Guatever

So Most of you may know, This past Thanksgiving Kurt and I went to Guatemala. God has been working in our Hearts about what a ministry would like there. The trip was incredible. Completely God sent!!! We arrived in Guatemala City, and traveled around the city for the Day. We Visited a children's home, with the cutest kids. There were around 50 kids there. all under the age of 3. So many Baby's. It was heartbreaking to see all of them. I tried to take a couple with me as we left, but that didn't work so well haha. The next Morning we went to church at the Vineyard branch in the City. Then we drove to Antigua, which is about an hour from Guate City. Here we met up with Pastor Cesar Gomez and his son. They are from Tejutla. We stayed the night in Antigua and then drove 6 hours to Tejutla the next morning. We spent the rest of the week with Pastor Gomez in Tejutla, with his wife Eldima, and his two sons Danny and Reuben. The are such an amazing family, with an incredible Heart for the Lord, and helping the people of Tejutla. Pastor Gomez showed us around the city, which is very small about 800-900 people, with miles and miles of farm land around it. The whole city is up in the mountains, it is so beautiful. It is like Gods painting. The town has old stone streets, with very narrow alleys. The entire area is smaller than the neighborhood of Los Cristalas, for those of you who have been to Mexico with B2B. The pastor showed us his ministry there, he has started a christian school next to the church. There are about 1500 students in the school right now. The kids come from hours away to go to the school, but also serves the kids in Tejutla. The Pastor has started a clean water ministry, providing clean water to the city for only a 10th of the price. He has started a christian radio station broadcasting all through Guatemala, and even into Chiapas Mexico. The pastor has such an amazing Heart and an incredible passion for the people he serves. The school right now is too small. He only charges the students about 3dollars a month to come, where the actual cost is around 200 dollars, and that is to be able to pay for the teachers. The ministry pays for the rest, but doesn't have the funds to be able to expand the school. The kids are cramped in the classrooms  and there is not enough space for all of them.
The biggest thing that Kurt and I truly knew that God had a plan for us here. was Pastor Gomez. His Heart and his ministry is completely spirit led. Completely!! His ministry is not just about Giving to others or telling them how or what to do. But he presents the Gospels to them through his actions, and his passion. The school is teaching the kids the Bible, not by forcing on them, but by telling them about what God has done through the scripture, but more importantly, what God is doing now, today in there lives.
The People in Tejutla are so nice. we would just be walking through town meeting people, and talking to them. There kindness drew us in. Many people invited us in to see there homes. It felt great to be invited in. They were so proud to show us what they do, and where they lived.
At the beginning of the week when Pastor Gomez picked us up, the three of us were talking and Pastor Gomez was telling us a bit about the ministry. He had said that about ten years he was praying one night, and God told him that he would find missionary's in Antigua to help him and come along side of him in his ministry. He said that he had been praying for An architect to help him. As Kurt and I heard this, we both looked at each other, we hadn't told him what we felt God was calling us to there yet, and we smiled. Even more crazy, as we had this conversation, the three of us were sitting drinking coffee, in Antigua!?!? When Kurt began to tell him, because my Spanish is horrible haha, he told him what we felt God was calling us to in Guatemala, and That I was finishing my Architecture degree in the states. The three of us sat back and you could just feel the presence of God around the table.
Upon our arrival back home Kurt and I have been discussing so many things. We met yesterday to plan some things out. But as of now we are beginning to start a ministry in the town of Tejutla Guatemala. The ministry will work along side of Pastor Gomez's ministry and focus on community Development creating Jobs and education, specifically centered around sharing the Gospel through this. Pastor kept saying the whole week, "We always say that if you give a man a fish he will eat for the day, but if you teach a man to fish he will eat for a lifetime. But that only works if there is a pond for that man to fish out of. So our spirit lead goal, is to help Pastor Gomez create this pond, through creating jobs and education, keeping people from having to go to the states for jobs. We have plans to build a new school for more kids and to aid the kids already in the program. PG has been setting up a scholarship program similar to the Shelter program in Monterrey, to help family's send there kids to school. There are plans to design and build a fire station and hospital in town, to create jobs and also because the closest hospital is 3 hours away. We can create jobs through the construction of the buildings as well.
All I can tell you is that God has been working in us so much through this. And the Both of us are so excited and ready to pursue him and his people in Tejutla.
If you are interested in learning more about the New ministry we will be having a info Fiesta in a month or two. Keep checking back here for more updates, and also the date of the Fiesta.
Now some of you may be wondering what the heck the title means. Well in Monterrey our slogan is "Flexico Mexico" Because, nothing really goes to plan, well because is Mexico haha. So Kurt and I were saying, we need our own slogan for Guatemala. We were walking around in Antigua, and say a tee shirt saying Guatever. We said its perfect!!!!! haha. So this is our new slogan, catchphrase or so for the new Ministry in Guatemala!!

Thank you all for you support, and Love!!!
I wish you all a Very Blessed Christams and a Happy New Year!!!!
Much Love
Adam

A Christmas Miracle In Mexico

This is from Kathy Couch, Staff Member in Monterrey mexcio, While she was working with B2B in Cancun. I am Truly amazed at How God continues to shine light on so many dark places!! He is our savior!!!


