Missing Daniel (& Amber)?

     It has been a good two months since Daniel and Amber left our church for FBC Hattiesburg. If any of you are like me, you probably miss them a whole lot. Well miss them no more! They will be back in town visiting on Wednesday, January 27!      Once they leave and everyone is sad again and you really want to see Daniel you can! On FBC Hattiesburg's website I found a link to their Vimeo page where they have tons of videos including Daniel leading worship! If you ever miss him and want to see his face just go to http://vimeo.com/firsthattiesburg and you can see him playing guitar and singing! I don't know about you, but that kinda sounds a little bit extreme stalkerish weird personish, but if it makes you happy to see him feel free to do so!

     I can't wait to see Daniel and Amber!

-J. Wooten

Centrifuge 2010!

Hey,

Last Sunday at the Mission trip informational meeting Scott talked about this summer's mission trips. I don't know about you, but for me it seems kind of early to be thinking about Summer 2010. This year we are returning to Centrifuge in Panama City. There are goods and bads to this.
Goods:
1. Centrifuge was really fun!
2. We will know where stuff is!
3. We are likely to have as much fun as last year!
Bads:
1. Same place - may get boring.
2. Housing Conditions. That is all I need to say.

As you see there are more goods than bads!

Hope you can go to Centrifug 2010, Panama City, FL

J. Wooten

Halloween

Halloween is here! For Halloween I am dressing up as a Googler (a google employee) Here are some pictures of my "Costume" that I made all by myself:

First, I traced around the Google logo and cut out all the letters to make a stencil.

Then I put the stencil on the shirt and colored the Google logo's colors on it and made a wonderful Googler (Google employee) shirt!

Doesn't my google shirt look a whole lot like the google logo?

-J. Wooten

New Coke Size

Hello,

   You may find this kind of odd that I have started using this for more weird stuff than actually news about our church and what is going on. I just find a whole lot of stuff that is kinda weird and I want to tell it!

We Have a Minister to Students!

Last Night Steven May Became Our New Minister to Students! I am very excited! If you do not know he will start on Sunday, November 22, 2009.

Meet Steven May!

Hello Everyone,

Sorry for sending this out kinda late, but as most of you already know, tonight our prospective minister to students, Steven May, will be at the church answering questions and telling about himself. I would take up a whole lot of space saying how I am so excited, but I will just share what was printed in the Bulletin.

The Minister to Students Search Team invites you to meet the man we are recommending as the next FHBC Minister to Students, Stephen May, and his wife, Hope. Saturday, October 24 Join us for a “meet and greet” time from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall. Pizza, salad, and drinks will be served. All church members are invited, especially youth and their parents. At 5:30 P.M., Stephen will be introduced and have a question and answer time. Childcare will be provided for Babies-PreK. Sunday, October 25 Stephen will give his testimony in each of the morning worship services. During Sunday School, the middle and high school students will meet in the Chapel to have the opportunity to meet Stephen and ask him questions. At 5:15 that evening, there will be a called business meeting in the Sanctuary to vote on calling Stephen as our Minister to Students.

Student Choir Sings Nov. 1!

Student Choir is singing in both morning worship services on Sunday, November 1. Be There or be ...

-J. Wooten

Family Forum - November 15

Hello everyone!

I do not know exactly what all will be talked about at the family forum on Nov. 15, but I am guessing they will talk about the new youth building (WooHoo!!!!!!!) and the budget for 2010 (it seems like just yesterday they were talking about the 2009 budget). I have added an upcoming events thingy on the right side of the blog it has upcoming events for the next two weeks you can view it on the blog (http://fhbcstudents.blogspot.com/). Also Chi Alpha is coming up in December and I am sad to say I probably won't be able to go so think of me while you all are having lots of fun!

That's all I can think of to tell you right now so (as we say in FMS Drama Dept.) Goodbye, Goodluck, and Getout!

Thanks,

J.Wooten

Fall Fest and Retreat!

