ERICKA (BENNETT) JACKSON :: Living James 1:27 - That they would know Him, by the way we love them.

A Missionary's Life :: Sunshine & X-Rays

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's time for our weekly 'Friday Update'. Well... actually, it was time for it YESTERDAY.

Unfortunately, my blog has been on the fritz and I've been trying to post this for about 30 hours!

>insert frustrated screams here<

Praise God for our awesome IT guy, Mike Price who fixed it for me!

Check out what we've been up to in the blog below! :)

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Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away. The lyrics 'you make me happy when skies are GRAY' definitely apply in Port Huron! We do NOT get much sun here. According to the map below, we are in the gray area of only about 2,000 hours of sun a year! That means about 2/3 of our year is clouds and gray skies. Not good when I am used to the sunny south!!! Luckily, God decided to bless us with SUNSHINE this week! I have not sunshine like that in MONTHS. It has been GLORIOUS! Almost all the snow has melted, and it actually hit 59 Thursday! WHOO HOO! Come on Spring! Of course it is gray again today, and this weekend the lows are in the 20's :(

Community-Wide Yard Sale. This is my current project for The Sound of Hope. I am orchestrating a HUGE Yard Sale to raise money for orphans, and for our church's Mexico mission trip! The economy has been hit hard in this area, so we needed a fundraiser that would help the community, instead of just take money (that few people have to spare). So, we are hoping people will do some spring cleaning and donate their stuff to sell! Then our shoppers will get to buy things at a low cost, and the proceeds all go to missions! We have a lot of work to do over the next few weeks to make this a success. Please pray God will bless our efforts and give us a great turn out of donations and shoppers!

X-Ray. My new chiropractor decided to do some x-rays on me this month, and what he found was, unfortunately, not good. My neck is apparently curved the wrong way! I had no idea what a big problem this could be. I've gotten a couple of other opinions from chiropractor friends and they all agree that this does not need to go untreated. Apparently it can cause a whole list of health problems now (like the painful muscle spasms I've been struggling with the past year, and problems like bronchitis, headaches, and a weak immune system, which I struggled with most of my life) and if left untreated can cause bad arthritis and degeneration as I get older. I'm SO thankful they were able to find it now, when it can still be corrected! Please pray for HEALING first and foremost, wisdom for my doctor, and that my body will cooperate with the treatment.

The picture to the left is my neck, which appears very

straight with a slight curve toward the back. The

picture above is a healthy neck, which curves toward

the front. Notice the spaces between the healthy

vertebrae above. (which my spine is missing).

A cheerful heart is good medicine. (Prov 17:22) Well, that is one thing our church definitely has going for it... we like to LAUGH! Below is a hilarious video piece Rusty did for his 2nd job (with the church). The series this month is entitled "Walking Exposed". It's all about honesty and vulnerability, which can be tough things for people to step into. To lighten the mood, Rusty put together this video 'EXPOSING' our assistant pastor Doug Haney. Hope you enjoy it!

Haney EXPOSED from Rusty Jackson on Vimeo.

BIG News Coming Soon! We have BIG NEWS to share with you, but it's too important to add into this little update. So, have a great weekend and STAY TUNED next week as we reveal something we're very excited to share with you! (and no, we're not pregnant. haha! ;)

80 children RAPED since January

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This was the headline I read first thing this morning. HORRIFYING. The intro below is from Jumbo & Kriek (our Swazi contacts) followed by the newspaper article explaining the situation further. I can only imagine that there are MANY more children who did not report their sexual abuse. PLEASE cover these children in PRAYER! Pray a hedge of protection around every single one of them. Pray for angels to guard them on every side. They need us to fight for them in the heavenlies!

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We have seen great progress in Ministry here in Swaziland, but when you read articles like this in the Observer this morning you know we still have ways to go to protect the children of Swaziland from all the predators roaming around. We are moving into the Marula season and alcohol abuse will be much higher the next 2 months.

Please join with us in a special prayer today for the protection and healing of the most precious in the eyes of our Father. Here is the article in the Swazi Observer of March 8, 2010 ::

     "ABOUT 80 children have been raped in Swaziland in the last two months, police have said.
Statistics released by late last week indicate that from January to the end of February, at least 121 rape incidents were reported in the country, and more than two-thirds of these involved children.
Such alarming figures have fuelled the call for urgent passing of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Bill into law.
      Police Director of Domestic Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Senior Superintendent Leckinah Magagula has raised an alarm, especially to women and children - who are major targets of abuse.
      Senior Superintendent Magagula encouraged parents to keep a hawk-eye' on their children, particularly during the current marula season. The seasonal marula brew and alcohol abuse had been cited as the leading cause for most rape cases in the country.
Magagula said a number of children were raped on the way home after school and some at their respective homes.
      Police have warned that most children were raped by people well known to them. The statistics show that they are in danger from their siblings, parents, uncles, neighbors and helpers.
The unprecedented increase in rape cases has fuelled police to call upon parliament to urgently pass the Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Bill to Law.
Senior Superintendent Magagula observed that the country was using outdated laws with light penalties against the perpetrators.
      She prayed that parliament would apply the same urgency it show when passing the Human Trafficking Law.
      The country is stuck with pre-colonial laws such as the Crimes Act of 1889 and the Girls and Women's Protection Act of 1920.
      In essence, such laws cripple the efficiency of the judicial system and do not effectively address the evolving trends of abuse.
      "It is high time perpetrators are given harsher sentences," she said.
      The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Bill have been tabled in both Houses of Parliament and this legislation seeks to address some major gaps which appear in the current laws dealing with sexual offences and domestic violence.
      For instance, it has broadened the definition of rape to cover not only unlawful sexual intercourse with another but also unlawful sexual acts committed under certain circumstances, including any coercive manner, under false pretence or by fraudulent means, under duress, fear of violence or psychological oppression."

A Missionary's Life :: Picasso & Reading Rainbow

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's that time again... time for our FRIDAY UPDATE!

You know... that random blog we do each week to update you on what we've been up to ;)

Check it out below!

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Picasso. Okay, maybe it's more in the 'paint by number' category, but I am loving painting lately! I'm no expert but I really enjoy seeing something in my mind and then seeing it out on the canvas. Plus, I LOVE giving personal, meaningful gifts to people. What's more personal than a monogram painting?

I did these a couple of weeks ago but couldn't post pictures because the Mommy's hadn't received them yet. Now I'm happy to share with you my two latest creations!

This one is for a sweet little girl named Mikayla Grace Rosario. Mikayla's mommy is one of our co-workers at AIM. Her color scheme is pink and chocolate brown, so I put together this monogram for her! I'm hoping it doesn't look to 'babyish' and can be used in her room as she grows up :)

This one is for a sweet little boy named Zander Gabriel Kelch. His parents go to church with us, and have two beautiful little girls. Imagine Daddy's excitement when he found out they were having a BOY! Since Tim is a sports fan (he's on the softball team with Rusty) I wanted to be sure to carry that over in this piece.

I'm working on another gift for a friend right now in memory of her Dad who passed away this year. As soon as it's finished and she's received it I'll be sure to share it! (*note - I'm not planning on pursuing this as a business because, as my parents would say, I already have too many 'irons in the fire'! haha. My schedule just won't allow me to do a lot of them. However, if you are interested in 'ordering one' feel free to Contact Me. I can be hired to do some here and there as my schedule allows ;)

Reading Rainbow. Did you ever watch that show as a kid? I did, and I have to say I LOVED IT. Reading has always been a big deal to me - I was in every summer reading program possible growing up! I remember getting in trouble in Mrs. Hamlin's 1st grade class for reading my "Adventures of Barbie" book in my lap (hidden under my desk) in class. (Imagine THAT! A student getting in trouble for READING?! She was careful to explain that it was a GOOD thing I was reading, but really needed to pay attention in Math time. BLAH. Math... who needs it?! ;)

As I got older it got harder to find time to read things I WANTED to read. In high school it was because of all my AP required reading, in college it was required reading for all my English Lit classes. Now that I'm done with all that I'm trying to get back into the habit of reading things I enjoy (and I'm really glad we have a mentor, Michael Hindes, who encourages us to be reading SOMETHING at ALL times!)

Right now I'm reading "Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth" by Richard Foster. I know the title sounds boring - who wants to read about DISCIPLINE? But really, it's not at all what you expect! If you want to grow in your relationship with the Lord and in how you relate to those around you, I'd encourage you to pick up this book! I am learning so much through it! (Thanks Dawn for the recommendation!)

Right now Rusty is reading "Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sonship" by Jack Frost. He has been RAVING about it and I can't wait to start it! It's so cool to see God speaking to my husband through a book, and to listen to ways his heart is changing just by reading it. I LOVE it! I think we're going to switch books as soon as we're done :)

Rusty's 2nd Job. A while back we told you that Rusty's started a part time job with our church here doing video work. He is still really enjoying it and I love seeing people excited about his pieces. His latest one is here if you want to check it out! We hope you enjoy it, and we hope you have a great weekend!

Faith Parenting vs. Fear Parenting from Rusty Jackson on Vimeo.

One Child

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The story below is from my first trip to Swaziland in 2007. I found it while organizing files on my computer and realized I'd never shared it! The information is dated now, but I hope it still moves you. You'll find an update on this family at the end.

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Her name is Thulie. She is young, not even 40, but her body is spent. Her emaciated frame is frail, her face hollow. AIDS is taking its toll; little by little she's fading away. Her voice comes and goes, and every day she loses more weight.

She is the mother of four bright, beautiful children. Thabo is 14, Sabelo is 10, and Nonhlanhla is 7. The youngest is almost 2- a precious little boy named Senkhosi who stole my heart.

She has buried two husbands. Twice her companion has been taken from her. Twice she has grieved. AIDS has widowed her and infected her. Now the burden of her sickness and her family rests solely on her shoulders. She wonders if maybe that's why her health continues to decline...

"It's hard to sleep at night," she said. "It's hard to get my mind to rest. I worry about my children- how will I provide for them? For food? For school fees? For their health? I worry all the time. Maybe that is why I keep losing weight, because I cannot rest. I just worry about my children. And it's harder now, with both my husbands dead... it's hard not to have anyone..."

Her burdens are so heavy.

Yet her worries do not end there. Every day her baby, sweet Senkhosi, is in danger.

According to Swazi culture, widows are usually cared for by the dead husband's brother. This is the case with Thulie and her family- they live on the homestead of her brother-in-law from her first marriage. Unfortunately, Senkhosi was born during her second marriage. Because he is the child of another man, he is not welcome on the homestead. The brother-in-law hates him. He has promised Thulie if he finds the baby alone, he will kill him.

I can't stand to think of it. I met Senkhosi my first week in Swaziland. He was adorable, but he cried most of the day. Every time Thulie got out of sight, he would scream hysterically- almost as if he could sense the impending doom.

It took a while for him to warm up to me, but our second meeting I fell in love completely. He was filthy, but beautiful, and so sweet... and he just wanted love. He followed me around and sat on my lap. I taught him peek-a-boo - he loved the game so much that he would put his sweet little hands over mine to play, and squeal with excitement!

Our next afternoon together we played chase. I can still see him in my mind, toddling away from me, but looking back every few seconds to make sure I was still following him, still pursuing him, and then giggling with glee. His laughter was the sweetest sound...

Everything in me breaks to know he is not safe. He is growing up and becoming an active little boy, while AIDS continues to weaken his mother. Everyday is gets harder for Thulie to care for him. I cannot bear to think about what will happen to him when she dies.

I find myself praying crazy prayers. Prayers like, "Please God just keep him safe and keep Thulie alive until I can find a way to care for him!" I live 9,000 miles away. I can barely take care of myself. I don't even have a permanent place to live right now! How can I pray a prayer like that? But still, I have. I can't help it. My heart is broken for that precious little boy. I can't bear to think of him all alone, with no one to love and care for him. He should be held and comforted, hug and kissed. He should be told "I love you" everyday. He should have every opportunity to grow up happy and healthy. He should have a bright future full of possibilities.

But he will soon be an orphan - despised and rejected by his mother's family. What will happen to him then? Will he be cared for? Will he have food and clothing? Will he have a home? Will he even survive?

These thoughts break me. I want to rescue him, to give him love, hope, and a future. I want to save him from the desperate situation he is in... and he is only one child. There are thousands like him -over 100,000 in Swaziland alone. What can possibly be done?

As I begin to feel overwhelmed, I remember a conversation I had with a woman my first week in Swaziland. Her name was Tami. She and her son Nick were adopting a beautiful little girl from Swaziland. I was thrilled by the news and began to listen as she shared her heart. "I believe every family has room for one more child," she said. "Just one more child- and I believe God will provide for that family. If we all believed that, we could solve this problem around the world! Think about it - if EVERY Christian family adopted one child, there wouldn't be orphans anymore."

I was astounded. She was right! I truly believe that's the answer, but today, 6 months later, I wonder if we're any closer to that solution. How is it that I meet spoiled children everyday - children who have everything they need and everything they want - yet there are 143 million orphans around the world with no one to care for them? These beautiful, bright children are being forgotten- pushed aside and ignored. We stay here in our expensive homes, driving our expensive cars, fulfilling every desire and we think if we never go to Africa, or China, or India- if we never see these children- then maybe they don't exist.

But they do. I have gone. I have held them and hugged them and kissed them and wiped away their tears. I have taught them and laughed with them and fallen in love with them. They do exist, and they are in desperate need. Children are dying in the street from hunger and thirst and we keep walking as if they're the dust under our feet. WHAT IS WRONG WITH US?!!! What has happened to the church today?! What has happened to human decency? Are our selfish desires really more important than the life of a child?

One child.

