Beaudin's Updates (What's Up With Josh?)

Our Wedding

2010-02-09T21:03:00.004-05:00

Here's a small look at a few of our pictures from the wedding.

Wedding Party
Shannah's Side: Shannah's 6 sisters, Josh's 3 sisters & Shannah's Good friend
Josh's Side: my dad, my 3 brother-in-laws & 6 of my good buds

Shannah's dad, Mark, did the wedding & we're so glad he did! We'll never forget our ceremony! It was truly a family event!

And now, announcing...!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Brenda, for the amazing cake!!!

Just soaking it up...

Still soaking it up (first dance)...

You should have seen those girls fighting over that bouquet! (way to go Channing!)

I threw 8 garters that I'd caught at previous weddings. Made a bunch of guys happy & cut down on the injuries.

Saying goodbye just before the New Year!

Our Honeymoon

2010-02-07T17:02:00.011-05:00

Okay, here's some pictures of our honeymoon to those of you who keep asking (or even if you haven't). Thanks so much for helping to send us on this wonderful getaway! It was such a nice break after all the months of planning, etc. Hope you enjoy these pic's.

What a nice change from the winter storm we had during our wedding! Ahh, Mexico!

We made sure to lay in a hammock every day!

Had a beautiful sunset each night!

We got to watch the Fiesta Bowl -- IN SPANISH!! Go Boise State!!

(Haha - like the colors of our room?)

We got these cool sandals for our wedding from our parents:

"Just Married" ~ Oh yeah...

Pretty relaxing.

Got to go for a sailing excursion on this catamaran.

Beautiful sunny day on the Caribbean! I even got a little bit of a sunburn!

(And in the middle of "winter" - nice!)

Just goofin' around.

Went repelling from this tower.

Hang time!

Isn't she so cool!

Having a blast!

Got to ride these huge ziplines!

Shannah's playin' it cool.

Josh bein' his "normal" self.

I'm such a nerd!

But a happy one, that's for sure!

Went down into the depths of this cave...

Explorin'...

It is I, Joshua, King of the Root!

Went snorkeling in these caverns!

It was nice & chilly compared to the Caribbean...72 degrees.

We kept each other warm...

It was so cool!

Finished our adventure by visiting the Maya ruins at Tulum - right on the beach.

The temperature was about 75 degrees all week long - it was perfect!

Passageway into the town...

Here I am......standing by the passageway......outside the Maya ruins......town.

Up over that hill is a beautful beach...

Local wildlife...

I (Josh) felt like a little kid again - fulfilling my childhood dream. I've always wanted to ride one of these water trikes!!!

The food was amazing at the resort where we stayed! This was at a Brazilian restaurant where they served us 6 different kinds of meats!

On our last night we took had dinner & took a stroll at the most expensive section of the resort - called "The Palace" (bet you didn't see that coming).

Felt like royalty!

One last sunset...

October 2009 Newsletter

2009-10-28T15:30:00.002-04:00

Just click on each page & they will enlarge.

Page 1:

Page 2:

Fall Activities

2009-10-28T14:37:00.006-04:00

This is the view from my office window - the fall colors are in full swing! It's hard sitting at a desk when you're lookin' at this all day.

Shannah & I got an itch to make some homemade pumkin pie. We'll be cooking our own food soon, so we figured we'd get some practice in... Went to a farm on Saturday in search of some pumkins...

Here's a start!

At last, here's our pumpkins! Now we just have to remove all the guts & get to work.

Figured, while we're at it, we might as well do a little carving...

She did tigger & I did one in honor of Jesus, my Savior (although, he looks more American than Hebrew). You know, the 31st is also celebrated as "Reformation Day" - when we celebrate the courage & boldness of those who (many years ago) stood against false doctrines & proclaimed the Gospel of Salvation by Faith alone - reminding us that Jesus Christ alone paid our sin debt.

We get to WALK in the victory that He achieved for us! Amen to that!

Spirit Week & Field Day

2009-10-15T15:01:00.001-04:00

This past week was our Spirit Week at NTBI!!

As you can tell, Monday was Nerd Day... Each day we had a theme, leading up to Friday - Spirit Day - when we all drove to our other NTBI campus in Waukesha, WI for the weekend.
This is my good buddy, David Duron - leading a cheer for our (Jackson) team!

Here's some students getting ready to cheer us on our men's & women's soccer teams!

Shannah & I trying to stay warm - it was a chilly day.

I know I look like I'm about to hit a home-run........but I didn't. :{ I got caught out in Left Field.

I blame the sun for being in my eyes.

It was definitely a highlight visiting my sister Rachael, who is a student at Waukesha. Shannah & Rachael are cheering on our softball team.

Here's our men's soccer team, taking the field.

The men's game was intense! I'm catching my breath on the sidelines.

Before long I was back in the game flying through the air - literally. Remember how last year I nearly got a concussion? Well, this year, I did a little better - but I still managed to get roughed up a bit. That's me in the blue shorts about to get kicked in the head twice-in-one-second. I also had another first -- skidding across the grass on my face on another occasion. And besides nearly destroying my achilles tendon, it was a pretty fun game. I should really lay off soccer.

In the end though, we were victorious (4-3)! So I had a part in beating the team from my own school (I played for Waukesha against Jackson back in '02-'04 when I was a student). I kinda feel like a two-face. But ultimately, the weekend was a wonderful time of fellowship between our students & staff, as we all worship the same God & are part of the same Institution.

Fall 2009 Newsletter

2009-09-19T09:54:00.002-04:00

Just click on the letter below & it will enlarge:

N. Idaho

2009-09-01T10:21:00.003-04:00

Just before I drove back to Michigan, Shannah got to fly up to Montana for my cousin's wedding & we got to spend a week together! I got to take her to Northern Idaho where I grew up & share with her a big part of my life - it was very special. This is where it all started - the church where my grandma came to know Christ & the Beaudin family was changed forever! I'm so thankful for this church body - it's where I grew up & came to know Christ personally!

Hanging out at one of my favorite parks...

We stayed in Post Falls, ID with my good friend Jeff & his wife Shaleah. He took us out on the boat one evening.

Did a little fishing & I caught 2 BIG bass (this was the smaller of the 2)!!

Shannah caught a Northern Pike!!! I've always wanted to catch one of these predator fish, but still never have. She totally outdid me! I'm so proud of her.

Warm Lake Camp

2009-07-07T18:13:00.007-04:00

Here's the High School campers & leaders from Warm Lake Conservative Baptist Camp this past week!

Each day we have a "Missions" hour from 11:30-12:30. It's been fun interacting with these high schoolers & supporting God's work in their life to be people who proclaim the Gospel (to the ends of the earth).

Volleyball will keep you on your toes! Just like the Christian Life - never boring!

This is our camp mascot, Octavian! Doesn't he just make you feel like going to camp?

(He's watching you...)

This was our last big rapid on the N. Fork of the Peyette River, "Howard's Plunge!" Shannah was a little bit concerned when I told her I was going white water rafting...again!! (got to go last week in WV) Ya know, all those things you're extra cautious about when you're about to get married...you don't want to take as many risks. Well...the campers made me do it.

And while we only had 4 campers get lost in the river...

...I made it back safe & sound (oh, and so did those other 4 campers).

IFCA National Youth Convention (June 21-26)

2009-07-07T17:39:00.000-04:00

What a privilege it was to be a part of the IFCA National Youth Convention this year! (IFCA stands for Independent Fundamental Churches of America)

On behalf of New Tribes Bible Institute, I got the opportunity to represent unreached tribal people & challenge the students to Discover their Role in how they could be a part of reaching tribes with the Gospel. As a missions rep. at the convention, I taught 2 breakout sessions on missions. Had a good response from those who came!

As I counselor, I got to spend the week with these six delegates (Michael, Zach, Trevor, Kyle, Nick, & Matt). Part of their week (& all the students) was intensive Bible quizzing - they've spent all year studying for this! They also participated in other Ministry Training Areas, such as singing, preaching, etc. These guys are from Washington state & Illinois.

I really enjoyed getting to know students like Ryan, who is desiring to go into full-time medical missions. Please PRAY for Ryan & others, that God would raise up laborers from this group to take the Gospel where it's never been.

