Geary Family World Mission Trip

A Sunday Afternoon Drive

2008-09-07T13:59:00.019-04:00

The Volcanoes

After church we all headed to Dena’s and ate a huge El Salvadorian lunch that Dena and Isabelle had cooked…it was delicious.

Swinging.

After a short rest we piled into the cars and headed to the mountains and the volcanoes.

The views were incredible of the Lake and the city on the way up.

Once there we enjoyed the peace and quiet of nature and just enjoyed each other’s company as the day passed.

God gave us a peak at the top of the volcano.

I am a blessed mama.

Grier and Mother Dena

God shows off His Majesty...

He is sooooo good! :-)

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Psalm 145:5

“Cristo Yo Cree En Ti”

2008-09-07T11:32:00.005-04:00

On Sunday GB (aka Gloria) preached!
By Grier Cash

She did such an amazing job, teaching, encouraging, and challenging the congregation.

GB preaching (Brother Antonio Escalante translating)

She spoke on Hosea and Gomer. It was a breath of fresh air to hear a sermon in English. I didn’t have to strain to understand or guess at what was being said.

I also had the opportunity to share an interpretive movement during the service. Originally I had hoped to share “Shout To The Lord”, a song in English but one that the congregation knew well. For several days it just seemed to not come together. I then remembered that I could download a song in Spanish that I had done an interp to several years before.

The very first time I learned an interp (interpretation through dance) it was to a Spanish song – “Cristo Yo Cree En Ti” It was 10 years ago and I was in Venezuela. The song was dear to my heart because my mission trip to Venezuela at the age of 15 was very instrumental in my spiritual walk and it was the first time I danced before the Lord.

But this time when I shared it here in El Salvador the song took on a whole new meaning.

For many months/years now I have been really struggling with the Lord. His presence has seemed very distant from me and I have even doubted his existence at all. My spirit has been dry and I have had overwhelming sadness in my heart. Many times lately my prayer has been… "Lord I believe, but forgive my unbelief"

As I performed this song it became my prayer as well:

Though I can’t see your holy face
And your throne in Heaven above, it seems so far away
Though I can’t touch, can’t touch your nailed scarred hands
I have a deep unspeakable joy that makes my faith to stand

Lord I believe in you
I’ll always believe in you
Though I can’t see you with my eyes
Deep in my heart your presence I find
Lord I believe in you
I’ll always believe in you
Let the whole world say what they may
No one can take this joy away
Lord I believe

This past week I have also had the opportunity to teach the interpretive movement to the girls at the church here.

There are about 10 girls ranging in age from 7-10 years of age who meet each week to learn new dances. Though we have not been able to communicate easily it has been so much fun spending time with them. I teach them and they teach me. It has been such a gift to be able to pass on something that transcends cultural and language barriers.

When we dance we speak the same language.

(Grier is a very dear family friend who joined us for the El Salvador leg of our world mission trip. She was also our host in New York http://gearyfamilymission.blogspot.com/2008/04/new-york-school-of-urban-ministrys.html)

Oscar: Bless The El Salvadorian Children

2008-09-07T09:03:00.011-04:00

Sunday, September 7, 2008
Oscar
The children were sitting around a large table eating breakfast when we arrived.

There were about 30 of them and they ranged from pre-schoolers to around twelve in age. As we walked into the compound, they began yelling excitedly in Spanish. There was one boy who out yelled the other children and he was trying to use what little English he knew. I took one look at him and knew he was trouble. He had a smile on his face, but he exuded mischief. In fact, he was leading the pack to see who could yell at us the loudest. I turned to look at my boys and Grier. The looks on their faces conveyed what I felt. This was going to be a tough and rambunctious audience. I prayed in my head for God to lead us and show us how to connect with these kids.

These precious children are a part of Ricardo’s ministry. Ricardo and his wife minister to recovering drug addicts, but on Saturday they minister to poor children who live around the compound where their ministry is. Many of the men who are recovering from drugs and alcohol sat around the outside area and watched as we were there. Ricardo had a microphone and speaker so that all we said to the children was heard by those close by.

As the children finished eating they began moving to a different area and started to play. I was introduced to Ricardo and his wife and we discussed the logistics of our talk. When I looked around for the boys, I realized they had joined the other kids to play.

I then looked for Grier and she sat at a table of about 4-5 kids trying to share with them in Spanish.

I saw another small table of children and joined them.

I asked the names of the children at the table. I understood David, Marta (Martha) and Mario. I then looked at Martha and told her there is a Martha in the Bible who was with Jesus and she cooked for Jesus. I explained to David there is a David in the Bible who was very strong and God said David had a heart for Him. It was then that the mischievous little boy showed up. He sat at the table and smiled that smile at me. I asked his name. Oscar.

As God would have it, I had been with two men the day before named Oscar. I told Oscar this and that they both loved God and were good men. I then shared about a third Oscar back in my hometown. “This Oscar is much respected in my city because he is very kind and loves the Lord. Maybe one day you will be respected because you are kind to others and show them the love of the Lord. It’s possible.” I stated it as a fact and gave him questioning eyes. He took this in a minute and then he nodded.

Oscar’s hand is going up to accept Christ.

We were called to begin speaking. Oscar sat on the front row, right in front of me. The children were perfectly still during the whole presentation. They listened intently and participated enthusiastically when asked. We shared the Gospel and when we asked if anyone wanted to accept Christ, guess who the first to raise his hand was? Oscar. He led the way and several other boys came forward too.

The boys who accepted Christ… Oscar is third from the left (with a hand on the boys on either side of him). Ricardo and Julio (our translator) are in the back.

Please pray that God will break through the obstacles in the lives of these children and that they will follow Him.

Pray they will all have a heart for God and will be known by the love of Jesus they show to others.

Please also pray for the other Oscars who were wonderful role models to a boy they never met.

El Salvador Labor Day Harvest

2008-09-01T11:43:00.011-04:00

Monday, September 1, 2008
El Shaddai School
Santa Ana, El Salvador

We arrived at the school at 10:30 am. Their school day starts at 7:00 am. The morning school has approximately 450 children and their afternoon school has about 250 children. The church started the school in 2000 to make sure children were being raised with Christian values in their teachings. We spoke to two classes in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Our first class was the 7th graders….Hatcher’s age group. The children were very curious about our travels and we were able to share many stories about the people and places we visited. Reid shared the Gospel and we gave out the salvation bracelets.

After school the children gathered around for a photo, Pastor Ena is on the right.

Our second class was the kindergarten class… we all sat on the floor in a big circle as we talked.

They were precious and constantly moved forward to get closer to us. At the end, we were all in the middle surrounded by these energetic and excited children. We sang for them and they sang for us.

Our last class was the third graders in the afternoon school. This class had over 30 children. When we asked if anyone wanted to accept Christ into their hearts, over half the class came forward. I asked the translator to please explain to them they were making a commitment to Christ and ensure they knew what they were doing. He spoke to them and soon they were all nodding their heads that they knew and wanted to pray to receive Christ. Our translator Julio led them in prayer and I prayed over them afterwards.

How blessed we were to be a part of this!

Those who accepted Christ with Julio, our translator and Grier.

The boys are thrilled to have Grier with us, as am I!

Arriving in Santa Ana

2008-08-31T20:00:00.003-04:00

Santa Ana, El Salvador
Mother Dena’s Home

We arrived in San Salvador, El Salvador about 8:00pm last night. Pastor Salvador, his wife Ena and their two children Enrique (12) and Priscilla (10) along with Roberto (a church member) picked us up at the airport. Grier Cash, our dear friend from Gaffney had met us in Dallas to join us for this leg of the trip.

Our new family in El Salvador: Mother Dena, Isabelle, Enrique, Pastors Ena and Salvador, Jeziel and Prescilla.

We were referred to the Barahonas by Pastors Joey and Denise Turner at Restoration Church in Gaffney, SC. The Barahonas pastor a church here, have an orphanage with currently 10 children and run a Christian school for approximately 700 children. During the two hour drive to Pastor Ena’s Mother’s home we learned more about their ministry. We stopped at KFC on the way for supper and at that point the children became fast friends playing in the playground.

Hatcher and Enrique make friends with the camera.

Please pray for this wonderful family and their ministry here in Santa Ana.

(the second largest city in El Salvador)

So great to have a short visit in the states….

2008-08-28T10:13:00.000-04:00

My mom, Gloria White, joined us in Dallas, Texas for 4 days as we tried to readjust to the Western world time zone.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed…” Proverbs 31:28

We are off to El Salvador.

Please pray for us as we visit our last two countries, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic.

Gloria

The Thief

2008-08-24T18:29:00.006-04:00

This has not been an easy year. In fact, it may be one of the toughest of my life. I have uprooted my family, physically moved to the center of the country for four months where I got seeped in the Word and prayer as God rearranged my heart.

Then we took off again for 8 months of non-stop travel. As of this writing we have been in 14 countries in four months and 10 states in two months. We still have two months of travel left.

I have been tired, hot, sweaty, smelly, hungry, thirsty, lonely, scared, frightened, homesick, sad, heartbroken and devastated. I haven’t slept in my own bed in almost a year. I have gone through at least seven employees in my business. I have doubted every part of my life and almost every decision I have ever made.

Needless to say, God has been working on me this year.

But through it all, there has always been a thread of encouragement from the Lord. Twice in my darkest times, the Lord has sent a messenger to me, (each time a total stranger who walked up and shared a “word from the Lord”) and encouraged me directly concerning my pain. More times than I can count, God has surprised us with encounters with individuals that have given me hope that their life will be different because we have been obedient to this call.

This past week as I listened to Third Day’s song "The Thief", I realized how God had also encouraged Jesus in His darkest time. The song is about the thief who was crucified with Christ…

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:42-43

I have always seen that story from the thief’s perspective. But God showed me how He also used the thief that day.

Imagine you are Jesus. You have lived a good life. You have sacrificed a “normal” life and have spent your time sharing the love of your Father with others. Many doubt you are real. Some think you are from Satan. You heal the sick. You cast demons out of children, women and men. You raise the dead. You feed the hungry. You answer the deep questions that many hunger for an answer about. You even fast for 40 days!

In the end one of your dear friends (whom you trusted with your money) betrays you. The rest of your friends leave and deny you. You are arrested, ridiculed and beaten. You knew this was coming and you have accepted your call to do this so others will benefit, but as you hang on the cross doubt starts to creep in. You are physically within hours of death and emotionally you have been battered by everyone.

Can you hang on to the end without crying out for God to rescue you?

Don’t you want to give up?

Then the thief next to you, a man who has possibly never loved a day in his life suddenly sees the truth. He recognizes you are the Messiah and humbly asks you to remember him. You realize this is one whose eternal life will be different IF you can complete the task before you.

All we know after this exchange with the thief is that three hours passed. Jesus suffered and bled three more hours, quietly. I believe that the encouragement from the thief was what God used to help Jesus make it those last three hours. It was the ray of hope Jesus needed and he held onto that until the end.

If God will provide encouragement to His son (a man and God) as He suffers, He will also provide encouragement for us (mere humans who are needier).

I love the Lord.

I am beginning to even love His ways (they are so much higher than mine).

Here are the Lyrics to this powerfully moving song:

I am a thief, I am a murderer Walking up this lonely hill.

What have I done?

I don't remember.

No one knows just how I feel.

And I know that my time is coming soon.

It's been so long.

Oh, such a long time, since I've lived with peace and rest.

Now I am here, my destination.

I guess things work for the best and I know that my time is coming soon.

Who is this man?

This man beside me They call the 'King of the Jews'?

They don't believe that He's the Messiah but, somehow I know it's true. And they laugh at Him in mockery, and beat Him till he bleeds!

They nail Him to the rugged cross, and raise Him, they raise Him up next to me.

My time has come, I'm slowly fading "I deserve what I receive."

"Jesus when You're in Your kingdom, Could You please, please remember me?"

He looks at me still holding on.

The tears fall from His eyes.

He says, "I tell the truth today, you will live with Me in paradise!".

And I know that my time is coming soon.

And I know paradise is coming soon.

You may click on the link below to experience "Thief" by Third Day on Godtube :

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2hgi3_third-day-thief-the-passion-of-chri_events

Im Jai House with Darenee

2008-08-10T11:18:00.005-04:00

Sunday, August 10, 2008
Chiang Mai, Thailand

About five years ago I was called by the Lord to my first mission trip. Hatcher and I came to Thailand to visit Im Jai House. This is a Christian orphanage for approximately 50 children. At the time Hatcher was 7 years old and he so enjoyed playing with the children. Then about two years later, I returned to Im Jai for my third mission trip. Needless to say these children and house parents have a special place in our hearts.

Over the years I have prayed often for them. Sometimes the Lord has called me to prayer for them and sometimes I have prayed because I was prompted by news or emails. I have always felt called to keep them in my prayers.

It was such a treat to see these children again! They have grown and matured. We arrived about 5:00 pm which is right in the middle of their play time. The boys brought some soccer balls and were soon playing with some of the boys there.

Shirley and I headed to the house where Darenee was house mother. Darenee and I have communicated some over the years. She and I have in common being single moms, so I was looking forward to seeing her again.

Darenee (far left), Sherry and us on the front porch.

We took a tour of the home (they have moved since I was last here) and just sat around and caught up a bit. As we sat on the porch with most of the girls in the house, it occurred to me that this might be a good time to hand out bracelets and share our mission story.

Sherry, the oldest in the orphanage translated for me and the girls listened intently. At the end I quizzed them to insure they had learned all the colors. They had. I then asked if any would like to pray and ask Jesus into their hearts. To my surprise and great delight three girls said yes!

What a gift from God to be able to be a part of their public profession.

As we prayed with them, I thought of all those teams from First Baptist (and many other churches) who had come and planted seeds into the hearts of these children. I thought about the many house parents, board members, foundation leaders who had played a part of showing the love of Christ to these children.

I was truly humbled that God would let us be a part of the harvest.

Shirley (second from left) and the girls hearing the meaning of the colors of the salvation bracelet.

Please pray for these precious young women and all the children at Im Jai.

Church in Chiang Mai, Thailand

2008-08-10T10:21:00.000-04:00

Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Gathering Church Service

Small World!
We worshiped at church today with Dave and Shirley. The Gathering Church is made up of missionaries from all over the world who live and work in Chiang Mai. Can you imagine being the pastor of missionaries?
David and Shirley teach a Sunday School class before the worship service. We arrived early and before the class started, I went to check on the boys in the room next door. When I returned a new couple had arrived. I looked at the woman and immediately felt I knew her. Mary….yes, Mary. She looked at me and said, “You look very familiar to me.” I said the same to her. “Gloria?” she asked. Mary Douglas used to live in Gaffney, SC. She, her husband Dan and their family were members of First Baptist Church where we are members (the Callahans are members of FBC too). When my husband Bill died, Mary (who had also been widowed several years before) was such a source of encouragement to me. I could not believe I was running into her half way around the world!

Stephen, Dan, Mary, Hatcher and me.

The Douglas family joined the Callahans and us for lunch. What a small world to have three families from First Baptist Church of Gaffney, SC eat Sunday lunch in Chiang Mai, Thailand!
Dan, Mary and Stephen have just moved to Chiang Mai as missionaries.
Another sweet note for First Baptist Church in Gaffney…..

Dan and Mary Douglas were interviewed during the church service to introduce them to the congregation. When asked how they got to Chiang Mai all the way from South Carolina, they responded that during their time at FBC in Gaffney they had been introduced to missions and visited Thailand. They have since visited a couple other times and have just moved to Chiang Mai to teach for a minimum of one year. FBC has spawned two sets of missionaries to Thailand (and a third temporary family of four). May God bless the Mission Task Force and all those who work so hard to encourage our mission work! Never, never underestimate how God will use your efforts for His Kingdom!
In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23

It gets smaller!

As we sat in the church service, Harrison pointed to a young man across the way and said, “Mom, he was at Gateway Camp.” I didn’t recognize the young man, but he was wearing the Gateway key we were all given at the end of camp. He happened to have the key hanging down his back or we would not have seen the key. At the end of the service, we spoke to him and he was at the camp. So here we are in Chiang Mai, Thailand and we ran into 4 people we’ve known from other parts of the world.

Shawn from Korea who was at Gateway Camp with us in Hong Kong.

We recognized the Key given to all camp participants.

Please pray for Shawn.

Hill Tribe Area of Northern Thailand

2008-08-09T10:05:00.007-04:00

This morning the boys, David and I all piled in the truck and headed to the House of Blessing. There we met the boys and house parents of both the House of Blessing and House of Comfort. Then we all piled into three trucks and headed to the Hill Tribe area to visit an orphanage who has asked Dave and Shirley for help.

It was about an hour and a half drive up the mountains (North Carolina mountain curves ain’t got nuthin on these mountain curves!) We arrived at the orphanage, had a time of worship with all the children and house parents. The pastor of the church/orphanage we visited spoke a bit, then asked David to share some.

After David spoke (in Thai no less! I was very impressed with his Thai.), he asked us to share the Gospel with all the children and give out the salvation bracelets. Ajon Yeah translated for me and we were thrilled that two of the boys accepted Christ!

We took a tour of the house for the orphans that still needs about $500 U.S. to be finished. The most immediate need is food. The church provides some support for the children but lately there has not been enough to feed them. They have been foraging the local forest and eating the plants and fruit that grow wild there. However they have about exhausted those resources. Faithful Heart has given them some emergency money to purchase rice so the children are feed and have agreed to help provide enough to ensure the children have food.