That was Tami's answer. Just one child at a time. If not by adoption, then at least child sponsorship! $32 a month through Children's Hopechest, or Compassion International, or The Sound of Hope - no discomfort, no travel, no adoption papers required- yet you are giving hope to a child in desperate need. Only $32 a month. How can you say no when you are their hope? How can you say no when you are the answer?

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Update on Thulie & Senkhosi :: I got to see them both again in July 2008 when I returned to Swaziland. Senkhosi was healthy and happy; giving hugs and kisses and saying "I love you!" while he ran circles around me. Thulie watched him with delight, and thanked me for the clothes and shoes I brought him. She was frail but somehow she was still holding on. I checked on them again though Kriek (our Swazi contact) last week and she said that still, somehow, Thulie is holding on. She has more bad days than good and she is very weak...but by some miracle she is still alive! Senkhosi is 4 years old and has started preschool. PLEASE continue to pray for them! Pray for HEALING and STRENGTH for Thulie. Pray for PROVISION for Senkhosi and his three siblings. Pray for MIRACLES!

Tickle-time with Senkhosi in his new ELMO outfit - July 2008

Swaziland :: The Hospital

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It was broken and beautiful. It was desperation and hope. It was pain and healing.

It was diseased and dying and crying to live.

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Unfortunately, I feel at home in hospitals. When your little brother has a chronic disease and goes through three major surgeries in two years, you start to get used to the place. Sleeping in recliners and blow up mattresses with a handful of nurses and doctors waking you up checking vitals all night, white walls and tile floors, sterile everything and the smell of cleaner and antibacterial sanitizer, high tech equipment beeping all the time, and lots of cafeteria food...

It becomes a way of life. It's not fun at first, but you get used to it. Eventually, I did, and I ended up loving the ministry aspect of being there. I met several other children who had been in the hospital for extended stays and spent time visiting them and their families. As difficult as the situation was, I enjoyed encouraging and comforting them when I had the opportunity.

Imagine my excitement when I found out I was visiting the hospital in Manzini, Swaziland! "This will be my ministry," I thought. I knew it would be hard, but I was thrilled we were going.

I wasn't prepared for what I saw.

We walked into the Children's Ward first. Cement floors, filthy walls and windows, wooden tables for beds - 3 or 4 babies on each. Two nurses for the 30 or so children there, and not a doctor in sight. Wire hangers for IV's and no other equipment to be seen. No beeping monitors, no breathing machines, no noise. Only silence, and the sound of infants crying.

I tried to take it all in, completely overwhelmed. This could not be a hospital! Nothing about this looked like a hospital. There was nothing familiar about this experience...

And then she met my eyes.

A desperate mother. Her eyes were full of fear, so overwhelmed, so broken for her child. They were the same eyes I saw in the hospital at home. The same eyes searching for hope... the same heart broken and worried... the same hands helpless to heal.

My heart broke for her. I went over and placed my hand on her shoulder and asked if I could pray for her little boy. I held her hand and placed my other hand on her baby. Another of my friends and I prayed with her and her husband- for their child and for their comfort. As I prayed she sobbed.

When our prayer was over, I moved further into the room, still overwhelmed at all I saw. Orphaned babies with no one to care for them. Mothers everywhere, staying with their babies all day and night - 4 mothers to every wooden bench. They sleep on the cold cement floor when they're too exhausted to sit anymore. If they have children, they're either left alone at home or they're in the hospital with them-mothers caring for toddlers as they watch their babies dying on those tables.

The mothers can't leave because then there's no one to care for their child. Sometimes the hospital feeds them, sometimes they don't. Still the mothers sit, and watch, and wait.

And sometimes, they scream.

My friend Lee was there to hear a mother scream... her baby was dead. A single scream and that was it. No doctor rushed to its side, no one tried to save it. There was no machine to hook it to, no specialist to call in, no ICU...

Only a mother's scream as her child's life slipped away.

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I found out when I returned to America that one of the little girls I visited in the hospital with my little brother died. I felt numb. Yes, it was a tragedy that she died. She was only 8... but she'd been treated for almost 2 years by the best doctors, in the best facility, with the best medicine. She'd had a room full of toys and books and games, with her family and friends visiting constantly. She had a website that kept her loved ones updated every moment on her condition and told them how to pray. The Make-A-Wish Foundation sent her to Disneyworld. She even got to spend a day with Hannah Montana!

The cancer still took her. Eight is still too young to die... but she was fought for by hundreds of people, with thousands of dollars.

How are there children dying in Swaziland unseen and unheard? Unseen - unnoticed in the corner of a room that's full of babies, understaffed and unequipped. Unheard - their cries ignored by all except their mother- her scream to mourn the dead the only sound noticed and known.

God how do I make it stop? How do I bring healing? How do I bring hope? How do I give them what they need? In a hospital where almost 80% of those admitted die there, how do I help?

God show me how to give them hope.

Every child should be fought for.

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The story above is from my trip to Swaziland in 2007. I found it while organizing files on my computer and realized I never shared it! I hope it moves you. We did not take photos while we were there out of respect for the patients, so I found these online. Even they don't truly show the horrible conditions I saw. Three years have passed and the hospital is still the same. Ask God what He would have you do to fight for the children there.

Her Name is No Longer Abandoned

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This is a blog by a Real Life participant in Swaziland named Ryan Bodine. I cried when I read this, and reminded myself that THIS is why I do what I do - so that baby girls like this one can grow up to have a HOPE and a FUTURE. I think it speaks a lot to the hope and promise that is in God. The prayer at the end isn't just a prayer, it's a prophesy for this little girls life, and God will fulfill all of the promises. Please take a moment to read it - I know you'll be touched.

We went to the hospital today. The hospital is nothing like what we are used to in America. They are separated into three different wards: men's, women's and children's. The wards have different sections that have around 8 beds per section. There is no privacy and they only have single rooms for patients with tuberculous.

People lay out in the open for everyone to see. It's very hot in there, too, so most patients wear little or no clothes at all to stay cool. Many are covered by just a blanket. It's miserable for me and I'm not even sick. Because of their sickness and bad living conditions many lack self-worth and hope.

Today was the first time I had been in the children's ward. There were some younger kids with broken arms and legs...and after a bit, I decided to go over to the baby room. Those of you who know me really well know that I don't do babies. I just don't know what to do with them. They poop, they eat, they sleep and they cry. The first three don't bother me but I can never figure out why they are crying. Like are they hungry or tired or are they just crying cause, well, they're a baby and that's what they do? Its so frustrating! If they would just tell me what was wrong then I could fix the problem and we'd be all better.

Anyway, there was a tiny baby girl that I needed to hold. She was the cutest little chubby-cheeked baby I'd ever seen. She had the softest little curly afro on her head too. Just an adorable baby girl. The kind that you see on commercials and go "awww."

As I held her I read her medical chart so I could say (or at least try to say) her name and know why she was in the hospital. She looked healthy to me. I read her chart. Her name: Abandoned. Her age: not specified. I was right. She wasn't sick. There was nothing wrong with her. She was abandoned. Not wanted. Left to die. There was no reason for her to have a name because she wasn't wanted. Here I was, holding a tiny baby girl with no name and no known birthday. A baby that someone didn't want, so the logical choice was to leave them to die.

I asked one of my teammates if she knew this baby's story and it goes something like this :: One day her mother asked a stranger to hold her baby for a second while she did something. The mother never returned. The stranger not knowing what to do with the precious baby brought her to the hospital. (If you don't have at least one tear in your eye by now then you probably aren't getting that this is real life and not just a made up story. Scroll back up and look at the picture of this beautiful baby. I held her today. She is real. She has no parents. No one to tuck her in at night and tell her how proud they are of her. No one to tell her that she is loved.) The nurse came over to me and told me she was probably around 3 months old and that I should put her in my pocket and take her home with me. Honestly, I would if I could.

As I rocked her I quietly sang "How He loves us" over her and she was soon sleeping in my arms. She is a squirmy little sleeper and numerous times flashed her big gummy smile at me. She is beautiful. My teammate Tori and I prayed over this little life and while I was praying God impressed on my heart that He knows her name. She is His child and she is not forgotten. He knew this baby girl and knew, even before she was born, that she'd be abandoned.

He still has a great plan for her life. Just because her mother gave up on her doesn't mean that Jesus has. We prayed for Godly people to be put in her life and that she would one day proclaim the name of Jesus, the One who never abandons us, and the God who longs for us to call Him father.

Just before we left my teammate Katie named her "Notando" which translates to love. The nurse heard her and wrote the new name down. Her name is no longer Abandoned.

*Notando, you may have been abandoned by this world, but don't worry because you weren't made for this world anyways. Know that your Heavenly Father is with you. He holds you in the palm of His hand and calls you His beloved daughter. He delights in you and loves to see your beautiful little smile. Even when you cry and feel alone at night He is there with you. Zephania 3:17 says, "The Lord your God (our God!) is with you and He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, Notando. He will quiet you with his love and rejoice over you with singing."

A Missionary's Life :: The Land of Milk and Honey

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's that time again - time for our FRIDAY UPDATE! We had a very busy week this week, including a trip down to Georgia for meetings. (Originally I was going alone, but Rusty's department ended up needing him in for meetings too so we came together!) Check out our update below!

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The Land of Milk and Honey. We arrived Tuesday night to the Land of Milk and Honey....er.... I mean the Land of Chick-Fil-A and Sweet Tea. My parents and little brother picked us up from the airport and we all stuffed ourselves at Chick-Fil-A. It was great to see them and to catch up! Mom even brought me a few 'prizes' from Martins (you Oxford/Anniston people know what I'm talking about!) Cute clothes for $2.50 are always exciting! It was a great start to our trip.

The Blue Kazoo. We then jumped into the Blue Kazoo to drive up to Gainesville. For those of you who knew me in college, you know that The Blue Kazoo is my old car, a 1989 Volvo Station Wagon. It wouldn't make it to Michigan, so we left it with my parents. They let us borrow it for 2 days to get around in Gainesville. It was a great idea until the car started to hum, then vibrate, then shake violently! It felt like we were in a helicopter!!! We pulled off the interstate to find a 'bump' in the tire. While it wasn't fun to change a tire in the cold that night, we are so thankful God protected us and kept it from blowing out!

Swazi friends. While in the office, I ran into some dear friends I haven't seen in almost 2 years - Kriek and Jumbo Gerber from Swaziland! (Well, they are actually South African, but they live in Swaziland). They are the couple that led my first team to Swaziland in 2007, and are on staff with AIM in charge of our Swazi orphan care. I've missed seeing them so much! It was great to catch up with Kriek for a while, and hear about their visit to the States!

Meetings, meetings, meetings. Those were the point of the trip, afterall, so we had plenty of them! Rusty was working on replicating the sales/recruitment system at AIM. He's worked hard to create a productive system for The World Race, and now they want to use it for other programs! (Great job Rusty!) My meetings were entirely different, but very productive. Details about them will be coming soon - God has been at work in some big ways!

Baby Mikayla. During our lunch break, Kelsey and I went to visit our friend and co-worker Rosie who just had a sweet baby girl. Mikayla is less than 2 weeks old...a tiny little bundle of joy. She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! (and Rosie looks great too!)

Mommy Rosie and Baby Mikayla

My turn to hold her!

Auntie Kelsey & Baby Mikayla...

Shane Co. On our way to the airport, we stopped off to get our wedding rings checked and cleaned (because there's no Shane Co in Michigan). I know this sounds like a detail, but it was actually one of the highlights of our trip! I cannot say enough GREAT things about Shane Co, and we love every chance we get to visit out friends there. The staff knows us by name and has one of our prayer cards up in the back room. They love hearing about our mission work and updating us on their lives too! If you're looking for jeweler that will also be your friends, I'd encourage you to check them out. And did I mention my rings are BEAUTIFUL?! (we recommend the Shane Co in Duluth, GA).

Home Sweet Williams. Last, but certainly not least, we must tell you where stayed during our visit. The fabulous Williams family (Kevin, Sarah, Chloe, Eli, and Samson the doggie) let us stay in their guest apartment. This is important because WE LOVE THE WILLIAMS!!!! Princess Chloe was my flowergirl for our wedding, Eli is the cutest little blonde you'll ever see, and Kevin and Sarah...well... they're just AWESOME! The kids stayed with Grandma Wednesday night, so the 4 of us adults stayed up like goofy college kids till 2am. We shared stories, talked about movies, music, and macbooks, and laughed at hilarious Dave Barnes videos. We heard all about their trip to Disney, and made a plan to move to Orlando and become Disney characters for a year (sounds like fun, right?) We did NOT want to leave and were secretly hoping we'd miss our flight, haha! Kevin and Sarah - thanks for having us!

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*the last picture is of me and Chloe on my wedding day....somehow we have managed to NEVER get a picture all together with Kevin and Sarah! Maybe it's because we tend to hang out, just the 4 of us, late at night? Williams Family, we need to remedy this!

A Missionary's Life :: Georgia Bound

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's that time again! Time for our 'Friday Update', where we fill you in on what we've been up to for the past week (or couple of weeks ;) Check out the info below!

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Be My Valentine. Last week, in lieu of our Friday Update I did a couple of Valentine themed blogs. I'm still surprised at how much of a hit one of them was - 700+ views and 32 comments (and they keep coming in!) It's VERY encouraging to see God using my blogs! Overall it was a great Valentine's weekend. Rusty and I enjoyed dinner and a movie out, and he gave me flowers and chocolates (I gave him a new pullover). BOTH of our moms sent us Valentine's too! We were very blessed :)

No Southern Belle. Most of you have probably heard by now via facebook, but just in case you didn't (and are wondering), I did NOT get the part of Belle in Beauty and the Beast at the Civic Theater here. I found out I made it to the top 2 (which is encouraging) but they chose the other girl. I guess they only like NORTHERN Belles up here! (kidding, kidding... haha ;)

Wooly, Wooly. My husband has been getting very wooly lately. Our hair stylist has been on maternity leave - the perfect excuse for Rusty to 'save money' and not get a haircut! I've trimmed it a few times but I am no professional...so it's gotten a bit out of hand. He decided to grow a beard along with it, so this is how he's looked for the past couple of months.