The Convention was hosted by Appalachian Bible College in Mt. Hope, WV.

What a bonus to be able to join a couple excursions into the New River Gorge!

We had just repelled over a 120 ft cliff!

I got to run a 5K with 2 of my guys (Zach & Trevor). This is an annual event at the IFCA Convention. Trevor did it in under 20 minutes!! Zach & I finished together at just over 21 minutes! I was aiming at under 30 min, so I was happy (staying fit for the mission field)!

Thank you for those of you who prayed for this event! What a joy it has been to see God work in the lives of these students & to encourage them in their pursuit of Him. Some have already expressed a desire to serve Him on the foreign mission field!!! Praise the Lord!

NTM Enrichment Conference - June 15-19

2009-07-07T17:35:00.000-04:00

The NTM Enrichment Conference was a highlight for this year! God opened a door for me to go to the conference this past month (for New Tribes Missionaries), held in Roach, Missouri at our Missionary Training Center. I was able to help out with the high school group (about 90 of them!). Greg Speck was the speaker for the youth - he did a great job challenging our hearts as we seek to walk with God & live out the Christian Life.

I had the privilege of leading the Music (worship/praise) times for the High School group with my good buddy, Ben Brown. Thanks Ben!

On Thursday night, everybody gets together for a youth & family service. We put together a youth band & led the music for the whole group. Oh was a beautiful thing it was to be drowned out by this crowd of missionaries!! You should've heard it.

Here's the group (about 350 of them). Some of these are missionaries home for the year on furlough, some are US Missionaries serving at our training centers & headquarters. And then there were some who are still in the process of finishing training & heading overseas.

The last morning (Friday), it's customary for the worship leaders to wear an apron. I used mine as a cape.

It was also special to see some of my guys from Camdenton First Baptist Church who I got to know when I served their youth group back in 2005-06. (Curtis, Jaron, & Sam)

Another annual custom for the youth is to have a flour fight. Don't know what year it started, but it's just as messy every year!

So why do I share this crazy conference week with you? Because many of these teens will be taking the gospel to the ends of the earth - many of them are sold out to Jesus Christ & are already committed to taking the gospel where it's never been. These missionary kids have my respect & my prayers as they finish high school & continue to pursue God's direction for their lives. Will you pray with me for them -that they would grow to be spiritual champions?

June Newsletter (click on letter & it will expand)

2009-06-01T15:50:00.002-04:00

I'm Engaged!!! Here's the story - May 23rd, 2009...

2009-05-31T15:00:00.004-04:00

After breakfast at Goldy's...

...and a quick stop at the Rose Garden...

...I took Shannah out to the place where we first met back in 2006.
(Can you tell there was someone hiding in the bushes? Haha.)

Her (belated) one-year present, called "The First Chapter" was a photobook that told the story of our relationship up to the present.

About to start a new chapter.

Shannah just made me the happiest man I've ever known!!!
(I actually proposed with a STRING ring...)

(...then suprised her with a real one.)

Talk about suprises! Just discovered the hidden camera -our friend, Ronda.

BEFORE: This was at breakfast...notice her BARE ring finger? hehehe...

...and AFTER!

Here's the string ring I actually proposed with. 'Course, it's not as sparkly as the real thing.

THE RING: For you ladies...I know this is all you really want to see.

From the side.

The Pollard House

Hmmm...what lies ahead???

Lots of goofiness I'm sure!

AND NOW SOME FUN PIC'S:

(I still remember standing in this very spot & praying, "Oh Lord, please!")

Well, He certainly blew me away, that's for sure!

Thanks so much Ronda for all your help!!!

April 2009 Newsletter (Just click on the picture to enlarge)

2009-05-05T11:33:00.008-04:00

Summit 2010 in St. Charles, IL

2009-04-22T15:57:00.002-04:00

Some of you might be wondering where next year's Awana Summit will be held. In case you didn't get the memo....it's in St. Charles, Illinois (just West of Chicago). Hope to see you there!

What a Weekend!! Thanks for Praying for Awana Summit 2009!

2009-04-20T23:04:00.002-04:00

Thanks for those of you who have prayed diligently for us! The college & ministry fair went great! Doug & I had the opportunity to share with so many teens & adults what God is doing around the world amongst unreached tribal people & how they can help reach them. We shared a lot about NTBI (New Tribes Bible Institute) & about what tribal missionaries do. I was blown away at how many people stopped by with great questions & genuine interest!

All I can figure is that God answered your prayers!

This team is from Grace Bible Church - Charlotte, NC. Two graduates from their Awana Group are now students at NTBI! Lane (gray shirt) is planning on attending our campus in Jackson, Michigan this fall! It was so cool to meet him before he comes up.

These students are from Evangelical Community Church - Jackson, Tennessee. I've gotten to know them over the past two years and it was really great visiting with them this year again! Two of their students won First Place overall in various fine-arts competitions! Way to go Page & Emily!!!

The last event was the Platinum Round of the Bible Quiz. They narrowed it down to the top 10 teams from all over the nation...

All the teams did great! Our friends from Grace Bible Church, Charlotte, ended up winning! The top 3 teams recieved nice scholarships for college & the champions recieved a $500 scholarship from Awana to use for the college of their choice!!

Finally, we finished out the weekend with our final closing session. Kevin White from Awana gave the final message & really did a phenomenal job at wrapping up the weekend. He had me come up & share how God led me to New Tribes Mission & how Awana had a huge part in all that. Again, THANK YOU for praying!! I was able to share with the whole group about the thousands of unreached people groups in the world & challenge them to discover their role in Expanding the Reach of the Gospel. Your prayers were answered! There was a great response from the students! Hundreds have begun praying specifically that God would send out laborers into His harvest field (Matthew 9:37) & take the gospel where it's never been before.

Praise God! Let's continue praying to this end...until every tribe is reached!!!

Awana Summit - Greensboro, North Carolina!

2009-04-16T15:19:00.003-04:00

This year I get to represent New Tribes Mission & unreached tribal groups at the biggest event that Awana Clubs Intl. puts on....Summit weekend! If you haven't noticed yet, it's in Greensboro at a HUGE convention center! I'll put up some pictures as the weekend goes on.

Please pray that I'd be able to connect with and challenge students & adults to discover their role in Expanding the Reach of the Gospel to places & people who have still never heard of Jesus Christ.

Awana Summit Events & Friends

2009-04-16T14:36:00.000-04:00

Art Rorheim (founder of Awana) is a big fan & support of New Tribes (& has been around since it's beginnings in 1942). He stopped by our booth to say hi & we snagged this picture. Art has been a hero of mine & a great influence on my life all these years through the Awana ministry! Thanks Art, for your labor in the Lord!!

This is Joel Culberson, a good friend & Awana Missionary from Kansas. He organized the Awana games.

Here are the games. I got to talk with a lot of students & cheer for a few teams. This year there were around 40 teams from all over the US!!

This is my buddy Caleb who came with his team from Colorado. We're in the general session (there are 4 general sessions this weekend) where different speakers are challenging the students & leaders to Serve the Lord with their lives.

Here's about 3/4 of the audience in the general session.

Arlyn & Marcy Nies (Awana Missionaries from North Dakota) were my team leaders when I went to Zimbabwe back in 2001. They organized the Awana Bible Quiz for this year's Summit.

Here are some teams competing in a preliminary round of the Bible Quiz. There are multiple rounds where teams are eliminated & tonight the top 10 teams from all over the US will compete in the Platinum Round!

Chicago trip! Talk about a bunch of fun!

2009-04-16T14:17:00.013-04:00

Ever since last fall, Shannah & I have been wanting to get away and just hang out together in Chicago. Last weekend Shannah & I finally got to make that trip! We had a blast!

This is a HUGE bean! Gives you a great view of the city!

Shannah is very strong of course!

Neeto...

At Buckingham fountain, these people just walked right into her hand. Told you she was strong!

"We are Awana Cubbies....we hop because we're happy..."

"...and we jump and shout for JOY!!..."

Shannah took me to the house of mirrors at Navy Pier. Whoa...I've got a big head!

Guess I aint seen nothing yet. haha

I think this is my favorite.

Ate lunch at a Thai restaurant.

