First Baptist Church Modesto

Reaching the World ... One Life at a Time

Posted By	World Outreach Travel Blog
Mrvic, Estera On Mission	My principal was very glad and honored to meet Nancee. Thanks, Nancee! Several of my coworkers and students have told me: "We saw you on TV. It was great."
Mrvic, Estera On Mission	A girl called Jerca from our school (11) told me: "The concert was great! My aunt and my grandma went there. It was soooo good! We decided to start going to your church." They really came to the church on Sunday. On Monday I heard a conversation between her and two other girls at lunchtime. The two other girls, who are Roman Catholics, were trying to convince her not to go to our church and stay in the Roman Catholic church... I was surprised how good she reacted... She was brave and explained the way she could. Let's pray for her protection and her life, please.
Mrvic, Estera On Mission	A young lady called Sabina, whose child goes to our school, said: "I started reading Bible on the day of the concert in Novo mesto. I've been reading it every day since then."
Mrvic, Estera On Mission	After the first concert in NM God gave me an opportunity to share Gospel with one of my coworkers called Verica. We talked more than half an hour. Then her sister joined the conversation. Verica's two sons were at the concert, too. They liked it very much. One of them is my student. Verica's Mom is a cook at our school. She got sick, that's why she wasn't able to come to the concert. She is veeery sorry for that and she would love to come to the concert next year. When Verica's husband heard how good it was, he was very sorry he didn't want to go to the concert. Verica and I keep talking about God at work.
Mrvic, Estera On Mission	After the concert in Murska Sobota a lady came to me and told me: "Hello, I know you. I come from Novo mesto. We have recently moved to Murska Sobota. You used to teach my daughter. She liked you very much. I've seen you several times at school. Although we have never talked, I could see there was something shining from you. I could not understand what it was. But tonight I got the answer! I'm so glad I came here... I came here by chance. A friend of mine has invited me. And now this - this is really amazing..." During our second concert in Novo mesto I got a text message from my coworker Majda, who was at the first concert with her daughter (Sasa, 16) and her mother. She wrote: "You are singing at the second concert while my daughter and I are listening to your CD we got at the first concert. I don't have words to describe how good the concert was. May God protect you." After a few minutes I got another text message from her daughter Sasa. I have never met her. She wrote: "The concert was mega! Thank You! Those who weren't at the concert have missed a lot!!! Thanks a lot! Majda's daughter Sasa." I was surprised that even her daughter wrote me a message although I didn't know her. We have been communicating a lot since then. Majda had a breast surgery today and her daughter keeps writing me text messages and e-mails. They believe Jesus is with Majda and He will help her. Let us pray for them and for the whole family, please.
Mrvic, Estera On Mission	I had several conversations about God with two of our bus drivers - Alojz and Ernest. Alojz told me he has never experienced something like that - such a group, our faith, love, concerts... He started thinking about God 10 years ago when he saw the Jesus movie (I think Joze Casar had presentations of this movie in several villages of Prekmurje). Alojz reads the Bible and has many questions. He got many answers during the tour. He invited his wife and friends to the concert in Murska Sobota and they came. Ernest was so glad he was able to drive the New Hope group again. He said he felt like a member of the New Hope family. He's open for God. When we went to Bled and had nice weather I smiled and told him: "What nice weather God gave us today." He replied: "When angels travel, God gives nice weather." He also told me: "Last year I got a Bible from your group. Since then it is always with me on the bus and I read it when I have time. Once I was driving a group and I said the lady who lead the group: "Look how interesting the Bible is. Why don't you read it to the group? She replied: "Let me see it." After a while she said: "Yes, it is really very interesting." She has read 3 pages from the Bible to her group. Than everybody became interested in Bible and they wanted to have it. But Ernest said: "I have only one, I can't give it away." Than they decided to make photocopies of some pages for everybody and they did it. This is why I provided a box of Slovene Bibles for Ernest.
