TCBC Uth

props from Kige =)

2011-07-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Just want everyone to know that we got OFFICIAL props from Kige Ramsey himself!!! Check out his latest youtube video featuring TCBC!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_VNaCfMjac&feature=player_embedded

Thanks Kige!!

live and in person

2011-07-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in hearing the story of how God has changed our lives and how He is working in the lives of the Songhai (and seeing lots more photos and videos) LIVE, in person - we will be sharing NEXT Sunday, July 17th at our home church...Trammell Creek Baptist Church at 11:00am CST. PLEASE join us if you can - we have lots to tell!!

If your church would like to have us - we are scheduling on Sunday nights. Give us a call at 270-565-5252 or email me at kaseybratcher@yahoo.com.

friendship

2011-07-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

We are HOME!! After 28 straight hours of traveling all in the same day (yes, all in the same day - longest day EVER), we made it home this morning around 12:30am! And as much as I learned this week that God is STILL in the business of miracles, He showed Himself again yesterday as NONE of our flights were delayed and ALL of our luggage showed up!!! We were met at the Nashville airport by a slew of our parents, siblings and friends and a HUGE "Welcome Home" sign (thanks Gracie)!!

And although I am super excited to be sleeping in my own bed, playing with my children, walking barefoot in GRASS and eating mexican food for dinner, I somehow still long to be in Africa as well; I already miss my dear friend, Parker and her husband Mark. It's funny how God blesses you with friendships throughout your life; some for a short period of time and others, although few, meant to last a lifetime. Serving the Lord alongside one of my life-long friends these last 10 days was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Although we had not seen each other in almost 10 years, it was like nothing had changed. And we learned more than we will ever be able to recount from this humble couple who not only served the Songhai, but US all week!

Thank you Mark and Parker for your inspiration!! PLEASE follow their blog www.seekingthesonghai.blogspot.com and pray for them daily as they continue to serve the Lord in Niger.

our last day

2011-07-05T15:36:00.001-07:00

Doug here....We are leaving on a jet plane and don’t know when we can post again! No really, our time here is officially done! A school and a clinic have been painted, the name of Jesus has been shared in a place where many had never heard of Him before, perspectives have been changed, faith has grown, understanding of God’s Word deepened…all in a week and a half.

Today started out with debriefing…which sounds totally boring. However, when you get to hear how God has worked in the lives of 12 young people (and two old ones) it could have gone on all day and I wouldn’t have minded one bit. I cannot stress enough how wonderful the missionaries here have been. While some of them have been friends to Kasey and me for a while, all the missionaries we came into contact with have been amazing. There are true heroes of the faith and our churches should point to them more often as examples than we do (just my opinion…but its right).

After that we enjoyed more of the Niger culture with some henna tattoos. They are part of the culture here for ladies only; however, some of our guys were a little jealous so they begged to get some too. The girls that did the tattoos laughed when they found out that men wanted them also, but did not refuse them. You will see them soon enough moms and dads. I know you are excited.
The highlight of the day was going to an American style restaurant. On the menu was PIZZA and ice cream (dairy has NOT been part of our diet the last 10 days)! We asked if we could bring our friends from the week; Ide, Bilo, Cephas, Biba, and Hama, and luck for us they could all make it. While we have been getting culture all week it was cool to see Bilo, Hama, and Ide eat their first pizzas! In one more reminder of how lucky we are, it was brought to our attention that Ide had NEVER eaten in a restaurant before. Let that sink in for a second. One of my prayers is that our work this week has had as much an impact on Ide and Bilo (both Muslim) as on the village of Tagabati.

I almost forgot, IT RAINED TODAY! I know there were some happy farmers in this area of Niger today. The rain came hard and fast and then we saw a temperature drop of quite a few degrees. I know its rainy season so its suppose to rain, but I have no doubt that it is an answer to prayer.
Its bed time because 2:30am is going to come fast. After this post, you won’t hear from us again until we are in New York. We will be in contact as soon as we can. If you get bored, pray for no delays because the Nashville airport closes and we don’t want to be stuck in NYC another night and NOT get home.

SEE you soon!

Our henna tatoos!

Don't worry mom's and dad's - they wash off in a week or so!!

All of us, Mark & Parker and their kids, the Saleeby's, Mark's parents, Emily & Erin (2 summer missionaries), Cephas and his wife Biba, Hama, Eday, and Billo!! What a great bunch!! It was the first time a few of the Africans that helped us this week had EVER eaten in a restaurant. Needless to say, there were a few tears shed after this "last supper" together!!

IT FINALLY RAINED IN AFRICA!!
I didn't edit this picture, because I wanted you to see how dark it was!!!

I'm sure the people of Tagabati were celebrating tonight.

a few more photos

2011-07-04T14:25:00.001-07:00

One of the hippos we say in the river.
Don't worry mom's and dad's - this was REALLY zoomed in!!

A bush taxi LOADED down with stuff.
And this is actually not even close to the tallest one we've seen this week.

