Put Me to the Test, Says the Lord of Hosts.

"But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." (Malachi 3:8-10)

I would like to once again boast in our Lord. God makes many promises to us and commands us to trust him with our lives, with our every decisions and with our money. After all, He is the one who provides our life, our free will and our worldly resources. Malachi chapter 3 verse 8 through 10 is a profound statement from our Lord to, "Put me to the test." We are not often told by our Lord to test Him.

I did not obey this command until about two years ago when we moved out of our house and into an RV. This was a decision made on the premise that it would allow us to always be ready to serve God. We rid ourselves from the attachment to our home, which was nothing more than an attachment to the world and it's ways and security. We then attached ourselves to God's word, His ways and security.

Even as missionaries we tithe 10% of our income and contribute well beyond that to other followers of Christ and their mission to spread the Gospel and glorify God. When we had no gas in our RV, no money in our pocket and planned to travel to Pennsylvania from Alabama, we gave to the Lord first and trusted His promise. When we had no gas in our RV and no money in our pocket and planned to travel 2,500 miles across the country, we gave to the Lord first and trusted His words. Knowing that we would be left with nothing but loose change to cover expenses we still gave to the Lord first and trusted His never failing promises. We have at times awoke with plans for the day and no money to do them, yet after prayer and faith that God will take care of His faithful servants a deposit would clear in our account and provide exactly what we needed to continue on.

I am not attempting to build myself up for how obedient I am but am attempting to build up the Lord for how faithful He is. His promises are true and His commands are not burdensome. Give to the Lord and trust in Him before you give to your self or your family.

So I say to you, put the Lord to the test and see that His promises are true.

Work Out Your Salvation...

If you are in no way, shape or form making disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that Jesus commands, going into the world and proclaiming the Gospel to the whole creation or proclaiming repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus name to all nations, are you obeying your Lord? (Matthew 28: 18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24: 47, John 20: 21) These are the commands of The Great Commission given by Jesus and recorded in all four Gospels.

I say, if you are not participating in the Great Commission, you are not obeying God. and this is the "right" thing to do, because it is a direct command from God the Son. James tells us in chapter 4:17 that, "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." Therefore, you are sinning when not participating in the Great Commission because it is the "right" thing to do and you are not doing it. Furthermore, if avoiding the Great Commission is a common practice then you must heed the words of Paul in Philippians and, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," because you may not be of the Lord.

1 John 3:4-10 states, "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother."

If your common practice is to avoid the Great Commission then you are disobeying a command from the mouth of God the Son, and this is sin. Therefore, you are "making a practice of sinning" and "whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil." "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning."

Question your salvation because the word of God tells us that you are not born of God but of the devil.

"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."(Philippians 2:12)

July 2014: "Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also."

 July 1
We have been provided for again! God has moved a brother to give his support earlier than usual. His support will cover our needs for the next week.

July 4
There is a Solid Rock event in Lander, WY that I have been praying about attending. We don't have the money to cover the travel expenses so I have been asking only God for the means to get me there. By only asking God He has heard my prayer and blessed me with what I asked. A brother in Christ was moved to cover the entire cost of the trip.

July 7
Today I took it to the Lord the need for the money to fix our van and a new church that is wise in God's word.

Three to four days ago our evaporative coolers stopped working, I prayed for cooler weather and the Lord graciously provided. The weeks before the coolers broke the high temperatures were reaching the low 100s. They next day after they broke the sky was overcast and breazy, bringing the temperature down to the mid 90s. Everyday since then we have been met with cooler weather. The Lord can and always does provide.

July 14
Again the devil is trying to dampen our days and turn us towards him. Our brand new cooler stopped working the day I returned from out of town. We have no way to cool the RV from the 100 degree days. Thankfully the devil's attempts to harden our hearts towards our Lord are easily stopped. The weather for the net week will be cooler. Proof again that God knows our needs before we even ask!

July 18
Yesterday we were down to eight dollars, but he Lord graciously provided us with another week's worth of money exactly when we needed it.

Although the Lord has provided for all of our needs exactly when we need it, I feel that I have been shorting the sovereignty of God. I live on God's provision and prayer alone to Him, and I don't ask for much. I request our simple needs at the time needed, and nothing more. We live on a shoestring budget, but I wonder if this is because it is all I'm given or all I ask for. In Psalm 81:10 the Lord commands us to, "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." Our Father gives us good things when we ask it, and it is within His will. He will not give us a stone when we ask for bread, nor a serpent when we ask for a fish. If God provides me with $100 and I cut costs and stretch it as far as possible, am I having faith that He will provide again? Or, do I fear He will not provide more again?