Would someone tell that little jade guy to STOP blowing his little jade trumpet in my ear?

Whoa...BIG people!

This is very serious...

We went for a walk down by the lake..

...and stopped by Shedd Aquarium...very cool!

Especially since I got to hug a HUGE fish!!!

We tried to do our best impression...

This is the best I can do.

A friend of ours, Janessa Davis, is a student at Moody Bible Institute. She set it up for both of us to stay there at Moody, right downtown! Thanks so much Janessa!

Family Meeting

2009-03-31T18:02:00.002-04:00

Shannah & I flew down to El Paso, TX this week for her Spring Break. My parents were here with a team from my home church, so we got to see them the night before they left.

We swapped parents for this one.

I've missed my daddi-o!

Field Day!!! Jackson takes home the trophy!

2009-03-31T15:32:00.004-04:00

Honestly never thought I'd live in the Midwest - until I lived in Wisconsin for two years. And now, Shannah & I are both living in Michigan, just north of the Indiana border. We traveled over to Waukesha, Wisconsin last weekend for our Field Day between our 2 NTBI campuses.

Shannah & I stopped by Awana Headquarters on our way through Chicago. She's never been there, so it was a cool "first" for her. Too bad we didn't get to see Art Rorheim (the founder of Awana). His mentour, Lance Latham, was one of the co-founders of New Tribes Mission. Both are heroes of mine!

Shannah's holding the Zimbabwe flag.

What a blessing!! We got to meet up with Steven Maphosa, the Awana Missionary that I met in Zimbabwe when I went in 2001. He is now the Awana coordinator overseeing all of the African countries. He has been in the States for a month & this was his last day in Chicago before traveling back to Zimbabwe.

Then it was on to Waukesha for Field Day! We competed between the 2 campuses in Volleyball, Basketball & Futsol (indoor soccer on a gym floor)...men's & women's in each. Waukesha was favored to win...but we weren't phased! We brought the house down & swept the board in all but 2 matches.

I got to play on the men's volleyball team (as a middle blocker). Here's a few highlights from the game. Their men's volleyball was their best team, and they beat us by a few points, but it was an epic battle to be sure! And since we won all the rest, we weren't dissappointed.

This is my buddy Andrew who is a student at NTBI Waukesha. It was a lot of fun visiting with students from our other campus, who could be our co-workers on the field some day! I also really enjoyed spending some time with my sister Rachael who is Waukesha as a student.

January Newsletter

2009-01-29T11:25:00.000-05:00

(To view my Newsletter, just click on the picture above)

Fun with Family!

2009-01-02T09:38:00.003-05:00

We were all together again! What a special time home for Christmas!

A'hem...."Go Boise State Broncos!" Mom got us all Christmas clothes from Kohls, so now we're all officially fans. Thanks Mom.

We sat around the table playing Catch-Phrase. What a hoot! (Just look at Nate; he's all nervous)

This game tends to bring out your silly side.

I guess Kelsea didn't know what Brian was saying (insert laughter).

Ben & Nicole are pro's at this game. They just took it easy (waiting their turn).

I don't even know what to say to this...haha.

Thanksgiving with friends

2008-11-29T10:00:00.002-05:00

Shannah & I got to spend Thanksgiving with some good friends of mine, Michael & Sabrina Madgett. They are a HUGE support to both of us...a big encouragement. We had a great time with them & with Michael's family.

This is Balto! I wish I could say that he was my dog, but he's not. He's Michael & Sabrina's.

We also enjoyed visiting with Nate & Rachael who came over from Waukesha for the weekend (don't they have beautiful eyes).

We went shopping...boy was THAT a good time...haha.

Need I say more.

Fun with Family & FOOD!!

2008-11-28T10:26:00.000-05:00

Be careful when allowing other people to put "food" into your shopping cart.

(I do not recommend this)

November 2008

2008-11-25T09:21:00.001-05:00

To read my Newsletter, just click on the image below.

Field Day

2008-11-01T08:38:00.000-04:00

Once or twice a year, the two NTBI Campuses, Waukesha & Jackson, converge for an epic sports battle we like to call....

FIELD DAY! (Yeah, pretty cool huh)

We started the day out with men's soccer. We all gathered up and prayed for the game. Good thing...I needed it.

We (Jackson) took an early lead in the game 1-0...Waukesha answered later in the half and tied it up 1-1. The game ended in a shoot-out and we prevailed, winning in the shoot-out!

Probably the most "memorable" moment for me was when my buddy, Craig, and I collided on a head-ball (good 'ole fashioned lack of communication). Actually, I don't remember much. I'm pretty sure I was blacked out when this picture was taken. I remember falling straight down on my back. They say my head bounced. I don't remember.

In the end everyone was fine and we had a great day full of soccer, ultimate frisbee, softball, and football.....oh, and this pyramid!

Shannah cheared me on. Hey, as long as she's proud of me....

It was also cool having my sister Rachael, and Craig's brother, Nate, come over for the weekend. Those guys are such wierdos.

Visiting Waukesha

2008-10-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

I actually didn't get any pictures while I recently went to visit our NTBI Waukesha Campus. I went over to visit the student body, collect data on past NTBI Alumni Graduates, and have strategic meetings related to my Alumni ministry. It was a very profitable visit. I stopped at the train station on my way back and walked across the street to the Sears Tower.

Union Station is right downtown Chicago. Pretty cool. Got to walk outside during my layover. The train was definitely the way to go (it's a 5 1/2 hour trip from Jackson to Waukesha).

Dropping Shannah off at work. Earlier this semester she worked as a food-server. It was too much strain for her knee though, as she's still recovering from a knee injury this past Spring. Would you please pray for Shannah's knee to heal.

Oh, and a PRAISE! God provided her a job in town as a lifeguard at the local YMCA!

Let's Go on a Date

2008-09-23T08:07:00.000-04:00

A little while back I got to take my best friend on a date.

Suprised her with the dress. She knew we were going out, but I had her come dressed in sweats...she found me in a suit....I sent her up to her room...

...where Susan and Rachel, two of her friends, were waiting for her with a couple others. They did her hair, her nails, she picked out a nice pair of heels, and after a while...

...we were off!

We went to Bella Note'...a nice Italian Restaurant downtown. They had live jazz! Ya know, it is a blessing already that God has given me a wonderful ministry here at NTBI for the time being. Having Shannah here is a HUGE bonus (that we get to be in the same place as God is growing our relationship). And she is really enjoying her Bible classes!

After we came back...everybody told me what a fortunate guy I was! I agree! We had a great time out on the town. Course, it doesn't take much for Shannah and I to have a great time. We get along pretty good (I'm the normal one...haha - j/k).

Goofin' around with Rae Rae and Susan after we got back.

I don't know what to say about this. We were just....SO happy.

September 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-21T19:54:00.000-04:00

To read Page 1: click on the page and it will enlarge.

To read Page 2: click on the page and it will enlarge.

Life and Ministry at NTBI Jackson

2008-08-25T13:40:00.001-04:00

Let me take you for a little tour of my apartment here at NTBI...

I have my own private staircase that leads up to my apartment (it is connected to the 2nd floor: men's dorm & married student apartments)

There's my front door. I have a kitchen with running water, gas stove, refrigerator (the works!). I know, I'm spoiled.

Here's a view from my front door: Kitchen, living room, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. I've got the whole place to myself! I know, I'm spoiled. But I've got lots of room to have groups of students over and even a spare bed for guests to stay.

Here's the middle bedroom...my bedroom is in the back.

I know this picture is faded out, but I want you to take note...this is during student orientation. This is an auditorium full of students who are investing two years of their lives into studying God's word. All those raised hands are students who are planning to go on into full-time cross-cultural ministry. Praise God...there is such a need for laborers to take the message of the Bible to unreached people groups! Please continue to pray that God would raise up more young people like this who will give their lives to labor for the sake of the gospel (Luke 10:2).

This is me hard at work (haha...well, Scott asked if I would help hold down his notes as we took them to his Romans class). That's the deep blue sea to the left of my "surfboard." Here I'm surfing off the coast of Africa.

Okay, for real...I do have an office.