Fall Fest
Thursday, October 29, 6:00-7:30 P.M.
Fall Fest is an outreach ministry and an alternative to Halloween trick or treating.  One of the highlights of the night is numerous games and activities that the preschool and children enjoy. This year we are inviting Sunday School classes to sponsor a game or activity by setting up and staffing a game during this family-friendly, fun event. Your class can either use one of the already prepared activities or come up with an idea on your own.

Chi Alpha Retreat
December 4-6
Jonathan Creek in Hardin, KY
More information to come!

J. Wooten

Reese's Dark Chocolate

Hello!

For those of you who didn't go to centrifuge you will probably have no idea why I am talking about this. This has nothing to do with church, but I just wanted to share something amazing with you all.

Pretty Cool!

Sorry for two post in a row, but as many of you know I put together to Climber's Newsletter. Well, the person who sends me the photos for it also sent me a few mini movies. Here they are...

Kidbargains is Underway

NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH THIS WEDNESDAY

Kid Bargains Consingnment sale is currently going on!

Stanton Lanier in Concert!

NEW! Read More Links!

Amber and Daniel's Reception

“Good Bye” Reception for Amber & Daniel Williamson
Sunday, August 30 at 4:00-5:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall
Come by and visit one last time before they go to FBC Hattiesburg!

and after the reception...

A Night of Worship
August 30, 5:30 P.M.
Featuring the music of Nancy Allen, Rob Ivy, Deneen Turner & Friends

KidBargains Consignment Sale!
The preparations and sale last from September 14-21. Students’ families and church members are welcome to serve! If you are interested in working the sale, click here, and scroll to the bottom of the page to register. There are day and evening shifts available. Questions? Call Melissa Wooten at 591-0566.

Mark your Calendars!
Beginning September 2, Synago & Rampage will return to the Fall Schedule! Synago will be in the Chapel and Rampage will be in the Student Suite. We begin at 6:15 P.M.! Can’t wait to see you there!

Ground Breaking for New Youth Building!
On Sunday, September 13, we will celebrate God’s faithfulness to Forest Hills as we break ground for the new youth building. The service will occur immediately following the 8:30 A.M. worship service and during the beginning of Sunday School. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

-J. Wooten

Back to School Party!

Correction: I am sorry I said bring three dollars it is really only two dollars. Sorry for the possible confusion caused. Thanks to Harris for telling me.

Hey Everyone,

This wednesday is the back to school party!! Make sure to bring money for pizza ($3 I think, but I am not sure.) I will see you all there!

-J. Wooten

Fwd: Announcements: July 31, 2009

The Power That Works

 

 

August 2 Believable Power    
August 9     Timely Power
August 16     Conditional Power
September 6     Calming Power
September 13     Purposeful Power
September 20     Polarizing Power
September 27     Confirming Power        

Summer Reflections

 
A youth Led Service

When: August 2, 5:30-6:30 P.M.

Where: Sanctuary

Who: This is a church-wide event. We invite you to join us in hearing from students as they share experiences and lessons learned from their camps and mission trips this summer.

What: A youth-led service in which students will share from the Belize, Centrifuge, World Changers, and Oklahoma City trips.

Cameron Dodd's B-day - Aug. 2

Rampage Big Wednesday Kick Off - August 5

Family Forum

 

 

 

 

Sunday, August 9

6:30 P.M. in the Sanctuary

Our August 9 Family Forum will feature our final presentation regarding the new youth facility.  Building cost, financing information, and a construction timeline will all be discussed.  A final vote will be held on Sunday morning, August 16, at the end of each service.

Rampage End Of Summer Party - August 12

Keith & Kristyn Getty in Concert

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2009

Time: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Location: Sanctuary

  

Irish composers and artists, Keith and Kristyn Getty, are on a mission to revive the art of hymns for a new generation. The Gettys are committed to writing hymns that help teach the faith and create a timeless musical style that every generation can sing, a style that relates to the past and the future. A few of their well-known hymns include "In Christ Alone," "The Power of the Cross," and "Speak, Oh Lord." As Keith and Kristyn stand at the helm of an emerging group of new hymn writers today, it seems the Church need not fear the death of the medium in this modern age. Join us at 5:30 P.M. in the Forest Hills Sanctuary as we worship together with the Gettys.