"When we were touring the DIF facilities, we walked by the boy’s dorm. The lady leading us on the tour stopped by the door and said that there were 4 young men in this dorm. There was one young man standing in the room. When the ladies walked off, Mau, a staff member in Cancun stepped in the room to talk to the young man. It was obvious that he was blind and the story he told took Mau’s breath away. He is 17. His mother did not want to deal with him anymore so she took him to a busstation in Vera Cruz ( which is several hours south of Cancun) told him to get on the bus, gave him a one way ticket and told him never to return He got off the bus in downtown Cancun and had no idea where he was. A police officer found him and took him to the DIF. He had been repeatedly abused and beaten. Much of his body was black and blue. Before Mau left he hugged him. The young man told Mau that he had never been hugged before. Mau asked him if there was something we could do for him and he asked for music. He said that it helped him relax. We were all taken back by such a sad story. We went back to that home a fewdays later for a Christmas party. One woman sat down by this boy and started encouraging him. I watched him as he cringed with every word she said. He had never heard positive things and it was really hard for him to process. He finally put his hand on his heart and said ‘my heart hurts.” So right there in this government run home these precious women prayed for this young man. Mau, later that morning sat with him to eat pizza and he asked him about his heart. Mau went on the explain the salvation message to him, and this young man, who had been sent away, all alone, unwanted, and blind, to an unknown destination, accepted Christ that day. In a government run home, no less! His face completely changed. He started saying, “ I am so happy, I feel so happy, I have never been this happy.” Later we gave the kids presents and one of our staff gave him a IPOD with Spanish Christian music on it. I wish I could wrap up this moment and his face so I could truly share the emotin of the moment. It was probably one of the best Christmas gifts I have ever received. Seeing his glowing face, you had to believe in divine timing. He arrived just days before we came just so God could introduce Himself.
When the lady was complementing this young man I was watching his face and I started weeping because
when Daniel came to our house he would react the same way. We would say positive things to him and
he would cringe like he had been hit. I look at him now and he has a confidence he would have never had.
He believes in himself and has courage that he never had before. It shows the power of love and
acceptance. God can truly take a broken, empty vessel and make it a beautiful piece of art. Pray
for Jorge at the DIF. Pray that God will continue to show him he is a beautiful creation of
God and pray that God will protect him. Lift up this new branch of Back 2 Back. In an area
known for vacation and fun there is a lot of hurting people."
Kathy Couch

Made it to Guatemala

We arrived shortly after noon this morning, and Joseph, who works with the Vinyard branch church picked us up. He is a great guy, and brought us around town all day. We stoped at a childrens home, and got to see some of the kids. they were so cute! There were so many babys there. We could only stay for a bit, but Im hoping to go back later in the week!!! We got lunch at a little taco joint!! Was soo good, and then at dinner with the paster tonight, and we are also staying with him tonight as well. Tomorrow we leave for Antigua!!!! So excited for what God is has been and is going to do this week!

Here are some pictures from the day.
Adam

Pics

"Unless you become Like small children, you will not enter the kingdom of Heaven" Matthew 18:3

"A childlike Faith"

I am Second Bailee Madison

Who's Your Head Coach??

I am Second Tony Dungy

Your Promise Still Remains.......

"Listen to me my people;
hear me, my nation:
The Law will out from me;
my justice will become a light to the
nations.
My Righteousness draws near Speedily,
my Salvation IS on the way,
and my arm WILL bring justice to the
nations.
The islands will look to me
and WAIT in Hope for my Arms.
Lift up YOUR eyes to the Heavens,
look at the earth beneath;
the heavens will vanish like smoke,
the earth will wear like a garment,
and its inhabitants will die like flies.
BUT, my Salvation will last forever,
my Righteousness will NEVER Fail."

"For I am the Lord YOUR God,
who churns up the sea so that its waves roar--
The Lord Almighty IS his Name.
I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you with the shadow
of MY Hand---
I, who set the Heavens in place,
who laid the foundations of the earth,
say to You, "YOU ARE MY PEOPLE""

Isaiah 51:4-6, 15-16

God you made the Heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is with. And Your promise still remains. You give justice to week, You care for the widow, and orphaned. You love us. You have not only created us, but You have chosen us, and continue to choose us. You created us in your image, You breathed into us with your spirit and gave us life, Life in you. We were dead with out you, just a body, just a form. But you gave us life, you gave us Love, You gave us Joy, and passion, for you. You gave us the Joy to find you in others. You gave me the joy to find you in your Children.
This last couple weeks have been a very important part in my Life. My life being, a Child and Disciple of God. This is who I am, and who God has called me to be. Although this has been an important time for me, it has also been a stressful time. School is a Blessing, but my Heart is not here. My Heart is in Mexico with my Kids. But what I have been learning is how God uses us each day to make an impact on tomorrow. I have wanted to be an Architect since I was in the 7th Grade, why I never knew, but it fascinated me, and I loved the aspect of design, practical design. The First time I went to Mexico, I feel in Love. I Learned what it truly meant to have a personal relationship with God, and to pursue him with all my Heart. But this happened not through me, or through a staff member of group. But through a Child. I have never had any greater feeling of Love and passion, Hope, Joy, excitement, energy, than when Im spiritually filled by a child. When Im tired or beat after a day of work, and that little 45 pound body jumps on my lap with a smile from ear to ear, my Heart melts and leaps with an energy I have never experienced before.
What I didnt Understand a couple years ago, was what God was truly calling me to do. If it were up to me, I would have packed everything up, and moved to Mexico haha. But, God wasnt ready for to do that, nor was I ready at the time to do that. I am currently a senior at Miami University. I still have a year and a half left to get my BA in Architecture, and thin another year or two for my masters. In which upon my Graduation I have hopes to Move to Mexcio, or wherever God calls me at the time, and Serve his orphaned Child as an Architect for Ministry.
This semester has been extremely rough, especially these past couple weeks. Architecture is intense, haha, yes its crazy, why do I have a passion for it?? I dont know but God has given it to me for a reason. I have had so many droughts about if this is really what is right for me. God do you really want me to do this? and his usual answer is Uhhh Yea!! to which my response is usually " your killin me smalls" or ...Biggs...cause.. hes God....Ok never mind, haha. As school gets tougher though I am finding how much I need to lean in on Him, and spend so much of my time, just asking him for his guidance in every aspect of my life. And he has. It hasnt been easy but I trust him, I know that one day I will Serve his children full time, but now I have to do this, for Him, For his Children in the Future! John 16:33
Last week I had a big decision to make, and that was to where I thought God was calling me over this Thanksgiving. Guatemala, or Mexico? My good friend Kurt and I have been talking about setting up a new ministry site in San Marcos Guatemala, and the plan was for us to go down begin praying about what a ministry down there would look like. I wasnt sure if that was what God wanted me to do. I felt like he gave me this Heart for Mexico for a reason, that I miss the kids, I need and strive for that energy. I thought thats what I needed. But God said to me, "Do you Trust me" I said YES.  "Then Follow Me" ok, where I said. "to the deepest place in your Heart. Because here you will truly discover who I am and what it means to Follow me." I prayed and prayed and Trusted God, because I knew I would Hear an answer. I dugg deep inside and prayed even more.
Last week I was listing to a sermon from John Piper. and he stated "God is most Glorified in you, When you are most satisfied in him, In...the midst of Loss, not prosperity. I thought and prayed about this, and I felt God telling me that, "yes I have given you a heart for these Children in Mexico, but most of all I have given you a heart for all my children who are orphaned. Follow me, and I will Lead you. Trust me and I will show you. Put aside your own desires and Follow Me. Follow me, Follow me....
So, This thanksgiving I will be traveling to Guatemala with Kurt and 3 others to, seek out the orphan child there. To per sue there Hearts and share the word of God with them. I am excited to be doing this, and I am not entirely sure what God has in store for me there long term, but I know that he has brought me to this for a reason and I Trust him in that.
Also I have been praying alot about what God wants me to do next summer. He has put On my heart Summer staff with B2B in Mexico. Next summer I will be working with Greg Huffer and Todd Guckenberger on Design aspects of the ministry. One being the New MdA site. This will be one of my responsibility's. I will also serve as support staff, to other staff members. Alot is still being worked out, but I am excited to see where God leads me in all this. I am also excited to start using what God has been teaching me in my education, in the ministry.

