Well, it does not look like it is going to happen for us this Summer. As we looked at optional dates and even an optional country, we cannot make it work.
We concluded that it would not be prudent to attempt another entry into London so we began looking at Guatemala. After polling the guys it was apparent that very few would be able to fit another trip into their schedule. Most had planned new jobs and summer school to begin upon our return from the origional trip. So, we decided to begin looking forward to next year.
Advancing Native Missions will be reimbursing us for the trip. I will know the extent of that reinbursement when it arrives. But, we will have a great head start on next year's trip and all the guys who worked so hard to raise this money will be credited with what they raised, toward next year's trip.
It has been a wild ride and I have really enjoyed being able to express myself through this blog. This will be the last entry on "TIGERS IN LONDON", but, we have decided to continue utilizing this medium through the upcoming football season. Be sure to check out the website for the new link.
It has been a memorable summer, to say the least. Thanks to all who prayed and supported and thanks to all you guys who make what I do the most rewarding job on the planet.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
What's the weather like in Quatemala?
We were hoping to have something concrete by the end of the day today but, there are still some questions to be answered and obstacles to be overcome.
I just visited with Mike Twitchell of ANM and it appears that we are in agreement that another attempt at London might not be the most wise thing to do. With no guarantees that we would be admitted, and the paprework involved in obtaining work visas for an entire party, it just doesn't look like the prudent thing to do at this point.
Also, having heard from four of the players from the London trip, only one of the them can make the June 28-July 8 thing work. I am still awaiting word from the other seven players.
I believe if we could get at least half the guys originally scheduled available for the alternative dates, and ANM would reimburse for those who could not, we might be headed to Guatemala later this month. That would allow us to deposit funds designated for those who could not break loose now, for a possible trip next year.
If this does not work, ANM is raising funds now to reimburse the cost of the trip. This would return funds to our designated account here at ETBU and give us a great head start on wherever God leads us next year.
If you have not checked it out, the article in the June edition of "Christianity Today" is very interesting and will give you a perspective on what we encountered. It will also help you to understand the mounting opposition ministry based international travel faces today.
Also, if you didn't have a chance to catch the follow-up story on our London adventure on KLTV, you might want to take a look at it on their website; www.kltv.com. They did a good job of conveying the proper emphasis of the ordeal.
That's all the news today.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
I just visited with Mike Twitchell of ANM and it appears that we are in agreement that another attempt at London might not be the most wise thing to do. With no guarantees that we would be admitted, and the paprework involved in obtaining work visas for an entire party, it just doesn't look like the prudent thing to do at this point.
Also, having heard from four of the players from the London trip, only one of the them can make the June 28-July 8 thing work. I am still awaiting word from the other seven players.
I believe if we could get at least half the guys originally scheduled available for the alternative dates, and ANM would reimburse for those who could not, we might be headed to Guatemala later this month. That would allow us to deposit funds designated for those who could not break loose now, for a possible trip next year.
If this does not work, ANM is raising funds now to reimburse the cost of the trip. This would return funds to our designated account here at ETBU and give us a great head start on wherever God leads us next year.
If you have not checked it out, the article in the June edition of "Christianity Today" is very interesting and will give you a perspective on what we encountered. It will also help you to understand the mounting opposition ministry based international travel faces today.
Also, if you didn't have a chance to catch the follow-up story on our London adventure on KLTV, you might want to take a look at it on their website; www.kltv.com. They did a good job of conveying the proper emphasis of the ordeal.
That's all the news today.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
We are not alone
Allan Thompson, our Director of the Great Commission Center here on campus sent me a copy of an article today from "Christianity Today" magazine that mirrors almost completely our experience. It is an account of the popular Christian singer Don Fransisco's encounter with immigrations at London's Heathrow airport. You have got to read it, page 13 in the June 2009 edition. Evidently there is a much larger movement afoot making it more difficult for Christian workers to enter most countries.
We should find out detail about the potential return voyage tomorrow. I have already heard from three of the guys who would not be able to go at that time so I am doubting it will happen this summer. It wouldn't be fair to those who couldn't go. But, we will wait and see what ANM proposes.
Reminder, tonight at 10:00 KLTV in Tyler will air the follow-up story non our trip. If you can't get the channel, check out their website tomorrow.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
We should find out detail about the potential return voyage tomorrow. I have already heard from three of the guys who would not be able to go at that time so I am doubting it will happen this summer. It wouldn't be fair to those who couldn't go. But, we will wait and see what ANM proposes.
Reminder, tonight at 10:00 KLTV in Tyler will air the follow-up story non our trip. If you can't get the channel, check out their website tomorrow.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
We may have another shot
I heard from Mike Twitchell of ANM this morning and there is a possibility that we could return to London! The window is from June 28th to July 8. I have sent out emails to all the guys but if you are a relative or a friend of one, please help me get the word out.
Of course, the only way we would do this is if the vast majority could make it, and if our travel costs would be taken care of. I would not ask the guys to raise anymore money. I should hear from Mike with more details by Wednesday.
Also, Coleman Swierc of KLTV in Tyler will be here this afternoon at 4:00 for a post trip interview. He did the story before we left and would like to do a follow up. Keep checking the blog for the day it will air. If you can't get it live you can see it on their website.
