The Rathmells

We have moved!

2007-06-15T07:16:00.000+09:00

OK. We haven't physically moved but we have moved our blog. If you would like to check out the new blog simply go to www.rathmell.com

See you there.

-Buddy

Malachi Leadership Team

2007-06-14T07:11:00.000+09:00

In May I took a trip out to Denver to meet with the new Malachi leadership team as we talked over the future of Malachi. It was really fun to get time with these guys who have become great friends over the years. I am excited about the direction that Malachi is heading the good steps that we are taking to be a more effective ministry in the future.

Shorebreak 07 Video

2007-04-25T01:13:00.000+09:00

Hit the play button to view the Shorebreak 07 Video

Jen is writing a book!

2007-04-08T07:56:00.000+09:00

Oh yeah, I have been meaning to mention this. Over the years we have probably heard literally 100 people tell Jen that she should write a book. Well she has finally started writing a book on parenting and sent the first three chapters off to an editor as we left for Shorebreak. Please pray that God will guide her as she finishes her book and that he will use it to encourage parents to lean into their kids lives.

Shorebreak Here We Come!

2007-04-08T07:45:00.000+09:00

Hello,
Well the trip over went pretty well. It is amazing how much easier it is to travel with a 3, 4 and a 6 year old than infants.
The APU team arrived last night and we had a meeting with all the Kadena staff. It has been really cool to see everyone and get time with old friends and students. In many ways it feels like we never left. Last night I was with some of the staff and we went over to another house to drop off some students and I just rolled down the window and said hello forgetting that even though I had talked to this person a number of times on the phone that day I hadn't hugged them or said hello in person yet.

Tonight there are 80 people flying down from Mainland Japan and then we have our kickoff event. Tomorrow at 7am we all gather and head off to the Island of Tokashiki which has become a really special place in my heart over the years as I think about all the things that God has done in so many lives there including my own.

This is the beach where we will spend one whole day at the beach weather permitting. This year the forcast is for clouds or rain for the next 10 days. Please pray that we have some good weather for the students to spend time at the beach. Most importantly please pray for God to be at work in the lives of students this week. I know that there some leadership lessons that God is teaching me as I lead this group of 225 people this week. It has caused me to spend extra time seeking the Lord which has been really great the past few days. Please pray that I would be led by the Spirit especially this week.

We'll let you know more when we get back.

Thanks,

Buddy

Leaving Tomorrow

2007-04-04T12:19:00.000+09:00

Hello Friends,

Today we had two former students come down and visit us for the day and it was really fun and a huge blessing to our kids. Tomorrow at 7 am we leave for Okinawa. We are flying standby so pray things go well especially with the two 75lb speakers that I am bringing over for the event.

Please pray for God's hand upon the event and that he would be at work even now drawing students to himself.

I think it is going to be a great week and I am excited to see what God will do. Please pray also for the opportunity to connect with so many of our former kids.

Thanks for all your support in prayer,

Buddy

The Guys

2007-03-10T22:59:00.000+09:00

I think one of the neatest things being back in the states has been to see students as they grow up and their faith becomes their own. We often miss that part of students lives since they often leave Okinawa before or after graduating from High School. Visiting with David, Ted, Lee and Grady was great. They were all together for spring break so we met up for a day in Richmond to hang out, connect and compete at games like minigolf and go carting.

On the Student Leader retreat before Ted and Lee's senior year we were all enjoying a great game of paintball. One of the guys had the great idea of playing girls vs. guys even though the girls greatly outnumbered us and all the guys had to play without their shirts on. Ted was one of the last guys alive and as he stormed the girls fort they just lit him up. Even though he was screaming, "Hit, Hit" they kept shooting him on his bare skin. If you have ever been hit with a paintball from 15 on bare skin you know that 7 or 8 hits don't feel very good.

Grady and I have connected a lot this year and it has been great to see him really strive to be a man of God as he walks through life.

Men's Retreat

2007-02-20T03:45:00.000+09:00

I am going on a Men's retreat with the Club Beyond and Malachi guys this week. They are meeting me in the middle in Ireland. :-) I have never been before so I am looking forward to seeing Ireland as well as getting to hang out with a bunch of men who are sharing the gospel and their lives with military students.

7 years ago

2007-02-20T03:40:00.000+09:00

It was over 7 years ago that Jen and I first landed on Okinawa. I am looking forward to getting to go back and run Shorebreak again. I went out to APU last week to meet with the team and they are really excited about coming out. We will have 27 students and two adults that are coming out to help us run Shorebreak this year. It should be a really great event for the students.

Retreat was Great

2007-02-02T23:42:00.000+09:00

Thanks for those of you that prayed for the retreat that I spoke on last weekend. Many of the students and staff were challenged to go deeper in their faith. It seemed that many of them were most challenged to spend more time in the word. Also I got to ski for the first time in 5 years which was really fun.

I stayed an extra day to hang out with Evan Eykelbosch who was a junior in high school when we first moved to Oki 7 years ago. It was great to get time with him and to see someone who is living strong for the Lord.

Shorebreak 07

2007-01-25T18:49:00.000+09:00

This link will take you to the Shorebreak07 preview video. Please do not click on it. It is 57MB. Do a right click and "save link as" and save it to your computer if you would like to watch it.

Please pray

2007-01-25T18:46:00.000+09:00

I am speaking this weekend in Portland at our friends Kirk & Maryls Peterson's church. Would you pray that God would be at work as I speak and that his hand would be all over the camp this weekend in drawing students to himself and giving them a desire to live zealously for Him? Thanks, Buddy

Malachi Video

2007-01-24T01:29:00.000+09:00

Hi Guys,

I realized that some of you have never seen the Malachi Video so I have uploaded it to the web in case you would like to view it. You probably need high speed internet to download it because it is over 9 MB. Right click on the link above that says Malachi Video and hit "save link as" to save it to your computer and watch it. You will need windows media player to watch it.

-Buddy

Mp3 of Jen on Rush

2007-01-11T04:56:00.000+09:00

Those of you that know Jen know that God has given me a great gift in my wife. Today she did a great job on Rush talking about how liberalism and feminism have diminished the role of a mom in the home and the need for loving discipline for our kids. You can listen to the MP3 file by clicking here.

Rush Limbaugh

2007-01-10T04:58:00.000+09:00

Jen is going to be on Rush Limbaugh on Wednesday the 10th towards the beginning of the show if you get it in your area. She will be talking about the importance of commitment to your children and how discipline is a form of commitment to them.

Malachi Leadership

2007-01-04T11:20:00.001+09:00

The whole time that we have been with Malachi Jeff Campbell, who was Jen's youth pastor in High School, has been our director. After the training that I was doing in Germany I got to spend a day with the Malchi team. During the meeting Jeff informed the team that Mark Wilson was going to be our new leader. Those of you that have been with for a long time might remember the story from Minnesota during our travels across America. http://old.rathmell.com/day10.html The family that picked us up was Mark's in-laws.
Mark is a great man and he will do a great job leading Malachi. I am excited about how God will use him to lead the team in the future.

The whole trip to Germany was great. It was really neat to be with the next generation of youth workers that will be working with Military youth and the time that I got to spend with my Malachi team members was a blast.

Germany, The future & IOYW

2006-11-19T17:51:00.000+09:00

The next couple of weeks I will be preparing for training in Germany. I will be speaking to some of the youth workers from a sister organization that does youth ministry on military bases. Please pray that God would use this time in the lives of the youth workers in a significant way. Jeff Campbell and Mark Wilson will also be leading parts of the training as well.

While there, I will also be meeting with Jeff and Mark regarding our future role with Malachi. Would you pray that God will continue to make clear to us what he would have us to do?

Our time in the states has been really good. Yesterday I spent the day at a Inside Out Youth Worker seminar which was really good. I went with the youth pastor and student leaders from the church we are attending. I loved the premis of the conference and the book that our ministry is secondary to and flows from our own relationship with God. Basically the idea of John 15, remain in Christ and God will bear fruit through you that will last for all of eternity, for youth workers.