July 21
A brother in Christ and supporter of our ministry stopped by last night. He inquired of our needs and how we are doing financially. Oh how easy it would be to bring my own deliverance! How easy it is to beg for our needs to man! If I did, where would my faith lie but in my own abilities? I have decided to follow Jesus,to believe all of His commands and promises. I beg God alone for my needs. If God so desires to provide to us through this brother than He will do so without me eloquently asking this man. I do not want any glory for any success we have. By asking God alone through prayer to provide for our needs and richly bless this ministry He alone will obtain the glory.

When this brother asked about our need we had less than three dollars in our account and an empty tank of gas. The next day we had to drive 90 miles to pick up Bethany's mother. How easy it could have been to ask this brother for gas money! But, I had faith in or Lord and He came through as always. This morning an online return finalized and arrived in our bank account. This provides us with the money needed for gas and extra to serve Bethany's mother during her time here. Do you have eyes to see the grace of our Lord? The Lord is the only one who provides for us.

Is your faith in God or your job? In God or the government? Is it in God or your abilities? We are told, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth." But instead, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven." Because, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Where is your heart? To find the answer simply seek where your treasure is. Do you give a measly 10% of your income to your church yet pour out 50% to your new home, 20% to your new car and another 10% to secure a comfortable retirement? "Fool! This night your very soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" (Luke 12: 20) Can you prove to yourself that your treasure is not in fact in your own comfort and well-being? Where is your treasure?

Do you know of missionaries who are struggling to do the will of God and of churches that are barely getting by and people that do not have bibles in their language, yet you sit in your home in your chair in front of your TV every night while your bible, the words of God, collects dust? Where is your treasure? Oh you of little faith! "If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you?" Where is your treasure? That is where you heart is. If you do not have the works to justify your faith in God our father than you do not have faith in Him. "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead." (James 2:26)

July 27
Three days ago our fourth child was brought into this world. I love her. She is born, sadly, into a world of evil. I am not pessimistic, in fact I would say I am an overly optimistic man. But, the truth of God's words describe this world. Man, when left without the influence of the Holy Spirit, is doomed for destruction and harnesses only thoughts of self.

Common Misused and Misinterpreted Bible Passages.

There is a growing problem within the Christian community today. Many "Christians" do not read their bible, pray to their Lord or obey God's commands. Often times scripture, the words of God, are thrown around carelessly and without knowledge of their meaning. They are taken out of context and used as pick-me-ups. They are not used as they are meant to be, as the words "breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for corrections, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

For teaching; meaning to teach believers and non-believers the words of God, the history of man and the only way to salvation and eternity in heaven.

For reproof; this word means an expression of blame or disapproval. The Greek source of this word is also translated in Hebrews as "evidence." Evidence of our failure to be perfect, of our sins and our need for Jesus. We are to read the bible, realize time and time again the commands of God that we do not follow and repent of our actions. This means to stop doing the things God hates.

For corrections; meaning to correct ourselves and others so that we are always following sound scripture, the words and commands of God.

For training in righteousness. The word righteousness means a condition acceptable to God. We are to use the words of God to make ourselves acceptable to God, we will not attain that righteousness from our actions but we are called to continue to seek it. How can we do this? By using scripture to point out our own worthlessness (reproof) and correcting are sinful actions. That is what scripture is for. It is not to make one feel better.

With that said here is my opinion of a few of the most misused passages from the bible.

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"Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24)

Also in Luke:

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock." (Luke 6: 46-48)

This scripture is referenced often to implore others to make their foundation Jesus Christ. This sounds great and is a good practice, but it's not the whole message that is mentioned here. There are three words overlooked that bring fourth the true meaning here, "and does them." When Jesus speaks these words it is at the end of His Sermon on the Mount, a very long sermon outlining the reason He is there, the new covenant and His specific commands. This last passage is the final command Jesus is giving to the people as He is summing up His teachings.

"Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Jesus is urging us to obey His commands. You must DO His words, DO His commands. Jesus is not your foundation unless you are hearing and doing His commands. Yes, make Jesus your foundation, and do this by hearing His words and doing them. Believing in Jesus does not make Him our "solid rock." James states that "Even the demons believe..." Hearing His commands and obeying them makes Jesus our foundation. This is basic scripture. The fall of man was caused by Adam and Eve disobeying one single command of God.

