August 2014 to November 2014

August 4
Eleven days ago when our new child was born, we had less than $10. Now, through provisions by God, we have enough money for the month of August. We are thankful that God has provided us with many Brothers in Christ who offered us meals during the first days of Olivette's life.

Why is obeying and trusting God so difficult for many? There is a command spoken by Jesus one time in all of the Bible and we all obey it. That command is the act of communion. The church reads that command and pushes the obedience of the church to that one command, yet turns a blind eye and screams legalism and "works based salvation" at the myriad of other commands spoken by our God. There are over twenty warnings and commands against things of this world such as money, wealth, possessions, luxury and self-indulgence. It is written, you cannot be a disciple of Jesus Christ unless you renounce all that you have. Flee the things of this world.

August 14
We received the news yesterday that we would not be the camp hosts at the Pit campground this year. This means when November comes we will have no place to park our home, we will lose $500 per month income and we will no longer have the great opportunity to live amongst the climbers to better serve and share the Gospel with them.

This may sound like bad news, but to me this is a toss out of a bird's nest. The Lord knows that we desire to have a hostel here. It is a lofty goal that only God can provide for. I could easily get comfortable camp hosting all year and never move forward to a more fruitful ministry. Not having the camp host position forces me to wholeheartedly seek the hostel with full faith.

The news does not come without a hopeful opportunity either. The church we have begun attending only one month ago has mentioned the possibility of purchasing a building for their needs. The purchase would include a parsonage that is of no use to them. The pastor has mentioned it as a possible use for us and our ministry. I will take this prayer to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

August 29
A substantial tree limb has come down at our property in Texas. it is currently resting over our neighbor's fence and on his shed. We currently do not have the money to remove the tree. I will continue to pray the Lord provides to solve this problem and no more damage is done.

We also have $0.21 left in our account, but praise Jesus He knows our needs before they come! My sister and brother sent a gift of $50 to us and it will carry us through the remainder of the week.

August 31
Yesterday my father was taken to the ER for severe pain. They found a serious infection and administered antibiotics to stop the infection. They also found cysts. They will be doing further tests in the next few days. My father does not know the Lord. I pray that he seeks out answers and the Lord finds him. I pray that God moves him to obey His commands and to love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I desire this more than his health.

The Lord has answered my prayers about our van! The pistons are in good shape so they are salvageable and able to be rebuilt. The entire engine rebuild will cost us close to $1,000. I pray the Lord provides for us that extra money to repair our van. The brother who is fixing the van has offered to loan us the money but I must refuse. We are told in Romans to, "owe no man anything," and I will strive to obey this command.

Current prayers:

• Father's salvation
• Money for tree removal
• Money for van repairs
• Possible nutrition job
• Looney Bean job
• That I serve my Lord

September 6
Once again the Lord has provided with all of our needs! The expense for the removal of the downed tree in Texas cost almost the exact amount that we received from a brother in Christ. Praise God for His love, generosity and promises.

September 11
Yesterday was full of blessings from the Lord. He answered a direct prayer for a part-time job. I was offered a position at a coffee shop doing work in the early mornings. The hours are perfect as they do not interfere with much family time.

I was also privileged to share the Gospel with an unsaved climber!

September 14
Current prayers:

• House for Hostel
• Van repairs
• Job
• Provisions for September
• A ride to Arkansas for 24HHH
• Two unsaved climbers

September 15
God has once again, as promised throughout the Bible, answered our prayers and provided for our needs. I have been praying daily that the Lord would offer up the means to fix our van. For two months now I have been waiting, with complete faith, for that deliverance. Yesterday, while out for a run, I felt the burning desire to drop to my knees in prayer before our Lord. On my knees before our one true God I thanked Him for all that He has done, and asked that our van be fixed. That very night I talked to a brother who offered to cover all the expenses for the van! How great our Lord is!

September 18
Current prayers:

• Living Waters school
• Where to park RV
• Trip to see family

September 19
The ways in which the Lord provides for us is astounding. By only lifting our needs up to God in prayer a brother was moved to cover all of our expenses on our van, and a dear sister has inquired of our needs.