Rampage Welcome Party For New Students - Aug. 19

A Night of Worship

"A Night of Worship" featuring the music of Nancy Allen, Deneen Turner, Rob Ivy and Friends.

Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009

Time: 5:30 P.M.

Location: Sanctuary

Please Note: All Announcement in Yellow Take Place During Wednesday Night Rampage

-J. Wooten

Family Forum: August 9

Family Forum

Sunday, August 9

6:30 P.M. in the Sanctuary

The August 9 Family Forum will feature the final presentation regarding the new youth facility. Building cost, financing information, and a construction timeline will all be discussed. A final vote will be held on Sunday morning, August 16, at the end of each service.

-J. Wooten

Announcements: July 26, 2009

Ultimate Frisbee

Thursdays at 6:00 P.M.
May 28, June 4, June 11, July 2, July 16, July 23, and July 30
Cottonwood Clubhouse

The Power That Works

Previous Sundays: (all sermons are downloadable at www.fhbc.org/)
July 19
Unequalled Power
July 26 Transforming Power


Next Sunday: Believable Power

Following Sundays:

August 9 Timely Power

August 16 Conditional Power

September 6 Calming Power

September 13 Purposeful Power

September 20 Polarizing Power

September 27 Confirming Power

Summer Reflections

A youth Led Service

When: August 2, 5:30-6:30 P.M.
Where: Sanctuary
Who: This is a church-wide event. We invite you to join us in hearing from students as they share experiences and lessons learned from their camps and mission trips this summer.
What: A youth-led service in which students will share from the Belize, Centrifuge, World Changers, and Oklahoma City trips.

Family Forum

Sunday, August 9

6:30 P.M. in the Sanctuary

Our August 9 Family Forum will feature our final presentation regarding the new youth facility. Building cost, financing information, and a construction timeline will all be discussed. A final vote will be held on Sunday morning, August 16, at the end of each service.

Keith & Kristyn Getty in Concert

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2009

Time: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Location: Sanctuary

Irish composers and artists, Keith and Kristyn Getty, are on a mission to revive the art of hymns for a new generation. The Gettys are committed to writing hymns that help teach the faith and create a timeless musical style that every generation can sing, a style that relates to the past and the future. A few of their well-known hymns include "In Christ Alone," "The Power of the Cross," and "Speak, Oh Lord." As Keith and Kristyn stand at the helm of an emerging group of new hymn writers today, it seems the Church need not fear the death of the medium in this modern age. Join us at 5:30 P.M. in the Forest Hills Sanctuary as we worship together with the Gettys.

A Night of Worship

"A Night of Worship" featuring the music of Nancy Allen, Deneen Turner, Rob Ivy and Friends.

Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Time: 5:30 P.M.
Location: Sanctuary

-J. Wooten

A Night of Worship

"A Night of Worship" featuring the music of Nancy Allen, Deneen Turner, Rob Ivy and Friends.

Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Time: 5:30 P.M.
Location: Sanctuary

-J. Wooten

Announcements: July 19th

The Power That Works

July 19 Unequalled Power

July 26 Transforming Power

August 2 Believable Power

August 9 Timely Power

August 16 Conditional Power

September 6 Calming Power

September 13 Purposeful Power

September 20 Polarizing Power

September 27 Confirming Power

Summer Reflections

A youth Led Service

When: August 2, 5:30-6:30 P.M.

Where: Sanctuary

Who: This is a church-wide event. We invite you to join us in hearing from students as they share experiences and lessons learned from their camps and mission trips this summer.

What: A youth-led service in which students will share from the Belize, Centrifuge, World Changers, and Oklahoma City trips.

Ultimate Frisbee

Thursdays at 6:00 P.M.