We continue to get news almost daily, of the things our "semi-trip" to London is impacting. We have heard from several churches planning trips overseas who are adjusting and ammending their pre-trip training to avoid these sorts of issues. If all out ordeal does is prevent others from having to, i guess it has all been worth it.
Next time with more details.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
Of course, the only way we would do this is if the vast majority could make it, and if our travel costs would be taken care of. I would not ask the guys to raise anymore money. I should hear from Mike with more details by Wednesday.
Also, Coleman Swierc of KLTV in Tyler will be here this afternoon at 4:00 for a post trip interview. He did the story before we left and would like to do a follow up. Keep checking the blog for the day it will air. If you can't get it live you can see it on their website.
We continue to get news almost daily, of the things our "semi-trip" to London is impacting. We have heard from several churches planning trips overseas who are adjusting and ammending their pre-trip training to avoid these sorts of issues. If all out ordeal does is prevent others from having to, i guess it has all been worth it.
Next time with more details.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thanks for the encouragement, Write a Congressman
It has really been incredible, the amount of encouragement and support we have gotten over these past two days. So many calls and emails expressing sadness for the way things turned out, while at the same time echoing the reassurance that God's plans were not thwarted.
Many have visited the blog, and I would encourage you to continue. Please sign in even if you do not comment, but please, by all means, let us hear your thoughts.
I have been in correspondence with John Bucchi of Advancing Native Missions over the past two days via email and telephone regarding any effects this might have on our passports and travel status. As far as we can tell, and according to what we were told while detained, there will be no negative consequences of this denial for future trips. We were assured that it was not, "deportation", simply denial to enter. We should not be on any blacklists and hopefully it will not cause any "flagging" in the future.
I have had reports of some of our parents writing and emailing congressmen, informing them of our situation. I think that if done with the proper attitude and with due respect, this could certainly bring about an awareness that could get some things changed. If you are so inclined, I would encourage you to do the same. Locally, two men I know would be interested are Louie Gomhert and Bryan Hughes. We had guys on the trip from all over the state and I would encourage you to help us make sure government officials from all those areas are aware of the difficulties we faced. If nothing else, just contact them and refer them to the blog.
Mr. Bucchi actually suggested that we look into trying to go back next week. That would be great but I had packed the summer schedule around this trip so tightly that I just can't pull it off. We are looking into July and early August to see if there would be any opportunity at all. It may just have to wait till next year, or at least till after the Stagg Bowl in December. You know, the Stagg Bowl, the Div. III National Championship game. We'll see, you just never know!
God bless and Go Tigers!!
Many have visited the blog, and I would encourage you to continue. Please sign in even if you do not comment, but please, by all means, let us hear your thoughts.
I have been in correspondence with John Bucchi of Advancing Native Missions over the past two days via email and telephone regarding any effects this might have on our passports and travel status. As far as we can tell, and according to what we were told while detained, there will be no negative consequences of this denial for future trips. We were assured that it was not, "deportation", simply denial to enter. We should not be on any blacklists and hopefully it will not cause any "flagging" in the future.
I have had reports of some of our parents writing and emailing congressmen, informing them of our situation. I think that if done with the proper attitude and with due respect, this could certainly bring about an awareness that could get some things changed. If you are so inclined, I would encourage you to do the same. Locally, two men I know would be interested are Louie Gomhert and Bryan Hughes. We had guys on the trip from all over the state and I would encourage you to help us make sure government officials from all those areas are aware of the difficulties we faced. If nothing else, just contact them and refer them to the blog.
Mr. Bucchi actually suggested that we look into trying to go back next week. That would be great but I had packed the summer schedule around this trip so tightly that I just can't pull it off. We are looking into July and early August to see if there would be any opportunity at all. It may just have to wait till next year, or at least till after the Stagg Bowl in December. You know, the Stagg Bowl, the Div. III National Championship game. We'll see, you just never know!
God bless and Go Tigers!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I received a call yesterday from a member of the Advancing Native Missions board of directors expressing the agency's frustrations over what transpired and to thank our guys for the way they handled the ordeal. He informed me that through the many years they have been involved in this ministry all around the world, this was the first encounter they have had of this nature.
He was apoligetic for what we had endured but as our conversation continued, he quickly realized that he really had not known the full extent of what we were put through. He followed with an email requesting details for a scheduled board meeting in which our situation was at the top of the agenda. I directed him to the blog.
So, another potential positive to come from our experience will hopefully be the changes needed to keep this from ever happening again. I also think it will serve as a wake up call of sorts that things are changing in our world. It is quickly becoming a less hospitable place, especially when it relates to Christian activity.
One of the things that may have been lost in this whole turn of events is the work that we were scheduled to do at Elam. I hope you will join me in praying for Pastor Sam and that ministry, that God would provide the man power to complete the projects we were not allowed to. Pray for the continued harvest in Iran and the safety of those Elam students as they put it all on the line for the cause of Christ.
I will post one final entry when I receive additional information or reports on things that may have been a result of our trip. For those of you following our program, we have decided to continue utilizing the blog throughout next season. We feel it can be a great tool in communicating with parents and supports regarding program news, reminders, and announcements.