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"Judge not that you be not judged." (Matthew 7:1)

This scripture is used by "Christians" and non-Christians alike to defend some action, that God does not condone, that has been brought to their attention by a loving brother or sister in Christ who is moved by the Holy Spirit to save a loved one. This scripture by no means tells us not to judge. It states "Judge not that you be not judged."

Jesus goes on from there, "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not remove the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." We are not told to leave the speck in our brother's eye but to first judge ourselves, then we are able to judge others. This message is enforced by Paul when writing to the Corinthians. He is speaking to them about a fellow believer who has committed sexual immorality with his father's wife. He tells the church to "let him who has done this be removed from among you." And later he tells the church, "Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?" Again in Paul's letter to Timothy he begs, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." And yet again in his letter to Titus, "Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with authority."

We are commanded to build each other up and protect our righteousness. This involves judging one another against God's commands with patience and teaching.

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"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

A common theme when scripture is misinterpreted is changing the meaning to benefit ourselves and not to glorify God. This scripture is no different. It is frequently quoted to explain that if you had faith in God you could do anything. Have faith in God and He will help you land that big promotion. Have faith in God and He will "bless" you with that vacation you always wanted. (You deserve it right?) Pray to God so He can make all of your dreams come true because all things are possible with God. You get my drift here.

Unfortunately this one sentence is taken out of the context of a 14 verse story of a rich young man. This man went to Jesus Himself and asked Him a question we all would like to know, "What good deed must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus goes on to tell him to keep the commandments, in which he replies that he has since he was a boy. Jesus then replies, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me."Jesus gives the man what he understands to be an impossibility as he "had great possessions." The man walks away from Jesus sorrowful. "When His disciples heard this they were astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"

Jesus is answering the disciples question of salvation. He told this rich young man to sell everything he owned, give it to the poor and put his complete faith in Jesus. An impossible endeavor by man's standards but a complete possibility by God's.

Think about it. If you stood before God the son, Jesus Christ, and asked him what you need to do to enter the kingdom of God, and he told you to sell your home, sell your cars, sell your stocks, sell your 401k, sell your TVs, sell your clothes, sell every single thing that you worked so hard to acquire and give the money to the poor. Then, quite your job, quite your worldly life that is acceptable to the eyes of sinful men and follow Jesus, His commands and teachings. Would you believe it was possible to survive? Would you believe that faith in Jesus was enough? Would you believe that the reward of a lifetime in God's presence was even worth the sacrifice on earth? I tell you today, with man this endeavor is impossible, but with God it is possible. And I pray that you believe so, because it is the command that Jesus our Lord gives us.

Hitchhiking

To be an official dirtbag you must hitchhike at least once in your lifetime. Despite modern myths and folklore, hitchhiking is a safe and free method of travel and a way to encounter new people. People hitchhike for many different reasons which include saving money, lack of a vehicle to travel, to meet new people, to experience something new or to get home after a one way backpacking trip. The reason I hitchhiked was to spread the Gospel.

Hitchhiking isn't always easy and it isn't always hard. I've heard a lot of hitchhiking stories myself and it is safe to say that over time you will encounter something out of the ordinary. For me this was Alexa, the male born hermaphrodite transgender who made many not so subtle passes that he/she would like to "be" with me as soon as possible.

Alexa picked me up on route 10 East outside of Sand Bernardino. This was a difficult road to hitchhike on because it was a freeway with many exit only lanes. What this means is when the right hand lane opens up as exit only for the next mile I will not be picked up for the next mile. This is because I am trying to get a ride with the non-exit traffic which is now driving in the left lanes. I was grateful for any ride I got but most of them were for no more than five miles at a time.

Immediately upon entering Alexa's car he (to avoid confusion let's just call Alexa his born gender which is male) asked the usual hitchhiking questions about me and I picked up a little flamboyancy and assumed he may be homosexual. I mentioned that I was a missionary to rock climbers and one of the reasons I was hitchhiking was to tell people about Jesus. Seemingly ignoring anything I had just said Alexa quickly mentioned that he was born a hermaphrodite, dresses as a female routinely and would begin hormone therapy soon to convert himself into herself. Following this he showed me pictures on his phone of what he looks like as a female.

Since I mentioned God and Jesus he asked me why God made him both male and female. I mentioned that whether we are born with or without defect we are made to glorify God and God alone. Everything we are is a resource to boast in the Lord. My answer went right over his head because he immediately went into a story about how a Christian pastor or preacher had some sort of sexual relation with him. I soon realized that nothing I said was getting through. He was merely using my words to transition into something sex related. He began asking over and over if I would ever "do anything" with someone I just met. Or, "If I thought someone was really sexy wouldn't I just want to be with them?"