Doing what? - I am helping to develop a ministry to support NTBI Alumni Graduates who desire to get further missionary training. My ministry will be to help them get there (in the past, many have gotten side-tracked or discouraged along the way). This new ministry as NTBI Alumni Coordinator could help to increase missionary candidates in NTM by as much as 20%.

Finally In Michigan!!

2008-08-17T08:07:00.001-04:00

Stopped by the Waukesha campus for New Tribes Bible Institute on my way through Wisconsin.

Finally, I arrived at the campus in Jackson, Michigan where I will be coordinating my new ministry! Thank you so much to all of you who have prayed for me along the way.

The car ran fine all the way through 9 states!! (Total Distance = 2,127 miles)

Did a little shopping to set up my appartment (t.p., soap, etc.).

Stay tuned for pics of my apartment and office...

Trip to Michigan (New Tribes Bible Institute)

2008-08-13T22:25:00.000-04:00

So here's some highlights from the past two weeks and my trip out here to Michigan.

Leaving my home church, Ustick Baptist, in Boise, Idaho.

I used every square inch of my trunk space.

Packed it all in pretty good.

Henry's Lake (Eastern Idaho)
Guess which one is mine...probably not your first guess (look closely).

My parents and I got to spend my last week out West at an Awana Camp with some teens in Montana! Dad was the main speaker & I did the music. Also got to challenge the students to be world christians and to get involved in missions work around the world. I got to go with them into Bozeman for a children's outreach. Played my guitar as we led the kids in some fun songs.

They shared the gospel message with these kids using the wordless bracelet.

Here was one of the highlights. We took a group of brave campers into the woods and had a "discipleship session"....we tested their ability to dodge paintballs and taught them humility. Haha, well sort of.....I actually got taken out in the first round by two of the Jr. High boys.

After camp, I spent a couple days in the mountains fishing with my dad and cousin.

Notice I said fishing and not catching. They weren't biting at this lake...but the view was great!

I'm going to miss the West (sniff, sniff).

On my way through Wyoming...

I camped out the first night near Mt. Rushmore...all by myself.

This is my first cross-country trip by myself. 34 hours of driving through 9 states in all. It was nice to stretch my legs once in a while.

Drove through that mountain.

On my way through Minnesota (lots of farms)...beautiful country.

August 2008 Update

2008-07-25T00:57:00.001-04:00

Click on the letter (above) and it will get bigger.

Here's my updated prayer card.

Mexico Ministry

2008-06-21T13:18:00.000-04:00

These past two weeks, we've been able to go into Juarez with the outreach teams from International Family Missions (IFM). Here we're visting a men's rehab center...these men are recovering from alcohol and drug addictions and many of them come to faith in Christ during this time. This man also came to visit and brought his guitar. These men love to sing! We are singing a favorite song (in Spanish of course).

When men come into the rehab center, they go three days "cold turkey" right off the bat. This is Ra'el (Ry-el). He is in his first day at the center and is trembling from withdrawls from an intense alcohol addiction. We are smiling, because as we sat with Rael, prayed for him and comforted Him, we knew there is great hope for his recovery. Please pray for Rael. He is in the midst of this battle to be free from alcohol.

Here we're walking through a colonia inviting families to come to the church just down the street. We shared a meal with them, had fun activities for the kids, visited with them and helped them connect with the pastor who is there to serve them.

It was special for Shannah and I to be able to share some praise songs with the group in Spanish. How beautiful it was to see these families from Colorado (parents and young children) living out the gospel by ministering to the poor, the widows, and the orphans in this city that so desperately needs Jesus. The same can be said about many of our cities.

Are we sharing His love with those around us at home?

Kendra, Shannah, & Kayla Pryor (sisters) are helping these older folks find a pair of glasses that might help them to see better. The team brought the glasses down with them.

Kayla is holding a Bible up for this lady to read as they test out a pair of glasses.

Yeah, they found a pair that worked! They were so greatful! Who'd of thought we'd be able to help share the gift of sight with these people.

This man's name is Arelio. God used him to challenge & impact some of the team members in a powerful way! He is a dear, sweet brother in Christ who has been through more trials than most of us will ever face. He's lost everything, but He has Christ and His joy is contagious! He has bad athsma and couldn't come into the service, so we were able to go to him and sing for him (we sung, "This is the Air I Breath").

A couple of the ladies went and picked up a prescription for him from 2 months ago! They brought him inhalors and antibiotics. Imagine not being able to breath, because you can't get to the pharmacy! Wow.

If you'd like to know how you can take your family on a missions trip (kids and all), check out IFM's website: http://www.ifmus.org/

How we live...

2008-06-21T11:28:00.000-04:00

Just got the fence up for the dogs. They call this the "Straw-bale house," because the outside walls were built with straw-bales...no kidding! Pretty cool.

See, there's a hole in the wall in the kitchen, so you can look in and say, "No way! It really is straw-bales!"

Here's probably the biggest house in Fabens, TX. It's for sale and even has some grass.

And then here's the average place in Juarez, Mexico (just a few miles away).

This is a colonia that we visited a couple days ago. Typical...houses start out made from wooden pallets or whatever's available. Cinderblock houses are a bit nicer, because they keep out the dust a little better. When was the last time you complained about the house you live in? Puts things in perspective. Especially when you meet some of these people and they're much happier/content than people in the USA. I suppose happiness isn't found in stuff.

Moving Friends to Texas

2008-06-14T15:11:00.001-04:00

This is the Pryor Family, some really good friends of mine.

(Oldest to youngest: Mark & Candi, Audra, Kendra, Shannah, Kayla, David, Leah, Sarah, Jenna)

I just got to help them move their family down here to Fabens, Texas. They are serving in full-time ministry with International Family Missions, working in Juarez, Mexico. I'm staying with them for most of this month, helping them to get settled in. Seven of their kids came with them, so there's a lot to do to get settled!

Check it out! A double rainbow on the day they left! Looks like God's promise to the Pryors never to drown them in ministry, but always allow them to flourish!

Gettin' ready to go...we had two minivans (one pulling a trailer), Big van pulling travel trailer, and big Uhaul pulling cargo trailer!!! Our trip began at 6:30pm on Thursday, June 5th.

I got to drive the big Uhaul from Boise to Moab, Utah. Shannah was my navigator. Woot woot! Here was a treat!...got to stop and see one of my greatest friends and mentours, Russ Anderson, in Salt Lake City on our way through.

We stopped along the way to see Arches National Park near Moab. Pretty cool!

Seein' the sights!

This place rocks!

This little guy is called "Delicate Arch"...glad we didn't break it.

Here's a cool picture of "The Fleet" (most of it)

We only had one "hiccup" on the way down...the Aerostar just decided not to run anymore. We all felt that way at least once or twice, so I guess I can't blame it. Anyways, after a couple breakdowns near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico (yep, it's really a town), it ran fine the last 150 miles.

We finally made it into Fabens, TX at 10:00pm on Sunday, June 8th. The work began...

Here's Leah and Shannah taking care of business.

Unloading the truck. You should've seen the dent Kendra put in my side when she hit me with that box!...j/k

Here's Mark (Daddy Pryor) taking a well-earned rest.

More Weddings!

2008-06-08T18:45:00.000-04:00

April 12th, my "baby" sister Kelsea got married to Brian Rausch. Yeah! Now I have 2 brothers! Only one more to go! My sisters Nicole and Rachael are to the right. On the left is my brother-in-law Ben. I think they're all silly.

Got to go to Missoula with my family on May 30th for my cousin Jacob's wedding!
Here's all the "Beaudin boys" (plus a couple). We did a big round of golf the day after the wedding. Sorry Jacob, you missed a great time!

A Week in Florida

2008-05-01T14:22:00.000-04:00

I got to visit our NTM Headquarters in Sanford, FL last week. Really great to see all the work it takes to keep New Tribes Mission opperating...and those who are doing that work.

Thanks guys!

The reason I came to Florida was to represent NTM at the Awana Summit Weekend in Jacksonville. I got to talk to many teens about opportunities for them to get involved around the world. This is Art Rorheim, one of my heros of the faith. He is the founder of Awana Clubs International, under his mentour, Lance Latham, who was also a co-founder of New Tribes Mission! He has such a heart for people to come to know Jesus Christ...I've learned much from him over the years!

