What a year!

It’s 12:09am, December 27^th. It seems like hours ago it was October and I was telling Ryan that we needed to update our blog site. Now, 3 months later, days short of 2006, I’ve finally decided that we have to do it NOW and thus, even though it’s late and I really should be sleeping, here I am. In a few paragraphs we’re going to try to share with you September, October, November and December.

In September we worked in a primarily Muslim country in Asia. For the protection of the believers who are often persecuted for their faith we won’t mention the country name. We were challenged and encouraged by the strength and faith of the believers who serve God no matter what. We interviewed a young man who received the Book of Hope and became a Christian. Today he feels God’s call to ministry. We were challenged in our faith and it was an incredible experience to get to know the believers and the country they are reaching for the Lord.

Next, we met one of our Nomad (intern) teams in Taiwan. Taiwan’s culture is integrated with their religious beliefs, mainly Taoism or Confucianism, and some Buddhism. They have an incredibly hard work ethic and their young people are pushed to succeed and be the very best academically. The stress and pressure they face is tough. The students received the

Jen in Panama

Hear what happened in Panama at a local high school.

Podcasting...let's give it a try huh?

Podcasting, the newest "big" thing in media communication. Basically one way to describe it is Tivo for Radio. What I am attempting to do is create media content that you would be able to subscribe to ( with a little work of course ) so that any time we post new updates from our travels they would be updated to keep you current. Hey it sounds really great. Wouldn't it be amazing if I could actually figure the whole process out? Let's try it and see what happens...

Listen to Eric's Story by clicking here. The audio file is a 9 minute audio portion of a testimony video Jen and i just finished completing about a young man named Eric Navales. He is from the island of Mindanao, Philippines. He is just such a great story of how youth around the world are reached through the Book of Hope. You will mainly hear the voice of Eric himself as he shares his story with you. The female voice you hear is that of Afel. She is the local Chi Alpha director. Chi Alpha is a campus Bible Club that helps to make the Gospel relevant to students. What a great partnership.

I encourage you to take a few minutes and hear Eric tell you how the Book of Hope was intrumental in chenging his life.

The audio will play through the program "Quicktime." This is a standard piece of software but if for some reason you are unable to play the file follow this link and you can download the newest verion for yourself. Download Quicktime Here

Dean in classroom presentation

Dean in classroom presentation
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

The adventures keep coming.:-)

We had an awesome week of ministry with the team from Mountainview Christian Center from Las Vegas. Most of our ministry took place through classroom presentations where we presented the Book of Hope and did distribution in classes. There are around 45 students per classroom. Classroom presentations are great because you get a chance to interact with the students one on one. But it also makes for busy days. Some of the schools that we were able to go to had over 6,000 students.

Hopefest

Hopefest
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

We were able to have one Hopefest in Chinatown. This area is primarily Filipino-Chinese students and it was awesome to be able to minister to them. The children laughed and clapped their hands when they received their gifts. The young people were interested to see what was inside.

University students reading the Book of Hope

University students reading the Book of Hope
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

We saw some of the college students reading their books for hours between classes.

Angie, Jen, Ryan, Bert, Alvin

Angie, Jen, Ryan, Bert, Alvin
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

Our Book of Hope staff for the Philippines was so good to us. They work so hard and did a great job! It has been such a privilege to know them and work with them. They have strong relationships with the churches and continue encouraging evangelism with the Book of Hope after we leave.

Ryan eating balot

Ryan eating balot
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

The Saturday night before the team left we had to try the Filipino delicacy of Balot. Book of Hope staff cheered us on as took part in the Filipino tradition. I only ate one. Ryan ate two. To be honest, they tasted like hard boiled eggs and chicken soup. Not so bad, in fact, I think we kind of liked it.

Mountainview Team

Mountainview Team
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

All in all, it was a fantastic 10 days of ministry. We will miss you Mountainview!

Eric, Edna and Rodel reached with BoH

Eric, Edna and Rodel reached with BoH
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

After the team left, Ryan and I do as we always do…we looked at each other and thought, “hmmm, what’s next…” Our adventures started right away. We flew to Mindanou and then took a 3 hour bus ride to Nbuntaran to document the stories of three university students who received the Book of Hope and are now serving the Lord.

Erik, Rodel and Edna. We had two intense days of filming from morning until dark. What a privilege it was to revisit all of the places that had been monumental in their journey to Christ, especially visiting the school where they had received the Book of Hope and later going to each of their homes.

Jen in rice field

Jen in rice field
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

To reach Edna’s home we walked through the rice fields. What an experience! We really felt like we were in Asia. The fields are acres and acres of rice patties with little mud paths between the plants. One missed step and you are covered in mud and fertilizer. I missed a few steps as you can see. Ryan did better.

Ryan on Carabou

Ryan on Carabou
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

After filming Edna’s family (most of whom have received the Lord since Edna’s life was transformed through reading the Book of Hope), we rode their family carabou.

Edna's family became Christians as well!

