's cold enough, it ought to be white!!!!

Thanksgiving

Yup, I did it again! I missed last Thursdays blog. But this time I have a good exuse! I was home in Connecticut. I had a great weeks visit. We had 18 people at our Thanksgiving feast! For the first time in years, we weren't able to carve the turkey at the table the ole' "Rockwell way", but instead we had a great group of family and friends.
This picture was taken on our Christmas tree cutting trip. The top left is my brother Lee and his daughter Aurora and my sister in law Anne. Then Jenny and Jonathan Nelson, who have been regulars at our Thanksgiving table all throughout their college years and now as a couple have made it a tradition to join us! Then bottom left is me, Mom and Dad and Sharma, a ward of my parents. We were able to find a beautiful Fraser Fir, and as you can see it was a perfect day for tree hunting. This was a the traditional "Jones Family Farm" in Shelton.
Since I've been home I've been busy with work stuff. Today I met with coworkers and we reviewed our short term team applications and plan on rewriting and updating all our team paperwork in the next month. I am also working on two brochures, one for a coworker in Connect and another for a short term team to Rwanda in 2007. Next week we are all to attend classes on Microsoft Outlook which will soon become the EFCA email system. Then we have two days of meetings to talk over our goals for next year in Connect. I am also looking forward to my first house guest! My girlfriend Jennijoy is coming to visit and will be here for 6 days. I hope to get my apartment decorated on Saturday before going to a Christmas concert that some teen friends are performing in.
I've also had a chance to get involved in my community by volunteering to lead tours at the local historical "Wilson Place Mansion" in Menomonie. They give special Christmas tours. I haven't led house tours in years, and am a bit nervous. I know that after the first one, I'll be fine. I even get to dress in period costume!:-)
So, with the holidays here and my coworkers back from their trips abroad, there is lots to do. But I like it that way! And what better time of year than Christmas with all the lights, the smells and the family spirit. i love this time of year!
ps. Wisconsin is beautiful in Winter!!! hint hint!

Where have I been?

Well, been in Florida, thanks to Mom and Dad; visiting my grandfather Pitts. This is our golf outing, and no I didn't golf great, but not horribly for a 2 year hiatus!
Florida weather was absolutely amazing, and I was priviledged to miss a fairly good snow back at home. When I returned to Menomonie there was snow all over the roofs (still is) and a good bit of snow on the ground, which has since melted.
PopPop is 88yrs old, my Dad's dad. We had a good time golfing and fishing and playing Sequence games. It's important to catch up with him a couple times a year. Wish it could be more, but just doesn't happen. These days when an opportunity comes, we all (Pitts family) take it! You just never know.
Even while I was in Flordia, I was helping to coordinate this medical mission trip to Lebanon. So far we've got 2 doc's and 2 nurses and one EMT/videographer! They'll be there in December. God has arranged it all, including time off for everyone and the finances as well. This whole experience has been a learning one for me. Sometimes it feels like I'm learning on the fly. Some would say that's the best way. Hmmmm. It is exciting though!
We will be planning more medical and some construction trips there next year. If you know of anyone who would like to go, let me know!
Next Thursday will be THANKSGIVING! YAH! I'll be home in Connecticut again! can't wait!
See some of ya there!

Youth group growth

Here it is, finally! A picture of youth group. What's weird is though, last night the group was double the normal size! I was told that a large bunch of the "newbies" used to come last year. Part of the reason was, I believe, that word got out that we were gonna do swing dancing afterward. Notice fedora in background :-) But maybe, just maybe the small groups are catching on. My girls and I had a really intense discussion on forgiveness, it's necessity and how to go about forgiving. That was definately a tough issue. Please pray for us, that we would be able to forgive those who have hurt us deeply, and that God would grant freedom through forgiveness. Pray against any strongholds in minds b/c of lack of forgiveness!
Lebanon stuff is going amazingly! God is suddenly providing the necessary personnel and I have been priviledged to see Gods' hand in the life of one of our potential team members as she is asking God for a way to use her life for Him. We are hoping to send a medical relief team the first few weeks of December. Pray that He would continue to call those we need to fill the team and that He would help them get the time off and the money they need to go!
Other than that, I have just about finished a brochure detailing the short term missions opportunities we are offering for 2007, and on a lighter note, I'm making bread for the first time tonight! :-) Well, the first time on my own.
On a final note, a lesson I am continuing to learn these days is, to make "God room" in my life, areas where what I promise is more than I can come through on my own, where God has to make up the rest. For example, promising that He will help my girls forgive, and that He will free them from their issues. He can, and I believe that He will. I can promise that, but only because He says He will, not because I can make it happen. I'm now just waiting to see Him do it! 

Winter is on the way!

