So Much To Be Thankful For

This year is quickly coming to an end, and, like many families like to do around this time of year, Briyana and I stop to take a moment to marvel at all the things we have to be thankful for.

This past year, Briyana and I took the step of faith to accept the position of U.S. Director of Ministry Teams and Follow-Up with One Mission Society and Men For Missions.  During this time, God has worked tremendously showing us his love and care for us as we live by faith.  He has provided for us in times that we had no idea how things were going to work out, and he has blessed us when we had the desire to bless others but did not have the means to.

God has shown us the amazing network of friends and supporters we have that care about the same things God has placed on our heart.  We have shared with so many of you our desires, and it always lifts our spirits to see how the Christian community comes together to help support each other when God has laid something on their hearts. 

We have learned so much of what it means to be thankful for family.  Brie and I have always enjoyed getting together with our families and playing with our nephews.  It always reminds us how thankful we are for families that raised us knowing the Lord, love us, and would do just about anything for us if we needed them to.  Soon, we will be adding a member to our family.  "June Bug", is 11 weeks along and is due June 14th.  We find out if June Bug is a boy or girl in January.  We are so excited and can't wait to join the ranks of parenthood.

On this special week, take some time and think about what you and your family is thankful for.  Once again, thank you so much for your prayers and support.

Brie and I wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Crazy Times

Briyana and I dressed as Super Mario and Princess Peach at our

 church's Trunk or Treat.

These past couple of days have been crazy for us.  Last Wednesday the Men For Missions International Cabinet Meetings were held in the DFW area.  People from all over the world came into town for the meetings.  We had people in from Wales, Scotland, Calgary, Ontario, Indiana, North Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, and Waco.  While they were here many of them wanted to see some of the town.  Briyana and I took them to the Stockyards, Cowboy Stadium, Montgomery Plaza, JFK Museum, and my favorite Yogurtland.

We did get a lot of work done though.  The Cabinet was very successful in taking care of old business and looking ahead and setting direction for Men for Missions for the next couple of years. 

Please continue to pray for Haiti and the Cholera epidemic.  From news reports One Mission Society gets, it seems to be spreading and getting closer to areas we minister in.  Tension is rising and violence is boiling over.   Below is a short prayer request we received yesterday from the field.

There are 2 major concerns here-- (Prayer Points)
#1  Working people live paycheck to paycheck and businesses are shut down as a result.  And
#2  People contracting cholera and other diseases can now get nowhere to get help as transportation has been largely blocked for 24 hours.

God Bless!

Brent & Briyana

Hurricane Tomas Update

Here is an update on the status of Haiti after Hurricane Tomas.

Religion Today Summaries - Nov. 8, 2010
Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff

Tomas Mostly Spares Haiti, May Worsen Cholera

Hurricane Tomas spared Haiti the worst of its wrath, although the storm still dumped large amounts of rain on the country's fragile tent cities. Relief coordinators say the subsequent flooding may have carried an outbreak of cholera  north from its origins in the Artibonite Valley according to

http://www.crosswalkmail.com/akmtksmptbtnmlpwnyzgvnrvmsnldzzlbhmvkkwmttlhpby_rcrkwtgjwvgg.html

ABC News, Ted Steinhauer, of Medical Teams International said 600 people have contracted the waterborne disease in the small town of Gros Morne, and thousands more are probably infected. Poor sanitation in the impoverished country has often forced residents to cook with the same water sources used for waste. Officials report that more than 500 people have died of the disease, which hadn't been seen in Haiti for a half century before it surfaced last month.

Hurricane Tomas

Haiti while already dealing with an epidemic of Cholera, is now having to deal with an approaching Hurricane Tomas which is gaining strength in the Caribbean.  It's expected to bring winds upwards of 80 mph and destroy much of the already ruined capital city Port-au-Prince.  The Cholera epidemic has already claimed over 300 peoples lives and sickened over 4,000.  With this storm it will only increase those numbers.  The tent cities will be destroyed.  Please pray for God to place his hand of protection of this country during this time of need.

You can follow the storm here by clicking on this link.