I'm finally here.
We landed Thursday evening. I'm working on getting my pictures up here, and I'll also post a more detailed reflection on the trip. Thanks for your prayers.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
I'm in Puerto Rico ...
Well,
It turns out that our plans to be in America tonight were a bit too wishful ... we spent about 4 hours at the airport in St. Vincent - I guess our plane blew a tire during its previous landing. The "only" guy in the West Indies who could change a flat tire was in Trinidad, so we had to wait for him to fly to St. Vincent to fix it.
That delay made us miss our connecting flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Atlanta. Despite the fact that it is a bigger island than St. Vincent, Puerto Rico had no flights to the US after we arrived. Liat, the company we flied to Puerto Rico with, gave us food vouchers and hotel room vouchers. I'm at the hotel's business center right now - it's a nice place.
Basically, I got a free night in Puerto Rico ...
They fit all but three of us on a flight to Atlanta at 7 something AM eastern time. The other three have to wait until 4 PM eastern to leave here. I'll be arriving at CBU at around 4 PM pacific time.
It turns out that our plans to be in America tonight were a bit too wishful ... we spent about 4 hours at the airport in St. Vincent - I guess our plane blew a tire during its previous landing. The "only" guy in the West Indies who could change a flat tire was in Trinidad, so we had to wait for him to fly to St. Vincent to fix it.
That delay made us miss our connecting flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Atlanta. Despite the fact that it is a bigger island than St. Vincent, Puerto Rico had no flights to the US after we arrived. Liat, the company we flied to Puerto Rico with, gave us food vouchers and hotel room vouchers. I'm at the hotel's business center right now - it's a nice place.
Basically, I got a free night in Puerto Rico ...
They fit all but three of us on a flight to Atlanta at 7 something AM eastern time. The other three have to wait until 4 PM eastern to leave here. I'll be arriving at CBU at around 4 PM pacific time.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
SVG 5
Well, the time has come to say goodbye to the island ...
Tomorrow morning we board a small plane and pray that it lifts off the ground before the runway ends and ocean begins. Then we board a larger plane and make our way back to the states (hopefully with our luggage). Then we board a larger plane and make our way back to LA. Next we load up in some vans and make the hike to Riverside ... then I make my final trek down the sidewalk to my apartment - brush my teeth, call Whitney for the first time in 3 weeks, and finally sleep.
Our plane arrives in LA at midnight I believe ... which will be 3am our body time.
Pray for our safety and that we will get our luggage in LA. And check for pictures and some final thoughts in the next few days.
Respect, mon
be da shot and pray!
Tomorrow morning we board a small plane and pray that it lifts off the ground before the runway ends and ocean begins. Then we board a larger plane and make our way back to the states (hopefully with our luggage). Then we board a larger plane and make our way back to LA. Next we load up in some vans and make the hike to Riverside ... then I make my final trek down the sidewalk to my apartment - brush my teeth, call Whitney for the first time in 3 weeks, and finally sleep.
Our plane arrives in LA at midnight I believe ... which will be 3am our body time.
Pray for our safety and that we will get our luggage in LA. And check for pictures and some final thoughts in the next few days.
Respect, mon
be da shot and pray!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
SVG 4
Still alive ...
We're still here. The team has been going into public schools this week to minister to the kids. Some schools have given us 30 to 45 minutes to do some skits, sing songs, and teach about Jesus. The school we went to today gave us 2 hours! That was a lot of time with elementary aged kids.
God is using us in the schools. Even though they are a young crowd, I realize that it's important to minister to them too. It helps when I realize that I was 6 or 7 when I became a christian. I don't doubt that God is working in these kids lives.
No more jellyfish, urchins or car accidents ... we've been staying safe. I'm amazed at the beauty of the island every day. We have been able to travel the island a little bit and see some different parts. The banana fields were amazing. They are just rows and rows of banana palms - as far as you can see. Hill after hill is covered with them. It's weird, but awesome.
Also the black sand beaches are crazy. Whenever we have an hour or more of free time we're in the water, snorkeling, swimming, jumping off rocks. It's cool.