This Monday we had our first sticking snow. Now, as you can maybe NOT see from the picture, the snow was quite light; but it was significant to me because it is a sign! ;-) I've heard from a fellow EFCA'er to "watch out, 'cause as soon as Spring comes, winter is on it's way". Well, so far, so good. I'm trying to guage the thermostat not to waste energy yet, to stay comfortable.
Youth group went so awesome last night! Thank you to those who have been praying for that. Our small group was definately led by the Holy Spirit. He was working in the hearts of the girls and He was giving us a real fellowship with each other. My prayer is that the whole group, the other small groups would have the same experience. I keep intending to take a group shot at youth group, but in the midst of all the prep to go, I forget to grab the camera! argh. I'll try again next week! I want you to see their faces! This ministry is such a blessing to me. Every week I get nervous and worried. Once I talk to God and He reminds me that all I have to do is Go, and He'll do the work through me and the other leaders. He cares way more than I do, that these kids know Him better. All He wants is for me to be faithful to go. Why do I get so wrapped up in my abilities? Anything good about me, or anything I have accomplishe is simply God doing it through me. It has nothing to do with me. I forget too often that if it WERE just me and my abilities, it would fail immediately. Only He can move their minds and their hearts to respond to His word and the truth about His character. Only He can reveal to their minds, that what His word says is truth! I was really excited to see them responding to the Holy Spirit last night. I was also priviledge to see some of God's timing in bringing me here at this time. I am blessed, you are part of it, and we are all being used by God to work in lives. Even if it's one at a time, in a little seemingly insignificant part of the world. I am so glad that NO ONE is insignificant to God! sigh...

Fun with cookies!

Just a fun time this Saturday, with Caitlin, Marissa, and Danielle. We went to see the local Crystal Cave, and then came back to my house and baked cookies (from scratch!) and then watched "The Majestic". I had such a good time with these girls. They about made my week! Thanks girls! 

Fellowship of Short Term Mission Leaders Conference

http://www.fstml.org
Hey, I'm in Atlanta Georgia, and meeting with other leaders of short term missions, enjoying a time of ministry building. It is so wonderful and is giving me a renewed energy for STM. There are some super ministries out there! This group includes STM ministries from all over the nation and parts of the world. It's not a denominational thing at all. So here's three faces you might know; me, Bear and Gordy Grover! Thank you to all of you, who have made is possible to do this ministry and to be here to learn how to do ministry even better! We are so blessed. Thankyou! 

Atlanta or Alaska?

I'm visiting my family (Uncle Russ, Aunt Ari, and Grandma Char) before my conference starts today. My Uncle is an expedition leader to the North and South Poles, Mongolia, Amazon and now Africa! I tried on his wolf hair Russian hat. He's also a professional photographer, so we were goofing around with my camera trying to get the flash to work better.
Today I head over to the conference center, for the Fellowship of Short Term Missions Leaders conference that I am seriously looking forward to. I've been asked to help lead a small group discussion, and that is such an honor. There's lots of networking to do, and tons to learn regarding short term missions. This is an interdenominational event, and STM leaders from all over the country come.
In the meantime, it's getting warm in here! 

A Ministry update from America's Dairyland

A friend and reader of this blog brought it to my attention that you readers have heard very little about my ministry lately. I realized he was right, so I intend to correct that now.
God has provided me with many domestic ministry opportunities. As soon as I returned from my yearly retreat in North Carolina with friends; I met and shared Jesus with a Mystic named Gem Ray, and I met and discussed Jesus and the "correct" Biblical translations with my neighbor Tim. I have also been priviledge ( I mean that!) to be involved with my local church's youth group. That ministry has been the highlight of my last few weeks. We've been preparing to lead small groups in youth group, and it has been fascinating to watch the growth of the leadership team with just a bit of help. These friends of mine are super people and they really love their kids. I love being needed. I've been stretched as well, as I've been asked to lead the game time on Wed.nights. I am NOT a game person, but.....no one else wanted to do it either. I found a website, thank you God, called the Source 4 Youth Ministry (www.thesource4ym.com) that is totally packed with great game ideas! We have had two weeks of fun. Tubicide, and marshmellow fights, really fun!! But this week, in our girls small group, after mentioning that IF we know Jesus we are promised all of Gods protection and power; I was asked rather heatedly, whether that meant that those who follow Islam and Judaism and Mormonism and others will go to Hell? Well, yes that is what the Bible says; that only through Jesus and his sacrifice can we be with Him in heaven and live with His help. Wow. What a reaction! I was not seen favorably by this young lady after that. It made me realize how far we have to go, and how difficult small groups will be. Please pray for this young lady and for us in leadership to have the wisdom to show her Jesus as He really is.
Apart from these domestic ministry opportunities, I have recently been deluged with action points for the Connect department of the EFCA. For now, I will be doing what I can to make arrnagments and develop marketing materials for our short term trips and for the Connect division as a whole. After attending an Internationl Missions area meeting yesterday (why I didn't get this blog done yesterday), I saw what I believe is Gods next step for me in the mission. I approached the leadership with my idea and they told me to wait on it and let them figure things out first. So I am not able to share it right now, but it has to do with being involved in youth ministry in the mission. I hope that God will bless this idea and that it WAS His spirit leading my imagination. If it works out I'll tell you as soon as I can! I am really excited about the idea, which is the first feeling of excitement about my involvement since the big changes here at the EFCA. I do want to tell you too, that I am really excited about the changes that the mission is going through, and that the whole EFCA denomination is going to be much more available and useful at the local church level, once all the pieces are in place. Looking forward to it!
So, i hope that helps. As a last note, if you know anyone who would like to go on a last minute missions trip, we are looking for plumbers, electricians, carpenters, general contractors as well as medical personel of any type to go in small numbers (3-5 per group), to help the church in Lebanon in November! anyone?anyone? Call me. 715-309-2224.
I love you, my reading friends. Please give me feedback and questions anytime!