David (far left), Ajon Barruche, Pastor from Hill Tribe area, and Ajon Yeah (Ajon means Pastor in Thai and Barruche and Yeah are house parents for two of the orphanages the Callahans oversee.) The house to the left is where the children live.

We stayed and ate lunch that was brought by one of the Faithful Heart House parents. The children ate together in shifts.

Please pray and see if God may be calling you to help provide for this group of 12 childen.

Callahan Home

2008-08-08T22:23:00.000-04:00

Friday, August 8, 2008
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Home of David and Shirley Callahan and Faithful Heart Foundation

We arrived Chiang Mai around 10:00pm on Thursday and Shirley and Dave were at the airport to greet us. What a welcome sight to see familiar faces in a far away country. The Callahans are from our home church, First Baptist Church of Gaffney. They moved to Thailand over three years ago to be full time missionaries here in Chiang Mai.

The six of us talked excitedly the whole way home…what fun to share and hear stories with old friends. Another bonus is I have my own bedroom!
Please pray that we can be a blessing to the Callahans and the boys at their three orphanages.

Shirley and David Callahan (back row) and children from one of the three orphanages they oversee.

We had pizza night at the house with the kids and played.

Faithful Heart Ministry House

2008-08-08T13:15:00.005-04:00

Chiang Mai, Thailand
Faithful Heart Ministry House
David and Shirley Callahan

We arrived late last night in Chiang Mai.

Harrison had an opportunity to witness to his airplane seatmates from Italy. They were Christian and had a fun visit with Harrison.

I met two delightful ladies who work for Empower Foundation http://www.empowerfoundation.org/ This is an organization who trains the women who are in the sex trade of Thailand. They were somewhat reluctant to tell me about their work. I gave them tracts in Thai and shared the Gospel.

One of the women read the tract in great detail and I felt God was touching her heart. They asked about why we were in Thailand and seemed moved by our mission. I prayed for them and assured them I would continue to pray for them. Please pray for these precious women that God will open their eyes and heal their hearts. Pray for all the women in Thailand who are a part of the sex trade industry here. Pray this country will come to recognize the need to protect their women and children.

It almost feels like being home here in the Callahan’s home. What a joy to be with them and share about our time while also hearing about their time of ministry here. I find we have had similar struggles and I knew early on our arrival that this stop would be good for us and good for them as well.

This lovely Friday we did laundry (everything we owned needed heavy duty washing)….how wonderful to have clean smelling clothes again!

God bless the Callahans!!

In The Fire...

2008-08-07T12:42:00.006-04:00

Wednesday, August 7, 2008
Holiday Inn Parkview
Singapore

I remember hearing a speaker once tell about a book (wish I could remember the name to give the author credit) that explains how God sometimes takes us and puts us in the heat of the fire, He then hammers and molds us. It isn’t an easy place to be but when God gets finished, we are made more like Him and are often more ready for our life’s purpose.

The four of us in the Singapore Flyer.

As I recall the speaker explaining, there are two piles, the “before” pile and the “after” pile. He finished with the question, “Which pile are you in?”

I thought a lot about that question after the speech.

About 24 hours later it occurred to me that what I wanted to be was “the hammer”….always near the heat and yet always in the Master’s hand. I loved the idea of being used by God to help mold others. As the hammer, you get nicked and pounded too, (the molding of the hammer may not be as obvious but it is molded just the same) As the hammer, you are always working but what better place to be than in the hands of God?

Reid gets a new look in Singapore. Hatcher got one too.

This week I have wondered about my desire to stay next to the fire and thought I might change that position now. This has been a week of molding for me. I don’t know that I can tell you exactly how God has molded me, but I’ve been molded nonetheless. I can recognize the metamorphous because it is so uncomfortable. I don’t like the process, but I’ve found I always like the outcome (eventually).

If you haven’t been molded by God lately, maybe it is time to get in the fire. Yes, it is hot and sometimes painful, but God has a way of removing the bad and bringing forth the good. Guess that is why He is God.

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

"Captain" Gaurdian Angel

2008-08-02T21:53:00.002-04:00

Saturday, August 2, 2008
En-route to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Captain Guardian Angel

It has been a quiet, resting week yet I am still tired and not yet fully revived. We took the bus from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Singapore. It was a five hour trip. I knew there was a problem from the beginning when our bus was almost an hour late. It was hot and we sat near running buses inhaling the fumes during most of that time. I started to get a headache.

In the bus the boys seemed more active than normal and I seemed more tired than normal. We stopped for a break, got a snack and then back on the road. The driver made a quick roadside stop before the border and several young men almost snuck off the bus. I wondered why they didn’t go to the border. The bus stopped again and some people began getting off. I wasn’t sure where we were and waited to see if everyone got off. The driver began yelling, “passports, passports!” By his yelling, I assumed we were at the border and suddenly realized I had not gotten my passports out of the suitcases before we left. I explained to the driver I needed access to the suitcase. He was not happy about that. We exited Malaysia customs and got back on the bus. A few minutes later we stopped again.

Again, I wasn’t quite sure what was going on and hesitated. Again the bus driver started yelling. As we got off the bus a man was standing near the luggage compartment of the bus. He looked at me and said, “Lady, I can help you with your luggage.” I was grateful for the help. He explained we had to go through customs at the border of Singapore and the bus would pick us up on the other side. He was from Singapore and had to leave us to go through another line. It was crowded at customs. I had to fill out the normal four forms and we were stopped and several bags were opened and inspected.

As we completed inspections we turned to walk towards the bus and there again was the kind man who had helped us with the luggage. He again took one of our bags and walked with us. He forewarned us that the bus may have left us.

We walked down the line of buses and none looked like ours. I turned and looked at the man. “I was afraid this may happen. They only wait 30 minutes. It is only fair to the other riders.” He seemed very understanding of the situation.

I can’t say I felt the same way. I looked at my watch. It was 9:30 at night and very dark outside. My mother instinct kicked in. I could not believe this bus driver left us and felt he had done it on purpose. The kind man had gone to look for other options for us. He returned with another bus driver who offered to take us into town for $20. I started to fuss. I was irritated and started making demands. “Lady, that won’t help get you where you want to go,” the kind man said gently. I looked at him and realized what he said was of great wisdom. I responded, “Ok, tell me what to do”. I shut my mouth and let him take care of everything. We all five got in the new bus and headed to town. The kind man asked which hotel we were going to and I realized the information was on my computer and the boys had just used up all the battery power on the computer. I did remember it was a Holiday Inn.

He didn’t seem the least bit surprised that I did not know which hotel it was. We got off at the bus station. While on the bus he had called his son to get phone numbers for all the Holiday Inns. Our first call was our hotel so we now had our destination address. Our hero walked us to a cab and made sure the cab driver knew where we were going. He then turned to me and asked, “Do you have any Singapore money?”

At this point I think I blushed. In all the confusion of the day, I had forgotten to get Singapore dollars. I thought to myself, “How in the world have you made it this far around the world?” He reached in his pocket and handed me a $50 Singapore bill. I graciously and gratefully accepted it. I gave him my business card and he gave me his. I looked at his card and saw he was a Captain for Singapore airlines. Harrison handed him a website bracelet. The boys and I thanked him for all his help; we hopped in the cab and were off. We safely arrived at our hotel in minutes.

I have searched high and low for the man’s business card and as of this writing cannot find it. There is a part of me that wonders if he was real or was he our guardian angel of the day who came to make sure we made it safely to our location? Either way, I am grateful that someone was watching after us. Actually, God has been watching after us this entire trip. He sometimes calls on others to help us when He knows we need the help.

Please join us in asking God to pour out His blessings on this man who so kindly blessed us. Pray for all those who go out of their way to help the alien in their land.

The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, ... Psalm 146:9
Our two dear friends from the Holiday Inn who so wonderfully took care of us in Singapore.
The Holiday Inn Parkview was a special treat for us. I highly recommend it!

KL ~ Tracts On The Street

2008-08-02T11:04:00.000-04:00

August 2, 2008
Bus Station
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Handing out Tracts

Our last day in Kuala Lumpur and we still have lots of Malaysian tracts left. We are taking the bus to Singapore and have a little bit of a wait in the bus station, so we decided to hand out tracts at the station. We worked in shifts so two of us could keep an eye on the luggage. Reid and I went first. We tried giving them out to people as they walked past us but found that few would take one. We then walked around to those sitting and waiting. It is obvious when you are handing a tract to a Hindu or a Muslim here. I was thrilled each time someone who was obviously not Christian would accept the tract. I found this to be a great place to give out tracts. These folks have time on their hands and nothing to do but wait, so they read our tracts! As we finished, Reid and I prayed for those who had received that God would plant seeds in their hearts to come to know Him.

Hatcher and Harrison went next. I kept an eye on them and an eye on Reid and the luggage as they went. It was interesting to watch the people watch my children as they moved around the station. Hatcher later told me that one of the men asked if he was selling the tract. When Hatcher said no, the man began reading the tract.

Please pray for those who accepted and read the tracts, that God will touch their hearts.

KL: Man In The Street

2008-07-31T11:10:00.000-04:00

Man in the Street
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

We have had two days of rest in the hotel. The boys have been able to play on the hotel’s internet and watch TV. I’ve had some quiet time and have gobbled up a couple of the books Barbie brought me. We decided today we would venture out into the city. Our cab driver had told us that Times Square was the place to go (shopping, movies and even an indoor roller coaster) and it was within walking distance of our hotel so we headed that way.

I must share that spiritually I am drained. I have come to learn the signs of my own spiritual drought and when I recognize those signs I know it is time to replenish for I have nothing left inside….I need a refilling of the Spirit.

The city was interesting and busy. As we walked, we suddenly passed a beggar. He legs were maimed and I didn’t have it in me to even look at him. We passed him and then Hatcher stopped. He didn’t have to say anything, because I knew too we had to give the man something. We dug into our pockets and pulled out a couple of remigetts (Malaysian currency). I also dug for a Malaysian tract. Hatcher walked back and gave the items to the man. “Mom, I think he was happy to get the tract.” Hatcher said. I was relieved we hadn’t passed him by. Soon we saw another and again gave.

As we walked the last block to Times Square, the number of people walking with us grew. I looked ahead and saw something in the street. My heart lurched and my soul started to cry out to the Lord, “God, please don’t let that be a person.” I kept repeating that in my head, but God was not answering my plea.

In my life I have seen many hurt and wounded people. I have hugged children laden with lice, kissed the hand of a man who was covered in scabs and held and prayed for a woman with leprosy. Yet, this sight before me now was one I could not handle. I don’t know that words can begin to give you a picture of how it felt in my heart. This was a man who was lying on the side of the street. His leg was displaced from his hip and stuck out to the side, he had a large open wound on his leg and many wounds in various stages of healing. He was very thin and barely clothed. His arms and legs were all wounded and frozen in certain positions. Most disturbing of all, he was lying face down. His mouth was pressed against the road. My insides were panicking….I wondered if he had fallen and no one had stopped to help him. I walked towards him to check on him. Inside I wanted to run in the opposite direction. He was conscious and then I saw the cup in his hand. He could not move his body but he could bang the cup against the road. Inside the cup were a variety of bills. I reached in my pocket and gave him everything that was in it, then walked away.

The boys followed close behind. We walked up a short set of stairs to the entryway of Times Square. I immediately saw large advertisements for beautiful clothes and name brand watches. The advertisements and the vast materialism that lay before me made me want to vomit and I wondered if I could walk through this building. I had to stop and lean against the wall. The boys gathered around me and I grabbed the first one I could and began to weep.

I wept for the man. I wept for this country. I wept for the people who walked by him. I wept for the family member who must take him there regularly in order to get financial help to care for him. Then I wept for me, that I couldn’t touch him, speak to him, pray for him or even look at him. I felt I had let the Lord down. I had allowed my own fear, hurt, pain, whatever it was to stop me from showing the love of God to him.
I will not be the same since this event. I will forever wonder if I was his chance for healing or salvation and I missed the opportunity. The image of this man will forever be etched on my mind. I cry now as I write this.
Later I prayed and asked God why I couldn’t reach out to this man. I don’t know the answer and don’t feel like God has given me one, but I do know that I was not “prayed up”. I know by the Word that in our weakness God is made strong (2 Corinthians 12:9)….I wonder if I had reached out in faith (in the weakened state I was in) if God would have moved with great strength. I’ve seen God do it before, yet I didn’t give Him a chance this time. I see in hindsight I was more focused on my needs than his, yet how much greater his needs were than mine.

I have prayed for this man and I have repented to the Lord for my weakness. I have prayed that God will send another who is stronger.
Please pray for him too…God knows his name.

New friends we met in Malaysia…please pray that God will speak to their hearts.

Kuala Lumpur

2008-07-28T10:00:00.006-04:00

July 28, 2008
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This country and city are so very different than what I expected. The official religion here is Islam. It is a very diverse group of people and several natives have said the country prides itself on welcoming all religions.

Kuala Lumpur has the largest buildings in the world…the Petronas Twin Towers. They are striking and I remember seeing them on TV for the 2000 New Year Celebration.

One of these building houses an opera house and a huge mall. We visited the children's museum inside the building and it was terrific.

Friends we met in the museum…everybody wants a pic with us. :-)

Our taxi driver from the airport to our hotel was a delight and gave us the history of Malaysia as well as many other parts of the world…he was like an encyclopedia and we thoroughly enjoyed our ride with him.

We made friends at the Starbucks in town. These guys were very friendly and we were able to share the Gospel with them.

Two of them said they were Christians and a third was Buddhist.

Please pray for them.

God touches hearts

2008-07-07T09:44:00.003-04:00

Monday, July 7, 2008
Another small village in India

God touches hearts
By: Gloria Gault Geary

I don’t believe in coincidences anymore. I believe that everything is a part of God’s plan. I also am beginning to understand that when God uses us to bless others He also blesses us in some way.

Today is the 7th anniversary of the death of my husband. I don’t dread this date like I used to. I accept it as a day to thank God for the time I had with my husband and also to thank Him that I know my husband is in Heaven. This year it was also a time to see how far God has brought my family. I awoke early in the morning and realized the date. I spent time with the Lord and feel back asleep, I did not think about the anniversary again until I was in the middle of my talk to a group of widows.

As I began talking God prompted me to tell them the story of how He spoke to me that morning Bill died. As I began to share the story I remembered it was the anniversary and shared that with them too. After we shared the Gospel with them we prayed over them. There was a woman who requested prayer whose husband had died within the last year. She has two girls and her mother has leprosy and she is also sick. The minute she and I touched hands she broke down crying. One of our team members was praying aloud over her. The widow cried and began praying aloud too. Of course we could not understand what she was saying, but I knew she was pouring out her heart to God. I also knew that was exactly what she needed to do and I knew God was reaching down into her heart to give her healing. It touched my heart that God would use my story to touch these women half a world away and I began crying too. We cried and prayed together. Soon the team stopped praying out loud and just let her cry and pray as we quietly prayed around her. It was a precious time for all of us.

It was interesting to me that on the morning of Bill’s death, God would have me speaking to a group of very young (early to mid-teens) widows here in India. I felt blessed to be with these young women whose struggles are more than I have ever imagined having. It is very possible that is the reason God put me with these women today. If I would ever think to fall into self pity about the fact that my husband has died I need only to think of these young women. They are more on their own than I have ever been. My church, my family and my friends gathered around me to support me enormously after Bill died. These women have few to none who have surrounded them. I have the peace of knowing my husband is in Heaven and one day I will see him again. They often do not.

There were 10 students and 3 past students there for the meeting, Eight of them accepted Christ after we spoke. God was there with us and He was speaking to hearts. We gave them Bibles and they were truly thrilled to receive one.

Please pray for these precious young widows. Pray for God to draw them near to Him and use them to be a witness to others. Pray for provision for them and this ministry.

The Medical Clinic

2008-07-01T08:49:00.007-04:00

Chilakallu Village, India

This year the ministry has opened a medical clinic for the local citizens.

The cost to the community is minimal (approximately 2 rupees for 2-4 visits) and has proven a great way to minister and share the love of Jesus.

We visited the facility which is right outside the compound.

They see about 30-40 patients a day.

There is one doctor (thanks to a Canadian mission team who raised the funds to pay his salary for one year) and several nurses and nurse helpers. Because it is a small community the women will often make visits to homes to encourage those who need to come in to the clinic.

The clinic is bright and cheery and very clean looking. We heard a little about their ministry and how they have seen what a blessing it is to the community.

We laid hands on each of them and prayed for God to pour out His healing touch on each of them.

Visiting The Children of India

2008-07-01T08:45:00.002-04:00

Tuesday July 1, 2008
Chilakallu Village, India

Today we are finally getting on track with the time change. The first big event this morning was that Harrison got invited to go see the local monkey. There are many different animals and bugs here that the boys are enjoying seeing. Wild monkeys are all over the place and suddenly show up in trees above us.

We spent time with the boys from the orphanage in the morning and shared the Gospel with them using the salvation bracelets and soccer ball. They were quick learners. My boys stayed there and played with the soccer ball and match box cars with the local boys. I rarely saw them the rest of the day.

Visiting the Widows

2008-07-01T07:00:00.005-04:00

Visiting the Widows
Chillakalu Village, India

I must admit that this is one ministry I have really looked forward to being a part of.