Edna's family became Christians as well!
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

Tears were shared as we revisited and recounted the stories of the three lives that were changed and their family’s lives as well. Wow! We love this work!

Mabuhay from the Philippines!

Mabuhay from the Philippines!
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

Then we took the three hour bus back to Davou to head back up to Manila. We’ll have two days of rest and then we’ll start a 12 hour journey to Vigan, in Northern Philippines.

Smith with rice fields behind

Smith with rice fields behind
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

Thanks for visiting and accompanying us on this journey through your prayers. We would love it if you could pray for good weather while we are in Vigan. Since it is typhoon season it can be quite rainy up there and we have a few days of filming there before we come back to Las Pinas in the Manila area for the last bit of our work here in the Philippines.

Blessings and love to you!

Continually Reaching,

Ryan and Jen

Our first week in the Philippines

smiling boy reading boh
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

Mabuhay! Welcome to the Philippines!

So far the Philippines has been an experience we will never forget! It is an amazing country and home to some of the most hospitable, kind people in all the world.

For the past week, our team of 12 Americans joined over 50 local church volunteers to distribute the Book of Hope to over 48,000 children and young people! It’s hard to imagine that in one week, 48,000 children have had the opportunity for their lives to be changed forever. 48,000 children and young people have received the truth with an opportunity to know Jesus as their best friend.

No matter how many students you have seen, no matter how many books you have given there will be moments when your are in a classroom, sweat dripping down your forehead, down your cheeks and dropping to the floor. Your clothes are damp, your feet are aching and tired…and then as you take the Book of Hope in your hand to give it to a child, you see their little hand reaching for it. Their eyes are lit up in expectation of what they will find inside. Their little faces are full of joy.

It is as if time stops and you see that little child as God sees them. It is a moment full of overwhelming feelings of love, astonishment, joy, thankfulness and hope. You realize that as you give this child this book, their hearts have been prepared through prayer. Finances have been sacrificed to reach this one. And as you hand them the Word of God, the feeling is so strong…you have just handed them truth, life and love. What they are now holding in their hand, the Word of God, has the power to convict of sin and lead to righteousness. It has the power to take a soul from death to eternal life. It is the revelation of God’s love and His plan for man.

Tears fall down your cheeks. It’s ok. The kids don’t know you are crying. Your face is dripping already. They are unaware of all that has taken place to get them to this point. They can’t feel the pain you feel for them to know Christ. They don’t know the yearning you feel in your heart for them to know the truth. All they know is that you care, and that today, you are in their school to tell them about a best friend that they can know. And that’s enough.

The seed has been planted. This day is marked in history and has the power to change the destiny of thousands.

Thank you for being part of this day! Just weeks ago we were in England and God poured out his spirit. Children and young people were praying the prayer of salvation and giving their hearts to the Lord. This week, thousands are receiving God’s gift of salvation in the Philippines. God’s Word will not return void but will accomplish the purpose for which it has been sent.

It is beautiful…us working together to spread the good news. Absolutely beautiful!

Our love to you always!

Continually Reaching,

Ryan and Jen

Check out photos from the Philippines at www.flickr.com/photos/ryanjen/

South Africa

05SAF 2428
Originally uploaded by emailthesmiths.

I met this little boy at a feeding center in South Africa. Everyday he and over 70 other children come to play and to eat dinner. For many of them, this is the only meal they will eat each day.

Our First Fourth of July

We're back in Fla. just in time for the 4th of July. But before we get to that -- what was England like?
As most of you know, we carry a burden in our hearts for the children and youth of England. Most of them grow up thinking that religion is dead, that it belongs in a museum. That it is all tradition and no application. What a joy it was to not only plant the seed of God's Word but to also see it come to fruition.
We were able to take the same church team (only bigger this year) to the same community to work with the same church as last year. Our relationships were strengthened and the impact on the community was even greater. We worked primarily in elementary schools, sharing God's love with the children and giving them the Book of Hope. The children were so precious.
In one of the schools we went to, one of the team members shared about her father's death 2 years ago and how it made her sad. She told the children that God helped her to smile again and to be happy again even though she would always miss her dad. After the assembly one little girl began to cry. She told her teachers that her parents had split up the week before but she was afraid to tell anyone. When she heard Maris speak about her life, she knew that she didn't want to be sad anymore.
At one of the high schools where we ministered it seemed that everytime we turned around, the team was able to pray with students and even a teacher to accept Christ. Their stories are very impacting. The seed of God's Word was planted and definitely fell on fertile ground this year. God had prepared the hearts of children and young people ~ and for that we say thank you to you ~ all who prayed for us and continue to pray for us on each trip. You never know what God is going to do or how he is going to work.
We are grateful for your prayers and financial support. We were blessed to arrive home and find some surprise financial gifts. God is so good because His provision comes right when you need it. Thank you!

And where to now, well we are off to the Philippines in just a few weeks. We'll be leading a team of volunteers from Las Vegas and continue our trip with follow-up when they return home. We are very excited to experience this part of the world and share God's love with many, many children and young people. We invite you to go on this journey with us through your prayers...they are much needed and make all the difference.