September 29
How great is our Lord! Explaining the inner workings of His provision is becoming difficult. I am currently returning from a trip to Arkansas for a climbing event, a trip that was flooded with support from the Lord. A brother offered to drive me five hours to the airport and cover my expenses while in Arkansas. A sister in Christ has offered me a place to stay tonight, and a brother has offered to cover my bus fare back to Bishop. When I arrived in Arkansas a fellow climber offered to drive six hours out of his way to pick me up from the airport. These are all answers to direct prayers to Jesus Christ. He is a gracious Lord who desires to meet our needs within the scope of his will. I prayed only to God for these needs and he fulfilled them through others. Bethany was also blessed with plenty of support from our church while alone with the kids.

October 11
I've started a part-time job this month which has been a blessing. It allows for us to set aside money for our personal bills, the hostel and service to others. But, it also takes time away from reading God's word and praying. Lately I've felt no desire to put myself out there and discuss spiritual things with people. I've told no one about Jesus in over two weeks. I must get back into God's word!

November 4
A few days ago as a test of our faith. We had less than three dollars left, the van was almost out of gas and I had to work the next day. The van was so low in gas I did not believe it would make it into town and back to the Pit where we are staying. Our next form of income was not coming in for nearly one week. Regardless of these facts and with no solution I drove to work, knowing I may be stranded with out gas or money. I prayed fervently all morning for God's grace to once again fall on our needs. After work I sat down in prayer and decided to get some work done on the computer. And behold, God again answered my prayers! I checked our account and our camp hosting payment was deposited that morning, a full week early.

Give up your life and the world and serve the God who gave you life! His promises are true.

November 14
The Lord continues to provide! We felt that we had been weak in proclaiming our Lord to others. After much prayer the Lord opened three opportunities to share the Gospel.

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.

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!

September 2013 and October 2013.

It's been a while since my last post and we've been in Pennsylvania with family for almost one month now. We've also been trusting the Lord alone for our provisions for over two and a half months! That means no job or steady form of income. I strive to do the will of the Lord by spreading His word and always seek first the Kingdom of God.

Some might say we are a burden to society, but society is just the world moving away from the truth of Jesus and closer to the lies of the world. We "give to Caesar what is Caesar's" and we refuse to use government programs, such as Medicaid and WIC, which moves our trust into the government and away from God. By showing others that God's promises are true I hope to glorify His name.

Ministering to and serving rock climbers is a little different than other ministries. It has been slow but we've seen the Holy Spirit at work and have had many quality discussions about our Lord.

The following are entries I've made regarding our needs and prayers and the glory of the Lord as he provided for all of them.

September 5, 2013
I read in a newsletter that a couple with Solid Rock Climbers for Christ is attempting to open a coffee house in a small climbing town in Mexico, and they are requesting missionaries to help for a short time. I have a strong desire to be a part of this and possibly run that coffee shop. I will pray on this daily.

September 8
I was able to make an announcement in church today regarding our ministry and our family heading out on the road. One woman puled Bethany aside to offer her $140, $40 for her own pleasure and $100 for the ministry. Another brother in Christ gave us all that he had on him at the moment. Praise Jesus for His generosity!

September 14
Lord you are great! I prayed for the willingness to work and you have answered my prayer. My wife and I have worked the entire day until 11:00 pm, finishing all major tasks on our home. Thank you Jesus.

September 17
Safe in Missouri with my sister and her family. I love them and thank you for my family. I pray that you use us to do your will during our short time here.

September 23
Many trials and tribulations getting to Arkansas. I wouldn't say that I didn't have faith the Lord wouldn't solve our problems, but I just didn't feel like dealing with them. I must abide in the trials set before me, be patient for resolution and believe 1 Peter 1:6-7, "...if necessary you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith -- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire -- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Current traveling needs
-New brakes on RV
-New tires on Subaru
-Better towing system for Subaru (lights, braking, etc.)
-New shocks on RV?

I will pray that Jesus meets these needs.

October 2013
A question that is often placed on my heart, "Is being rich a sin?" Men are quick to defend being wealthy and the "need" of the wealth they have, and the "need" to have a large home or many cars. It is often referred to as a "blessing from God," or "a gift from the Lord." Making money is not a sin but I believe keeping money is.