Being a widow myself, I always feel an immediate connection with other widows, especially younger widows. And when I first learned of their program here, my heart leapt with joy at the thought of coming and seeing this first hand.

First you need a little background on the Hindu faith and widows. It has been a custom in this culture that if a husband dies, then the widow would be burned to death with her husband’s body. The Hindu faith taught that this would move the family 14 steps closer to nirvana. This practice was officially outlawed almost a century ago. The practice continued long after that and to this day there are still some widows who die along with their husbands. Because of this custom, widows who lived were considered outcast and often not helped by family members. Widows receive little sympathy in this culture.

In order to minister to these widows, IPCC has created a sewing school. The widows take 5 months of sewing lessons. When they graduate they are given a sewing machine, table, chair, material and all they need to start a sewing business so they can support themselves. There are two classes on the compound and several others locally.

When I walked into the first class, it was all I could do not to burst into tears. They were all standing at their sewing machines to honor me coming to visit them. As I looked around the room I was overwhelmed by their youth. I never asked their age, but there were many there in their mid-teens. Even Reid noticed their youth and asked me how old they had to be to get married.

The widow on the left accepted Christ after we shared the Gospel with the women.

We gathered around in a circle and I shared with them about us and our mission call. We shared the Gospel and they each got salvation bracelets. This would be our first of several visits with this group.

We were blessed to have one widow pray to receive Christ that day.

Backpack for the kids of Chilakallu Village, India

2008-06-30T12:21:00.027-04:00

Chilakallu Village, India
House of Hope
By: Gloria Gault Geary

We got settled into our rooms and had lunch. Jaipaul went over some of the customs and guidelines we needed to know. After a time of rest, we got to meet and play with the orphans for a while. They currently have 35 orphans. We had purchased school backpacks for all the kids and some toys and games (thank you Calvary United Methodist Church for your support of this!). They were thrilled to get the goodies and it turned into a playtime for all of us. We had bought some tea party type toys for the younger girls. When we gave them the toys, it didn’t appear they knew what to do with them, so I sat down in front of them and started playing.

They laughed as I pretended to drink tea and gobbled up the chicken.>
I offered the tea cup to a little girl who just looked at me, so I drank it again and then offered the cup to another. She caught on. My boys couldn’t help themselves and they jumped in too. Soon all the girls were cooking, serving and eating.

We had purchased games for the older kids and match box cars for the little boys. I wish I could have caught on camera the eyes of the little boys when they saw the cars. Everyone one of them came up to me at some point and showed me the car they had gotten.
Making roads in the sand for their cars.

They were proud of their car and wanted me to know it.>

The event turned into a giant playtime for everyone and at one point I stopped and just looked around. A very simple toy and some time focused on a child. I began praising God for bringing us to these precious children. What joy I felt to spend time loving on them and what joy exuded from their hearts to just be kids and play.

<Katrina and Hepsa

Katrina is part of our ministry team.
She grew up in Haiti where her parents were missionaries. She has a depth of knowledge about the Lord and a humble, giving heart.

Chilakallu Village, India

2008-06-30T11:52:00.002-04:00

Monday June 30, 2008
House of Hope
By: Gloria Gault Geary

We left the hotel at 5:00 am to travel to the village. We were a convoy of three SUVs, the last one was carrying all the luggage. It was a 4 hour plus drive and we slept a good portion of the way. The Indian countryside was a mixture of beautiful sights and fascinating people. Watching individuals live their daily lives of walking their oxen to get water or move their lambs and goats to market provides great entertainment for new visitors.
We passed many shrines, temples and too many idols to count. Seeing the locals drive is a whole different story. In order to get a driver’s license in India, one simply buys it at the store. Traffic was heavy and there is a mixture of buses, large trucks, auto rickshaws, motorcycles, oxen, goats, bikes, and pedestrians, not to mention the occasional Mother Hen and her family.

In order to pass the slower traffic one must get in the lane of oncoming traffic. The traffic going in the other direction is also passing the slower traffic. There were many moments I spent in prayer for our safety as we would narrowly miss a head on collision going about 60-70 miles per hour. I noticed the locals were not the least bit fazed by it. This is normal travel for them. I felt like God had sent out an extra army of guardian angels for us this morning and they were going before us making the roads safe. My guess is the guardian angels who take care of India must do a lot of overtime on the road.

We stopped at one point and watched a local woman prepare a fresh coconut for us to drink. It was delicious. Suddenly our cars stopped and there seemed to be a parade in front of us. Isaac put the car in park and said, “It is a welcoming party!” We all jumped out and there filling the street were about 100 kids and adults. There were 5 men with drums beating them wildly and as we walked up each of us were greeted with a lay of fresh flowers. Harrison got two. They were shooting off fireworks and paper poppers everywhere. I was handed several small flowers from different girls and women and everyone was saying welcome to us. It was an overwhelming and humbling welcome. The boys were being welcomed too and everyone was trying to get close to shake hands or touch us and the girls who were a part of our team.

The welcoming party began walking down the street and locals were standing on the side watching and observing these missionaries who were visiting their village. We walked a couple of hundred feet and then entered the House of Hope compound. I looked up to notice large signs welcoming us by name. The fireworks and drums continued. We were all covered with colorful confetti. As we came near the main house, they brought our team up to the porch and the others stood on the lawn. Jaipaul spoke briefly in their native language and made some introductions. He then asked me to pray. I was so humbled by their warm welcome I wept as I prayed for God to bless these people and our time with them.

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." Mark 9:37

Please pray for us as we minister, that God would guide us and would touch those here.

A scorpion comes to dinner!

2008-06-30T06:37:00.000-04:00

We were enjoying a lovely dinner with our Indian friends when a scorpion showed up without an invitation!

Yes, George (far right) caught it and brought it in for us to see.

George is known for the animals he catches…snakes, monkeys, rats, and more.

Jaipaul offered to deep fry it if one of us would eat it!

We love our new friends and invite you to pray for them too!

Arriving in Hyderabad, India

2008-06-29T12:30:00.013-04:00

Sunday June 29, 2008
Harsha Hotel Room 205
By:Gloria Gault Geary

We arrived India after 11:00pm on Friday and got checked in and settled into our hotel after 1:00 am Saturday. Our travel time from Ghana was almost two full days, we drove four hours to Accra from Aflao, then flew to Lagos, Nigeria to pick up more passengers. From Lagos we flew to Frankfurt, Germany and had a 5 hour layover there. Finally we caught our last flight to Hyderabad, India. Both Hatcher and Harrison had fevers while we traveled and God bless them, they never once complained.

Jets, my seatmate who was a delight to fill me in about India history.

Jets was raised Christian in India and is currently studying in the UK. He was coming home for the first time in two years.

Hyderabad is the fifth largest city in India. It is considered one of the friendliest cities and a great place to visit in India.

The boys and I already like India. The people are kind and gentle. We again are a bit of a rarity here and continue to get stares everywhere we go. Harrison also has many people reach out to touch him here as in Ghana. Often men will stop the boys to shake hands with them and speak to them. It really is sweet how kind they are to my children and I can tell they are genuinely interested to see American children here.

Hatcher’s seatmates who also are currently living in UK.

We have spent the last two days sleeping, eating, and learning a few customs. One of the most interesting customs to me is the fact that when someone nods yes here, they nod the top of their head from left to right (versus we nod with our chins up and down). When I first noticed this, I thought they were stretching their necks. Then when I realized several people did this while I was talking to them I had to ask the meaning. It is a bit humorous at first (as I am sure my nodding my chin up and down must be to them), but I am trying to teach myself to nod differently while we are here.

We shopped for some India style clothes for me

Our hosts here are Pastor JaiPaul, his brother Isaac and several others involved in their ministry, India Pentecostal Community Church (IPCC). This ministry was started by their father almost 40 years ago and this family has been a major influence of Christianity in India. Currently India is approximately 70% Hindu, 26% Muslim and 4% Christian. In the past several years Christians have been given a tough time by the government, but that has subsided recently.

Two of the Praise and Worship team members at Pearl City Church.These ladies worked at Google here in Hyderabad.

We have four young girls who are from New York and we will all be ministering together. Tomorrow we head to the Village.

Our Sunday feast after church at Pearl City Church

What a treat to worship with believers in India!

See the AutoRickshaw at left…on the streets of Hyderabad.

Hyderabad, India

2008-06-28T00:15:00.001-04:00

Please pray for our safety in India and that God uses us to His utmost!

Charminar, the most enduring symbol of the city.

Hyderabadis, as residents of the city are known, have developed a distinctive culture which is a mixture of ancient Hindu traditions of Telugu people and Islamic Culture.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyderabad,_India

According to Wikipedia, some 909 million of India's 1.13 billion people are Hindu. Muslims make up 151 million or 13.4 percent of the population.
Only about 2.3 percent of Indians - or 26 million - are Christians.

To find out all about India's 5th largest city just click: http://wikitravel.org/en/Hyderabad

Please pray that all we meet joyfully receive the good news of Jesus Christ!

Ghana Prayer List

2008-06-27T23:40:00.000-04:00

Please pray for:
The country of Ghana, that God would spark a fire of revival in the heart’s of His people and pour out His blessings on them.

Pray for the children of Ghana, that they grow in the truth of God and His love for them. Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon them,

...the sick in Ghana and those who care for them,

…This little boy had something stick in his eye….we prayed for his healing…please pray too,

…Our dear sister, Florence who has a huge heart for children and wants to go each week to schools to share the Gospel with children. She blessed us so with her time and help.

Pray also for the WMU,

...for Patricia and Emmanuel to be blessed with children,

...the pastors and leaders, that they would be role models of the love of Jesus and have a servant’s heart for those they lead.

Please search your heart ~ your help is needed!

2008-06-26T22:20:00.000-04:00

Volta Region Ghana Mission desperately needs our help

I am impressed with the stewardship of this ministry. Their churches do not sit empty. They double as schools during the week and also house orphans. This is not a ministry who spends their money on needless items. Their one car is a van without air conditioning. The van runs such that we always knew when it arrived…we could hear it. The senior leader, Rev. Wisdom and his family live with the orphans and keep an eye on them. There are other workers who live there too. One pastor was given a motorcycle and I’ve seen him drive around others to ministry work.

Our ministry team was made up of individuals who took time off from work to be with us. The pastors all work to support themselves and then also minister. While this sounds admirable, I am sure it puts much stress on their families and on the pastor who in essence is working two full time jobs. One team member, Sister Florence is raising two orphans and pays for all their needs. She worked with us for two full weeks forgoing the money she would earn at her shop during that time.

These are leaders who have a heart to serve and are willing to sacrifice much to do the work of God. This is a community whose entire financial income go to feed their families and take care of basic necessities. They are often not in a position for the “wants” of life, they are still working on the “needs”. Hot showers (and often just showers), soft beds, pillows, housing, food beyond what is needed to live…these are luxuries in this culture.

Please prayerfully consider if God might be calling you to financially help support their work.

God blessed the early church mightily and part of the reason He blessed them was that they gave to those in need. As Americans, we have an abundance of financial wealth. Giving a little from our abundance will greatly bless these people.

“…and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” Acts 4:35

Ways you can help
· Free to you but of immeasurable value to the teacher and kids – good used Sunday school supplies..pictures of Bible stories, lesson plans (most read and understand English), Christian videos and DVD’s for children (Bible man, Angelwars, etc), used toys in good condition – mail them to:

Ghana Ministry

207 S. Limestone St.

Gaffney, SC 29340

· $10 or more donation to purchase a projector…this will be used for churches, schools, children’s ministry and to show the Jesus Film in public locations… total cost is $1850.00

· $50 per month to provide for visits to the school to witness to children… this would pay for gas and help the missionary….schools would be visited every quarter.

· $100 per month to sponsor a pastor…this money would give them more time to minister instead of working another job to support their family (and more time with their family)

· Several churches are attempting to purchase the land they are currently using…typical land costs for a church are $2500 -3500. Land prices are going up every year.

· The WMU have a dream to build a retreat location for church groups and schools to use. The land cost would be about $4000.00. Once the retreat is built, they believe it will provide funds to help their mission.

· For the orphans: They currently have 40 orphans who live next to the main church. They need a dining hall for the children to eat. The children currently eat under a canvas covering outside. $12,000 can build the dining hall which would be used for Sunday school classes on Sunday and for school classes during the week.

How to donate?

Easy ~ Just click the PayPal button below for a safe and secure site!

The safer, easier way to donate online!

It only takes a minute to setup your account.

Please note: You may be asked for an email for the recipient.

Copy below so you can paste into PayPal:

revwise_6@yahoo.com
You may also ship items and donations directly to:
Pastor Wisdom Shelter Ameku
First Baptist Church
Good Shepherd Happy Children's Home
P.O. Box AF 162
Aflao, Volta Region

Ghana, West Africa

The Girl in the Black Hood

2008-06-26T10:26:00.005-04:00

Hotel Makavo
Aflao, Ghana
Gloria Gault Geary

I noticed the black covering first and my insides quivered. When she walked closer I wanted to reach out to her and hug her. She looked at me fearfully and I smiled and nodded to her. In hindsight I wish I had tried to speak to her and had witnessed to her. Each day since I have looked for her on the street, yet haven’t seen her again.

Photo: Fetish Priest with a young girl who has become a Trokosi ("wife of the Gods") . She will live her life as a labor and sex slave to the Fetish Priest.

She was no taller than Reid and probably not much older. She is a slave to the fetish priest of a local cult. Wearing the black signifies her slavery. Her parents gave her to the priest in return for spiritual protection of the family. The child will never go home again. She will not go to school. She is property of the priest and is used by him in any way he desires. Any children she bears become slaves too.

I spent the majority of the night last night praying for this child and all those like her in this country. This practice was officially outlawed in 1984, but unfortunately still continues today.
Yesterday we drove past an older woman who wore a large black material belt around her waist. She is also a slave, one who has grown up in the cult shrine.

Because the voo doo and cult activities have been a part of this culture for so long, even those who have professed Christ will occasionally turn back to the old ways. These are the types of spiritual warfare the Christians here deal with everyday.

Please pray against this evil that enslaves innocent young children and pray that more will come to know the goodness of Christ and will seek the one true God for their protection.

I have a new understanding about why “You are the most high God” is such a popular song here.
You are the most high God, Jehovah

You are the most high God, Jehovah

All other gods
These are the words of man
You are the most high God
There is none like You.

You are the most high God, Jehovah

You may read more about this tragic sin of Human Trafficking at: http://www.christlivinginyou.com/human_trafficking

Ghana odds & ends

2008-06-25T23:30:00.006-04:00

We'd like to share some our memories from this wonderful sun-baked coastal country.

A sampling of the food and the warm smiles of Ghana

The market at night is lit up by Bunsen burners…their only lights.

Twice when we stopped on our way to Accra, the battery in the van died. The boys were all too happy to be a part of pushing the van to jump start it.

Here's a cute Hippo video from Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/v/G3NueKXS6dk&hl=en&fs=1

A Kiss from God

2008-06-25T09:21:00.001-04:00

One of our family fun times on this mission trip is to snuggle in front of the computer at night and watch a video together. As we snuggled together to watch 'Amazing Grace' one night, I made the comment that all we needed was popcorn to make the evening perfect. The boys all agreed. At home we almost always have popcorn when we watch a movie.

The very next morning when we arrived at our first stop, we climbed out of the van to discover these young women with a basketful of popcorn bags. The boys and I looked at each other and said, “Wow, that is a God-thing!”

He had provided not only for our needs but our simple wants too.

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. Isaiah 58:11

Answered prayers in sweet unexpectaed ways

2008-06-24T22:56:00.005-04:00

Aflao, Ghana
Tuesday June 24, 2008
By Gloria Gault Geary
Photo by Reid Geary

I stood in front of them praying for God to stop the rain so we could give them a chance to accept Jesus. In answer to my prayer, the rain did not stop, but the sweet sound of teenagers singing praises to God began. Spontaneously these teenagers started singing!

I didn’t recognize the song but the few words I caught were ones of lifting praises to Him. It touched my heart. After several verses, the song ended and they looked at me. I braved the first few bars of “You are the most high God” and one girl in the front nodded and turned to the group. Immediately the whole group belted out this joyous song.

I raised my hands to praise the Lord as we sang.

It was a beautiful time and the sounds of their voices were overpowering the sound of rain. When they finished singing the rain had tapered off enough for us to speak. Several children raised their hands that they wanted to accept Christ and we all prayed together.

God always answers prayers; sometimes He just answers them in a more beautiful way than we could have thought to ask.

Can you think of a time that God answered your prayer in a different and yet better way than you had asked?

Thank Him for that gift.

Thank you God for answering prayers!

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15

A short trip to Adina Beach

2008-06-24T11:40:00.006-04:00

Victory Baptist Church
Adina, Ghana
By: Gloria Gault Geary

We took a short trip to a neighboring town called Adina. Pastor Christian has been a part of our ministry team and we visited his church in Adina. Pastor Christian actually oversees 12 churches, is the Pastor of two churches and ministers in the country of Togo each Monday.

He also works a job to support his family. He has a gentle and kind spirit about him and it is obvious he has a heart to serve the Lord by serving others.

Earlier in our visit I had shared with the team that we had been at IHOP (http://www.ihop.org/) and what their prayer room was like. Pastor Christian had shared that he wanted to open a prayer room at their church in Adina. Other churches in the area come to where the church is to pray. The church is on the beach. When Pastor Christian asked why they came there to pray, he was told they felt the presence of God there more. Since then Pastor Christian has wanted to create a place where all can come and pray.