I had mentioned previously that I was married with four kids but that didn't stop him. His lust and desire was controlling everything about him. He would try and try to convince me that "being" with strangers was a common thing to do. Every time he posed the question, "If I thought someone was really sexy wouldn't I just want to be with them?" I would say no with a straight face. He would rephrase it in some way or form and resubmit his query to me, but I would simply say no and point him to God's law. He asked me why and I would tell him that I follow God's moral code and we should all do the same.

In the end he could only drive me a few miles before he had to get off of the highway. When he stopped to let me out he pitched one last effort to indulge in his sinful desires. He decided to lay it on the line, "Do you know why I picked you up? It's because I think you're super sexy and I want to be with you. Do you know what I'm saying?" This was followed by his hand gently falling on my arm. With a straight face I picked up his hand and moved it back on his side of the car. He pulled the upset card next, "Aww no, I can't believe you did that. That hurts my feelings. Are you serious? I find you very sexy." Followed again with another hand strategically placed on my arm, and again I politely picked it up and moved it away. I continued with great speed to say goodbye, get my bag and get out of there. My next ride came a few minutes later and it took me all the way to Idyllwild.

So, I now have a crazy hitchhiking story to tell for generations. Though, regardless of said company, doing the work of the Lord was successful. I encountered five fresh souls to pour out the words of God into.

Next stop? Possibly hitchhiking to Lander, Wy for the International Climbers festival. We'll see what God has planned.

April to June 2014

Horsepens 40, Alabama

April 11
These past couple of months God has been very gracious to our family, therefore we have lacked nothing. We have food, clothing, shelter and free time, none of which we deserve. To me this is proof that we are seeking first the Kingdom of Heaven and the Lord is providing for us to do so.

There are a few climbers here that we have built a great relationship with and we are very fond of them. It pains me that they do not know the Lord. As often as opportunities arise I discuss the truth of the bible, and I pray for them daily and plead with the Lord to open their eyes to see and open their ears to hear. I have given a bible to a young man and challenged him to read it and find the truth. I prayed that he would read that bible and the Lord answered as always. Only a few days later he mentioned he had started reading the book of Genesis. I will not cease to pray for the lost and plead with the Lord for their salvation. I will strive to be an imitator of Christ and walk in the love that Christ showed us, Him sacrificing His life for our salvation.

April 14
Two days ago the alternator on our only vehicle stopped working. It will cost around $200 to replace. As of right now we have almost exactly that amount of money so we will be left with nothing after fixing the van. The only reason we even have such a large amount is because the Lord provides us with the support only a few days before the alternator stopped working. Proof that God's timing is perfect and He knows our needs before we even ask.

On top of that, while waiting in the van for the tow truck I received an email from our old church in Marietta, PA. They made contact to continue the process of supporting us as missionaries. I've been continually praying for more support to confirm that this is where the Lord wants us and to start setting money aside for the start of the hostel. This same week a local brother in Christ has offered to support our ministry on a monthly basis. I feel that the harder and further I fall the higher the Lord picks me up.

April 21
One week ago the alternator died on our van and the Lord provided us with nearly the exact amount of money to fix the problem. Upon fixing the alternator the mechanic mentioned that the battery was dead. Unfortunately, I didn't have the money to cover the extra cost of a new battery so I asked that he put the old one back in and get the van started. I prayed that the Lord would take care of this van as it was a blessing to us for His service. The battery is still working perfectly and we've had no other problems.

Word seems to be spreading about the hostel. We have met many brothers and sisters in Christ who have had a long-term interest in the same idea. I believe God is stirring things up for us. We have been telling people about the hostel when questioned but still have asked no one but God for support. If it is of the Lord than He will orchestrate it.

May 23
Praise God! I was able to speak to two climbers about God and Jesus Christ. They are older and wiser than I which makes it very intimidating to speak to them, but God gave me the boldness.

May 30
We have many reasons to be confident in the flesh, confident in our life without Jesus. Paul gives us his reasons in Philippians 3:4-7, "If anyone else thinks he has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness, under the law blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ." I too have reason to be confident in the flesh: circumcised on the first day, of the people of America, of the family of Herman; as to the law, a follower; as to zeal, an overweight boy with no future who lost over fifty pounds, went back to college, obtained a degree in nutrition, secured a stable career helping others, began a family and purchased my first house; as to righteousness, according to the world blameless, a good person because I do good. But whatever gain I had, I count as a loss for the sake of Christ. Whatever life I lived before giving my life up as a 'living sacrifice" for our Lord is worth nothing compared to my life now. I have less money, less things, less stability but I was once dead and am now alive.

