Hello friends!
Where does the time go? This summer has flown by and we are at October 1. We had a wonderful summer of activities with the highlights being Aaron and Jessica's trips overseas. We are very proud of our children who desire to serve the Lord wherever He leads.
We also oversaw our new missionary orientation/training week in June. What a joy to see new people answering the call to missions. In early August we had our International Conference. It was a great success. Then, the back to school activities. Chris produced a concert by Kingsfall from Dallas for the youth and we were all involved in a Spanish outreach which gave out school supplies.
Chris is planning a Hurricane Karl relief trip to Veracruz in November. There is so much suffering by people of all economic classes. The focus will be to restore the churches and Pastors so they can minister to the people.
Until next time, be blessed.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Uganda!
Ok well I have been back from Uganda for a few days now, and I'm just getting to this!
Wow! I don't even know where to start! I have so many stories and so many amazing things that God did on the trip! I guess I'll start with telling you guys what we did most of the time we were there.
While I was in Kampala we would do street ministry in the morning we would go to villages and to peoples houses and ask if they needed help with anything, then we would pray for them and shared the gospel with them. In the afternoons we would go to high schools and present an abstinence program which was a huge success! Basically the program talks about why it is important to stay pure until marriage. This is a big deal in Uganda because they have one of the highest percentage rates of HIV/AIDS in the world! We would break up into small groups after the presentation and have them ask us questions and a lot of times in that we were able to share the gospel. At then end we had them sign abstinence pledge cards saying that they were going to stay sexually pure until marriage.
In Gulu we went to a lot of elementary schools and played with little kids and put on skits for them. You can see the hurt in the kids eyes and you can tell that they need to know that they are loved and that's why we were there was to love on the kids and tell them that Jesus loves them as well.
Of course like in all trips we had lots of challenges! One of them being sicknesses! We had 10 people in the hospital sick with typhoid while others were sick with bacterial infections (mostly meaning stomach problems, but sickness did not stop us from spreading the good news and praising God! While they were in the hospital they would pray for other sick patients and they would be singing worship songs and just praising God no matter what!
My team leader had a phrase we used a lot "We plan, God laughs." Boy did we find that out quickly! God changed our plans a lot of times, like one time we were supposed to go to a high school but instead we ended up going prayer walking which was amazing to get a feel for the city and how much they need God.!
During my trip we reached out to 7,000 people (meaning that they all heard the gospel) and 700 got saved! Our work in Uganda is still not done! About half of my team is still there for another month and they are going to continue ministering and reaching out to the broken people of Uganda! They did have a big event happen this past Sunday there were bombings in Kampala about 20 minutes away from were I had been staying and were the team that is still there is staying. Thankfully nobody from my team was hurt, but there were 76 people killed, and the team there decided to go to Gulu (which is northern Uganda) just to wait it out until it's safe to go back. There was supposed to be another team getting there last night, but they had to relocate to South Africa instead because of this. Just be praying for Uganda and for all of the team that's still there that they would be safe and have peace!
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support!!
Jessie
Wow! I don't even know where to start! I have so many stories and so many amazing things that God did on the trip! I guess I'll start with telling you guys what we did most of the time we were there.
While I was in Kampala we would do street ministry in the morning we would go to villages and to peoples houses and ask if they needed help with anything, then we would pray for them and shared the gospel with them. In the afternoons we would go to high schools and present an abstinence program which was a huge success! Basically the program talks about why it is important to stay pure until marriage. This is a big deal in Uganda because they have one of the highest percentage rates of HIV/AIDS in the world! We would break up into small groups after the presentation and have them ask us questions and a lot of times in that we were able to share the gospel. At then end we had them sign abstinence pledge cards saying that they were going to stay sexually pure until marriage.
In Gulu we went to a lot of elementary schools and played with little kids and put on skits for them. You can see the hurt in the kids eyes and you can tell that they need to know that they are loved and that's why we were there was to love on the kids and tell them that Jesus loves them as well.
Of course like in all trips we had lots of challenges! One of them being sicknesses! We had 10 people in the hospital sick with typhoid while others were sick with bacterial infections (mostly meaning stomach problems, but sickness did not stop us from spreading the good news and praising God! While they were in the hospital they would pray for other sick patients and they would be singing worship songs and just praising God no matter what!
My team leader had a phrase we used a lot "We plan, God laughs." Boy did we find that out quickly! God changed our plans a lot of times, like one time we were supposed to go to a high school but instead we ended up going prayer walking which was amazing to get a feel for the city and how much they need God.!