As we visited several local people gathered and we prayed for the community, the church and the local fishermen.

We all dipped our toes in the Gulf of Guinea while we were there.

It Rained...

2008-06-24T10:51:00.001-04:00

Just at the end of our second presentation, the rain started again.

The timing was great in that they had heard the Gospel presented and they had listened well.
This was another group of teenagers.

Hatcher spoke and the kids were very much interested in what he said.

We all ran into a room seconds before the onslaught started. The rain was so heavy on the tin roof that it was impossible for the kids to hear us.

The Eavesdropper

2008-06-24T00:06:00.003-04:00

Aflao, Ghana

We visited two schools today. Our first was a pre-school full of precious children. The boys and I have sung the song, “You are the most high God” almost constantly since we first heard it here. So when we arrived at the school we sang the song and the children sang along.

I spoke to the children and shared about God. While I was speaking I noticed a woman peaking through the fence, listening. It touched me that she wanted to hear and see what was happening at this pre-school.

Hatcher began sharing the Gospel and I realized this woman was still listening. I began praying for her. I knew that this message was for her and God had scheduled this visit just for her. She mostly tried to stay hidden but every now and then she would get very close to the fence. She stayed and listened for the entire time we were there. When we left, I looked for her but she was no place to be found.

Please pray for this dear woman who wanted to hear the message of God bad enough to eavesdrop through a fence in a school yard.

Joyfully serving our Lord,

Gloria, Hatcher, Reid and Harrison

The Man with the Evil Spirit

2008-06-23T13:48:00.003-04:00

Hotel Makavo
Aflao, Ghana
By Gloria Gault Geary

I had prayed for him during the service. There was something about him that called me to pray for him, but I couldn’t tell you what it was. I didn’t think much about it until when we got in the van to leave; he got in the van too. He was the only person in the van who I had not met before. The minute I saw him climb in I knew God was calling me to pray for him.

Coffe, this man and Osborne were all in the front seat. The boys and I were spread out in the back three seats. As soon as we took off I asked Osborne to tell me about this man. I knew he was a part of one of the new churches they had just planted. He was a member and had come to Christ one month and 10 days ago. I asked Osborne if he would ask the man if I could pray for him. The man agreed and I asked Osborne to ask him what prayer request he had. The man spoke and Osborne translated.

He was a fisherman and there was an evil spirit in his house that continued to shut down his business. His forefathers had allowed the evil spirit to come in. He wanted me to pray for the evil spirit to leave, so he could make a living in his business.

As I heard the translation several things went through my mind and I felt God was showing me what to do to deliver this man from his situation. I told Osborne to explain to the man that he would first need to “stand in the gap” for his forefathers. The door had to be shut in order to take away the legal right the evil spirit had there. Now that he belonged to God, he could go before God and ask Him to forgive his forefathers for what they had done to allow this evil into his home. As I shared this, the Lord put on my heart the story of when Moses had “stood in the gap” for the Israelites. I used this story as an example. (Exodus 32: 7-14) I explained that he would have to be like Moses and stand in the gap.

Osborne nodded and explained this, then led the man to pray and ask forgiveness. When they were done I prayed and rebuked the evil spirit. I stood in the authority Jesus has given me and poured the blood of Jesus on this man, his business and his home.

We arrived at the hotel and all three men got out of the van to tell us goodbye. I snapped a picture of them and asked Osborne what the man’s name was. He grinned and said, “Moses.” I smiled very big and said, “That is God!” I knew then that God was answering this man’s prayer and had brought us together for this short ride to do just that.

“And these signs will follow those who believe in My name they will cast out demons…” Mark 16:17

Hatcher shares the Gospel at a school in Ghana

2008-06-23T11:59:00.005-04:00

Hotel Makavo

Aflao, Ghana, West Africa
By: Gloria Gault Geary

Photo by Reid Geary: Hatcher shares the Gospel at a school

Please pray for the Christians in Ghana, they have a daily spiritual battle with the many cults and voodoo fetish priests here.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement to us.

Ghana has been everything I expected and more...

2008-06-23T11:50:00.007-04:00

We are in Aflao, Ghana (on the Gulf of Guinea) and leave for India in two days. Ghana has been everything I expected and more.

We have spoken to several thousand children and adults, visited the sick in the hospital, prayed over many who are ill or are fighting evil spirits.

Ghana is a country where voodoo is still practiced regularly.

God has used us in many ways and He has used Ghana to teach us.

Photo: Hrrison and the children who visit us daily at the hotel to play with the boys.

Preparing to speak in Ghana

2008-06-22T08:00:00.012-04:00

It is 8:00am

The boys and I will be speaking to a joint service today.

I have prepared a speech for the adults and we have prepared a program for the kids.

Harrison wakes up complaining that he doesn’t feel good, he has a stomach ache. I feel his forehead and he has a fever. We all gather around him to pray and before we have finished I can feel his fever has left. We all start to get ready and Harrison suddenly throws up, not a serious one but one none the less.

He lays down to rest and within the hour he is back to his vivacious self.

5:20 pm
No more signs of illness for Harrison, he ate like a horse at lunch and is happily singing and playing legos beside me now.

Thank you Jesus! :-)

Fun & Interesting Facts in Ghana

2008-06-21T04:17:00.003-04:00

Yes, it is an anthill! (ok, mountain) We estimated it was taller than Uncle Jimmy (6’9”) These anthills were plentiful in some areas.

Because everyone walks and they are so close to the ocean, the sand can prove to be tiresome for transportation. To improve the consistency of the roads (which are sand) they sometimes put trash on the road to mix into the sand.

Families of chickens are everywhere. Once during a talk at a school, a hen and her chicks walked right between us and the audience. Reid and I both looked at each other, grinned and then kept talking.

Children are active in the family businesses. They learn the trade at a young age. Almost everything is carried on the head. We were a rarity with our backpacks.

A boy witnesses in Ewe language

2008-06-20T10:22:00.001-04:00

One little boy was brave enough to get in front of the whole school and show that he had learned the meaning of the colors.

We took a video of him and I pray we can put it on the website for others from Ghana to hear the Gospel in their own Ewe language.

Difficult teens?

2008-06-19T14:05:00.004-04:00

Our third school was different than all the rest. It was a very large school, but we spoke only to the middle school children. When we arrived and walked up to the school, there were many students who laughed at us. They were not being mean, I think they were really just excited, but it made the boys very uneasy. As we entered the room and they quieted the kids down, I could tell they were going to be somewhat rowdy. After all, they are teenagers! There were kids outside every window and a crowd outside the door. The room inside was packed. As I looked around the room, I prayed to God, “Lord, please give me something that will speak to their hearts.” “Go to the Word,” came His quick reply. I opened my Bible and there was the Book of Revelation with Chapter 1 verse 2 underlined. I understood what He was telling me. This would be a different talk. I told Rev. Wisdom I planned to do something a little different and asked his approval. He nodded in agreement. I had already asked all three boys if they wanted to share the meaning of the colors and all three did not. It was not an easy audience and they knew it.

I read the scripture out loud. “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

I then asked who could tell me what Book of the Bible it was from. I explained there was a prize for the one who could answer correctly. “Matthew, Acts, 1 Corinthians, Psalms”...they guessed and guessed but no one was correct. I prayed for God to give someone the answer. A young girl about half way back raised her hand and said, Revelation. I handed her a 1 Cedi bill and the whole room exploded. It took a few minutes to calm them down. I explained that the lesson I wanted them to get was that reading and knowing the Word of God PAYS in many ways. I had their attention. I knew the Spirit of God was on me and I just started talking. The audience sat perfectly still and very quiet. Their ears were open and I knew God was planting many seeds in their hearts. The more I talked, the more God seemed to tell me what to say. He was talking to a group of teenagers who were facing the temptations of life. He knew where they were and spoke directly into their lives. I knew this message was specifically for them. God was speaking to them and I believe they knew it too. We gave them an opportunity to ask Jesus in their heart. Sister Florence took over and prayed in Ewe with them. I prayed over them before we left.
There have been days as we have traveled that I have wished for home or doubted we should have left and then there are days like this when I know we are being used by God in ways we will not understand this side of eternity.

Please pray for these teenagers. Pray for teenagers all over the world. God knows what they are going through and is ready to carry them through in His truth.

Ghana Teenagers

2008-06-19T13:44:00.006-04:00

Hotel Makavo Aflao, Ghana

This morning the rain was light, so we visited three schools. The first was a school of about 100. Harrison shared the Gospel and even showed what skipping was. As part of sharing the Gospel, we explain that the Bible tells us the streets of Heaven are paved with gold. (The meaning of the color yellow on our wristbands)

God lives in Heaven and wants us all to be there with Him. We then tell them we are planning a skipping party in Heaven down those streets of gold. When we all get there, we will all skip down the streets together. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

You only need to make sure you will be there!

Headmaster Phillips leads a precious pack...

2008-06-19T10:06:00.001-04:00

The second school had about 120.

Headmaster Phillip was quick to profess his faith in Christ to us.

The children sang us a song of welcome.

They had several boys playing the drums.

I felt like God was smiling on these precious children as they worshiped Him in song.

Reid told a little about our mission trip and Hatcher shared the Gospel with the children.

There was such a sweet spirit about this school and I wanted to stay with them longer.

God’s healing Touch

2008-06-19T04:00:00.000-04:00

Ghana
It’s 4:00 am.

About two hours ago Hatcher suddenly woke up with a stomach ache.

I immediately put my hand on his stomach and prayed for God to heal him.

One trip to the bathroom and two vomit false alarms and he was back in bed.

................Reid prays for a baby and mother our first day in Ghana.

I prayed in the Spirit the whole time. After getting back to bed, he fell into a deep sleep. I put my hand on him. He felt clammy and I prayed again asking God to make his temperature normal.

I couldn’t go back to sleep and so I began praying. I prayed for Ghana and each person we have met here. I prayed for Rev. Wisdom and all the church leaders in this region, then for our church back home, our Pastor Joel Sellers, the Sunday school teachers, our deacons….the list continued and I prayed as God brought people to my mind.

As I prayed it occurred to me how healthy we have been on this trip. So far we have visited 8 countries and have had simply one fever and one vomiting session. We have had numerous times when one of us has begun to feel sick. Our family ritual has become to immediately lay hands on the one ill and pray. If I don’t think to do it, one of the boys will. More times than I can count the illness just fades.

Even prior to this mission trip, there have been numerous times when one of the boys would have a fever in the night and shortly after prayer, it leaves. I have learned that God still heals today. We are called to pray and trust God.

Suddenly Hatcher awoke again. He shared a dream he had and then said simply, “Mom, I feel better.” My reply is always the same… Thank you Jesus!

I heard another voice in the dark and it was Harrison. “Thank you God for water…” his voice faded and I knew he was dreaming. “Did you hear what he said Mom?” Hatcher asked. I had not and sat up to hear better. Harrison started again, “Thank you God for water and for healing up….”. I thought he was thanking God for making Hatcher better and then he finished, “…for healing up Aletha.”

Hatcher and I both responded, “Thank you Jesus” and giggled.

Aletha is my dear cousin who watched the boys for several weeks while we were last home. I don’t know that Aletha is sick, but I do believe that God has healed her up!

“Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength.” Psalm 8:2

Please pray for those you know who are ill and give praise to God for all those you know who have recovered from illness. Also, pray for God to open our eyes to His healing touch.

No Money!

2008-06-18T11:39:00.002-04:00

Hotel Makavo
Aflao, Ghana
By Gloria Gault Geary

No Money!

We have been here four days and the only money I have had was 25 euros (which equates to about $39). I discovered this money late Monday afternoon. I am amazed that I haven’t been more fretful about this. After Rev. Wisdom picked us up at the airport, we drove straight out to Aflao. It never occurred to me we might have problems getting cash. The ATM (there is one here) and the bank do not accept credit card, debit cards or traveler checks. I emailed home to have money wired to us. How grateful I am for internet on this trip.

Of course, it helps that Rev. Wisdom knows the hotel owner (they don’t take credit cards either) and he and the church have provided for our food and water. Before this trip, I don’t think I could have handled being in this position. I am constantly reminded that God is in control and He provides for our every need. In fact, several times in the last week or so this verse has been brought to my attention.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

The best part is that the first day Rev. Wisdom sent over a huge jar of peanut butter!

We haven’t had peanut butter in over three months.

The boys were thrilled!

My how God does provide and He provides the good stuff too. Thank you God for providing for us.

Prayer and Laying of Hands on Patricia

2008-06-17T15:27:00.006-04:00

Later in the afternoon we visited one of the ministry team’s wives, Patricia. Patricia had just suffered a miscarriage.

She and Emmanuel want four children and this was her second pregnancy and second miscarriage. The whole team surrounded her, laid hands on her and prayed.

Please pray for God’s health for her and that they would be blessed with strong children.

Hospitol Ministry with Sister Florence

2008-06-17T15:13:00.005-04:00

Please pray for the sick in Ghana.

Pray for God to heal hearts and bodies.

Pray for all who suffer physical illness.

After the hospital we went to a school of 750 children.

I was amazed at the number of children they had.

We had not brought enough bracelets and Hatcher and Coffee (the driver) had to make a run back to the hotel to get more.

Reid shared the Gospel and we encouraged them to be missionaries right in their neighborhood by sharing with others the meaning of the colors on the bracelet.

Sister Florence stood up and shared a song that was exactly what we had just taught. So we all learned a new song. The school children were enthusiastic and eager to learn.

Ghana Hospitol Ministry PM

2008-06-17T11:31:00.004-04:00

Afternoon
We ran into several Muslims who allowed us to pray for them and several we witnessed about Christ to. We went through the men’s ward and the TB ward (the children did not go into that ward) and another ward where the illnesses seemed most severe. It was hard for all of us to continue through and pray, especially for the boys.

The toughest part was when we entered the children’s ward.

There were several children I wept over as I prayed. Next to every child was their mom sitting right there with them and I prayed over those moms too. I know the pain of seeing your child sick and hospitialized and my heart went out to all of them.

Ghana Hospitol Ministry AM

2008-06-17T11:03:00.005-04:00

Aflao, Ghana
Our Third Day in Ghana
Morning

Rev. Wisdom and his magnificent crew picked us up this morning and we rode straight to the hospital. We were greeted by the administrator of the hospital who warmly welcomed us. We prayed over him before we started the visits.

Our first stop was a group of pregnant women. I loved the fact that the hospital had gathered these women together for missionaries to come speak to them. We shared from the Bible and Florence (my interpreter) shared that she didn’t think many of them knew Jesus. So we shared the Gospel and offered for them to pray and ask Jesus into their hearts. They prayed and I knew many were receiving Jesus for the first time.

As we prayed over them, I felt led to encourage them to pray over their children. There is a mighty power released when Mommas pray for their children. God has a special ear tuned into the prayers of mothers. I can’t explain it, but I know that when I pray for my children God leans in and cups His hand to His ear to make sure He doesn’t miss a breath of what I say. I tried to explain this to them. Many nodded and several smiled their agreement that they too knew this.

We then asked them to lay hands on their bellies as we prayed over their children. I truly believe that one of the most important things we can ever do for our children is pray over them. We are called by God to teach them about His Word. Our actions speak louder than our words and when they see us praying, it speaks to their hearts. Even more importantly is when they hear us ask God to pour out His blessings on them. These prayers are seeds planted in the hearts of our children that God will nourish and grow.

The Bible tells us: speak to them as you lay down and as you get up…. This was a joyous time for me to pray over and encourage Moms-to-be.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

As we left the maternity ward we visited many others wards of very sick people. I have taken my children numerous times to hospitals to visit the sick. In New York City we visited a hospital for the terminally ill. This visit was different for all of us. The patients here are extremely sick and their need for healing is much more obvious than we have ever seen. We would walk into a ward and there would be 8-10 beds of sick people. Our group would split up into groups of 2-3 to minister. We would talk with the patient and determine if they knew Jesus. Those who did not, we would share the Gospel and give them an opportunity to ask Jesus into their heart.

Many of the patients did accept Jesus on the spot.

Witnessing in Ghana

2008-06-16T11:54:00.007-04:00

Just a quick update ...we are in Ghana...Aflao City.....on the coast of Gulf of Guinea.

It is hot and we have spoken at several churches, schools and orphanages.

They love the bracelets and we have given out probably 1000 in the last two days.

Pray for strength for us and for us all to be good witnesses.

I am humbled by what we complain about since being here. (expect a new "gratitude list" soon)

No access for my computer....so will be able to communicate rarely.

Know we are good.

Love you all...thanks for your prayers.

Hugging the kids

2008-06-15T16:34:00.001-04:00

After the service we walked around a bit and mingled with the children. They would stand and stare at us, almost afraid to get near. Finally I reached out towards one and hugged her. That broke the ice. They lined up for a hug. It was precious to me to hug these little children. They giggled and would push each other forward. Some would go back and get in line again for another hug. I pray they feel the hug of Jesus when I hug them.

I had pointed to my teeth to encourage the children to smile.

At all three churches we would lay hands on the children and pray over them. Several women came up to me and asked for specific prayers about spiritual issues or illness they were having. The boys laid hands on the children to pray for them too. This was a little different for the boys, but they met the challenge. Reid, who is my prayer warrior took the call very seriously. Several times I would turn to see him praying mightily over a child or adult.

