Just checkin' in...

Well, we're doing great! We spent a majority of the first of the year in the States. In Florida to be exact. Ryan working in the Studio and both of us working within the Communications group at Book of Hope. We've learned to be thankful for this time in the States - time when we can be grounded and build relationships...and have a bit of structure. :) At the beginning of the summer we went to Colombia and Peru. Again, it was another amazing time overseas.
In Colombia we worked with Native and National Missionaries to tell the story of the children and young people in Colombia's jungle and mountain areas. Young people who are often recruited for armed groups and some who have NEVER heard about Jesus. We met amazing people. Christians who sacrifice greatly to share Christ with the people around them.
We also met with a Book of Hope partner/distributor in Barranquilla. One woman that has reached over 150,000 students by herself. She shared her amazing story with us!
Then, we were off to Peru where we followed up on some families and children who had watched The GodMan and come to Christ. Again, it was an amazing experience to see how God had moved them and spoke to them about His truth. One morning, we got out of a taxi and the Pastor told us, "We're going to the blue house." We were interviewing a sister and brother who had come to Christ after watching The GodMan in a park. We started walking and when we got to the blue house, we stopped. "Pastor, are we going to stop here?" Then he looked up and pointed to the top of the large hill in front of us. "No, the blue house at the top there." I'll have to put up some pictures. We climbed these stairs to the top of the hill and had an amazing interview with the children. Their mother, who is not a Christian, even shared with us the difference she has seen in their lives since they gave their lives to Christ.
After a few days in Lima, we met a team and hosted them in Huaraz, Peru. A team we love from Bethel Church in San Jose. We had an amazing time of outreach, sharing the Book of Hope with over 40,000 students! We had 4 Hopefests with between 3 and 5 thousand people at each. The team was incredible! The ministry amazing! It is always a gift to see God work in the team members and through them ~ and God did amazing work that week!
Then, we came back to Florida. Loving our God and loving our life!

Let's be their voice...

We had a cool experience the other night. Invisible Children was raising awareness for the child soldiers in Northern Uganda. So we joined thousands of people across the U.S. who slept outside in an effort to raise awareness for these kids who desperately need someone to be their voice. Each night they commute into the cities so they are not abducted for the LRA (Lords Resistance Army).

I have been thinking about these children and teenagers a lot lately. Around our world, the next generation is literally being destroyed. There are child soldiers in many countries, children who have suffered through genocides, sex trades, drug trafficing, poverty and violence.

We need to learn more about these kids and their situations so we can get involved in helping them. If they were our own kids, we would do all that we could to keep them safe, to preserve their innocence, to hide them from the injustice and evil of the world. Just because these kids are not in our homes, doesn't mean we can turn away. In fact, many of us should consider taking them into our homes through adoption. There are so many children around the world who need a home, a family, a safe haven where they don't have to look over their shoulder at the harm that's coming their way.

Recently some friends of ours returned from Rwanda. They shared with us that the kids would ask them for their empty water bottles. And when they gave them to the kids, they were ecstatic about the gift. Can you imagine? An empty water bottle...

We have a responsibility when we know the need. Let us be their voice and do all that we can to rescue a dying generation.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice." Proverbs 31:8,9

Check out our photos at...

www.flickr.com/photos/ryanjen/

We've been in the States for awhile now, nearly 4 months. Can't believe how fast time passes. The last time we wrote, we were about to head to World Missions Summit -- an incredible experience. We were able to interact with thousands of students, telling them about the great adventure and mission of Book of Hope. Several alumni drove over which gave WMS a reunion feel and a lot of energy as we shared our journeys and passions with others. The most moving moment was the last service. Those who felt called to missions came forward and it was like an army -- one after another giving part of their lives to reach others with the message of Christ. Each one came to the microphone to speak the country name where they felt called...in Africa, Europe, Latin America, Asia, the U.S., the Middle East...it was incredible. With each student who said 'I'll go anywhere' or 'To be announced', we smiled hoping they would come with Book of Hope -- to a global call. We already have one young man from WMS who joined us in Rwanda and more on their way. It was an amazing experience.
After WMS we took part in a week of training for our Response Team missionaries working with Book of Hope. It was an incredible week of spiritual challenge and growth. And wonderful time spent with a group of people have become like family to us.
The rest of January and most of February was spent preparing for a Book of Hope event called Hope Celebration. Many of Book of Hope's partners in ministry and International staff joined together for 3 days to celebrate what God had done in the last year, cast vision for the future, and join together to bring resources to reach the children of the world. Amazing reports, testimonies and dreams were spoken of. Each time Ryan and I attend one of these events, we feel God's call again -- stronger and deeper -- to the children and youth of the world.
As we began to prepare for our first trip of the year, opportunities and timing postponed our trip to Rwanda and Uganda -- we're hoping to go this fall instead. And we began prep for a trip to Argentina to follow-up on children, young people, and their families reached through The GodMan, an animated movie of the life story of Jesus as shown from the perspective of a child.
Much of the rest of the year is mapped out and it looks like come the end of April, we'll be busy and working hard on the field. We'll hopefully head to Argentina mid-April through May.
In June we will travel to Swaziland to host 2 teams -- can't wait to see what God has in store! And this fall we'll make our way to Uganda and Rwanda -- another trip we are really looking forward to!
Personally, being in FL a little longer been a major blessing as we have been able to build some strong friendships and accountability relationships. Also, we went through a transition in our home. For 2 years, we've had a fellow missionary staying with us. He is traveling a lot more and we felt it would be good to have some time with just us before we start a family. We were able to get a new vehicle -- an incredible gift from God. Some friends of ours were getting ready to sell their Escape and we were looking for a vehicle. They kept it in great condition -- we were so blessed to get it.
This last week we were in MT with some of my (Jen) favorite people -- the Hochhalters. Tami was my cheerleading coach in high school. She and Lowell were my youth pastors after I was saved. About the same time I came to be with Book of Hope they went to work as missionaries for the MT District's Youth Alive program. I've only seen them a handful of times in the past 7 years. Their kids are growing up and I have missed them so much. This was the first time Ryan spent time with them so that was great as well. My mom and my grandma came over as well and we had a wonderful time with them -- exploring Billings and eating. :) It was an incredible week of making good memories, meeting new friends and cherishing those we love.
Tomorrow, it's back to the office for us and hopefully preparing for our next adventure overseas.
Thanks for reading...I should update more and shorter.

Love,

Ryan and Jen