Imagine 1,000 teens staying at the Jacksonville Hyatt Motel! This is where the conference was.

There were 1,200 teens who participated in the Bible Bowl, Awana Games, & Fine Arts Competitions! Many of these teens are sold out to the Lord. They want to serve Him with their lives! Imagine what would happen if dozens of them went and gave their lives so that unreached people could hear the gospel and be discipled for the first time!

This is a cool blue bridge (right outside the hotel).

Here's a team from Evangelical Free Church in Jackson, Tennessee! I met them last year. I got to visit with them some & encourage them in their walk with Christ & their pursuit of His will for their lives. Good times!

Visiting Jackson, Michigan

2008-04-23T11:47:00.000-04:00

These are my friends Nathan and Rachel who are attending NTBI in Jackson, MI. (I went to NTBI's campus in Waukesha, WI - both are great schools!) Both of these guys were in New Guinea last summer for the Interface program, so we're like family. I had some meetings with the staff, so I got to spend a few days last week visiting the Bible schools in Jackson and Waukesha.

SITES OF JACKSON:

This is the Jackson train depot. A good friend of mine, Shannah, is coming into this depot today.

It's a big clock with a time-capsule in it. Neeto.
Fetch a great cup of coffee (or candy coffee in our case) at Jackson Coffee Co.

My friends John and Rachel checkin' out the Chamber of Commerce. John is from Swaziland in South Africa! Long way from home 'eh.

Men's Retreat

2008-03-16T11:39:00.000-04:00

I got to lead worship at our Men's Retreat for Ustick Baptist, my home church, this weekend! This is my good friend Mike Webb.

Most people like to snowshoe in a straight line. I say...boring...haha. I like to climb stuff...
...then jump off!
I spent a good bit of my time getting back up...haha.

Ecola Bible School & Multnoma Missions Conference

2008-02-29T11:13:00.000-05:00

So just last month God provided me with a car to drive around as I share about tribal people with various Conferences, Chapels, Church Services, Camps, etc. I think I'll call him Caleb and together we (Joshua & Caleb) will dare to go where no one else dares to go (get it, like in the book of Joshua). This is in Cannon Beach when I got to do morning devotions for the students at Ecola Bible School last Thursday. I spent this week at Multnomah Bible College in Portland, OR representing New Tribes for their Global Ministries Conference. I joined Mike Klontz (NTM Rep. for the Northwestern United States....we had a great week).

This is Indian Beach. It was a busy week, so it was nice to get away for a few minutes by the ocean and just soak it in.

This is one FAT anchor. It's at the Maritime Museum in Astoria, OR. Sometimes I feel like I've got an anchor like this tied around my ankle and I can't get "out there" on the mission field where my heart longs to be, but I know that God has me here for this time and season and He is working out His will in my life. I'm sure glad He knows what He's doing.

The Reach Conference

2007-11-20T16:42:00.000-05:00

The Following article was written about the missions Conference we just had at my home church. I spent October and previous months organizing this conference. Thank you so much for your support and prayers...this was a huge success!

November 11, 2007

Reaching the World –The Ustick Baptist Reach Missions Conference

By Justin Mitson (Ustick Baptist Church - Missions Committee)

Boise, Idaho - How can we, the Body of Christ, EXPAND the reach of the Gospel through serving as senders? That was the key question of the first Reach Missions conference this week November 9-11 held at Ustick Baptist Church. International Mission organizations joined together with over 15 northwest missionaries right here in Boise to help discover how world missions can be advanced. These mission organizations gave their testimonies, project overviews and shared their experiences in large group settings and personal breakout workshop sessions. Representatives from Children’s Ministries in Haiti to Jewish outreach Missions in Israel were there to inspire, educate and equip, and share real world experiences to challenge others. The Ustick Baptist narthex had mission’s booths spilling out into the hallways packed with information and resources.

The goal of the conference was to involve Treasure Valley Christian Churches and inspire them to work together. Planning for this project began many months in advance. The conference was advertised on Christian radio on several stations (Air1, KTSY, KBGN, KBXL and KDZY). Ustick Baptist Members opened their homes to visiting missionaries and even volunteered for “take a missionary to dinner” night. During the adult workshop sessions, there were also programs for young adults and children, Passport to the World, to help advance the love for world missions for the next generation of missionaries. Those that attended had a wonderful time talking with others who shared a heart to reach the world. During the conference the Lord enabled networking and reunions between missionaries and powerful worship music at the start of each of the general sessions.

The Key note speaker was Mike Klontz, a Representative from New Tribes Missions in Spokane, Washington who spoke from his over twenty years of experience in Bolivia. His prayer for the conference was that God would raise up more laborers to help spread the gospel to the more than 3,000 groups throughout the world who have not yet heard the gospel message. “Not everyone is called to me a missionary, but everyone can help with the call to support missionaries before they head to the field, encourage them while they are there, and assist with their re-entry when they return.” One of the highpoints of the weekend was a concert of prayer where all of the attendees prayed for world missions and the specific needs of the missionaries and their organizations.

God was gloried through the Reach Missions Conference! We look forward to what lies in store for the future as missions involvement continues to grow throughout the Treasure Valley!

Oct.-Nov. Friends and Fellowship

2007-11-11T13:24:00.000-05:00

My sister, Rachael, and I with LeRoy Miller and his daughter, Addy, at a BSU Bronco's game. They won.

Raking leaves with my boys, John, Caleb, and Levi.

My buddy Jeff Meyer got to come down and visit Boise for a couple days. We went up to Table Rock...has a great view of the city.

This cross is lit up every night over Boise...you can see it from almost anywhere in the valley. If only everyone in the valley knew Jesus, who it represents.

This is Boise, Idaho, my home. At least for the next 8 months. Then I'm leavin' the country.

Last hunting trip

2007-10-29T11:52:00.000-04:00

I got to go back up to my home area of N. Idaho for a last hunt with my dad and cousin. It was a refreshing time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. This may be my last hunting trip with my dad before I leave for Brazil & then Africa.

Too late to shoot. Great view though.

My cousin, Nat, my Dad and I (Mom's on the phone)

Dad and I are glassin' the hillside...he makes a good rest...and a great father!

This is my massive Boone & Crocket buck!!! haha Maybe not a trophe, but meat in the freezer. Sharp-shooter - 270 yards
Packed him out piggy-back.

My good buddy Jeff Meyer got to come out with us one day. Jeff and I grew up together in the Silver Valley. We always wanted to hunt together. Good times.

Can you see me now?........... How about now?............Good camo, 'eh.

Another Wedding - Great Friends - Another Garter - Still Single?

2007-10-01T23:30:00.000-04:00

So besides all this traveling, I've taken up a new hobby...being in weddings! One day after getting back from Mozambique, I got on another plane and few to Wisconsin. I got to be a groomsman in Michael & Sabrina's wedding! Thanks guys! I even caught the garter! (that makes like 10 for me now...hmmm, has it helped???...haha)

Michael and I met in Boise, Id where we both worked at as guards at a waterpark. We used to wear sunglasses and blow our whistles all day long.

Left to right: Josh (just a guy in a tux), Michael (groom's cousin), Michael (groom), Anthony (best man), Kyle(groom's brother).
Sabrina has good taste! "Pass the goldfishes please."

This is Fred Kusik with three of his sisters (left to right: Kelly, Molly, Maggie). They are Sabrina's cousins & they have 4 more siblings! When I took this, I thought of my own three sisters Nicole, Rachael, & Kelsea. Sure is a blessing to have great sisters!

Visiting Waukesha (New Tribes Bible Institute)

2007-09-29T22:27:00.000-04:00

Just after the wedding I got to stay in Waukesha for a week and visit NTBI. I stayed with Eric Smith (roommates together again). Fun times! On the morning of Michael's wedding, the NTBI students had a free community carwash as an outreach.
I went and picked the groom up in Old Blue (Eric's car). They washed it up real nice!
Mary Ellis was my sister Rachael's roommate at Ecola Bible School. Now she's at NTBI and she just had her birthday. Kristine Lewis (on right) went to Interface in Papua New Guinea this summer. We helped Mary celebrate.