During my trip we reached out to 7,000 people (meaning that they all heard the gospel) and 700 got saved! Our work in Uganda is still not done! About half of my team is still there for another month and they are going to continue ministering and reaching out to the broken people of Uganda! They did have a big event happen this past Sunday there were bombings in Kampala about 20 minutes away from were I had been staying and were the team that is still there is staying. Thankfully nobody from my team was hurt, but there were 76 people killed, and the team there decided to go to Gulu (which is northern Uganda) just to wait it out until it's safe to go back. There was supposed to be another team getting there last night, but they had to relocate to South Africa instead because of this. Just be praying for Uganda and for all of the team that's still there that they would be safe and have peace!
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support!!
Jessie
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Back from Asia!
Hello to all!
I am pleased to report that it was safe travels back to the USA. Quite uneventful except for the fact that my very last flight was delayed half an hour 'cause of bad weather in STL. Well, after that, stopped by Garden Valley to drop off Jessie for her trip, then back to New Braunfels. China and Japan were very very good! In China, I was visiting friends that are working there, teaching new brothers the way of the Teacher. I had an opportunity to do quite a bit of sightseeing and prayerwalking. Honestly, it was just a big bath of culture that I was just soaking in! Then in Japan it is more open to do outspoken ministry, it was amazing how the timing worked out, God had it all planned! The day i got there, Allen had just left, and the day I left, Mike arrived! So good is His timing! Lots of new friends were made, and I anxiously await my return. Jessie is already saying the two of us should go next summer together! We'll see... it's a thought ;) Jet lag was kicking my butt for a few days, but once we left St. Louis it seemed to pass. The Fuse Jesus Community is going through a time of transition, so it has been a little tough on them, but God is guiding them through it! Some of the original missionaries that were there from the start about a year ago just left, while other new ones are on their way for a bit longer. Continue to pray for Mark and Yuiko, Joe, Janine, Sally, and Mike as they lead the charge to reach out to a young generation that is desperately looking for hope! Be blessed this summer, and I hope that you had or have a chance to hear from me either at Gracepoint or Dayspring soon! Thank you all for your prayers, they are greatly appreciated!
Aaron
I am pleased to report that it was safe travels back to the USA. Quite uneventful except for the fact that my very last flight was delayed half an hour 'cause of bad weather in STL. Well, after that, stopped by Garden Valley to drop off Jessie for her trip, then back to New Braunfels. China and Japan were very very good! In China, I was visiting friends that are working there, teaching new brothers the way of the Teacher. I had an opportunity to do quite a bit of sightseeing and prayerwalking. Honestly, it was just a big bath of culture that I was just soaking in! Then in Japan it is more open to do outspoken ministry, it was amazing how the timing worked out, God had it all planned! The day i got there, Allen had just left, and the day I left, Mike arrived! So good is His timing! Lots of new friends were made, and I anxiously await my return. Jessie is already saying the two of us should go next summer together! We'll see... it's a thought ;) Jet lag was kicking my butt for a few days, but once we left St. Louis it seemed to pass. The Fuse Jesus Community is going through a time of transition, so it has been a little tough on them, but God is guiding them through it! Some of the original missionaries that were there from the start about a year ago just left, while other new ones are on their way for a bit longer. Continue to pray for Mark and Yuiko, Joe, Janine, Sally, and Mike as they lead the charge to reach out to a young generation that is desperately looking for hope! Be blessed this summer, and I hope that you had or have a chance to hear from me either at Gracepoint or Dayspring soon! Thank you all for your prayers, they are greatly appreciated!
Aaron
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Off to Asia... for Aaron
Hello to all! Aaron here. And now I'm preparing to leave! I have the chance to visit China and Japan over the next month. I think most of our readers already have had the chance to know this, but for those who hadn't heard... I leave tomorrow! I will be staying in China for just under a week, visiting friends there and investigating future opportunities for me there. In Japan, I will be serving with the FUSE community outreach team, reaching out to the younger generation in Japan. I will be there for about 10 days. Toss in roughly 3 total days of travel, and its a 3 week trip. It will end in St. Louis, where I will have 4 days to recuperate before driving back home with the family. So yes, a busy upcoming month, but I am so excited to see what God does in me and through me. Be blessed!
Aaron
Aaron
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Honduras Report
What a wonderful but physically challenging trip to Honduras. Temperatures well over 100, intermittent to no electricity and water yet a great time of ministry and fellowship with the leaders of Destino in La Entrada. There was a special bonding with the Pastor,Assistant Pastor and Youth Pastor and their families.
The evangelistic event went well with over 2000 people hearing the truth in the spoken word and music. What a privilege to work with a group that was focused on souls. As you can see from the photo the young people all had a good time.
Thank you for your prayers, they were felt and God answered them!
Chris
Saturday, April 24, 2010
UGANDA HERE I COME!!
HEY TO ALL!