I won't lie - I kind of liked it. I love his hair longer, and didn't mind the beard too much (though it was a little scratchy). Imagine my surprise when he walked in CLEAN SHAVEN (and got a haircut a day later!) I feel like there is a strange man in my house...it is taking some getting used to!

Tent-making & Support Raising. Sometimes Jesus and the disciples relied completely on the support of others to do their ministry, as Rusty and I (and all AIM missionaries) do. (see Luke 8:1-3) There's something beautiful about the dependence of it - trusting God to show up and provide through the generosity of His people. We also love the fact that we have great relationships with many of our supporters we wouldn't have if we worked 'normal jobs'. I could go on and on... but the bottom line is, support raising allows us to do our full-time ministry, and we're thankful for everyone who supports us (and we still REALLY need your support!)

Sometimes though, the disciples raised money other ways. For example, Paul was a tent-maker for a season. Since we aren't traveling for a few months, we've been looking for opportunities to do a little tent-making on the side. It can help with our support burden, and also (hopefully) help us save for having children in the future (since we don't have maternity insurance).

For me, tent-making means I've gotten back into selling Arbonne products (I'll share more on that later, but feel free to contact me if your interested in trying anything!) For Rusty, it means a job with the church! That's right - he's been hired part-time to work for our church here. He'll be doing a lot of video work for them, which he LOVES! It's great to see him using his talents and abilities from his TV days in a ministry setting (and we're so blessed he's getting paid for it too!) Praise God! If you're on facebook, you can see one of his latest pieces by clicking HERE.

Georgia Bound. Yup... I'm South bound again. I'm headed down next week for a few meetings with my boss and coworkers. It's only for a couple of days, and my schedule is PACKED - but I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the GA AIM office (and my parents for a quick dinner one night). Please pray for me! I will be missing Rusty a lot (he's staying in Michigan). I'll be flying Tuesday (23) and Thursday (25) and would appreciate your prayers for a safe trip and traveling mercies...and blessings on my meetings!

That's all for this week friends! HAPPY FRIDAY & have a great weekend!

Valentines from Mom

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you read my last blog, you know that Valentine's Day was a big deal for me in high school and college. I know it's a stupid, overrated, commercial holiday, but what it represents - LOVE and ROMANCE - is every girl's dream. Even if we pretend not to care, I think it's a big deal for most girls...even early on in life.

We get wrapped up in the idea of it all... the flowers, candy, and romantic dates, and our dreams (and expectations) start soaring. When those dreams get dashed, it's hard on our heart.

I never really had a real Valentine until last year, when Rusty and I were engaged. Most of my relationships were short-lived, and somehow they (almost all) managed to end before Christmas. Sadly, that meant I was usually single for Christmas, my birthday (January 15), and Valentine's Day.

I did get a couple of gifts from guys through the years... in kindergarten my first 'boyfriend' walked by and discreetly dropped a pair of red heart earrings on my desk. (I think I still have them somewhere. Thanks Eric ;) Then in high school a guy friend once stuck a rose and a gorilla card with googly eyes in my mailbox. That was about it though...pretty disappointing for the 'hopeless romantic' I am.

But my mom NEVER missed a Valentine's Day.

Maybe it's because her 'love language' is gift-giving, but Mom always made sure I had SOMETHING for Valentine's Day. Whether it was a little heart-shaped box of chocolates, a book, or jewelry, I always got a gift. She even made sure I had a Valentine's card (complete with chocolate taped inside) when I was in thousands of miles away India in 2008. It was a little melted when I opened it, but I ate it anyway ;)

My favorite gift from mom though, was my Teddy Bear. He was my Valentine's gift when I was 16, and the only Valentine I had that year. I'm sure I cried in his brown fur that day, wishing instead for a guy to send me roses... and many years (and broken hearts) after that. He was the perfect size and shape for cuddling, and I slept with him every night from that day until the night before my wedding. Laugh if you will (yes, I was a 24 year old woman with a teddy bear), but I'm a cuddler, and I loved my little furry friend!

I'm sure you're wondering now if there's any point to this rambling (other than a trip down memory lane). There IS. As silly as those little gifts from my mom seemed, every year I knew I was loved.

PARENTS - Let me encourage you to be your kids Valentines! Be their cheerleaders! Be their biggest fans! Believe in them, encourage them, love them. If you're wondering how to ensure your kids have healthy relationships with the opposite sex (and know their value and identity in Christ), AFFIRM THEM. Validate them. Compliment them.

Last year I lived with a house full of girls on Valentine's Day. Andrea got a bouquet of flowers from her parents. Kim got candy from her Grandpa. Both were DELIGHTED. Both felt loved and cherished. It's how we're wired as women, and as little girls. We want someone to notice us. We long to feel pursued and loved. (If you want to read more about it, check out the book Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge. I'd recommend it not only to women, but to husbands and fathers!)

I'm thankful for all the years of presents, notes, and flowers from my Mom and my Dad for birthdays, pageants, performances, and Valentine's Day. I thought for sure my Valentines from Mom were over now that I'm married, but I was wrong. I got this package in the mail a couple of weeks ago...

Happy Valentine's day to me...

...AND to Rusty!

Thanks for everything Mom!

Let's Talk About SEX.

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Teenagers - this blog was written specifically for YOU. I hope my honesty helps to encourage all of you young women and men struggling with the decision of whether or not to WAIT to have sex until marriage, and dealing with the social pressure & hormones through it all!

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As Valentine's Day is gets closer, I can't help but remember how incredibly important it was to all us girls in high school and college. Everyone was hoping for a date with their boyfriend that day or wondering if they would discover a secret admirer. We wished for flowers and chocolate, and romantic nights by candlelight with our True Love. Everything we saw in the latest romantic movie filled our daydreams...

Love was in the air...

or... was it hormones?

Taking a closer look back at high school & college, I realize how CRAZY our lives were! Especially in high school. Our hormones were going 100 miles an hour, our bodies were changing, and we didn't have the brains or experience to keep up with it all. Now - students don't get me wrong, I am NOT calling you stupid! I think you're all very bright and have a ton of potential... I'm just saying that high school is HARD, and I don't think many (if any) teens are really prepared for it mentally or emotionally (and most adults don't understand your struggles).

I remember all the DRAMA I endured those years. EVERYTHING was dramatic - everything was the end of the world. I cried my eyes out over every boy I ever liked, and wrote pages upon pages of heart-wrenching poetry... convinced I was supposed to find "THE ONE" at the age of 15 or 16.

And I remember the PRESSURE. The pressure to be liked. The pressure to be popular. The pressure to wear the right clothes (which in high school were often very low-cut, short or tight). The pressure to get guys' attention... to get a date.... to have a boyfriend... and to be physical with them (because all the other girls were doing it).

In the midst all of that pressure, I made a promise to God that I would save my virginity for my wedding day. It was my 14th birthday when I signed the 'For Wedlock Only Covenant' and put on my purity ring...

... but I had no idea I'd still be wearing that ring 11 years later!

That's right girls.... I didn't get married until I was 25. A LOT of my friends got married earlier - 18, 20, 22. That wasn't God's plan for me. I had 11 long years to wait after I made that promise, and let me tell you, they weren't always easy!

I've made my fair share of mistakes in relationships. I wasn't perfect. Still, somehow God protected me in several bad situations with some guys I had NO business dating. Somehow God gave me the strength to keep my promise all those years. And on my wedding night, my gift to my husband was that same signed Covenant, my purity ring, and all of myself.

I realize that's an intimate thing to share... and that I'm putting it out there for the world to read (awkward, since that includes my mom, dad, and mother-in-law) but I'm not ashamed of it. I'm proud that I was able to give that gift to Rusty. It was the most precious thing I could give him. And I wanted to put this out there - for all the young women (and men) trying to decide what to do.

Let me answer your biggest question right now ::

IT WAS ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE WAIT.

(if you don't believe me...ask my husband ;)

There is a reason God tells us to WAIT... actually there are about 100 reasons. And without going into all of them I just want you to know that waiting was not only a way for me to honor God, it was one of the best things I could've done for myself - my heart, my soul, my mind, my body - and my marriage.

That's why I was FURIOUS when I saw the video below. In it, Oprah berates Bristol Palin for her commitment to not have sex again until she's married. (Bristol had a child out of wedlock, but is trying to make a new start). Oprah tells her she's 'setting herself up for failure', and even gives her the opportunity to 'take back' her commitment!

When I saw that video, I knew I had to write this blog. Because if OPRAH, one of the most influential women in the world thinks abstinence is impossible, then what do our teen girls (in the middle of the struggle and pressure) think? If the Jonas Brothers & Tim Tebow are made fun of for revealing they are virgins to the public, then how do our young men feel?

I just want to encourage all of you, from the other side. I have NEVER regretted my decision to wait. I have NEVER wished for more 'experience' before marriage. I have ALWAYS been grateful and glad that I was able to give my husband a part of me that no man had ever known.

So, for those of you who've made mistakes - FORGIVENESS & GRACE are waiting for you. It is never too late to start over & make a new commitment. God does not want you feel condemnation or shame. He wants to make all things new!

For those of you who've been sexually abused or raped - Please seek Christian counseling. What happened to you was horrific. IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT and God knows that! It grieved the heart of God. He longs to REDEEM your situation and help you heal from the past.

And finally, for those of you tempted to give in, tired of feeling alone in a world where 'everybody's doing it', and wondering if it's impossible - please do NOT give up! It is possible with God's help, everyone is NOT doing it, and it is absolutely WORTH THE WAIT!

COMMENTS PLEASE!

To all the SINGLE girls & guys out there who've made a commitment to WAIT - I'd love to hear your thoughts below! I'd also love to hear from any of you who 'started over' like Bristol. I really respect you guys and I think you are all AWESOME!

To all the MARRIED men & women out there who waited until their wedding day - I'd REALLY love to hear your thoughts & testimonies below! I think your stories could help encourage other readers who see this article.

(all other comments are welcomed too :)

From Sinner to SAINT :: A Story of Redemption

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I know it's time for the 'Friday Update', but this week it's going to be a little different.

We'll update you on our life next week -

for now I'd like to give you a little 'inside information' for the Super Bowl this Sunday!

I hope you'll check out the incredible story of God's redemption (written by me) below.

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This past 4th of July was a little different for us than ever before. Instead of spending it with family, or at home in Michigan, we were flown down to Georgia to meet some new friends.

Phil Williams is a sports agent who lives in Peachtree City, GA with his beautiful wife Meg and his incredible children, Hannah, Luke, Kyle, & Beka. He heard about Rusty through some mutual AIM friends, and looked him up online. After all - sports agents and former sports-casters are cut from very similar cloth... especially if they not only love SPORTS, but love the Lord.

The two immediately hit it off via email and phone call, and before we knew it we were headed down to hang out for the weekend. Phil wanted us to meet his family, and his very special 'third son'... Anthony Hargrove. You may know him as #69, the New Orleans SAINTS Defensive Tackle.

Anthony isn't Phil's blood, he's actually one of his clients. He doesn't look like Phil's other kids. His skin is a different color, his arms are covered in tattoos, he's 6 foot 3 and weighs 272 pounds. But he's FAMILY, through and through.

The Williams have been there for Tony in some of his roughest times. His story is full of pain - his dad left when he was a small child, his mom died of AIDS when he was 9. The rest of his life he was bounced around from relative to relative, and NFL team to NFL team. Eventually he found himself at his lowest point - out of money, abandoned by his family, addicted to drugs and alcohol, and suspended from his team. But Phil never gave up on Tony.

NEITHER DID GOD.

At the end of his rope, Tony found the God of redemption, the God of HOPE, the God of second chances. And he started over with a new outlook on life, and the desire to do something DIFFERENT with his NFL fame and money this time around. Instead of getting all the girls, cars, and clothes, he wants to change the world!

We heard Tony's story that weekend, and watched as the video below was recorded. (Watch it to hear a first hand account of all he has been through. It's worth your time!) We heard about all the horrible things people said about him, and all of his terrible transgressions. Every detail was unbelievable to me, especially after watching him put together puzzles and cuddle with Phil's youngest daughter, Beka. He's got a sparkle in his eyes that's unmistakable, a spirit that doesn't quit, and a heart as BIG as he is! (which, let me tell you, is pretty big!)

Just a few days after the Super Bowl, Tony will be following that big heart all the way to Swaziland. He's been listening to God about giving back, and he wants to go GIVE HOPE to the children in Africa. He understands what these kids are going through - what it's like to have your dad leave and your mom die of AIDS. What it's like to feel unloved and unwanted. But he also understands what it's like to LET GOD IN, and to find HOPE when all seems lost. I can't wait to see what God will do through Tony there!

Keep an eye out for Tony this weekend as you watching the SUPER BOWL, and stay tuned to see what God has in store! Tony is special, and I know God has a very special plan for his life. God is a GOD OF REDEMPTION, and He is redeeming His SAINT!

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To see the awesome video about Anthony from NFL gameday, click HERE.

To read more about Anthony's journey, click HERE and HERE.

A Missionary's Life :: Saltines & Ginger-ale

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

And now we take you back to our 'regularly scheduled program' - the weekly Friday Updates you all love! Here's the latest from our life in Port Huron, MI where it was 7 degrees today!

