I have hesitated even posting this blog simply for the reason that I would not want these people’s sacrifice to be boiled down to a blog, but I thought it good to tell thier story. It has been said that the blood of the martyrs, is the seed of the church. My prayer is that the gospel is further unleashed through thier sacrifice to go to those who have never heard. Below is a press release on some of my new heros:

Update: Feb 26th, 2008

We are deeply grieved to report the apparent deaths of Muhammad Hadi and Cyd Mizell, Asian Rural Life Development Foundation workers who were kidnapped by gunmen Jan. 26 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Although we have no confirmation of their deaths, we have received information over the past few days indicating that our two aid workers have been killed. .

Hadi, a resident of Kandahar, had served as an ARLDF driver for two years. Known by colleagues as a “kind, loving man,” he was the father of five children, ages 6 to 15.

Mizell, 50, a native of Eureka, Calif., dedicated her life to serving the people of Afghanistan. Since 2005 she had lived in Kandahar, where she taught English to high school students and helped women learn income-producing skills such as sewing and embroidery. She also assisted in other ARLDF-related efforts in the area, which include food-for-work projects, irrigation, rehabilitation, health care and restoration projects.

We are thankful for the efforts of local government other authorities during this crisis.

Our prayers are with the families of Hadi and Mizell.  We regret that we are unable to respond individually to your calls and e-mails of concern.  We will continue to post more information on our Web site (www.arldf.net) as it becomes available.

ARLDF is a humanitarian development organization with offices in the
Philippines and Thailand that works throughout Asia helping to provide a
better quality of life for the poorest of the poor, mainly through community
development projects. ARLDF works in about 12 Asian countries, with most of
its programs focusing on small-scale efforts. In the Kandahar area, ARLDF
personnel work in education and projects that help people learn skills to
better their lives and the lives of their families. Aid efforts in the
region also include food-for-work projects, irrigation, rehabilitation,
health care and restoration projects.

So today was Ava’s 2nd B-day and we spent the whole day makin’ a big deal about it. I was out of town in Houston Friday-Monday so it was great to be back in time for BIRTHDAY MADNESS ( insert voice of the dude that does monster truck rally commercials). So this morning we started the day by waking Ava up by dumping a garbage bag full of balloons on her. She loves balloons and went crazy…then we had a special b-day breakfast muffin. Then all of us including Babaw, Aunty Emmy, and Uncle “whas that” jumped in our “go’s” and headed to the zoo. The Tampa zoo is amazing and has been rated as the top family zoo in the country. I’m not sure what zoo would not classify as a family zoo??? Possibly they have alcoholic monkeys or something at those zoos?? Anyway, it lived up to the title in everyway…below are some pics from our day. Enjoy…

It is hard to believe we have had her for two years now. I can’t imagine life without her though…she brings so much joy, excitement and laughter into our lives! She has also taught me so much about how God sees me as his child, how He loves me, and the patience He has with me.

I thought this was interesting. I actually saw it on another friend’s blog and thought I would throw it up here. The truth is at first it is a little sad, but then you realize how true it is and then it is really sad. Don’t get me wrong I love my country and I am grateful for all that have fought to secure my freedom. I do think sometimes we are extremely selfish and ego-centric. If you are a Christ-follower the reality is that our country is not your first allegiance. Your first allegiance is to a bigger Kingdom and the King that is behind that Kingdom. As believers we should have a world view like nobody’s business. The sad thing is that some of the people who are actually doing stuff around the world are not followers of Christ and out there getting it done. The problem is they cannot carry the life changing message of Christ because they have not been delivered from the domain of darkness like those of us who have embraced Christ. I pray for the church to rise up and go to the hard places. What do you think? Is this image a true statement?

Today was a great day! It was rachel’s b-day and because of that and the fact that I will be out of town all weekend we had a massive family day. It went something like this…

1) Ava wakes us up early screaming “mommmyyy” and singing the abc song.

2) daddy feeds Ava, giving mommy the morning to sleep in.

3) Daddy and Ava go get mommy breakfast at the awesome little coffee shop down the street (much better than bucks)

4) Go to the park…Ava was like all over the place and dancing thw whole time. I think she has some soundtrack in her head!