My little scorpion friend who I thought was a piece of dust as I was cleaning baseboards today. But when he moved, I realized he was not something I wanted to touch!!

EVERYONE in the hot sun trying to finish the school!!!
What a hard working bunch!

dirty feet

2011-07-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Let me first say that this week, from the first time I set foot in the village of Tagabati, has given me a COMPLETELY new perspective on the life of Jesus. I must admit that before this week, I really did think I had quite a decent understanding of the Bible, especially the New Testament, but walking the "streets" of the village of Tagabati all week has somehow pulled wool from my eyes that I didn't even know was there.

I'll start with dirty feet!! It's amazing how dirty our feet have gotten this week. The hot temperatures force everyone here to wear flip flops or some sort of sandals. Sand and red clay-like dirt replace the neat lawns and carpeted floors we would see in the states. It is inside every place we've been and follows us everywhere we go. Despite the fact that we swept and mopped multiple times today, there was still a thin layer of dirt on the clinic floor when we left. It's just life in the desert. Our feet our NEVER clean!!

I think I posted a picture earlier of several of our feet after a long day of work. Some of us think we've gotten a great tan only to realize it washes off in the shower (too bad), but our dirty feet have caused me to reflect on the real meaning of Jesus' humble act before his death and resurrection. John 13:5-20 tell the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet; a mineal task in America alone where we wear nice shoes and socks and pay people to paint our toenails. But THIS WEEK; ah, this week I have come to realize how exponentially humiliating such a task would have been in a place like this; a place where people where flip flops or walk barefoot all day along dirt roads, working in dirt fields, and living in dirt-floored homes. How much more meaningful it must have been to the disciples that Jesus, their KING, their MESSIAH, would lower Himself to such a place as to wash the dirtiest part of their bodies.

How thankful I am tonight, that Jesus has washed the dirtiest part of MY body; my heart. I find a calm assurance in Hebrews 10:22-23...

"Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil concience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hop without wavering, for He who promised is faithful!"

I hope and pray that my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ has sprinkled your heart clean by the power of His blood. If not, I sure would LOVE to share with you how easy it is to LET Him him clean you out from your heart to your dirty feet! I have learned this week, that there is NO foot too dirty for Jesus to wash and no heart too filthy for Him to sprinkle clean!!

it is FINISHED

2011-07-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

Even though we put in a FULL 7 hours today in 115 degree weather, most of which was finishing windows and doors OUTSIDE, we FINISHED the school and the clinic!! Take a look at the before and after.

a SUNDAY in Africa

2011-07-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

What a day!! Sunday in Africa was an experience to say the least!! We attended the Baptist Church of one of our translators, Cephas. Eli and I got to sing a few songs (accompanied by Mark on the guitar) and Doug preached (with the help of Cephas translating), but we still got to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a people so few who know Jesus!! There were about 50 of us total in the church and their choir sang many songs (some even in tunes we knew). And the coolest part was that the pastor himself was BLIND!! He had a braille Bible (picture below) and a few of the men escorted him in at the beginning of the service and in the middle of the service, he stood up and started speaking very fluent English - welcoming us and blessing us!! We were all kind of shocked, but what a blessing he was.

After church we headed out to the river to enjoy some hamburgers and hot dogs on the "grill"!! We rode camels and some took a boat ride down the river and spotted a few hippos, even though it was hard to get close enough for a good picture.

Overall, it was a very good day, relaxing and enjoying the culture and beauty of this country; an experience we will not quickly forget.

Please pray for us as tomorrow is our LAST day of work and we MUST finish painting the school. We have a few loose ends still at the clinic as well....one room left of doors and we'll clean EVERYTHING. Then we have one more room at the school that needs a second coat, we'll paint the chalkboards (yes, the chalkboards are just black paint on the wall) and the windows and doors. It doesn't sound like much, but it IS!! Please pray for cooler weather so that we can work harder without overheating our poor, white bodies!!

Here are some photos from today!

Our team at church.

Eli in his element!!

Doug waiting for Cephas to translate.
(He is wearing a choir robe - can you believe they have choir robes here!!)

the pastor's braille Bible

An "American" cookout at the river!!

Me on a camel - I almost didn't ride because it was SOOOOO hot - I ONLY got on so Leah and Lex could see me!!

Saturday on the field

2011-07-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

Half of us went to the village on Saturday morning and the team I was with (Ted, Molly & Breanna) had a GREAT morning. There is a mute man in the village who seems a little "off" and he almost always interrupts our storying with adults and children trying to sell us things or just being disruptive. You never know what he will do and sometimes it is a bit scary. Sometimes the villagers will shew him away and other times, they'll try and calm him. On Thursday, when I was with Justin's group (Justin, Paul & Megan), Justin and Paul were sharing with a group of men and he came to interrupt. The men who they were talking with, who also know that he is mental, asked Justin to heal him. Cephas explained that Jesus could heal him, but that it would take MUCH faith from those that were praying (us) and the african men themselves. Justin prayed for him and we continued on our way.