God I pray and thank you for all you have done for me. For guiding me, and leading me. for Picking me up when I am down or fail to see you God. Thank you for always giving me grace when I dont deserve it. Thank you for giving me a Heart for your Children.
I pray and Trust you in all you have planned for my life, and that wherever you lead me to, I will follow, and Trust in you.
I pray for all my friends, I pray for all my fellow interns, I pray for those who are struggling to find you, I ask that you be with those who are making life changing decisions, that they fully confide in you God. I pray For Cassie as she trusts in you God for answers. I know you will guide her and show her. I know the answer is in Her heart, deep inside, just as you have shown me. She is YOUR child God, and I know that you will comfort her soul, and give her peace.
I pray for Jarrad as he begins Chemo. I know that you have him at this point in his Life for a reason. I know that through this you are making not only him stronger, but also the community of Miami. You are bring non-Christians to you and Giving them Hope, and peace. I trust you God, I trust you God, I TRUST YOU GOD
I TRUST YOU GOD
I TRUST YOU GOD
Send me!! and I will follow!

Strength will Rise as we Wait upon the Lord.....

I am constantly amazed as God continualy weaves my life. Since being home I have been faced with so many challenges. I was excited to come home, and to continue school this semester, because I feel this is where God wants me. I still feel that way, but I keep feeling like there is a void in my life. In the past I have regreted coming home, because I miss the kids. I do miss the kids but I know that God will bring me back. I have a comfort in my Heart about this, but that is not what has bothering me. I have grown so much in my faith these past few years, especially these past two summers. God has been showing me so much and I have learned so much through others. The friends I have made have impacted me so much and will continue to impact me through this journey here on earth. I long to serve God in ministry. I long to meet the woman of my dreams that God brings to me, and spend the rest of our lives serving side by side in Gods will. I long to serve Gods Children and Care for them, teaching them about Gods Love for them. I long to design schools and dorms that house and educate Gods people and children. I long to show people Gods shelter through my Love for Him. I long for my wife and I to raise children of Christ. I long to adopt the child of God, that our society considers a lost sheep. I long to spend eternity in Heaven with my one and only Creator. I Hunger for the True Bread of God!

Patience my Child
Patience my Child
Patience my Child

Each time I pray I feel God telling me this. "I have you here for a reason, this will happen in my timing". It brings me back to Isaiah 60 each time. "I am the Lord, in its time I will do this swiftly." 

Patience my Child
Patience

I believe this with all my Heart. I m just to impatient of a person. haha. about this time last year, I had finally realized that I wasnt in school for my self. I was in school for God. That he wanted me to have my education so that I could help him. This was a huge step for me, but I am continuing to learn how God wants me to serve him, and I am realizing that my "future plans" have nothing to do with what God will lead me to. In realzing this, even today, especially now, I am ready to tackle school and serve God in Ministry.

I just have this anxiousness to get out there already. I understand the amount of schooling I need to have to get my degree, But I am constantly trying to plan out these "longings" in my mind, and the timing of them. God keeps telling me, "Its not time yet, Just wait". I keep having to remind my self that he is in control of these situations, and That in fully trusting him I have to surrender these over to him. 

I trust you God! Give me the patience to surrender my will to you fully, and completely! I love you!

Since I have been back I have been praying about these things, and God has been revealing things to me in many ways. Not nessesarly answers, but realizations, and confirmation that he is in control, and not me.  This waiting that I keep feeling, is not waiting in Gods story. It is part of my spiritual journey through Christ. It may seem like waiting, and slow timing, but it is merley a blink of an eye in this short, temporary, human experience I am going through in my Spiritual Journey. 

Just this past week I was reading a blog post from my good friend Cassie. Cassie was an inturn this past summer in Mexico with me who I had the opportunity to Serve alongside of. She has an amazing Heart for ministry, and an inspiring personal relationship with God.
Her post title read "Waiting is..." before reading it, I sat back and chuckled for a second. I thought, ok God, Im listening. 

The post read...

Waiting is...
steadfast, that is holding on;
patience, that is holding back;
expectancy, that is holding the face up;
obedience, that is holding one's self in readiness to go or do;
listening, that is holding quiet and still so as to hear
"How long, Lord, must I wait?" "Nevermind, child. Trust me."
 
And so I wait, But in waiting I trust in my Savior to Guide me.
 
The Lord is my Everlasting God,
the Creator of all the Earth.
He never Grows weak or Weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak, and strength to the powerless.
In our weakness and tiredness we may fall in exhaustion
But, Those who trust in the Lord will find new Strength.
They will soar high on wings like Eagles
They will run and not grow weary
They will walk and not grow faint
Our God, He reins Forever.....
He is My God! My Savior... and my Father!
 
Stregnth will Rise as we Wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord, we will Wait Upon the Lord......

There is no one like Our God

This summer has been so incredible I cant evn begin to explain. God has, had his hand on every single nano second, and it blows my mind at how he works many times. As I have stated many times, the amount of disatser and destruction I have seen as impacted me so greatly. But the Biggest impact of all is the presence of God in all of it. I have been challenged by so many things this summer. But the bottom underlying thing that I feel ties it all together, is Trust. Do I truly, completly, and most importantly surrunder my life to God, and Trust him in each and every second of my life. I have been tested ,many times this summer, even before I came down in May. Doctors saying that test results came back negative, waking up each morning and giving my time to God, Leading me in my work each day, helping my digg a hole, or pour the last wheel barrow of concrete. Surviving a Hurricane, believiing Gods Love is a hurricane, and I am a tree. Do I bend or do I break. Do I trust him to give me streagth when my own physical streagth runs out.