June 2
In my country I am free to proclaim Jesus as my Lord and savior, but maybe not for long. We need to stand up and take advantage of this opportunity. Men, women and children are persecuted and killed every day in the name of Jesus, but we Americans are free to worship everyone and anyone without persecution. I fail at proclaiming Jesus as much as I should, as do the majority of Christians. I pray that the Lord continues to strengthen me to glorify Him.

June 14
I just hitchhiked for the first time, over 350 miles. I prayed about this decision and felt that it was the right decision. Why? Because it gave me free opportunities to tell people about Jesus and glorify His name. We are ALL called to glorify God and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. I sacrificed my time and safety to do so. Jesus sacrificed His life for me, it is the least I could do. I am so thankful that I made it to my destination, thank you God.

I've picked up many hitchhikers while driving, none of which were Christians, yet, to travel in this way takes much faith. How can people of no faith have more faith than most Christians? If man does not believe in God than where does his faith lie? At times we get accustomed to our church family, our close friends we see routinely and our town. We crawl into the safety of these things and don't see the depravity of man and the need of spreading the words of God. We are very near to the times of Sodom, Gomorrah and Noah and many are blind to this. I was picked up by four people and in those four I saw homosexuality, sexual immorality, ignorance to the words of God, lovers of self, lawlessness and justification for sins.

June 21
After much thought and prayer I have decided to acquire a part-time job. I have some financial debt in my life from when I followed the world's standard and not God's. We are told in Romans 13 to, "Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Owe no one anything..." A Christian should not be in any kind of debt. It is not the Lord's will that we don't wait on Him for our provision. It is not the Lord's will that we are impatient and unfaithful and in unbelief that God will provide what He sees that we need when He sees that we need it.

As a missionary I live on constant prayer and the financial support that God provides through others. I will not ask the Lord to provide for my past mistakes. The support given to us is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not to pay off my careless debt. This was not my conscious intent, but an inevitable outcome of my mistakes before the Lord seized my life. For those supporting me please forgive me.

June 27
This month has been a difficult month financially. We have had many extra surprise expenses for our van. On a drive up to Rock Creek with the family, a 20 mile drive at about 6-8% grade, one of the auxiliary water pumps split in half. The coolant completely leaked out while driving, the engine got so hot that the cylinder head warped, the timing belt wore down to about half of it's width and the timing slipped slightly. We had to call AAA and pay $160 to renew our service so we could get towed. I see in many ways how satan attempts to thwart our ministry, but he is never successful. If it wasn't for Bethany's parents always giving us AAA as a gift we would not have been able to renew it and use it that day. A brother in Christ has offered his extra van for us to use in the mean time. Another brother who is a mechanical engineer has offered to work on the van for free. The engine is completely disassmebled and we are praying that the Lord provides to us the means to fix the van soon.

We have only nine dollars left until further support comes in. We have just enough food for the next three days and I have faith God will provide for us beyond that day.

I suffer from the same sinful flesh as others and by no means proclaim to have any special gift of faith. At times I think how easy it would be if we had an RV where everything worked normally and well, a reliable vehicle for our family, extra income to use to serve others and a church that backed us financially and with prayer. But I quickly move away from these sinful thoughts and remember other brothers and sisters in Christ who have not been blessed even as much as I have. I remember those who recently refused to denounce Christ as their savoir and Lord, therefore being murdered publicly. I remember those in prison for their belief in our Lord. I remember the disciple Stephen who was stoned to death for proclaiming Jesus Christ.

Let Me Boast in the Lord.

"Thus says The Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am The Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight.'" (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

I am a failure regarding boasting and giving praise to God. Many times I try to be humble and selfless and avoid speaking about myself. I do this because I don't want to sound as if I'm full of myself and constantly boasting about how great a Christian I am. But, by trying to make myself look better I make God look worse when I fail to tell people what God has done in my life. We should never forget to tell others what The Lord has done for us. We should never forget to stress to others that we are nothing, and Jesus is everything. 

So, let me take this time now and boast in the Lord.

First, the things I cherish the most. I have a wife whom I love and who loves me with all her heart. I would give up my life for her like I would give up my life for God. Many marriages struggle but ours does not and I thank the Lord for this. She is my best friend and always will be.

I have four, yes four beautiful and healthy children that I don't deserve. Many married couples struggle with getting pregnant for years, yet Bethany and I conceive with the blink of an eye. Some will never get to experience the joy of seeing their own child be birthed into the world, or hear their child say I love you without being prompted. I thank God that He has blessed us with the lives He has and I would never ask for less children.