I was away and now it's FALL!

How do you like the "BIG PIG"? I went to the well known Minnesota State Fair at the end of August. It was supposedly the thing to do! Wow. The Big E, you New Englanders will know, holds not a candle to this. The Midwest knows how to do a state fair. But, an evening was enough to get the idea. There was so much eating, it was amazing. Fried Cheese curds! I mean, wow. Cheese curds and FRIED! But it was still really fun.
I was away from Sept5-15 and then I was out of habit and didn't send up a blog last week either. So sorry! I'll be sending up a few this week,just to get y'all caught up. More pictures etc.
As for weather, it is definately Fall now. Some days it's cloudy and some it's sunny ,but the trees are turning colors and the apples are in season. There are even Halloween decorations going up and it's only September! I won't get going on that subject.... So, we're on our way to the "cold" weather that everyone here is already discussing. Oh boy!

Just can't stop thinking bout our Marine

This past week my home church congregation has been so touched by grief. A couple in my Sunday School class lost their son to gunfire in Iraq. I am so sad for them. Having been a military brat myself, and having shared in prayer for Jordan and in their anxiety for him in the service; I was surprised at my own sorrow for his death. It is only proof that we are a close body of believers at Calvary. When one member of the body suffers, we all suffer! I so wish I could be in Connecticut this weekend. I checked for last minute cheap fares, but being the weekend, it was a no go. The funeral for Jordan is Labor Day. I can just imagine how full the service will be, it being a federal holiday. I just wish I could be there for Bev and Eric. Those of you who read this and are in CT, would you please go if you can?! And, Bev and Eric will need us after all the activity is over. They will need us more in the next many months than they even do now. If I am this sad, I can only imagine what it must be for Bev. Don't preach at her though, hold her, listen, be there.
Our military is so brave. Our guys are so sacrificial. I write to a soldier from Massechusetts, who is in Iraq. He is destined to return in October, we all hope. I wrote to him about Jordans death and he wrote this back...what an amazing group, these military guys......
"Please send my reguards to the family for me please, suffering a loss isn't the easiest thing to go through for anyone family or friends. Well I have to get going for times up already on the computer, I wish to send out my reguards to everyone that was close to your friend and hope that all fairs well in this time of mourning. Paul"
Wow huh?! So, please pray for the Pierson family and for my soldier from MA, Paul Perusse who is still in Iraq and for all our wonderful soldier and marines and sailors who serve in harms way! THANKYOU!

Pickle Fest

Out here in Wisconsin, every town has their special festival or fair. In fact, in the surrounding county towns, they have to stick to "their" weekend, or else they'll conflict with some other festival!
last weekend, my new church family had a food booth at the fair. We served breakfast, lunch and dinner! It was such a great time for me to get to know my new brothers and sisters, as well as the people of Boyceville. This little town doesn't even have a stoplight, and the main street is about 2 or 3 blocks long (although there aren't any "blocks"). Everyone and their farm showed up. I really enjoyed the parades and the activities. This little town is so friendly. I've never before experienced such a closely knit group of townspeople. I felt like I was in "down home" America.
In this picture, Luke, Gordy and I are serving breakfast. Gordy makes killer Egg, Sausage sandwiches! The word spread around the street and the line of customers slowly gathered. This being Faith EFC first time with a food booth, decided that we are definately doing this again next year! It's such a great way to be involved in the town.
As for that, I am also starting to get involved in the youth group at Faith. We had our first planning meeting this Wednesday, and I was really encouraged and excited about getting to know the kids and encouraging them in their faith. We hope to challenge them to godly living this year. Pray for these small town kids. Life is tougher here than I expected to see. Kids are kids, both urban and rural. Here the pressure is on sex and alcholism; two things readily available. Pray that they understand more clearly what it means to stand for Christ and that they have the boldness to do it no matter what their peers think. Finally, to pray that they have hope. Hope in their future, hope in Gods provision....
See ya next week!!!