On Saturday, "crazy guy" came back around when I was with Ted, Molly & Breanna and we were sharing with another group of men. But THIS time, he moved the children who were crowding us, as if to protect us. He was calm and listened to what Ted was saying. Ted asked Cephas if he could take him aside and pray for him while Breanna continued to story and he did. He walked across the "road" and sat down with him, held his hands and prayed for him (all while Molly and I were praying silently across the way); praying that God would HEAL him, that he would SPEAK today so that ALL would know that Jesus is real and He is capable of such miracles. When Ted finished praying "crazy guy" went on his way.

We moved on to another family who had invited us to come and share with them the day before. And as we entered their home, "crazy guy" entered as well. And before we knew what was going on he spoke, LOUD and CLEAR in fluent French (a language only educated people would know). He sat down by Ted, held his hand and listened as best he could. We tried to get him to say more and the people walking by would say "why are you asking him to speak, he doesn't speak." But the women with us testified that he did!! Before the storying was over, he had spoken in FOUR different languages and although he was still a little off, almost as if he were fighting with himself, God performed a miracle in the village!! There is so much MORE to the story than I can write on the blog, so you'll have to come to hear us share when we return to the US!!

Here are some photos from Saturday...

Ted riding a donkey!!

working hard at the school

our potty =)

an African woman traveling the "roads"
I am amazed at how they do this!!

a few videos

2011-07-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

Eli, Hannah & Shawna with the kids in the village.

This is PART of our ride from the village back to the clinic in the bush taxi.
There is no such thing as a "road" here.
I'm pretty sure this sucker is a cousin to the Humvee!!

H.....O.....T......

2011-07-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

It's Doug again....Today was a HOT one! We had a very hard time getting painting on the clinic finished today because there were so many women and children there getting shots! In a couple hours tomorrow it should be done. The painting group moved to the school, which was a dubious, dusty, dirty mess. It is only four large rooms which means less trim work and more roller work, so we should be able to get it done faster than the clinic.

Did I mention it was hot? It is starting to take a toll on all of us and we don’t even realize it. Kasey was “lucky” that she didn’t feel good this morning so she stayed back and did not feel the wrath of the sun. The heat is a dry heat and it is so hot that when we do sweat it evaporates so fast we don’t even know it was there. This means that when we are covered in sweat, we have really lost even more hydration than we realize.

This became a scary truth when Eli had a mild heat stroke today. One minute he was fine, the next he told me he just felt a little “off”, and only seconds later we are carrying him to a place with shade and rubbing cool water on him while we waited for the bush taxi to zoom through the village streets (which were NOT made for a van). Getting him to the van made him feel better, but when he tried to get out he almost lost consciousness.

No one on the team panicked, everyone helped out, and the veterans of the area knew just how to handle it. Eli is PERFECTLY FINE right now! We will check how he feels in the morning to see if he gets to go out. Just know that we are playing it on the safe side for everyone!

That being said, I got to go out in the village with two different groups thus far (June/Natalie/Matt and Eli/Shawna/Hannah) and I could not be more proud! They know the truth of the gospel and have NOT been afraid to share it to a people group that does not believe Jesus is the Son of God. We proudly walked the streets sharing with those that would listen on the day when most Muslims attend mosque.

We learned more about the culture today as well. It is important to show them that we are interested in how they live and do things because they are a very relational people. When we give weight to what they share and say, it means they will give weight to what we say. The group I was with today got to watch a family building a house. Not with wooden beams, brick, or finely crafted stone, but with mud bricks strengthened with straw. They then use a mud paste to make the mortar. It is strong when it hardens, but it is back breaking labor that can only be done a few layers per day. Their patience is something we can learn from!

THIS is an African village school.
Cephas was showing them some arabic letters.
If we ONLY knew how good we have it in America!

Justin sweeping the school floors so that "most" of the dirt was gone before we painted.

Outside the school with some kids!

This was actually from yesterday, but after Eli's episode we could all use a reminder from Shawna, "CHUG THAT WATER!!"

day #???

2011-07-01T04:36:00.000-07:00

Doug here! I tell you that so when you realize how poorly written this is you won’t wonder if Kasey has lost her touch. That being said, I have honestly lost track of the day of the week here. All I know is that today was work day number 3. After a hard day yesterday (the village elders went around and told the people to avoid the white people and their lies/magic) we met people today that seemed to really want to hear what we wanted to say. Some groups even wanted to hear the Gospel after older men would tell them that they should not. That is a victory in and of itself.

It is amazing to see how well the youth do in sharing the word of Jesus without fear. My prayer is that this bravery will translate back into their schools and community when we get back to the states!!! There will be a missionary here in Niamey in a few weeks that will be ready for the village (Tagabati) in a few months (after language training to learn Zarma/Songhai) and I hope that the work done this week will provide an “in” for them.

On a down note, we are behind on painting which if you know our group is super unusual. Being in the heat seems to have slowed us down a lot. With luck we will start on the school tomorrow. It is only four large rooms so that will reduce the amount of edging/trimming that will need to be done so we hope that ground will be made up there.

