FBC Youth Get "Rocked"

After a session covering; safety, knots, belying, and voice communication, the instructors at IBEX indoor rock climbing turned our group loose. Below are a few photos of the evening.

Cheering on the climbers while this group takes a break.

Casey (left) and Caleb (right) were constantly challenging each other on the various routs at IBEX...I think Caleb one upped the "old guy."

Megan (left) was stretching or cheering, I couldn't tell which one. Trying to figure out the path of less resistance (right). As I grow older, this becomes an important concept to understand and put into practice!

While the "young guys" were competing against each other, I was competing against "Father Time." He won a couple...I won a couple. I won on the left: "Father Time" won on the right...I just couldn't get over the hump and up to the top. My main concern was, what am I going to feel like in the morning when or if I can get out of bed!

Andrew, all smiles before one climb...Now my question here is, which one of you is belying the climber?

Commissioned

In church this week, our team was commissioned in a short ceremony Sunday morning. It is wonderful to know that we belong to a church body that believes in the power of prayer and one that is missional (not only financially supportive of missions, but actively carrying out the Great Commission) in nature. We are looking forward to all the divine appointments God has already scheduled for each one of us to keep as we seek God's Will.

Our Team

Sweet 17

Last night we celebrated Megan's 17 birthday at the best chicken restaurant around...Stroud's.
(when I get photos, I will post a few) For photos see Lila's Blog

Developing Leaders

I am currently working at a camp with some of the brightest sophomore students in the state of Missouri ...the camp is called "Leadership in Practice." This three day camp provides the necessary tools to help these students improve their leadership potential. We meet as a large group, then break into 16 discovery groups and discuss the information that the presenter gave to them in the large group session. Above is my group (#16)...we get to have our small group session in the penthouse (at the top of the library). It is great...all glass with a view outside. I have been working this camp for more than 15 years and it is amazing to see the potential and positive ethics these young people have at such a crucial time in their life.

The Gathering

Sunday evening, instead of a traditional worship service, our church body met at Wallace State Park for the first of three summer events called "The Gathering." We were served the traditional picnic type items; hamburgers, hot dogs, a variety of chips, potato salad, and for dessert...watermelon. Following the dinner was a talent show composed primarily of musical presentations. Those of you who missed this church event, all is not lost...there are two, yes two more Gatherings this summer; July and August. A big thank you to all those that made the first of the three Gatherings a tremendous success. For a photo gallery and related story of the evening, go to Jay's Blog listed in the section titled, My Blog List.

It Ain't Kansas, Dorothy

Lions and...

Tigers and...

Bears...Oh My!


Can you guess where I got to go today?...If you guessed the zoo, you guessed correctly. To be specific, I visited the Omaha Zoo with some of our youth group from FBC. It was a great time, so I am sharing a few of my favorite pix with you (above). I had heard a lot about the Omaha Zoo, but this was the first time I have ever had the opportunity to go, and if you ever get the chance it is well worth your time.

Our group: Zack, Matt, Savannah, Andrew, and Me.

Romania Spaghetti & Dessert Auction

Casey gets the event started (left). Two important words (right).

Getting the next dessert ready for the sale (left). Landon in action (right).

The big dessert winner ($): Kim's peach pie.

For a related post , see Casey's Blog titled "Romanian Fundraiser."

First I would like to thank ALL those behind the scene individuals that helped make our Romanian fund raiser a huge success: I do not want list names in fear that I would accidentally forget to list some one. Our team thanks you for your commitment in the planning, preparing, serving, and cleaning up of the Romanian Fundraiser. Next, a big thank you to all those that made the desserts that were auctioned off after the lunch: Also to Landon for auctioning the event. Finally, thank you to all those that bid and bought the tasty treats. All the money raised will go to support your mission team to Romania. We give God all the credit for the success of this event as he leads and guides us according to His Will.

Mansingh Moving Inc. For Your Every Moving Need

At 9 am this morning the Mansingh Moving Inc, gave David "a little" hand with a project he planned and then recruited help after he knew he had bitten off more than he could chew! We finished his "little project" at 4:30 pm this afternoon. Full members of the Mansingh Moving Crew included Jeff, Bill, and Yours Truly: Quarter Members were Logan and Randy (they had to go to a graduation party after helping load the old furniture in the early morning). To hire this outstanding crew for your every moving need call: 1 (800) 4get-it.