I tust you God with all my Heart and soul, and I surrender my life to you, because I can Not do this on my own. I need you to lead my, and make my paths strait. without you I am dry, I am dark, and I am worthless. You are the light in my world.

This, is what I believe, and This, is what I trust in Him for. God wants to be with us! He doesnt care about what we have, or how rich we are. He doesnt care about our matieral possesions, or the number Of times we went to church this year. He just wants you, and all of you. Buts most of all, He wants you, to know him. I look at my life, and the motions that I have gone through, and I see times when I just did things because it was all I knew. I went to church because it was what I was supposed to do. I said the same prayers every week because thats what we did when I was young. But I never fully grasped the intent of what Gods message was. I think of times today when I just go through the motions. and That is not what God wants or calls us to do. If we continue to do the same things over and over, we get to comfortable with it and we begin to go through the motions.

Rob Bell is a speaker who does video presentations, and one of my favorite talks of his is everything is Spriritual. In this talk he talks about science and faitha and astronomy, and he references it all back to the Bible. But the most facinating thing is all the tecnical aspects of the humon body and the very building blocks of matter. On point he talks about is the Atom. and he states that scientist have broken up the atom into several subatomic pieces. when you split an atom it becomes a quark. ( Sorry if Im losing you) He says that scientist have observed 1 quark in one area and that same quark in another, without traveling the distince inbetween. saw essentually, they have seen 1 quark, 1, in 2 places at one time. I quark. later in the talk he states a point about his 2 boys. he says, "I have noticed this thing they have started doing when ever the need me. They say " dad dad dad". 3 times they would say dad. One day they were sitting on the floor playing legos, and he started to hear the dad dad dad. and he was partially there buy the 2nd dad and fully focused by the 3rd dad. And he realized that he had been there with his kids, but he (his mind) was actually somewhere else, thinking about a meeting or an appointment. and that his kids had come to realize that it takes about 3 trys to get dad here.

wow blows my mind each time. But I see this in my own life, and it is so easy to get caught up in what we are doing or begin thinking about whats next. But God says No. stop and be fully present in this moment. When God tells Moses to go up on top of the mountain, the Hebrew translation actually reads Go up on Top, and Be, on top of the mountain. Moses was probobly like, I get it, if Im on top of the mountain Im on top of the mountain. But God says No, because he knows Moses. This was a dirrect order, becuase God knew that Moses would spend all his energy getting to the top of the mountain, and when he got there he would begin planning his way down, and not fully be present on top of the mountain. and in that time, he would miss what God had to offer him, on top f the mountain. I can think of so many times when I am concerened with this situation, or worring about what I have to do tommorrow, or did I really say that to that Girl. And in those times, God was probobly banging on my head saying, "wake up I right here" but because I am so consumed with what is to happen next, I miss what God has to offer my now. Because this world is so complex, especial here in america, we contantly relay on the news, media and politics, and our Jobs, or schooling, to base out judgements and assumptions about situations and people. And it eats away at us. Greg Huffer, one our staff members at B2B said one day that he was talking to a man from Haiti, and the man siad to him. "It is so amazing how much the Church in America gets done without the help of the Holy Spirit." Bam!! It was like a door slamming i  my face, beacuse it is so true. How often do I ask for Gods guidnence or help in my time of need. Or when I begin to worry, do I let it eat away at me, or do I just say, hey Jesus could you get that for me!

Prayer is so important, and I know that you all know that. It has been a crucial part of my life and my faith, especially through my treament as a young kid. Prayer has all sorts of power, and it brings us closer to God. I have found that through my prayers, God challenges me to seek out the challenges and obsticals I pray about. But also in my prayer that I stop asking for So much help, and just Trust that he is God, and what is going to happen will happen. And it is because he loves us. Many times I talk to much in my prayers, when God really wants me just to listen. I find often that when I am talking to much, I miss what God is telling me. sounds familier??? lol. I imagine God saying sometimes. "well if you would shut up and listen, I ill tell you. But most of the time when I expect an answer from God, I expect it verbally. why, Cause thats the way we do things here. But God, who is not limited to a human body or limited to our 3 dementional world, says "Thats not really how I work." I thi k it is so important to be open to how God may speak to you, because if we are to focused on a certain answer, or a ceratin way, we will miss what He is telling us.

Our theme this Summer was Hunger. John 6:33 states "The truse bread od God is the one comes down from Heaven and Gives Life to the world. No weve been through the joking of "well I really hunger for a twinky right now" But the exploration of the Hungering for the True Bread, of God continues to thrive in my heart. What is the True Bread of God? What is the True Bread? What does Hungering for God really look like?

As I boarded my second plane in Housten yesterday there was a man that was getting ready to sit down across the aisle from me. He wacked his head on the part where the oxgen mask stuff is. I said oh I hate that, I do it all the time. well we started talking, and my mind was like, I kinda wanted to sleep these next to hours. haha. I learned that he was a Christian, and was from Mason Ohio. He asked me what I did, and I began to tell him about B2B. As time went on, we went about our buisness, I put my Ipod in shut the window shade. About an hour later I got a tap on my shoulder. As I looked over at the ma, he motioned for me to put my window shade up. As I opened it, I was in awe of the sunset that was on the horizon. The colors and the clouds we soo beautiful, and so amazing. I said God is so awesome. we watched the sun set down, and as it began to disapear, a new light of color hit the horizon. The man said, "wow God can really paint can he!" I thought for a second, and said "yes he truly can. He painted this picture. he painted my life, and he painted yours. and he holds the colors and the paint tray for our future. I stated to him that it almost appeared as a rainbow on the horizon. He asked me if I knew of the story of Noah and the rainbow. I chuckled, and nodded yes. I was reminded of the covenant God made to us. Right at that time I looked to the groung and out of the darkness appeared a Cross. A small city in the vast darkness, lit up with homes and streets, and it formed a cross. Hes the light in the darkness, he's the hope to the hopeless, he's the peace to the restless. There is no one like our God, for greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city.  God I give you my paint, and I give you my brush. I give you my Heart and my soul, and I trust in you to fulfill me with your true colors. I surrender my life to you, and I will continue to Hunger for you just as you Hunger for me. I love you God, and I thankyou for my life! I thank for the many friends I ahve made, and how they have brought me closer to you. I ask that you use them to challenge me in my daily life, and keep me accountable for my actions. I thank you for the family you have blessed me with. May we use our times and energy to streagthen each other and build into each other as Jesus did.  I thank you for the many friends and family who have supportted me in doing you will, not just financially, but through Love Blessings and Prayers. It is through them That I have come to know you better. 