Mrvic, Estera On Mission	Hello everybody, Hope you all are doing well. God has been doing bigger things in the hearts of people here than we can imagine. Many people have started thinking about God since the concerts. God has opened the doors for many conversations about Him. Several people have said: "We want to book tickets for your next year's concert. We will bring many people with us ..." Before our tour I needed to buy black pants. I didn't have much time and I couldn't find what I was looking for. Then I found them, but they were too long. I wasn't very happy about that. But it was God's plan. He wanted me to go to a tailoress. I asked her if she could make my pants shorter - but immediately :) I explained her I needed them for the concert. She got interested in it and asked me for two tickets - for her and her husband. I think I had two last tickets. So they came to the concert. After the concert she said: "I can't explain how grateful I am that you invited me to the concert." I know there will be more possibilities to continue the conversation about God. I was looking for a black top, too. It gave me an opportunity to share Gospel with a saleslady. God made it so - whoever came into the store, left very quickly, so we had enough time to talk. We talked about Jesus about an hour. She coudn't come to the concert, but she invited me to come and talk to her again.
Mrvic, Toni On Mission	Dear ones in Christ! I'd like to first of all thank you very sincerely for New Hope. They were such a great blessing to us. I'd also like to tell the group a heartfelt thanks for your effort and sacrifice in serving the church in Slovenia. The concert in Kocevje was fascinating. Because New Hope thrilled Kocevje last year, even more people came this year. We had a completely full hall. There were about 280-300 people which was a record for this year in this hall. The biggest event of the year is the municipality celebration, which had about 220 people this year. Right from the start of the concert the people enthusiastically applauded and cheered. And despite the fact that the group was directly bringing the Gospel about God’s love and salvation, the audience received the songs and dramas with enthusiasm. Around 250 unbelievers cheered and applauded the message of the songs. I really have to thank the singers for their hard work, because they sang so beautifully and clearly in Slovene, so that everyone could understand the message. The next day the local radio station reported about the concert. It was about a ten minute segment, in which they talked a lot about our church in Kocevje and the concert, and they played some comments from myself and Todd. Everything that was said in that report was in superlatives; so we’re really proud of how God is using the media to serve His Kingdom. Because many of our believers brought their family members, relatives and friends, I expect some of them at our next worship service. I know that the God who gave you this project and commission to share the Gospel in Kocevje, will bring to life the seeds that have been sown and bring forth fruit in many souls so that they will find salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. For everything we again thank you and we pray that the Lord will return back to you 1,000-fold the blessing that you have given to us.
Brkic, Katja On Mission	Hey guys! I miss you all! Thanks a lot for your coming. NOVO MESTO - On Sunday morning 8 people came to our ministry. They were all at the concert and they were touched from God! That's great! God is good!
Eckheart, Jeleta At Home	At Home in High Wycombe, England: I celebrate with New Hope and the 1st B family for all that God has done in and through you. Now that some weeks have passed since the concerts, may the Lord continue to use your message to change lives. May the Slovene "people who are spiritually asleep" truly be awakened to the love of our Lord. Wish I could join you for the final concert on Friday!
