Christmas 2007 in Review

All the shopping-Done. All the decorating- Done. All the parties-Done. All the gift giving-Done. Christmas eve service-Done. Christmas- Done.

It starts the day after Thanksgiving- many standing outside of various stores for hours looking to snag a good deal- and is followed by a month filled with non-stop shopping, christmas trees, gift wrapping, parties, and multiple activities. Yes- this is what we've come to know Christmas as. This Christmas, however, was a special time for Jessie and I- it was our first as a family and our first in full-time ministry.

Just as every season of change is met with certain difficulties and challenges, thus was our first Christmas together. This isn't to say we didn't have a great first Christmas together- actually the opposite was true- God blessed us with a great Christmas season.

To elaborate a little further.... having mentioned above that this is also our first Christmas in full-time ministry, we experienced the increased demand for a Pastor's time and thus the decrease in time spent together. The increased programming, in which we celebrate with parties and special servces, really gave Jessie and I an increased appreciation for the time we have together.

It was also during this Christmas season that Chao (who I wrote about in a previous post), was preparing to leave us and head to a new family in Phoenix, AZ. Taking the extra time to spend with him, spending time in God's Word, and teaching him what it means to spend time with the Lord and to read and understand His Word, was also important. Jessie and I are excited to see and hear about all that God has in store for Chao- we firmly believe that as Chao returns to Thailand, that he will be used by God to reach the people of Thailand and we thank God for bringing him to us.

Just a few special memories from Christmas...

Mom came from Battle Creek to visit the weekend before Christmas. We decided to head to Kraynak's- a greenhouse in a nieghboring city- where we were told by another young family in the church that they had a huge Christmas display. I thought they were crazy-because afterall I thought it was only a greenhouse... but I was surprised to find that they were right...

Here's some pictures...

Christmas Eve Service

Our first Christmas Eve service was a good experience. It was a really nice service that had a good mixture of singing the traditional Christmas carols, special music (The Powell family was awesome!), children's stories, Shawn's message on being assuRED, and of course the Christmas story read by yours truly. Great service. (I learned not to try to read a small-text Bible after an extended period of worship- eyes closed during worship + small text bible= trouble)

Hope you had a great Christmas!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

The smiles say it all.

Although our first Christmas together was away from our family and friends in Michigan, we're so thankful for the blessing of being together. Having multiple families invite us to be a part of their families meant a lot to us, but we opted to spend this special holiday together- just the two of us.

So how'd we celebrate our first Christmas together? Ah..yes... REST! We did our best to sleep in as long as possible.. and as Jessie just reminded me, we took a nap later in the day! We did get up and open gifts, read the Christmas story as recorded in Luke from Jessie's brand-new Bible, and took our children out for a walk. We also took a moment to thank God for cell phones as we spent plenty of time on them sharing the holiday with family and friends.

Our prayer is that you've all had a great Christmas. Sometimes the Christmas season is so busy that we often miss it... the meaning of Christmas. We hope you were able to take some time today just thanking God for the reason for the season: Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

Don't worry- Amor knows it's Christmas! Although he hasn't showed much of an interest in anything since he got his present!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! BIG NEWS!

The 1st Barnes Family Christmas tree has arrived!

Freezing rain and snow tried its best to keep us from getting our first Christmas tree, but we're happy to report we were victorious. Following church last Sunday, Jessie and I headed out to get first tree. Although it would've been more fun to try to strap the tree on the roof of our Toyota Corolla, we borrowed a fellow church staff member's truck- thanks JR!


After allowing the tree some time to dry off, we brought it in and got to work decorating. We had went out the week before and bought new lights and ornaments and Mom sent us some even nicer ornaments from Battle Creek. Thanks Mom... our Christmas tree is now complete!

Although our first Christmas will be spent away from our family and friends, Jessie and I are extremely thankful that God has given us the privilege of being together for the first time as a married couple.

