Read this blog today, and found it thought provoking. Thought I'd share it with you!
What's the Big Deal about Caylee Anthony?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Quick Pics
We've been enjoying a day of relaxation before our long journey home begins at 5am tomorrow. We visited a couple of national monuments, did some hiking, enjoyed the pool, some down time, and for some, a nice nap. I thought I'd take just a moment and share a few more pictures from our time on the reservation.
Kylee made friends with this sweet little girl. I love how they are
looking at each other in this picture!
looking at each other in this picture!
They are hiding under the pastor's desk.
On our way out, we were able to visit "Grandma."
The little girl I am holding is the missionary, Robert Jimenez's granddaughter.
She is Kylee's age, and it's been so fun to watch her grow over the years.
She is Kylee's age, and it's been so fun to watch her grow over the years.
We love you all and are looking forward to seeing our Shreveport family soon!
~Josh and Jill
Monday, July 18, 2011
They Touched Our Hearts
We've never felt more received by the people of the Rez than we felt this year. It meant something HUGE to them that we came, and we felt that deeply. That's what made leaving so emotional.
This is a group picture in front of the water buffalo drum right before we loaded into the vans this morning.
This is what was waiting for us at the top of the hill.
The sign says, "Thank you, God Bless you, Have a safe trip home!"
They touched all of our hearts in an extremely deep way when they did that. We will never forget these people, and hope to see them again one day!
Just a Few Pics... More to Come!
We arrived safely in Flagstaff at about 2:30 for some much needed rest. I only have a moment before we leave with the team to eat, but wanted to post just a few pictures. We'll post more later on.
Kylee and Aubrey when we stopped at the Ice Caves.![]()
Cheese!
The church where we ministered in Carrizo, AZ.
Our team leading the children in songs for VBS.
They look like they are enjoying the song!
Abby teaching the memory verse with Rocky Robbin.
Key cookin' up some fry bread with Jonelle.
The kids got to pet this horse.
Indian Taco
The children were precious!
There was such a sweet presence of God in our services.
Apply it to Me Monday
Posted by Jill Merchant
Today we are packing up our things to leave the reservation, so it is a bittersweet morning. I am able to post because some of the sweet Apache ladies are making breakfast burritos today for the team, so I am officially DONE in the kitchen! I would have posted more over the past 6 days, but cooking 3 meals a day for 50+ people is a constant job. It's a job, though, that I was glad to do. This group of students has been an honor to serve in that way.
My heart is so full from our time here. Even though I've been in the kitchen, God has allowed me a few opportunities to get to talk and pray with a few Christian ladies. When we set out to come here, I felt God directing my heart to encourage the Christians here. You don't usually meet the lost in the church kitchen, but you do meet some sweet, dedicated women of God there. They are the ones who will continue to have an impact in this community, and I felt that when we prayed, it was the kind of prayer that moves mountains!
A verse I am leaving with some of them, and will be praying over their lives is Psalm 9:10. It says:
"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
I think at times the people in Carrizo and on the Apache reservation feel forgotten, and rightly so. But God has not forgotten them, not for one second. My prayer is that they will feel and know that, and as they trust in God, He will pour out His Spirit on their land and bring about the breakthroughs they've been longing for. One lady named Jonelle, that we have all gotten very close to, shared with our team last night her appreciation in our coming. She said, "No one ever comes to Carrizo, but you came to Carrizo, and that means so much that you would even come." That brought tears to my eyes and made me want to stay another month! Father, remind them you have not forgotten!
Loved one, I hope as you read this, the Holy Spirit quickens your heart to lift this people group before the Father to intercede on their behalf. The Bible tells us that the effective prayers of a righteous man or woman avail much! Your prayers matter. Will you pray for the Apache people today?
~Josh and Jill
On a side note:Our team has done a FANTASTIC job here. We could not ask for a better group of students. They have jumped in and built relationships, been willing to do hard work, and have volunteered to help me cook clean up all on their own. Good job, parents! We are proud to get to lead this team of students! I hope to post some pictures really soon, so hang tight! Love you all!
Today we are packing up our things to leave the reservation, so it is a bittersweet morning. I am able to post because some of the sweet Apache ladies are making breakfast burritos today for the team, so I am officially DONE in the kitchen! I would have posted more over the past 6 days, but cooking 3 meals a day for 50+ people is a constant job. It's a job, though, that I was glad to do. This group of students has been an honor to serve in that way.
My heart is so full from our time here. Even though I've been in the kitchen, God has allowed me a few opportunities to get to talk and pray with a few Christian ladies. When we set out to come here, I felt God directing my heart to encourage the Christians here. You don't usually meet the lost in the church kitchen, but you do meet some sweet, dedicated women of God there. They are the ones who will continue to have an impact in this community, and I felt that when we prayed, it was the kind of prayer that moves mountains!