I thank you all for everything. I love you all and cant wait to see you. I miss the kids so very much and cant wait to see them again. But I trust in Gods Plan for life, and His will for me now, is to get my education for him, and serve him through that. I come home with a full yet open heart, ready to recieve what Big Man guides me through!

I thank you again God, over and over and over! Thank you !

I Hunger for the True Bread of God, which is to do the will of Jesus. What do you Hunger for?

Peace and Blessings

Adam 

Still Praying

Hey everyone, I made it back safe. Just enjoying my sunday with my family, aunt kathy, Brian my cousin and Aunt Carol. It has been a good day and I am going to play Golf with the boys later. I have so much on my mind right now, and I am still praying about what I want to blog about. I will update tonight! Thank you all again!
Much Love
Adam

Housten Airport

Sitting here in Housten eating an UNOs pizza with Lauren, Sarah, and Susan. Just hanging out until our next flight into dayton at 7:30. Had a great morning, many sad goodbyes, but I am excited to see what God has for me here at home this school year. We had a great Inturn night out, and we showed the video I put together for the summer. I am working on uploading it so you all can see. I have many thoughts, and feelings that I want to tell you all about. I will update tomorrow! Glad to be half way there, Thank you all for everything and for supporting me.

Much Love

Adam

July 29

Today we went to douglas, and did a little concrete, and painting. I worked on the roof with Darren, and we added a new drainage system on the roof. The water was coming over the dorns and making a muddy mess out front, so we added PVC piping to divert the water to one side. Now that we got it all hooked up, I hear its not supossed to rain for 2 weeks. haha. This is good though. Hopfully this place will have time to dry a bit! Tomorrow we have our last Intern Meeting, and last outing. We are going out to Presa de la boca, which is the big lake on the way to Caderayta. and we are renting a big boat to hang out on and salsa dance. It will be fun!! I am sad to be leaving, but I am excited to see what God is going to do in Heart this semester at school. This summer has been very different in many good ways, and God has used that to work in so many people, including me. It has been an amazing summer, and I have made so many new friends. I am anxious to build more into those friendships, and see what all God has to offer in our hearts.

One more day

Adam

July 28

Yesterday I went to Rio 3 with Jim, and we served the people a meal. In the afternoon, we poured some concrete, and also painted in the bathrooms. Since the hurricane, the bathrooms have taken a beating, so we cleaned them up, and put a fresh coat of paint on the walls. I worked on the Water tanks. Uncle Tim Geiger, Uncle Tim Gellenbeck and dad kinda came up with a new filtration idea, and Uncle Tim Geiger developed it, and then Built it back in Cincy. He mailed it last Friday, and I hooked it up yesterday. It workes great!! The people havnt had any clean water in a while, and since the hurricane the city water has been shut off in the church. But it came back on, and the filters are all hooked up. Thanks uncle Tim! We always take the group for a walk through the community when we get there, and it was great to see more houses being built, and more people working outside. The city is still giving out jobs to help clean up around the city, so it is good that the people are able to work and make some money for there family.

Yesterday as soon as we pulled up, Tonio ran out and gave me a hug. "Adan Adan" he calls me. He always walks with us when we take the groups around. I put him up on my shoulders and we walk and he sings. He is a cutie. I didnt really have the physical streagth yeasterday to carry him, just cause Ive been sick, but out of no where God gave me the spiritual streagth to carry him, and run around with him. When ever he is on my shoulders he always plays with my cross. and he tells me "Cristo es mi Hermono". Which means Christ is my Brother! Today he asked me if he could have my cross, so I put him down, took it off from my neck, and put it around his. He smiled from ear to ear, and I could see even more now than ever that God has a hugh plan for this little Boy.

I told him goodbye, and that I was leaving to go back to cincinnati on Saturday. I got a Big hug, and he ran off to show his friends his new Cross. I will miss him, but knowing that God is working in his little, yet big Heart, makes me smile, and remember that he is a Child of God, and God will not let him Go. He has taught me so much and through him I have learned what it it means to be a true child of God!

I am feeling Better today!! Thank you all for the prayers! Things are coming back together on the property. I am going to take a video later today and show you all the changes we are meking to help with the water flow, and flooding.

Adam

July 27

Yesterday we took the Del Norte Kids to Kidzania. They had such a great time, Juanita had a smile on her face all day! I hung out with Christian, he is only 2, and is such a cutie. He has big brown eyes. We mostly stayed upstairs by the bouncy room and the ball room. he had a fun day but I think I was more warn out. haha. This was the last time I get to see these kids before I leave. I am going to miss them sooo much, but I know that God will bring me back! It was tough to say goodbye to Juanita, but I got a big hug, and a big kiss on the cheek haha. I will miss her!!! Today we are going to Rio 3 with Jim. I have had a bit of a stomach ache the past 2 days, so I am hoping that it doesnt effect me today. I am feeling a bit better, just trying not to over doit!!! Praying for Physical Stregnth from the Big man. Also The sun is out today, so praying that the People in the Rios can have a good day of work with the dry day.

Adam

July 26

Happy Birthday Grandma Geiger!!!!! Today I was off. I slept in and it felt great to relax a bit!!! I talked with Craig, Worship Leader, and great Friend, for about an hour today. It was great to talk to him, and hang out. We have some really good conversations, and I love to hear his persective. We talked alot today about spiritual guidence and what it truly means to surrender everything to God,.... and Live like children. God has been putting some amazing things on my heart these past weeks.

I went to dinner tonight with steve, my discipler, and we ate at Carls Junior. so good!! It was good to hang out with him, and talk about this summer, and what all God has been doing here.