Went down to the lakefront by downtown Milwaukee, WI.
The city sure looks cool at night. We were out on a pier...there was a salmon run going on and fishermen were pulling some big ones out!

Lake Michigan and Downtown Milwaukee.
At the end of the week I went back out to the lakefront with Skeeter and Nate, friends from Idaho & Utah. These guys are goofy (we get along well).

Eric and I got to visit with Gabriel and Rachel Nunez. We went through the NTM training together. Guess where they met?

Meagan and I hanging out with Abel Richards and Jonny Freeman (staff kids)...these boys have grown like weeds since I saw them three years ago!!

Some of my NTBI dorm bro's and sisters got together with our dorm parents (Freemans & Weavers)...had a little reunion at Buffalo Wild Wings.
Meagan was my dorm sister at NTBI. She came up to visit us from Emmaus Bible College where she's getting her teaching degree. She wants to teach missionary kids overseas. Pray for more people like Meagan...there is a huge need for teachers overseas, even as short-term associates. If you want to know more about opportunities how you could serve overseas even for a year, visit www.ntm.org/go

She brought Nicole, her friend from Emmaus. Nice weekend gettaway.
Josh and Andrea Saari, friends from Idaho, are living in Madison, WI. My friend Joe and I got to have dinner with them.
A week after the wedding, I got to go see Kelly's Senior Violin Recital. She just graduated as a music major from Maranatha Baptist Bible College. Plays a mean violin. Go Kelly!
Maranatha has a beautiful campus. This is the hall where her concert was.
Got to hang out with R2-D2 in Milwaukee. He collects mail for the US Postal Service as a day job.

Arriving in Mozambique

2007-09-24T02:07:00.000-04:00

So here's a look at our trip to Mozambique, September 1-18, 2007.

We flew through Johannesburg, South Africa....on our way up to Nampula, Mozambique, we made two stops. One in Maputo (capitol city) and another in Beira.
Here's Nampula from the air. Pretty small airport.

Pretty city, especially at sunset.

This one was a mystery. These flowers grow right out of the stone.
Having coffee with Pete and Stephen.

Check out this toaster!

Since our bags didn't arrive for 3 days, we had to wait to fly into the village. We had a great opportunity to get to know the missionary support team in Nampula. I drove around town with the guys on a supply run. We had to get plumbing and electrical supplies for the missionaries' house.

Here, we're checking on light bulbs for inside the house. "Hey Pete, do you think this one might take a little too much energy?"

Into the Tribe

2007-09-24T01:57:00.000-04:00

We were able to go into the tribe on this Cessna Caravan. MAF South Africa (Missionary Aviation Fellowship) was running a once-a-month shuttle flight back to S. Africa and they dropped us off on the way.

This is Dave. He's been a pilot for 15 years here in Mozambique! He helped us a lot with our preparations to come and was a great help in getting us into the bush.

Coming in for a landing on a grassy strip.

The Missionaries met us with their trucks & we loaded everything up.

The airplane has made these remote areas a whole lot more accessible.

We were all happy to arrive.

The Hendersons' House

2007-09-24T01:46:00.000-04:00

This is the family we stayed with.

Here is the Henderson's house.

Some leftover bricks from the making of their house...these can be used to build smaller buildings.
Here is the "hedge" that surrounds their property. Does a pretty good job of ushering people through the proper entrances.
Phil is showing us guys the well that was hand-dug as their water-supply.
Phil installed an antenna for his cell phone. Now he can check his email from the window, instead of having to climb to the top of the turmite mound to get reception.

Wiring the House

2007-09-24T01:34:00.001-04:00

We were so glad to be able to help Phil and Elin wire their house for their solar-power system. This allows them to use lights, computers, fridge, freezer, and other things that will allow them to live simply, and be able to focus on their work as missionaries.

We had to solder together the wiring-harness for their house and then install conduit to hold it in. Here we are putting up the central harness that will bring power to all the lights.

Once all the wiring was in place, we had to connect them to the voltage regulator, fuse-disconnect box, and the batteries.
Here we're running the main cable up to the solar panels which are on the roof.

Team effort.

I had to hang it all the way up over the main beam to the top of the palm roof.

I just buried the ground-plate. It's pretty important to have good lightning protection, especially with a solar powered system that uses DC electricity.

Ducks can be Quite the Detour!!

2007-09-24T00:35:00.000-04:00

On Monday, Sept. 10th, I drove to Quelimane ("Keeleemanee") with the Hendersons' partner, Francois ("Franswa") to buy some supplies for our project. Of course, we filled the truck with Mwinika guys who had reasons to come along. One of the guys was gonna help us find DUCKS. Francois had built a pen for 6 ducks, and we needed 5 more. So instead of going to the market in town, one of the guys had a connection...a guy "just outside of town." In other words, we spent 4 1/2 hours just looking for ducks!...a wild duck chase that led us WAY outside of town. Seems frustrating, so why would these missionaries do it? Because right now building relationships with their Mwinika friends is more important than "doing things our way." These missionaries have a message to communicate, and if they aren't sensitive to the Mwinika's culture and how they do things, they may not have an audience to share with some day. What a great lesson this was in flexibility.

Since it took so long to get the ducks, we didn't have time to do the rest of our supply-buying. We had to stay overnight, since it is very dangerous to drive that highway at night. We had mini-pizzas at this Italian restaurant. Francois made some phone calls and got us a place to stay with a pastor and his wife in town.

The next day, we had to put some of the supplies up on top...
...since the ducks took up space in the back.

People of Mozambique

2007-09-24T00:05:00.000-04:00

This is Augustine. His people are called Mwinika. He helps the Hendersons get some things done around the house, so that they can focus their attention on learning language.

Pounding grain and collecting food can be a social event - a good time to catch up.

The kids try their hand at it from an early age.

Some just make good use of a well-earned nap-time.

While I was on my excursion to Quelimane, my parents got to experience some cultural events of their own. Here, they're waiting for the celebration to begin at the opening of a new market.

Many of the Mwinika people are Islamic by identity. Here, they are sweeping the graves of their ancestors in preparation for Ramadan, an Islamic religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar year. Graves are marked by broken pots.

In this traditional ceremony, a king is being made (clan leader). On this 2nd day of the ceremony, he is recieving advice from other clan leaders about how to be a good Mwinika leader.

This is from my duck-hunting excursion. These kids sure liked the land-cruiser.

Their regular mode of transport is a bicycle.

Or they just huff it on foot. If you're little enough, hopefully, you can hitch a ride with an older sibling.

These guys are skilled carpenters! All of the furniture in the Hendersons' house was hand-made by the local people.

Hunting For Hippos

2007-09-23T23:48:00.000-04:00

While our primary reason for being there was to help them with some work projects and get acquainted with the VI Team, we did have a couple opportunities to get out and explore.

The Hendersons are only a few minutes from a river that is home to hippos, crocodiles, and other critters. We were lookin' for the hippos.

When we got out of the canoe on the other bank, we sunk into the mud up to our knees! This is thick, black, gooey mud (great bug repellant, but doesn't always come off easy).
We walked across this plain to another part of the river where the hippos hang out.

Sure enough, they were there. This guy was hanging out down the river a ways.

In all honesty, I wasn't too excited about the idea of being anywhere near a hippo! An adult hippo can weigh in at over 2 tons!! (4,000 lbs)

Here's our dirty feet after our hippo hike.

Beautiful Mozambique

2007-09-23T23:30:00.000-04:00

Here's a good view of the countryside just outside of Nampula.

Always pretty at Sundown.
Walking along the road during the sunset.
We got to go to the beach one day.
My first steps EVER in the Indian Ocean!! I was watching for sharks. (I'm scared of sharks)

Looking for adventure on the water's edge.

I got to be a boat captain for a day! Decided not to take my vessel out to sea though, as she was missing her stern and wouldn't fare too well against the waves.

Had a little run-in with this beach monster who was guarding the way to the sunset.

Leaving Mozambique

2007-09-23T17:07:00.000-04:00

It was an 8 hour drive to Nampula. Phil took us 5 1/2 hours and Pete picked us up for the last leg of the trip.

Sadly, the day came when we had to leave. Thank you Visao Integral Team for allowing us to partner with you in your ministry!