Well I just wanted to say that I have raised all the money for my trip to Uganda PTL!!!! Well of course I didn't do it... God provided all of it!! I am amazed at how he works sometimes, and this time he chose to work through each one of you guys who have supported me financially and by praying for me! I just wanted to thank all of you who have been praying and supporting me, I really appreciate it! I will send out a newsletter and thank you cards after my trip telling you all about it so you guys can see how you guys made a difference in Uganda by helping me!
I am getting excited and I know God is going to move greatly there, in each kids and teenagers hearts we minster to! I ask that you guys would continue to pray for me, and all the other people that are going on this trip as well. Pray that God will start to prepare the hearts of the people there, and that he would prepare our hearts as well, because I know we aren't just going to be a blessing, but that we will also be blessed by this trip!
Once again thank you so much for your support! Oh yeah if you are in St. Louis I am looking forward to seeing you all in about 1 month!
Love,
Jessie
Well I just wanted to say that I have raised all the money for my trip to Uganda PTL!!!! Well of course I didn't do it... God provided all of it!! I am amazed at how he works sometimes, and this time he chose to work through each one of you guys who have supported me financially and by praying for me! I just wanted to thank all of you who have been praying and supporting me, I really appreciate it! I will send out a newsletter and thank you cards after my trip telling you all about it so you guys can see how you guys made a difference in Uganda by helping me!
I am getting excited and I know God is going to move greatly there, in each kids and teenagers hearts we minster to! I ask that you guys would continue to pray for me, and all the other people that are going on this trip as well. Pray that God will start to prepare the hearts of the people there, and that he would prepare our hearts as well, because I know we aren't just going to be a blessing, but that we will also be blessed by this trip!
Once again thank you so much for your support! Oh yeah if you are in St. Louis I am looking forward to seeing you all in about 1 month!
Love,
Jessie
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Honduras
Hello,
Chris will be traveling to Honduras this Thursday through next Tuesday. He will be connecting with ministry friends in La Entrada, close to the Guatemalan border. He will also be working with a group for an evangelistic outreach on Saturday night in the city of Tela. Then on Sunday he will be speaking at the local church in La Entrada.
Please pray for safety for him and the family he leaves in New Braunfels. Pray for clear communication with everyone he will come into contact with.
Thank you
Chris will be traveling to Honduras this Thursday through next Tuesday. He will be connecting with ministry friends in La Entrada, close to the Guatemalan border. He will also be working with a group for an evangelistic outreach on Saturday night in the city of Tela. Then on Sunday he will be speaking at the local church in La Entrada.
Please pray for safety for him and the family he leaves in New Braunfels. Pray for clear communication with everyone he will come into contact with.
Thank you
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Mexico Report
Friends,
The trip to Mexico was fabulous! I had the opportunity to visit a work in Arriaga, Chiapas run by Bill and Tammy Woods. The are developing a self sustaining ranch with a goal of caring for up to 200 children. God is doing great things in their ministry.
I had 3 days in Altotonga and visited many, many friends. It was very, very cold and rainy and I asked myself how we lived there 9 years. It had to be by God's grace. Overall everyone seems to be doing ok and the food was GREAT!
I finished the trip in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico with our fellow missionaries at the annual prayer conference. It was good to visit with those who have dedicated their lives to sharing the gospel in Mexico and beyond. The prayer times were outstanding and I believe everyone was ministered to by the Lord.
Thank you for being a part and helping us minister to those on the front lines. You are a blessing!
Chris
The trip to Mexico was fabulous! I had the opportunity to visit a work in Arriaga, Chiapas run by Bill and Tammy Woods. The are developing a self sustaining ranch with a goal of caring for up to 200 children. God is doing great things in their ministry.
I had 3 days in Altotonga and visited many, many friends. It was very, very cold and rainy and I asked myself how we lived there 9 years. It had to be by God's grace. Overall everyone seems to be doing ok and the food was GREAT!
I finished the trip in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico with our fellow missionaries at the annual prayer conference. It was good to visit with those who have dedicated their lives to sharing the gospel in Mexico and beyond. The prayer times were outstanding and I believe everyone was ministered to by the Lord.
Thank you for being a part and helping us minister to those on the front lines. You are a blessing!
Chris
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Mexico
Having been home long enough to wash clothes, watch the Super Bowl and visit with the family it is now time to head to Mexico. I will be traveling to Chiapas, Altotonga and Cuernavaca. I will be investigating a potential training site for missionaries in Chiapas, visiting friends, taking care of some special business and speaking at our church on Feb 14 in Altotonga and then finish the trip with the WIM missionaries at the annual prayer conference. Please pray for safe travels and an opportunity to visit with everyone I need to see. Thank you for being an important part of our ministry to peoples in many parts of the world.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Bolivia
Chris is off to Bolivia Jan 26-Feb 2. Please pray for protection, travel mercy and many opportunities to share God's love. Also a special prayer that his luggage will arrive. He is carrying a suitcase full of things for our missionaries in Bolivia besides his stuff.