My family of five, and soon to be six, has survived for nearly one year on prayer alone. I rented out my home, the symbol of success in the world, and moved into an RV. I quit my secure full-time job that included benefits and much potential for growth so that I could spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have not officially had a job for nearly one year and we are still alive. I take everything to the Lord and He provides. I am not an exceptional prayer and I do not possess a gift of prayer. I have simply decided to trust the Lord with everything, as He commands us to do.

It is difficult for me to put our situation into words but allow me to try. I do not have a steady form of income. I do not have any money in savings. We do not have health insurance, life insurance or a retirement plan. We accept no government aid whatsoever. No food stamps, WIC benefits or Medicaid. I do not know how our needs are met, but they are, and it is from God.

Some of you may worry and say, "What if your car breaks down, how will you pay for repairs? What if someone needs to go to the hospital for an emergency? You must have money saved for a rainy day and for the future." Well let me tell you this, my car has broken down, twice in fact, and God provided for us to make the repairs. Bethany had to go to the emergency room during this pregnancy for bleeding, and God provided. Our RV door was practically ripped off of its hinges from a wind gust and God provided to fix it. Our heater in our RV stopped working and God provided us with a replacement. We traveled from Pennsylvania to California and God provided. We had no place to stay when we arrived in California but God provided. We had no friends when we got here but God provided. What more can I say? I am at a loss for words to describe how God has provided for all of our needs just as He promised.

November 2013 to March 2014

Early Spring bloom on Tungsten Hill.

To reiterate, these are entries from my personal journal. This is my heart, my prayers to the Lord. I pray that they move you in some way to the Lord.

November 1
To better clarify my thoughts I decided to make a list of reasons to start a climbing Hostel.

1.  To glorify God. I know of no hostel, or any Christian establishment, that is free to all, surviving only on the provisions from God, asking no one for support. What a testimony to God that would be!

2.  It gives us a free place to preach the gospel, offer bible studies, serve people and even have a routine church service.

3.  We could use the hostel not only for climbers but for anyone who is an "orphan," anyone who has nothing left and in need of a place to stay. James 1:27 tells us that, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

November 11
Two days ago I prayed earnestly while driving to go climbing. What I prayed for was that God would provide for us and offer us support. Later that same day the pastor of our old church in Marietta, PA offered a possibility of his church supporting us as missionaries. Proof that God supplies us with more than we need and exactly when we need it.

November 18
We woke up this morning with less than three dollars. This is the least we've ever had.Today a payment of $230 is due for our van and we will soon owe another $50 for car insurance. I have been praying daily that this money would come in from somewhere and that a brother in Christ would send the money he had promised. Oh how I want to glorify the Lord by showing that He keeps His promises and His word is true. My question to Him is, am I doing His will?

November 21
We still have not made our van payment and only have $1.85 left in or bank account, but I still praise Lord Jesus! He has not rewarded us with riches but with the privilege for my wife to share the entire Gospel with a fellow climber. Thank you for that opportunity Jesus On top of that we received $50 from a credit card reward program I submitted a few days ago. This $50 arrived no sooner and no later than it was needed. Also, the Lord was gracious enough to move a friend to drop off extra fruit and vegetables that she didn't need. Our needs are continually met in ways we could not have imagined.

November 26
Are needs continue to be met. The $50 covered gas and food for one week, Bethany was blessed to work a few days and the Lord provided a buyer for my old snowboard. This gives us enough money to pay our car insurance, phone bill and purchase food for a few weeks. God has also moved my parents to offer to pay for the entire Thanksgiving dinner.

November 30
It is now two days after Thanksgiving. A day meant to thank the Lord for meeting our needs through another season. Yet, today, I feel more convicted of my greed than thankful for what I "need." There are men, women and children who would be thankful to eat just one meal on Thanksgiving, but here we are indulging in every desire of our bellies and have the audacity to thank God. What are we thanking the Lord for? The ability to satisfy our glutinous ways? The resources that God gives us are not meant to satisfy our worldly desires but to glory God alone.

December 18
Calvin made a connection for me with a brother in Bishop who had the same dream I have, to open a hostel for rock climbers. I will continue to pray that Bishop and the hostel is where God is leading me and not a trick of my own selfish desires.