Don't think we're just on vacation though. I've been worn out almost every day of working with kids, going to elderly homes, visiting the hospital, and witnessing on the streets. Rastafarians are all over the streets ... we've been witnessing to them often.
We have 6 days left on the island. Continue to pray as we are starting to be wearing out and getting ready to come home. Pray that we will finish stronger than we started.
We're still here. The team has been going into public schools this week to minister to the kids. Some schools have given us 30 to 45 minutes to do some skits, sing songs, and teach about Jesus. The school we went to today gave us 2 hours! That was a lot of time with elementary aged kids.
God is using us in the schools. Even though they are a young crowd, I realize that it's important to minister to them too. It helps when I realize that I was 6 or 7 when I became a christian. I don't doubt that God is working in these kids lives.
No more jellyfish, urchins or car accidents ... we've been staying safe. I'm amazed at the beauty of the island every day. We have been able to travel the island a little bit and see some different parts. The banana fields were amazing. They are just rows and rows of banana palms - as far as you can see. Hill after hill is covered with them. It's weird, but awesome.
Also the black sand beaches are crazy. Whenever we have an hour or more of free time we're in the water, snorkeling, swimming, jumping off rocks. It's cool.
Don't think we're just on vacation though. I've been worn out almost every day of working with kids, going to elderly homes, visiting the hospital, and witnessing on the streets. Rastafarians are all over the streets ... we've been witnessing to them often.
We have 6 days left on the island. Continue to pray as we are starting to be wearing out and getting ready to come home. Pray that we will finish stronger than we started.
Friday, June 15, 2007
SVG 3
Well, I got stung by a jelly fish today...
We were snorkeling at Bequia (pronounced beck-way) today. We had a "day off" from ministry so went to a neighboring Grenadines island. It took about an hour via a barge to get there from here. We hung out and snorkeled then ate there.
While snorkeling, I felt something bite my shoulder (yes, the same shoulder that was hit by the truck yesterday). I freaked out and started brushing my shoulder, but nothing was there. I thought the pain was all in my head, so kept swimming. A few seconds later I knew that it wasnt in my head at all - it really was stinging. I grabbed at my shoulder and looked in my hand - it was a really small jelly fish! It was about the size of a wheat thin.
The snorkel instructor guy told me not to worry, it was harmless. I didn't have to pee on my shoulder ... that would have been awkward (yet interesting). It stung for half an hour and went away. I kept snorkeling the whole time.
I say that it was a "day off" of ministry, however 1 man was saved today on the way back from Bequia and another realized that he needs to repent and be baptized. My buddy David talked with the men the whole hour returning to St. Vincent. When we arrived we prayed with them and invited them to church ... Praise the Lord that He is working here. Your prayers are being answered in a mighty way. I just wish all of you could be here to see it.
All-in-all, a great day in St. Vincent and the Grenadines...
Thank you for your continued prayers.
We were snorkeling at Bequia (pronounced beck-way) today. We had a "day off" from ministry so went to a neighboring Grenadines island. It took about an hour via a barge to get there from here. We hung out and snorkeled then ate there.
While snorkeling, I felt something bite my shoulder (yes, the same shoulder that was hit by the truck yesterday). I freaked out and started brushing my shoulder, but nothing was there. I thought the pain was all in my head, so kept swimming. A few seconds later I knew that it wasnt in my head at all - it really was stinging. I grabbed at my shoulder and looked in my hand - it was a really small jelly fish! It was about the size of a wheat thin.
The snorkel instructor guy told me not to worry, it was harmless. I didn't have to pee on my shoulder ... that would have been awkward (yet interesting). It stung for half an hour and went away. I kept snorkeling the whole time.
I say that it was a "day off" of ministry, however 1 man was saved today on the way back from Bequia and another realized that he needs to repent and be baptized. My buddy David talked with the men the whole hour returning to St. Vincent. When we arrived we prayed with them and invited them to church ... Praise the Lord that He is working here. Your prayers are being answered in a mighty way. I just wish all of you could be here to see it.