The students (along with Kasey and I) have been able to do and see things which I would have never thought we’d ever have an opportunity to. We have pumped water, ground millet, seen a dust storm, used primitive farming tools, seen poverty on a level that would make every person in Greensburg feel like a king, and basically have been transported back in time to something much more similar to how Jesus lived.

Being in the village and seeing how important water is has allowed for a much fuller understanding of some of the things Jesus said. He is the living water! I have a deeper appreciation for how the woman at the well must have felt when Jesus told her she would never have to draw from the well again. Water here is so vital, no matter if it is the well or the Niger River. Without water there is no life…none! It is hard work to walk down to the river, where the hippos destroy their crops and just as hard work to pump water and carry it home, but it must be done EVERY DAY!

Water is vital and necessary for all aspects of life. Jesus is the living water…that makes sooo much more sense to me now.

Here are some photos we took of the village today.

Eli and Hannah sharing the gospel with some welcoming villagers! I think they spent the whole afternoon with them!

Hannah in her element!!

PART of the village of Tagabati - you can see the river in the background.

day 3 on the field

2011-07-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

Our internet was down again last night so here is the post I wrote to share with you!!

WOW!! What a day we had today!! Someone back home MUST be praying, because despite the opposition and indifference we faced as we tried to share yesterday, God opened hearts today!! There were many groups of villagers who were willing to listen to our stories about Jesus. Several had questions about how Jesus could be the Son of God as they believe he was just a good prophet. With the help of our translators we were able to break through to many groups today. One group of men, in particular were joking around with us trying to get us to give them money so they could have full bellies without having to go into the fields to work. We joked back saying we had none and Justin shared the Parable of the Sower with them (connecting to their knowledge about farming). Then he and Paul, with the help of our translator Cephas, shared the gospel message and although the men were questioning everything they said, they always had a response and by the time they were finished they were asking us to pray for them and thanking us for coming to tell them about Jesus. It was so cool to sit back and watch TEENAGERS share their faith!! I’m pretty sure that EVERYONE had the chance to share today (even our shyest ones) and everyone was met with gratitude and a desire to learn more. Continue to pray that we will keep poking holes of light into a village darkened by Islam.

We also worked hard in the clinic again today, but we didn’t finish!! Hopefully tomorrow we will and we can move on to the village school. Here are some photos. Kala tonon (see you later)!!

June's arm after a long morning of painting!!
Good thing that is water based paint and washes right off!!!

Our sweet Natalie - doesn't she look like a natrual missionary!??!?!!!
I think if we let her, she'd stay here.

Eday says, "Abodeh-gomo" (very good) Doug!!

SEVEN loads of laundry (for 14 people after only 3 days on the field)
Not sure how the Lindsey family does it!!

more photos

2011-06-29T08:17:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more photos from day 2!! The sun came out which probably means our chances for rain are slim now, but we are thankful for a cool day today!! Love to all!!

OUR TEAM
with (from left to right on the front row) Heday (the expert painter), Mark (the resident missionary), Cephas (our translator sporting his WKU shirt), and Billo (our bush taxi driver - God bless his soul)

Dirty feet after a long day of work - it looks like we're getting tan, but this is ALL dirt!
Sure does give us a new perspective on the significance of Jesus washing the disciple's feet!!

a better shot of our bush taxi - we'd LOVE to bring it home with us

the inside of our bush taxi - it's actually rather comfortable with the windows open

day two on the field

2011-06-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

We had ANOTHER great day on the field today. We had a dust storm this morning on the way which you can clearly see in some of the photos and video from today (yes, I said VIDEO - YAY)!! But dust storms are good news for TWO reasons.....#1 it takes WIND to make a dust storm, so we had a NICE breeze today and #2 dust storms are usually followed by RAIN which they have not had here in nine days (and it's rainy season). Hopefully in the next day or so it will rain which will make the temperatures even that much more cool. Mark made the comment today, "tell whoever it is back home that's praying for the weather here to KEEP PRAYING even after you get back!"

My team painted first this morning and the clinic is actually beginning to look white instead of dirty brown!! It was also baby vaccination day at the clinic so there were several mothers with their babies there. Molly, Breanna and Megan had a hayday holding them and one of the African women insisted that Paul hold one too!! It was too precious. Doug's group went down to the village and you can see that the children were just as excited to see them today as yesterday. They followed them around all day.

This morning we talked about making a point to build some relationships with folks before we began just sharing our stories about Jesus. We have learned that the African culture is very much relationship-driven (as opposed to our American task-driven nature) and although yesterday went well and we were able to share the gospel a NUMBER of times, we were met with much indifference and even some opposition. Today was a little better. We made a point to TALK to the people first - to ask about their families and homes and to be interested in their way of life before we got to the good news about Jesus.