It was a whirlwind day. We ate lunch with Rev. Wisdom and rested at their home which is part of the church and the orphanage. We were all beat and came back to the hotel early afternoon. We fell asleep about 7:00 pm.

Tomorrow would be our first adventure to visit schools.

Visiting the schools and the Women’s Mission

2008-06-15T10:50:00.010-04:00

Aflao, Ghana
By Gloria Gault Geary
Victory Preparatory School of Victory Baptist Church

Our first school visit was Victory Preparatory School. We were greeted by wide-eyed children who were anxious to see us. They cheered at every point of the presentation. Rev. Wisdom was our translator and we shared the Gospel using the salvation bracelets. They were thrilled to get the bracelets and we were able to pray over them. After the presentation, the staff refreshed us with sodas and cookies. My children were thrilled with that treat too.

As we drank our sodas, I asked the Pastor of Victory Church about the school. They have approximately 100 students and offer first through sixth grades. Many of the parents are single parents and have a hard time providing for their children, but they want their children in a Christian environment and do what they can to keep them there. The church helps out where they can too. The land the school is on is available for sale and the church would love to purchase it. The cost of this land is approximately $3500.00. The school could also use help in providing supplies for the children. For $100 the supplies for twenty children for the year could be purchased.

(If The Lord is calliong you to help with this you may click below)

http://gearyfamilymission.blogspot.com/2008/06/please-search-your-heart.html

Our second school was adjacent to the meeting of the WMU. This is a pre-school and a couple of the children were afraid of us. Several of the children were napping while we were there. They were all precious. Hatcher shared the Gospel and the boys gave out the bracelets.

After the schools, we went to visit a group of WMU. When he told me this, I knew who they were. Women’s Mission Union. Just like back home, this is the Ladies Group in the church. We heard them long before we saw them. They were singing beautifully and praying out loud.

As I talked with the leader, Sister Florence, she explained, “We had just been interceding for the world”. Don’t you love that! They were spending their time together praying for other nations around the world. I knew immediately I was in the presence of a great host of saints who stand before the Lord and He hears and answers their prayers. Each Monday this group comes together to pray and fast for missions and missionaries

As I looked at this group, I silently prayed, “God, what could I say to this group that would be meaningful?” As God has done before, He gave me the right message for them. We prayed for them and then they prayed for us. It was a treat to pray with these women of faith.

Later that day as we were at the orphanage having lunch, a young girl walked in and dropped off two bags. One filled with bananas and the other with pineapples. The WMU had sent them to us. It reminded me that the pineapple is a symbol of welcome. I don’t think it coincidence pineapples were sent.

Please pray for all the prayer warriors around the world who intercede for the nations. Especially pray for this warm group of women in Ghana, who so graciously welcomed us.

“…and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” Revelation 5:8

“He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints ascended before God from the angels’ hand.” Revelation 8:3-4

Witnessing to Ghanan orphans

2008-06-15T10:45:00.001-04:00

The last church had 40 orphans in attendance that live adjacent to the church and are a part of the ministry of the church. This church was filled with kids and it blessed me to see so many children there.

Harrison shared the meaning of the colors on the salvation bracelet.

The Gulf of Guinea

2008-06-15T08:56:00.001-04:00

Hotel Makavo Aflao, Ghana
By Gloria Gault Geary

Both Rev. Wisdom and Moses grew up in families where voo-doo was regularly practiced. It is still a common practice today in the country. Rev Wisdom had an encounter with the Lord at age 15. One day he felt a call to pray to God. He wasn’t really sure what that meant or how to do it, but he knew God was calling.
Photo: Part of our ministry team is Pastor Courage, Coffe, and Rev. Wisdom in front of our hotel.

The next day he experienced the same feeling and on Sunday decided he needed to go to church. His family members laughed when he told them he was going. At church he gave his life to Christ and immediately he was mentored by a man of God who led the planting of many churches.

Rev. Wisdom now heads up 73 (now 75, they have planted 2 more churches while we’ve been here) churches in the Lake Volta Region. They are of the Baptist faith.

Rev. Wisdom is a man of prayer and regularly spends hours a day in prayer. He is a man who knows and stands in his spiritual authority before the Lord often standing against evil and demons as the Lord makes them known to him.

In the country of Ghana, there are approximately 40% Christians and 20% Muslim. According to Rev. Wisdom, the statistics quoted by the country are higher for Christian, but they include many beliefs that are not truly Christian. The remainder are mostly practicing some form of voo-doo or are part of a cult. (I later learned that many who have been baptized and profess to be Christian still practice some form of voo-doo on occasion. When they are fearful, they sometimes return to what they were taught as youths.)

We traveled many streets filled with water and holes. We didn’t always stay on the right hand side of the road, because the left side was smoother. We arrived at our hotel and have a delightful room with a refrigerator, air conditioning and the really nice gift, a pool!

We settled in quickly to our new home in Aflao and slept soundly. Thank you God for safe travels and men of God who help get us settled.

Our first encounter with the local children on Sunday morning…a soccer ball transcends the language barrier.

Visiting the Churches

2008-06-15T08:27:00.003-04:00

Aflao, Ghana
By: Gloria Gault Geary

We slept soundly. There was a knock at our door early morning and Rev. Wisdom had sent over a basket full of food for us. Fresh baked bread, raisins, bananas and peanut butter! What a treat. There was a thermos full of hot water and teabags for me and Milo (a chocolate, vitamin drink) for the boys. We were blessed!

When traveling in other cultures it helps to know the differences in customs. I had asked Rev. Wisdom the night before what we needed to know. He explained that when speaking to a group it is rude to make a gesture with your left hand. You should always use your right hand. I had put that in my brain, or so I thought.

We visited the first church and were warmly welcomed. I spoke to the entire congregation and Rev. Wisdom interpreted. I prayed and felt very good about the time with them. As we traveled to our next church I quizzed Rev. Wisdom about what we could do to better share with them. He reminded me about the left hand gesture.
I had totally forgotten all about it! I knew I had goofed because I am left handed. I decided right then I would not speak again unless I was holding my Bible in my left hand. That would guarantee I could only use my right hand to gesture.

At the second church Hatcher spoke briefly. Again we were greeted like long lost brothers and sisters returning home. I was touched by their kindness towards us.

Again, I think I made a slight boo boo. As the children filed into the church I waved to them. When I waved I moved my fingers up and down. In Ghana that means “come here”, so immediately all the children walked up to the platform. I didn’t realize what I had done but loved the opportunity to touch them and speak to them.

Looking back I have to laugh at myself. As hard as I was trying to be polite, I seemed to be making lots of mistakes. Of course, no one corrected me or even hinted that I had done wrong.

Father's Day

2008-06-15T02:16:00.006-04:00

Father's Day Prayer
God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen

A Special Prayer for Father

God, bless all the fathers in the world. Guide them to be good role models and loving to all their children. Help them to be a father like You are. Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way. Amen

Father's Day Prayer of Remembering

"Fathers young, fathers oldRemembering good times are our gold. Value earned through guidance givenHelping us go forth in livin'. Each father adding to our troveA treasure chest of love untold. Remembering fathers in our livesTaking time to realize. Fatherly love brings wealth to livingRemembering this, we go forth in giving. Fathers young, fathers old We remember you allAs life unfolds." Susan Kramer

President Bush's Father's Day Proclamation

"Fathers play a unique and important role in the lives of their children. As mentor, protector, and provider, a father fundamentally influences the shape and direction of his child's character by giving love, care, discipline, and guidance. As we observe Father's Day, our nation honors fatherhood and urges fathers to commit themselves selflessly to the success and well-being of their children. And we reaffirm the importance of fathers in the lives of their children. Raising a child requires significant time, effort, and sacrifice; and it is one of the most hopeful and fulfilling experiences a man can ever know. A father can derive great joy from seeing his child grow from infancy to adulthood. As a child matures into independence and self reliance, the value of a parent's hard work, love, and commitment comes to fruition. Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and civil society. Numerous studies confirm that children whose fathers are present and involved in their lives are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy adults. Children learn by example; and they need their father's presence as examples of virtue in their daily lives. A child's sense of security can be greatly enhanced by seeing his parents in a loving and faithful marriage." George W. BushPresident, USA

A Father's Day Prayer

Thank you, friend Jesus, for my father who loves me, for my grandfather who cares for me, and for God, your father and mine, who made me and is always with me. How lucky I am! Gaynell Bordes Cronin

A Father's Day Prayer

Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father. Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children. Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing. Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children's love and respect. Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart. Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own. Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides. Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children. And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us. Kirk Loadman

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of Guinea

2008-06-14T23:29:00.010-04:00

Hotel Makavo Aflao, Ghana

We had been awake and traveling since 4:00am. We flew from Madrid to London and from London to Accra, Ghana. Our dear friends the Heywoods (better known as the Brits) who were our hosts in London on our previous visit meet us at Heathrow airport and brought two suitcases of witnessing materials that had been shipped from home. We had a short visit with them. It was fun to visit with friends again.

Michael
On our flight from London to Ghana, one of the flight attendants recognized us from an earlier flight. His name was Michael and I was so touched that he would remember us. Michael is from Scotland and he questioned why we were going to Ghana. I shared that we are on mission and offered a website bracelet, which he happily took. I asked if he knew Jesus. Michael’s response is one I have heard over and over throughout my life. He was raised in the church but as an adult he has gone in a different direction. I immediately got a sense that he felt condemned. I also immediately felt the love the Lord has for Michael that he doesn’t yet know.

I shudder to think about those who lead churches than run people away from God. God holds those in authority responsible for those He has entrusted to them. God so desires for each of us to know Him more intimately and He delights in sharing His love with us. He aches for Michael to accept His love for him. God aches for all of us to open our hearts to Him and everything that happens is God trying to get us to turn to Him and seek His face.

“…nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,…” Hosea 2:14

I don’t remember exactly what I said to Michael, but I tried to encourage him to be open to God again. We didn’t get to talk long because he was busy doing his work on the plane. I sat and prayed for Michael. After we left the plane, Michael twice walked past us and spoke. I was blessed by him and his genuine kindness towards us. Please pray for Michael to be touched and healed by God. Pray that he will open his heart to the awesome love of God.

Our flight arrived around 8:00pm. Within minutes of arriving I knew we would like Ghana. There is great warmth that exudes from the people here. After passing through customs, we were met by our host, Rev. Wisdom Shelter Ameku. Rev. Wisdom, Moses (a youth leader of one of the churches in the region) and Toalla (our driver) loaded up our luggage and we headed to Aflao. The drive was about 4 hours.

The boys fell asleep on the way, but I was able to learn a little about Ghana.

Our Taxi Cab Driver Ministry

2008-06-13T19:20:00.004-04:00

Madrid, Spain
Mario, Said, Jaeson, Awan, Sergi and so many more that we never asked their name. We have learned so much from our taxi drivers.

This last one was a whole different version. We arrived via train into Madrid from Granada close to 11:00 pm. We walked to the taxi stand. You must know that often when a cab driver sees us, they make a face. Three cabs pulled to the front of the line and they just looked at each other. It was obvious no one wanted to pick up this motley crew. The guy at the far end lost and he grumbled under his breath the whole time he loaded our luggage. I wanted another cab and walked to a driver second in line to ask if he would take us. The grumbling driver suddenly decided he wanted us in his cab. So we all piled in.

He took a phone call and got into a huge screaming argument with someone on the phone. He began to pull out of the train station without ever asking where we were going. I interrupted his call and told him our first of two stops. He went in the wrong direction. He continued his argument on the phone.

It was late, I was tired. I now understand why Jesus went alone to pray so much. It was the only way He could keep His composure. When our cab driver hung up from the call, I told him in a not so kind voice to stop the car and let us out. I was not happy with his service. He immediately responded in such a rapid and loud tone that there was no way I would understand him, even if I spoke fluent Spanish. I was in the front seat and I didn’t need to look back to know the boys were ill at ease with what was happening.

I took a deep breath and asked in a calm and polite voice if he knew where he was going. Our conversation then took a different turn. He had lived in Dallas, Texas for a year. He practiced his English and I practiced my Spanish.

He started talking politics and I turned the conversation to God. He didn’t seem in a hurry to get us where we were going and my guess is it took us an extra 15-20 minutes to get there. I can’t say I was a mighty witness to him, but I do know the boys prayed a lot in the back seat. They shared that with me the next morning at breakfast. I confess I too prayed a lot.
Come to think of it, I bet Jesus prayed a lot too, even when He wasn’t alone.

“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,…” 2 Timothy 2:24 and 25

Diego: "You Have Chosen Well"

2008-06-13T00:09:00.002-04:00

Holiday Inn Express Room 111 Madrid, Spain

You Have Chosen Well

It’s 009 here, which means it is nine minutes after midnight. I had tucked the boys in and laid down to sleep but my mind was still awake. After some time in prayer, I knew I must write what is on my heart. I got up to get the computer and Reid’s sweet voice sounded in the dark, “Mom, is it ok to ask God for supernatural things?”

“…how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11

“Absolutely!” I replied “God delights in us asking for Him to pour out His best.” I couldn’t help but wonder what was on his mind. “Oh, I was just thinking about the security guard.” Funny, so was I.

Earlier that day we had left to go pick up our visas and the hotel staff had warned us we would need a special ticket on the metro to get there. When we entered the metro there was Diego, the security guard. In Spanish I asked for help and he got a lady to show us how to save money and get the special tickets. I turned to thank him and the words suddenly poured out of my mouth. I just began sharing with him about our mission trip and our call. He shared that he was a Christian and I asked if we could pray for him. He seemed surprised and yet delighted. I asked what he wanted us to ask of God for him.

You must know we have asked this question to almost every person we have prayed over. We have had a variety of answers, but mostly people ask for health or their work or maybe for their family.

Deigo didn’t have to think, he knew exactly what he wanted. He asked that he would learn more about God. The minute I understood his request, I knew God would answer him in a mighty way.

We prayed and I could see he was touched by God. I tried to translate for him what we had all prayed and we gave him one of our website bracelets (we are out of all other witnessing materials as of this writing) and one of the 5 remaining tracts we had in Spanish. As we walked away to catch the metro, I turned back to look at Diego. He was absorbing the tract we had given him.

The trip to and from the embassy took about three hours. I could not stop praying for Diego. The minute he was out of our sight, the words, “You have chosen well” kept running through my mind. It reminded me of King Solomon in the Book of 1 Kings when God tells Solomon to ask Him for anything and He will give it to him. Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God’s people.

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 1 Kings 3:10

After picking up our visas, we stopped at a store and found a children’s version of “read the Bible in a year” (it was the only version of a Bible they had). I bought it in hopes we could give it to Diego. Harrison had prayed for Diego to read his Bible more.

When we arrived back at our metro station, there he was. He was delighted to receive the Bible. I shared with him the word I felt God had given me about him that he had “chosen well”. As we left, again I turned to see Diego absorbing what we had given him.

When I asked Reid what he was thinking about concerning Diego, he said that he felt God was going to do something in him and it would be soon. I too have felt that all day. Please pray for Diego and stand in agreement with us that God will pour out His supernatural blessings upon him.

The rest of the Story….

We are supposed to be in Ghana. Obtaining our visas (for another country, not for Ghana) have been a difficult task and this morning I learned we would not be able to get to Ghana for two more days. I was frustrated and took it to the Lord. I got on my knees and prayed because I did not have a peace about staying in Madrid. “Lord, I am ready to go to Ghana, why do we need to stay here?” Although He did not answer me directly, I felt a burden to pray in the Spirit and I did. After a bit of time, my frustration left and I submitted to staying in Madrid until Saturday. Whether He needed to prepare me more or He had something else for us to do, I did not know. I simply knew He wanted us here.

The Car Mechanic

2008-06-12T14:04:00.004-04:00

Madrid, Spain
We left the metro after returning from picking up our visas. We had to walk several blocks back to the hotel. Hatcher led the way, with Reid and Harrison following. I was last. There was a short cut through a gas station and we took it. A car mechanic was working on something on the grounds of the station. He watched Hatcher walk by, then Reid and when Harrison got to him he started talking.

This is how it always happens. They say something thinking we speak their language and it sounds like this. “Sl%sk sldks*i dke@u kk s#k*srri ask oa ske rrr@hsi dkap!ao. Thahtiacck kskkI arrh otiw.” I am always stumped about how to respond, because I realize it is unlikely they speak our language. But I try to be polite by giving some response. Then they think I didn’t hear them so they say it louder and longer. “IRKA FO AKD AREIE OA FFIS EMEKQIPA. FMAOEQEI AMD KRKW, WOR YAJ ME. Skid theial slsekaoe. Twaowk naks ay eiaqq; oieap tn ksl .sneedi thasn akeapifwl wkwtk a ktao bkame aowk thankq."

He kept pointing to Harrison and Harrison reached in his pocket to hand him what was in it. It was obvious he was talking about something Harrison had. Then I realized, he was asking for one of our bracelets. I almost laughed. We have been pushing people to take our bracelets and here God had brought someone to ask us for one. Harrison and I both offered our arms for him to choose which one he wanted. He took six of them.

We gave him a Spanish tract. He was very excited. I had difficulty communicating with him, but we tried.

Pray for our delightful friend, that God will fulfill his every want and need at least 6 fold.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

The Young Girls

2008-06-11T19:53:00.002-04:00

Granada, Spain
We packed and packed and every time I turned around there seemed to be another website bracelet sitting there. I am in the habit of just putting it on if I find one on the floor or table. They seemed to be multiplying that morning and I remember thinking I would be wearing 30 bracelets all day because I’d never give all these out.