Since we have been back in the states I have spent much more time in contact with former students that I anticipated but it has been really good. In fact, for a while I was thinking about spending time as a big brother or something in a local school but I realized the relationships we have built over the last 6 1/2 years have provided plenty of opportunities for ministry even from a distance. Anyway, being with students yesterday made me really miss the students that were in our ministry. Military students really are special.

APU Visit

2006-10-19T13:16:00.000+09:00

I had a great visit out to Azusa Pacific University to meet with the team for next year's Shorebreak. They are looking to bring 30 students to run the event for us so that the youth pastors can do a lot more hanging out with kids and a lot less programming.

It was neat to see the students that are open to going overseas to work with military youth.

Just tonight I spoke at the church we are attending and asked them to pray that God would raise up more workers to work with students on military bases overseas and I think our partnership with APU is one of the ways that God might do that.

Oh yeah, Forgot to mention that Jen is already back in Okinawa. She couldn't stand to be away even for two months. :-) She is staying with her friend Jen who is really sick with morning sickness and helping her with her kids. It's nice having a brother that works for United Airlines. Pray that her time there would be fruitful.

Nathan is da man

2006-09-13T13:04:00.000+09:00

Talking to Nathan after the second round of the NCAA tournament game that Bucknell lost.
Sockshead as my kids call him is officially a stud. He loves the Lord and strives to please him in his life and is doing really well in his first season of Div 1 soccer. Check out today's article on him and pray that he continues to hear God voice as he follows after him.

I'm losing my playtime

2006-09-13T09:23:00.000+09:00

Like every good father I am sure that Jack is advanced beyond his years so I have begun reading him a book for 11 to 16 year old young men with very few pictures. Tonight I am reading with my arm around Jack as we sit snuggled in my Papasan chair. We are only 5 minutes into chapter two when he looks up at me apologetically and says, "I am losing my playtime."

I am laughing out loud as he runs downstairs to play. He came back a few minutes later and asked me to read him one of his typical books filled with pictures.

Imagine that.

I still think he is exceptional but maybe we'll shelve Teknon and the Champion Warriors for a few more years. :-)

In the States

2006-09-07T03:32:00.000+09:00

The above picture was taken at Denny's after 35 hours of travel at 4 a.m. in America.

Well we are back in the states. It has been good to be back in the states and a little bit of culture shock at the same time. We are going to be living with Jen's father this year while we are in the states. Today I am setting up a video recording studio in one of the extra bedrooms.

Adrianne is loving school. We have seen God's hand going before us in many different ways and one of them was being told that her whole school year had been paid for.

Right now a programmer is working on the site that we are going to launch. Today I met with some youth pastors which was really fun. In Japan I was always wishing I could meet with a bunch of youth pastors. One of them has done a lot of online ministry stuff and it was cool to see how God had his hand even in that small meeting.

We are hoping by the end of the month to launch our online ministry.

Stay Tuned.

9 Days Left

2006-08-13T21:50:00.000+09:00

Many of you know that Megan fell last week and broke one of her front teeth, knocked it out of place and broke the bone that holds the tooth in place. She has been doing well but is in a little pain and it still occasionally bleeds 8 days later.

We leave the island in 9 days and it is going to be hard. The next 9 days will be packed with last minute items, a couple of good bye parties and the student leadership retreat that we stayed for the summer to do so we won't have much time to think.

Thankfully this being a military community many of our great friends have already moved on which makes it a little easier. At the same time after living here for 6 1/2 years I have thought of the possibility that many of our relationships might be some of the richest that we will experience this side of Heaven. While we are excited for the next stage of life it is sad to leave this one.

Pray for us as we leave that we would end well and be able to enjoy these last days.

Next Year

2006-07-17T14:16:00.000+09:00

We are going to be heading back to the states at the end of August for a number of reasons:
1. We haven't been back for a home assignment since we left for Japan in Feb of 2000.
2. We will be creating on an online ministry with daily video devotional clips, weekly video leadership training, and different tools to help students grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and their ability to lead. Most of the videos will be downloadable to students Ipods and PSP's etc.
3. I will be starting on my masters in organizational leadership.
4. Most of you know Jen's mom passed away last fall so we will also be helping Jen's dad go through 40 years of accumulated stuff and renovate his house either for him to live in or to sell. We will be living with him in Roanoke, VA for probably about 9 months.

Also while we are back I will be leading some youth leader training in Germany, coming back to run Shorebreak next year in Okinawa which will include a couple of trips out to California during the year to work with the APU team and attending a couple of conferences.

We still don't know what we will do after May of 2007. Cadence has asked us to consider a base in Germany and we might possible do some sort of discipleship house in conjunction with an ongoing youth ministry at a base. As you think about us please pray for direction from God.

Typhoon Missed Us

2006-07-17T14:14:00.000+09:00

This typhoon missed us although we did have high enough winds that they cancelled youth group on Saturday and Church the next morning. Thankfully the rain totally held off and we were able to load up our container for our move back to the states.

Typhoon Ewiniar

2006-07-06T21:11:00.000+09:00

Well our first typhoon of the season is heading our way. Typhoons are always fun unfortunately this one is heading our way on the day when we are supposed to pack out our house. You can check out the storm heading right for us at by clicking here
We should have winds over 100 knots if it continues this way.

Chandler in a Japanese Music Video

2006-05-04T17:54:00.000+09:00

Chandler "The Champione" in his first professional music video. Chandler's parents are friends of ours that run the cafe for Impact. When Chandler isn't making Japanese music videos he is also active in the junior high ministry on Kadena. Enjoy the Engrish!

Shorebreak Report

2006-04-28T10:10:00.000+09:00

God did great things in a lot of student's lives over Shorebreak and mine too. It was really neat to get a lot of time with our speaker and have him challenge me on some of my thinking.

In my room I had one student that I didn't know before the retreat and the first day some of the other staff told me they were uncomfortable with his interaction with their girls. On the the third night we was missing from the room I was a little nervous that he was hanging out with one of the girls he had been puruing during the week. After checking to make sure all the girls were in their rooms I went around to the guys rooms and found out that one of my student leaders that I have been discipling was missing too.

When they turned up again I found out the the first student had given his life to Christ. It was cool to hear later in the week how much people had noticed a change in him.

Please continue to pray for God to be at work in student's lives. We brought 119 students from Kadena and there were almost 200 altogether. Many students made first time decisions for Christ, some have made huge life changes as a result of making Christ Lord of their life and there has been some fallout in families and friendships. Pray that they would continue to follow God's leading in their lives.

Grandpa joins the party.

2006-04-25T23:15:00.000+09:00

I found out when we got back from shorebreak that Grandpa had passed away. I was telling Jen a couple of days later that it seemed like my soul was somehow not sitting right within me. I don't know if it was just because I couldn't get back to the states or that I felt too weary after Shorebreak to grieve properly, but I was thinking, "If I could just hug my mom and cry with her that somehow that would set my soul straight." I can't wait to see Grandpa when I get to Heaven some day.

Thought’s of John Caldwell (Buddy’s Grandpa)found in a notebook

I was born and raised on a farm. We had no car or telephone at that time. It was primarily in the horse and buggy days. The nearest doctor was four miles away. I got the croup when I was 7 years old. As far as I know they didn’t have vaporizers then but my parents had me breathe steam and Vicks vapors. I was so bad that I had to struggle for each breath. I breathed the vapors as long as I could and told my parents to take them away for deep down in my being I thought I was going to die.

Several minutes after the steam and Vicks vapors were taken away my breathing became normal and the croup entirely went away.

Did help come my way?

Yes. My parents helped me and were greatly concerned for me. God cared for me and His healing power made me well.

I didn’t pray but my parents were probably praying for me. The prayer of faith shall save the sick. James 5: 15

Grandpa’s life motto:

Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can

Shorebreak is Here!