5) Back home for naps…all of us!!

6) Ava goes to Babaw and Popeye’s (that’s her names of choice) and mommy and daddy go on a real date.

7) Dinner: Moes (YUM), Movie: 27 dresses (predictable), desert: Cheescake factory (double yum)
Pick Ava up and go home….

The movie tonight was pretty lame, but it made me think alot about Ava. About how someday she will be a bride and I will get to walk her down the aisle. Part of me does not want her to grow up at all. The other part of me cannot wait to see the woman she turns into…I will cry alot that day.

This is the first of our three b-days…Ava’s to come next week and then mine the next week. I accept all major credit cards, or just urban outfitter gift cards.

This weekend I had the awesome opportunity to go and speak for Revolution Weekend at FBC Euless. I have spoken for this group before at camp and some other events in the past. I feel like this time though I was able to connect with more students. I love going and doing events like this. I love getting to meet students and see them embrace Christ for the first time.

I also had a blast hanging out with the worship band- Joey Witham and the gang!!! These guys are amazing worship leaders and all around great guys to hang out with. They have a genuine love for God and are more concerned about leading students to worship God, and less concerned about being rock stars. Check out thier stuff at www.myspace.com/joeywitham .

To all at FBC Euless…you guys rock and I hope to come see you again soon.

Today it seems like sometimes we are more concerned with presenting the gospel as JUST a change in ideas or opinions. Don’t get me wrong this is one of the things that happens when someone embraces Christ as Lord. But we must be careful that we do not belittle the greatest message ever to simply some propositional statements that someone must agree with. The gospel is more about embracing a person, the person of Jesus Christ. We must also be careful that we do not become wrapped up in presenting our personal style or bent on the meassage. Today there is alot of talk in Christian circles about whether one is Conservative, emergent, convergent, liberal, contemporary, submergent, traditional, calvinistic, arminian, and on and on we could go. The more I read the scripture it seems like the message of the early followers of Christ was always Christ and Him crucified for the remission of sin. When I am in China or Africa people are not concerned with those type things, they just need to hear about Christ. Some words from Mr. Spurgeon may better express my thought….

“For we long to see all religious teaching built upon the solid rock of truth, and not upon the sand of imagination; but, at the same time, our grand object is not the revision of opinions, but the regeneration of natures. We would bring men to Christ, and not to our own peculiar views of Christianity. Our first care must be that the sheep should be gathered to the great Shepherd; there will be time enough afterwards to secure them for our various folds. To make proselytes, is a suitable labour for Pharisees: to beget men unto God, is the honourable aim of ministers of Christ!”

Wow…January has been a whirlwind month. Here is a little synopsis for anyone who may care or at least humor me enough to act like you care:

Jan. 1- Started new job with Innovative

Jan 6th- Drove through the night 18 hours to Tampa, Fl to take Rachel, Ava, and a car

Jan. 7th - arrive in Tampa

Jan. 8th- Back to Houston

Jan. 1oth- shots (yellow fever and some other fun stuff you do not want)

Jan. 11th- Fly to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Jan 13th-19th- hangin’ in Ethiopia

Jan. 19th- Fly to Isreal

Jan. 19th-23rd Hangin’ in Jerusalem and surrounding area

Jan. 23rd - Head home, but overnight stay in Barcelona, Spain (way different than Ethiopia)

Jan. 24th- Continue Heading home…arrive in Houston 11pm

Jan. 25th-27th - Speak at FBC Freindswood D-Now

Jan. 27th - Innovative new office dedication

Jan. 28th-30th - Pack house (disclaimer: Lest my wife become angry with me over this post, she and her sister did most of the packing before I got back in the country)

Jan. 29th- Chop off my arm…I mean close on my house. The market is not good, so there was a little bloodshed and tears to get out of it.

Jan. 30th - Breathe, see freinds, breathe some more

Jan. 31st- Load the moving truck thanks to the help of some awesome Sagemont people

Feb. 1st - Drive out of Houston in a big truck with all my junk behind me.

Feb. 2nd - 24 hours later arrive to my new home.