Part of our daily routine is replenishing our witnessing supplies. Right now that entails everybody making sure they have several bracelets on and that someone has tracts in Spanish and English.

We headed down the street pulling behind us our suitcases. It was a fairly long walk to where the taxis were, but it was all downhill. We walked past a group of young girls and their teacher. Not an uncommon site in Granada. Suddenly I knew in my spirit they were why the bracelets had multiplied. I literally had to turn around and chase them down a bit. Again in my broken English I started offering free bracelets. The girls clamored around me and gleefully took the bracelets. They practiced their English on me and eyed the boys.

I then started handing out the tracts and telling them about Jesus. The teacher arrived. I could sense her uneasiness. I again started explaining who we were and that we simply offered a free gift. I asked if we could pray for them. The girls were eager for us to pray. I lifted my hands and prayed mightily for these girls. I asked God to raise them up and make them mighty women of God, that He would show them His love and pour out His Holy Spirit upon them.

Unfortunately, we did not get to take a photo of this delightful group. Please pray for God to touch their hearts.

Flamenco de Granada!

2008-06-10T11:59:00.010-04:00

History of Flamenco

Flamenco, now an international sensation, ironically hails from Spain's historically marginal cultures. Both the music and the dance are the results of centuries of absorbing, combining, melding and finally tweaking the elements of native Andalucían, Islamic, Sephardic, and gypsy cultures. It's also widely believed, due to the strong presence of the slave trade on the Iberian peninsula, that sub-Saharan African cultures also play heavily into flamenco.

During its early years, flamenco existed as an isolated but thriving subculture, flying well below Spain's cultural radar. In Granada, for example, flamenco was developed and performed in the gypsy caves of Sacromonte- in fact, you can still head there for flamenco shows! While there aren't concrete dates about flamenco's development until the 18th century, the mysterious music and dance began to show up in literature as far back as the 16th century.

Little by little, flamenco began to emerge as the sensational phenomenon it is. Special bars called "cafés cantantes" (singing bars) featuring flamenco singers and guitarists brought flamenco out of the caves and into the public realm. It was, however, when flamenco dancers entered the scene that the art really started to spark international attraction. Nowadays, in a strange turn of events, flamenco- created and perfected by Spain's persecuted population- is widely believed to be a quintessential part of genuine Spanish culture.

Flamenco Music

While many are drawn more to flamenco's dancing element than to its music, it was the latter that first developed. The core of flamenco is the singer, or "cantaor," who belts out a heart-wrenching song of lament and strife- so passionate, at times, that his face appears to twist in pain. The next element to make an appearance was the accompanying guitar. Watching the skillful, agile hands of a flamenco guitarist, or "tocaor," is quite the experience as he strums and plucks the 6-stringed instrument with his fingers and simultaneously taps on the wooden base to provide percussion. These two figures, the "cantaor" and the "tocaor," constantly work off each other in this stunning musical display. Finally, you're likely to see a group of people sitting beside the "tocaor." Known as "el jaleo," it consists of several people who clap their hands, stomp their feet, snap their fingers, and shout out to the dancer or to the guitarist.

Flamenco also manifests itself in other ways. During Granada's Corpus Christi and Cruces de Mayo festivals you're likely to hear "sevillanas" as well as see the accompanying sevillana dancing. Sevillanas are four-part songs and dances with a happy and festive tone that Andalucíans use to show their enthusiasm during happy times.

During another festival, Semana Santa (Holy Week), you may be lucky enough to hear a saeta. Serving as a sung prayer, a figure may appear on a balcony and belt out a soulful ode.

Flamenco Dance

The third, and certainly most visually stimulated, part of flamenco is of course the whirl of color and passion that is flamenco dancing. Interestingly enough, there is no single flamenco dance- there are over 50 "palos" (types), each of which has variations due to the individual dancer's personal style.

The role of the flamenco dancer is essentially to interpret the words of the "cantaor" with graceful arm movements that dramatically contrast the reverberating steps as they drill their heels into the floorboards. In all elements of flamenco there is a great deal of personal improvisation- flamenco dance, for example, is meant to be the spontaneous expression of the dancer at each given moment of the song. However, his or her performance must adhere to the music's traditions and rhythmic patterns.

Some performances feature both a man and a woman in a duet, which often proves to be the most vivid flamenco performance of the night. With their eyes firmly locked upon each other, thedancers build off and push each other towards what becomes a competition of intensity and passion. (This article was posted by a Geary family friend.)

Alone

2008-06-09T19:44:00.004-04:00

Granada, Spain
This journey has been one of many new experiences. One new experience that I had not counted on is the experience of being alone. Of course the boys are with me all the time, but I am truly alone as the only adult. I must make all the decisions. I carry all the responsibility. I am the only one concerned about our safety or who considers our budget as we make purchases. It is up to me alone to think of all the things which need to be done each day. At night after the boys go to sleep, it is me with my thoughts of the day and doubts about tomorrow. There is no phone ringing and no one I can call. This past month I have had little access to internet so even the communication there has been delayed.

The reality is I am never alone.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

God has been very clear to me about that. I have spent an enormous amount of time in prayer. Prior to beginning the mission trip, I thought I spent a lot of time in prayer when I prayed about 1 -2 hours per day.

The past three weeks, I’ve had nothing to read (I’ve read all the books I have and have not been able to find anything in English to buy.), no TV to watch, no one to talk to (when the boys are asleep or involved in something), and no work….so I sit with the Lord. I have shared to a new depth with Him and He has shared to a new depth with me. I have discussed every aspect of each day with Him. He has shown me new mysteries about Him and I understand more about His mercy and His ways (that just means I see more clearly how His ways are higher than ours and I have begun to understand how I will never really understand His plans…..they are too high for me).

He has taken me to a new understanding of how He speaks to me and I am amazed at how much more He speaks to me than I had realized before. I am beginning to see the importance of lifting others in prayer during the day when they come to mind and how often that is God showing me something about them that needs prayer. This is true for strangers I pass on the street. He will sometimes speak to me about how to pray for a person I pass. Many mornings I awake with a person on my mind and know God is calling me to pray for them. These are not necessarily people I am close to or those who I keep in contact with…they are people who are on God’s heart and He shares that with me. Regularly, I awake and lie in bed for an hour or more praying as He leads.

There are nights when I barely sleep, instead there is an ongoing conversation between the Lord and myself. Sometimes these conversations are started by me and other nights they are started by Him.

He is opening my eyes more about the gifts He has given to my children. They have begun walking in their spiritual gifts and He is showing me how to encourage and teach them in that walk.

He also has been showing me where I lack. These are not easy lessons and they are often difficult to accept. We have had many good old heart to heart discussions and I love His gentle way of teaching. And if I get frustrated and want to give up or get angry, He will show me His wonderful sense of humor and will often make me laugh.

I am learning to enjoy this time “alone”, it is a unique experience. An experience that I don’t think I could put a value on. One bonus I didn’t really expect to have on this trip.
“…and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

The gift of a Coke

2008-06-09T09:37:00.005-04:00

When is the last time a total stranger out of the blue offered to buy you a coke? When have you been visiting another city, realized you were a couple bucks short for a purchase and the store clerk said simply, “bring it next time”? Have you ever gone to a government building to find it closed only to have the cleaning lady let you in to see if you could get help?
These are all small blessings and we seem to be receiving them in abundance during this trip. Not only have we been blessed, but these small acts seem to touch my heart in a deeper way than they normally would.

For the person on the giving side, these small acts of kindness are not necessarily a sacrifice on their part. In fact, I would guess that within the hour the act has been forgotten by them. But for me, it goes deeper. I feel called to bless them and pray for them and ask God to repay their kindness ten or one hundred fold. In fact, I sometimes pray for them for days or weeks.

It seems as though God has put us on the heart of the giver so that He can then put the giver on our hearts. The children seem to notice it too. Regularly one will simply bring up a person in prayer that has blessed us from a week or two ago.

It makes me wonder if the reverse has been true in my life. There have been times when I have suddenly felt a need to do an act of kindness to a total stranger, for no apparent reason. Right now, I can’t recall one person or event, but I wonder if the receiver is touched in a way that I was not. Did God then put me on their heart to pray for?
It is more blessed to give than receive.
I am beginning to understand that God has a way of putting His hand on one of us so we think we are helping another….but truly He is helping the one He touches and the one who is touched by the one He touches..

Learning Respect

2008-06-08T09:04:00.005-04:00

Calle Gloria
Granada, Spain

The majority of people in Spain are Catholic.[1]. As we have walked around the city we have only seen Catholic churches. I kept meaning to ask at the school if there was a protestant church we could attend, but forgot. So this morning I decided we would worship with the Catholics. The boys have never attended a Catholic Mass before.
I have a vivid memory of being in Switzerland with my mom and brother, Ben many years ago. We attended a Catholic Mass there. Not knowing any better, I went up to take communion. I remember the Priest giving me a funny look and I wondered why. So I forewarned the boys not to take communion.
We entered the cathedral about 10 minutes before the service was to start. At first I thought I had misread the time. There were only five other people in the whole sanctuary. I was thinking we would leave and go look for another service and then the organist started playing. I was happy to be in the house of the Lord and sat quietly to open my heart to Him.
There was no singing and the entire service was in Spanish (as we expected). At the height of the service there were less than 20 attendees, including us. During the entire mass there were probably double that number of people who walked in to view the cathedral and then walked out, not pausing long enough to take in any of the service. These people talked to each other as they walked around and numerous times the door was slammed behind them. Towards the end of the service a large family entered and was extremely noisy. So noisy that the Priest actually stopped the service and reprimanded them.
Needless to say, my heart was breaking. I sat and tried to absorb what was happening. Did they not see that people were there to worship? Did they care that there was a worship service going on? Do they hold such little regard for God’s house, worship or God as to act this way?
When we left the service the boys could not contain their surprise. The discussion was not about the different ways Catholics worship, as I expected. The whole discussion was about the behavior we had witnessed. They understood that this was not because it was a Catholic Church and that all Catholic Services are not this way. They immediately recognized it was a lack of training. They felt that all the people who were disruptive had not been trained to respect or honor the church, God or those who worshipped Him. There was much concern about the consequences these people would face as a result of their lack of honoring a worship service.
God’s word is clear….
“…For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Exodus 20:5 & 6
“Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.” Deuteronomy 8:19
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it Holy.” Exodus 20:8
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.” Proverbs 15:33
Again God is reminding me of the importance of honor. Honoring the house of God, honoring a worship service, honoring a denomination that has evangelized a large part of the world to Christianity…honoring my God by honoring what He holds dear.
[1] Google reports 77% to 81% in Spain say they’re Catholic, although most admit that they do not attend church regularly.

Our Spanish Classes

2008-06-06T11:59:00.002-04:00

Escuela Delengua
Granada, Spain

We have just completed our first week of Spanish lessons. Almudena is my teacher and Juan teaches the boys. In my class, I have Misuki from Japan, Jules from England and Ottr from Norway. The class is totally in Spanish. It has been such a treat to spend time learning with these folks. They are fun, interesting and our discussions have been lively. The more Spanish I learn, the more I realize how little I know. I can’t help but laugh at how my head and tongue don’t seem to want to work together in spitting out the words and at the end of class each day I am exhausted in a mental and tongue twisted way.

The boys have been witnessing to Juan. I am amazed at their boldness to speak to him. This morning Hatcher dug through the few witnessing items we have left to find a specific tract to give to Juan. He had already given him one the day before but wanted a different one today. This afternoon they told me that Juan had asked, “How can Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit be One?” Hatcher answered, “They are like a pretzel twisted together, three in one” I silently thanked God for giving him the wisdom to answer.

It is interesting to me how often the discussions in my class go in such a direction that I can speak of God. From day one, I explained we are on a mission trip to witness about Jesus. Every night I pray for each member of my class. Occasionally I feel called to pray in depth for one of them. God has given me a sense of what specifically to lift in prayer for them individually.

During one exercise we were to list what was important in our lives. I listed God first. I was questioned that I would list God before my children. I assured them He is first in my life, before anything. What I regret is my lack of knowledge of Spanish that I couldn’t explain how if I did not have God, I could not be the parent that I am. Without God and His grace, I know that our family would be in a totally different place. A dark place wrought with problems, pain and struggles, a place I shudder to think about.

I know I am able to love because of the love God shows to me. Without His love, it seems it would be hard to love others to the depth that I can.

I don’t mean to imply that our family does not have problems because we have God. Yet because we have God, He is who we lean on during any problems and by His wisdom and grace we get through what problems come our way. When God is first, we have His light and in His light, all issues fade.

Mirana

2008-06-06T09:45:00.005-04:00

Apartementos Gloria, Calle Gloria
Granada, Spain
By: Gloria Gault Geary
Mirana
It was the third time we had run into her within 3 days and the fifth time we had seen her in as many. We originally met her when we went to get an appointment to get the boy’s hair cut. The next day she had cut both Reid and Harrison’s hair.
Reid was the first to speak, “Mom, I think we are supposed to pray for her.” Harrison piped in, “I just thought that too when I saw her.” Two of my children had just voiced what I felt the Lord had spoken to me the night before after our second encounter with her.

I suddenly felt a huge burden not to let this opportunity slip by. We were sitting on a bench finishing ice cream and I almost got up and stood in her way so she could not get past us. She and two friends were in a shop buying pastries.

As God would have it, they walked to the bench next to ours to sit and eat. As soon as they were settled, I walked over to her. She speaks no English and my Spanish is poor at best. I tried to explain that the boys and I had felt called to pray for her. “En Iglesia (church)?” was her question. I could sense her uneasiness. I explained that we wanted to pray right where we were and at that moment. I assured her it would only take a moment or two. She still wasn’t sure.

I asked what she would like for us to ask of God for her. She thought for a moment and her only answer was for her work. In my heart I knew there was more but that she was not comfortable voicing it. I told her we would ask God to bless her work and whatever else came into our heads while we were praying. The boys gathered around. We knelt on the sidewalk in front of the bench and we prayed.

The boys prayed for her work, her health and for God to pour out a double portion on her. As I prayed I felt a strong sense of God pulling her toward Him and prayed for that. When we ended the prayer, she smiled and thanked us.

One of the many things (and there are many!) I love about being a servant for God is how He works. I know that Marana had absolutely no understanding of what we prayed, yet I also know that God, in His mighty and supernatural way will change something in her heart or life. I rejoice that He would choose my boys and me to be a part of His plan for her.

Later Harrison told me the friends with her had stared at us somewhat amazed as we prayed. My radar for the friends was not even active. I was so focused on making sure we answered this call of God. Somehow my guess is God’s radar was on full blast for them as well. May God bless them all.

Please pray for Marana, that God’s will be done in her life. Please pray for her friends, that God would open their hearts to Him. Pray that all would come to know God in a more intimate way.

Apartamentos Gloria, Calle Gloria, Granada

2008-06-01T11:20:00.044-04:00

http://www.vistaalhambra.com/gloria.html
Yes, we're staying in the Gloria Apartments on Gloria Street:-) It is a God-thing, nothing I did.
I like to imagine it is God’s sense of humor shining through. The building was built in the 1500’s. We are in a small two bedroom apartment. The floors are marble and the main rooms have large marble columns in the center. The ceilings are ornate wood. Outside our door is a lovely little courtyard. It has a pretty little water fountain, but no water. To get to our apartment, we walk up a narrow stone street, called Calle Gloria (though no car could enter it).

Calle Gloria runs into another street which is just wide enough for one car. Click on the pic & you'll notice Hatcher> When a car rides down this street, the pedestrians must move over against the buildings so the car can get by. It is quaint and there is an air of easy living here.
Granada is Beautiful!
Hatcher and Reid flagged down the cab for us. Sergi was his name. When everyone speaks of Granada in Spain, it is followed by the word, “bonita” which means beautiful. In an attempt to start up a conversation with Sergi, I asked, “Granada es bonita?” His reply shocked me, “No, es muy feo!” His gruff manner and voice conveyed to me his thoughts long before my mind could recall the meaning of feo. Feo means ugly.
It took me a minute to take all this in. Sergi had just told me he was from Granada and had been here all his life. He hated where he lived! How could someone hate where they live? My mind jumped to the deeper meaning of this. Sergi was probably a very unhappy person.
I sat quietly for a minute, praying God would give me some word of hope for Sergi. Sergi broke into my thoughts. He made a comment about the boys. His comment was not kind, it was on the verge of being unkind. The reality was he was an inviting me to complain about my boys. I thought a minute before I responded and said, “Yes, three boys…God has been very kind to me.” The boys immediately handed a website bracelet to me. Even though Sergi and I were speaking in Spanish, they knew I was looking for an opportunity to minister. Yet, I did not feel led to give the bracelet to him. I looked for a tract in Spanish and there were none. I asked the boys if they had one….nope. I knew then God would not use us to speak to this man. I do not understand, but there are times when I know God wants me to keep my mouth shut. ....... .....Reid enjoys the view across from our home^.

That is one of the most difficult tasks He asks of me.
We were at our destination. I paid Sergi and tipped him. Quietly I said a prayer for God’s timing to speak to him. This morning I have prayed for him again. I trust God will break through his angry and hurting heart at the right time and with the right person.

Granada, Spain

2008-05-31T23:06:00.008-04:00

We await news from Granada...