New friends and flying

So exciting! I was invited to go flying with some new friends, Steve and Brenda Allingham. Steve flies for a skydiving company in Chippewa, and his wife Brenda and he love to fly for fun as well. You can 't see Brenda in the back seat, but she was enjoying it as much as I. We flew for about an hour and half, above the areas around Menomonie, all the way to the Mississippi (which actually is not far). The air was so clear that we could see Minneapolis and St.Paul 65 miles away! Oh if felt so good to be at the controls again, even if the right seat! It's been about 2 years since I've been pilot in command, although last year I did go for an aerobatics ride in a biplane (Great Lakes). What is different in Wisconsin, is the lack of familiar reference points on the ground. I asked how Steve can tell where he is, by ground reference and he said, "lakes, rivers and roads". The farmland and the random rolling hills really make ground reference hard. It all looks the same! In Connecticut, we have the Adirondack Mtns and the Long Island Sound, as well as the ocean the further south you go.
My first youth group meeting was last night! the group does not usually meet during the summer, but this was a warm up for fall. The kids were hesitant to talk to me at first, but a few were warming up in no time. we played "volleyball" with a big beach ball and in a very windy field. At least there was no limit to number of hits by one person. That crazy ball would spin backwards, forwards and get blown by the wind to unknown angles! Next week the leadership will be having a planning meeting, so I hope to get more involved in that as well. For such a little church, they have quite a big youth group. There were probably 15 kids there last night!
This Saturday at (7 AM!!) I am working a breakfast food booth with Gordy, at the Cucumber FEstival in town! yah, cucumber festival. Well, you Nutmeg staters, we have Garlic festivals! Then Sunday, the whole town of Boyceville combines church services and we have church under a big tent at the festival grounds....So funny! I'll try to take pictures for next weeks blog!
Have a great week! thanks for keeping up with me! Write when you have a chance!

This is Wisconsin

Isn't this beautiful? This shot is from the highest point in Dunn County, a tower built by the Seabees, on a hill at a local park. I decided to make a list of places I wanted to see in the area, hikes, parks, historic places etc. There are apples to pick and fairs to attend. I'm taking advantage of a summer at home. Gordy and Bear tell me that as our jobs settle into position, so will our travel time increase.
Today I am going to the Dunn County Fair in Menomonie. I am told that it's lots of fun. I'm meeting some friends and we're going together. Tomorrow, I am hoping that a dinner party works out with my neighbors. I'm waiting for a confirmation from both of them. If you're praying, pray that all of us get along well and that the one single lady is really comfortable with everyone. Thanks!
As for prayer, I am hoping to hear back from a bunch of contacts as to what short term missions are available for 2007. I know that stuff like this gets put on the backburner. If they don't email me back, I've got to start calling. Some of these guys are international. That will be like, midnight calls with long weird phone numbers! :-0 Besides, we need info for our churches that are planning for next year! I have to say, it has been fun. Feels good to have something signifiant to do toward missions after Thailand!
Jim Elliot said.."Wherever you are, be ALL THERE!"

Another shot from Thailand

See! Look at these teens! Even though our Thailand Youthbuilders team was small, they were mighty!
They are working on "squaring" part of a reusable form for the columns on the staff housing project we were assigned. We are hoping that these forms that we built will be useful to the regular workers; who usually build, square, fill, tear down and rebuild, square,fill, tear down etc...you see what I mean. It was important to make these strong, and square in order to use them over and over. We bent an amazing amount of nails on these boards. Jungle wood! Harder than any Gordy had seen! You can see that it took almost a whole crew just to square these two!
Personally, I've been setting up my home office, getting the internet going, and meeting new friends. Wisconsin is absolutely beautiful! I've been to some local historical museums and trails. The rolling farmland is unbeatable! "Summer" is here! I've also met some of my neighbors. I'm still trying to have the one neighbor over for dinner, and the teens behind my house have been over for a movie and to talk a few times. I hope that continues! I've been going to a small group on Tuesdays, and have met a number of really great people, including a couple that enjoys flying and airplanes and all that.
My boss has just passed on a job to me, so I'll be doing some research on next years short term trips that are needed around the globe! From that information, we should be able to start getting some teams set up for next year. It ought to be fun getting to know the leaders of the areas we work with in the EFCA and finding out their needs. I even hope to get my home church set up for a trip to Africa with our recent visitor Pastor Olega. We'll see!

Coffee Evangelism

Here we are with the best coffee I have tasted in a long time! Here's the background: The Thai gentleman in the middle is a newly established coffee grower and the town "governor" of the area in which the hilltribe, that we were headed to, is situated. Our translator and the director of the Bible school we were working for, took us to this leaders house to buy his coffee. I wish I could brew the coffee like he did! wow. Little factoid...did you know that in Thailand they serve coffee with Evaporated Milk instead of fresh? :-) yup. Anyway, as you can see the coffee cup was dwarfed in Gordy's hand! It's a surprise that he could even hold it!!! The purpose of our visit was not only to buy this excellent coffee, but to continue to build a relationship with this wonderful Buddhist man and his family, in order to build a reputation for Christ and hopefully one day open the door to allowing someone to share Christ with him. Who woulda thought that you could reach out through coffee?? 

Working with the Lahu

We had a great time, although hot and sweaty, working on the construction project at the Bible School in Chiang Mai (actually Doi Saket). We put up 2" cement block walls, built some forms for cement pillars and other tasks. This picture was of my wall and two Lahu workers that were hanging around listening to me sing while I worked. At first, it was just for my own amusement; but in no time, the ladies came over and sat and listened and then I couldn't quit. I started racking my brain for any hymns I could think of. What was really neat, was that that broke the ice with them and led to more contact and "conversations". The lady next to me is Nam Pau and her daughter (whose name I just never could remember) is on the other side standing.
I will post more pictures in the next few days. Let me know if there is something specific you'd like to see!