Before leaving Texas to do God's will full-time I sold all of the stocks that I had been sitting on for years. They totaled around $3,500. Not an exuberant number but it was 10% of my yearly income. It was something that I kept in the back of mind just in case I ever needed it. I realized this was just an attachment to the security of the world and not that of the Lord. I also didn't think it was scriptural to ask for support from brothers and sisters in Christ while sitting on a substantial sum of money. This was an emergency fund, but I later realized it was a replacement for 100% faith in God. How can one say, "this is just in case?" Just in case God doesn't provide? Why would God not provide for us during our greatest needs? How little faith we have in God's promises!

Retirement funds, social security, 401K, they are all treasures laid up on earth. Do you not believe that the Lord will provide for us when we are old? Will He not provide when we are sick?

October ??
Every morning I wake up at 5:00 am to read the bible and pray to the Lord. I am always praying that our needs are met and we may continue to do the work He commands. Today we met a climber that was struggling with his faith and beliefs and we were given the chance to climb and talk to him almost the entire day. After many good conversations he had to return home but was moved to offer us $30 for our ministry before he set off. Thank you Jesus for opportunities to speak about you and always meeting our needs.

We had the funds to purchase new front tires for our Subaru and got a great deal on them as well. Thank you Jesus.

October 22
Current prayer needs:
- Sell old trailer I left in Gainesville
- Sell van before next month's payment is due
- Enough money to get us back to PA
- Courage to proclaim Jesus Christ
- Healing of my body as it is taking a beating with all the climbing I am doing so fast
- Should I pursue some sort of outdoor ministry training? If so, I would need about $6,000 to do it.
- Health of Subaru and RV

October 25
A this point we only have $190 left, not enough to pay for fuel to get us back to PA. We need $390 in gas plus another $230 by November 15 for our van payment. We would also like to travel to Atlanta to visit a brother and sister in Christ who work with Justice For All to prevent the murder of innocent babies, also known as abortion. I will continue to pray that these needs are met.

October 30
"You are my Lord, I have no good apart from you." (Psalm 16:2) I have no good apart from you Lord yet you still meet our needs. I am blind, naked and wretched yet you provide for me to do your work another day. We have received support to get us to Atlanta to train and work with Justice For All, and back up to PA for the holidays. My tendonitis in my elbows has also mellowed out a lot in the past few days. How great God is! Evidence that I do not serve a hard master.

November 2
After nearly six full months we have finally sold our old trailer. The Lord blesses on His time and not our own. The money from the trailer came at the perfect time and will help pay for our trip back North. This was a great lesson on having patience and waiting on the Lord. Many times I wanted to drop the price of the trailer but I was patient that God would provide for us when we needed it most.

November 6
How great the Lord is! We just spent three days in Atlanta with an amazing family of six who are committed to doing the will of God. They are a perfect example of believers in Christ who understand His word and commit their lives to obeying his commandments. They have four kids under five and are still doing what God calls us all to do. There are no excuses to not do God's work, he will always provide. Through the organization Justice For All they travel to universities to debate abortion in a loving way and offer Christ to passers by. The Lord blessed us while there as this family provided for all of our needs and offered their house to stay in. We had eleven people, four adults and seven kids under five, in a three bedroom house and all we could feel was love from everybody.

The Lord, through the training on debating abortion, also better equipped us for evangelism. When setting out on the road to be missionaries we were met with much opposition because we were not officially trained on evangelism. This is a great witness to how the Lord will equip you to do His work. The weekend offered incredible training and first-hand experience on dialoging with strangers. We had the opportunity to discuss abortion, and one conversation led to a deep discussion about Christianity. I pray that this young lady comes to know Christ.

Was blessed to send a new harder problem at Horse Pens before I left. I woke up early to read God's word and pray then went out climbing for a few hours before we left for PA. I sent "Chattanooga Plow" a V7/8 in three tries! I'll post a video soon of an epic top out...

November 7
We had a very easy safe drive back to PA. Thank you Jesus.