We wish you all a Blessed Christmas! Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Dirt Parking Lots

Mercer Auto Wreckers... THE HANGOUT in Mercer County!! Ok... Ok... So I'm kidding but it is this dirt parking lot that I'll always praise God for. It's here that God answered the prayers of so many. It's what happend here that sent the angels in heaven into celebration.


The Story...

Three months after my arrival in Pennsylvania, Jessie and I received the news from a family within the church that they would be hosting an exchange student from Thailand. Jessie immediately greeted this annoucement with excitment as she looked forward to showing off her extensive knowledge of the Thai language as she interacted with him... Cow-pat-mu (Pork Fried Rice)... Swa-ti-ka (hello)... Pra-jow-oi-pun-ka (God Bless You)... Prai-yeh-su Ra-coon-ka (Jesus Loves You)... that she learned during here short stint with YWAM in Thailand... Haha.

On the other hand, it was clear to me that God was leading this young man to America for a much great purpose than just being an exchange student: He was leading him here to reveal Himself to him.

Fast forward three months... filled with prayer by many members of the church and after many trips to the Y Center to play basketball... (yes- I actually was attempting to play basketball.. sad sight... but God does use you in your weakness)... to December 2, 2007.

After hearing the news that Chao would be moving to a new host family, prayer warriors from around the nation rallied around Chao, crying out to the Father for Chao's salvation.

December 2, 2007

After church Chao and I decided to head down to the bowling alley. Following a quick couple games, I agreed to go with him to the Outlets in Grove City. Unfortunately, or so I thought, we got lost on the way (it turns out I can't talk about Jesus and remember where I'm going at the same time). After realizing where we were, I turned the car around.

During our conversation on this drive, it was clear to me that Chao was there.

Let's recap that conversation:

"Do you believe God created that heavens and the earth?"

"Yes"

"Do you believe God created you?"

"Yes"

"Do you believe God loves you?"

"Yes"

"Do you believe that you are a sinner, separated from God?"

"Yes?

"Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?"

"Yes"

"Do you believe that He died for your sins?"

"Yes"

"Do you believe He rose from the dead?"

"Yes"

"Chao, do you know that you believe in everything that Scripture says you need to believe in to be saved? In Romans it says that "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

"Really..."

"Yes! Let me ask you a question. What are you waiting for? Jesus wants to come into your heart, to make you a new creation."

"I don't know."

It was here that I realized that we were lost, turning around.

While turning around.. I prayed asking God to make this happen.

After a few seconds of being back on the road... looking up... on the side of the road here is what I saw...

(Thanks God)

After pulling up to the sign and parking, I asked Chao to read the sign.

"Jesus said, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Taking out my Bible, we read together John 3. After about 5 minutes... the angels began rejoicing as Chao made the decision to open the door of his heart and let Christ in, accepting the sacrifice and forgiveness of sins that Jesus came to give. Praise God!

So yes, here in this dirt parking lot is a place I'll never forget... nor will Chao.

December 2, 2007 @ 4:00pm... a new creature in Christ was born.

Even though he will be headed to a new host family in Phoenix this coming Sunday... we'll be together again... for eternity.

Chao's 1st Bible

1st Snow Man!

(yes, it's only 2ft tall)

A Turkeyific Trip to MI

Over Thanksgiving Jessie and I had the opportunity to travel back to Michigan, my first trip home since leaving in May. As it worked out, my Mom's birthday fell on Thanksgiving day. As we thought about it- we thought this would be a great opportunity to surprise her.

So... as the story goes, we successfully mislead my Mother in to thinking there was no way we could get away long enough to come home for the holiday.. which is especially difficult when you're trying to remain as truthful as possible.

Early on Thanksgiving, we were sure to call my Mom and sing our annual "Happy Birthday," comment on the snowy weather, and listen to her "if only you could be here, it would be complete" motherly speech. Knowing in just a couple short hours we would be surprising her- we got a good laugh.