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Sound of Hope Sales. This update is actually from a couple of weeks ago. I got an opportunity to share with the church about The Sound of Hope on Sunday morning, and to sell some of our merchandise. We ended the morning with $400 raised for orphans through our sales! Praise the Lord! We're planning to do it again, as well as some other Sound of Hope events throughout the year. (Stay tuned for details!) It was exciting and encouraging to see the church's response!

How do you feel about EVOLUTION? No...we're not talking about Darwin! We're talking about the EVOLVE CONFERENCE at our church here in Michigan! It was an awesome time focused on seeking God & His plans, healing (emotionally and physically) and worship. Michael Hindes & Mike Paschall were the special speakers, which meant we got to visit with Mike & Patti! We also had 11 World Racers from Georgia come up for the conference, which meant we had some house guests for the weekend! It was awesome to be with so many people we love, seeking God together!

Worship. As I mentioned above, WORSHIP was a big part of the Evolve conference. Luckily, it was also my first weekend singing with the worship band! I had a great time making music with our very talented worship leaders. Thanks to everyone who let me be a part; I'm looking forward to singing with you all more as the year goes on!

Saltines & Ginger-ale... sadly, that was my diet for most of the week. Remember all that 'hang out time' I talked about with all the people we love (at the Evolve Conference)? Well...people weren't the only thing hanging out. Apparently the STOMACH FLU decided to make it's rounds too. Yuck. Three people from the worship band came down with it, plus Michael, Kathy, and Patti... and finally me. NOT. FUN. I am still recovering - my body aches all over. PLEASE PRAY with me that Rusty doesn't get it!!!

The other woman. Yes...*sigh. It's true, Rusty has another woman in his life. She even shares the BED with us! LUCKY for me she's a DOG! Hahaha! Meet Millie Mae, our 'guest' for a week and a half. She is a precious little puppy who belongs to Gary & Joey McGinnis (who are in Kenya doing some mission work with The World Race). They rescued her from being euthanized and she couldn't be sweeter! When she and Rusty aren't playing 'chase' in the house, she is begging to be CUDDLED. She follows us around like a shadow and wants to be loved every moment of the day...and night. I've never had a dog sleep in bed with me, but she INSISTS. The first night she peed in the bed...NOT good!!! Since then though, we've all gotten comfortable with each other. We usually wake up with her smushed down between us, cuddled as close as she can be! She's stolen both our hearts!

(This is Millie checking out Rusty's backpack. Can you tell how tiny she is?)

There She Is... MISS AMERICA! Consider this your reminder, the Miss America pageant comes on Saturday night! (7 central, 8 eastern on TLC). There is also a 'behind the scenes' show coming on tonight at 9. Tune in to cheer on MISS ALABAMA, Liz Cochran. Liz and I met when we competed together in her first Miss AL prelim pageant. I liked her from the moment I met her, and taught her how to tease her hair that night when she was having trouble. She won that night, and kept winning... all the way to Miss Alabama! She's very sweet and incredibly beautiful... I'm sure she's going to make Alabama proud!

A Southern BELLE. And with that, I'm referring to Belle, from Beauty & The Beast. You see, the Civic Theater here in Port Huron is doing the play, and auditions are on Tuesday. I've decided to try out - intimidated though I am! I've done drama teams, musicals, show choirs, All-State show choir and AU Singers, and have lots of experience singing & dancing, but I've never auditioned before for an actual play. I also don't have any experience here in Michigan with this particular theater, so I may not stand a chance. Still... I HAVE to try! Belle has been my dream role for years (I considered auditioning to play Belle at Disneyworld) so I'm going to give it my best. I know it's silly, but if you wouldn't mind saying a little prayer Tuesday for me, that would be great!

Thanks so much everyone!

HAPPY FRIDAY, and we hope you have a wonderful weekend!

PoHo SNOW! (and 2 very important updates)

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sorry I've slacked off on our Friday updates! Don't worry friends.... I'm back today with good news, great pictures, and a FUN video!

This is not a 'typical' update, but rather an update on our snow a couple of weeks ago (I know, I'm late, SORRY!) But first, let me update you on 2 things I know many of you are wondering about....(drumroll please).....

1. WE WERE FULLY FUNDED FOR 2009!!!! WHOO HOO! >insert a happy dance here<! After much prayer, hard work, prayer, discouragement, prayer, and encouragement GOD SHOWED UP through YOU! We finally got our account updated for December and found out that we not only raised enough for that month, but we also raised enough support to cover our deficit from previous months! PRAISE GOD - He is our AWESOME PROVIDER!

To all of you who gave - THANK YOU does not cover it! Please continue to cover us in prayer and support this year...it is a new year with new needs and we are praying 2010 will be fully supported too :)

2. My 3 days (Jan 6 - 8) of praying for RENEWED VISION were WONDERFUL! Again- THANK YOU for praying for me! I felt your prayers throughout those difficult (but good) 3 days. What came out of it was a lot of clarity, focus, and new vision. Please continue to pray that God will give me the courage, wisdom, and provision to see it through!

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Well, now that you're updated with our good news, we hope you'll enjoy these pictures from our POHO SNOW! That's right, the snow season in Port Huron is in full swing! We got around 7 inches on the ground 2 weekends ago. Since then it's snowed a little more here and there...maybe 3 or 4 other days. If this year is anything like last year, we won't see the ground again until it all melts in April!

It's cold but beautiful, and we decided to spend our Saturday having fun in it! We hope you enjoy the pictures and the video below...made especially for YOU!

PoHo Snow FUN from Rusty Jackson on Vimeo.

Our snowy home...

Winter wonderland...

Snowy berries...

Rusty in front of the frozen over Lake Huron!

Me at Lake Huron....

This is for my Dad and brothers - thought you'd like a picture of a boat!

It was pushing through the huge chunks of ice on the lake to get to the river!

Under the Blue Water Bridge, which crosses over to Canada!

Rusty LOVED 4-wheeling in the Explorer!

Of course we had to play some snow football...

Great catch!

Snow Heisman!

It was all fun and games until the wife got tackled....

AND got a snowball to the FACE!

I was not happy....

But Rusty got what was coming to him! When I woke up the next morning this was outside...

Rusty (who always 'teaches' me about driving in the snow)

tried to turn around to get the mail and got STUCK in our FRONT YARD!!! Hahaha!

Luckily he was able to shovel it out... while I laughed...TOO FUNNY! ;)

There are a few more pictures under 'browse my photos'...

hope you enjoyed seeing our Saturday in the SNOW!!!

We had so much fun acting like BIG KIDS together! :)

How to GIVE to immediate needs in HAITI

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Many of you have been moved and broken by the videos, pictures, and stories from Haiti. Now you are wondering how to help, what to do and how to give.

Our leadership at AIM has been diligently working around the clock the past few days, trying to find ways to help. They are making long term plans to send in missionaries on short term projects and through The World Race in the coming months and years. But they know that more than anything, the people of Haiti need help NOW.

So, 2 teams are going this week. One team is leaving Wednesday (they will have a nurse joining them too), another on Thursday. Many of them have served in Haiti before and have a huge heart for the people there.

If you would like to help them, you can GIVE according to the instructions below.

Your money will be used for immediate needs this team will be meeting like food, water, blankets, and clothes. (We have reports that people came into the hospital for treatment with only the clothes on their back. When the doctors cut the clothes off to treat them, they were left with NOTHING! They are walking around NAKED in the hallways with nothing to cover themselves with. I can't imagine that kind of vulnerability.)

To give to those immediate needs, donate by following these instructions:

Go to this direct link to give: https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc= (this is also accessible by going to www.theworldrace.org and clicking on the "Donate" tab on the homepage. Hit the button that says, "click here to give!")
Once you're on this page, change the program on the drop-down menu to a "World Race Project." A new box will appear, for a description of the project. Please have supporters put WR HAITI as the name of the Project.

To read more about this trip, visit Ashley's blog here.

In addition to financial support, all these teams will need a special covering of prayer. Pray for safety. Pray for open doors and clear communication.

Haiti has always been a spiritual battleground as well. There is a war in the heavens for this nation and our teams will experience it firsthand in the coming week.

For Him and His Kingdom!

Jesus is the Hope of Haiti!

Before I Turn 26...

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today is my 26th Birthday! My gosh where has the time gone?! I can't believe another year has passed!

I woke up to breakfast in bed and spent the afternoon getting pampered with a massage and pedicure (thanks to my wonderful husband) as my birthday gift. We will celebrate some more with dinner tonight, but I don't technically turn 26 until around... oh... 9:50pm (8:50 cst).

So, before I turn 26 I'd like to do a little reflecting. This is a tradition I started two years ago - taking time on my birthday to reflect on special memories from the past year. I based it on Isaiah 4:7 (You can read the last two here and here). So here goes!

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:: 25 memories from my 25th year ::

(in random order)

1- Moving to Michigan - 3 days after my birthday last year I moved 1,000 miles from my home, friends, and family. It was scary and difficult but Rusty held my hand the whole way. We learned a lot about 'leaving & cleaving' and depending on one another. I can't believe we've been here a YEAR!

2- Living with my World Race Roommates - when we moved to Michigan we weren't married yet, so Rusty moved in with the Hindes and I moved into the World Race house! I can't tell you how wonderful it was to spend my last few single months with such awesome roomies. Thank you all for your love and support during such a stressful time of transition!

3- Marrying my Best Friend - I waited all my life to find love. Marrying Rusty was a DREAM COME TRUE! It was the happiest day of my life!

4- Our Wedding Day - ok, I know I already said marrying Rusty on this list...but our wedding day deserves another spot! It was perfect... a beautiful dress, incredible music, and a fairy-tale ending. What made it even more special though was the company - sharing that day with my family and so many of my closest friends was SO precious to me! THANK YOU to everyone who was a part!

5- A perfect honeymoon in Colorado - seriously... it was PERFECT! And a special thanks goes to the Krause Family, who let us use their gorgeous cabin for free. We got a perfect honeymoon AND made some very special new friends...who could ask for more?

6- Getting a new name - it took 9 months with our hectic schedule, but I FINALLY changed my name! I love being Mrs. Ericka Jackson :)

7- Getting a new family - with a new name came a new family, and I have some super sweet in-laws! I even got a SISTER! FINALLY! :)

8- Moving into our 1st Home together - thanks to our very generous landlord, we were able to move into this beautiful little home. It's been a perfect fit!

9- Buying our 1st car together - this was a really big deal to me because (if you've known me for long you know) my last car was a 1989 Volvo Station Wagon (lovingly called The Blue Kazoo). I was very thankful for it because it was a gift, but that old junker had seen much better days! I was so tired of it overheating and always having to have it fixed. Then it couldn't make the trip to Michigan so I was car-less for 5 months. When we were able to purchase my used Explorer I was THRILLED!

10- Meeting all our new friends, er family, in Michigan. I can't express enough gratitude for the way our church 'family' up here has taken us in. Everyone has been so loving and supportive - I couldn't have survived so far away from home without all you WONDERFUL people!

11- My 1st trip to CANADA - I know... I've been to the southern most tip of Africa, you'd think I would've been to CANADA! But no - not until this year! Since we only live 5 minutes away Rusty and I took our first trip over and had a blast...'Breakfast At Tiffany's' (the restaurant) was wonderful!

12- Seeing Niagra Falls - On another trip through Canada we got to see this AMAZING wonder of the world. Words do not do it justice - it was BEAUTIFUL! (this picture was taken after we got SOAKED on the Maid of the Mist!)

13- Starting a 'Jackson Family Tradition' - This year we created our first tradition, going to the annual Auburn vs Arkansas Football Game. Even though my team lost, we still had a lot of fun!

14- My 1st major league baseball game - I'm not a big baseball fan, but I had a blast with Rusty at the Detroit Tiger's game for his birthday! I loved wearing orange and blue and cheering for the TIGERS! haha!

15- Learning to paint - I'm no Picasso, but I've taken up painting this year and I've had a lot of fun! I made Rusty two pieces as a wedding gift, and also did some Christmas paintings!

16- Celebrating our 1st holidays together (Valentine's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Birthdays). We had a GREAT time at every one of them!

Valentine's Day

Halloween

Christmas

17- Sponsoring an orphan in Thailand - this year we started sponsoring a beautiful little girl in Thailand, Rusty's favorite place in the world! It meant so much to be able to impact the life of a child in such an awesome way!

18- Sponsoring an orphan in Swaziland - For the past few years the only way to sponsor a Swazi child was through a church who sponsored a carepoint. This year that changed, and Children's Hopechest opened up to allow individual sponsors. I was SO EXCITED to start sponsoring a little boy in Swaziland this month. He is an adorable 5 year old name Smilo. We're hoping we get to meet him and our little girl in Thailand someday soon!

19- Meeting 2 adopted Swazi children - Adopting from Swaziland is something I've wanted to do since I went in 2007, but we'd heard it was almost IMPOSSIBLE. This year that CHANGED, with the help of a new organization. On our honeymoon, we got to meet 2 adorable Swazi children adopted by a family in Colorado. It was SO EXCITING!

20- Staffing World Race Training Camps - it was exhausting in every way imaginable, but being a part of three World Race Training Camps this year was actually a huge blessing! I loved pouring into the participants before they left for their year of mission work. God did some AWESOME things during our time there - THANK YOU to all of you who prayed for us and supported us so that we could go!

Training Camp Recap from Rusty Jackson on Vimeo.

21- Raising money for The Sound of Hope - another year has passed and we've raised even more money for orphans in India, Kenya, and Swaziland! We are making a difference in the lives of children around the world!!! We aren't raising millions yet, but I believe someday (with God's blessing) we will be. I'm looking forward to a lot of GROWTH coming this year!