May 28, June 4, June 11, July 2, July 16, July 23, and July 30

Cottonwood Clubhouse

Keith and Kristen Getty in Concert

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2009

Time: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Location: Sanctuary

Irish composers and artists, Keith and Kristyn Getty, are on a mission to revive the art of hymnody for a new generation. The Gettys are committed to writing hymns that help teach the faith and create a timeless musical style that every generation can sing, a style that relates to the past and the future. A few of their well-known hymns include "In Christ Alone," "The Power of the Cross," and "Speak, Oh Lord." As Keith and Kristyn stand at the helm of an emerging group of new hymn writers today, it seems the Church need not fear the death of the medium in this modern age. Join us at 5:30 P.M. in the Forest Hills Sanctuary as we worship together with the Gettys.

Sounds Faith Night

If you all weren't at the sounds faith night you missed a whole lot. Here is everything we did while there.

We walked in the gates gave the ticket people our tickets and got a free bobble head of Ryan Braun.

Then we went to the Jars of Clay Concert and listened to their great music live!

After that we got our hotdogs and softdrinks and headed to our seats to watch the game.

Then we watched the sounds game. We did all of this for the low price of 10 dollars. You should have been there.

The Power That Works

Pastor Sam is starting a new sermon series called "The Power That Works"





July 19: Unequalled Power
July 26: Transforming Power
August 2: Believable Power
August 9: Timely Power
August 16: Conditional Power
September 6: Calming Power
September 13: Purposeful Power
September 20: Polarizing Power
September 27: Confirming Power

-J. Wooten

Annoucements - July 12

Ultimate Frisbee
Thursdays at 6:00 PM
July 16, July 23, and July 30
Cottonwood Clubhouse

Come join us playing ultimate frisbee. It is a whole lot of fun. Make sure to wear tennis shoes and bring a water bottle.

Summer Reflections
A Youth Led Service
August 2, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Sanctuary

This is a church-wide event. We invite you to join us in hearing from students as they share experiences and lessons learned from their camps and mission trips this summer. This is a youth led event and we will hear from students from the Belize, Centrifuge, World Changers, and Oklahoma City trips.

Kieth and Kristen Getty in Concert
Sunday, August 16, 2009
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sanctuary

Irish composers and artists, Keith and Kristyn Getty, are on a mission to revive the art of hymnody for a new generation. The Gettys are committed to writing hymns that help teach the faith and create a timeless musical style that every generation can sing, a style that relates to the past and the future. A few of their well-known hymns include 'In Christ Alone,' 'The Power of the Cross,' and 'Speak, Oh Lord.' As Keith and Kristyn stand at the helm of an emerging group of new hymn writers today, it seems the Church need not fear the death of the medium in this modern age. Join us at 5:30 P.M. in the Forest Hills Sanctuary as we worship together with the Gettys.

That is all,

J. Wooten

Mathematics Forward I Got

Cool Email I got:

From a strictly Mathematical Viewpoint:

What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder
about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all
been in situations where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about
achieving 101%? What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these Questions:

If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1 9 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

AND, look how far the love of God will take you

L- O- V- E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

J. Wooten

A Few Quick Announcements

A few quick announcements!

Ultimate Frisbee!

Thursday Nights

Youth, come out to Cottonwood Clubhouse for Ultimate Frisbee at 6:00 P.M. Now until July 30! Bring a drink and have fun!



Middle School Pool Party

Monday, June 29

2:00-5:00 P.M. at the Dejeans' Home: 2075 Hunterwood Drive, Franklin, TN. Bring a towel and a snack to share. I am experimenting with a new location app thing. It shows where the Dejeans' home is. It might not work this is just a test.



Nashville Sounds: Faith Night

Thursday, July 9

All youth and youth families are invited to join us for an evening of fellowship, food, and fun! Tickets are $10 per person and include a pre-game concert by Jars of Clay, hotdog, soft drink, and a night of baseball! There are 50 tickets available; first come, first serve. Money is due to Martha Ray or Amber as soon as possible.

-J. Wooten

The Search: Student VBS

The Search was a whole lot of fun. We had great bible studies and great activities after our bible study. I really hope they do something like this next year. It was super fun!