A few years back my family got away from doing the traditional family Thanksgiving at one of the relatives houses- instead opting to avoid all the preparation and clean up to eat our "Thanksgiving meal" at Cracker Barrel. So as my mom and family arrived and sat around the table- my mom called me to tell me how she wished I was there- after passing the phone around to every family member present, she got back on the phone. Following a few short "miss yous" and "wish you were heres" she said "I love you." Meanwhile, during the last of our conversation Jessie and I were able to sneak up behind her. After she said "I love you," I whispered in her other ear... "I love you too."

In total shock, she slowly turned her head. Within a few seconds she was in tears, joined shortly after by my Boppie (grandma). So the surprise was complete! My mom got her wish. "Now my birthday and Thanksgiving is complete," she said continuing to cry. Happy Birthday Mom.

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As we've continued on the journey that has brought us to Pennslyvania, it's been encouraging to see the evidence of how God has gone before us preparing the way. He's provided a place to call home, overwhelming support and love, and everything else we've needed along the way. Even though we love it here in PA, we've still missed certain things.. mainly people and...... our favorite dining locations...

So many people to see. So short a time.

Friends...Friends...Friends...

"You never know what you had until it's gone"

This quote is one in which I've heard

over and over for years. For some reason it has never really applied... until now. True, in no way are our friends "gone," but the distance that separates us is challenging.

This has been especially true with Justin and Abbey. I've found myself many times over the last seven months longing to just hang out with my best friend- my brother- Justin. It's funny how when you experience the highest of highs and the deepest of the valleys- how God knits your hearts together. This is the case with Justin and I. Personally, just the few short hours Jessie and I were able to spend with Justin and Abbey on "Black Friday" were one of many highlights of the special trip. These two have been by our side since day one- a constant encouragement- always praying for us. We praise God for our continued relationship- one in which no distance can separate.

--Justin do you remember when we thought girls were trouble? We were wrong. God's clearly given us the best of the best. You know we're praying for you and Abbey as May 31 approaches. Marriage is incredible- the wait is worth it!

Jessie was able to spend some long awaited time with Maike as well. Just as they always do.. they met at a local coffee shop.. and spent hours together talking about what girls talk about.... (I have no clue).. but as you can see in the picture- they both seemed to have enjoyed their time together.

We've been praying- for a "Maike"- in Pennsylvania.

Maike- what do you think about moving into our guest room?

Ahhh Yes.... Starbucks!

For the first time in almost two years, I was able to spend some time with Alex Vanos. Alex and I were two of the tri-captains of our football team in High School. He's working on his master's degree at Northern Michigan while coaching football.

Family...Family...Family...

We had a great time with friends but we're especially thankful for our time with family.

Sometime is difficult to spend time with both sides of the family in such a condensed time frame. However, that wasn't the case for us. We were able to have great visits with both my family and Jessie's. TJ (right), Vinnie (left), and Vinnie's friend Hunter went out Thanksgiving night checking out the Black Friday deals. TJ was considering the all-nighter for a cheap TV- but somewhere along the way sleep sounded like the better idea- smart man- there's no way I could have done it either.

Jessie was excited to FINALLY have her favorite meal... Chicken Ole'... along with Apple Crisp. It's been so long- and since I'm not the most talented cook- I left that to Mom. Jessie says "Thank You!"

Food...Food...Food...

You are now seeing the images I have been dreaming about for months. Those of you who plan to come visit in the near future.. we are asking that you'd prayerfully consider a stop in Mattawan.

My order: Kung Pao Beef, no veggies, XXXX Spicy. Bowl of Hot and Sour Soup. Thanks!

This is by far the longest blog that I'll write. I'll close with this thought and few more pictures.

This trip was especially meaningful for Jessie and I as the cost of the trip was entirely provided by those around us here in Sandy Lake. After seven months here in PA without a return visit... God provided the means for Jessie and I to make this trip through the thoughtful gifts of multiple members of Sandy Lake Wesleyan Church for Pastor's Appreciation Month. Jessie and I are so thankful. It's great to have family and friends in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

For those of you wondering... Amor (middle) had a great reunion with his mother, Reilly (left), and his sister, Bailey (right). Amor, at 9 months, is already bigger than his mother- who's feeding that dog!?!?!