Bardorfer, Matejka On Mission	KOCEVJE CONCERT: -A friend who recently told me that I have stepped over to the very edge of faith experienced God’s touch at the concert. She described the concert with the word, “phenomenal,” and her boyfriend cried through the whole concert. After the concert, his eyes shined and her smile was unusually happy. -A friend who I invited to the concert by text message came to me after the concert and with astonishment congratulated me for a wonderful concert. He was speechless, and said he couldn’t believe he saw what he saw. All he could get out was, “You guys are good, you guys are good…” I noticed that he felt Jesus’ love, which surprised him and which he didn’t expect. Later when he left the theater, his mouth was half open from astonishment. A female friend who sat near him during the concert told me that during the whole concert he said “wow, wow”. -The mother of a friend of mine, who had some resistance to us was beaming after the concert. I know her really well, and I can say I’ve never seen such smiles nor her face shine like it did that evening. She said to my mom, “Oh! If she only knew before that it would be so wonderful.” -My friend Saso sent me a text message after the concert: Super concert, super voices, superb appearance, all congratulations, something special. -A friend of my grandmother’s said something like this to me: “There’s never been anything like this. It was truly wonderful. You all really shined, unbelievable.” -A lady who came with one of the believers was so excited, she had really big eyes. She asked me, what we all have, and how lucky I am to know such people. I briefly told her my testimony, that I wanted to die, but that Jesus saved me. She gulped up my words with her eyes and told me, that now she too knows “this faith” and thinks that this is the right one. The whole time she marveled at the concert. -A friend who recently began to learn about God, sat in a place where I could see her the whole time from the stage. My heart danced, when I saw her with the biggest smile in the crowd; day after day she’s happier than she has been saddened by her life experiences. I think the concert helped her to get a lot closer to Jesus. She told me that she admires the freedom and liveliness that we radiated. -A friend who is in a very difficult life situation, told me after the concert, that it was unbelievable that her daughter didn’t want to come and added that she will come sometime, and that she’s sure of that. That statement meant a lot to me. -One gentleman came to me after the concert and said, that we aren’t amateurs, but completely professionals, and that he’d never seen such a professional presentation before. But I told him that Jesus is the professional, so the concert couldn’t be getter, since He’s the main one. With a serious face he asked, “Really?” He turned around to leave and said to himself, “Unbelievable.” -In Kocevje I noticed so many amazed faces, so it seems to me that that they really didn’t understand all that happened. They were so excited and surprised! Thank God!
Benjamin, Glavan On Mission	Hey Group! u are finaly at home, sry for my delay of post:) I was so bless on the trip and i miss you all guys. I don't know how i will go back in my normal life:)hehe Now we must pray for Slovenian people that they will find God that we serve. Only God, Jesus Christ.
Bardorfer, Matejka On Mission	SLOVENJ GRADEC: -My grandmother invited a friend to the concert here; they had by happenstance gotten to know each other many years ago. After the concert she waited for me by the exit with teary eyes. She told me that she couldn’t believe what happened, that it was so special. And how we were so relaxed, friendly, full of life; she said, “That’s it.” It was the first time I’d seen her, but with tears in her eyes she invited me to come for a visit, and said she would pray for me and for everyone for the whole tour. She hugged me and said, that she felt love.
Bardorfer, Matejka On Mission	NOVO MESTO: -A classmate came with her mom and dad, thanked me for the invitation and told me, that she’d never experienced anything like that before, that it was indeed something unique. She kept asking why it ended so soon, that she wanted to hear more. I’ve never seen her smile as much as she did that evening. -I’m also happy that my college mentor for practical experience came to the concert. She thanked me for inviting her; she was speechless and could only say it was wonderful. This year I’ll again be doing practical experience so we’ll have more opportunities to talk about God, because last year she asked me about various things, but I couldn’t explain them, because she hadn’t experienced them yet. Now the concert is going to be the starting point for discussion.
Bardorfer, Matejka On Mission	MARIBOR -I also remember one lady, maybe in Maribor, who told me as she cried, “If I hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have known what I missed, but now that I’ve been here I know what I would have missed and I don’t know what to say!” This lady came with her family and was to touched she became speechless. Really, it wasn’t just a concert that people noticed, but the touch of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. So these people who saw the concert will never forget it, because you can’t forget Jesus’ love!!!! God bless, Matejka
Bardorfer, Matejka On Mission	LJUBLJANA: -My aunt, two cousins and one cousin’s husband came to the Ljubljana concert. My aunt was endlessly pleased and told me that she didn’t expect anything like that. Yesterday she told me on the phone, “You know, I got a Bible and two CDs at the concert, and I gave one to my daughter.” I know her, so I know that if she said that, is really means something. Please pray for them. -Old old schoolmate, who I don’t have much contact with, by some miracle came to the Ljubljana concert. There were so many in our grade, we didn’t really know each other. Before we went on tour, I told a friend about the tour, and this other schoolmate was there and was listening. She later asked me about the tour and I invited her. She said she’d think about it. A year ago we were in a group, so I knew a little more about her, and how she has terrible problems at home. I prayed that the Lord would bring their whole family. The next day she called and asked for three tickets. I asked her who was coming with her, and she said her parents. Praise God! After the concert she wrote me a text message: “It was unusual how much I enjoyed it. Thank for inviting me – it ended too soon!”