22- GTHOOPHD- Which stands for "GET THE HECK OUT OF PORT HURON DAY!" This year Kim and I celebrated the first annual GTHOOPH Day by a trip out of town to paint pottery Christmas ornaments and a great concert. It was a blast and I'm looking forward to many more in the future! We're planning to drag our kids along someday too ;)

23- Adoption - It seems like this year has been a year of learning more about adoption. Not only did we meet the 2 adopted Swazi children, but I've been following the stories of other dear friends in the process of adopting. It's SO exciting to me to see these precious children being rescued and given a family! Congratulations Brown Family, Owen Family, & Sharp Family! I can't wait until we can adopt someday!

24- Hands of Hope - this year God gave me a vision of handprints on the wall. The handprints were the artwork of orphans around the world. I was blessed enough to see the vision come to fruition in our new "Hands of Hope" Artwork! We have pieces from children in Swaziland and India that we hope to have for sale online soon! (all the proceeds go to care for the orphans!)

25- NOT going overseas - This memory may not seem like a big deal, but it set this year apart from the past 2 in a big way! I've grown accustomed to overseas travel since coming on staff as a missionary. I LOVE being overseas and doing hands on ministry. So does Rusty. It was a big adjustment for us NOT to go overseas this year...

When the money didn't come in for our trip to Australia and Thailand it was hard to understand. As hard as it was though, I think it was also good. I really think this time of being HOME was a gift from God. Going home for our 1st Christmas and having some time to 'settle in' after a busy summer and fall was a welcome reprieve. And as much as we are looking forward to GOING again and getting our hands dirty overseas, it's been wonderful to just focus on our day-to-day mission work here and our relationship as newlyweds!

It has been a special year. A different year.

A year of new beginnings.

For every thing - the good, the bad,

the difficult, and the beautiful I am so thankful!

I can't wait to see what God has in store next year!

How YOU Can Help Haiti

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

From my friend Matt Snyder... find out how YOU can help the people of Haiti through AIM!

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Haiti has suffered immeasurable loss in the last few days. I'll keep this simple and short.

AIM has two missionaries on the ground in Haiti right now who are going to provide basic relief and then find smaller communities outside of Port-au-Prince that need help (since the major city's getting the most attention). But in order to get some supplies, they need your help.

>> You can donate to AIM's relief work here <<

I'll keep you updated on what is being planned in regards to short-term trips to help out. Our short-term missions department is busy putting these together. With the help of World Race Alumni, we've been able to get a lot of volunteers to go down and set things up for us. So in the meantime, please continue to pray for the country of Haiti and help us purchase supplies.

Here are some other good blogs to check out:

Miguel and Kristen Shaul - AIM missionaries in the Dominican Republic

Haiti in Crisis and how you can help - World Race Alumna with a passion for Haiti

Praying for Haiti

Help Provide Relief in Haiti

Here's a video from CNN on the earthquake:

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

We all know about the Holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Veteran's Day... the comfortable, happy holidays filled with family get-togethers and cook-outs... fireworks and children laughing and playing.

Today is NOT one of those holidays. Today stands for something entirely different...something that steals the lives of beautiful young women, the innocence of precious children, and the souls of men around the world. Something EVIL and DARK.

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

You can call it Human Trafficking or some other politically correct term, but please know what it really is...

it really is MODERN DAY SLAVERY. SEX slavery. RAPE.

It happens around the world to children as young as three years old. It happens EVERY DAY to little girls and young women in Thailand, Cambodia, and yes... even in America.

I know you don't want to hear this. You probably want to stop reading right now (if you've made it this far)...but you NEED to hear this. We all do. We can't stay in the comfort of our ignorance while Satan wages a war against the purity, innocence, and freedom of so many.

Today I got an email from my friend (I will call her Anna*) who is fighting human trafficking in Cambodia. She is passionate about seeing these girls RESCUED from their horrific lives. She shared this reflection from her time over the past year in Cambodia:

"...a part of me wants to hurry and rush away from the nightmares: falling in love with a ten-year-old little girl and finding out that she's been sold for sex, for years, every night...seeing blood on another little girl's dress and learning that the scars on her face come from her pedophile....telling a five year old who's been sold for sex, that it's ok if she stands up and does our craft activity since it's obviously too painful for her to sit down and do it.... "

"Anna" also shares this story of a young girl named "Hope"*:

Hope's mom and dad ran a brothel for years, and had sold her since she was little. Her mom and dad got into trouble with the police, (the handful that are NOT corrupt), and fled back to Vietnam where they came from. They left Hope to continue to be sold by her grandmother; this is very common, for the kids to be living with and being sold by Grandma.

Well, the elderly couple that lived across the street from Hope and her grandmother began to care for Hope, as she obviously was in trouble and didn't have anyone who loved her to care for her. The elderly couple treated Hope like a daughter, and for the first time, she began to know what true family is. Then, one day a pedophile came to take Hope. This was 2 and a half months ago. The elderly couple did not want Hope to be sold, again, and did something that no one had done for her her entire life. They stood up for her. They told the pedophile, NO, you can't take her. And then, just like the rape he came to commit against Hope's young body, the pedophile tried to take the lives of this elderly couple. He ran them down with his car.

Both the old man and woman were left with broken bodies, and spent the past two and a half months in the hospital. The man has a broken shoulder and hip bone or pelvis, and can't walk. The woman had surgery on one leg and now limps around...Hope stayed with them the entire time they were in the hospital...

They were run down in a car for trying to help one young girl. Can you imagine the thoughts against those of us who are trying to help ALL of the young girls? Upon meeting this old couple, my heart swelled up with pride for them. They took a stand. Physically. They did something about it. That day, even one day, Hope was not raped.

Here are "Anna's" closing thoughts:

I go into 2010 knowing that you guys are with me; that you stand up for me, that you stand beside me, and that through this entire year, you have stayed with me. When I hear about the tears you shed for the broken children here, I know I am not alone. And I know the kids who are sold for sex aren't either. Let's not give up on them....let's stand together-in front of moving cars, in the faces of pedophiles, and against all evil...for no weapon formed against us will prosper....

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Today, commit to making a difference and helping FIGHT this evil we call 'Human Trafficking'. PRAY for "Anna", her 2 adopted children, and those working with her. PRAY for the victims of sex slavery around the world. EDUCATE yourself about this epidemic by researching it (you can start by reading my friend Tina's blog here or my friend Matt's blogs here). And GET INVOLVED by checking out these ideas for action on Change.org , by being a part of IJM, by joining my friend Nedra's awesome organization "She Dances".

*names have been changed to protect those trafficked and those working to free them.

A Missionary's Life :: 7 States and 3,000 Miles

Fri, 8 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's that time again... time for our Friday Update! This week I'm finally back on track and am posting on the right day...er.... night (ha!).

Since we got home Monday night we've been catching up on work, unpacking, organizing, and putting away Christmas decorations...not very exciting. So instead of updating you on that I wanted to give you a recap of our trip home... all 3,000 miles of it! ENJOY!

The picture above is a snapshot of our 'roadtrip route'... all 7 states and 3,000 miles of it. I think it looks a bit like the Little Dipper, which gave me a giggle. Boy was this trip...um... EXCITING to say the least. (though not exactly what we had planned...)

A - Port Huron, MI - It all started out at our home in Michigan. We packed our bags and left around 11am on December 18. The weather was great - no snow or ice, just clear skies. Christmas gifts were wrapped and packed, Christmas music was on the iPod, and we were on our way HOME for Christmas... or so we thought. We were supposed to arrive around 11pm...

B - London, KY - ...but it started snowing. Fitting; we were singing "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow", and boy DID IT! Big, wet flakes were pouring from the sky. By the time we made it to London, KY for gas, we found out the ROADS to home were CLOSED! We would not be going home tonight. We got out a map and the GPS and began to re-route to...

C - Nashville, TN - which was about 3.5 hours away. I got out my phone and started texting friends in an effort to find a last minute place to stay. Lucky for us, Tyler Ward, my friend from college, responded with an open house! We got to see him and meet his beautiful wife Analee, his awesome parents, and 2 of their dear friends....CHRISTMAS BONUS! It was an unexpected blessing along the way.

The next morning we got up to drive the last 4 hours of our (much longer than expected) trip home and finally arrived in...

D - Oxford, AL - Home, sweet, home! But no time to relax! We walked right into our Bennett Family Christmas party preparations! We had a blast seeing my Dad's side of the family, and meeting my new baby cousin Michael!

The rest of the trip to my hometown was jam-packed. I sang for the morning and night service at church, visited as many friends and family members as we could, celebrated Christmas Eve with our immediate family, Christmas Day with my Mom's side of the family, and Christmas Night with our godparents & 'Aunt' Angie. We were SPOILED with good food and lots of presents! And of course there was also the day trip to...

E - Birmingham, AL - to see some of my girlfriends!!! (Rusty was such a trooper!) We had lunch with Courtney Pearce and braved The Summit for some last minute Christmas gifts for Rusty. Later we met Lisha Li for coffee at Starbucks. That was followed with an unofficial Miss Alabama Pageant Christmas Party! It was so good to see some of the sweet MAP girls, especially my precious friend Katie Boyd! We had a great time exchanging scarves and girl-talking. Then it was time for a late dinner with Josh & Shelly Daniels at my favorite place... CHICK-FIL-A! What a great day full of time with good friends :)

F - Monticello, AR - It wasn't long before it was time to drive to Rusty's hometown. We left the morning after Christmas and arrived safe and sound that night in time for dinner. We had a great time with his parents and sweet MeMaw, and were spoiled with even more good food and gifts! We visited Rusty's Uncle Charles who is 92 and still sharp as a tack! We also made sure to eat lots of Ray's Burgers, and I spent one day shopping with my wonderful mother-in-law in...

G - Little Rock, AR - which is also the next stop on our trip. Well, actually we went from Little Rock to Cabot, AR (but it's close). We spent New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Cabot with our dear friends Josh & Kristy Fleming, and their beautiful little girl Carly. All too soon though it was time to leave for...

H - Memphis, TN - where my dear friend BJ Agnew SURPRISED us with tickets to the Liberty Bowl! We almost froze to death, but Rusty LOVED seeing Arkansas play (especially since I cheered for his team that day!) We made it through Eddie Money's half time performance but were too cold to stay longer. I was very thankful for the police officer who offered to give us a ride back to our car! (Yes, we started off 2010 in the back of a police car- HA!)

The rest of our time in Memphis was spent visiting Rusty's sister Tracy and hanging out with BJ and her friends. It was great to see them all, and we were sure to eat some delicious Memphis BBQ on our way out of town! Just 8 more hours of driving and we were in...

I - Cincinnati, OH - where we crashed with Brad & Faye Wendel, the awesome parents of Andi Wendel. We love that whole family, and it was great to see them again! We were so thankful for another free place to stay before our final drive home too....

Port Huron, Michigan! WHEW!!! Ohmygoodness what a TRIP! If you made it through that long description, congratulations ;) To all of you who pray for us, THANK YOU for your prayers for safe travel and good health! (they were definitely felt!) To all of you we saw this trip, it was WONDERFUL to spend time with you! To those we missed - we are SO sorry... there just weren't enough hours in the day! We definitely hope to see you next time!

Enjoy a few more pictures below of our Christmas Roadtrip! :)

My little brother's new puppy! (Isn't she cute?)

My family: (l-r) baby brother Jaron, BO (Brent's German Shepard), Mom, Dad

Melissa (Brent's fiancee), little brother Brent, Rusty, me

(yes, Rusty and I are in our pajamas ;)

Rusty and me with my Granddaddy on Christmas Day

My Aunt Tammy & me with my Granddaddy's Christmas Monkey - HA!

Visiting with Anthony & Carrie Friday (friends of mine from college) and their beautiful little girl!

How funny is Ansleigh's face? She looks TERRIFIED!

New Year's Eve morning with the Jacksons!

Rusty and his MeMaw

Rusty and his Uncle Charles who is 92 years old.

We had a great time visiting with him - he's still sharp as a tack!

He shared with us about his time in WWII and some family history!

Me and my sweet friend Courtney at our lunch date! :)

Some of my beautiful friends from the Miss Alabama pageant

after our 'scarf swap' party (no, we didn't wear those scarfs with those outfits - ha!)

The best part of this pic is, (if you could see the bottom half) we ALL have our feet in 'pageant pose!'

A Christmas visit with Josh & Shelley Daniels - love them!

Rusty with his sister Tracy in Memphis :)

Me with my sweet friend BJ who surprised us with tickets to the Liberty Bowl!

Here we are in our Arkansas colors supporting Rusty (even though we are both AUBURN alums!)

Rusty and I FREEEEEZING at the Liberty Bowl!

(my face was under my scarf for most of the game)

Praying for reNEWed Vision

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For those of you wondering, WE MADE IT HOME! Thanks so much for your prayers for safe travel. Our Friday Update will fill you in on a recap of our adventure, but I wanted to post a short blog today asking for your prayers this week.

For the next 3 days I will be focusing on a time of prayer, fasting, worship, and seeking God's voice about my future. No, we're not leaving our mission work or anything like that... I just feel like God is asking me to reassess what I am doing, refocus my vision, and seek His direction in any changes that need to be made in my ministry; especially with the orphan fundraising campaign I started, The Sound of Hope.

This is a New Year and I am asking for reNEWed vision and direction. I really want GOD'S BEST for this ministry and for these children. I want this to be HIS vision and HIS plan. I want HIM to be directing my steps as we move forward, and I want to hear what HE has to say about it all... so I'll be focused on a special time of seeking this Wednesday through Friday.