He will be ministering in several different churches as well as to the missionaries and their families. Since he knows Spanish, he hopes to be able to walk the streets and minister to the people he comes in contact with. Please pray for a refreshing and encouraging time for the three families he will be visiting and remember our family as well.
He hopes to post a blog or 2 while he is gone. Thank you for your prayers and support!
He will be ministering in several different churches as well as to the missionaries and their families. Since he knows Spanish, he hopes to be able to walk the streets and minister to the people he comes in contact with. Please pray for a refreshing and encouraging time for the three families he will be visiting and remember our family as well.
He hopes to post a blog or 2 while he is gone. Thank you for your prayers and support!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Hey to all and update!
Hello to all!
Well.. I thought it had been a while since I have written so I thought I would give you an update on what has been going on here...
Let see where to start.. well this past Wednesday through Friday (today) we had our final exams for first semester (at Canyon High School) so I am glad to be over with those! The best part about first semester is... I GOT ALL STRAIGHTS A'S!!! So I am really excited about that! Second semester starts on Tuesday and I hope to have good grades this coming semester as well! I have been involved a lot in church lately. I have started helping out Mom in AWANAS every other week and I love doing that! I am still teaching the 3-5 y. olds Sunday School class each Sunday, and I still love doing that. On the Wednesday nights I am not helping in AWANAS I am in youth group and I have started playing bass guitar for the youth band worship team and I love playing the bass it is so much fun! Ok that wraps it up for me except I really want thank you to all who have donated money for my trip to Uganda I really appreciate that a lot!! I am really excited for my trip as it gets nearer, and I know God is going to do amazing things and thank you so much for your support!
Aaron has been enjoying his month off from college.. well I'm not sure if he is enjoying it because most of the time he is working. He goes back to school on Tuesday, and at least I think he's excited about that! He will continue working two days a week at Subway, once he gets back in school.
Carmen is enjoying school and has been doing pretty good too! She is basically just the same Carmen: gets home from school, does homework, and watches t.v. That is her main schedule haha! She is involved in the AWANAS program we have at our church and she loves it!
Mom is still working at Carmen's school 2 days a week, and is still teaching the cubbies (3-5 y. olds) at AWANAS.
Dad is still serving as a youth helper and does the youth Sunday School every week! Of course he is still working at the WIM office and I know he enjoys it, even though it can be stressing! He just started being a "watchdog" at Carmen's school on Fridays. Basically it's Dads who go and help out at the school in whatever they can, like just doing volunteer work type of stuff.
Well.. I guess that wraps up the Briles family update and I hope you have enjoyed it!
God Bless!
Jessie
Well.. I thought it had been a while since I have written so I thought I would give you an update on what has been going on here...
Let see where to start.. well this past Wednesday through Friday (today) we had our final exams for first semester (at Canyon High School) so I am glad to be over with those! The best part about first semester is... I GOT ALL STRAIGHTS A'S!!! So I am really excited about that! Second semester starts on Tuesday and I hope to have good grades this coming semester as well! I have been involved a lot in church lately. I have started helping out Mom in AWANAS every other week and I love doing that! I am still teaching the 3-5 y. olds Sunday School class each Sunday, and I still love doing that. On the Wednesday nights I am not helping in AWANAS I am in youth group and I have started playing bass guitar for the youth band worship team and I love playing the bass it is so much fun! Ok that wraps it up for me except I really want thank you to all who have donated money for my trip to Uganda I really appreciate that a lot!! I am really excited for my trip as it gets nearer, and I know God is going to do amazing things and thank you so much for your support!
Aaron has been enjoying his month off from college.. well I'm not sure if he is enjoying it because most of the time he is working. He goes back to school on Tuesday, and at least I think he's excited about that! He will continue working two days a week at Subway, once he gets back in school.
Carmen is enjoying school and has been doing pretty good too! She is basically just the same Carmen: gets home from school, does homework, and watches t.v. That is her main schedule haha! She is involved in the AWANAS program we have at our church and she loves it!
Mom is still working at Carmen's school 2 days a week, and is still teaching the cubbies (3-5 y. olds) at AWANAS.
Dad is still serving as a youth helper and does the youth Sunday School every week! Of course he is still working at the WIM office and I know he enjoys it, even though it can be stressing! He just started being a "watchdog" at Carmen's school on Fridays. Basically it's Dads who go and help out at the school in whatever they can, like just doing volunteer work type of stuff.
Well.. I guess that wraps up the Briles family update and I hope you have enjoyed it!
God Bless!
Jessie
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