Tonight KC, Sammy, Caroline and I went to douglas, and gave the little kids baths, and watched Ice age 3 with them. They loved it and I did to. I am cherishing every moment with them right now. They were very good tonight and David fell asleep in my arms. I hated leaving tonight, but I know God will bring me back soon!!!! After we got back, the inturns all watched Heavy weights!!! It was definatly a party!!!! BUDDY. That was for you Grandma!! haha. Becka surprised me with Tacos Fede, to!! I am helping her with her fundraising video, so she got me Fede. I was pretty excited. It is real good!!! Tomorrow we take the Del Norte Kids to Kidzania!

Adam 

July 25

 Happer Birthday Mom and Grandma Geiger!!!! Today I went to Del Norte. We poured a massive amount of concrete in the area where the playset is. We got most of it done, but ran out of mixo, the sand and gravel mix we put in the concrete. When its all done, we are going to put turf down so it is softer for the kids. I tied rebar on thop of the wall, so we can pour the last beam across the side half. The footers we stared two weeks ago with SJN are done. and filled. we started on a new footer hole today, but we are going through the side walk, so it is a little more difficult. 

It rained all day today. mostly drizlled, but on the way home it began to pour and the streets flooded again. The river coming into our neighborhood was up high again, and the main bridge was under water. I was haveing flash backs to the hurricane. Because the water table is so high due to the hurricane, any rain we get now floods everything. the rivers havnt had the chance to die down and the rain is suppossed to come all week. Praying for a safe week, and that we dont have any more damge at the Rios. Also please keep the people in your prayers, as most of them are still homeless, and are in the rain.

Here is a video of the Bridge coming into our neighborhood today.

Adam

Bridge Video

Last Saturday!

It is hard to believe that this was our last saturday of the summer. I cant believe 8 weeks has gone by so fast. well 7. I am excited to see what God will do this week, and all he has to offer me when I get home. We had 3 groups come today. only 47 people total. Small end, but God has got big Plans!!!! Del Norte and Douglas kids came today for a pool party. Juanita had a great time. she smiled the whole day! We had hamburgers for dinner. of course she tried to shove the whole thing into her mouth as usual. haha. Her brother Victor is my buddy to. I always give him my Chacauates, which are peanuts, lol. He is a big fan!!

On thursday we took Del Norte, MdA and Douglas to BiaParca, which is a safari. It was so cool. The animals come right up to the bus, and stick there heads in. The camels are freaky. They eat the paper cup with the food haha. The kids loved it, and laughed at the camels eating the cups. Juanita was a bit freaked out but she warmed up after a while. 

My Birthday went great. Friday I heard happy birthday from the interns all day!! Then for our intern outing we went to see a movie. It was a great time spending the day with all my friends down here. We had a little salsa party when we got back! Fun times!

 I love the del Norte kids soo much. they bring light in my day, and just completely fill me spiritually. There smiles and joy are so wonderful, and I love just spending time with them, and goofing around!! Thank you God for blessing all my little buddys!!

Adam

Why is it raining????

Well the sun has been out and the good ole Mexico heat is ever so great. soooo...why is it raining???? haha no idea. It has been pouring for about an hoir now, but is starting to let up. the sun is still out so heres hoping to a rainbow. The past few days have been great. the internent has been out, so sorry I coulnt blog. but Monday we went to del Norte and got so much work done! We poured cement in 2 footer holes, and laid the Miya for the playground base. The group worked really hard, and have been great all we. This morning we did a huge concrete pour at Douglas and they did awesome! There were 2 girls though that I think didnt make any gravel in the trumpo haha. I think I got more in my mouth haha! They did great though!We had a pool party with the kids back here in the afternoon. They enjoyed getting away for a few hours.

Yesterday was my day off. I helped Becca, staff/stinter here at B2B, with here fundraising video. In the evening Gabo and I got take Juanita out for her birthday. She had an absolute blast! We took her to the mall, and she ate pizza hut. She got to ride the carosel and the train. She was so happy. It was great to see her smiling and having a great time. I thank you God for allowing this joy in her Heart, and I hope that she continues to smile ever so brightly!

So As its raining, I walk out of the office, and right over the Building is a rainbow. Wow God you amaze me more and more each day!! As God has been showing me how much this hurricane was truly his Love for us, I am blown away at his beauty in all this. My friend Cassie told me the other day "as much disaster and trouble as the hurricane brought, i believe it brought plenty more BEAUTY than disaster because we have a beautiful God working things together for and in our favor." It is soo true. If we choose to look at the bad in situations, than we fail to see Gods Love and Mercy in that same situation. Seeing that rainbow today, in the pouring rain, with Sun shining on the mountains, was truly I sign from God. In Matthew 5:45 he says " He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain down on the rightious and unrightious." And in Genesis 9:13 he says to Noah "I have sent my Rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covent between me and the earth. When ever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow appears, you shall remember the covenant between me and you." Today God showed me that the true pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow, is not money. its not possesions, or a house. Its not my cell phone, or my car, or even my dry clothes. But it is the Shelter of his Heart over my life, and yours. If we truly Hunger for him, his Love will come into our Hearts through each and every color of that rainbow. And wow!...... isnt it Beautiful! 

I ask that you keep one of our staff members in your prayers. JJ and Mandy Lail are house parents for 6 of our teens here on campus. They have 2 kids adopted from columbia, and are the sweetest cutest kids ever. Last week JJ found out that he has cancer in his jaw. they left on Saturday to go back to cincinnati. He has surgery on Friday, but mandy said that his pain is increasing due to the tumor hitting multiple nerves. They are guessing a couple months of recovery, and are not sure what all will happen. he is supposesd to go through radiation after the surgery. As I look back on my own testimony, I see you all and the power of your faith in our God. This is what got me through, and the power of prayer is so great and strong. God has brought them to this situation for a reason. We may not know why at this time, but we have to trust God in this, and pray for his guidence in JJ and Mandy.

Thank you all

Adam

Last couple days

Hey everyone, sorry its been a few days. Things have been absolutly crazy around here. We had 4 groups arrive yesterday, and we had Monitiel, VdJ and Bethesda here for a pool party. The kids loved all the group members. We had a cookout, and made Pollo Hambergers, which is chicken. It is pretty good, especially with some melted queso, chedder chesse. ooooh its good.