Would you please pray for me? Please pray that I will be sensitive to His Spirit and every detail He reveals. Pray for a hedge of protection around me so that the enemy will not be able to distract or interfere. Pray for focus, clarity, and clearcut direction from God. And above all, pray that what HE wants to come out of this time will come...and that I will have the courage and wisdom to carry it out!

Thanks in advance! You 'prayer warriors' are such a blessing in my life!

A Missionary's Life :: I'll Be Home for Christmas

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Where to begin? We have so much to update you on... I apologize for being out of touch the past couple of weeks! Here's our VERY late 'Friday update' (yes, on Wednesday) for the Christmas Season! We'll stick with a theme - all our updates to the 'tune' of Christmas Songs!

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Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow! We left Michigan for our drive home on Friday morning (the 18th). No snow on the ground, no ice or snow falling... the weather was perfect for driving! That is... until we hit the SOUTH! We'd been in the car for about 9 hours and were singing 'Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow' when it started! It ended up snowing SO hard that they closed the roads in southern Kentucky!!! After re-routing an extra 4 hours to Nashville, we called it a night. A BIG THANK YOU to the Ward family for giving us a free place to stay at the last minute! It was an unexpected blessing to see my friend Tyler and to meet his beautiful wife and family!

I'll Be Home for Christmas. After another 4 hours in the car Saturday morning, we FINALLY made it home for Christmas! After a week in Alabama (my home), we drove home for Christmas again to Arkansas (Rusty's home). So far, we have traveled around 1,350 miles (over 25 hours in the car!) We are so thankful for all your prayers that kept us safe in bad weather & traffic! Please keep praying for our travels around Arkansas and our trip back to Michigan! (Jan 3-4)

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Even with all the travel time, this truly has been a wonderful visit with friends and family!!! We've kept ourselves busy with family get-togethers and trying to see as many friends as possible (for those we missed, we hope we see you next time!)We've been spoiled with lots of presents and yummy food... it's great to be with the ones we love! (and back in the land of SWEET TEA & CHICK-FIL-A!) THANK YOU to everyone who made this trip special, and a special thanks to our parents & family!

What Child is This? While home for the holidays I got to meet my new baby cousin Michael! He is adorable, and we're so glad we got to see him (and his parents ;)

O Holy Night. I had the opportunity to sing for the morning and night service for my hometown church the Sunday before Christmas. I sang my grandmother's favorite song, "O Holy Night" and also "Mary Did You Know". It was great to see the church family I grew up with, and to get to sing again!

All I Want for Christmas... is a new mancave! Before we left to come South, Rusty and I had 'our Christmas' at home. We exchanged presents, had his favorite roast for dinner, and watched Christmas movies. I surprised him with his 'big' gift - a makeover for his mancave! Rusty's 'mancave' is a corner of our unfinished basement in our rented home. I re-did it in an Arkansas theme, including curtains I made for him, and an Arkansas Razorback blanket I made for him. I know it's far from 'Extreme Home Makeover', but I did the best I could with a rented home and small budget. He was SO excited! A big THANK YOU to Kim & Patrice, the 'Christmas Elves' that helped me redecorate! You can see the 'before and after' pictures below!

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Ok... as much fun as this Christmas Song update is, it's getting a little long so I'll bring it to a close! We are enjoying a few more days in Arkansas before starting the long drive back to Michigan. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Enjoy the pictures below!

BEFORE

The 'entrance' to Rusty's mancave...

AFTER

Now sealed off with insulated curtains.

BEFORE

One of the walls in Rusty's mancave...

AFTER

I know the wall is still purple, but we are renting so we can't paint.

BEFORE

The main wall - decorated by kid's art (made by the grandchildren of our landlord).

Very sweet, but not very 'manly'. Also, notice the towels stapled up for curtains...

AFTER

I couldn't paint since we are renting, so we covered the walls with fabric.

I made the curtains out of Arkansas Razorback fleece!

BEFORE

The 3rd wall of his 'mancave'.

AFTER

BEFORE

The 'junk shelves' in the basement...

AFTER

Now covered with insulated curtains!

TADA!!!

Meet Kim & Patrice, the 'Christmas Elves' that helped me with the transformation!

SURPRISE!!!

He had NO IDEA! I am so sneaky! :)

Rusty giving the 'thumbs up' for his new mancave!

And his final surprise, a new Arkansas Razorback fleece blanket, handmade by ME! :)

A Radical Christmas

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those of you who are regular blog readers of mine know that we've been talking alot about Christmas lately. We've been talking about the REAL reason for the season (CHRIST) and about ways to honor Him this year, by sacrificing decorations to GIVE money to those in need, buying presents that support missions, and other RADICAL Christmas ideas!

For those of you taking part in these things, I wanted to encourage you by sharing some information about others doing similar things.

The Church at Brookhills is one of those places. They have started something radical that they have aptly named, The Radical Experiment.

This church is really doing some extreme things, like putting a cap on their spending (as a church and as individual members) to be able to provide for the poor...decorating their church with only no-cost or low-cost Christmas decorations... and other really incredible commitments you can read about here: www.radicalexperiment.org

They also have a discussion site, where church members are sharing their stories about their personal RADICAL sacrifices (there are some great ideas and tips there - check it out!), and a media source where you can watch or listen to podcasts about "What the Gospel Demands". I haven't had time to listen to this series yet, but I can tell you that pastor David Platt is one of the most incredible speakers I've ever heard! I would encourage you to listen to any of his messages.

There's another church doing radical things this year, Antioch Church in Bend, OR. My friend Jane Johnson put together a Christmas Catalog for their members filled with options for giving to those less fortunate. This church recently shared a video that will drastically change the way you view Christmas. Please take 2 minutes to watch it... it will quickly kill the monsters of materialism and tune your heart back to the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Tradition from World Relief NEXT on Vimeo.

Christmas Decorating on a Budget

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If you read my blog, then you know we've been talking about the REAL Reason for the Season of CHRISTmas. While decorating, presents, and parties are fun... it's not what Christmas is really about!

Though we all know that's true, I realize it would be hard to get in the 'Christmas Spirit' with no decorations up in your home. I love Christmas just like anyone else... and I love the beautiful lights, sparkly decorations, and pretty Christmas candles around the house. Our problem with all that this year, was that we didn't have any Christmas decorations! (except for a few small items). So... what to do, what to do? Christmas decorating is EXPENSIVE and not only were we on a BUDGET, but we also felt God was leading us to GIVE to some needs overseas.

Well, now we've gone full circle. So, how do we take part in fun things like decorating, while still focusing on the REAL focus of Christmas, CHRIST? How do we leave room to GIVE HOPE to the 'least of these' in this season, instead of spending all our money on unimportant things? In the end, which is more important: Buying the gorgeous tree-skirt, designer stockings, and top-of-the-line Christmas Tree.... or providing food to children in Africa who will go hungry without your donation?

For those of you who are CHOOSING to budget (so that you'll have money to give away this Christmas), check below for 10 inexpensive decorating ideas! (or, if you're just on a budget... or a newly-wed with no decorations like we were, you can check it out too!)

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1) Make a List (and check it twice! ;)- Go around your house and make a list of what you want most to decorate. You know, big items (like a Christmas Tree) or other areas you know you need something for. This way you know EXACTLY what you're looking for when you go shopping. Otherwise you'll get sucked into buying something you didn't really need because "it was SO CUTE!"

2) Check Craigslist - for big items, like a Christmas Tree, check Craiglist.com or Yard Sales. We were able to find a very nice tree there for only $35! It has only been used once, and is the perfect size for our living-room. Just be sure to ask the seller for plenty of pictures before making your decision (or you might end up with a 'charlie brown tree').

3) Start at the Dollar Tree - I made a decision when I started Christmas shopping to START each trip at the Dollar Tree or Salvation Army, before looking other places. Now, don't get me wrong... I KNOW (without a doubt) I would like the things at Target or a specialty store much more than the items at the Dollar Tree, but I also know they are $10 - $20+ more there. So, I chose to start each trip (with list in hand) at the cheapest places possible. If they didn't have what I needed (though they usually did), then I'd try Dollar General, Hobby Lobby, WalMart, KMart, TJ Maxx and finally Target. Do I LOVE every thing I bought at the Dollar Tree? No. Do I LOVE the fact that I got everything I needed to decorate at 1/15 of the price? YES!

4) Do It Yourself :: Christmas Ribbons - It's easy to make your own Christmas ribbons for decorations, instead of paying for pre-made ones! These ribbons are perfect for decorating your stairs, chairs, porch, tree or presents. All you need is a cheap roll of ribbon with wire edges, and some trash bag ties (or loaf bread ties) or flexible wire. Check out this video for a quick 'how to': www.christmastwist.com/2007/11/how-to-make-bow

5) Do It Yourself :: Christmas Paintings - Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis know that a few weeks ago I made some Christmas Paintings to hang up in our home. If you are creative at all, I would encourage giving this a try! It was fun, easy, and VERY inexpensive. The canvases cost around $1.50 a Hobby Lobby, then you hot glue ribbon on the back to hang it ($1+ for a roll of ribbon), and the wreath hanger for the door is $1 at Dollar Tree (go there to buy these, they are $2-$3 everywhere else!). You can also display them on an easel. I was able to choose the colors and theme for each painting, which went perfectly with our home decor. Not a great painter? Try paint pens instead! You can paint your canvas whatever color you wish, then write/draw in paint pen on top. Stencils are an easy option too! For pictures of mine, visit this link (and scroll to the bottom). I'm still considering making some to sell next Christmas!

6) Do It Yourself :: Christmas Wreaths - I really wanted Christmas Wreaths for our doors...well, until I saw the PRICES! The cheapest one I could find was $15 (and that was at a 1/2 off sale!) Most of the others started at around $35 and went to $100+. There was no way I was paying that much for a wreath, so we were going to do without... until I spotted a grapevine wreath on sale for $3. I quickly snatched it up and brought it home to decorate. After doing some more shopping I found 2 more, and ended up with the 3 finished products pictured below. You can decorate them any color/style you want using ribbon and decorative 'sprigs' from any craft store. My TOTAL price for these finished wreaths? Around $5 - $7 each!

7) Christmas Candles - I love candles.... I love the warmth they add to a room, and the yummy smells they come in! They were an easy option for any rooms/spaces I didn't have decor for. I chose scents like vanilla, cinnamon & nutmeg, and spiced apple for our home, and found cheap platters, votives, or other holders from Salvation Army (some as cheap as 10 cents each) to put them in.

8) Stick with the basics - I know some people like to choose funky colors for their Christmas decorations, but I've found that you'll have more selection at places like the Dollar Tree (which means cheaper prices) if you stick with the basics: red, green, silver, and gold. Blue and silver are also a color combination I found a lot of while shopping around (which was the color scheme for our kitchen deco).

9) Skip the tree skirt - yes, I know there are GORGEOUS tree skirts out there; I have been drooling over them since October! The bad news is, they are anywhere from $15 to $100+! So, I decided to skip the tree skirt this year, and use a hunter green throw we had at home. Any color throw/blanket/quilt you already have can be bunched around the bottom of your tree, or you can buy a yard or two of cheap fabric to cover the stand. It isn't seen for long anyway, since you cover it up with all those presents, so don't waste the money!

10) Wait for After-Christmas Sales - I purposely DIDN'T get some of the things I wanted to decorate with, because I knew we didn't have to have them, and they'd be way cheaper after Christmas. So, figure out what you can live without this season, and then wait until it goes 75% off after Christmas!

*BONUS TIP* - Another great way to save is to ask yourself a hard question before every purchase; "DO I REALLY NEED THIS?" Now I get that it's not life or death to ANY of us when it comes to Christmas Decorations - NONE of it is really a 'need' - so I would encourage you to seriously think about cutting back. Ask yourself, "Do I really NEED those light up Christmas trees for the front porch? Or the extra tree for the office? Or the decorations for the guest room?" You'd be surprised at what you can talk yourself into NOT buying!

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Now, don't get me wrong... this was hard for me too.

I had quite a few tough discussions with myself in stores...

trying to talk myself out of all the pretty things I wanted.

The end result isn't perfect - our decor is far from the best,

and there are plenty of 'empty spots' that could use more 'Christmas stuff'...

but we really feel the sacrifice was WORTH IT! They are JUST decorations after all! :)

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I've posted some more pictures below of specific items I bought, and where I found the best deals.

Dollar Tree

Mirrored Trees - I spotted these on sale at Target for $15 and up (which was not in the budget). Luckily I found similar ones at The Dollar Tree! They are smaller, and not as well made (some hot glue shows and the occasional mirror is missing), but I've found that no one is going to bend down and inspect your decor! The dollar tree option was perfect for our home.

Table Runners - these run anywhere from $10 and up at other stores. I was able to find them in red, green, and cream at Dollar Tree. I paid $5 for 5 of them, instead of $10 for one!

Ornament Hanger + Ornaments - I wasn't sure what this funky looking wire thing was when I saw it at first, but when I looked closer I realized it was an ornament hanger! I chose snowflakes to hang on it (you can put whatever you like!) Total cost: $4

Christmas Signs - I found this cute little sign for only $1! I was surprised at the selection of cute signs and wall hangings they had available (cloth, wood, and metal!)

Dollar General

Christmas Trees - if you're looking for small Christmas trees I found the cheapest ones here; we found a little one for our bedroom for only $8!

Stocking Holders - after shopping around I found stocking holders starting at $15 and going up to $20+ each. Luckily, I found these cute little snowflakes at Dollar General for only $6 each!

Hobby Lobby also has some great sales if you watch; I was able to get these pretty stockings for only $5 each!