2006-04-10T05:37:00.000+09:00

Last night was our kickoff for Shorebreak '06. We have over 250 people attending this year so it is going to be a huge event. Today we will load up the busses and head down to the ferry for our trip to the Kerama islands where we will be having the camp.

Please pray for the logstics of the camp. It is a japanese youth government facility and the staff has been much less cooperative than usual this year.

Also please pray for God to be at work in a huge way in the lives of students on the retreat.

Thanks for praying,

Buddy

Heaven is getting sweeter

2006-04-01T15:48:00.000+09:00

Palmer passed away this week. It hit me hard. Many of you know that he came and spoke at our spring break retreat last year. I needed to go out for a day to the island where it is being held so I borrowed a motorcycle from a friend and spent an extra night there just grieving, thinking, re-living old memories with Mark, and praying for God to be at work this year.

It was fun to ride on curvy roads 500 feet above the ocean. I thought God had healed much of the pain in my heart until I got on my computer this afternoon and read an email from Amy.

-Hello Buddy and Jen,
-
-I'm not sure if you have heard, but Mark passed away on Monday. He fought so -well. This morning I woke up thinking of our trip in Japan. Thank you so much for -honoring Mark like that and having us come. They are great memories.
-
-Mark loved you very much.
-
-Thanks again.
-
-Amy

It was neat to hear of his impact on some of the students almost a year later as they have relayed it to me this week. He has impacted my idea of Christian community more than anyone else, through his life, teaching and books that he recommended.

Heaven is getting sweeter for me. In addition to my grandpa who died 20 years ago I am now looking forward to seeing Jen Palmer, my mother in law, Arisa Adam's, Mark Palmer and probably soon, my other grandpa.

Please pray for Amy and Micah.

Thanks for Praying

2006-03-17T12:05:00.000+09:00

I just wanted to say thanks to those of you that were praying for us last week. We had a great time while Jen was away.

The youth service at our chapel went great. There were about 20 students involved in different ways who all did a great job and the student who shared his story did not seem nervous and was able to communicate well what God had done in his life.

Thanks for praying.

Joey Update

2006-03-06T09:13:00.000+09:00

Just wanted to let you know that about a week after my conversation with Joey he decided that he wanted to get his life right with God. He challenged one of his friends to pursue God hard as well and they are meeting to keep each other accountable. Thanks for praying.

Prayer Request

2006-03-06T09:01:00.000+09:00

I am parenting alone for four days this week. Jen is going to a ladies conference in mainland Japan. That is a prayer request in and of itself because none of the kids are at 100% health. :-) We plan on doing some fun thins like going camping.

Please pray that God will be at work as I speak at Impact this weekend and then as I preach at our service the next morning. Also one of our students that gave his life to Christ last year during spring break is giving his testimony that morning and is really nervous about speaking in front of a huge group of people. Pray that God will calm his nerves and allow him to share his heart.

Do you know why I am sad?

2006-03-06T08:53:00.001+09:00

I was standing at the back of church with Jack yesterday letting Jack circle my legs while I held his head and ruffled his hair. The sound man, a gentle grandfatherly type, came over, bent down to Jack’s height and asked Jack how old he was.

Jack, smiled sheepishly, looked at him and held out four fingers.

At the time I thought his pinky finger had just slipped off of his thumb so I helped him form three fingers and told him that Jack was growing up quickly and would be four in a few months.

Fast forward 8 hours.

Last night Jack, my daughter Adrianne and I were driving in the van and Jack asked me a question.

“Do you know why I am sad, Dad?”

I didn’t even know that he was sad and I certainly didn’t know why he was sad since it seemed to me like everything in his world was going great.

“I don’t son. Why are you sad?” I asked.

“Because I want to be four and I am only fhree (read three)”

I wonder how often in life I am sad but don’t realize the reason is because I am focusing what I don’t have, don’t do, or am not instead of what I do have, do get to do and who I am.

The One Another Commands

2006-02-05T16:28:00.000+09:00

Woops. I didn't create the link correctly the first time. This is just a word document with the references for the one another commands from scripture if you would like it. You can right click on the link and download it now.

Extreme Life Together

2006-02-05T11:06:00.000+09:00

I am preaching tonight at Project 196 (a new service specifically targeting 18-30 year olds here at Kadena) about Life Together. The title comes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's work, Life Together. Below is a link to a 4 minute video clip that is really powerful about Life Together.

youth.sermonspice.com Together Video

Not related to my message tonight but an interesting quote from Bonhoeffer.

If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Pledge to Purity

2006-02-05T11:01:00.000+09:00

Last night we hosted a Pledge to Purity Banquet for about 85 students and 200 people altogether. It was a great night to give students the opportunity to think about their future and make a committment to remain sexually pure until marriage.

Our speaker had each of the students write a letter that to their future spouse and to their God. The letter was sealed with a wax seal and given to their parents. Each parent is to safeguard the letter until the wedding day of their child and then present it on that day to their future spouse. Please join me in lifting up these students before God that they will indeed remain physically, emotionally, and spiritually pure until marriage.

New Neck Store

2006-01-26T15:23:00.000+09:00

So, Jack (3 1/2) is suddenly able to just listen to stories...his mind is able to make up for the lack of pictures and creatively generate its own.

Now...he finds great delight in telling stories...(when it rains, it pours at this cognitive stage)...I wish you could see him telling a story. There are hand gestures galore...lots of neck swaying and today it went something like this...

"They took a skateboard and I fell and it cut my neck off...so then I went to the store and it said, "New neck store" (he's pointing to each imaginary word in the air). I got a new neck and went back and got my skateboard"

Later, there was a need for a new nose in another adventure and luckily, there was a "new nose store" right next to the "new neck store".

Adrianne and I just smile at each other and she whispers to me, "he's so cute, isn't he?"

They are not always so loving to each other, but when they are, there's nothing better.

Please not now, God.

2006-01-25T23:44:00.000+09:00

Wednesday's are good days but they are long. I usually leave the house at 5:30 to get ready for the Breakfast Club Bible study on Romans and don't get home in the evening until almost 9. I do get to come home for about an hour for dinner which passes all too quickly.

So at 8:51 I jumped in my van to head home when I felt like God was saying to go back and talk to a student that was waiting for a ride. I initially said no by my action of continuing to drive away and thinking I would just make it home before the kids went to sleep. "Please, God, not now", I was thinking. As God continued to impress upon me that I was not obeying I turned around and went back.

I parked the van and got out to talk to Joey. After partially deflecting a few of my initial questions he began to share that he had been misarable because he knew he wanted to live for the Lord but his best friends were urging him to do things that left him feeling guilty and unfulfilled.

After about twenty minutes I felt like God was saying, "Leave him alone with me to think."

Please pray for Joey as he decides if he is going to let Jesus be Lord of his life.

Theology by Megan

2006-01-20T20:28:00.000+09:00

I'm sitting here and Megan crawls up next to me with a checkbook in her hand.

She tells me she's reading about Jesus and cracks it open like a well-read book.

I asked her if Jesus loves her and she said, "yes"

I asked her if she loved Jesus and she said, "no"

I asked her who she prayed to and she said, "Mom"

We, obviously, have a lot of work ahead of us.

Pray.

Thanks for Praying

2006-01-19T11:04:00.000+09:00

For those of you that have been praying, Thank you very much. On Tuesday the Chaplain that I report to and I went over to home of the Adam's family and they allowed me to borrow one of her earlier journals that had in the first few pages the following thoughts or subject titles with more written below.

Help family to know God.

life is short and something will change your life

Only you can accept Jesus

Heaven

It allowed things to come together for me in what I felt like God wanted me to share. Today a couple of our students will be sharing their thoughts on Arisa as well at the service.