December 23
Roughly $10 left this morning. Was blessed to give some gifts today to family and get some gifts from family. We gave half of our remaining money to New Hope Fellowship today.
Matthew 6:25 states, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" This promise by God takes new meaning today. My clothes are falling apart and we must add up every penny when buying food, but I am not worried because the Lord has provided and will provide. I have contributed out of my poverty and not our of my wealth. I have faith and believe in God's promises. "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put everything she had, all she had to live on. (Mark 12:43-44)

December 24
Yesterday we had only $10 left but today we received a gift of $100. I prayed yesterday morning that the Lord would offer a large gift to confirm that we are to be living as we are, seeking His kingdom first. Bethany is now feeling much better during this pregnancy. Another confirmation of Jesus' promises, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who knocks it will be given." (Matthew 7: 7-8)

December 28
Bethany was blessed with the opportunity to work for the next three days. This small income will help cover bills for January and the start of the collection of money to get on the road again.

January 2
Snow! I have been praying for a large snowstorm that would allow me to do some work shoveling snow for some income. A storm finally arrived allowing me to work and earn over $200. This, combined with the money Bethany earned, is enough to get us back on the road. Bethany's grandparents have also blessed us by offering to fill the gas tank in our RV. The Lord continues to bless us from unsuspecting sources and unsuspecting times. My heart yearns to be on the road again doing the Lord's work. I don't know where our income will come from on the road but God does, and this fact calms me.

January 8
"And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments." (1 John 2:3) Why are we able to control ourselves in a workplace, obeying every command given to us by our superior, for eight hours or more, but we cannot do the same for the commands of the one true God? If we were paid any amount we desired to follow God's commands every waking hour could we do it? I should be able to... Jesus give me strength.

January 14
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has over come the world - our faith." (1 John 5:4)
If one walks how the world walks, talks how the world talks, believes what the world believes and has faith in that of the world, have they overcome the world? And the more important question, have they been born of God? The good Lord tells us that the victory that has overcome the world is our faith. What is your faith in? Is it in worldly promises from insurance companies, retirement plans and government agencies? The world tells us if we set money aside today that our needs will be met in the future. The Lord tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and all of our needs will be met. Which do you believe?

January 17
What a scare we had two days ago! Bethany, who is pregnant, started bleeding fairly heavy during the late evening. We were forced to go to the ER, with no insurance, to make sure everything was okay. Thank the Lord that everything appeared normal and there was no miscarriage. There is still a risk of miscarriage and our prayers go to the Lord for the continued health of Bethany and the new baby. We also ask the Lord that he provides for us to cover the cost of the hospital bill. We have nothing but faith in our Lord because He has always provided for us and will provide for this cost as well.

January 18
How great and perfect is our God! We decided to get on the road again in three days without having the funds needed to cover the gas to get to Texas, relying only on the promise that God would provide as we seek His will and His kingdom. We did not tell anyone when we would leave or that we didn't have the funds to get to our destination, we simply asked that God's will be done. Within this week alone Bethany's grandparents have fuflfilled their promise of filling our gas tank in the RV, we received a donation of $200 and another anonymous donation of $500. This gives us the exact amount needed to cover gas to Texas. God is perfect and His plan always plays out to perfection. Thank you Jesus.

January 21
More snow! Another opportunity to shovel snow and make some extra income to cover our expenses. The Lord has provided us with much more than we need for our traveling and living expenses. I delight to share that I do not serve a hard master.

After reading the autobiography of George Muller, a book filled with the diary entries and story of a man who, after being saved by God, believed every word of the bible and sought to glorify God by asking only the Lord for his needs, I have decided to do the same. George Muller went from being a poor man barely getting by daily, to raising enough support to purchase land and build an orphanage to house over 1000 orphans, all by asking God alone for his needs. I too believe every word of the bible, every word God and Jesus speak and every word of the epistles. I have the same goal as George Muller, to glorify God and prove to everyone, follower of Christ or not, that you can believe and are required to believe every word of God. God alone is sufficient and He has kept and still keeps all of His promises.

I believe Romans 13:8 when it states to "owe no one anything." In believing this I cut up all of my credit cards, returned my van to the bank that had the loan and refuse to finance anything in the future.

January 30
"...just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 10:33) What a noble statement and way to live. I pray that God empowers me to not seek my own advantage but that of others.

February 4
Bethany was bleeding again today. Please Jesus, protect her and our new baby. Let your will be done.