Mrvic, Estera On Mission	A message from Peter Music from the Bela Krajina region south of Novo Mesto: “I wasn’t able to say goodbye and thank you for the CD. Again, thanks! May God richly bless you! I also have a testimony of how great God is! When I left with Simon, a sister offered us a ride home. So we headed for the car. Suddenly we heard a woman screaming, “Help, he took my purse!” We saw a young man who was running away with a purse. Simon ran after him and while running told him to give back the purse. The guy threw the purse and ran away. Simon gave the purse back to the lady, who was in shock and was crying. There was nothing stolen from her purse and we walked her to a nearby apartment building where she lives. She thanked us and said, “I can see, that God really exists…” We told her that we had been in the GOML theater, where they praised the Lord, and gave her the CD you gave me, and Simon gave her a New Testament. May the Lord truly bless this lady, Ivanka, and touch her!”
Sexton, Lin At Home	New Hope arrived safely in Modesto around midnight last night, full of the joy of the Lord, suitcases of yummy Slovene goodies, and some tear-soaked Kleenex... saying good-bye to the Slovene team members was far more difficult than we expected. In fact, it was like leaving family and all of us wept, hugged, hugged again, wept... and on it went. Our precious Ernest, the bus driver, cried like a baby when the Neuenschwanders said good-bye for all of us still in the check-in line at Marco Polo airport. By the last day of the tour, Estera had provided Ernest with a box of Slovene Bibles, much to his delight, and he plans to give them to people he drives! Is that amazing, or what? God has once again brought things full circle. Last year we met Ernest for the first time, and now he's handing out Bibles! Our last night in Venice was so perfect, just what we prayed for. The hotel provided a private room for us to have party, and we surprised Karalee with a huge, European style birthday cake (cream cake, extravagant and delicious) and some cards and gifts. Then we played some very raucous rounds of Mafia with some Nertz tournaments on the side - lots of hot chocolate, laughter and fun. We finally got a chance to be LOUD and we took advantage of it. I have NEVER seen Todd laugh so hard as when we played astronaut face with the digital cameras. He practically turned inside out. Catharsis! He worked so hard administrating the travel on this trip, he needed some down time! Deb Smallwood was our official scribe, keeping a daily journal. On the plane ride home, many of us also wrote in the journal. It is a record of some of the things God did in our lives... At our last concert in Kranj, Joel, a missionary with Josiah Venture told me, "You have no idea - NO IDEA - what the excellence of New Hope's work means for the ministry here. Slovenes appreciate excellence, and you have presented Christ with such excellence, I can't thank you enough. It means so so much to we who work here to be able to offer this to Kranj. Please tell your church thank you for us."
Novo mesto, Krašovec family At Home	Hello, We just want to say one big big thanks to all group NEW HOPE and their's staf for a marvellous message of gospel through the concert. We hope that major of our friends who watched the concert would accept Jesus in their's heart. God bless all sister and brother in Modesto and we will stil praying for all of you. See you next year.
Sukic, Drago On Mission	Megi talked with her mom who was at the Lendava concert along with others from Megi’s home church in Croatia: “On Thursday at our prayer meeting the worship leader and preacher Branko said that he had been at a concert in Lendava the previous day, and that it had been very professional, a complete and very clear evangelistic message, which is more important. Then he talked about the remaining concerts in the church and prayed for the remaining concerts specifically.”
Sukic, Drago On Mission	Another man told me after the concert: “This was wonderful, splendid, unbelievable. (Drago: I noticed that his eyes glowed and was visibly touched). We need this, our people need this, people who are spiritually asleep; someone, somehow needs to wake them up. Really we need this. Thanks for a wonderful evening.”