Please continue to pray for our health; some of our girls are starting to feel a little off; nothing to be worried about, but every uncomfortable feeling is maximized in the heat. We forced one of them to come back about halfway today because she felt hungry, but didn't want to eat anything - everything sounded yucky. I know that sounds minor, but we want to make sure they are 100% when they are out. I brought her back to the missionary house and she is reading and journaling - the air conditioning is already helping. So just continue to keep us in your prayers. Everyone else is HEALTHY and happy today so that is a blessing!!

Here is a video of the kids as Doug's group is leaving the village. They are INSIDE the bush taxi. They felt like ROCKSTARS!! (I'll post more photos a little later.)

a few more photos

2011-06-28T23:46:00.001-07:00

We are getting ready to head out this morning!! I thought I'd post a few more pictures before we left. Please pray that God will keep everyone healthy today - we had a few that felt a little "off" yesterday, but didn't say anything until we got back (which is a HUGE no-no). They are fine now - they just didn't drink enough water. Pray that the'll be honest with us today and not just try to stick it out. Enjoy the photos!!!

Justin getting our filtered water ready with filtered ICE from the freezer!!

Breakfast on Wednesday (it's only 1:30am at home).

The boys on the swings after we ate last night.
(I MADE them put on bug "armor" before they went out.
They whined like 4 year olds, but at least they didn't get Malaria!!)

If you get high enough in the swings you can see the river!!

Shawna eating our REAL African meal last night - rice and sauce.

Our girlies eating yummy African food.
(only one threw up afterwards - hehe)

day one on the field

2011-06-28T09:38:00.001-07:00

Today was our first day in Tagabati (that’s pronounced TAG-ah-BAH-tee). It’s about a 30 minute drive in a bush taxi from the city so we got up and had some breakfast and head out this morning as soon as we could. Half of us painted a local, rundown, health clinic and half of us shared the gospel message with villagers for the first part of the day and then we switched during the second half. And I cannot tell you how completely proud I am of our students!! WOW! I spent the first half of the day watching and listening to them share Jesus’ message from creation all the way to our Lord and Savior Christ to people who may have never heard before; people who can hardly comprehend a God who loves them as an individual and has a purpose for their lives; a God who wants to bless and use them. What a blessing it was to scatter the seed of God’s word in that village today.

We have two excellent translators (Cephas and Hama) that led us through the village and Mark stayed with the painting group all day to help translate there. Cephas and Hama are both believers and were extremely helpful in bridging culture gaps and even teaching us some theology along the way as well. We were surrounded by children from the moment we arrived, as we walked around the village sharing God’s message, to the moment we drove away (some were even still attached to the bush taxi as we left). I pray that our smiles and songs and hand-holding was a message of God’s love to them as well. Many of them heard us present the gospel multiple times as they never left our side.

Despite the fact that we spent a full 8 hours out and about today, everyone is still feeling healthy and staying hydrated (and taking their meds). I cannot begin to express how impressed I was (and always am) with our students’ resiliency. They worked EXTREMELY hard today in a hot, new climate and not one of them complained!! Please continue to pray for our safety, health and an open ear in a dark village who might HEAR Jesus’ truth and become the spark of a great revival!!

some of the children that bombarded us
most of them held our hands the entire time we walked around sharing about Jesus

they didn't want us to leave and followed the bush taxi
(some of them were even hanging on to the back)

Doug working hard at painting!!
I'll post before and after pictures later - this wall was CRAZY nasty!!

a few photos

2011-06-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

This is Cephas - our handy, dandy translator!!
He even understands us Greensburgians!!
We were going to bring him home with us until he wore a Tennessee t-shirt today!!
We told him he had to wear Kentucky tomorrow.

Eli eating rice the African way (with your hands) in Orientation.
Don't worry - we don't have to do this while we're on the field!!
It was just for fun!! (That's Mark serving him.)

Hannah & Paul shopping with the vendors Mark and Parker
brought right to our backyard!!

Natalie and Shawan trying to decide what to buy for their parents!!
Aren't they sweet children???

Doug in a real Muslim "hat" during Orientation.

A few of the youth with one of the vendors who wanted to take a picture with us!!

niamey

2011-06-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well, we’re in Niamey an hour behind schedule and short two bags and a model airplane, but we are SO glad to finally be here!! We filled out all of the paperwork for the missing bags and box and the man in the baggage office, who just happened to speak English, was SUPER nice. He says another flight is coming from New York in the morning and should be carrying our things. Mark will go back in the morning and check. Please pray that everything gets here (Eli is missing his toothbrush already – good thing Parker had an extra one).

We arrived at the Missionary house (which is really more like a resort as beautiful as it is) around 7:30am Niamey time (1:30am our time) and we got to rest for about three hours before our Orientation session. Mark and Parker had lunch for us and we learned ALL kinds of new things about the life and culture of the Songhai people. We even got to do a few things we might see people doing out in the village!! It was a lot of fun.