Anyways today we took a group from Sacred Heart from Indiana, to Rio 3. A lot has been going on out there. The area is still a mess, but the homes are really starting to sprout up. Families are getting back on there feet, and surprisingly the Government is helping out alot. Today they had a couple medical teams there helping people, and all this week sanitaion crews have been cleaning up garbage and mud of the streets. The River has gone down alot, and people are crossing again saftly, but the water is still extremly polluted, and many of the people and kids are getting sick. So today and last week, we have been taking PURE packets that were donated by P&G and filtering water for them to drink. Most of the people there make there living by picking up garbage, so many have been getting alot because the city is a mess. Thety have there little horse and buggy and go around and get garbage. They may only recieve 50 pesos, like 5 bucks, but its money, and they dont have to pay for gas, lol. God has really been presant there thse past couple weeks, and I know I keep telling you all this, it just amazes me the Spirit in the people there. They are enjoying there life, and accepting what is in front of them. They are true children of Christ!

As we got back to our proerty today, something was different. There wasnt water running through the property anymore. Ever since the Hurricane we have had septic overflow of the mountain coming up through the ground. Its been stinky and nasty. But today the water slowed up and stoped, and the ground began to dry up. yay!!! It still stinks a bit, but no more sinkholes, and water control!!

Great day, and Im excited to see what God has instore for me tomorrow!

Adam

June 14 and 15

Yesterday we went to Rio 3 and did alot of outreach. We took a walk through the area and it was very eye opening for the group. We took and passed out CABI clothes to all the ladies. they were loving it. There is a building next to the church that B2B is going to rent, to do outreach, and it also has appartments in it, so we are thinking of letting Olga, the Director of the church, and her famliy live there.  The group painted the front of the buliding, and cleaned up some of the inside. The Uncle Tims and I worked on the water system there, and came up with a new filtration sytem for the two tanks. It was a great day, and we ate Pollo Loco, soo good. The Rio is still amess though. The distruction and smells are just horrible, and only getting worse. But the smiles of the people are ever so bright. Just walking through the area, you see people enjoying there life, and not worring about what they have lost.It always amazes me how little these people have and how much joy and Faith they have because of that. I got to hang out with Tonio again. He was the light in my day!

Today we took the kids from Moniteil and VDJ Bowling and then to get Ice Cream. It was a crazy day, but we all fun with our little buddies.

This week has been awesome to spend with my family and friends. I am sad to see them go tomorrow, But I know God has got great plans for them when they step of that plane Tomorrow Night!! Please pray for safe travels home tomorrow.

Isaiah 6:8

Adam

Pics

July 12

Yesterday we went back to del Norte and did a tone of work. We continued to did footer holes, and also laid some concrete. Uncle Tim Geiger worked with Mauricio, one of our staff members, and they did maintenence on all the AC units at the home. Uncle Tim Gellenbeck worked with Sarah and Julia on the playground somemore. They got the roof frame done, and ready for the sheet metal. Laura found a lawnmower and of course was all over cutting the grass. she has fun. The mower they had looked like one of those toy ones. It plugged in. I kept waiting for bubbles to come out the top. PJ, Trisha, and Ben helped with the footer holes, and Sarah helped paint a Property wall behind the Auditorium. Betsy was the all around ladie she helped everywhere. Mary Joe was sick again, but she went out today, and was feeling better.

Today is my day off. I was going to go with the group today, but decided to stay because I am pretty wooped, and needed some rest. They went to Villa de Juarez today which is out by the airport. B2B recently just purchased a new property for the home. The home has 3 location, including a boys and girls home. The idea is to renovate the property and move all the kids to the one site.

So I have been reading the book crazy Love. It is written by Frances Chan, and is such a great book, you all should read it!! But today I was reading in the chapter called profile of the obbsessed. and One of the quotes was talking about our sins, and how many times we try and dumb down our sins when we ask for forgivness. The quote says, "People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their faliures. Obsessed people don't put a show on for God; He is their place, where they can be at peace." and I think why do I try and and act like my sins wernt all that bad, or change slighty what I did to make it sound better. God already knows what I did! so why are do I try to cover it up, or make it sound different.

I have been learning alot latley about Gods grace for me. Grace is something that God gives not for any reason except his undenying Love he has for each of us. No matter what we do God still loves us. We should Love God the exact same way as well. Gods grace is so great, and it shows us the passion and pursuit that God has for our Hearts. God is always there to pick us up, and he is always there to tell us, I told you so. He is always there cheering us on in difficult situations. I think the biggest thing I am trying to say is that, God Loves you, and will always always be there by your side. He wants to help you in every aspect of your life, and he cares so much about us that he sent his one and only son to Die on a Cross for Us. I challenge you, Just as God has been challenging me, to open up your heart and allow God to pour into you. He wants you to come to him in your need, and your struggles. He even wants to hear your sins, no matter how bad you think they may be. Trust in him, and you will never go Hungry.

This week the sun has been out, and the warm weather is back. The mountains are ever so beautiful, and the birds are chirping. As great as this is, the situations at the Rios are still very bad. now that the heat is back, the smell of the grabage, and the sewage there is getting worse and worse. we are afraid that sicknesses may break out and desease because of the bad water and unsanitary conditions. I ask for your continued prayers and blessings upon all these people, and all those who are struggling in these situations. 

Adam 

PICS 

July 11

Today we went to Del Norte, and had an awesome day! Mom, Uncle Tim Geiger and Laura poured Concrete, and Uncle Tim Gellenbeck, Sarah and Julia Helped work on the Play set we are working on there. Dad and Pj Helped my Dig Footer holes for the wall we are putting in. Mary Jo got sick this morning and stayed Back with Betsey, But she is doing alot better now! It was great to see everyone all working hard and working together today. This morning at Church, Our Mexican worship leader asked everyone to to some moves to the songs. I looked at some of there faces, and they were like, "Really" lol. But they all did it and It was great to see them all worshiping our God. The spirit totally came into there Hearts today, and tonight at debrief, the stories and images that God placed in there Hearts will forever change them. I am very excited for the rest of this week and to see how God will work in them even more. Forgot to steal dads pictures so I will upload those tomorrow and show you all. Miss you Lynn!!
Blessings
Adam

Matthew 7:24-27
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SJN Arrives

Today we did alot of cleanup around the campus for the groups. Mom and Dad, Both uncle Tims, Sarah, and the rest of the SJN gang all arrived today around 3. we had a poopl party with Imperio de Amor and Bethany, a new home that Back2Back in lookiing into to partnering with. The kids here are really great and are well behaved. This evening we had salchichas for dinner, and then had an awesome worship with Craig. It is great to see my family and friends here, and I am excited to work with them this week, and grow spiritually with them as well. Here are a couple pics dad gave me. Mom and Trisha gave Hep A shots to the Teens and staff on campus today and also the Kids and encargadas from Douglas. Heres a pic of Mom and Xavier.