All-in-all, a great day in St. Vincent and the Grenadines...
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
SVG 2.5
I forgot to tell the story of me getting hit by a car today ...
The CBU team was walking back from a beach today. We were on the left side of the street - the side they drive on over here. We were on the edge of the street, walking just like we watch the locals do everyday ... we weren't too far into the street at all when all of a sudden ... SMACK. My arm was flying in the air and I was nudged off of the road into the deep gutter. I was shocked at first, I didn't know what happend. I quickly realized that the side mirror of the passing work truck hit my right shoulder. It threw my whole arm in the air (he wan't going slow) with a really loud smack noise - just the sound made Jen jump in front of me.
I laughed a little, and the team huddled around. I just had a really small cut and some nasty, dirty work-truck dirt on me. There's a small bruise now on my arm ... totally worth being able to tell this story; the legitimate story of me getting hit by a car.
Praise God that it didn't hit me anywhere else, it could have been bad. He's watching over us here.
Oh, also pray for Chrissi. She stepped on sea urchins today. There are 30 or 40 small splinter-like urchin tips in both her feet. The doctor said not to worry too much, they'll fall out in a day or two. She's just in a little bit of pain and can't walk at all.
All-in-all a safe day in St. Vincent. We're all alive and have some cool life-long stories ...
The CBU team was walking back from a beach today. We were on the left side of the street - the side they drive on over here. We were on the edge of the street, walking just like we watch the locals do everyday ... we weren't too far into the street at all when all of a sudden ... SMACK. My arm was flying in the air and I was nudged off of the road into the deep gutter. I was shocked at first, I didn't know what happend. I quickly realized that the side mirror of the passing work truck hit my right shoulder. It threw my whole arm in the air (he wan't going slow) with a really loud smack noise - just the sound made Jen jump in front of me.
I laughed a little, and the team huddled around. I just had a really small cut and some nasty, dirty work-truck dirt on me. There's a small bruise now on my arm ... totally worth being able to tell this story; the legitimate story of me getting hit by a car.
Praise God that it didn't hit me anywhere else, it could have been bad. He's watching over us here.
Oh, also pray for Chrissi. She stepped on sea urchins today. There are 30 or 40 small splinter-like urchin tips in both her feet. The doctor said not to worry too much, they'll fall out in a day or two. She's just in a little bit of pain and can't walk at all.
All-in-all a safe day in St. Vincent. We're all alive and have some cool life-long stories ...
SVG 2
Well, I lied about not being able to post some pictures. David, one of the guys here with Don Overstreet, wanted to load my pictures on his computer, so I'm able to share some already. He's leaving soon, so these will probably be it for a while.
Here's our apartment, the whole team (including those that came with Don), some kids, and the island.
Keep praying!
Here's our apartment, the whole team (including those that came with Don), some kids, and the island.
Keep praying!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
SVG 1
Hello from SVG,
Here's a quick update of what God is doing here:
The guys on our team has been in the men's prison the past 3 days. We were only allowed to be there for 30-45 minutes each day, but it has been awesome. We saw 10-15 men come to know the Lord. Pray for them that they can start to grow despite their situation in prison. This morning I went up to the condemned cells where the "death row" prisoners are. It is crazy to see how they keep them - 2 or 3 men in a small cell (proabably the size of your smallest bathroom in your house), with only a 5 gallon bucket to do their business in and a book or two. Its damp and hot - I can only imagine what types of diseases thrive in that condition. Those men were hardened to the Gospel - brushing us (at least me) off and not responding.
Also, the last 3 days we've been driving an hour and a half (sometimes more) to a place called Sandy Bay. The locals say its the worst of the worst of the island. It's the poorest community - the most poverty and crime stricken. We held outdoor meetings each night with music, dramas, speakers, and invitations to know Jesus. The response there was minimal, but we know God's Word doesn't return void - seeds were planted.