A verse I am leaving with some of them, and will be praying over their lives is Psalm 9:10. It says:
"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
I think at times the people in Carrizo and on the Apache reservation feel forgotten, and rightly so. But God has not forgotten them, not for one second. My prayer is that they will feel and know that, and as they trust in God, He will pour out His Spirit on their land and bring about the breakthroughs they've been longing for. One lady named Jonelle, that we have all gotten very close to, shared with our team last night her appreciation in our coming. She said, "No one ever comes to Carrizo, but you came to Carrizo, and that means so much that you would even come." That brought tears to my eyes and made me want to stay another month! Father, remind them you have not forgotten!
Loved one, I hope as you read this, the Holy Spirit quickens your heart to lift this people group before the Father to intercede on their behalf. The Bible tells us that the effective prayers of a righteous man or woman avail much! Your prayers matter. Will you pray for the Apache people today?
~Josh and Jill
On a side note:Our team has done a FANTASTIC job here. We could not ask for a better group of students. They have jumped in and built relationships, been willing to do hard work, and have volunteered to help me cook clean up all on their own. Good job, parents! We are proud to get to lead this team of students! I hope to post some pictures really soon, so hang tight! Love you all!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Finding your Faith
Posted by Katie Ashcraft
Faith is powerful. When you accept Jesus into your heart, He gives you a very special gift: faith. But it's not over yet; you decide to use that faith or not.
We all are afraid sometimes and worried also. The more and more we fear or worry, the more and more we live on those things. And our faith weakens. Our faith in Christ doesn't decrease because of the things that scare or worry us, but because of our decisions to be afraid or worried or not. That faith deep down doesn't come out or show if we dwell on things that scare or worry us.
If we pray or talk to someone about your problems and worries, you've already shown A LOT of faith. And like it says in the Bible in the seventeenth chapter of Matthew in verses 20-21, "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to here", and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.' "
Don't be afraid to be yourself. Just be faithful as you say or do anything that you love; don't worry about the people looking at you or judging you. Be a faithful servant to Jesus the best you can each day, and you will surely live an AMAZING life and have the courage to step out and be His follower.
Faith is powerful. When you accept Jesus into your heart, He gives you a very special gift: faith. But it's not over yet; you decide to use that faith or not.
We all are afraid sometimes and worried also. The more and more we fear or worry, the more and more we live on those things. And our faith weakens. Our faith in Christ doesn't decrease because of the things that scare or worry us, but because of our decisions to be afraid or worried or not. That faith deep down doesn't come out or show if we dwell on things that scare or worry us.
If we pray or talk to someone about your problems and worries, you've already shown A LOT of faith. And like it says in the Bible in the seventeenth chapter of Matthew in verses 20-21, "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to here", and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.' "
Don't be afraid to be yourself. Just be faithful as you say or do anything that you love; don't worry about the people looking at you or judging you. Be a faithful servant to Jesus the best you can each day, and you will surely live an AMAZING life and have the courage to step out and be His follower.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Prayer Mountain
Posted by Tom Kendrick
If you have ever been on a fort apache missions trip, or talked with anyone who has, you've undoubtably heard of the famous Prayer Mountain. Donated by the Apache government solely for the use of the Assembly of God, the Mountian is located in the middle of and overlooks the capital city of whiteriver. Standing on the top of the Mountain, you can see the whole city, the good parts and the not so good. For example, the bar through which every alcoholic drink enters the city, along with the AG church which God has used to bless the reservation in such great ways. Looking beyond the city nestled in the valley, you can see the glorious mountain range which encircles the town. If you ever have the oppurtunity to be on the mountain while the sun is setting, you will see one of the most beautiful sights on this earth. Despite these great views, the best thing about the mountain is the thick pressence of God which always rests on the place. On one occasion we had the privelage of praying on the mountian after a storm. As the dark rain clouds parted, the sun shined forth in a fiery orange, which brilliantly illuminated the darkening sky. Everyone who saw that will remember it forever. Missions trips, esspecially Fort Apache, are physically, menatally, and emotionally draining. The only place where you can replenish and refuel is in the pressence of the most high God, and what better place to experience our creator, than in his glorious creation.
If you have ever been on a fort apache missions trip, or talked with anyone who has, you've undoubtably heard of the famous Prayer Mountain. Donated by the Apache government solely for the use of the Assembly of God, the Mountian is located in the middle of and overlooks the capital city of whiteriver. Standing on the top of the Mountain, you can see the whole city, the good parts and the not so good. For example, the bar through which every alcoholic drink enters the city, along with the AG church which God has used to bless the reservation in such great ways. Looking beyond the city nestled in the valley, you can see the glorious mountain range which encircles the town. If you ever have the oppurtunity to be on the mountain while the sun is setting, you will see one of the most beautiful sights on this earth. Despite these great views, the best thing about the mountain is the thick pressence of God which always rests on the place. On one occasion we had the privelage of praying on the mountian after a storm. As the dark rain clouds parted, the sun shined forth in a fiery orange, which brilliantly illuminated the darkening sky. Everyone who saw that will remember it forever. Missions trips, esspecially Fort Apache, are physically, menatally, and emotionally draining. The only place where you can replenish and refuel is in the pressence of the most high God, and what better place to experience our creator, than in his glorious creation.
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