They had also arranged for some of their most trusted “vendors” to come with souvenirs to sell to us in the missionary “resort.” We got to shop for a few hours right in our backyard and we are thankful Mark was there to dicker for us. Parker made a huge dinner for us (roast beef, green beans, out-of-this-world potatoes, carrots, salad and pound cake) and I thought I was going to LOSE weight here!

It’s 8:00pm here now and we are all EXHAUSTED so we’re headed to bed. We head to the village around 8:00am and we super excited about painting, but more importantly telling a group of people about our Savior who have NEVER heard his Name!! Pray that the power of Jesus’ name will pierce the hearts of the people we encounter tomorrow. Love to ALL!

our team after Orientation

the GUESTHOUSE (more like guest resort)

GUESTHOUSE 2

travel

2011-06-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

This post should have happened LAST night....

We’re HERE!! We have FINALLY arrived in Africa. We actually set foot on African soil (well, concrete) when we stepped off of the plane and boarded a bus to the terminal and I think it’s hotter inside this airport than it was outside!! But NO complaining here – it’s gonna be much hotter when we actually get to Niamey in a few hours.

I am actually EXTREMELY surprised at how smoothly everything has gone so far. Aside from the very long line at check-in this morning for our Royal Air Maroc flight and a few rude folks who didn’t speak English cutting line…..OH, and Hannah throwing away her ticket (Doug found it in the trashcan), all has been well. Ironically, all of that happened in New York!! Not a hitch since we’ve been out of the country. I praise God for taking care of us and giving us rest before a week of hard work and extreme temperatures.

We are currently sitting in the food court at the airport in Casablanca awaiting our last flight. We were able to buy 14 waters for 31 American dollars so I haven’t had to exchange any money yet (thank the Lord). We’ve heard the theme for the Godfather THREE times already and the theme from Love Story once (may parents two favorite movies of all times) – a small reminder of home that I am thankful for. Anyway, the youth are playing cards, reading books and enjoying each other’s company!! All is well….no worries….one more airport to go!!

travel

2011-06-25T19:32:00.001-07:00

Well, after beginning our trip with a two hour delay (thank you Delta), we finally made it to New York City with ALL of our luggage and ALL of our students (hehe)!! We met a sweet lady in line to check our luggage this morning who was on her way to England for 18 months and we let her cut line (there were so many of us and only one of her). Later when we saw her on our flight she asked where we were going and it turns out she has spent quite some time in South Africa herself. She handed me a sweet note when we landed in NY filled with some great advice and encourgagement in ministering to a people who so desperately need Jesus!! Thank you Miss Amy!!

We got checked in to our hotel and enjoyed our last [American] supper (at least for a few weeks).....New York style pizza. We have ALL taken our malaria meds (I swollowed mine on the first try) and are ready for BED as we have to get up at 3:45am Central Time to get to the airport on time tomorrow. Please continue to pray for our safe travel. We should arrive in Niamey around 10:45 pm Central Time tomorrow.

Love to ALL!!

Our team (not sure what Justin is doing - showing off his chest, I guess)

The pizza was bigger than MOLLY!!

last minute details

2011-06-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

Our PASSPORTS are HERE!!!! We sent our passports off to the Embassy of Niger in Washington DC about 6 weeks ago and although their website says it only takes 2 weeks for them to process visas, we STILL didn't have our passports back last week. I was starting to panic! After a few phone calls, emails, a prepaid return envelope, a scheduled pickup and a tracking number, they finally arrived the end of last week. Shew!

We met for the final time on Saturday night as a team at Dale and Lana Carol Houk's house. (Thanks Dale for the good cookin' and Lana Carol for being a great hostess.) We had a great time of fellowship and devo together. I cannot believe that this time next week we'll be IN Africa!

Please pray for safe travel - the part I'm worried about most is getting everyone and everything through the airports, security checks and customs!! Pray for the people of Tagabati as we enter their village. Pray that God will somehow use us (young, white folk from across the world that don't even speak their language) to share HIS LOVE with a people who need Him! Pray that we will be willing and open to whatever He asks of us and that as we obey He will change our hearts as well.

Eating Contest

2009-12-09T06:14:00.000-08:00

TCBC Youth have been locked in mortal combat to determine which of them will emerge as the ultimate champion. They have faced off in events like UNO, Trouble, Musical Chairs, Paper/Rock/Scissors, and Wii bowling, yet nothing prepared them for what took place last Sunday night. The first ever TCBC eating contest featured hotdogs, jello, and peanut butter! Highlights of the contest included stained red jello faces, Eli eating less than one hotdog, and June eating eight hotdogs in one and a half minutes. Here is what it all looked like (current standings to follow the pics):

The anticipation builds

Kaleb's early strategy...suck it out

Eli getting mentally prepared

The red jello ring of death

Did I mention there were no hands allowed?

Megan with the best idea of the day, dump it then lick the table

Ben loves his PB!

Eli got more on his face than in his mouth!

Lets just say that Mary had about this much on her plate when she was done too!

Two thumbs up for food contest!

"I'm done" - ummm...no

Did I mention she at 8 dogs?

Chow down!