We've been doing some raw street witnessing as well. I've encountered 2 rastafarian (sp?) guys. They are totally weird, but need Jesus just the same. They are all rasta'd out with dreads to their backs and red, yellow, and green floppy beanies ... total Bob Marley. Oh, and we smell people smoking weed every day. Anyways, that has been a time of stretching for me. The people here overall are kind, but we never know what kind of people we'll come across on the streets.
We've also been working with kids a lot. Pray for patience for me - I'm not the most kid-friendly guy, but they seem to be attracted to me.
The team is doing great - all getting along and experiencing some neat things together. Thanks for continuing to support us in prayer. I can't say how much it means to me that I know people are praying for me. Tonight I relied on that truth ... so thanks.
By the way, the time difference is only 3 hours - we're in eastern time. That may help you pray for us intentionally time-wise.
Much love and respect mon (some island lingo I picked up),
Jon
P.S. SVG means Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
P.S.S. I'm getting some great pictures - but won't be able to post them until I get back.
Here's a quick update of what God is doing here:
The guys on our team has been in the men's prison the past 3 days. We were only allowed to be there for 30-45 minutes each day, but it has been awesome. We saw 10-15 men come to know the Lord. Pray for them that they can start to grow despite their situation in prison. This morning I went up to the condemned cells where the "death row" prisoners are. It is crazy to see how they keep them - 2 or 3 men in a small cell (proabably the size of your smallest bathroom in your house), with only a 5 gallon bucket to do their business in and a book or two. Its damp and hot - I can only imagine what types of diseases thrive in that condition. Those men were hardened to the Gospel - brushing us (at least me) off and not responding.
Also, the last 3 days we've been driving an hour and a half (sometimes more) to a place called Sandy Bay. The locals say its the worst of the worst of the island. It's the poorest community - the most poverty and crime stricken. We held outdoor meetings each night with music, dramas, speakers, and invitations to know Jesus. The response there was minimal, but we know God's Word doesn't return void - seeds were planted.
We've been doing some raw street witnessing as well. I've encountered 2 rastafarian (sp?) guys. They are totally weird, but need Jesus just the same. They are all rasta'd out with dreads to their backs and red, yellow, and green floppy beanies ... total Bob Marley. Oh, and we smell people smoking weed every day. Anyways, that has been a time of stretching for me. The people here overall are kind, but we never know what kind of people we'll come across on the streets.
We've also been working with kids a lot. Pray for patience for me - I'm not the most kid-friendly guy, but they seem to be attracted to me.
The team is doing great - all getting along and experiencing some neat things together. Thanks for continuing to support us in prayer. I can't say how much it means to me that I know people are praying for me. Tonight I relied on that truth ... so thanks.
By the way, the time difference is only 3 hours - we're in eastern time. That may help you pray for us intentionally time-wise.
Much love and respect mon (some island lingo I picked up),
Jon
P.S. SVG means Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
P.S.S. I'm getting some great pictures - but won't be able to post them until I get back.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
hey mon
Well, I'm here. I can't be long on the computer.
The team is well. We survived the trip down here. I love the island and the people. Pray that God will guide us here.
I forgot to let you guys know that you can check updates on CBU's website.
http://www.calbaptist.edu/isp/default2.aspx?id=4148
there's the website.
Adios...
The team is well. We survived the trip down here. I love the island and the people. Pray that God will guide us here.
I forgot to let you guys know that you can check updates on CBU's website.
http://www.calbaptist.edu/isp/default2.aspx?id=4148
there's the website.
Adios...
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
off
In 5 minutes I'm walking out my door with my one bag and backpack to begin my 3 week ministry project in St. Vincent. Pray for my team and I as we minister to the Caribs. I'll try to post updates at least once a week. Check for prayer requests and praises. Thanks for your support!
Monday, June 04, 2007
centralcalifornia
I've been hanging out in Fresno with my family for a few days. It has been good to be here with family and to see some old friends. I took some pictures in my backyard - then my mom and I went to see my nephew, Kameron's, t-ball game. It was pretty cute to see 4 and 5 year olds playing t-ball. Here are the shots:
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