I will stop there..if you made it this far it means you are a good freind (probobly Ben N. or my wife). We are amazed at the faithfulness of God in the midst of all of this. We are settling in to our life here in Florida and we love being around family and old freinds. More to come…Peace!

Ok I have almost been gone 2 weeks now. We are wrapping up today in Israel and it has been a very eye opening time learning more about all that God is doing in Israel. We have had an intense 4 days of meeting with different people here that we are looking to partner with. I am looking to mobilize college students to Israel for short term and long term trips. My brain is hurting a little trying to wade through all the options of what we could do and what would be best. God is good and I know that in time he will bring clarity for our future work in Israel!

I miss my family in a HUGE way. I miss my wife’s beautiful smile and encouraging words….she believes in me even when I do not believe in myself. I miss Ava’s playful and explorer spirit…I see myself already in her in so many ways. As I have been out here traveling on this vision trip I have often prayed for her. I have prayed that we could intstill in her a heart for the nations. I never want to force her to do something she does not want to do, but I would be ok if she came to me in 20 years and said, ” Dad, I want to pour my life out on the backside of Ethiopia helping orphans know the love of God!” I know this would be hard obviously but this would make me a proud daddy! I love her so much!

As I am writing this blog I am sitting in what is called Aroma Coffee. At least that is what I am told, it is in Hebrew so I can’t be sure. Aroma is like the Starbucks of Israel, there is one on every corner. If you are ever in Israel stop by Aroma and simply order the “Aroma Coffee”. It is better than bucks.

Last but definently not least I officially have my first blogging convert! Jerry Squyres is a young 63 years old. I have convinced him on this trip to start blogging, and that doing so would keep him hip. Well, ok it may not, but it is a good outlet for him to share some wisdom. You should really check it out….Jerry is more in touch with what God is doing in my generation than most from his generation. He has some good things to say. Welcome Jerry to our little blog world….

www.Jerrysquyres.wordpress.com

Well after 24 hours of travel we arrived in Tel Aviv, Isreal. We got in at 5:30 this morning, rented a car and headed for Jerusalem. We payed extra to have GPS in our phone but it was not working. We got a little lost but finally found our way thanks to our freind here Namaah. We will be here for the next few days meeting with several people including Namaah who is doing student ministry here with college students. I am very tired but will push through!

It is funny to be here and think this is where the movement I talk so much about began. This is where Rabbi Jesus called some ragtag vagabonds to follow him. This is where the holy spirit first inhabited believers. This is where Paul came to preach the gospel despite persecution. This is where it all began! The ironic thing is that we are coming here as missionaries, looking and praying for ways to further plant the gospel among those whom it was revealed to first of all. I feel very grateful to be here!

On a side note we are staying in a very small apartment that is vacant. The heat is not working and it is really cold, so I am contemplating setting myself on fire.

Let me introduce you to my freind Kite (KEETA). Kite is one of the House Church pastors that is in the network of Emmanuel House Churches that Afework oversees. He came to Christ a few years back and felt God calling him to be a pastor. Kite pastors in kofale, a highly muslim area and has been greatly persecuted for his faith. All pastors here are bi-vocational…no megachurches in Ethiopia. So Kite was a barber and photographer by trade. The muslims in the community hated his conversion so much that they stole is haircutting tools and camera. Kite has also had is house burned down as well. You are looking at a man that knows the sufferings of Jesus first hand. In spite of all of this he is one of the most passionate people I met on this trip. Although I do not speak his language I could see a fire in his eyes for advancing the movement of Jesus.

While we were there we learned that Kite was in need of a bike so that he could travel throughout the village and fullfill his pastoral role (evangelize and disciple) So Innovatie surprised Kite with this bike the other day. I have never seen someone so proud of something, and at the same time so humble, grateful, and full of joy. Kite did not want to take off the bubble wrapping that came on the new bike. We took pics, hugged, cried, prayed and then watched Kite ride off to his village. As he rode off I prayed that God would make me that grateful and passionate. Please pray for Kite right now. Pastor mobilization for the small price of $100…you to can mobilize a pastor!