Hope these ideas help you not get too wrapped up in SPENDING

instead of GIVING this Christmas Season!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

URGENT Prayer Request

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Before you read anything else, know that this email is NOT about an AIM Missionary (I don't want any parents or friends of our missionaries to panic).

This email is from a friend of mine who works with another mission organization, Kings Castle. Kylee sent me the following email last night about one of their missionaries who was kidnapped in Guatemala. PLEASE PLEASE PRAY!!!

(*last names have been removed due to the sensitivity of the information.)

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Dear Friends, Family & Alumni,

Please continue to pray for the safety of Esa. His kidnapping is a mystery. He was kidnapped after church on Sunday evening by 5 men. One of the leaders of the church saw it all. Esau locked up the church and walked to his house. As he was trying to open the door, the kidnappers grabbed him, and threw him in the back of one of the pickups. The leader cried out for help, but the trucks took off with Esau. No one has heard anything from him since. There have been no calls for ransom. No clues.

Some speculate it was a case of mistaken identity. Perhaps they were targeting El Salvadoran Missionary Jose who has been working with the Achi Indians in Cubulco, Guatemala, for many years now. Jose is getting married this weekend in El Salvador, and plans to return there with his new wife. Others wonder if he was targeted because of the work the evangelicals are doing in the area. We sent our Master's Commission there just a few weeks ago, and they saw a mighty move of God. Some mentioned that it could be drug traffickers. No one can be certain.

Jose and Esau's parents traveled to Guatemala on Tuesday, hoping to find more information on what happened. They got about an hour and half from Cubulco, and the church leader called them and told them not to come any further. The road to Cubulco is lonely and isolated. They were vulnerable traveling alone in one vehicle with Salvadoran tags. The church people are afraid and don't know what could happen.They have since contacted El Salvadoran government officials to intervene in his behalf with the government of Guatemala.

I'm a friend of Esau on Facebook. I pulled a quote that he wrote on Sunday at 12:41 PM, just a few hours before he was abducted.

Here is the quote:

"ste da Dios me ha sorprendido nuevamente,

Seor eres fiel y tu misericordia eterna...

ms conmigo que necesito tu fidelidad y tu misericordia."

This day God has surprised me again.

Lord, you are faithful and your mercy is eternal...

even more so, I need your faithfulness and mercy.

He also has this on his Facebook page:

"I love you, all of my hope is in you, Jesus Christ, take my life, take all of me."

For those of you who did not read the first e-mail, Esau is a graduate of our Last Harvest Masters Commission. He went to Guatemala in June of this year to work with Missionary Jose. Esau is only 24 years old. He turns 25 on January 1. Please pray for him and call on others to pray for him, too. He needs a miracle right now.

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It's so humbling to think this could be any of us at AIM. This could happen anytime to missionaries from ANY mission organization. He wasn't doing anything wrong. This is just part of the risk that comes from advancing God's Kingdom in a foreign land.

Though I don't know Esau, he is a brother in Christ and he needs all our prayers today!

PLEASE PRAY FOR ESAU! Pray for his safety. Pray for God to strengthen, comfort, and encourage him while he is being held captive. Pray for a hedge of protection around him; that his captors would not be able to harm him.

Pray for his kidnappers. Pray that they would see the light; that they would MEET GOD today and let him go!

Pray for Esau's family; I cannot imagine how terrified they must be.

Pray for Jose and his new wife. What tragic news to receive on your wedding day - a day that should be a day of celebration! They are probably feeling a million emotions today.

And pray for this organization. I'm sure they are all scared, worried, and crying out to God today for the safety of one of their missionaries and friends.

Thank you all for being awesome prayer warriors!

Christmas Shopping :: The REAL Reason for the Season!

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Now, before you get all upset wondering if I think Christmas shopping IS the real reason for the season, I don't. (though I do love to shop! ;) What I DO think is, more people should do their Christmas shopping with a purpose, and with the REAL reason for the season in mind!

Christmas is about CHRIST. Jesus came to bring HOPE to the world, and as His followers, we should be doing the same! The good news is; we can do that this holiday season by choosing gifts that GIVE BACK - gifts that support orphans, provide for the poor, and give HOPE to the 'least of these' around the world! (Who knew a t-shirt, scarf, ring, or purse could have that much power?)

Below are some options for your Christmas shopping. There is a little bit of everything, from clothing to jewelry to coffee...and a link to another blog with about 15 more options! I encourage you to check it out this Christmas, and keep these options in mind when it comes time to buy other gifts around the year too!

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The Sound of Hope - click here to buy a T-shirt!

www.thesoundofhope.org

The proceeds from just one t-shirt is enough to feed an orphan in Swaziland one meal a day for over a month! The Sound of Hope is a campaign that raises money and awareness for orphans in Swaziland, Kenya, and India. Find out more by finding our fan page and group on Facebook, or add us as a friend on myspace!

Corridor of Hope - click here to buy handmade jewelry and beautiful silk scarves from Thailand and India!

www.corridorofhope.org

At Corridor Of Hope we are devoted to connecting orphans, poverty stricken communities and YOU. We are the corridor, a passageway to help people who can't help themselves. We help bring them hope by bringing you quality and affordable products from these countries. In turn, Corridor Of Hope will donate these resources back into their communities by supporting orphans, thereby empowering YOU to help in a multifaceted way. We will bring you updates and newsletters regarding the orphans and how your purchase made a difference in their lives.

Timbali Crafts - click here to buy a handmade African purse, coin purse, or table-runner from Swaziland!

www.timbalicrafts.org

TIMBALI CRAFTS are created by women who work as volunteer cooks at feeding centers for orphans in Swaziland, Africa, where over 40% of the population is HIV positive.

Many of the women have been widowed or abandoned, are single mothers, or grandmothers raising grandchildren that have been orphaned. Craft sales help provide an income for these hard working women and their families who would otherwise have little or none. This year they have several new products available, as well as opportunities to BUY GIFTS for the women in Swaziland, such as a sewing machine, medicine pack, or food basket!

Land of 1000 Hills - DRINK COFFEE, DO GOOD! click here to buy coffee that supports orphans, widows, and entire farming communities in Rwanda!

www.drinkcoffeedogood.com

In April 1994, Rwanda (an African country half the size of the state of Maryland) experienced one of history's most atrocious genocides. In 2001, the founder of Land of a Thousand Hills recognized a simple and tangible opportunity to make a difference in the reconciliation of the Rwandan people. The introduction of Specialty Coffee to the healing fields of Rwanda proved to be an uncommon opportunity for once warring countrymen to not only rebuild their homesteads, but to work together toward lasting peace.

A commitment to excellence in coffee has brought dignity and hope to a nation that history suggested would never recover. A message of forgiveness is spreading through the hills of Rwanda, and by drinking Rwandan coffee, you promote justice in a place where injustice once reigned.

Land of 1000 Hills is also DOING GOOD in other ways, like supporting sustenance farms for orphans. To find out how you can get involved, click HERE!

With This Ring- click HERE to buy a wedding ring, engagement ring, or other jewelry that helps provide clean water for villages in Africa!

www.withthisring.org

Ali Eastburn, Executive Director of With This Ring, offers a challenge to Christians who have accumulated more this Christmas than they'll ever need or use: Give It Away. In 2007, she sold her wedding ring after confronting herself with how much it was worth and how much good could be done with that money. With the proceeds from her wedding ring, Ali helped to fund a clean water project in Africa and founded a new ministry called With This Ring.

With This Ring exists to encourage Christians to offer their possessions-even their most precious ones-to God in radical acts of sacrificial giving. In the midst of a society gripped with materialism, Executive Director Ali Eastburn loves to share her story of how God broke that grip in her own life.

You can DONATE a wedding ring, engagement ring, class ring, or any other jewelry you're willing to give up. You can also BUY jewelry others have donated to support the cause!

Donate, Donate, DONATE! - choose one of these links to give to a great cause this Christmas!

If you're just looking to donate this Christmas as a gift from your family, or in honor (or memory) of someone, you can always DONATE to Adventures in Missions!

Rusty and I are still in GREAT NEED of supporters,

so you can donate to support our mission work HERE.

If you'd like to choose another option, click HERE. This page offers opportunities to donate to orphans, mission bases overseas, Mission Leadership Training schools, other staff, or general AIM needs. You can play a part in keeping our mission work going around the world!

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Don't see what you want here? Then visit this blog for more options!

(seriously, check it out -- there is some REALLY cute stuff for sale!)

http://joyportis.blogspot.com/2009/11/shopping-with-purpose.html

Thanks for reading! Please FORWARD this blog to all your friends!

If we all buy gifts that give back, we could really make a difference this Christmas!

...more of Zoe's world-changing art!

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In case you missed it, this weekend I posted a blog introducing you to Zoe, a very special little girl. (I would encourage you to check it out!) Zoe is drawing pictures to raise money for gifts for people in poverty overseas. She's auctioning the pictures for money to buy gifts like food, blankets, and medicine. (Seriously, check out the story here. This is one awesome little girl!)

Today, Zoe's dad posted another picture up for bidding. This one was really cute; I love that she drew a super-hero type character named MEDICINE GIRL to rescue the babies. PRECIOUS!!! Read more below, and leave a comment or contact me if you want to place a bid! (just be sure to include your email address in your comment).

This is Zoe's drawing to raise money to provide

medicine and medical care to mothers and babies...

From Zoe:
"This is a picture of two baby boys and three baby girls who were sick and were about to die. And then their momma called a girl that was called 'The Medicine Girl'. And The Medicine Girl gave the same medicine to each boy and the same medicine to each girl. And in a couple days, they got better. This picture is to make money for orphans and poor people to give them medicine and to make them feel better."

Zoe has drawn this picture to make money to provide medicine and medical care to mothers and babies through Samaritan's Purse (Gift 6 on this page: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/gift_catalog/). It's 8.5" x 11" and is in a black frame with glass.

Bidding starts at $5 and bidding increments must be at least $1. Bidding will end Monday, December 14 at 8pm EST. If you win and are not in the Port Huron, MI area to be able to pick it up, you will need to pay for shipping. Thanks in advance for supporting Zoe's cause! :^)

Meet Zoe :: (a VERY special little girl)

Sat, 5 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Allow me to introduce you to a VERY special little girl...

Her name is Zoe, and she is 6 years old. She lives in Port Huron, Michigan, with her two adorable little sisters (Haven & Saige) and her wonderful parents, Shawn & Rosie. We are blessed to know this awesome family, and were lucky to hear a really incredible story about a project Zoe is working on this Christmas.

You see, the Gearharts have raised their children right; telling them about the needs of others around the world, and teaching them to be selfless and generous. These would seem to be big lessons for a 6 year old... but it just so happens that children are some of the most honest and pure people in the world!

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said,

"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,

because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned,

and revealed them to little children.

Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."

Luke 10:21

Zoe was upset when she found out about the orphans around the world; the millions of children who have no parents, no food, no clothes, no toys and NO CANDY! So sweet little Zoe devised a plan; a plan to raise money to buy these children gifts through Samaratin's Purse. These "gifts" for sale support specific needs of hurting/sick/hungry people around to world such as giving an orphan a hot meal, helping a village dig a well, or giving children a warm blanket. Zoe has been working around the house to make a little money, and has even taken $10 of her birthday money she's been saving to use towards this cause. Now her new plan is to draw (and sell) pictures to raise even MORE money!

I was so moved when I read about Zoe's plan, and thought some of you might want a chance to "BID" on her beautiful pictures. I am posting them below, along with her description of what she drew (the descriptions are as precious as the pictures! I love that she named an orphan MUFFIN, and that even the orphans in her pictures share! SO sweet!) If you would like to 'BID' on these items, simply leave a comment below (be sure to include your email address). I will forward your comment to Shawn (Zoe's Dad) who will be in touch with you about her pictures!

Feel free to also leave a comment for Zoe (Shawn will be sure she gets to read them). Children with a heart like hers should be celebrated and encouraged for their generosity and selflessness! We could learn so much from Zoe this Christmas!

Picture #1

From Zoe:
"Here's a picture I drew to make money to help orphans. This is an orphanage and a picture of a girl named Sally giving food to an orphan named Lily. And these are all the orphans names: Lily, Ben, Bib, Muffin, Sandy and Tory and Miss Roe is the adult that takes care of them."

Zoe has drawn this picture to make money to give a warm meal to an orphan through Samaritan's Purse. Lily is an orphan and has patches on her dress. Sally is a girl bringing her the hot meal. There is an orphanage with names of other children. It's 8.5" x 11" and is in a black frame with glass.

The current bid is $35 and bidding increments must be at least $1. Bidding will end Sunday, December 6 at 8pm EST. If you win and are not in the Port Huron, MI area to be able to pick it up, you will need to pay for shipping. Thanks in advance for supporting Zoe's cause! :^)

Picture #2

From Zoe:
"This is a little girl named Bib and the picture of the girl in the background is Miss Roe - the adult who takes care of the orphans. And there is a ball, a playhouse and five pieces of candy. Bib is so very happy! She has a great, big smile on her face! She shared a lollipop with one of her friends, cut another lollipop in half and gave three peppermints to her three other friends."

Zoe has drawn this picture to make money to give candy and small toys to needy children through Samaritan's Purse. It's 8.5" x 11" and is in a black frame with glass.

The current bid is $25 and bidding increments must be at least $1. Bidding will run for a week and end Monday, December 7 at 8am EST. If you win and are not in the Port Huron, MI area to be able to pick it up, you will need to pay for shipping. Thanks in advance for supporting Zoe's cause! :^)

A Missionary's Life :: It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well... it's everyone's favorite blog of the week... our FRIDAY UPDATE!