Eat, eat, eat!

She is a vegetarian... this year.

Current Game Standings

Justin - 118

June - 113

Kaleb - 111.5

Shawna - 105.5

Megan - 97

Hannah - 71

Brianna - 70

Natalie S. - 68.5

Paul - 63.5

Eli - 56.5

Natalie M. - 56.5

Mary - 44

Ben - 24

Sunday Night Live - GAME NIGHTS!

2009-10-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

The hunt for the Great Red Pumpkin was an amazing time! Thanks to all the teams that showed up and made it the most epic hunt yet! Now I have to start thinking about how to top it next year.

As most of you know, we have been having "game nights" during Sunday Night Live. There are points given out to each participtant every game. There will be a gift basket for the winner as well as other prizes! If you haven't been to one yet, don't worry you can make up ground fast. Paul missed the first 3 games, yet he almost caught up with pack in only two games this week!

After 2 weeks the standings are (starting with last place):

Paul - 19
Natalie M. - 19.5
Eli - 19.5
Mary - 22
June - 24
Hannah - 30
Megan - 33
Breanna - 35
Kaleb - 36
Shawna - 36
Natalie S. - 39
Justin - 46

GREAT RED PUMPKIN HUNT (and other info)

2009-10-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

Ok people, tent revival is over and it is time to get YOUTH going full blast again. If you missed Sunday Night Live on 10/19, you missed a great night of games. These games were the kickoff to a month and a half long contest. Each Sunday night we will play games that give each player an opportunity to win points that will be added each week to your personal total. At the end of the gaming season there will be prizes passed out to the top 3. ALSO, if you missed Sunday night, you also missed a clue that could help you during the GREAT RED PUMPKIN HUNT!

Speaking of the GREAT RED PUMPKIN HUNT, you need to have your teams together and find a driver before Wednesday night youth! If you are having problems finding a team or a diver let me know and I will help you out! I can say with confidence that this will be the most difficult pumpkin hunt of all time! As always, $cash$ prizes for the winners!

So, mark you calendars for this week:
Wednesday @ 6:00 - YOUTH
Friday @ 5:30 - GREAT RED PUMPKIN HUNT (@ TCBC)
Sunday @ 6:00 - Sunday Night Live

Don't MISS Youth on SUNDAY NIGHT!!

2009-09-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

We'll be having a SLEW of new announcements and upcoming events at church Sunday night!! Be the first to know about all of the cool stuff going on at TCBC!! If you can't make it, check the blog again for the newest newsletter.

SEE YOU SUNDAY NIGHT!

Back to Normal

2009-08-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

Now that school has started again (except for you lucky college kids) it is time for TCBC Youth times and schedules to get back to normal. Here is what a normal week looks like as a reminder:

Sunday
10:00 - Sunday School
11:00 - Church
6:00 - Youth (games, bonding time, etc...)

Wednesday
6:00 - Youth (Bible Study)

Now that we are moved in by the church, I will start showing up at the schools to have lunch with you guys! I'm sure that I am way more excited about this than you are, but none the less I'm going to be there. Let me know when you have lunch so I can plan when to show up.

I know many of you play sports, are in choir, and are involved in other activities. Get us a schedule of them so we plan to attend them when possible. We love you guys and can not wait to see you succeed this school year.

Race Back to School

2009-07-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Since school starts on Thursday, August 6th, we will NOT be having youth on Wednesday, August 5th. I'm sure you girls need your beauty sleep...and some of you guys probably need it more. Use that time to rest and prepare for the first day of school. I would also take a few minutes on Wednesday to pray about the first day as well as for your teachers and any issues you may face thoughout the long and crazy year. To make up for this we will enjoy the last bit of summer on the LARGEST GO-KART TRACK IN THE WORLD. Here is the vital info:

Where: Kart Kountry - Shepherdsville, KY
When: August 4th (Tuesday)
Time: Leaving @ 9:00 (from TCBC) - Back @ 3:00 (to TCBC)
Cash: Need about $22.00 (if this is a problem let me know)
Lunch: FREE!!!!!!!!

If you would like to know more about Kart Kountry visit their site at: http://www.gokartkountry.com/

Food Bank (THIS Thursday)

2009-07-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Meet at the church at 9:30am or be at the old courthouse by 10:00am.

Bring any of the following items:
canned soup
macaroni & cheese
spam
canned pasta
green beans
pinto beans
other canned goods
or a little bit of money to buy a few canned goods before we get there

Bring $6-$7 for lunch at Snappy’s Pizza.

We should be home around 2:00pm.

king's island

2009-06-25T19:54:00.001-07:00

We're headed to King's Island NEXT WEEK!! For those of you who are signed up to go here are some things you don't want to forget.

It costs $55.00 (covers your hotel and ticket)
Plus you'll need spending money for food...
Wednesday night we'll be eating at Dave & Busters (a grown up version of Chuck E Cheese).
Thursday we'll have free breakfast at the hotel, lunch at the park and supper on the way home.