Thanks again. -Buddy

I covet

2006-01-16T09:56:00.000+09:00

I covet your prayers this week as I prepare for five different teaching times. This week especially I am feeling the weight of being a youth pastor and of not being entirely sure what and how to share at Arisa's memorial service on Thursday.

Wednesday Morning: Romans Bible Study
Wednesday Evening: 2 Timothy Bible Study
Wednesday Evening: Student Leader Training on Making Disciples
Thursday: Arisa's memorial service. Our band is leading the songs and I am sharing the message and I am still not quite sure what I am going to share.
Saturday: Teaching on "Dating" at Impact in preparation for Pledge to Purity in Feb.

Please pray for me this week as you think about us.

Blessings,

Buddy

we're still alive

2006-01-09T14:35:00.000+09:00

Hi everyone...thought I would write a quick update since we've been slacking lately.

We are into full swing here for the New Year. I'm glad that it's time to go back to a routine and as much fun as it was to get the tree and put it up...it's always just as fun to take it back down. I don't know...my sister might not agree...

I begin teaching my 4 week Psychology class tomorrow at Okinawa Christian School. I am thrilled and also have the opportunity to facilitate a Bible Study on Tuesday nights, so I am certainly getting my fill of teaching...I love it.

We finally got our Christmas letters out...they turned into New Years letters and they might actually be Martin Luther King Day letters by the time you get to read them....

Arisa Adam's Memorial

2005-12-28T12:26:00.000+09:00

Arisa (on the left) with Olivia on the Cell Group Retreat last month.

We had some heart wrenching news on Friday before Christmas. One of our students was killed in a car accident. We gathered about 25 of her friends together last week and let them share memories and cry together. In a few minutes I am heading out to a memorial service. Please pray for her family and friends as they grieve during these tough days. Praise God that Arisa is now walking with Jesus.

December 26, 2005

On Christmas 2005 we remember a US military family here in the Philippine's recent tragedy. I've worked with the father, Patch, during the past year in Balance Piston and other JSOTF-P (Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines) activities. He has a beautiful wife, Fumi, a Japanese woman from Okinawa, and four sweet children, Arisa, 14 years old; Akari, 12 years old; Anna, 10 years old; and Akira 9 years old. Patch flew his family from Okinawa to spend the holidays here in the Philippines on December 20th. On December 22nd, the family had a fun filled day in Subic Bay at a water park playing with the dolphins and walking on the beach. They posed for a beautiful family photo at the water park before they left for their hotel.

On the trip back to Manila that evening in a contracted van, the car in front of them suddenly slowed down significantly in traffic, and as they were breaking to counter the speed, a bus hit the van from behind. The car rolled twice and Patch and the van driver got out first to help the other family members out of the wrecked vehicle. Then the van driver RAN AWAY. The family was taken to the closest hospital in a Filipino ambulance (or pick-up as Patch describes it) for medical treatment. All family members survived except for beautiful little fourteen-year-old Arisa who died on the way to the hospital.

I met them at the hospital after I got a call from JSOTF-P asking for a mom-like presence for the kids. The family was in shock as you can imagine and the next nine hours was spent in a hellish nightmare for them all. This hospital was jammed with people and it was obvious we needed to get them out of there to another hospital that could be relied upon for better treatment. Four people in the emergency room died as we were waiting for the children to be released. The hospital wouldn't take the military insurance, so they kept the mother hostage until the bill was paid. People chipped in to pay the bill and get them out of there to another hospital. After another set of x-rays and medical analysis, all the surviving family except for the mother, Fumi, was released with minor scrapes and bruises. They kept Fumi for observation since she had a concussion and back pain.

Yesterday was spent with three very depressed children whose lives are changed forever and Christmas memories will always include those of this tragedy. As ten-year-old Anna and I were waiting in the emergency room, I asked her what she thought happened to loved ones who died. She replied at first that she didn't know, but then remembered the bible stories Arisa had told her since she became involved in a bible study group of other teens.

Anna said, "Arisa said if you believed in Jesus Christ, He will save you from your sins."
"That's what I believe, too," I replied. "Was Arisa a Christian?"

"Yes, she was in a bible study group. One time the group came to our house. Arisa was very religious," Anna answered.

"That's very good news, Anna," I answered. "In fact when a person becomes a Christain and dies, they go right to heaven. That's where Arisa is now with our Lord Jesus. I'll bet an angel met her right after her spirit left her body and took her to the presence of Christ. The bible describes heaven as a place where there are many mansions and the streets are paved with gold. There is no pain or unhappiness there, only peace and happiness because we are with our Lord. We will see our loved ones who have put their faith in Christ again. I'm sure of it because that is what the bible promises."

Anna and I talked and cried throughout the night in the waiting room and she wanted me to tell her bible stories I knew. It is difficult to know the right things to say to comfort ones in grief, but the Holy Spirit was present that night giving assurance to a little girl that she would indeed see her sister in eternity if she too gave her heart to Jesus.

The next day she told another person, "Arisa is in heaven. She believed in Jesus and He saved her from her sins."

We never know what the next minute will bring to our complacent lives. One minute we're experiencing joy and the next minute, we're in a nightmare world of emergency rooms and funeral homes. When the bible says BE YE READY, it's a wake up call to us all. In spite of the pain we feel when we've lost someone dear, our faith in Jesus will make all the difference. He gives us hope and comfort when life throws these kinds of curves. What a blessing it is that this family can know where their daughter is on this Christmas Eve. What a blessing it is that a young girl somehow reaches back to us all from heaven and reminds us how precious life is and how in a blink of an eye it can be taken.

Life is very short..........way too short for feeling sorry for ourselves because our life has not turned out exactly like we wanted it too.........way too short by holding on to hurt feelings from some wrong we feel we've suffered from other people........... too short for jealousy, greediness, bitterness and selfishness.....too short for anything other than love, forgiveness, sacrifice, and devotion to our King of Kings.

We cannot make it through this life on our own. It's way too hard. We cannot be all we can be on our own, only through the empowerment and strength of the Holy Spirit. It has been the times in my life where I've been "I" focused and not "Christ" focused that I've failed miserably. I've often beat myself up looking at my miserable imperfections and wishing I could be good, kind, and perfect.

That is our Christmas gift, though....the baby boy born to take our sins upon Himself brings us into a right relationship with the Heavenly Father. His grace makes us perfect in the sight of God and gives us peace and comfort at times like these when peace passes all understanding. Please keep the Adams family in your prayers this Christmas and pray that we can all find the kind of assurance Arisa found before her short life on this earth ended.

The Deed is done

2005-12-14T11:17:00.000+09:00

There was a vicious murder in our house last night. As we were falling to sleep we heard the sweet sound of "SNAP!" and Buddy went running. I of course was frozen in bed with my heart beating a thousand miles an hour.

There was a lot of desperate squeaking and then Buddy finished the mouse off by dunking him in water till, gulp, he couldn't breathe. Now that I'm feeling a little sorry for it, let me tell you about part two.

Part two includes cleaning up all the little droppings that mice (like humans) like to do in private and for them that means in every nook and cranny of our house.

Off to clean our mouse free house! Yippee!

A mother asks me...

2005-12-13T20:35:00.001+09:00

So I am walking out of the gym this morning and a mother asks me, "Do you know what you do is so important?"

I responded with a nod, "I do"

"O.K." She said, "I just want to make sure you hear how important all the things you do are."

I know that Generals, Doctors, Fighter Pilots, Teachers, and Firemen might disagree with me but I feel like I have the most important job on base. Impacting students with the life changing message of Jesus Christ.

Cat and Mouse

2005-12-13T06:25:00.000+09:00

So...we had this cat for about 1 month before it decided life on its own was better. We haven't seen it in 3 weeks and we're all sufficiently over it except that...

NOW WE HAVE A MOUSE IN OUR HOUSE.

The only time we have ever had a critter in our house is this winter (it's getting unbearably cold with the high at 55...brrr) and I know that the mouse tradition is to go and find someplace warm to live.