Sukic, Drago On Mission	A lady from Kranj church, whose husband isn’t yet a believer, called me and told me: “This was an extraordinary evening. I’ve prayed for a long time that my husband would be ready to go to the concert. My husband is normally very critical and negative and doesn’t want to talk about faith. During the concert, I noticed that he was abnormally peaceful, and he didn’t say a word. After the concert he even said, that he wasn’t sad that he had come to the concert, and that it had been a great evening. Today is substantially different from other days, and I see the effect of the concert on him. I am so happy that such quality things have happened in Kranj. Of course I’ve like to see something more tangible, but we know, that seeds are growing. Thank you.”
Sukic, Drago On Mission	Today I talked with a lady neighbor who was at the Kranj concert, who said something like this: “I can’t possibly forget that evening. It was an exceptional experience, something like that I won’t ever forget in my life. Yesterday I watched a little of the broadcast of the national celebration of the Day of Reformation from Cankar Theater (the national theater); I can’t remotely compare the choir that sang there with New Hope. We Slovenes are so rigid; we need to sing and do it like that, so that others would like it. We really need something like that, more relaxed and joyful. For myself, I’ve discovered that I can be more relaxed in life, and this concert helped me to confirm that. It touched me so much to see people, young and not so young, that are so surrendered to that which they sing.”
Heinzinger, Kathleen At Home	Hello Greg and Nancee, Here you are at the end of your trip and I finally log-in!!! Oh well. I have been praying for you both. God bless you both. KP
Bull, Megan At Home	Hey Team! Not sure if you'll get this before you leave or not, but it has taken a lot for me to write something. My heart was very sad knowing i wasn't with you all this trip, even seeing my dad go and not me was super hard. Through this God has shown himself more powerful than ever! Even though i was sad i wasn't able to join you God had different plans! I have a job with Sylvan Union School District as a Sign Lang. interpreter!:)What an awesome thing:)! What a blessing you have been to Slovenia! You have touched so many lives and i can't wait to hear about it! Lauren sent an email and had a clip that a TV crew had taken and i was blown away with it! Seeing all your faces made me miss you so much! Karalee i hope to see you soon and my dad can't stop talking about you...hhmmm i have a little competition;)jk, Lauren i love you and can't wait for you to be home. Greg and Nancy, you were my parents on this trip last year and i miss you guys sooooo much! Know i've been praying for you everyday and hope all is well! Love you all and come home safely!:) MUAH! Megs
Strand, Kristi At Home	Hello to all! We are so thrilled that you are almost ready to come home and that God has been so powerfully at work on the mission He sent you on! Praise Him! We have been praying for you every day and throughout the day. Bert, Sandi and Becky, Fred (or Freddie as he is now affectionately called) has never been in better hands. I'm not sure he wants you to come home. (Just kidding.) I could had to plead with Merri to come with me to the airport to pick up Holly because "Fred can't be alone that long!" Gagi and Deb...can't wait to see you and hear stories! We love you all so much! xoxoxoxo
Highland, Sandra At Home	Hi Conner, just wanted you to know that papa and I are keeping you and your team in our prayers. Be safe and we will see you in a couple of weeks. We love you, grandma and papa.
Zeer, Debi At Home	Hi Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus! GOD always saves the best for last, that's HIS way, that's HIS plan!! We are kneeling for you and over you with praises and prayers knowing what an awesome difference you have made through the KING in Slovenia. You are all greatly missed yet we trust that your mission is changing hearts for all eternity. The best is yet to come..."Now glory be to GOD! By HIS mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope'. Eph 3:20 We love You, Deb & Len Zeer
Choate, Michael and Linda At Home	Estera(Mrvic) Sister Estera,Once again you(with the Holy Spirit's help of course)have accomplished teaching "Californians" to give up their "cultural accent"and "refined" them into being able to even speak to one another in Slovene and be able to understand it! :) Sometimes we don't get to see any of the fruit of our labor and we still know the glory and praise go to our Lord,but every once-in-a-while,we get to experience the Joy it brings the Father in Heaven as we see Him Harvest the Praise in the hearts of people. This is one of those Blessed times you are all witnessing the fruit of the day to day labor in Prayer,Worship,Praise and willfull obeidence to live our lives for God and serve one another. We love you sister and you Team in Christ's love
choate, Michael At Home	Esther(Campbell),I was looking at video footage of 2001,remembering how we all couldn't stop smiling as we realized God was all around us working His Will, well that"s what is happening to all of us here at home as we see through the Teams Love offering of Praise and Worship the response of the people of Slovenija! :) It is too bad you and Lin missed staying at the "Hobbit" room.