Adam

Understanding God

This past week we have experienced many difficulties, and challenges. The things I have seen and experineced at the places we serve I cant even fully explain. Last tuesday the rain started, and didnt top until sunday. We have had thunderstorms and flooding all week. The Hurricane hit us Thursday night last week, and as you could see from the video the damage that we had on our property was pretty ad. This weekend we went out to the rios where we serve, and i was in shock at what I saw. The river 50 yards wider, the ground 10 feet lower, and not a single house or remnent visable. 2 days ago we walked down to a house where we know 2 ladies ived. The house is made of cinder block, and was still standing, but was full of 4 feet of mud. One of the ladies is 80 years old, and she lives with her daughter who is 61yrs old and her daughters husband. They are both missing a leg due to circulation, and are in wheel chairs. The house is only 15x10ft wide. They barly made it out before the river rose. We walked down to the house because one of the ladies left her passport and visa there, so we went to try and find it. After 2 hours of digging through the mud and sludge in the house we still hadnt found them. We searched every inch, and couldnt find it.

Out front they had an old minivan that didnt run. It was also stuck in 4 feet of mud. They wanted to get it out and sell it so that they could get money to build a new home closer to the road and away from the river. so we started digging, and got the tires and side uncovered. There was still mud under the car that we couldnt get though, so we asked a guy that was using a backhoe if he could help us. after serveral faid attemps and some good laughs, we finally got it out. Unfortunatly my camera died and I didnt get a video of us pulling it out, but here is one of the failed attemps haha.

After we got the car out, I was behind the house looking at the river, and the had been a little boy that was hanging out with us all day. His name was Antonio, but we called him Tonio. He is always at the church and loves to help us out pouring concrete and digging. He is only about 6 years old, and has a good little Heart. Anyway he was hanging out with me, and all of the sudden he said, "hey come here lets swing." and I looked at where he was pointing, and say an old swing set buried in the mud, and it was on a slant. My first thought was are you kiding me? lol. and he said again, Come on "Vamos", which means "lets go". and he went over to the swing set and unrolled the swing down and started to swing. he only went like a foot, but he didnt care. After a minute he said, "Vamos Adan" and he got out of swing and unrolled the other swing down for me. And I think of the Heart of tis little 6 year old. having nothing, and yet he still wants to give. This past weekend I was reading a Verse in Matthew, 18:3, and it states "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." .....And I thought of this verse as little Tonio asked me to swing with him. And the verse just clicked in my head. Here is this little child, who could care less about the broken swingset he was on, or the wet cloths he was in, or even that he no longer had a home. His heart was full of Joy. and I feel that this is what God wants us to feel like. He doesnt want us to worry about what to do next, or how to do it. But he does want us to enjoy what is right in front of us. As we get older we get smarter, well some of us, and we begin to feel as though we can take control of our lives. Planning things out, schedules about tomorrow or next week. But God says why plan something that you cant control. As a child our minds dont think this way. We are clueless to many things, and we dont have control. Our mindset is to find the Joy in things, that are right before our eyes. And God says if you continue to look to the future, you will miss what I have to offer you right now. We are Gods Children, and he wants us to act and be his children. But we cant do that unless we completley understand how to not just be a child, but a child of God. He loves us sooo much, and all he wants us to do is Love him Back, and Follow in is Sons Name. I challenge you to see where you may need to losen up a bit, and swing on the swings with Tonio and I.

I have enjoyed this past week even though it has been crazy and the devestation I have seen is very bad. I have grown in my fellowship not Just with the other inturns but also with the staff. Latly I have trying to turn my perspective around, and truly realize God in the worst situtions. Now I havnt a clue what the Big Mans plans are, but I think as a true believer and follower, that even when we may feel down or sorrowful, and ask God why, that we must realize that he has a plan in all this. I have seen familys homeless, in wet cloths, sleeping in raw sewage, and on dirt and mud. I have seen destruction and hurt, and pain. I have seen starvation, and neglect. But I have also seen families growing closer together. I have seen more community in the people. I have seen the men coming to church for the first time. I have seen people who dont even know Christ asking, "who is this God, and why does he care about me. I have seen God in the hearts and eyes of the people when we ask, if they need something. I see God in the strange look I get when I ask " Can I pray for you?" And I see God in the Kids even when they sneek back in line to snag another hotdog. God is in Everyone, and is everywhere. Even in the destruction of of this storm God says, I love you, and I will take care of you. For God who has the whole plan, the whole map of my life, your life, and everyone elses life drawn out, he says, "trust me , I know what Im doing up here."

The other night all the inturns were praying about the storm and the people in the Rios. And I was thinking of a song that Kim Walker sings called "How he Loves". and the lyrics say that Gods Love is like a hurricane and I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.  and that verse just stands out to me. If we have our full trust and Faith in God, this Hurricane can never and will never ripp us out of the ground. Now it may make us sway a bit, but the root of our faith, my faith and your faith has to be completly solid in the Ground, in order for us to understand Gods purpose in all this. We will never know Gods plan, but we must plant our selves deep into his Love and mercy and accept all that he has to offer, and truly experience the Joy of him in each and every day.

This week Our church comes St. John Nuemann. I am exciteced to see my parents and my uncles and Cousin and also our church comunity. I am very anxious to see how God is going to work in there Hearts, and I am anxious to share my passion for minisrty and my Love for these kids with them. I ask that you please keep this group in your thoughts and Prayers. God I pray that you completely overwelm this group with you Love and that you show them How to become a true child of Christ.

I wish you all a great weekend

Much Love

Adam

Video Clips from Rio 3

One more Video clip