Unfortunately that little thing I just saw running across the kitchen floor to its smorgasbord underneath the refrigerator has just one more day of life left in it.

First thing on the agenda today: Mouse-trap purchase and any other Japanese efficient way that gets rid of them. I hope they're not liberals like my friend Jen and won't eat/kill anything with eyes.

Here's hoping...

The Real Tree is Up

2005-12-09T14:50:00.000+09:00

In case anyone wondered/forgot what it's like to have toddlers help decorate your tree...Jack was happy to hang about two ornaments and then he was off to play with cars. Adrianne was by far the most diligent and helped the whole time. The trees made it to Okinawa from the US and it's my most favorite part of the whole Christmas deal.

The craziness of Christmas is upon us. Tomorrow is our Mother/Daughter Tea and after that I get to teach at Impact. Buddy is preaching for our friend who is the pastor at Calvary Chapel here in Okinawa so the weekend looks to be a bit busy.

Still...we are thankful for it in an odd sort of way....

From the mouth of Jack

2005-11-30T07:59:00.000+09:00

The last two mornings Jack has woken up with a disgusted look on his face, gone right to the Air conditioner and said, "Mom, why did you turn the AC on!?" In actuality, God has cooled off our little section of His world and Jack's effort to stop the cold is really turning the cold on.

I guess it's time to start taking baths first thing in the morning. It's the only way to warm up with no heat in the house. It's refreshing...fun to wear a sweater, at least until 11 am, when we do the mad dash to put shorts and tank tops on again.

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T20:09:00.000+09:00

We are home from our Conference. It was full...by that I mean that it was deep with teaching revolving around our heart...the things that really make us tick and it was convicting and compelling. (I always say heart issues are compelling, but not everyone agrees...)

Last night when we got home we were so tired that as I was trying to tell Jack to throw his booger away (he had found an incredibly huge one, so much so that it was likened unto a toy in his mind) and I mistakenly said, "Jack, go put your booger in the fridge..." That made for lots of laughs in the Rathmell household, but that's just a small idea of how tired I was (so much for heart issues, huh?) :-)

Anyhow...Buddy heads off on a retreat tomorrow for three days...he's got lots of kids going and God provided more staff today, so we are thrilled. I was mentioning to my friend today that it's always so cool when you realize that God really doesn't need you for ministry...it's totally His gig, and we've been so out of pocket this fall, that to even have a small handful of kids on any retreat would feel monumental, and to see that God is doing His thing...redeeming, bringing hope, cleansing and purifying all without any Rathmell power is encouraging.

Thanksgiving was great....we are blessed with a very cool community here and we are so thrilled to live in it. I especially have missed my Dad today...he is well taken care of, but Thanksgiving was usually my Mom's thing and so I think today will be hard. If it's Thanksgiving where you are, please pray for him.

We miss you all...thanks for praying...please pray for safety and God's heart-redeeming work this weekend...we eagerly anticipate it.

Gone for a week

2005-11-18T06:06:00.000+09:00

Hi all...today we head to our Fall Staff Conference for a time of spiritual refreshment. We are both looking forward to it. Please pray for us to have teachable and humble hearts...also for opportunities to minister to our teammates.

Catch you on the flip side...Jen

Powerwashing

2005-11-14T18:42:00.000+09:00

Tonight Buddy is finishing up the final touches with our borrowed powerwasher (thank you Vanossdalls!). I wonder if there is a better invention than a powerwasher.

Someday when I write a book about, well, something...I will include powerwashing therapy because as a Mom who doesn't seem to accomplish anything except for the very worthy goal of keeping kids alive and somewhat well fed, it is instant gratification that somehow soothes the soul. What once was a very dirty driveway and play area is transformed into a very clean one with very little effort.

When my Mom passed away, I kept telling my Dad how I wanted to powerwash his driveway...I now can link it with that yummy feeling of just getting something done and how that (pretty temporarily) comforts us. I know it won't last forever, but tomorrow, my synapses will be firing away and there will be an extra surge of serotonin as I step out my front door.

Gotta take what you can get...a great day off for us.

Martin Luther on Romans

2005-11-01T18:34:00.000+09:00

"[Romans] is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes."
-Martin Luther

William Tyndale, the great reformer and translator said this of the book of Romans, "the principle and most excellent part of the New Testament."

Tomorrow the Breakfast Club kicks off. It is going to be an early morning breakfast and Bible study through the Book of Romans with our high school students. Please pray that God would allow Romans to taste sweeter to us each day.

Praise and Request

2005-10-31T21:32:00.000+09:00

If the video does not display properly
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This Video will only be available for the month of November 2005.

Praise: 3 solid couples to work with Impact
Prayer Request: Cell Group Retreat Nov 25-27.

2005-10-27T10:24:00.000+09:00

Ange and Gack have been in our ministry for the last 5 and a half years as well. We have a unique situation this year in that some of the students we have had the priviledge of being their youth pastors since Jr. High school. Yesterday after school Ange and Gack and some other students rode with me to watch the final cross country race of the year out at Torri Station.

It is almost always fun to be with students, especially in small groups, but yesterday as we were driving I was thinking what a special priviledge I have this year with some of the students like Gack and Ange and Justin to have spent countless hours with them, see them grow up from little kids to nearly adults.

One of the verses that has been on my heart this year is "we proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." Would you pray that Ange, Gack and Justin would be perfect in Christ and that are final year with all the seniors would be especially fruitful?

How did you know?

2005-10-25T10:13:00.000+09:00

Nathan, Justin and I had just finished praying in my office when Justin saw my schedule for the day. Justin, a student who went on our very first missions trip in 6th grade and who I have spent thousands of hours with, saw that I had written Pray with Justin and Nathan at 3PM.
"How did you know I would stop by?" Justin asked curiously.
Before I could respond he answered his own question.
"Oh, because I stop by every day"
Yep, you got it Justin.

Would you lift Justin up in prayer? He has a desire to be in special forces and is a great kid but has had a rough year. His mom has been in the states much of the last two years helping out with older siblings and I think Justin is starting to feel the effects.

Little Things

2005-10-21T15:55:00.000+09:00

Ya know, it always seems to be the small things that get you. I guess life really is made up of beautiful moments that compose a symphony. Things like seeing the tags on my children's clothes and knowing that my Mom had lovingly gotten that for them. I know just where she shopped and just how much love came with each piece that was shipped across the Pacific Ocean to a little 750 sq ft house that she had visited twice. No wonder she is missed so much.

Jack keeps telling me that he knows that Oma is in heaven, but "do you think she can send me some more cars from there?"

A life well-lived. Those are the kind that keep living...I am so proud.

More Daddy Please

2005-10-20T16:07:00.000+09:00

There just doesn't seem enough of us to go around these days. Yesterday Jack decided that nothing in the world could please his little 3 year old heart and that made for a trying day.

My wise husband took about 3 hours and spent time with him last night doing things like: going to the beach, chasing, running, playing at the park, singing, encouraging and then topped it off with a trip to the bookstore. (This is of course, the frosting on the cake)

I love how his life is changed and his love tank is filled. I love how his Dad is so kind and astute and willing to fill it for Him until He knows how to run to Jesus for it.

However, our other astute little 5 year old informed me that she thought she "might have a rough day tomorrow" so that she could partake of the Daddy goods. I think she's on to something.

We are on Skype

2005-10-19T23:50:00.000+09:00

Well, tonight I was forced by the Malachi Asia team to get on Skype so we could continue working on our spring break event and I really enjoyed it. If you would like to talk to us on Skype our name is buddyandjen Just a heads up our computer is always on but we are not. :-)

Goodbye Toys and Junk

2005-10-18T09:55:00.000+09:00

It's probably a really good thing my sister and I live (literally) a half a world away. I think our philosophy on toys could drive a serious wedge in between us.

With as much fervor as she has for collecting toys (thus bringing great delight to her children's souls), I have the same fervor for THROWING THEM AWAY.