Hulin, Jamie & Gina At Home	Thanks so much for sending the link to the Slovene T.V. spot. We had fun watching it--pointing out who we knew and translating the words we could understand-- and as Michelle and Megi know-- Slovene is practically our "second" language! ha!We can't wait to see New Hope on the 9th.(Stuff Megi in your suit case Shell!) We are praying for you all. We love you. Hey Shell~~ remember the "letter I gave you for you to read on the plane"??? Don't forget to "read it". We love you and thanks again so much for what all ya'll are doing!! Love Gina and Jamie :)
The Campbell Lot, Curtis, Wesley, Lace At Home	Hello Esther and team! Lacey says: I miss you mom, and I hope you have a safe flight home. Thanks for blogging us; it was good to hear from you. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday! Wesley says: I hope the entire team is in good health and is safe ending the trip. I can't wait to see you soon! Dick says: I have enjoyed taking the children to school and their various appointments --they are busy ones! I enjoyed Wesley's water polo games and I think we made each appointment! (Just kidding! You left very good instructions!) I am not a football fan, but it was nice to see the Northwest colleges have a great day on Saturday, to the expense of the California schools! The ducks (ranked 5th) beat USC, the beavers were over Standford, Washington beat UCLA, and Arizona (is that the Northwest?) beat the Cal bears. I am looking forward to a full oral report of the Slovenia trip when you return. Love, dad Curt says: I love you all and wish I could have been with you this trip (or the last one, or the last one, or the last one!). The end of the trip is never as fun as the start, but it does leave the important last impression on those to whom you are ministering. The last concert for you is the first concert for those who have not seen you before, so finish strongly! I am encouraged to hear how the Slovenes and Americans have bonded as a team. My prayer for you this trip has been to echo that of Jesus Who prayed that His children would live in unity. How many times do we ask God to fulfill our prayers, yet in this WE CAN FULFILL THE PRAYER OF GOD!!! Live in unity with Christ and each other, to the best of your ability, as much as it depends on you. Esther, I love you and miss you very much. We will meet you at the airport. I have your instructions to leave here about 6:30, but could you remind me of the flight number?! ;>{)
Campbell, Esther On Mission	We all stayed with people from the Novo Mesto church last night. They were such gracious hosts! This morning we worshipped together in church. It was like a piece of Heaven to worship in another language with other believers! Doug Sneed~I stayed with Mara, the sweet lady you stayed with last year. She asked me to send her greetings to you! When I gave her my gifts she showed me the gifts you gave her last year! Sunday night - Right now we are setting up at the beautiful theatre in Novo Mesto. We have two shows here tonight! Your prayers are always welcome.
Ramsey, Amy At Home	Hey all! Just wanted to say a big thank you, to Bert, for posting that link. Not that I understood a word of it,(OK, I know he said SOMETHING about God... yeah, that's all I got.) but I think they did a great job with that piece. It was great to see Greg, and Todd, and Megi, and Drago proclaiming their love for Christ, and the people of the world!!! Ooh, and Karalee rockin' the mic!! You guys sound AMAZING, and I am loving the Oh Happy Day number! Hilarious! Thank you, Lord for giving us humor to show the world how much you love us! This is so exciting to watch, and I can't wait to see it all in person and hear all the great things that you saw, and felt! This is so awesome, GOD is so awesome!!