In the meantime McDermott Scholar, Alyssa McMenamy wrote the following article during her recent visit to Granada.
Granada, the fruit of Spain, the pomegranate of pithy flesh and thousands of tiny seeds, cultivates a trifold history of Arabic, Christian and Jewish influence. The gypsies, Arabians and Castillians contribute unique flavors to the savory picture that flows over all senses. Flamenco, the dance of Andalucia, with the backdrop of La Alhambra brings passion and meaning to lives filled with tradition and modern urbanity. The ancient songs of undulating voices decry times of war and of first loves. The wild stamp of feet and the rustle of many-layered skirts beat the rhythm of a simulateneously raging and trickling river. Granada is a medium-sized sprawl of urbanity. Never before have I experienced the urban life in such vivid color. The people live in high rise apartment buildings. Few homes are within the city. Shops on lower levels with apartments above belie the intermingling of residential and commercial zones. Beautiful parks with running trails and benches beneath beckoning branches of shady trees provide respite from the congested air. The city has wonderful treasures in remote locations with intricate networks of streets that begin and terminate at seemingly random intervals. Such is the paradise of an avid Spanish student. Small enough to allow glimpses of friendly faces on the street with an urbanity that reflects the character of New York.The Sierra Nevadas provide a breathtaking backdrop to the skyline of the city. The ancient Moorish palace, La Alhambra, winds along a slope over looking the city, reminding the populace of several hundred years of Moorish rule. Andalucia prays upon the heart and awakens the deepest desires to dance with abandon.

We hear that the whole family is currently taking spanish classes ~ How 'bout some comments in spanish from our spanish speaking friends out there?!

Díganos por favor de su amor para Jesucristo

(Please note that this item was posted by a friend helping with the Blog, but all posts entered this way automatically say "posted by Gloria, Hatcher, Reid, Harrison Geary".

What constitutes a successful mission trip?

2008-05-31T09:23:00.011-04:00

Train from Madrid to Granada
A Successful Mission Trip

How does one determine if they are successful or not?

It is a question that I have been pondering and praying about for some time now. As an American and a businesswoman there is a part of me that wants to quote statistics or “bottom line” information.
I want to be able to report things like, “We won 6000 souls!” or “We shared the Gospel with 1 million people!” Now that sounds like a successful mission trip…or is it? I don’t know the answer, but in my spirit I feel that being able to quote these statistics does not “in itself” mean a mission was successful, at least not in the eyes of God (and of course the eyes of God or God’s opinion is truly the only one that matters!). It is my flesh, my business training that says I need proof. I am beginning to believe that only God knows if our time is successful.

Are we following His will?

Are we seeking His face?

Are we being obedient to His call on our lives?

Are we listening for and heeding His still small voice?
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:21-23

Almost daily I wonder if we are doing enough. Should we be bolder? Are we speaking to as many people as we can? What if that woman who just stopped and asked us for directions needed Christ and I didn’t even mention Him to her?

I asked the boys what they thought would make our mission trip successful. Harrison said, “to tell others about Christ”. Reid offered, “to know Him more” and Hatcher felt, “if one person, even if that one person was in Gaffney (our hometown) was saved because we went, then we have been successful.”

What do you think makes a mission trip successful?
I think and ponder this question, and then another more important question arises…

What do you think makes a life successful?

Our mission trip is important, but it is only a portion of my life… when I stand before God on judgment day…will He be pleased when I report the results? ….of our trip? ….of my life?

I don’t know the answers, but I know that I need to continue to ask the questions of Him until I do.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:4-5

Please do share your comments by clicking "comments" below :-)

Your family blessed us...

2008-05-30T19:06:00.009-04:00

From: Dan & Tracy Meddaugh dan_tracy_meddaugh@suddenlink.net
To: gloria@gearyfamilymission.com
Dear Gloria,
We returned from the Czech Republic a couple of weeks ago. We met you on an airplane--you were a great encouragement to us and to the missionaries we went to see. We gave them the bracelets, movie, and the soccer balls and their boys got very excited. Zachary was so excited when the lights were out one night and his bracelet lit up. I forgot to tell them that the bracelets glow in the dark. The Czech Republic is not an easy place to live as you can see, and the couple was encouraged by the fact we prayed in the airport!

We passed out sandwiches (sandvich--I know about 10 Czech words now) in the train station. We got a different response from the homeless. We also were able to pray for some--they grabbed our hands! I am very puzzled about this country and Eastern Europe in general. Why are they so hard? What has made them aetheists? They were not very open in general, but my husband got to pray for a visitor at our friend's Bible school in Slovakia. He thought there were many roads to heaven. My husband asked if he could pray for this man.

Our friend that has Bible schools in Czech Republic moves in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His website is http://www.schwarzministries.org/ They have lived in Prague for 12 years.

We were blessed by your family's heart to share the Gospel. We share the same heart and believe God calls families. Our kids have been willing to do things they never did before for God as a result of this trip. They are getting used to speaking in front of others and doing puppet shows that share the Gospel. They also made the sandviches and helped pass them out in Prague. We long to raise our kids to walk in the miraculous and to walk in God's ways. What you are doing is a great inspiriation to us and your kids are a great blessing!
God bless you,
Tracy Meddaugh

This email arrived recently. What a blessing! We thought this would be a great encouragement to others traveling with kids. We'd like to encourage people to pray for them and maybe support them in some way. (please visit the site above for more information) May God bless each of you! ~ Gloria & family

Embassy of Unnamed Country

2008-05-28T09:43:00.005-04:00

Madrid, Spain
GG’s Birthday!

We arrived at the Embassy. The door to the consulate was locked. We walked around to the other door, it too was locked. Immediately the door opened and out walked a woman who looked to be responsible for cleaning the building. In my broken Spanish I explained we were there to get a visa. “They closed at 12:30,” was her reply. I asked the time and we learned it was 12:34. I couldn’t believe it. We had been traveling for over two hours to get there. We had spent the whole morning trying to get things together to get there. We had gotten lost twice and we had missed it by four minutes.

The woman turned, opened the door and invited us in. I was shocked, yet thrilled. She spoke to the woman at the front desk whose response I didn’t need to translate. I knew our chances were dwindling. The kind woman disappeared and returned. She brought me four copies of the visa application. We sat and I wondered if maybe they would have mercy on these tired travelers.
The door opened and in walked a man who obviously had clout at the Embassy. The woman at the desk began explaining to him why we were there. He spoke to me and I explained that we were traveling for six months and had several visas to obtain and could not afford the time before we left the U.S. to mail in our passports for the visas.

I didn’t get far into the story. He simply said, “We close at 12:30.” The conversation was over.
Every drop of my American blood wanted to argue. My mind came up with all the arguments…. Did he understand how difficult it was for us to get there? Did he know how much money we were going to pay for this visa? Shouldn’t he be grateful we were going to spend time in his country? God ever so gently reminded me that I have been praying for Him to make me humble and I realized this was an opportunity to walk out that prayer. I purposely closed my mouth so that nothing would come out of it. When I knew it was safe, I opened my mouth to confirm that we could come back the next morning to apply. I thanked him and the two women for their time and we left. I wanted to cry. We had planned to leave town that afternoon. We had planned to do some sightseeing. Our luggage was checked at the train station and we had only the clothes on our backs.

The boys and I talked about what had happened and what our options were. Suddenly I knew what we had to do. We threw every plan out the window. We booked a room at a local hotel. For whatever reason God did not want us leaving town today, we would trust in Him and make the best of it.

We had a lovely lunch, stopped by the local store and bought a deck of UNO cards. We spent the rest of the day playing UNO in the lobby and taking turns having a nice hot bath in the great big bath tub in our hotel room. We witnessed to the hotel staff as we interacted with them.
I prayed that night that God would give us an opportunity to witness to the man of clout. The next day in the same clothes we wore the day before; we applied for the visas and caught the evening train.

I would love to be able to say we met the man of clout and witnessed to him or that we had a supernatural encounter with one of the hotel staff. But the reality is nothing out of the ordinary happened. The truth is this incident was all about me and my willingness to walk in humility. Was I willing to honor one in authority even when it meant a total rearrangement of our lives? I’ve prayed mightily for over seven months now for God to teach me humility. It is a lesson that I am having a hard time learning. God had given me an opportunity to grow in humbleness. It wasn’t the first opportunity, but it was the first that I felt good about how I responded. There have been many others where I failed miserably.

As of this writing, there is still some question about how and when we will pick up the visas. Who knows, maybe God will still use us with the man of clout. If not, I know that God used the man of clout to remind me that my role is to follow Christ in being humble before those in authority.
Scripture---God has put those in authority to rule over us

A time of Rest

2008-05-26T19:00:00.007-04:00

Madrid, Spain
We have been here for close to a week and have seen nothing but the two streets near us, the Ghana Embassy, the internet cafe and the grocery store. We have only ventured out to eat and to do what business we have had to. To say we were exhausted is putting it mildly. I don’t know that as a family I have ever seen us stay still for this long. We have done school work, read, watched movies, played games, taken baths, and slept. Then we slept some more.
We were all thrilled to see the bath tub when we arrived and it has been well used since we have been here. Our next big thrill was the washing machine…we smell a little nicer this week too. We also found popcorn at the grocery store and I think we have eaten about 15 bags. We keep seeing ads for American pizza, but have yet to find any….maybe tomorrow.

Sharing the bad with you too
The last 48 hours have been a spiritual battle for me. I have felt a heavy oppression and have been too weak to fight it. On Saturday, I emailed my precious prayer partners to ask for prayer. Within hours of sending the email I could feel their prayers. It is a powerful thing to know someone is standing before the Lord for you. This past year I have learned the importance of leaning on those in the family of faith when I am struggling. God intends for us to lean on one another. It is not always easy for me to share with others when I am in need, but I have learned that is what God wants and He will work through the prayers of others when I cannot fight the battle myself. I have also learned that bringing to light (telling someone) any darkness I am struggling with is like taking the ammunition out of Satan’s hand. There is a shift in the spiritual realm whenever I do this. Try it the next time you are struggling with something.
“Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” I Corinthians 12: 14 & 27

The last two nights I have had the same dream and God has been dealing with me on some very deep issues. He has convicted me about some serious mistakes I have made and how I had allowed myself to be deceived, actually I should say how I deceived myself. If you are not familiar with the story of Balaam and Balak (Numbers 22), I encourage you to read it. It is a very unique and different scripture that deals with being disobedient to God’s word. I heard John Bevere preach on this several years ago. After hearing that sermon, I literally had a crisis of belief about the Lord, spent many weeks struggling with Him and came to a new and deeper relationship with the Lord as a result of that. This week I have been reading a book that discussed this same story. Again, God has taught me on a deep level about myself through this scripture.
I have also struggled with many negative thoughts. I have doubted everything in my life, my ability to raise my boys, complete this mission trip, hear God’s voice, manage my business, or be a decent friend. I have even questioned my salvation and Satan has been working overtime to bring me down. It seemed that every negative word ever spoken in my presence was going through my head. Intellectually I could see the craziness that I would even think these thoughts, yet spiritually I could not fight them. It has been years since I’ve had a struggle as difficult as these last two days.
Somewhere deep, deep inside I knew that Satan would only be working this hard to bring me down because he was afraid of the work we are doing. It is that little spark deep within my soul that kept me from losing all hope.
After much weeping, repenting and general prayer the oppression lifted this afternoon. It is not something I can even explain other than at one point I didn’t think I could go on and the next minute I knew we would be fine. It is the difference of being oppressed and God setting the captive free. I thank God for His goodness and faithfulness to provide me with sisters in Christ who stand beside me in prayer even from another continent and who fight a spiritual battle for me so He can set me free.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
Thank you dear prayer partners! And thank you all who lift us in prayer.

A Memorial Day Prayer

2008-05-26T00:01:00.004-04:00

Dear Heavenly Father,
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.

We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.

May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task.

Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

US flags flying at Fort Logan National Cemetery during Memorial Day.

Observed by United States and US citizens everywhere.
Type: Federal (and most U.S. states)
Significance: Honors men and women who have died in military service
Date: Last Monday in May; 2008 date May 26, 2008; 2009 date May 25, 2009
Observances: visiting cemeteries
Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (in 2008 on May 26). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who perished while in military service to their country. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action.

She haunts my thoughts...

2008-05-24T13:54:00.004-04:00

Madrid, Spain
We stepped into the crowd and suddenly there was a lot of activity around us. The cab driver was doing his best to protect the boys and myself from the throng of locals trying to get money.
She was a young woman in Muslim dress. She held in one hand a bunch of flowers and a bundle in the crook of her arm like a baby. It was too small to be a baby, or so I thought. “One pound”, she repeated the price of the flowers over and over to me and motioned toward the bundle with sad eyes. The cab driver shooed her away, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the bundle. The boys went with the driver and began to get in the car. I followed the woman and reached for the bundle.
She opened the wrapping and inside was the tiniest baby I’ve ever seen. It was dark outside and I couldn’t see her well, but she moved ever so gently and yawned.
These words went through my mind, “Gold nor silver do I have, but what I have…”, I placed my hands on the infants head and whispered a blessing over her. I looked at the mom and reached out to her cheek. I quietly spoke a blessing over her too. She spoke back to me but I did not understand what she said. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a 10 pound Egyptian note and handed it to her.
I turned and got in the cab, checked on the boys and put my seatbelt on. Then I turned to look at the woman. She had walked over to a parked car with four men inside. She handed the money to them and I saw her laugh. When she turned she saw that I was watching and quickly kissed her child. As we drove off I looked at the men in the car.
My heart was hurting. I asked the cab driver what she did with the money and he gave a couple of vague options. The cab had a deafening silence in it and I knew it hurt his heart too.
It has been almost a week since this happened, but I can’t stop thinking about this woman and her infant. I continually lift them to the Lord in prayer. I pray too for the men in the car. I don’t know what is going on, but my spirit knows it is not of the Lord.
There are other words that continue to pop into my head when I think of this mother, “There but for the grace of God, go I.”…I am convicted daily in my need to lay prostrate before the Lord and praise Him that He has provided for our needs. That I do not have to beg on a street corner or sell my body or my child’s body to feed us. I can’t stand in judgment of this woman, because I do not know what has happened in her life. I know only to lift her and the infant to the Lord for His protection.
Please pray for all the mothers of this world who need help to care for their children. Pray they will seek the Lord for their covering.

My dear friend, Kristy

2008-05-24T13:42:00.004-04:00

Prayers for a friend from afar...
Madrid, Spain
We have been gone from the U.S. for almost a month, but today it seems longer. I learned yesterday that a very dear friend of mine from home has suffered a stroke. Kristy is a mom of three boys very similar in age to mine. Our families are close and I leaned on Kristy a lot to get ready for this trip. She has been an exceptional friend to me and now when she needs me, I am not there. It is frustrating to me to be so far away. I know the only thing I can do is lift her and her family in prayer. We serve a mighty God. I have to trust that God will minister to her since I cannot. This is a huge leap of faith for me. I ask Him to provide for her and her family in supernatural ways, to heal her miraculously, to provide strength for her and her family. I pray that He will make His presence known to them.
I say and write the words, but my heart is still heavy.

May I share about Kristy? She is a vivacious and energetic woman. She teaches aerobics and she seems to always be active. She is Catholic and has an infilling of the Holy Spirit that would rival some of the most devout Charismatics. She loves the Lord and He loves her. She is a devoted mom and wife and I learn constantly from her in watching her life. She is joyful and fun to be around. She has a servant’s heart. I miss her!
Please pray for Kristy and her family.

Witnessing with colored bracelets

2008-05-23T23:44:00.002-04:00

The bracelets are such a blessing. The kids love them and they work with young and old alike. Even the parents want one!May I share with you what we say?
*Gold: Reminds me of Heaven…the Bible says the streets of Heaven are paved with gold…God lives in Heaven and wants all of us there with Him..... I plan on skipping down those streets of gold…you want to skip with me, don't you?

*Black: Reminds me of sin…in Romans the Bible tells us we all sin and fall short of the Glory of God….when we sin we can’t be near to God!

*Red: Reminds me of the blood of Jesus….see God loves us soooooooo much that He sent His only son, Jesus Christ to earth to die for our sin so we can be forgiven.

*White: reminds me that when I ask Jesus to forgive me of my sin and ask Him to come live in my heart, then Jesus washes us white as snow.

*Blue: reminds me of the Holy Spirit….when we accept Jesus as the son of God and ask Him into our heart, then the Holy Spirit comes to live in us….the Bible tells us His sheep know His voice…and the Holy Spirit will tell us the direction God wants for us

*Green: reminds me of growing….like green grass…..that when we read our Bible, go to church, pray and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit….we grow in the Lord.

Also, the bracelet glows in the dark and that is to remind us that God is always with us and He is our light against any darkness…just lean on Him!

That is it in a nutshell…. There is more, of course. You can see why we like the colors….it really helps the kids when they tell us the Gospel back.