We're off to Mozambique!! (Sept. 1-18)

2007-09-01T04:50:00.000-04:00

We're finally taking off for Mozambique.

(Left to Right: Josh, Karen, Mike, John)

Assisting New Tribes Missionaries in Moz. from Sept. 3-16.

Please pray for us!

Last Sunday at our ministry fair we signed a bunch of people up to help with the HUGE missions conference we're hosting Nov. 9-11. As you can tell, it was my high energy (as seen in this pic) that brought crowds of people....or maybe just the bright colors.

He's Married!!!

2007-08-26T04:31:00.000-04:00

My main man Steven, from Boise, just got married!

This is his beautiful bride, Larie.

I got to by Steven his last Bachelor Breakfast EVER!!

As his best man, my job was to hang onto the ring, make sure he didn't get lost, and get his shoes on the right feet. He was so happy, he couldn't even see straight. haha

Do I actually have a picture of a boquet toss on my blog!!??

Well, they got hitched, but they couldn't get out'a there without going through me first (I had the keys).

A little break...at Island Lake

2007-08-20T04:13:00.000-04:00

Finally had the opportunity to escape for a night to the mountains of Central Idaho!

Josh, John Veit, Dad, Ben (my brother-in-law)
We hadn't been at the lake more than 10 minutes and Ben pulled this huge rainbow trout out of the water!! Course he was soaked cuz it was raining! (Seems like the first rain we've had all summer.)
What a lunker! Nice one Ben!

Next morning, dad caught a couple. Those guys are good eatin'.
The water is like glass in the morning.

We packed up camp the next morning, and headed back down the trail.

Here's my bro Ben and I.

Dad and John

Virginia / Maryland

2007-08-18T03:41:00.000-04:00

So here's Mt. Ranier in Washington State...somehow it's on the way from Boise to Washington DC. I had to fly through Seattle to get there. Kinda silly. There's actually 4 volcanos in view.

I got to visit with my good buddy Michael in Manassass, VA. He's getting married next month and I'm in his wedding!

We also got to go visit JoAnne Webb in Warrenton, VA. She and her husband Mike are friends of ours from our church in Boise. Mike now serves as CEO of AirServ Intl., a humanitarian flight relief agency (we didn't get to see Mike, since he was in Africa at the time).

I got to visit Christina Owens (good friend from my PNG trip). She lives up north of D.C. Gave me a grand tour of Maryland and the Delaware coast!

At the Baltimore National Aquarium! Cool place...except I got eaten! Swallowed whole! Yup.

....oh - well I just climbed out the back.

Hey, what are you shooting at?

2007-08-10T03:16:00.000-04:00

In early August I got to go share with a church and visit friends in Central Idaho. The Verts are some of my bowhunting buddies. I brought them back a PNG bow, and we did a little practice.

Got to stay with the Lloyds while in Carey, ID! Meagan's cat Rider, is an inquisitive guy.
Hey, where'd he go?

Vacation Bible School

2007-08-05T03:09:00.000-04:00

As August begun, so did VBS. One of the highlights of this summer was leading the songs for the week with my bro John Page. Boy did we have a good time (the theme was Bethlehem village).

We even got to be a couple wise men in a skit... don't we look....wise???

Other July Happenings

2007-07-28T14:47:00.000-04:00

My buddy Nate was teaching Eric to fly, and they let me come along. Eric did great!

My buddy Jeff and I did some fly fishing up at our college group retreat.

Well of course we caught fish! (I think Jeff snagged this one & I'm just taking credit)

There's Jeff (and Luke in the water)

At our Western BBQ for our youth group, we got to ride a little horseback.

"MOVE THAT BUS!!!"

2007-07-19T03:25:00.000-04:00

Ever seen Extreme Makover, Home Edition? Well, they did one near Boise, so my sister Rachael and I went for the last part where they shout "Move that bus!!" People keep telling me I remind them of Ty, the hyperactive star of the show...I dunno...I consider myself as a fairly calm and tranquil person...not very talkative either....or typative.

Warm Lake Camp

2007-07-15T14:41:00.000-04:00

Just after returning from PNG, I got to go be a "Camp Missionary" for a CBA Jr. High camp up in Warm Lake, Idaho. Nate, the camp director, is a youth pastor and good friend.

Thinking, "This is gonna be COLD!!" j/k

Saying goodbye's and coming back...

2007-07-04T04:23:00.000-04:00

Just before we left PNG, we went on our Interface Sidetrip. What a blessing to meet Roland and other tribal people who now follow Christ and have known the Lord Jesus longer than I have! Missionaries came to them 50 years ago and they have a thriving church. It was hard to leave.

It was also hard to say goodbye to our language helper Stem and friend Michael. These people truly have become a part of my life.

Well, when we finally got on the plane, we got a little shuteye. We had over 20 hours of flying to do. From Goroka to Port Moresby, PNG to Singapore to Tokyo to Los Angeles.

Just before leaving LA, we visited Manhattan Beach, saw the wildlife and then returned to try and catch our 7:30 standby flight.

We weren't able to get on the flight. So we rented a car and drove the 17 hours home. It was cool. We found these Aviators along the way (ironic isn't it).

The 5 of us (Joerg, Meagan, Kristen, Eric, Josh) had a great road trip home, even though we were already jet-lagged from the flights over.

After arriving in Boise, it was finally time to say farewell to my roommate and friend, Eric. He's back off to N. Idaho and then Wisconsin (on staff at NTBI, Waukesha).

Preparing a Mumu

2007-06-22T00:03:00.000-04:00

So you want to see how to build the coolest "steem oven" ever? Check it out:

The ladies helped prepare the kau kau (cow cow = sweet potatoes).

The guys build the fire and cook the food. They start with a bed of rocks and build a fire to super-heat the rocks. They then take away the fire, build a base around the hot rocks, pad it with grass and banana leaves.

Then they dump all the food in: vegetables, greens, and bananas on the bottom and meat on top. They do this in layers. As it cooks, the juices from the meat drip down and flavor the vegies.

Here I'm using a bushknife to cut off the end of this length of bamboo, which will be used as a funnel and a vent.

But first you have to knock the joints out of the bamboo, so the water can flow through.

This tube is forced down to the base of the rocks at the bottom of the pile. As water is poored in, it hits the rocks and begins to steam.

The Mumu is covered over with banana leaves and then with dirt on top and on all sides, so that it is completely sealed and the steem doesn't escape. It cooks for about 2 hours and then is ready to uncover! This is my favorite part!

The food is separated out and divided up amongst everyone.
Men and women eat in separate groups. Everyone has plenty to eat. What's left is dispersed and shared between different family lines. You can learn a lot about how people think by the way they interact with each other...and even by the way they eat.

Interiors, Life in PNG

2007-06-21T17:50:00.001-04:00

So you've seen the outsides of the buildings on the ITF campus. Here's an "insiders look" at life here in PNG.

This is a P.M.V. (Public Motor Vehicle). It's the preferred method of public transportation.

This is the inside of a one of their houses. The house is seen as a place for storage, sleeping, and cooking. Actually, they usually have a separate "cook house." But contrary to our culture, they don't see the house as an "escape." And as you can see, they have very little in the area of worldly possessions. We so often take for granted how much we have.

All the socializing goes on outside of the house. The front poarch is a good place to catch up with friends.

Starting a fire to cook kau-kau (cow-cow...or sweet potato).

Here's the inside of our sleeping cabins. Simple living, and yet, luxury compared to what these people live in.

Here's a look at our bucket showers. Lots of fun.
This is the classroom (Kristen is doing a Language Acquisition exercise with one of the language helpers)

A look at the INTERFACE campus.

2007-06-16T11:13:00.001-04:00

I'm sharing this staff house with 2 other guys.

These are the cabins that the students live in.

Here's the main classroom.

A couple of staff homes (with grass roof).

Ever been to a Mumu??

2007-06-10T04:30:00.000-04:00

I just got back from a Mumu...this is a large gathering where several families/villages get together and cook a whole lot of food! They steam-cook meat and vegetables in the ground for a few hours and when all is said and done, a lot of people have plenty to eat. This particular Mumu involved 2 whole cows, 3 whole pigs, hundreds of large sweet potatos, greens, bananas, more. When it's all cooked, the food is layed out on large banana leaves and distributed between all the families. However, an event this large is never without significance.