Upcoming events: edirectory is launching soon. More info coming soon.

Keith and Kristen Getty in Concert with FHBC Choir. Sunday August 16, 2009. 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

-J. Wooten

VBS Boomerang Express & The Search

Hey everybody,

Yesterday, Friday, was the VBS Workday. It was lots of fun setting up and decorating VBS Classrooms. There are a lot of cool decorations like the train tracks on the children's hallway. and the Lighthouse in the big stairway room. If you are working VBS it will definately be a blast. Hey I have an idea! If you are working VBS post a comment saying where you are working.Then everyone will know where everyone else is working. I myself am working in preschool music. Where are you working?

Also make sure to be there every night of VBS for "The Search: Students VBS". It will be a fun 3 hours from 6:30 to 9:30. Remember there is no Ultimate Frisbee this thursday because of "The Search: Students VBS". It will also replace our normal Wednesday night service.

J. Wooten

Reactions and Order.

I just added something to the blog called reactions. I also rearranged the order of the blog posts. now the order is:

Title
Author Comments
Reactions
Post Text
-
-
-

Please feel free to choose a "Reaction" or post a comment. I will make sure to reply to your comments. All comments have to be approved by me so it may take a little for your comment to appear on the blog. But please post comments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

J. Wooten

Keith and Kristyn Getty in Concert

**Keith & Kristyn Getty in Concert**
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2009
Time: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Location: Sanctuary

Irish composers and artists, Keith and Kristyn Getty, are on a mission to revive the art of hymnody for a new generation. The Gettys are committed to writing hymns that help teach the faith and create a timeless musical style that every generation can sing, a style that relates to the past and the future. A few of their well-known hymns include 'In Christ Alone,' 'The Power of the Cross,' and 'Speak, Oh Lord.' As Keith and Kristyn stand at the helm of an emerging group of new hymn writers today, it seems the Church need not fear the death of the medium in this modern age. Join us at 5:30 P.M. in the Forest Hills Sanctuary as we worship together with the Gettys."

-J. Wooten

This Hope

Last Night was the "This Hope" concert at the church. They have incredible music and if you weren't able to come you can listen to a lot of their music for free online. Below is a list of links where you can go to listen to their music:
http://www.thishope.org/mp3s/myWimpy.html
http://www.thishope.org/its-Christmas.php
http://www.thishope.org/final-destination.php
http://www.thishope.prg/reason.php

If you go to their online store you can buy cd's and downloads of their songs.

-J. Wooten

Reminders - June 2009

**Wednesday night w/ Pastor Sam**
All students will be combined in the chapel to hear from Pastor Sam!
Starts at 6:00 p.m.!! This is the only picture I could find of Pastor Sam.






**Ultimate Frisbee**
This Thursday, 6pm @ Cottonwood Clubhouse.
Don’t forget to bring your water.

**YOUTH VBS: THE SEARCH**
Finding your meaning, purpose, and significance in life.
Save the date: June 15-19 here @ church
(Mon.-Thur.) 6:30-9:30pm and on Friday immediately following Family Night.
For all students!

-J. Wooten

"The Gift of Grace"

June 7 - Understanding Grace
June 14 - Defending Grace
June 21 - Grace By Faith
June 28 - Grace Relationships
July 5 - Liberty and Grace
July 12 - Grace on Display

Cell Phone or Bible

This is another great email I got.

"Cell Phone or Bible?"

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go.....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill and no dropped calls!

'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'
Place your mouse on the first quote(") below and drag to the second quote(").
"Even though you can't see GOD he is there for you."

-J. Wooten

A Trillion Dollars

This is an email a got that is really interesting.

"What does one TRILLION dollars look like?
All this talk about 'stimulus packages' and 'bailouts'...A billion dollars...A hundred billion dollars...Eight hundred billion dollars...One TRILLION dollars...What does that look like? I mean, these various numbers are tossed around like so many doggie treats,so I thought I'd try to get a sense of what exactly a trillion dollars looks like.