February 5
If one can tell a homosexual or murderer or rapist that they are going to hell because they know their actions are a sin yet continue in that sin, then the same must apply to wealth. The dangers of wealth are warned about more than adultery and homosexuality, yet ignored by many. I say to you that keeping the resources that God gives you is as much a sin as anything else. It is faith in a worldly item and not God. It is idolatry of materials and not our God.
Our goal with our time on the world that God created is to glorify His name. If you are not living and working for Christ than you do not believe His words. We are pilgrims who cannot claim ownership of anything. All that we have is provided by God for His purpose. All things of the world will fade away after we die.
If you keep what the Lord has provided you for His glory, and trust it more than Him, and have faith in it more than His words and put it on a pedestal above the Lord than you are committing idolatry.


February 12
We grow accustomed to seeing or hearing certain things that after a while they no longer seem special or miraculous, then we cease to even see them as they become common occurrences. I believe this happens most often with God's work and blessings. We have been continually blessed daily that I often neglect to give praise out loud or on paper. Jesus, please forgive me for not giving you and you alone the glory for all things.

February 13
Left on the road again from Texas to Oklahoma. We didn't quite have enough money to get us to Oklahoma but the Lord always provides for those who do His work. The very night we left we decided to go to a bible study to see some brothers and sisters in Christ before we left. While there we graciously received some unexpected support that covered all of our expenses traveling to Oklahoma. God never ceases to surprise me and show me that He alone is in charge and has a plan.

February 20
Praise God! We have arrived in Bishop, Ca.

February 21
How great is our God! He has answered prayers within one day! We arrived here with total faith in the Lord that He would lay out His plan and provide for our needs. We had no place to park the RV, not enough support to cover the cost to park at an RV park and no source of income. God provided for all of our needs in one instant. I am just blown away at the grace of God. After one day of praying the Lord blessed us with the greatest opportunity to be fruitful in His work, as camp hosts at the Pit campground, the most popular campground for rock climbers. This is the perfect opportunity to serve rock climbers.

February 25
Met and climbed with an amazing climber from Germany two days ago. She seemed to have total faith in the world and not in the Lord. She was leaving Bishop and hitchhiking to Utah with complete faith that she would make it there with no problems. This is a common occurrence in dirtbag climbers, complete faith that their needs will be met but no deep thought in how or why. There is no glory given to the Lord for providing for them. I was like this in the past. I knew I would be okay in every situation but never thought about who was responsible. I glorified myself in having such a laid-back mindset. Now I know it is the Lord's actions and not my own that guides my life.  I pray that this climber turns toward the Lord and gives glory where glory is due.

March 2
We were finally able to purchase a new vehicle yesterday. Again, God has answered our prayers in a greater way than we could have imagined and in a timely manner. We see this van as a blessing from God for His ministry. It is large enough to transport our family, including our upcoming new member, and serve climbers with transportation to and from climbing areas. We have been here a little over one week and the Lord has provided us with shelter, in a place to park the RV; provisions for our family, as camp hosts we receive a very small income for our time; a local church family; close Godly friends; a vehicle and much more than I know. I urge you to make yourself a living sacrifice to our King and savior and He will keep His promises.

March 5
Our needs have been met daily, much more than ever before, mainly from our tax refund. Is it selfish to use that money for our needs? We had needs that we met but we could have done without some things and used the money to bless others. If I believe God's words and promises I should have given that money away and had faith that He would still provide for us. I will pray that God moves me to give up that money next year for our ministry and for others.

March 8
A women recently got in touch with us by email. She and her husband used to live in Bishop and had the same vision we have for a hostel. Their lives carried on, they moved away and their goals changed. She mentioned that she was given a sum of money for this hostel and thought about us when she remembered it. I will pray that the Lord guides her hand with the placement of that money.

March 12
God continues to provide for us. We have food, we have clothing, we have shelter and little to no needs for ourselves. I pray that today we have at least one person here for our bible study.

I pray for Bethany today. Being pregnant and taking care of three children is a hard job. I pray that the Lord gives her guidance, patience and a content heart.

March 23
Six days ago we didn't have enough money for another full week of food but I did not lose faith in our Lord. The more time that passes as I ask only the Lord for our needs the greater my trust and faith in Him becomes. He did not fail us on that day. That exact day, a few hours before leaving town for a week, someone inquired about and purchased our old unused bunk bed. This supplied the exact amount we needed for the next week. And again today someone inquired about my old motorcycle helmet and purchased it. Without specifically asking God to provide he has brought support for the next few weeks.

March 25
I ask the Lord again for direction. I have an opportunity to work with a brother in Christ but our directions seem to differ. He is exceptional at what he does and I know we can be fruitful together. I will take this to the Lord.

The boys helping out during the Happy Boulders Trail Day.

Beautiful mom and new baby!