We WILL NOT be going to the water park portion of King's Island, but there IS a pool at the hotel if you want to take a dip Wednesday night.

We're leaving TCBC at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 1st. Be there by 11:45 so we can pack up the van and ONLY bring ONE bag (that you could comfortably hold in your lap if you needed to).

Call us if you have more questions....270-528-1091!!

Can't wait!

the VIDEO

2009-06-21T20:01:00.001-07:00

We had a little trouble showing this at church this morning (technical difficulties). But here it is. Enjoy!!

Last full day at Crossings 09

2009-06-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Another year at camp is over! This post will be mostly pictures since I'm too tired type still. I think everyone had a great time. Highlights of the last day are the boat race, Bible study group relay race, and the missions offering. Our boat (made by Shawna and driven by the Rafferty brothers) actually finished the race for the first time in TCBC history...not near the front, but finished it none the less. Our group really stepped up on the mission offering giving $380.00 to help children in Zambia. The whole camp gave $3800.15 for the week, which means that our group chipped in 10% of the total. I was impressed! I know the group grew in Christ and started to develop ways to go "beyond" for the Kingdom of the Lord. If you want to know more about going BEYOND you can visit www.thebeyondeffect.org.

Group boat photo (minus the people that ran off)

Ben and Paul (in the back kicking) during the race

Boat creator and the drivers

Molly and Abby during the relay race

Hannah Logsdon finding a Bible verse during the relay race

Justin finishing the relay race for his team

Ben (probably looking for a cute girl)

Hannah and Brianna

Abby pushing a tennis ball (with her face) in the mud pit

Dara Jo and Abby

Dara Jo after a long day in the mud

Listening to children in Zambia

Hannah, Baylee, and June heading to Pirates Cover

Luke and Justin join the girls for the adventure

Molly asked us to do this...really.

Day 3

2009-06-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Three days have gone by (already!) and all of the kids are having a great time. There is not a youth minister in the world that has as good a group as this. Thanks for letting us have them for a week. We are about to go to the worship center so that they can connect with a group of kids in Zambia and sing songs together via webcam. When they see those children in Zambia they may have a better understading of who "the least of these" are that Jesus speaks about. Maybe some things will be put into perspective. And now the photos!

Dara on the slip and slide

Shawna would pay for her slip and slide with some bruises!

Big...small

Dustin was soooo tired after team building and trying to carry 3 other people

Team building!

Go Eli go!

Lets just say he didn't get far

June carried as many people as Justin

(and she let him know about it too)

Paul flying via a Dustin blob!

Day 2!

2009-06-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a great week at camp so far! We have been wet most of the time...BUT that has not prevented us from doing ANY of our activities so far. The main focus this week is discovering what your passion is, who you have a burden for, and what vision God has given you to combine all of that into a great work for His kingdom. I know these kids are ready to step up and make an impact in their community and the world as a whole. Now to the pics!

Team building!

Baylee taking flight!

Shawna walking on air

Megan and Eli

Eli was "it" during Pool Games

Who invited the Hulk to camp?

day one

2009-06-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

We arrived safely at camp yesterday and only 15 minutes late!! That's a record for Doug and I (hehe). I think we spent a little too long at Cici's pizza on the way here. Anyway, last night we had opening celebration and the kids got to meet their Bible study groups and leaders. Then we just hung out together in our rooms. Most of them whooped Doug in Connect Four and Luke conned a few of them into playing spades with him (he didn't tell them how good he was).

Day one is almost done =) Everyone is having a good time! We had lot's that climbed the tower and several that went tubing on the lake today. And even though it rained nearly the ENTIRE day, we made the best of it and had a good time. The large group extreme soccer game was interesting in the MUD!!

Here are some pictures!! I'll post more tomorrow.

Our church group time last night!!

Will Doug EVER grow up?
(you don't have to answer that, I already know)

Breanna was a little weary about climbing, but she made it to the top!!

Luke and Ben playing bball!

Paul had to sing "I'm a little teapot before they would let him down.

The super extreme large group soccer game!

camp is SUNDAY =)

2009-06-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

We leave for Crossings @ the Creek on Sunday!! Make sure you are at church by 10:15-10:30 to pack up the van!! Also, your parents can check this blog for updates and pictures DURING camp!

TCBC Uth

props from Kige =)

live and in person

friendship

our last day

a few more photos

dirty feet

it is FINISHED

a SUNDAY in Africa

Saturday on the field

a few videos

H.....O.....T......

day #???

day 3 on the field

more photos

more photos and video from day 2

day two on the field

a few more photos

day one on the field

a few photos

niamey

travel

travel

last minute details

Eating Contest

Sunday Night Live - GAME NIGHTS!

GREAT RED PUMPKIN HUNT (and other info)

Don't MISS Youth on SUNDAY NIGHT!!

Back to Normal

Race Back to School

Food Bank (THIS Thursday)

king's island

the VIDEO

Last full day at Crossings 09

Day 3

Day 2!

day one

camp is SUNDAY =)