This about sums it up, well sorta

Tired and sick, but happy we return from Thailand and three weeks of ministy. My teammates will kill me when they see this picture! :-) I will follow this one with other more serious shots, when I get the disk.
We worked hard, played hard and God invested in our lives both as a team and individually. The teens, Matt, John and Jessie were super people. They were very hard workers and flexible eaters! :-) If you've ever had Durian (a supposed fruit) you'll understand! I was impressed with our kids ability to relate to the Thai and Lahu workers at our construction site. They tried the languages and allowed others to laugh at them as they tried; which then opened the hearts of the workers to them. By the time we left there were some heartfelt goodbyes. We visited a Lahu hilltribe village and were so priviledged to enjoy their extreem hospitality and to share in their church services. The team held devo's, daily Bible studies (taught superbly by Gordy Grover -center front of pic.), memorized verses, worked on the construction site and played mushball (version of baseball) with the Lahu Bible school students were we worked. We enjoyed local food every night at various local "restaurants" and the night market. If you have never had Mango in Asia, you are definately missing something! wow.
I miss our team tons, and have brought home with me some character training via the Holy Spirit, and a desire to grow in the area of teaching as well as great memories. I miss the Lahu leadership at the Bible School, both the men (Ajan Marting, & Ajan Idocam) and their wives! I was to bring their greeting back home to my friends! So, Aw bou ui ja!
More pic's will follow in the next few days! 

What am I doing in Thailand

Everyone is asking, so what will you be doing for 3 weeks in Thailand? Well, we leave June 20 and will get there via, Tokyo and Bangkok and finally arrive in Chiang Mai June 22. We'll be almost 12 hrs ahead of the Eastern USA. We will immediately join a goodbye celebration for a veteran EFCA guy and a team of US adults who are leaving after 2 weeks working on the project. Most of the weekedays we will be laying brick, tying steel and laying concrete. We'll start our days at the hotel in Chiang Mai, not the typical American style hotel, but a hotel non the less. (I'm mouring the bamboo long house we had last time). Breakfast of rice and Thai foods, then after a morning of work we'll join the Lahu students for lunch. Work in the afternoon and dinner back at the hotel after cleaning up. 3 evenings out of the week we will be teaching American baseball to Thai and Lahu students in town. We hope to teach the English words that coincide with baseball while we teach the game. another purpose of the baseball games is to hook up the Lahu and Thai students together as they learn. The Lahu students are mostly Christian and the Thai are mostly Buddhist. We leave in 3 weeks, the Lahu students will remain and may be able to continue these friendships!
We will also visit a Lahu tribe one weekend. This is like National Geographic, for real. No electicity no running water....very scary and very cool. We will be going there to meet believers there and fellowship with them, and generally be encouraged and hopefully be a blessing in return.
I am scared, because I haven't been prayed up enough for this because of all the moving; and I'm so totally excited too! Looking forward to "simple" ministry! I expect to be challenged by God over my character, as always happens on these trips, and I am looking forward to the end result in my spirit. We're leaving tomorrow!!!!! Our flight leaves at 3:00 for Tokyo. thankyou to all of you who are my supporters and therefore are going with me! Thank you to all of you who care and are praying for me!

Thailand for 3 Weeks!!!

I'm posting now, for the next addition because I'm going away next Tuesday morning for 3 weeks and won't be able to blog again until I return! yes, Thailand again. This time we'll be a very small team, 3 teens and Gordy, Bear and me. I'm looking forward to this beautiful country, hard work, yummy tribal food and just......missions. It's always a spiritual battle, and I am always stretched, but I always am so glad for the exercise! :-) My prayer requests are that I would be spiritually prepared for all that God has coming our way, for unity amoung the 6 of us, (OH! and there are a few local missionary girls joining us when we get there!) Also, for a good relationship with the one teen girl that is coming from the States with us who will be my roomate while we're there; and finally that we would be a blessing to the Lahu ministry and the local community.
See ya on the other side! 

Finally home in Wisconsin

The missions family here was so patient. We had to wait for 2 hrs for my truck to arrive, and everyone had such a great attitude! Once again the unloading was fast! The unloading took 1/2 hr, followed by a celebratory Subway lunch :-) Andy Krausse brought his three teen daughters, and it was such medicine to my heart to have some teens involved in my day. Look at this crew, what great help. This crew, although not complete, includes some great family and new friends. Please do continue to pray for me. My move is now complete, and the settling process continues. There are many changes in the mission right now; and once the dust settles I'll be able to give you a better idea of what is going on. What I do know is that God is in control and that He has not only our best interest in mind, but also His glory and honor. 

Traveling fun

Our trip started off rainy, as you can see from the picture! We drove together from Connecticut to Ohio and after staying with and visiting with family there moved on to WISCONSIN! 

