The Energizer Bunnies!

Our group just keeps on going and going and going. Read how they spent the last evening in Monrovia:

Kris called and said that on Tuesday evening a sound truck with lights was rented (a pickup with a generator, mic and speakers and light stands). The went to the poorest among them. People living on an nearby island, of mainly rock, with nothing. But they had pastors wishing for the Fresh Start team come and to preach:
Love God
Love Others
Make Disciples

Kris, Dax, Michael Fresbie, and the others did just that and said over 150 committed to Christ! The team now knows exactly the way to tell the Word in Liberia. And the cost is very low overhead....
Fresh Start is getting to live our vision. Also the evangelists list is growing, Brook, Jeremy, Tony, Michael, Chris, Trent, Kiley, and Keith are coming on strong. When they return to "normal life" at home they will not be able to sit still.
Garen

Back Home

Wednesday, the 1st, the group will be heading home. I am sure they will have fun with the April Fools jokes as they go through the various airports. I can only imagine what some of the team will pull off! Travel safe be ready for a thousand questions.

Crusade Pictures

Click on the picture to see the photo album of the crusade:

How Big Is God

Give Thanks to the Lord, For HE is Good.

Good Morning, All I can say today is "Give Thanks to the Lord, for HE is Good, His Love Endures Forever." I have that song in my heart this morning. It is true in every circumstance, however, we tend to run on our emotions and fear instead of His truth. I want to stand on His TRUTH.

Please know that we are at peace and very safe. The mean lady found the nursery yesterday, but we were prepared and all the little ones were SAFE. I don't feel free to elaborate, but just know they are SAFE. Also know that two of the older children have contact with someone close to us, and they are doing well. They know how to look after one another and are doing so. We are confident that God is in Control.

We went to the Senate yesterday. Lots of pictures, little talking by us. We are waiting for an appointment to meet privately with the Vice President, President Pro-Tem, and possibly President. PRAY for at least one of those meetings to come to pass. We want to plead for our children. This is not about us, it is about God. He will be glorified.

It will be difficult to board the plane tomorrow, but I am at peace. God did not bring me here by mistake. He did not give me love for Samuel by mistake. I will cherish the few moments I had with him, regardless if they were the last. He was God's child before I knew about him and will continue to be, with or without me. I prayed over him, and I am confident that God knows what is best for him.

On a more joyous note, I attended a beautiful wedding last night. What a blessing it was for me to be able to be there. We have video and many pics. I can't wait to share.

Love you all very much! We will see you soon!

News from Monrovia

I spoke on the phone with Trent Watkins. He is certain God is working and some dead wood needed to be cleared.
I also spoke later with Kris and he is of the same opinion.
The Crusade resulted in three to five hundred souls coming to Christ and this is a real blessing. Thank you to Fresh Start for your efforts.
Brook and Kiley Ewbank are headed home today and Grandmothers Judy Ewbank and Jo Ann Gooch will meet them tomorrow and since Brook's birthday is today, take them to Ted's for dinner as Brook requested.
Calvin is leaving for Kenya and now has Liberia in his heart.
When they all are back we will get together to hear from the group their thoughts of the Crusade and how we work to spread the good news.
Kris knows that God's hand was all over the Crusade. Sometimes we expect things from our perspective and do not listen to what God is asking us to do and seeing what He is doing.

Everyone will be back in Oklahoma City late Thursday, so Sunday we will be able to visit and fellowship.
Garen

Crusade Buildup

Here's some video I took building up to the crusade. There are a lot more pictures and videos, including video of Kris's, mine and Calvin's sermons. I'll get those together as soon as I can. I put this on together real fast. It's pretty fun and it just shows the guys going out to promote the crusade and then kind of a build up to the crusade itself. On the last day we estimate we had 5-6000 people there. not as big as we wanted maybe, but it's still a lot! and I think the people walked away with a very clear message, if they will turn back to Christ, God will heal their land!

Faith

Just wanted to let everyone know that I talked to Dax on the phone today.  He said that a group of them went and preached the Word in the market today.  He said he was talking to a crowd of people and when he was done someone from our group would motion for him to come down to where they were and he would start talking to this next group.  He mentioned that there was some Muslims in the crowds when he was speaking.  One thing is for sure, the Gospel is being spread, which means God is being glorified!  That's exciting!!

Dax was going to try and put some videos up on the blog today so be looking forward to that.  He also said that Mary Beth has been journaling so we can look forward to hearing or reading her take on everything when they get home.  Just remember that our team members are busy, busy, busy.  They're tying to get as much done in as little time as possible.  Pray that they not only have Spiritual strength but also Physical strength.  

If anyone wants to know more information contact me and I'll email Dax your questions.  He's good about emailing me back whenever he has the time and energy.     

~Julie

Trust in ?

My phone has been ringing off my belt this morning. People here are concerned about the group in Monrovia.

Kris called Sunday afternoon at 1:30 P.M. in Monrovia and spoke with Phil for 45 minutes. Phil spoke at length Sunday moring at church about the conversation. Sunday was the last day of the Crusade and they were extremely busy. Today is the meeting with the Government officials to discuss the adoption situation. The group will represent the orphans, Bishops, Frenchs, and the Watkins well. Several gifted extemporeous speakers from our Fresh Start Fellowship, full of the Spirit, will attend and be part of the meeting.

Be at peace and give those in Monrovia the benefit of time. Their plates are full dealing with the situation and the mothers that are there. Remember the fruits of the Spirit and demonstrate it through our acts. Prayer, not worry, is what is needed.
Garen

Hearts are Heavy

My dear sisters and brothers of faith, I am struggling with my fears for your safety. I'm sorry, as you all know, that has been my first and foremost concern, with THIS trip to Liberia. I am very concerned for Sheila and Lisa, but we must not forget Erica. She is also heartbroken. Also, the fathers should be prayed for. I know Keith, Trent and Brock are suffering too.

We haven't heard anything from Liberia since Saturday. I'm wondering if the corrupted government has already taken over the satellite system that Dax has worked so diligently on. Michael, I worry about you and Jeremy, being the youngsters of the crowd. Jeremy has been there before, but under completely different circumstances, but Michael you are getting a first hand view as is Mary Beth and Tony. Norm and Nancy, I hope you are holding up. As for rest of team, my prayers are with you, and we are anxiously awaiting your return.

How about a big glass of ice tea, when you get home?

Harriet

Be Strong and of Good Courage

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong, courageous, and firm;

Fear not nor be in terror before them,

For it is the Lord your God Who goes with you;

He will not fail you or forsake you.

Our prayers are steadfast and unceasing for all of you!