With Mom graduating and leaving way too much earthly stuff, I have more impetus to purge and consequently, my children will probably head into adulthood with some serious flaws and materialistic desires.

They will need to see Aunt Sue for counseling.

We are doing pretty good...this is our first full week here and we have had cool enough weather to open windows and our house smells so clean and fresh. Megan was walking in the living room saying, "It's windy!"...she's getting so cute and verbose.

musings...

2005-10-13T07:25:00.000+09:00

So this morning (starting at 2:30 a.m...thank you jet lag) I have been pondering this thought...would it be easier to deal with Mom dying if she had been a dirty rotten scoundrel?

I mean...it does seem to sting a bit more that she was an incredible, life-giving kind of person. I guess maybe I'm just mad that I don't get to feel any bitter thoughts because a lot of times those just feel better to feel than thoughts of kindness and just missing her.

We really aren't citizens of this world are we?

On the more stoic side of things, we are home safely after the long journey here (those of you who have experienced it know that it's something akin to being hit by a very fast moving truck). The kids did really well...having Buddy was a God-send (truly).

We're off to get to all the stuff that's been left collecting dust for about three weeks.

Mom's Passing

2005-10-02T15:56:00.000+09:00

The following Message was sent out by Jen's father.
She's the one in the blue at the end of the table. This was from 1999.

Dear Friends and relatives,

Today we took Carole to the hospital for her next chemotherapy. It was to have been a difficult chemo. and we looked forward to it with great trepidation, as she had had a very difficult week, foollowing her release from the Rehab Center. All week she could hardly walk, talk, or even eat. I wondered if she would be coming home again. When we got there she was so feeble that they decided not to do the chemo, as she could hardly sit up, and instead decided to admit her into the hospital. Jon, Sue, and Jen were there, as they knew Carole was in bad shape, Jon from Chicago, Sue from Africa, and Jen from Okinawa. We spent the entire day there, and we were soon told that Carole would not survive the day. She spent the day gasping for breath, and showing little response to questions or comments. We all held her hand, and spoke to her often.

The night before she had asked me to read to her from the Bible, and I did, so I tried to get her to remember what we had read. Her good friend, Bobbi, and her husband come over and were a big comfort to her, and she recognized them and made faint responses to them. After suppper I sat close to her and asked her if she had a kiss for the people around the bed. As I mentioned each name she formed a kiss to that person. The people that she kissed were those present, including Jon, Erin, Me, Sue, Jennifer, Megan, Jack, Adrienne, and some not present, including Buzzy and Bobbi. There would have been others, but she got too tired. I walked up to the lounge for a minute, but Erin came running and told me Carole could go at any minute. I hurried back and suddenly at 8:25 I looked at Carole and noticed that she was not breathing, I mentioned it to the nurse, and he said, after checking, " She's gone." Although we were all sad and heartbroken, everybody knew that she was suddenly in Heaven, and no longer in pain, and for that we were very thankful. The kids were all convinced that it was a miracle that by way of many strange circumstances, they were all back to see Carole one more time before she died. For that they were all thankful. September was a day of mixed emotions, and one that none of us will ever forget. I would be glad to hear from any of you . Monroe

The Brink of Heaven

2005-10-01T00:44:00.000+09:00

I know some of you regularly check this so I wanted to give you an update.

I arrived here on Thursday morning...leaving a week early because of some good counsel and God-given gut feelings. Today on Friday, it seems that Mom may not make it through the night. She has been getting weaker every day...last night we were out of our league in keeping up with her. My sister did an amazing job at calming Dad and allowing him some precious sleep while she cared for Mom. She is not well mentally, but has moments of lucidity.

As soon as the kids wake up and I go buy a car seat, we'll head in.

Through all this, God has been so gracious. We are all here (my brother will fly in) and almost to the "T", has God answered Sue and I's requests...little things that, as my friend prayed for me before I left "confirm that God is intimately acquainted with every small detail of our life". I don't know what else she prayed, but that phrase has comforted me and God has thunderously applauded the truth of that.

Now, the applause of Heaven only waits for their good and faithful one to arrive Home. Thanks for praying (Oh...pray for this...Buddy is not sure about coming, and the biggest concern is that he wants to be here to help with taking the kids home to Okinawa. We don't know what to do...it seems frivilous to buy a ticket for him to come for just 3 days or so, but I am nervous about the return trip (even though the way here was decent) Maybe I'm just needing time to see clearly, but please pray for wisdom for that for us.

We love you all, Jen for us

2005-09-18T18:58:00.000+09:00

Before I had kids, I probably would've thought that peanut butter on the toilet was a strange thing, but now I know it simply happens when your naked daughter who was mauling on a spoon of peanut butter says, "I have to go poopy". Easy transition. No mystery there.

Buddy is stateside for a leadership conference...he is there until the 26th and a week after he gets back, I'm taking the kids to the US to visit with my Mom, whose cancer has most likely spread to her liver. It should be a wild ride. Current status: We're only about a day and a half away from Meltdown City...maybe even sooner.

I taught last night at youth group and it was so fun...I love teaching and I am humbled that God would tune the ears of 80 teenagers to the things that He says through me. Amazing.

Now and Then

2005-08-25T19:27:00.000+09:00

Tonight Adrianne was running singing (to the tune of "Where is Thumpkin")

"He's my Savior (Where is Thumpkin), He's my Savior (Where is Thumpkin)

But instead of saying "Here I am", the appropriate words, she responded with, "Now and Then, Now and Then".

At first I was struck by the sad truth of that statement. The way that we use "now and then" in today's English is so flippant, so "something-I-don't-always-need". I was angry at how the simple reality touched me so truthfully.

Yesterday, I also found out that my Mom who is sick with cancer most proably had a mini-stroke in the midst of the already terrible pain that she has so bravely endured. I wonder how much longer the gates of heaven will be her hope and not her reality.

Now and then...suddenly the words comfort me. He really is my Savior now...and THEN.

Today I will bask in His goodness that will still be there on the day that my Mom is called home and released from the sickly prison that holds her captive. Today, God whispered "and then" to me.

He is my Savior...now...and then. No matter what "then" holds, the reality remains. He is busy Saving and doing all the things that come along with that package...Comforting, Keeping, Sustaining.

Goodbye Interns, Hello New School Year

2005-08-18T08:37:00.000+09:00

Well we have now said goodbye to 4 of our 7 interns for the summer and things are winding down. Last night I picked up Dave and Bonnie from the airport and school is just around the corner.

It has been a great summer with lots of ministry events happening and relationships being built. Today we are going to the beach for the day and I am really looking forward to some of the time that I will have with students.

In a week we are having a back to school slipe and slide event to introduce new students to the ministry of Impact.

Compassion and Popsicles

2005-08-08T21:03:00.000+09:00

So tonight, this one comes up to me and says, "Mom, you choose to have compassion on Jack and Megan, but you won't have any compassion on me."

I couldn't help it but I just busted a gut laughing. How many four year olds do you know throwing around the word compassion, much more being the judge of its recipients?

This was said in the context of the major pruning that just had taken place outside and consequently her "tent" (aka overgrown shrubery and tropical trees) was gone. I really didn't know that compassion was in order, but I took her in my arms and said, "just exactly how can I show you some compassion?"

Bluntly, she replied, "a Popsicle".

There was no way I was going to pass up such a simple solution. "You got it, let's go!"

There's gonna be a lot more problems with not quite so easy answers. You gotta strike while the irons hot.

One down...a rather lot to go, but for now, the Rathmells sleep in peace and compassion.

Student Leader Update

2005-08-06T11:12:00.000+09:00

God has been doing some neat things in the lives of students on our student leader retreat. The days have been 16 hours long with very little free time but the students have been haning in their and tracking with what Stephen has been teaching them. It helps that much of the training is interactive. The first day they had to build boats out of driftwood and supplies that had washed up on the beach and 2 members from each team had to make it across a small inlet on the pacific ocean side of our island. While all the teams made it across only one team actually stayed on their boat from start to finish and didn't have to propel their boat by hanging off of it and kicking their way across.