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas! Okay... let's be honest...it was 'beginning' to look that way about 2 weeks ago. Yes- this year I was one of those crazy people who decorated BEFORE Thanksgiving... I couldn't help it, I was just TOO EXCITED!! What can I say...I am my mother's daughter. (and I guess this is what I get for making fun of her for being Christmas Crazy all those years!) I finally put the finishing touches on it all this week though, and we are very happy with the outcome! There was lots of bargain shopping and several 'do it yourself' projects, but we were able to stay under budget. Next week I plan to post a 'Decorating on a Budget' blog to share some of my ideas...tune in if you (or a friend) need some direction! :)

PoHo Family Christmas Party. Last night Rusty and I hosted our first Christmas Party together. We had over all the Michigan World Race staff, and some very fun visitors too! We ended up with a house full of loved ones and spent the night eating, laughing, praying, and worshiping. Our VERY FUN guests showed up with Christmas hats for everyone and sang carols upon entering the house. I made some yummy white chicken chili and mexican cornbread for dinner, and we finished the night with Jesus' Birthday Cake! (a red velvet cake with 'Happy Birthday Jesus' on top! - it's a family tradition :) It turned out being one of the most FUN Christmas parties EVER!!! A big THANK YOU to everyone who came! :)

I LOVE SURPRISES!!! If you know me at ALL, you know I love presents (giving and getting) and you know I LOVE surprises! This week I got both - in a very special ornament bought for me by Mrs. Darla Snyder (our friend Matt's sweet mom). The ornament is just too cute; it's the world, with little children from different countries holding hands around it. The word "HOPE" is written on it in 6 different languages. It was a very special addition to our tree! THANKS MRS. DARLA!!!

The First SNOW! That's right! Our Christmas party ended the most perfect way of all... with SNOW! As we walked our last 3 guests out, we found sparkly white flurries all over our front steps. Needless to say, both Rusty and I were VERY excited!!! Sadly it had all melted by morning, but we are hoping for more soon! (it's just so pretty!)

The REAL Reason for the Season. Of course, we all know the REAL Reason for the Season is JESUS... not decorations or parties or gifts. I have some great blogs coming that focus on that... blogs about Christmas gifts that give back, decorating on a budget (and giving the extra money away), and a blog coming this weekend about a VERY special little girl who's doing something incredible for Christmas this year. Today, I want to let you know about a great group of women - led by our friend Meg - who are overseas starting off the season right. They are giving their time, money and love to 'the least of these' while on a trip to Swaziland. They are truly living out scripture; "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27) Please keep them in your prayers this week as God is breaking their hearts for Africa. Click here to read a more detailed update of their trip: December Trip to Swaziland

Well, that's all we have friends! To see ALL the pictures of our home decor,

and our Christmas party, just visit this link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=139075&id=575430898&l=74f29e31f9

We hope you have a wonderful weekend!

A Missionary's Life :: A Thankful Heart

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hello friends and family! I hope this blog finds you all well; stuffed with turkey and enjoying your holiday! Sorry this 'Friday Update' is late, but we've been enjoying the past few days RELAXING! We had a special friend visiting Michigan for Thanksgiving (shown in the picture) and she was SO much fun! Tangi is from Mississippi, and LOVES all things Southern! We talked pageants, disney, music, and SEC FOOTBALL; cooked together, cheered together, and had a GREAT time! We have truly had a wonderful week... well, that is until yesterday...

After watching my beloved AUBURN TIGERS run all over overrated Alabama for the entire game, Bama pulled a win out in the last 2 minutes of the game. BLACK FRIDAY was the best name for the day; I think I am still in mourning (and hoarse from yelling)!!! I am very THANKFUL that we live almost 1,000 miles away from home though, because that means I'm almost 1,000 miles away from all those Alabama fans! HA!

Okay, okay - I'm sorry, I'll be nice - especially for those of you dear friends who are Alabama fans (I still love you, even if you wear the wrong colors! ;) Football talk over, let's get to our blog. We have PLENTY to be thankful for this week, so that's what this blog is all about! Check out my list of things I am thankful for this year!

The Top 10 things I'm thankful for in 2009:

#10 OUR MEMORIES - Since last Thanksgiving, we have made SO MANY wonderful memories! Thanksgiving Day marked the 1 year anniversary of Rusty and I being reunited after his year away on The World Race. Since then we've met each others friends and family, got engaged, and moved to Michigan. We also had our BEAUTIFUL wedding down South and a very special honeymoon! We moved into our first home, made some new friends, and started some new family traditions (like going to the Arkansas vs Auburn game!) There are many more memories I can't list here, but I am thankful for each and every sweet, special moment we've spent together this year!

#9 OUR HOME - God provided us with a beautiful little home this year; thanks to a sweet (and very generous) woman from church. We could never have afforded a home like this; we would have been struggling just to afford a safe, decent apartment on our budget! We are so thankful for our house and for our very cheap rent!!!

#8 OUR JOBS - though it has been a rough year for us support raising (we went back into the 'red' this month), I am still SO thankful for our jobs. I know there are many people who lost their jobs this year; some late in life. I am thankful we still have some income, and are able to do the mission work we are PASSIONATE about and called by God to do!

#7 OUR SUPPORTERS - yes, we mean YOU! Whether you are a monthly donor, or gave a one-time gift we are thankful for you! YOUR SUPPORT means the world to us; you make it possible for us to do the work we are called to. THANK YOU for being partners in our ministry!!!

#6 OUR MICHIGAN 'FAMILY' - We are truly blessed to have been welcomed as we have to Michigan. We are so thankful for our Michigan 'Mom & Dad' Michael and Kathy Hindes (and their awesome sons!), our World Race brothers and sisters, and everyone at Cross Current Church who has accepted us, helped us, and become our Michigan 'family'!

#5 OUR SOUTHERN FRIENDS - Of course, we can't forget our friends back home! They are the ones who have been there through the long haul. They remember our memories from college, or high school, or even further back. They can tell the stories near and dear to our hearts (and the ones we'd like to forget! HA!) They are the ones who threw our wedding showers, stood beside us on our wedding day, and visited at the funeral home when Rusty's Papaw passed away. They are those friends who are really more like family. To all of you - you know who you are - THANK YOU! We love you and look forward to many more years of friendship! ;)

#4 OUR HEALTH - As someone who was sick a lot growing up (and was healed miraculously TWICE), I am very thankful for my health this year! I'm also thankful Rusty is healthy, since last year in November he was struggling through the final days of Dengue Fever overseas. I'm thankful too that my parents are well, and my brothers- especially my baby brother Jaron who went through several years of serious illness while I was in college. I'm thankful too for the health of my Granddaddy; he is my last grandparent left and I'm so glad he's still around!

#3 OUR FAMILY - I am so thankful for our family; and loving how it multiplied this year! Now I not only have the family I grew up with, but some very sweet in-laws too (and I finally got a SISTER!) I love them all, and look forward to spending time with everyone at Christmas :)

#2 MY HUSBAND - After waiting 25 years to find the man I love, I am SO thankful for my sweet husband Rusty! He is my best friend, my partner, my warrior, my LOVE. He is who I laugh with, cry with, dream with, and plan with. We have had a wonderful 7 months of marriage, and I look forward to many more Thanksgivings with him!

#1 SALVATION - Though it may seem cliche, I am truly grateful for not only my salvation, but my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It has been a blessing to travel around the world doing ministry, but it has also been eye-opening; I have seen the confusion and hopelessness that comes from so many other religions out there. The GOOD NEWS is, I have ALSO seen the unwavering HOPE in the hearts of Christians in intense suffering around the world. Oh how lucky; how blessed I am to have been born here in the US into a Christian family! I cannot imagine my life without the TRUTH, HOPE, and LOVE of Christ!

I hope you all have had time to reflect on what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Blessings to you all and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

One Year Later :: Waking Up A Generation

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As promised, here is Part 2 to Rusty's blog...

It's so exciting to see the LASTING FRUIT produced from his 2 years on the World Race.

We are so proud of all these sweet people and are blessed to call them friends.

God is doing awesome things through them!

Alright, so I finished up my last blog post talking about the growth of the World Race this past year.

A big reason for that growth - other than God - is my wonderful teammates from the January 2008 squad. It was such an honor, and blast to lead them around the world, and it's even cooler watching them lead their own squads!

Let me start off with two wonderful ladies, Patrice Deaton and Gretchen Kiehlbaugh. They left this past June to lead the June 2009 World Race squad. In my opinion, what makes Gretchen and Patrice great leaders is they have a huge passion to see their teammates experience real FREEDOM in Jesus!

Another awesome lady from my trip is Caroline Crawford. She is a squad leader for the August race. Right now Caroline is in the Middle East, or Eastern Europe maybe. I don't know - it's hard to keep up:) Caroline is great at reading a situation, cutting through the crap, and gently helping you get over yourself so that you can better do the thing God has called you to do.

Next up - Andi Wendel! Andi recently left to lead the October squad. The love of Jesus radiates off this girl! Andi is a great shepherd, she loves her team deeply - and they know it!

Next year, Robby Riggs will squad lead one of the January squads. HA! Nobody laughs like Robby! He knows how to have fun, and his presence in a room can change the atmosphere. Dude's got a HUGE heart to serve and his squad will be blessed by it.

Now to Nate Evans - ole Nate! He's heading out in January as well. Nate will be a team leader next year, and one thing I know for certain - there won't be any lack of passionate exhortations in that group. Nate has got a great ability to get people fired up. He loves the Lord - and his passion for Christ is contagious.

These aren't the only folks from my squad who have invested back into the World Race.

Matt Snyder came on staff full-time back in January. Aside from being a talented musician, Matt is a gifted writer and storyteller. He works in our marketing department.

I know most of ya'll know Kim Daniels. I've reposted a TON of her videos on my blog. Kim is a full-time staffer with a passion for telling stories through video. As you can see here - she is pretty good at it:) Kim also does a lot of work in our marketing department.

I don't how we would have made it around the world back in 2008 if it wasn't for Mark Stratmann. Not only does Mark have an amazing heart, but a great logistical mind. Currently, you can find Mark working his tail off in our logistics department. He connects with a lot of our ministry contacts in the field, and makes sure things are lined out for our World Race teams when they get to a country.

Now as you can see, here at the World Race we are all about raising up leaders, or simply - waking up a generation! We believe every person that comes on the trip has leadership potential. Our goal is to tap into that potential and challenge them to be the man, or woman the Lord is calling them to be. Hey, it's not all about the World Race either, this is just a program. So we encourage people when they finish to follow their dreams, whether that's with us, or not.

There's a lot of folks from my two World Races who are not with the World Race, but they are in full-time ministry somewhere. That's what it's all about, seeing God give folks a dream and then going to live it out.

I'm proud of and love each and every one of my teammates, whether they are in full-time ministry or not. We had a blast bringing Kingdom to the nations together! It sure was fun:)

Gone, SEE YA, BYE!

One Year Later...

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

First of all, let me say thanks to all of you who have posted feedback yesterday and today from my Feedback please? Blog. I really appreciate your comments, compliments, and input! I'll be keeping those in mind as I move forward with my blog. THANK YOU again for reading and being such an awesome online support group!!! You guys are AMAZING!

Moving on... today I have a little something for you my sweet husband wrote. As I mentioned in my Friday Update, Friday marked the ONE YEAR anniversary of Rusty's homecoming from The World Race. Below he talks a little bit about what that year has been like. It's CRAZY to think so much time has passed and how FULL it has been! It makes me tired just reading it, ha!

Check out his blog below, and stay tuned for Part #2 tomorrow!

I tell you, one of the many things living 34 years has taught me is this - TIME FLIES!

It's been a full year since I got home from my second World Race.

That's CRAZY!

But believe it or not, I feel like I'm finally just now getting a chance to settle in. Most of you folks know that my post-race life has been equally as intense as life on the race.

I got engaged, packed up ALL Ericka's stuff into a U-Haul, moved to Michigan in the middle of winter, moved Ericka into her new home, moved myself in with the Hindes, started working full-time for the World Race, walked through pre-marital counseling, flew to Arkansas for wedding showers, then drove over to Alabama for more wedding showers, rented a car, packed it full of wedding shower gifts and drove it back to Michigan, found a place for me and Ericka to live, packed up all Ericka's stuff again, moved it to the new house, went back down south and got married, HONEYMOON, back to Michigan to set up the house, continued trying to find the right role for me within the World Race, went down to Georgia for World Race training camp, came back home for a couple months, bought a car, continued working to set up the house, bought health insurance, mom came to visit, in-laws came to visit, back down to Georgia for training camp, back home for a few days, went to Buffalo for the Daniels' wedding, back home for a couple weeks, then down to Arkansas unexpectedly for my grandfather's passing and funeral, back home for 3 weeks, down to Arkansas again for the Razorback/Auburn game, back home for 2 days, back down to Georgia for World Race training camp, and FINALLY BACK HOME!

WHEW!

If you made it through that MONSTROSITY of a list then you can see it's been INSANE since I stepped off the jet in Little Rock back on November 21st of 2008.

It's also been insane to see how the World Race has continued to grow over the last year as well. The coolest part about this job is being a part of something on the ground level, and then watching the thing take off.

When I finished my first World Race in 2007, the program had just completed it's second year in existence. That year we had probably about 100 folks that did the trip, or started their trip. The next year, 2008, that number grew slightly to around 115. This year however, we have seen tremendous growth - we sent out 220 racers in 2009. We expect that number to double next year.

I'm proud to say my team, the January 2008 World Race team that finished up exactly a year ago has played a huge part in this growth. We've had several of them come on staff, as well as many go back out onto the field in leadership roles. I'll bring you their stories tomorrow.