And...if any of you are interested in going on a short term missions trip (for 10 days...6 weeks...4 months...1 year..or longer) let us know. We have teams that are going around the world throughout the year to share God's Word and His love with children. But just to warn you, you won't come back the same. We never do :-).

Now, what about the title of this article? Well, this is Ryan and my first 4th of July together in the States. We are really looking forward to thanking God for our country and celebrating with all of you. Yea!

Blessings and Love Always,

Ryan and Jen Smith

Communication Blunder ~ Where have we been?

Wow, we've been terrible at keeping up this blog. We talk about it alot. I know, I know. We need to do more than talk. Life has been busy but that is not excuse because life is always busy, no matter who you are or what you do.

So what have we been doing?

In April we ventured to South Africa to join Joe and Mishael Newell. What an honor. We were able to have a true African experience and a great time working for Book of Hope. We visited a national park, were trumpeted by elephants and were amazed by the beauty of giraffes and zebras, the agility of the spring buck and the enormous rear ends of rhinos. We even ate lunch with a zebra.

We traveled to several cities to follow up on previous Book of Hope ministry, documenting testimonies and encouraging the volunteers who continue to take God's Word to the children and youth of their community. We met a young man who pushed a wheelbarrow full of Books of Hope 4 kilometers when he didn't have funds for transportation. The dedication of the volunteers and their passion to reach the next generation with the gospel was amazing!

Ryan then journeyed to Swaziland to join a project documenting the devastation of HIV/AIDS on the youth of Swaziland. He absolutely loved his time there, working with the team and learning more about the field of media. But it was also a very impacting time for Ryan. He was moved by the stories of the children and the hope that they desperately need.

Meanwhile, I stayed in South Africa to join the Granny Brigade -- ministering to orphan children and distributing the Book of Hope.

Ryan and I met at the airport in Jo-berg and flew back to FL. We arrived in Fla. on a Thursday and flew to Montana the next day for my mom's graduation from the University of Montana. Our 12 days in Montana was such a blessing! Family, friends, memories and precious moments. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. It was one of those times when you hate to leave. And those are the best because you always look forward to the next trip then. It was bitter sweet.

Once we returned home we had 3 days in Fla. One of those days we went up to Port St. Lucie to train a team that we'll be taking to England in a few days. Great team! We worked with them last year as well in a little community called Wigan. Can't wait to see what God has planned for this year (June 15-25).

The next morning (after the training) we left for Brazil for the 300 MILLIONTH distribution of the Book of Hope. Another incredible trip and time of ministry. We had a lot of laughs and a lot of work. A 14-year-old girl named Deyse recieved the 300 millionth book. Her twin sister Denyse recieved the 3 hundred millionth and one book. It was a festive celebration. We were able to visit the twins' home and get to know them. And hopefully a 300 millionth video will be out soon. After a week of distribution we also followed up on some previous distributions and the testimonies of two adults who were reached with the Book of Hope. One was a young man who belonged to a punk group ~ his life was completely transformed. And a teacher who received a Book of Hope when a team came to speak to her class.

All in all, it has been busy but GOOD busy. We are loving it. We'll get pictures up soon and in the mean time, we're off to England and the Philippines.

All our love,

Ryan and Jen

Thank you for your prayers!

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.

Thank you for your prayers for the people we minister to and meet.

Let's continue to go to God on behalf of those serving around the world in missions, in the military and in other service projects ~ especially for Iraq. May God bring peace to those who have longed for it for so long.

Many blessings and prayers,

Ryan and Jen

Where are the Smiths?

Wow! It is so good to be able to write to you! I'm not sure who will check this site or when ~ but thank you and I hope you enjoy the adventure that we call the Smith's journey through life.
We just arrived back in Florida after a weekend in the SNOW in Baltimore, Maryland. We were representing Book of Hope at a Missions Convention. We had a great time, sharing the vision of BoH with Church Pastors, Missions Directors, Leaders, College Students and other ministries.
It always amazes me how God entertwines our lives and ministries to do great things for his kingdom and the people of the world.
We really enjoyed talking with the students from Valley Forge and hope that a few of them will join the BoH family for awhile. We were especially blessed by Health Care Ministry Missionary, Ron Drye. Ron ~ thank you for you stories and honesty. We respect you and hope to inspire and help to change as many lives as you and your wife have. JoAnne Butrine, who is now over the Specialized Ministries of the A/G which includes Book of Hope, was also a major blessing.
Our trip was prolonged a day due to the ice storm that hit Atlanta, closing down the airport and apparently creating a power shortage. So we stayed over one more night in Baltimore, visiting the beautiful Inner Harbor and eating at one of Ryan's favorites, ESPN Zone (their chicken/avacado wraps are great).
We made it home in time to check our email and start our laundry and get ready for work tomorrow. We have another couple of weeks here in the States before we head out again. Which is actually a blessing as we have had some water damage in our condo from upstairs and will hopefully have time to get it repaired before we go out again.

Thanks for catching up with us...we hope that you are well and would love to hear from you!