The second day we went paintballing which was really fun as a group. The last game we played girls vs. guys with the guys playing shirtless to make the sting a little greater if they got stung. It ended in a draw with the guys surrounding the girls home base just as time expired. :-)

Right now the students are working on their life mission statement trying to figure out what the specific purpose the God has created them for. Stephen has taught them that God is most glorified, we experience the most joy and God's kingdom is most sigficantly advance when we fulfill the destiny that God has for us. Please pray for the students that they would have more clarity as we meet with them one on one to coach them about their life purpose.

Student Leader Retreat

2005-08-03T13:15:00.000+09:00

Well we are almost one day into our student leader retreat. We are about to head off to the beach and have them creat boats that will hold them to travel from one point on land to the other. Then we will have a cook out on the beach and finish our teaching time for the night. Before the trip the student had to read a biography of a christian leader and tonight the first group will present what they learned to us.

Please pray that this would be a life changing week for all of the students involved and that God would give us guidance and direction for the year to come.

Our trainer is Stephen Blandino from nextled.org and he is doing a great job. Pray that God would have his annointing on him. Thanks.

Soccer Camp

2005-07-19T22:08:00.000+09:00

This week we are running our second ever soccer camp here on Okinawa both as a service to the community and a fundraiser for Impact. We have 7 interns this summer and about 10 students that are helping us run the camp. Today during lunch we had a coaches game so during our weekly intern meeting this afternoon most of them were struggling to stay awake.

Pray of the Missions trip to IE island which Mia and Ian (two of our Interns) are leading July 31st through Aug 4th.

Pray for our student leader trip the 2nd through the 9th of August which is going to be held here on Okinawa at a Marine Base. We are brining in Stephen Blandino from Texas to run the event for us and it is going to be a great event for the students.

Our email is working again after about 6 weeks of craziness so if you wrote us and we never wrote back it might have been because we never got it.

Date Night

2005-07-03T23:03:00.000+09:00

Went on a long over due date with my wife tonight. Was way fun. We started out talking at a local cafe and then ended up at the Vanosdall's who had invited over for dinner all of our 7 interns for the youth ministry this summer.

Missions Trip Final Report

2005-06-29T07:48:00.000+09:00

Well we have made it home safe and sound and hopefully chnaged in some ways forever. The internet went down again shortly after we got it back up which is why we were not able to update again from Taiwan.

The students did a great job of ministering in many different ways; Taking care of orphans, giving shoulder rubs at convelescent homes, cleaning up a thrift store for a ywam ministry, performing on the street and playing basketball to invite people to the cafe and share christ, joining with an international youth group, babysitting for missionaries there, attending a couple of different Taiwanese churches.

It's always weird when we get back from an intense youth trip that that group will never be together again on this side of Heaven. One of the blessings for me is seeing God work not only in the lives of the people that we are ministering to but my students as well. On the airplane one student told me the story of how God had worked in her life during the trip. A couple of the students really came alive as they saw how their gifts could be used to further God's kingdom. I think everyone was challenged to walk more closely with Christ and be more bold in their witness.

Thanks so much for praying for us.

Blessings,

Buddy

Taiwan missions trip update

2005-06-24T17:19:00.000+09:00

We have been without an internet connection all weekend so we haven't been able to update or post pictures. We will try to post some stories up in the morning before we take off and pack everything up.

The southern team made it back without any problems. We joined an international youth group last night and had some of our kids mix with some of their kids for the band and a couple of the students shared their storeis of what God has done in their lives on this trip and how he brought them to himself.

Cafe Ministry

2005-06-24T14:08:00.000+09:00

Last night the cafe was packed so Allen and I left and went to another cafe that didn't have so many people. We spent about three hours together and he gave his life to Christ. This morning we spent another three hours together, watched the end of the NBA finals on his 7 inch TV screen, and went and bought a Bible together. Even though I have lived in Japan for 5 years I haven't really had a friend from another country since I live in Germany so that has been cool. It has also challenged me about how I live my life in Okinawa so focused on my American students.

Mr. Taiwan, also gave his life to Christ at the cafe last night, as a few of the students shared the gospel with him. The students have also had many conversations with people who do not want to give their lives to Christ but enjoy having American friends and learning english. There is one guy, Michael that the students have spent about 4 1/2 hours talking to the last couple of nights. It has been challenging for them because he wants to keep arguing with them but I think it has been good at the same time.

This morning the rest of the group took disabled orphans to a department store and his afternoon we will be a convelescent home and a couple of the students will be playing basketball to continue to build relationships.

Southern Team Update

2005-06-24T14:02:00.000+09:00

We don't have any pictures from the team that went to the other cafe yet because they won't get back until tomorrow and they don't have internet access.

Amy said that they were working hard at cleaning up and organizing and working and sharing Christ at the cafe in the evenings. Amy was able to lead someone to Christ last night and one of the guys who works at the cafe will be discipling him. The first night Janie was shaking out her bed and a coke roach came out. They ended up killing 22 before they went to bed so she said they didn't sleep that well but ministry was going well.

They will come back tomorrow after lunch and join us as we meet with a Taiwanese youth group on Saturday night.

Allen-my Taiwanese Friend

2005-06-23T20:09:00.000+09:00

Please Pray for Allen to come to know Christ. We have had fun playing basketball the last two days and I think God has been at work in his life preparing him to come to Christ.

Last night Allen gave me my chinese name: Chow Fung. So you can now call me Buddy or Chow Fung whichever you prefer.

Missionaries sending out missionaries.

2005-06-23T01:49:00.000+09:00

We were asked to send part of our group to another ministry that has a similiar strategy of reaching students near a university with a cafe so Amy is leading a group of volunteer missionaries from our group to go to a southern base and help with the ministry down there. From today until Saturday Amy, Chaplain Warner, Janie, Colleen, Jules, Trey, Nick, Kristin and Angela in their ministry down there.

Today was long and in some ways tough day but very rewarding.

We spent the morning at a pool with a small group of 7 year old mentally and physically handicapped children. It was hard work and it was only about 2 hours for us. I spent most of my time holding one young boy to keep him from drowing himself only to realize after 45 minutes that he could hold his face under water for about 5 seconds. For some of the students it was too much and they struggled holding the kids and loving them.

This afternoon most of the students went to a convelescant home and shared our program there. One Lady accepted Christ as her savior during the time that our group was there. it was another challenging time for a couple of them as they were asked to give shoulder rubs to the residents at the end. One lady there was 103 years old.

Justin, Phillip and I went and played basketball at the University and made a new friend Allen. I also received a chinese name tonight from Gary, Nancy and Allen. I spent an hour at the Rock last night with Gary and Nancy and 2 1/2 hours tonight with them and Allen. Please pray for Allen as he is considering giving his life to Christ. I think God is at work in his life since his girlfriend is a Christian and it seems that God is making clear the gospel to him and drawing him to himself.

Thanks for praying. It has been a great week already and we are excited about what God will continue to do.

Candy comes to Christ

2005-06-23T01:44:00.000+09:00

Bailey is the student on the left and has been doing an awesome job this trip of serving others, jumping into everything whole-heartedly and loving others. I asked her to share her story about last night with you.