Neuenschwander, Bert and Sandi On Mission	Follow the link to see clips on Slovenia National TV of the concert. Blessings to all, Bert http://www.rtvslo.si/modload.php?&c_mod=rplayer&id=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rtvslo.si%2Fmedia.php?id=7940161
Hulin, Gina At Home	Hey Shell~~ We are so happy to hear such exciting news on our end of the blog. I'm really feeling the 14 days~~~ miss ya'll oodles. Tell Barb "our" Sunday School girls miss her and can't wait to have her back second hour! :) The fort is being held down-- no worries mate! Just know that you are covered in prayer. Hang in there just a little longer~~~ God is doing INCREDIABLE things!!! You can do it!! Thanks for giving up so much to invest in the lives of the Slovenes. They are such sweet people. Give Alanka my love. Also give Megi and Drago and Filip a big squeeze for me. Hugs-n-chocolate kisses~ ME
Sexton, Lin On Mission	I am finally at a computer after 11 days of either having no internet connection and a plethora of computers, or no access to either. So much has happened... just a few notes to encourage those who are praying for us. Today our team meeting at the Jagodic pension was a time where we blessed each other and affirmed the gifts we have seen in others as we have lived so closely together. Our Slovene team members and our American team members spoke words of blessing about each other. It was church! after 9 straight days of cold and rain, it cleared up just in time for our day off, and we went to Bled. What a stunningly beautiful journey through blazing fall color, with the snowy alps as a backdrop. We are truly living in community and because of God answering many prayers, we all love each other deeply and supernaturally. It is amazing how when that is the mission, and when we focus on mission, life works. We are seeing warm, true connections between our audience members and individual performers. So many moments of our show touch people each night, from the Trubar sketch to the O Happy Day production numnber to the worship songs and testimonies. The people are amazed and overwhelmingly positive at the sketch done in Slovene by Slovenes, the Slovene folk song we work in, the Slovene cast members and the honor we clearly and intentionally give the language and culture of this beautiful land. It is so much like Paul, who stressed being all things to all people in order that the Gospel might go out. What a lesson for us, and what a joy to see the audiences faces light up and hear them actually cheer when they hear familiar songs. Our Slovene actors are so talented, the singers are wonderful and we are loving how all this has come together and is working, after months of prayer and preparation. Tonight I am at Pastor Brkičc home <8there is no apostrophe on this verz confusing keyboard) and we have just learned that it is also daylight savings in Europe, so we get an extra houru sleep. Halleluia.... Tomorrow, Sunday we have the entire church service, then we set up at the theatre at 1 and have a sold out show at 5 and another at 8. Please pray that the audiences will be moved to crave the Lords presence and to pursue a relationship with him. Our bus driver from last year, Ernst, is now well and with us. It brought tears to many eyes to see this white haired gentleman literally to each of us and give us bear hugs. This is not normal behavior, and he was so thrilled to see us and the feeling was mutual. Last year on the tour, Estera gave him a Bible. Ernst told us today that he has kept it on the bus dash board all Year and reads it. On a recent tour with a large group, the tour guide picked the Bible up and read from it over the bus PA system ... she read three whole pages, and the tour group asked for copies of whatever that was she read. So copies were made and handed out. We are seeing such a heart for God in Ernst, we just keep smiling when we look at him. He has been helping us set up and hugging everyone and we are so glad he is back. We have so many tales to tell... i must go now and take advantage of the hot water and lovely bed that await. But know that God is working and powerful.