We'll start with a $100 dollar bill. Currently the largest U.S. denomination in general circulation. Most everyone has seen them, slightly fewer have owned them. Guaranteed to make friends wherever they go. A packet of one hundred $100 bills is less than 1/2' thick and contains $10,000. Fits in your pocket easily and is more than enough for week or two of shamefully decadent fun.

Believe it or not, this next little pile is $1 million dollars (100 packets of $10,000).You could stuff that into a grocery bag and walk around with it.

While a measly $1 million looked a little unimpressive, $100 million is a little more respectable.It fits neatly on a standard pallet...

And $1 BILLION dollars... now we're really getting somewhere...

Next we'll look at ONE TRILLION dollars. This is that number we've been hearing so much about. What is a trillion dollars? Well, it's a million million. It's a thousand billion. It's a one followed by 12 zeros.You ready for this?It's pretty surprising.Go ahead...Scroll down...Ladies and gentlemen... I give you $1 trillion dollars...(Notice the man in relation to the pallets. The man is the tiny line at the bottom left corner. And notice the pallets are double stacked.)

So the next time you hear someone toss around the Phrase 'trillion dollars'... that's what they're talking about."

That is incredible how much a trillion dollars is.

Our new youth building in hundred dollars bills would probably fit very comfortably in a shopping cart.

-J. Wooten

Great Email

Here is on really good email I got while I was in Ukraine.

Somebody's RAISING THEIR KID RIGHT!

One Nation, "Under God."

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children. The teacher asked a little boy: Tommy do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.
TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.
TEACHER: Did you see God up there?
TOMMY: No.
TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there possibly he just doesn't exist.
A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions.
The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky ?
TOMMY: Yes.
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?
TOMMY: Yes.
LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?
TOMMY: No.
LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she possibly may not even have one!

"FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT" 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7

-J. Wooten

Good morning sunshine. Wayne is taking us to Dinner!!!

We are indeed headed home. We only seem to be missing one, in the head count, and DO hope it's not your loved one (just kidding). We have a long six hour bus ride back to Kiev, and are looking forward to dinner in Amsterdam and to sleep in a real bed again. Pastor Sam prayed before we left the ship's parking lot and we wept again for our week's work. We must continue to pray for our children, and the harvest. Pray for us as we ride and fly these next 24 hours.
P.S. Please ask Teressa Boren to return her Room Key!!! :)

- Bob Crawford -

To See More About This and Other Mission Trips, Go To: http://www.hopehouseinternational.org/blog/

Last Stop Odessa

Grace, grace marvelous grace...grace, grace, and some more grace, etc. Without God's grace, and tons of prayer from you, we would not have sustained the level of energy, good health conditions, and fresh minds, during the ups and downs of such a Mission Trip. It would take pages to tell you the stories, to share the victories, and even expose a couple of dark moments along the way. But just when we were down,or wondered just why God let the enemy slap us around a little, he sent the sunshine after the storm. And guess what? We had learned to lean harder on Him...and the children were the ones that still got blessed.

We're here serving in a society that does not accept organized Religion, and offers no such hope to it's people. One person called it a Religion-less Society. Our prayer has never changed, as we have sought to just touch one tender heart at a time, and trust that God will have a plan to us that young soul to reach others...and perhaps someday even change a Nation for Christ.

One more Orphanage to go. We're gearing up for it to be the best. Sam has held a Football in his messages, this week. Perhaps this is Our last goal-line stance, so to speak. We'll worship together one last time, this morning (after all it's Sunday Morning here), then pack out bags and equipment, so that we can began the trip home, early Monday Morning.

- Bob Crawford -

To See More About This and Other Mission Trips, Go To: http://www.hopehouseinternational.org/blog/

Sailing, again...