Hello my name is bailey and on the 21 of June I lead a Taiwanese girl named Candy (her chosen name) to the Lord. I was down on the street trying to speak “Free drinks and free English” in Chinese to the people walking past me. Then Candy and her sister Jennifer walked by. I told them the Chinese phrase, (that I stated) they were reluctant at first, but I continued to say, “Free, yes free.” So, they went inside and we sat down together in the crowded room. I served them the drink of their choice. They couldn’t speak much English so I tried to find a translator. It took quite a while for the translator to come, so I was stuck their trying to communicate. I learned to basic stuff, like what there names were, where they go to school, and how old they were. I asked them weather they went to church or not but they didn’t understand. When the translator (Fang Hue < sounds like this, kind of) came I learned that Jennifer had gone to a youth group activity in her school, but still did not believe in Jesus. Her sister Candy had not heard the gospel before, so I shared with her that Jesus loves her, created her, that everyone is a sinner including her, that because of Gods love he sent his son to die for our sins and to create a brig to heaven. Then I asked her if she believed this. She said yes, then I confirmed her answer and expressed that if she believes this than that means she could not worship other gods. She understood and wanted to pray to God and accept him into her heart. So we all bowed our heads and prayed. It was very interesting because I would speak, then Fang Hue would translate, then Candy would repeat what Fang Hue said. After the prayer we gave her a bible and showed her a good passage on not worrying about tomorrow. Then she and her sister had to leave because on the time on night. That is the end of my story. If you would like, keep Candy in your prayers, for her growing relationship with God. That would be wonderful. Thank you for your time. Bailey Paschall

Handing out Invites

2005-06-23T01:35:00.000+09:00

Phillip and Linda passing out invitations to the Rock.

Kelcie and Gack getting sprayed

2005-06-23T01:34:00.000+09:00

Tuesday morning we had off so we jumped on a ferry to cross the river and then spent from 10 until 2 at a waterpark. It was a lot of fun and we came back mostly unburnt. It was definitely a good break and an awesome bonding time for our group.

2005-06-23T01:33:00.000+09:00

The Fella's on the ferry to the waterpark

2005-06-23T01:32:00.000+09:00

Our girls performing a drama for the DTS school.

Teaching at YWAM staff meeting

2005-06-23T01:29:00.000+09:00

On Monday Buddy taught at the YWAM staff meeting. We also had a time of worship and prayer for some of the different ministries.

The Rock!

2005-06-19T23:34:00.000+09:00

Today we brought people to "The Rock", a cafe where we teach Taiwanese how to speak Egnlish and share Jesus Christ with them if the opportunity arrises. Here is Jules talking to 14 year old, Lois. Lois saw us at the performance in the afternoon and then came with her family to the Rock this evening.

2005-06-19T23:27:00.000+09:00

The markets in Taiwan sell many exotic fruits.

2005-06-19T23:22:00.000+09:00

This is Buddy and a chaplain from the church in Taiwan that we attended today, on Sunday.

2005-06-19T23:10:00.000+09:00

Hi, This is Dodd. He is going to be helping out with the updates this week.

2005-06-19T00:30:00.000+09:00

The performance Location

2005-06-19T00:21:00.000+09:00

Some of our girls talking with some of the local Taiwanese Girls after their performance.

Audio Trip Update-Click on the link to hear a quick update of our day.

2005-06-18T23:50:00.000+09:00

2005-06-17T23:18:00.000+09:00

View from the Outreach House where we are staying to the MRT station across the street.

Picture on the Plane

2005-06-17T23:17:00.000+09:00

Trey and Colleen on the plane

Don't Pray for Us

2005-06-17T18:36:00.000+09:00

Don't pray for us until you watch this video. It was a great challenge for all of us on the Taiwan team as part of our training on Thursday.
Obviously we covet your prayers, but I think this video might challenge you to pray even more.

This morning we braved what seemed like the worst non-typhoon rain we have experienced to arrive at the airport. Many of the roads were partially closed on our way to the airport because rain was covering them. After a mostly smooth flight it felt like the plane was dropped from about three feet on our landing.

Much of our schedule has been set but as I am typing this one of the staff members is working on seeing if we can send a few of our students to help out with some of the areas in southern Taiwan that have expereinced flodding etc.

This evening will be orientation and time at The Rock. Tomorrow will be spent in time with God, prayer walking, practicing some of our presentation, building relationships through basketball and another part of our team will be doing some outdoor evangelism.

Please DO pray for us whether you watch the video or not.

2005-06-15T14:42:00.000+09:00

Friends...again we have neglected this blog...Buddy leaves tomorrow for Taiwan on our missions trip and today has been a typical "Last Day before we go Day". There is frustration with petty things and a kid just said he can't go. Buddy just called and asked me to pray that he will not get bogged down with the little stuff...would you pray that also? It always reassures us that God is moving when we sense the enemy's opposition. Stay tuned. We'll try to get updates out during the trip. Thank you Lord, for wireless internet!

Missions Trip to Taiwan Team

2005-06-07T22:18:00.000+09:00

This is part of our team of 24 that is heading to Taiwan from the 16th until the 27th of June. We will be involved in a few different ministries with the main goal of connecting students to the Rock, which is a coffee house where English is taught, Bible studies are held, and relationships are developed.

Would you pray that:
God would draw our team to himself
We would be a blessing to all that we come in contact with
Students would be drawn to Christ through our ministry
Love,
Buddy & Jen

Jack is 3!

2005-05-25T10:47:00.000+09:00

Well, we pulled off the birthday party for Jack, albeit a little bit late (like 2 weeks!) His guitar cake and train set were a hit as he was surrounded by people he loved and who, amazingly enough, love him! (This can be a trial sometimes, but well worth the effort!) Pizza, wings, lumpia and blue frosting led to a successful night. I thought of the verse that talks about how evident it was that people had been with Jesus...as every blue-tongued person on Kadena were EVIDENTLY coming from Jack's big bash. A little lesson as we walked around with blue teeth!

2005-05-19T07:19:00.000+09:00

It is now 5 days until the day "Kra" leaves..."Kra" started as a result of Jacks inability to pronounce "Kristina" and it kinda stuck. We don't know what we would've done without her this year. She is praying about returning to work with us next year in a dual "nanny/incredible youth worker" role. The kids absolutely scream when they see her...they know that there's adventure around the corner. She's got a lot more energy than this 30+ year old Mom (I'm not going there!!)

Never Take the Bus

2005-05-17T09:01:00.000+09:00

I know if counseling situations one is told to always refrain from using the words always and never. I have just come up with a new self rule. Never take the bus if you can take the tube. (I roomed with an English guy at the youth hostel that I stayed at last night, hence the word tube instead of subway)

I am in Korea for a couple of days doing the leg work for a student leader trip we are having here in August. We are bringing over Stephen Blandino from Nexlead to lead us again which I am really excited about. Anyway, I digress.

Never take the bus. I am backpacking like in days of old with the backpack my parents bought me when I graduated from high school, riding on bumpy, loud and crowded public transportation and eating rice balls with spicy meat so I decided I would splurge a little and go to outback steakhouse last night for dinner. After walking for a way I decided to grab a bus the rest of the way. Inexplicably, two blocks after I got on the bus it made a turn and I wanted to go straight. I debated getting off at the next stop but then I decided I would see where the bus would go just for kicks because I figured it must be on some sort of circular route. An hour later when the bus came to a stop in a lot with 15 other buses and no riders I realized that it wasn't on a circular route. The good thing was that it's very easy to catch the correct bus from the bus depot. :-) The other good thing was that I was quite hungry when I arrived at Outback two hours later.

Pray that God would lead me and give me wisdom as i set up the trip, and if you have an option take the tube.

-Buddy

Cell Group

2005-05-10T22:14:00.000+09:00

Cell groups this year have been such a great time for me this year. Instead of visiting a different group each week which I did last year I have been with the same group since October. This spring we have seen 3 students in our group give their lives to Christ. I am so proud of our cell leaders and the students in the group because they have done a great job loving others into the Kingdom this year. It is so much fun to be a part of a group that I am not leading and seeing my students share their lives and the gospel with other students.

Also if you were praying for our cafe workers thanks. God provided 3 workers this week to fill up the rest of our shifts.

Cell Group

This photo was taken last night on a cell phone which is why it is a little blurry.

2005-05-08T14:46:00.000+09:00

Happy Mothers Day to you and yours...