Also, anytime you check out our blog site, please sign in so we will have a better idea of the extent of its usefulness. Any comments you have, please feel free to post them.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
He was apoligetic for what we had endured but as our conversation continued, he quickly realized that he really had not known the full extent of what we were put through. He followed with an email requesting details for a scheduled board meeting in which our situation was at the top of the agenda. I directed him to the blog.
So, another potential positive to come from our experience will hopefully be the changes needed to keep this from ever happening again. I also think it will serve as a wake up call of sorts that things are changing in our world. It is quickly becoming a less hospitable place, especially when it relates to Christian activity.
One of the things that may have been lost in this whole turn of events is the work that we were scheduled to do at Elam. I hope you will join me in praying for Pastor Sam and that ministry, that God would provide the man power to complete the projects we were not allowed to. Pray for the continued harvest in Iran and the safety of those Elam students as they put it all on the line for the cause of Christ.
I will post one final entry when I receive additional information or reports on things that may have been a result of our trip. For those of you following our program, we have decided to continue utilizing the blog throughout next season. We feel it can be a great tool in communicating with parents and supports regarding program news, reminders, and announcements.
Also, anytime you check out our blog site, please sign in so we will have a better idea of the extent of its usefulness. Any comments you have, please feel free to post them.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
Monday, June 1, 2009
What now and What's next
After a somewhat normal night's sleep and having had a little time to reflect on our weekend, some things begin to come clearer and some still cause those feelings of frustration, disappointment, and even anger. It all seems like it was a dream, that I will wake up tomorrow and we will load up for the trip. But, I know that is not the case.
We begin today to put the events of the weekend in perspective, to squeeze every possible drop of positive out of them we can. To make sure that the we are able to learn all we possibly can from every encounter. To be able to see value gained even from the negative things we experienced.
We also begin today to watch and listen for God's purposes in what appears to us as a failed attempt. Some evidence may become obvious as events occur and things play out. Still so many other things that we may never know this side of heaven that our miniscuel appearance in God's grand scheme of things was intended to affect.
It's a bit like a scene I watched on the flight home from the Benjamin Button movie. You know, the one where he is born old, and gets youger as time passes. There was a scene in the movie that was read from his journal, in which he describes the unbelievable string of events and circumstances that came together that led to his marriage. He states how so many of these events that were so seemingly unrelated to one another, had become intertwined to produce this outcome in his life. He states how that if even one of these things had not occurred in exactly the proper time, the results would have been completely different. I think that is how we must see this entire ordeal.
We sometime lose sight of the fact that God is at work in every life at all times, not just ours. His infinite purpose for me could be being played out half way around the world involving people I may never meet. We could be playing the same role right now for countless others.
As I mentioned last time, we must do all that we are instructed and compelled to do while always trusting that God will orchestrate the circumstances to fullfil His plan.
But what an experience for our young men! Certainly I can see all the benefits to have been gained if we had stayed. But, we didn't. It is now time to make certain we not fail to focus on those opportunities to grow and learn while lamenting the things we may have missed.
Thanks again to all who have prayed for us. We are safely home with an experience we will never forget. And, chances are great that it has been for the purpose of preparing us for what is ahead in our lives individually, as a team, or on a larger scale, as believers in a world now firmly positioned against the ways of God.
Talk to you tomorrow.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
We begin today to put the events of the weekend in perspective, to squeeze every possible drop of positive out of them we can. To make sure that the we are able to learn all we possibly can from every encounter. To be able to see value gained even from the negative things we experienced.
We also begin today to watch and listen for God's purposes in what appears to us as a failed attempt. Some evidence may become obvious as events occur and things play out. Still so many other things that we may never know this side of heaven that our miniscuel appearance in God's grand scheme of things was intended to affect.
It's a bit like a scene I watched on the flight home from the Benjamin Button movie. You know, the one where he is born old, and gets youger as time passes. There was a scene in the movie that was read from his journal, in which he describes the unbelievable string of events and circumstances that came together that led to his marriage. He states how so many of these events that were so seemingly unrelated to one another, had become intertwined to produce this outcome in his life. He states how that if even one of these things had not occurred in exactly the proper time, the results would have been completely different. I think that is how we must see this entire ordeal.
We sometime lose sight of the fact that God is at work in every life at all times, not just ours. His infinite purpose for me could be being played out half way around the world involving people I may never meet. We could be playing the same role right now for countless others.
As I mentioned last time, we must do all that we are instructed and compelled to do while always trusting that God will orchestrate the circumstances to fullfil His plan.
But what an experience for our young men! Certainly I can see all the benefits to have been gained if we had stayed. But, we didn't. It is now time to make certain we not fail to focus on those opportunities to grow and learn while lamenting the things we may have missed.
Thanks again to all who have prayed for us. We are safely home with an experience we will never forget. And, chances are great that it has been for the purpose of preparing us for what is ahead in our lives individually, as a team, or on a larger scale, as believers in a world now firmly positioned against the ways of God.
Talk to you tomorrow.
God bless and Go Tigers!!
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