I'm out and in

Here's the Connecticut moving crew. Calvary really came through, not only as my supporting home church but as moving day support! What a great church family. The men's ministry sent out am email asking for help on my behalf. Thanks guys!!! The move out took a total of 1 hr and 1/2. These friends enduring a muggy morning, and still did a super and joyful job. The next day my parents, Sharma and I headed out for Wisconsin, via Cleveland, Ohio. Next post will continue the story! 

My last week in Connecticut

This is my Sunday school class on my last Sunday. This week has absolutely flown by. With all the packing and meeting with people "one last time", it seems as though it's still Tuesday or something. The hardest people to say goodbye to so far has been my teens. I have many pictures of groups of kids. One of the easiest parts of that though is, that most of them will be leaving for college this year anyway. So it seems as though an era has ended. They have all been special to me, and I have many that I call "my girls". The ones I leave behind will be in my thoughts constantly. We are packing the truck today and driving out tomorrow morning! 

100% is In!

This is an amazing day! God has done all that I asked and all that my prayer partners prayed. As of 8:45 this morning, He supplied that last $46 per month and I am now at 100%. He supplied it before I sent in my report for salary in June, in time, as I asked Him to. He is so good. His way is a Royal Way, He supplies royally for his children, not just sufficiently, but royally!
There is so much more to this story today. It will have to wait until another post. Suffice it to say, that there is so much going on right now in the EFCA headquarters, and so much change. This morning I wondered if God intended for me to even go, although I could not ignore all that He has done in the last few weeks in order to prepare me to go! As my pastor Randy suggested, I asked God to tell me what to do. He did, by supplying that last of the support and by rewarding our prayers and our faith in Him! I hope to explain in more detail soon. Praise God with me! He has done amazing things!

Taking Peirogies to Wisconsin

Trying to get all those little things done before I leave. I have learned to appreciate certain ethnic foods here in New England. Through the hospitality of a good friend and supporter I learned how to make peirogies this week. Elaine Eli has made these mashed potatoe filled pastries almost all here life. This Polish traditional food is a rarity to me. Having learned how to make really (I mean really) good Italian "sauce" last year from another good friend, I wanted to take this Polish meal with me as well.
We made Onion and potatoe peirogies and even tried some with sweet potatoe! YUM. Smelled great, and tasted great too. Kinda heavy on the carb content, but what they hey, ethnic food is totally worth it!
On the support front, you have to know! I am now at 96% support and climbing! I have set a move date for June 3. Mom, Dad, Sharma and I will drive out of Connecticut on Saturday and arrive in Menomonie late Sunday evening. We're currently making plans for moving, such as which truck to rent and how much I must move. Although we've packed a lot so far, we still have a bunch to do; and we're all sure that it will be a very busy moving day!
Tonight I will be attending the last meeting of a monthly winetasting group, that I have been with for the last year and a half. They have heard that I'm leaving now, for the last year, and they can hardly believe this will actually be my last. This group of people is quite diverse, made up of a few Americans and a number of resident Turkish folks. What a wonderful group of people and a great opportunity it has been to represent Christ amoung them. They know I'm leaving to be a missionary and they have had very good questions. I will miss them very much.
Next week will be filled with not only packing, but also a number of "lasts" as well. Youth group, another dinner with friends, and a girls day out on Saturday. It's amazing how fast this is coming on.
I am still praying that God will supply the remaining $166 dollars per month of support, as well as another daily prayer partner. I know He will. Some have said that well, 96% is good enough. But I know God better now, and as Brother Andrew would say God supplies His people Royally and that means to me to the full extent, not just good enough. He said to me, "I will do for you all that you ask", and I'm asking to fulfill what the authorities over me require, 100%. So, I am faithfully trusting God to complete that, as He has done so amazingly these last few weeks.
Thanks for your support and your time! I look forward to sharing this adventure with you! 

My commissioning service

Commissioning of Dagney Pitts (5-7-2006)
Originally uploaded by nomad7674.

Hi, sorry my post is late in coming. I've been on a family vacation, which was wonderful!
God was so very gracious to me and He totally showed up at this service. My pastors Dave and Randy were such a blessing to me and organized such a precious service. There was both a 8:30 and 11:00 service, but the format was essentially the same. Pastor Dave preached not only to me, but also to the congregation! That it was all of us together in this endeavor. I loved it! He spoke about Gods faithfulness. The elders and missions committee members came up and layed hands on me as they prayed. The weight of their hands was impressive and made that moment for me very sacred. I literally felt as though we were a body, together going to the mission field. I was most impressed with the solemness of the service and the felt presence of the Holy Spirit. It was more than humbling, it was.....I don't know how to explain it. It was simply sacred. Wow.
Pastor Randy told the congregation of my financial and prayer needs. How wonderful to have another speak on that account and how freeing for me to speak about other things when it was my turn to respond. It meant so much to have Pastor Randy pray for me, after sharing with him my concerns regarding prayer and faith; knowing that he knew my struggles. He was such wonderful counsel last Friday before the service.
This last week following the service, I spoke with member of Calvary who joined my prayer team and others who joined my financial team. I now have a growing list of prayer partners (who are praying for the fianancial situation) and am now at 92% support!!
One last comment. I was blown away by God when a member of Calvary came to me following the second service, to share some scripture that she felt God wanted her to share with me. It was Ruth 3. When Ruth had layed at Boaz's feet to ask him for help in being her kinsman redeemer. This friend told me the verses that say "my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you all that you ask". She shared this with me and then left. It was such a huge encouragement. God has heard my prayers. And when I am nervous or should I rather say, scared, when I think of the money that is left to raise in the time that is left to raise it. I think of this verse,...."do not be afraid", " I will do for you all that you ask"; it calms my heart especially knowing that God wanted me to specifically hear this verse.
Thank you for your prayers, your support and your friendship. I look forward to seeing how God is going to do this all by May 25!