The occasion for this Mumu was a "coming-of-age" ceremony for a teenage girl. Once it is her time to become a woman, they have a ceremony, and they decide on what her brideprice will be. Marriage has a much deeper impact on the whole extended family in PNG culture than it does in our Western culture.

Events from week three...

2007-06-09T01:56:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, we loaded up and drove down to NTM's main highlands support center (Lapilo).

At Lapilo, we learned about the various support role ministries that enable tribal missionaries to be in isolated locations. Like teachers, pilots, dorm parents, and the tribal supply department. Pictured here are supplies ready to be flown into one of the tribal teams (this is the tribe I visited 4 years ago when I cam to PNG). Many of these ministries are in desperate need of personnel. To get a good idea of the needs for support missionaries and opportunities for you to serve as an associate missionary, follow this link. http://www.ntm.org/png/careers.php

Here, Heti is showing me how they carve their bows from the hardwood of a dark palm tree. I bought this bow from him, and he was putting some finishing touches on it.

What fun is a bow that you can't shoot? We've been practicing.

Rarely did I hit the target that first day. I split this arrow with a wild shot. I'll keep working on it, so I can take it this fall when I go elk hunting.

The missionaries at INTERFACE have some big tough dogs for added security. Doesn't Misty just seem ferocious?

This Week's pics.

2007-06-03T01:47:00.000-04:00

So, you wanna see some pictures from this week? Follow me...

"Wokabaut"

2007-06-03T01:40:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we went for a "wokabaut" (walk about) through some of the villages.

2007-06-03T01:38:00.000-04:00

This is in the village called "Nu camp." I was amazed at how tall this bamboo is! It can grow 30 ft. in a year!! (like a giant beautiful weed)

2007-06-03T01:35:00.000-04:00

The kids are lots of fun. Their parents showed us around and they just hung on for the ride.

MK Graduation

2007-06-03T01:17:00.000-04:00

I was sad that I had to miss a number of graduations back in Boise. But on Wednesday, a handful of us staff drove out to Lapilo (NTM's support base) to support the graduating seniors at the school where the missionaries' kids attend. I got to ride on top! (j/k)

"What are you guys doing?"

2007-06-03T00:52:00.000-04:00

What exactly are we doing? Click on the picture to read a description of the INTERFACE course.

2007-05-27T08:44:00.000-04:00

Unloading and moving in.

2007-05-27T08:42:00.000-04:00

The students were given a tour of the ITF campus, which is neighbored by various tribal villages. The people group surrounding the INTERFACE campus comprise one of PNG's larger language groups. NTM has a good relationship with these people...many of whom function as language helpers for the ITF students during the program.

2007-05-27T08:36:00.000-04:00

All of our 29 pieces of luggage were either inside this Land Cruiser or on top of it. It was good to see it being used for the intended purpose for which it was made (OFF paved roads & loaded down). Pretty scenery.

2007-05-27T08:33:00.000-04:00

Once we landed in the highlands of PNG, it was an additional 45 minute ride up to the INTERFACE base (pretty bumpy). We rode in the back of this big truck (only half of us are pictured).

2007-05-27T08:32:00.000-04:00

The luggage went in the Land Cruiser on the left and the Team went in the truck on the ride. What a ride! It was great...good bonding experience too.

2007-05-27T08:30:00.000-04:00

Getting ready to hop on our plane to head into the mountains of PNG.

Singapore River Cruise

2007-05-27T08:24:00.000-04:00

While on our 9 hour layover in Singapore, we were able to go on a tour of the city which included a river cruise (on of these boats). Many of those tall buildings are banks.

Bathrooms of the World

2007-05-27T08:19:00.000-04:00

While in Singapore, I encountered a new method of using the bathroom. It's called a Squatting Pan or more affectionately, "Squatty potty." Ever used one of those??

2007-05-27T08:15:00.000-04:00

In our travels, I got to try on Shaq's flip flop...it nearly fit.

ITF Team Picture

2007-05-27T07:25:00.000-04:00

Here's most of our INTERFACE team on Manhattan Beach in LA (just before we flew out).

Awana Summit Weekend, Denver!

2007-04-06T18:44:00.000-04:00

This is Art Rorheim, founder of Awana Clubs Intl. This man loves the Lord and knows how to have fun! I just spent four days with him and other friends at Awana Summit weekend in Denver, CO. This is a national competition where over 1,200 teens get together and test their acheivements in the area of scripture memory and athletics/teamwork. It is an extremely exciting weekend where friends reunite, life decisions are made, and God is glorified.

I was able to go with my good friend Dave Meyers, Director of Development at the New Tribes Missionary Training Center in Missouri. We spent the weekend representing New Tribes Mission and talking with teens and adults about tribal people who are still isolated from the reach of the gospel. See his take on the weekend at http://www.ntm.org/dave_meyers/3551

2007-04-06T18:28:00.000-04:00

Over 200 people from around the nation (mostly high school seniors) recieved their Citation Award on Monday night (the highest achievement Awana offers for scripture memory and Bible Study). This is my good buddy Jordan Vert from Bellevue, ID.

2007-04-06T13:23:00.000-04:00

This is my home team from Grace Baptist Church, Emmett, ID getting ready to compete in the basketball relay!

2007-04-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

In addition to my team from Idaho, I met up with some really cool kids from other areas like Corey, Brianne, Julia, Meagan, Jameson...from Olympic Bible Fellowship, Sequim, WA. These guys have what it takes to be missionaries...a love for the Lord and desire to glorify Him with their lives. Who knows where He will send them as they continue to pursue Him day by day! (could be right here in the USA...could be overseas) For more about unreached people or tribal church planting, visit www.ntm.org. For info on short-term trip opportunities, see www.ntm.org/missiontrips

2007-04-06T13:08:00.000-04:00

On Monday night, I went downtown Denver and ate Moroccan food with some new friends of mine from Evangelical Community Church, Jackson, TN. This is the dynamic of Summit weekend...great fellowship...connecting with quality people who love the Lord...and glorifying God by going deeper in our walk with Him. These young people will be the ones to take the gospel to the ends of the earth in the years to come!

Portland!

2007-04-06T11:50:00.000-04:00

Here in Portland I was invited to share about missions in my friend Sarah's 5th grade class. Here Sarah Martin, and her husband David, are helping to demonstrate how tribal missionaries are overworked and need HELP!! Please be praying that God would raise up more missionaries to take the gospel to unreached people groups.

Seattle!!

2007-04-06T11:43:00.000-04:00

My sister, Kelsea, and I got to hang out with some friends of mine from Ecola Bible School and New Tribes...Emma, Amy, Katie, and Marcus. We had an awesome time running around downtown Seattle on Friday, the 23rd.

Page 1 of Spring '07 Newsletter

2007-03-14T13:17:00.000-04:00

To read my Newsletter, simply click on the page and it will enlarge itself for your reading delight.

Page 2 of Spring '07 Newsletter

2007-03-14T13:16:00.000-04:00

Please pray for me!

2007-03-14T13:14:00.000-04:00

Please be praying for me! If you want to get my Newsletter updates, email me and I'll put you on my list. joshbeaudin@gmail.com

INTERFACE Prayer card (One-time event)

2007-03-14T13:04:00.000-04:00

Here's my prayer card for this one-time even, NTM INTERFACE, whereI will be helping on staff (see my Newsletter).

Youth Outreach!!

2007-02-25T13:19:00.000-05:00

We packed out our activity center the other day during a youth outreach. Yes, that's the Boise State Broncos helmet outside the door. People walked through it to get into the building.

2007-02-25T13:17:00.000-05:00

We showed an evangelistic football movie Facing the Giants, and had Marty Tadman (BSU defensive player-of-the-game for the Fiesta Bowl) share his testimony and present the gospel. There was a good response.

Camp Speaker??

2007-02-15T13:10:00.000-05:00

Feb. 9th-11th I had the opportunity to speak to a group of Jr. Highers for a weekend at their winter camp. They were from Grace Bible Church and Riverside Community Church. I challenged the kids to be usable in God's hands. So cool to see young people excited about following the Lord!