Orlando Trip (day 2)

Wow, we had a two hour layover in Denver and got to our hotel at 2:30 am. Up the next morning and went to a very interesting festival. It's sponsored by a ministry here in Orlando that is staffed by 4 people. It is called Nathaniel's hope "Make them smile" This 10 year festival now draws over 12,000 people around a lake near downtown Orlando. Every disabled child was treated like a "VIP". It was not only informational where hundreds of businesses, social services and churches showed how they can help children with disabilities. It had activities that the disabled children could do! We talked to Lady who helped with organizing it and they had over 400 leaders and volunteers at the park at 5:00 am to prepare for this event. It looked like it accomplished what it set out to! This morning we learned a lot as we observed two different children services (1-5th grade) (4 and 5 year olds). They have also installed a "Buddy Program". This program allows less special needs children to attend their services and regular Sunday Classes. They also have a separate classroom for more difficult special needs children. I wish I could share what we learned (Sue and I). We are pleased to have had the opportunity to see how others accomplish the task of Special Needs people. Until Tuesday - God Bless!Pastor Craig

Nathaniel's Hope 10 year cake.

Story shared at St. Regis Community Church

The Bear Story

by Mike Raether on Feb.21, 2012, under Faith

The following story was written by my friend, Craig Sheppard. It is a good story to share with children, but adults will enjoy it too.

There was once a family of bears who lived in a cave high on the side of a mountain. There was a momma bear, a papa bear and a baby bear. The mama and papa bear had one rule they taught the baby bear. The rule was never cross the big creek outside the cave, for beyond the creek lay a deep, dark forest. They reminded baby bear of the rule often. But baby bear really wanted to cross the big creek.

One day baby bear couldn’t stand it any longer. He waited until momma bear and papa bear were very busy. Then he went outside and quickly crossed the creek!

At first, baby bear thought it was exciting to be on the other side of the creek. He ran along the bank, always staying within eye distance of the cave. Then he became bolder and followed a trail he found heading into the forest. Soon it became very dark all around him. When he saw it becoming darker he became frightened. He tried to follow the trail back to the creek, but somehow he’d lost the trail. It was getting late and he finally realized he was lost. This made him more frightened and he began to cry.

As he sat and wondered what to do, he heard a noise in the woods drawing near him. This frightened baby bear even more. He was about to run away from the noise, when suddenly a big moose broke through the trees. It was just the moose that had made all the noise. The moose saw the baby bear and greeted him.

“Hi baby bear, it is nice to meet you. But what are you doing in the deep, dark forest? I thought all the papa and momma bears taught their babies not to walk in the forest.”

Baby bear said, “I’m lost, big moose, and I’m very scared. Can you tell me how to get to the big creek?”

The moose recognized baby bear as belonging to the momma and papa bear that lived in the cave on the side of the mountain. The moose told baby bear to follow him.

After a little walking baby bear heard the creek and recognized where he was. They finally came out of the dark woods and crossed the creek to his cave. Mama and Papa were worried and jumped for joy because the moose brought baby bear home. They thanked the moose greatly, and baby bear gave the moose a big hug!

To us, the world is like the forest. When we are given boundaries like the creek, we have a natural desire to go where we should not go. When we do something we shouldn’t do it feels good at first. But then we often get lost – and frightened. The moose is like Jesus Christ. He knows where we are, and if we ask Him he’ll bring us to safely back to God.

Luke 15:11-24.

Last thoughts of Mexico and ParaPan Am. Games

It's been over a week and time to turn towards home. I fly out early Monday Morning so I thought I would write down A few thoughts. 1) Ministry at this type of event has many forms. Praying for the athletes who compete - For their safety and well being and for their families as well. This I did a lot of especially with Catholic athletes. One on one ministry takes place as well - God had a way of providing translators when they were needed. During our fellowship and devotional times it may have taken time with translations, but God rewarded those who were there with His presence and some very good fellowship. Mexican and Brazilian are extremely passionate about there faith. It's like worshiping with someone who drank hundred cups of coffee and on caffeine pills. Thanks for all the prayers they were answered. 2) People in Mexico are a very excitable people. But they also know how to give out of their own needs. There is a big difference between the poor and rich. It is senn throughout these cities. But what challenged me was the poor gave to those in need. They gave despite of their own poverty. God Bless and hope to see you all soon. In His Service, Pastor Craig. Bueno Steeas!!!

Ministry Pictures

Magna and Hailey (Brazilian Judo) were sharing after Bible Study. They are very passionate believers.
Maria with a silver medal (Singles Tennis and Doubles Tennis), Laura (co-chaplain) on Right share the spotlight with two of Maria's team (Brazil).
Mexico, Colombian and Brazilian after Bible Study. Time to Fellowship and take pictures (Smile)'
It's time to pray!
This man jumped on the bus and started singing. He later took donations. What a job????

Friday at Games

All I can say is wow. Ministry has picked up here as more athletes are finding there way to chapel for prayer and Bible Study. It is very interesting to see the passion of the central and south American athletes. Yesterday evening I was blessed to see during our Bible Study - a spontaneous worship and testimony time all in Portuguese and Spanish. How do I know it was good? God's presence was there. One athlete told us that he has had a problem with fear ever since losing his vision. He told us after prayer that there is no more fear "PRAISE GOD". That's a quote. Also had a nice chat with a Brazilian wheelchair tennis player who was not supposed to come, but because the 2 players above her couldn't make the trip - She Came. She won a bronze individuals and silver doubles tennis medals. We discussed the why she was here question and prayed. There are other stories to share, but for now let me thank you for praying. The language barrier is still there but we have been getting around it. But it is in very eye opening to have a Bible study in 2-3 languages at one time. Will post some pictures soon and as always, God Bless from Guadalajara and keep praying. Pastor Craig

Basketball Video

I am posting this men's game footage of part of the USA vs Guatamalla to show you how talented these athletes are.

Basketball Pictures

Team USA before there game with Guatemala. Final score 95-23.
Entertainment at the game. They play a lot of jazz.
USA women against Mexico. USA won 77-46. The crowd was very loud for the home team.
Entering the Basketball Venue.
One of the mascots of the games "huichi" (a pink deer).