Commissioning this Sunday!

This Sunday, my pastor Dave McIntyre has graciously allowed me to be commissioned before the whole church. We are hoping that this be a great opportunity for our congregation to be made aware of the work of missions going out from Calvary and to pray for me as I go. I hope that there will be more who will step forward as prayer partners for me because of the service.
Please pray that I will honor God in all I do and say and that others will consider missions for themselves as well!
The link for Calvary's webpage highlights the service this Sunday!http://www.calvaryefc.com

Prayer? You're not serious!

Gotta give you an update. Lots......has been going on. Jesus has seen fit to use the events of the last few days, as well as a well-timed book and a few good friends and mentors to reveal to me why my support has been stalled.
I believe it is because I have not taken prayer seriously, nor found it an important factor in my support process. I believe that He has not allowed these churches to support me financially, because He wants to make it all the more obvious that He is doing the providing. It is even more impossible for me to work out the remaining support and that is exactly what He was planning.
I have been reading the book "Gods Smuggler" about Brother Andrew. He was a prayerful and faithful Christian who smuggled Bibles into communist europe and is now helping bring the scripture to other persecuted areas. Wow. The timing of this book has been amazing and thanks to Flori Lee's help I've been exposed to it. Gods timing.
I am still a bit scared, and unerved by events. I am fully trusting and relying on God to supply the remaining support. I am going to wait and see what He arranges. In the meantime, I am trying to build a serious prayer team.
I need at least 12 people to pray for me every day!! and I would like to have a list of people who will pick one day a month to pray for me. Maybe over their morning coffee or on their drive to work that day. But I need serious prayer coverage.
I am also studying how to be better in prayer myself. Of course, God has made me more aware of prayer in scripture as well as bringing it up in Sunday school and the pastors sermon on Sunday.
Brother Andrew doesn't have to be the only one able to see Gods' hand in his life. I believe now, that the reason we don't see God working through prayer is that we don't give him the big stuff often enough. We are always able to get through it on our own effort. It's only when we're forced into these situations and "all" we have left is prayer; that we make the effort.
I still have questions. James 5, God promises to answer prayer that is believed. But.....not all prayer is answered our way. The sick are not always healed. Just because we pray for it, does not make it happen. Why does He say He will answer prayers that way?
I will believe that there are answers to these questions. I do believe that God is compassionate and merciful. I do believe He hears the prayers of the righteous. No matter how I feel. I believe that He is good, He is in control, and He knows my needs. But I must ask.

thoughts on discouragement

So, where do I start. I felt like talking to the blogosphere. There are a few I know who read this and a few surprises. Thing is, I got discouraging news today in the form of a refusal of support from a church I was not only hoping would support my ministry but was believing would do so. This event is nothing new, it's just at a time when I need things to happen fast and deadlines are creaping up on me.
It's not new that a church would turn me down, has happened a number of time. In fact, it's catchy.....
Just got a phone call while writing this, with yet another refusal.Wayside Chapel in San Antonio, has "too many missionaries and too little support". It's a common theme. Churches around America are reconsidering what kind of missionaries that they will support and even cutting off some from their lists. Who am I to come in at a time like that? Popular ministries are doing well, missions to Asia and the 1040 window as well as any other form of muslim ministry that doesn't fit in the 1040.
Can I just say I'm discouraged. I don't want to doubt God or displease Him. I want to have faith but.....what is faith? What is the difference between believing something will happen and being foolish? Then, when we have doubts, do we kill the whole thing because we're doubting? I understand that just believing something will happen does not mean that God has to make it so. But how do I know when to trust and believe and when to...what....do something?
Why does God make it so hard for missionaries to go? Why is money such a stupid big deal? When I decided to do this, I certainly wasn't thinking of what a great salary I'd get. I wanted to work with Youthbuilders. That's it. I wanted to be involved in short term missions with teens. Money, "support" has become the work. I hate this. And who am I to complain? Missionaries do this and have been doing this for ages! Even Jesus had to have the support of others. A few women travelled with him and the disciples for three years and supported them out of their own means. I shouldn't feel like a beggar, like a lazy person. I've talked to the missionaries in the short term office and they certainly work hard, and I know that hard work is ahead of me. But is that it? Work harder?
I have been reading a recommended book called "God's Smuggler" about a young man who smuggled Bibles into communist lands, and the amazing stories of living by faith. One story was how they got a CAKE in time for a tea that they promised students who would come to an evangelism rally. CAKE! Like, how in the world did those guys know that God would honor such a request! How did they know that what they were doing was in His will. They just promised a tea knowing they had no money, and then waited for God to supply their needs for it. Come on! Cake is certainly not a need. They did give away as easily as they were given it, but does that mean that God is not providing because I'm not giving enough? How much should I DO, before I "please" Him enough? I know that's not it either. I know that Jesus isn't all about doing things to please Him. It's about knowing and talking and being with Him. So what is the answer? What IS living by faith?
To anyone who has made it this far, I feel better just talking....well typing...but I have a request for prayer. Prayer that I'll be fully supported by the deadline of May 25 ( I have to give the mission the notice by then in order to receive any salary for June). And prayer that God would be pleased to teach me what all of this is about and give me hope as well as new ideas of who to ask and whom to go for support. I'm all dried up.