We're sailing again...back across the Black Sea...to our last stop in Odessa. We arrive back to the ship,once again, just in time to sail. We're already out of blogging range. Please know that we're all healthy, and ready to return and share some wonderful stories!!! Morning will bring you lot's of new photos.
God bless you for caring so much about us,

- Bob Crawford -

To See More About This and Other Mission Trips, Go To: http://www.hopehouseinternational.org/blog/

Across the Black Sea

Last night we sailed across the Black Sea, and were out of Cell Phone range. We didn't forget you!!!
We have had an incredible roller coaster day. Two totally different types of Orphanages...two totally different receptions from the children and Orphanage Staff. God gave us a beautiful day of weather, and some breathtaking scenery on our two hour bus ride each direction. We should be back to the Ship by 8:00pm (our time) and will be having Dinner with some of the Hope House families and kids. What a blessing that will be, to end a very long day!!!
We'll send more News and photos soon,

- Bob Crawford -

To See More About This and Other Mission Trips, Go To: http://www.hopehouseinternational.org/blog/

Kherson and Headed to Sea

It's not hard "in this line of work" to realize when our efforts step aside, and God begins to work. The Orphanage at Kherson, this morning, was another unique experience. The children amaze us at how they "attach" themselves to us. Carolyn Boyd had more than one in her lap, Linda Crawford had a teenage girl not leave her side yet never tried to talk. The clowns continue to be like magnets, and the two Drama segments mesmerize everyone in total silence. We've seen a whole new side to Pastor Sam. When the tall, handsome, figure takes center stage, his message to the youth all eyes and ears are locked onto him (maybe we should let him speak through an Interpreter some Sunday). The icing on the cake was seeing yet another older teenage boy, touched enough to want to pray with one of the Adults.We're headed to Sea. The Black Sea is beautiful, and should make for good rocking-to-sleep-by. We'll awake to dock in the beautiful seaside City of Sevastopal. Enjoy some extra Photos, being sent tonight.
And THANK YOU for the wonderful Comments, we're receiving daily. They're a real breath of fresh air, from home.

-Bob Crawford -

To See More About This and Other Mission Trips, Go To: http://www.hopehouseinternational.org/blog/

Whirlwind Day Three

What a glorious whirlwind day!!! Someone said we saw 200 Children, between the two Orphanages. There were minutes that it seemed like 2000!!! The Clowns always get hit with the first wave, then Face Painting, the ladies painting the little girls' nails, and they run a cluster of excited faces over to the Cameras so that each child can have his own personal photo made. This year we gave each child a Journal thatopens with a color, group-photo of all of us on this Mission Trip. Then their own photo slides into the plastic sleeve beside it. An excellent tool for them to remember the events of today, and materials to help them focus on the message.We started our day shocked, as the orphanage Staff literally rolled a hospital bed out in the courtyard, complete with a young boy. How sad, we thought, but also how good for him to be allowed to be involved. Then it was an "oh my" moment as we saw a second bed coming, then a third...then a few on crutches appeared. There is no telling how many "live wires" were running circles around us...but God kept drawing us, one by one, to the four laying on their stomachs watching the fun and then the program. The business at hand moved on, but I wish you could have counted the tears of this Mission Team, as Dr. David Allen scooped up little Victoria from her bed, and carried her in his arms up to the front so she could see. We haven't the space to tell you a dozen other stories that were shared tonight. I wish each one of you could somehow be linked into the nightly worship times we share, after Supper.
One of our hilarious FHBC Clowns led four teenage boys in the Sinners Prayer. Oh my, again. We prayed for seed planting, and God suddenly sent us a little harvest. Saved by His power divine, they were saved to a new life sublime!!!
We're refreshed, and re-motivated, and we push on down river to Kherson for Day Four.

- Bob Crawford -

To See More About This and Other Mission Trips, Go To: http://www.hopehouseinternational.org/blog/

Rampage During the Summer

Hey! Brian here. Just lettin' you guys know that starting tonight (Wednesday, May 27) the Middle Schoolers will be combined with the High Schoolers. That'll last till the end of the summer. It's gunna be great! So bring your friends, we're gunna have fun! Alright, Brian out.


SIRBEE

All Aboard All Arrived By FHBC Team Member

On the ground and All-Aboard the Boat, in Kiev. And the best News is that 100 percent of our

Bags and Suppies arrived!!! We’ve had a real Meal, had our Team Meetings, and are looking

forward to a good nights rest.