Gratitude List from Barajas Airport, Madrid, Spain

2008-05-21T04:00:00.013-04:00

Things we have a new appreciation for:
· Public bathrooms that have paper towels and hand soap
· Sleep
· That we don’t have to sleep on the street
· Playtime
· That we know God
· Sheets that are relatively new
· That cars and airplanes are available to us for travel
· Christian fellowship and the prayers of others for us
· A loving family
· Bellies that digest food properly
· Food and drinks
· Wireless internet that works
· People in foreign countries who have learned English and help us
· Our house
· My poor sense of smell
· Friends back home
· New friends we are meeting
· Clean feet
· That I am able to feed and care for my children
· Being young (Harrison’s)
· Plentiful toilet paper
· My own permanent drawer and dresser
· Silly games to keep us in a good mood when tempers are short

King Tut Hostel, Cairo, Egypt

2008-05-20T14:09:00.006-04:00

Egypt is 15% Christian and 85% Muslim. As we have traveled the streets of Cairo we have prayed for the people of this country. I have many questions for the Lord about this area of the world. I continue to lift these questions to my God, so I can better understand the Muslim faith and how to be a stronger witness to them. God has put on my heart a longing for more Muslims to know Christ. I don’t understand how to get through to them, but I know He does. Please pray with me for God to open many eyes to the truth and to draw this people closer to Him.

"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:38

Reid’s fever returned stronger last night. He has been very sick. We attempted to go see the Pyramids, and just barely did. Reid was so ill he was fighting the need to vomit the whole trip there and back. We didn’t even try for a camel ride. Bless Hatcher and Harrison, they did not complain once…just did what they could to help their sick brother.
We have stayed in the Hostel mostly due to the fact that Reid has been sick. I had hoped to go buy some Bibles and give them out, but we haven’t.
Last night Reid seemed better and we went to a dinner cruise on the Nile. They had an Egyptian dancer called Sofi Dancing. The man twirls around non-stop….I thought I would fall over just watching him. It was fun and very entertaining.
Our cab driver was Awan. I love witnessing to taxi drivers, you have a captive audience and they can’t leave. : )
He listened politely as I shared the Gospel and kindly said he doesn’t believe in Jesus. I asked if we could pray for him and he said yes. (I am learning that Muslims are very open to Christians praying for them because they recognize that Jesus healed many). I asked what we could ask God to do for him and he didn’t have an answer.
As our wonderful God has done many times before on this trip, He put in my heart what to say. I asked if we could pray for he and his wife to be blessed with children. When I suggested this, he looked at me incredulously and said ok. I could tell we had hit a nerve.
So the boys and I prayed….he listened intently and I know God touched his heart.
One other incredible point God is teaching me on this trip. The hearts of many are touched when a child prays. Often when I ask someone if we can pray, they say ok but when they realize the children are going to pray it seems to take on a new meaning for them. They tune in more, they often weep and I can sense a difference in their spirits. It is like they are opening their hearts more because the children are praying.
If you are a parent of young children, encourage them to lay hands on others and pray and watch how God will deepen their faith….and the faith of others. Remember, children model the behavior they see. So be bold to pray for others yourself, it is an incredible blessing that you don’t want to miss. When I first started praying regularly for people, I was amazed at how thrilled people were when I offered to pray. You too will be surprised how hungry people are for your prayers.
Please pray for our cab driver…Awan and his wife. Stand in agreement with us that God will bless them with children, that He will draw them close to Him and open their eyes so they will know the truth about Jesus.
God will richly bless you for your prayers for others.

Reflections from the King Tut Hostel in Cairo

2008-05-20T03:12:00.008-04:00

Rich Christians in an age of Hunger
The title says it all. The book is by Ronald J. Sider and I began reading it several months ago. It is a powerful book and the first chapter alone radically changed my view on the poor. My heart has been pierced and the Holy Spirit continues to convict me. There is and has been a stirring in my soul since I first started this book. From the book…. 34,000 children still die daily of starvation and preventable disease, and 1.3 billion people, worldwide, remain in abject poverty
Please join me in praying for the poor and praying for God to teach His people (Lord, please start with me.) to care for the needy.

From the Word:
His children must make amends to the poor; his own hands must give back his wealth. Job 20:10

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. Proverbs 28:27

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Mark 10:21

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Luke 12:33

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…Luke 14:13

Travelling from Jerusalem to Cairo

2008-05-18T09:29:00.005-04:00

By: Gloria Gault Geary
I have a new appreciation for Moses. For nearly 12 hours we rode through desert. If it wasn’t flat and sand, it was mountainous and rock and sand. All day I kept thinking, “What was he thinking wondering out in this?” He must have been a desperate man to leave the Pharaoh’s palace and to wonder in the desert. No place to stop for water and food. It was hard enough for us to find a place to stop; we literally went hours without seeing anything but wilderness.
It reminds me that sometimes God takes us through desperate times to prepare us for His perfect will for us. What if Moses had not braved the desert? What if he had chosen to stay with the easy life of being the Pharaoh’s son? It was only because he ventured out that he was able to see the burning bush and experience the deep relationship he had with the Lord.

Top Security
The security today was more than I have ever seen. We went through two check points coming out of Israel, then two check points going into Egypt. From there we walked through two gates where they checked our passports again. Then we loaded the bus. The bus was then inspected (it was from Egypt) and we drove through two more stops where we had to show our passports again. At the last stop two security guards got on the bus with us, complete with guns. It was at this point that I thought maybe I should have prayed more about the decision to take the bus instead of fly.
For the next 7 hours we went through probably ten more police stops…. I lost count there were so many.
We arrived past midnight (two hours late) in Cairo, but gratefully our hostel had sent someone to pick us up. Cairo was very much awake and active at this hour of the night….shops still open. We were happy to see our Cairo home and get some rest.
Reid has a fever. Please pray for health for all of us.

Reid's fever finally broke after hours of nightmares and restlessness. God is good!

The Prayer Warriors Arrive

2008-05-17T23:04:00.002-04:00

Jesus House of Prayer in Jericho
After the Muslim women and children left, I sat on the front porch with several of the Jesus House volunteers asking them about their ministry. I asked if I could pray for them and we began praying. My heart was heavy for them. I don’t remember all that I prayed, but do remember asking God to provide more help for them. When I said amen, I turned to see an entire bus load of people walking up to the house. “ Wow,” I thought “that was a quick answer”!
This bus load of people was from Kingdom Faith Church in the U.K. and they live outside London. They were traveling around the Holy land visiting different ministries. The visitors came into the Jesus House and listened to the volunteers tell about the ministries and the needs they have.
Then the visitors began praying. The presence of the Lord entered the room and I sat and just absorbed. I knew God was pouring out His blessings on this team through the faithful and powerful prayers of these visitors. How wonderful to be with a group of believers who understand the power of prayer. I quietly joined them in praying. It was a joy to be with them.

God Speaks
At one point an elder of the church began prophesying over the volunteer team. I couldn’t hear all he was saying, but just continued to pray quietly. Suddenly this man was beside me and began prophesying over me.
I have had many prophesies spoken over me in the last couple of years and many have been helpful and a source of encouragement. This prophesy was different. I felt as if God Himself was speaking directly to me. The first words this man spoke to me were in direct response to a prayer I had just lifted to the Lord. His words went to the depth of my soul and I began weeping. He then began to answer almost every prayer I had been lifting to God in the last week. With each sentence I wept more. I was so touched that God would speak so directly to me! It was the most tender moment I have ever experienced with the Lord. Things I had begged for an answer on, He answered. I couldn’t stop crying. God had touched my heart in a deeper place than ever before. It made me love Him all the more. I love the touch of the Lord.
If you are not familiar with the gifts of the Spirit, I encourage you to ask God to show His gifts to you. The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways to show the love of the Lord to us, but we must be open to His Spirit.
…"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." Hebrews 3:15
“And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.” Luke 12:10

Jesus House of Prayer ~ 2nd day

2008-05-17T22:38:00.006-04:00

Jericho
By Gloria Gault Geary
The first woman arrived before 8:00 am. I greeted her and we exchanged pleasantries even though neither of us understood the other. Before long there were close to fifty women and children. A few of the women were raised Christian but the majority of them are Muslim and have come to know Jesus. They all still dress in the Muslim dress. They are kind and quiet and unassuming.

Those from the ministry arrived too. There were three single women, two couples and a college age son of one of the couples. I took many pictures but was asked not to post the pictures on the site for safety reasons.

This ministry started about ten years ago when Terry McIntosh and his family moved to Jericho from the U.S. They moved into the house and begin inviting neighbors over to learn about Jesus.
Jericho is unique in the West Bank area. There are approximately 100 families who know Jesus here. In Hebron, there are none and in Gaza only about 3 families.

The government and local folks know about the Jesus House of Prayer and seem to be ok about their ministry. The Word of God is being preached regularly.

I am in awe of the women who come each week and of those who come to minister. They are publicly acknowledging their faith in a location where this can be dangerous..

Prayer needs:
Please pray for God to open the ears of those who attend Bible study and to give them revelation of God’s word. Please pray for the men of Jericho. Often the women will receive Christ, yet the men will not.
Pray for God to open their hearts and pour in His love.

Pray for the children. What joy to watch my boys play and be a part of the children’s program. These children are the future leaders of Christianity here…pray for God to work through them in a mighty way.

Jesus House of Prayer!

2008-05-16T13:59:00.002-04:00

Jericho

There was a mix up with our taxi driver, so at the last minute Asem (from Jaffa Gate Hostel) called a friend of his to drive us to Jericho.
Suheil gave directions to Asem and we were on our way. Through two security check points, one for Israel and one for Jericho and we entered the oldest city in the world. We stopped at the local market to purchase some fruit and nuts, then Suheil took us to the Jesus House of Prayer. We are locked in for the night…it is just us here.
According to Suheil there are less than 100 families in all of Jericho who are Christian. It is a Muslim area. Suheil took us to the source of water where Elisha healed the waters (2 Kings 2), the mountain of temptation where satan tempted Christ for 40 days after He was baptized, and the Sycamore tree that Zacheaus was in when Christ passed by.
This is a city rich in history. From a local restaurant where we had dinner, you can see the city, the Dead Sea, the Jordon River, the mountain of temptation and more….it is beautiful.
When I questioned Suheil about evangelizing activities he explained the difficulties they face. In the Muslim faith converting to Christianity can be punished by death. It is not an easy obstacle to overcome…but our God is a big God.
What encouraged me more was the fact that Suheil who was raised a Christian has experienced a deeper relationship with the Lord in the last several years. God has poured out His Spirit upon him. It is a story I am getting used to hearing as we travel. God is calling His people closer… creating a hunger for Him.
“…I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.” Joel 2:28 NKJV
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her… and it shall be, in that day, Says the Lord, That you will call Me ‘My husband,’ And no longer call Me ‘My Master.’ Hosea 2:14 &16
Is He calling you closer? Are you listening? Open your heart, there is no love like His.

Floating On The Dead Sea

2008-05-15T20:55:00.001-04:00

Jerusalem ~ Church of the Holy Sepulcher

2008-05-15T20:30:00.001-04:00

Church of the Holy Sepulcher….

this stone is said to have been where Jesus’ body was laid after He was crucified.

Click here to read about this on Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre

Damascus Gate in Old City Jerusalem

2008-05-15T20:27:00.013-04:00

Taking a strawberry break near Damascus Gate in Old City Jerusalem

saf

Click here to read about the Old City on Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_City_(Jerusalem)

and lots of other cool stuff!

An Oasis in the Desert

2008-05-15T18:00:00.001-04:00

The Dead Sea, Israel
An Oasis in the Desert
We have taken a day to see the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea has approximately 36% salt in it versus other oceans have about 3%. So when one is in the Dead Sea, you float!.
The mud here is just like the very expensive mud packs you buy back home, but free. So we all played in the mud for a while, floated in the Dead Sea (Annie and GG, you would love it!) and then went to the natural hot springs (again 36% salt water).
It was a delightful day of play.
What a beautiful world God has made for us...
praise be to Him for His wonderful creation!

The Western Wall in Old City, Jerusalem

2008-05-15T13:19:00.003-04:00

Visiting the Western Wall…men must go in one area and women in the other

Jerusalem!

2008-05-14T23:30:00.001-04:00

Harrison haggles with street vendors and purchases his very own guitar!

details to follow...

2 Chronicles 20:28

So they came to Jerusalem, with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets, to the house of the LORD.

Worshipping with Palestinian Christians

2008-05-14T12:29:00.007-04:00

Jerusalem, Israel
Jaffa Gate Hostel
Worshipping with Palestinian Christians
The last 24 hours have been one of angst for me. I have been praying about going to Jericho. To go, one must hire an Arab taxi driver who can get you through the border. I have felt led to visit the ministry in Jericho…where they minister to new Muslim Christians.
After much prayer yesterday, the Lord answered me in several very dramatic ways. On Monday we had eaten at a restaurant where one of the boys gave our waiter our website bracelet and the salvation bracelet, sharing the Gospel with him. On Tuesday, we returned to the same restaurant and our waiter invited us to a worship service on Wednesday night. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to worship with local believers and assured him we would be there.
Wednesday night we attended the worship service to discover it was a group of Palestinian Christians. My heart was full to be able to worship with these believers in the Holy Land.
The worship songs were sung in Arabic with English and Hebrew words posted. The sermon was preached in English and translated to Arabic. Please visit their website: http://www.upperooministries.com/
At the end of the service I asked if there was someone who could drive us and of course there was. So tomorrow, our brother in Christ, Johnny will pick us up and drive us to Jericho to visit the Jesus House of Prayer.
Please pray for this ministry which is located right outside the Damascus Gate of the Old City.
24/7 Prayer room
We also had a chance to visit one of the five prayer rooms located in Jerusalem. After entering I turned to see a fellow IHOP Intro Class member from Switzerland. Elizabeth had come to Israel to be a part of “The Call Jerusalem”. How wonderful to see a familiar face so far away from home.
On our way out, we walked by Mike Bickle and Misty Edwards. They didn’t recognize us! Oh well, maybe next time. Thanks Mike and Misty for your tireless devotion to the Lord.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)

The Call Jerusalem

2008-05-11T10:07:00.002-04:00

The Call

After getting settled into the Jaffa Gate Hostel, we immediately took off for The Call located at the International Conference Center. We were able to get in and what a treat to worship with believers from all over the world. The Call was focused on prayer for Israel. Israel celebrates 60 years as a nation this year and plays an important role in the second coming of Christ (read the book of Revelation).

I didn’t realize how empty I was spiritually until I got there.

It was like we have given and given these last couple of months (and please know we have also received enormously from others) and my spiritual tank was empty.

I felt like the Lord just filled me up again while we worshipped.

This day was also the Global Day of Prayer so there were large screens of prayer meetings from all of the world being shown as we worshipped.

What a great experience to have our first day in the Holy Land!

Please pray for peace in the Holy Land.

Pray for a coming together of all Arabs and Jews.

The Call Washington, DC will be Saturday, August 16th, 2008.
This will be a day of prayer and fasting for America.
Please pray about being a part of this.
http://www.thecall.com/

Asem at the Jaffa Gate Hostel

2008-05-11T09:37:00.001-04:00

Asem and Noir are the owners of the Jaffa Gate Hostel. We shared with them about Christ and prayed for Asem. They have kind hearts.

Tel Aviv to the Jaffa Gate Hostel ~ Jerusalem

2008-05-11T08:30:00.001-04:00

We arrived in Tel Aviv at 2:35 am Sunday morning.

There was no transportation into Jerusalem, so we sat, played cards, ate McDonald’s and slept until about 8:30 am. We took public transportation into the Old City and were blessed to find a vacancy at the Jaffa Gate Hostel. The Hostel is run by Muslim brothers, Noir and Asem. Aiden cleans the rooms and is a Messianic Jew. (Jew by birth, yet has become a born again believer of Jesus Christ).

http://www.hostelz.com/hostel/39116-Jaffa-Gate-Hostel Jaffa-Gate-Hostel

Our new friend Krzysiek on Gellert Hill in Budapest

2008-05-10T12:03:00.007-04:00

Krzysztof Roso³ek krzysztof_rosolek@yahoo.com wrote:
Hi,
I don't know if you remember me. I'm one of the three who you met on Gellert Hill in Budapest (10th May 2008). You gave us three colored bracelets and a polish version of holy bible. I want to send you photos with your boys and us. Can I put photos on the website or maybe you want to send to your mailbox?
Hugs & kisses for your boys!
Best regards,
Krzysiek

Dear Krzysiek,
Please send photos as attachment to email.
We will be honored to place on the website and Blog.
May you share the gospel of jesus christ with all you meet!

Let us see how the computer translates this for us:

Polish:
Sprawiać przyjemność (proszę) posyłają fotografie jak uzupełnienie (więź) poczta elektronowa (wysyłać pocztą elektronową).
My będziemy zaszczycani miejsce na *website* i *Blog*.
Może (maj; majowy) wy rozdzielacie *gospel* *jesus* *christ* z cali wy spotykacie (wykonywać; napotykać)!

Hungarian:
Kedves Krzysiek , Legyen szíves küld fénykép mint egybefűzés -hoz elektronikus levél. Mi lesz honorált -hoz hely -on website és Blog. Május ön osztozik a evangélium -ból Jézus Krisztus -val minden ön találkozik!

Budapest memories...

2008-05-10T11:46:00.010-04:00

email from our new friend Krzysiek
We were so pleased to meet our new Polish friends while we were both visiting Hungary.

I don't understand hungarian :)

According to polish translation meaning is almost good but words between stars are not translated so it willbe hard to understand for typical polish people.

Where are you now?

What will be the next country?

I don't know your plans for trip but if you are goingto visit Poland again - particularly Cracow (Krakow) -I can spend few hours with you and show you Cracow(e.g. monuments and all you want). Just give me infofew days before.

Best Regards,Krzysiek