Another Goodbye

I had a final visit with my Disaster Action Team Director Ramone Jimenez, at the Red Cross headquarters in Fairfield. I was priviledged to serve with the Southern Fairfield County Red Cross chapter in the DAT teams. We responded to fires in our area and were able to be part of peoples lives at difficult times. I would recommend volunteering with the Red Cross to anyone! I've learned so much, including what logistics are and how to be a part of a team to accomplish a goal!
It's amazing what the RedCross actually does, and it's not just Blood Collection, in fact it is mostly behind the scenes stuff!
So I've had to "retire" from my team leader position and will definately miss it; although I don't think I'll miss hearing the phone ring at 3:30 AM to hear, "uh, Daganee, we have a fire..":-) Thanks Ramone, for the DAT experience and for all your sacrifice at the Fairfield chapter!
Just one of the goodbyes that are happening and are sortof catching me by surprise. 

Chasing down an apartment

This is me and my future roomate, Josie Siler. Josie worked for YouthBuilders as the office administrative assistant and has just left to work full-time at her local church office. Josie is a missionary candidate too, but with the Christian Missionary Alliance. She plans to leave sometime next year after she pays off her school bills. That's where I come in. Because Josie can stay with me, she will be able to pay off her bills on time. I get to have some company, and we both can now afford DSL ! :-)
Last week I spent 2 days in Menomonie searching for an apartment. My parents traveled with me and were a great help in asking questions. So I've finally chosen the place, it fits all my needs as well as Josie's and my start date is May15. Now, I can't go yet. I have to finish raising another $760 per month. So please pray for God to provide. I am in such a place that I have to be making the plans without the full security of my complete support. This is where trust is coming in. I battle myself with thoughts that I need to find ways to make this work; but realize that I can't. I am waiting on God. It sounds so trite. But seriously....I don't know what else to do. $760 seems so little and yet, so much. Please pray for me in this. My commissioning date is now May7, and I've got to start paying for my apartment May 15. Wow. It's actually happening!!!! Thanks for reading!! 

Replaced by a computer!

So, this is the ultimate! Have yourself replaced by a machine, in fact a lot of machines! I have worked for Dan Getz at BG Lubricare Dist. of CT for the last, oh, many years. I can't remember how long, 7 years or more. I have been doing data entry for their sales invoicing. But since I will be moving to Wisconsin in order to begin to work for the EFCAIM, they decided to get technologically advanced instead of replace me with more help. Now all the salesmen will carry Palm's connected to modem's and record, print and download all their invoices. It's actually a really cool set up! Bill Stratton suggested that they call these Palms "dagney" so that when something goes wrong they can blame, "Dagney". Very funny..... So here's another proof that I am to be moving soon. I'm even losing my position with the best company in Connecticut, and a great job under the best boss in the world, Dan Getz. He has been an amazing example to me and a great example to anyone who desires to honor God in the world of small business! Thanks Dan for all the years of working for BG and I wish you as much blessing as God will give you. 

Moving in MAY?

Oh I hope so! Looks like we're getting closer and closer! I am at 85% support now and there's only $770 left to raise per month! I am on partial support now, and have closed my business for dog training! Weird!
More about this later.

Visit to San Antonio and Degirolomo's

So, we went to San Antonio to visit Karen and Rick, Doug, Jenn and Jason Todd. It was really weird to see our Calvary youth pastor now serving at Wayside EFC. We had a chance to see SanAntonio and to catch up too. I was asked to speak to the Jr. High kids and took the chance, of course. After talking to Rick and Jason, we're hoping to get some Youthbuilders activity from Wayside and I know that they'll be pleasantly surprised by how good Youthbuilders is. Jenn and Jason Todd, who serve as JrHigh leaders at Wayside have been YB leaders to Peru and they loved it. Hopefully we'll see them again on a trip.

Calvary Senior girls at Winter retreat