Monday brings TWO Orphanes, in the Kiev area. Then we sail South. God is so good… and

Monday is already dedicated to His glory!!!

To See More About This and Other Mission Trips, Go To: http://www.hopehouseinternational.org/blog/

-jgm

Ukraine Mission Trip Day 1

A year of planning, 45 days of focusing on language, learning music, and gathering supplies. For three weeks we’ve been packing. And now we’re off like a herd of Turtles!!! All that’s left is prayer. You will never know how much we are each glad that you are on the other end of that Prayer Line!!! Isn’t it exciting to see what all God has in store for our preparation.
Departure time at Nashville’s airport,- Bob Crawford -

To See More About This Mission Trip Go To: http://www.hopehouseinternational.org/blog/

-jgm

Ukriane Blog

Hi,

As you probably already know in a couple of days Drew, Steven, David, and I (Jeremiah) are leaving for a mission trip to Ukraine. If you would like to see what we are doing there will be pictures and more about what we are doing on the Hope House Blog http://www.hopehouseinternational.org/blog/. I have asked Brian to go to the blog and copy that stuff to this blog, but he might not be able to. Please feel free to post comments on the Hope House blog. We will be able to read all the posts you put while we are there. I doubt I will be able to post anything while I am there so for a while it will be just Sirbee.

In other news: I got an email from Amber that was really good, well all of Amber's Emails are really good. It was:

Without GOD our week would be: Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday & Shatterday.

Also Remeber that this summer we will have many activities some of which are:

Ultimate Frisbee!
Youth, come out to Cottonwood Clubhouse for Ultimate Frisbee at 6:00 P.M. on Thursdays, beginning MAY 28!

The SEARCH: Students VBS!
All Youth Students – Mark your calendars for the days of June 15-19. SEARCH will be held every night from 6:30-9:30 P.M. during the week of regular VBS!

-J. Wooten

A Great Analogy of God

WHAT A GREAT ANALOGY OF GOD FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW, BY ROBIN WILLIAMS NO LESS.

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, They began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."
"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God Doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, Would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine loving a God who would allow all of these things."
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and un-kept.
The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said To the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist." "How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"
"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because If they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside." "Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me."
"Exactly!"- Affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

"Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet."

Have a great week

-J. Wooten

Funniest Youtube Contest Winners

Hey! Brian here. Last Wednesday-Big Wednesday-was, as Jeremiah said, the Funniest Youtube Video Contest. For those of you who weren't there, these were the winners:



1st.- "The ShamWHOOHOO!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab5IwgcJRiE



2nd.- "Cat Face 2" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o7m4AWJEe4



3rd.- "Mathmaticious" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cAs1YBELmA





There were some other funny ones too. If you want to watch those videos though, be careful! There's bad stuff on the comments. It was a fun night! Brian out.



SIRBEE

Romance to Ruin Myspace Page

Hey! Brian here. Please, continue to check out the myspace page for RTR (Romance to Ruin). My bro has updated it... and now there are pictures of the band members. There's some cool new stuff on it. Also, please vote on the poll "Do you like the design of our page?" My bro looks at that... and if there are enough no's, then he will probably change it. Oh, and, please, only vote once. And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, if you have a gig for them, PLEASE let them know by clicking "view more" by "Booking Us." That part is actually kinda hard to find... it's near the top of the page on the right side. If you need it, here's the link again: www.myspace.com/romancetoruin. Thanks! Brian out.

SIRBEE

Ultimate Frisbee 2009

What: Ultimate Frisbee
When: Thursdays at 6:00 P.M.
When: May 28, June 4, June 11, July 2, July 16, July 23, and July 30
Where: Cottonwood Clubhouse







Also next Sunday is:
Not that any of us are seniors, but I really like the banner they had so I decided to put it here.



Not only is Sunday senior recognition, but student choir will be singing. Since I don't have student choir banner I am going to stop writing.



-J. Wooten