At 9 am we arrive and begin taking out the old, loading it on the trailers, and make room for the new.

Some furniture went into storage for the Romania Rummage sale (left): Jeff, David and I head for St. Joseph to get the new stuff (right).

Empty..Wala! Filled and ready to head home for the "real" work.

Assembly required on many of the pieces... Jeff and Bill getting it figured out. I don't want to see another screw for at least a week!

Sofa and love seat moved inside (left), 4:30 pm, packing and cardboard boxes loaded and ready for the dumpster.

Sundae On Tuesday

MasterLife at Evelyn's house began with an old fashion sundae before the study dealing with "Truth and Faith.." This week's memory verse was found in II Timothy 3:16-17. We were all grateful for Evelyn opening up her home (and freezer) for this weeks study.

Troy I made this one for you but...


I couldn't let it go to waste, so I finished it off after I inhaled mine. I think yours might have been a little bit better than mine! Just remember, it's the thought that counts!

Landon Licensed

Landon McCoy was licensed by our church to preach last night in our evening worship service. It has been amazing watching Landon's growth as he has allowed God to be in the center of his life (for a related story, see my blog post, "God's Giant" on April 17, 2008).
God bless you and your family as you allow God to lead you.

(photos from last night to follow as soon as I can figure out how to get them off my cell phone)

Landon hates air travel; but he has a burning passion to serve his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This love/hate relationship has taken him, not once but twice ('06 & '07) to Galati, Romania (above photo) to share with the people there the Gospel that changes lives.

Praise Band Performs For Camp Fundraiser

Above: The FBC Praise Band. Below: A few random snapshots.

FBC Adult Praise Band was invited to perform at The Church of the Nazarene's fund raiser on Sunday afternoon. They held this event to help send their youth to church camp later on this summer. I know God is working in the lives of the members of this group as they use their talents and sacrifice their time to give glory to God. This group also leads worship in many of our church services and events. Our church is truly blessed to have such a committed minister of music like Steve who sacrificially serves our Lord Jesus Christ.

FBC Youth Invade The Bates Homestead

Where there is food our youth will also be (left)
Queen of the Grill, Mickey poses for her minute of glory (right).

This was the weirdest cookout I have ever attended for the following reason. Usually ants
invade a picnic/cookout, not at the Bates'...oh no, dogs invaded from near and far to try to partake in the plentiful bounty (left). Yes Whitney, you can pet, pick up and play with the puppy dogs here (right) but not in Romania!

They are ready at the top of the hill (left) and the aquatic hydration specialist (right) has the runway properly watered...there is only one thing left to do...

Run and slide as far as you can. Now this is what I call real clean fun!

It's Our Dogs Life

I slept in this morning until 7:15 am, did my morning routine (coffee before anything else), sat down to check e-mail and blog then noticed Nike coming into the room with me. He was hanging out with Lila until she left for work...I was next on his checklist of hanging out buddies. He immediately hopped up on the love seat, curled up (above photo), and went back to sleep for his second nap of the morning: After waking up, going outside for the morning constitution, receiving his treat for going, and being totally worn out from this stressful routine he curled up next to Lila and... took a nap.
Before I finished blogging, he assumed his normal position...what a tough life!

The Bonko Babes Invade Our Quiet Neighborhood

I opened the garage door and approximately forty yards away from inside the Mansingh's house I heard it...screams and cheers from the Thursday night Bonko Babes. I ventured over following the muffled noises coming from the Mansingh's home.

Then I rang the doorbell, stepped inside, and snapped these three photos of the Bonko Babes in action. I am thankful they were just beginning a new game; luckily I did not experience any hearing loss!

Joan told me David was in the computer room...now I work on the computer in the computer room, but what was David doing...hum, let me see...that's easy. Well he wasn't tickling the keyboard! The look on his face is definitely a gotcha (snapping the photo as the door opened). In the second photo, I noticed he had to be drinking holy water...to stay under the same roof when the Bonko Babes are in action requires a man to be consuming mass quantities of holy water. I invited David over if he needed a break from all the excitement.

I give many of the ladies in our church a hard time about their Bunko get-to-gathers, but it is a great time of Christian fellowship for them.