Petrone, Andrea and Vincent At Home	Greetings Randy and Cheryl from Ashland Oregon. The fall colors and mountain views cause us to reflect on God's creation. We feel so blessed by what you all are doing there, your efforts will not be in vain. Great things will be accomplished for God's kingdom even though you may not see the full effect now. We did a little research on Slovenia and understand the great need there for the gospel. We are praying for your safety, good health and unity. We can't wait to hear all about your trip. Love, Vince and Andrea
Roberts, Kim At Home	Hey everyone, but especailly, Debbbie and Morgan. Morgan have you discovered what "bus hair" is yet? We are praying for all of you daily and lifting you all up before school which is about concert time for you. Please know how much you are loved and missed. We can't wait to hear all that God has done in and through you these past two weeks. Treasure these times and enjoy everything even the tough stuff, it causes such growth. We love you and will pray for safe travel to Venice and home. Love, Kim, Kev and Kids
choate, michael & Linda At Home	Lin, the Father is at it again! He is relentless with His love for people everywhere. Sooner or later the Mayor of Kocevje is going to build a building for Toni's church to meet in ! :) Tell me Randy didn't have to "accordian duel" again! Has anyone recognized that the "Queen is in the house!?" Team we say Amen to the Fragrance of Christ through Worship that has been left in every city.Slovene Team members, Hvala lepe for allowing all of us to have a part in reaching out to people all over your country.Prayerfully you are drawing joy in really seeing and experiencing that this is not about "us "but about joing you in what you are doing and being your prayer partners and you being ours.Bog te Blagoslov
Kope, Carol At Home	It's so exciting reading all the posts from your teammates, Tony! Your ole' Mom & friends are still praying for all of you. Have you been able to check your e-mails about Thundra cat's misfortune? Suppose you've heard that most of the fires in San Diego County are now under control and people are able to go back home; unfortunately over 1,000 families have no homes left. Plenty of prayer and help are still needed for them. You'll be home in less than a week so await all your news. Love, Mom
Ricklick and Mollett, Michelle and Barb On Mission	We can not (we had to write can not because we can not find the apostrophe on this Slovene computer :) thank you enough for your prayer and support for this wonderful country. Hearing from each of you is such an encouragement and blessing. It has been so awesome to see God bring exactly the people he wants to the concerts. We are constantly reminded that we are here to sow in the hearts of the unbelievers the Word of God and to encourage the believers. They (the Slovene team) are so encouraging to us and we do not :) even know how we are going to leave them here. We feel like they are part of our family. It just reminds us how much we need to lift them in prayer daily as they live out their lives to this lost country. You have been a part of this and for that we are grateful! Thanks for joining us on this mission.
Hunnicutt, Todd On Mission	Last night's concert in Kocevje was very exciting, with a completely full house of around 300 people who were our most responsive audience so far. Afterward, the local municipality put on quite a nice spread! Tonight in Ljubljana we also had a very responsive crowd; they laughed along with the dramas like no other group. There were believers from many of the evangelical churches in Ljubljana, and many unbelievers.
Evans, Melanie At Home	Hello, Team! I've been lifting you up many, many times during the day and night. I'm praying for energy, strength, strong voices, and fruit. "How lovely on the mountains (serious peaks) are the feet of them that bring good news!" Wishing I was there with you...looking forward to hearing all about it! Blessings!
Zoldos, Arpi & Mirjam On Mission	Hello from Lendava! Arpi and I are so grateful for your sacrificial ministry in helping us reach Slovenes for Christ. We wanted to wait a couple of days to see what kind of reports we’d get from people of Lendava and it’s exciting for us to share with you that it’s nothing but good news. People talk about the concert with excitement; we overheard a conversation of 2 ladies at a grocery store (and couldn’t help but smile and praise God) who commented on how they enjoyed the evening and the fact that the culture hall was full. Some people have come into Arpi’s office and apologized for not coming since they heard from their friends it was a great evening. Thank you for your many hours of memorizing songs and for singing in Slovene. Many are asking if you’re coming again next year. And also a BIG thank you for all the baby gifts. :) They’re adorable!! Also, joining us in thanking you are my parents, Joze and Nada; with many wonderful and encouraging phone calls and conversations they’ve had with people. Thank you for covering Murska Sobota with your prayers! God hears them all! To Him be the glory and honor forever and ever! You are continually in our prayers!
Duncan, Phyllis At Home	Dear Gabe and Team, It is 1:00A.M on Friday October 26th here. Just going to take a moment to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying for you all. Gabe, Dad and I went to your teacher conferences last (Thursday) night and all of your teachers, Mrs. McNeil, and Mr. Pierce said to tell you and Annie, Greg and Nancee "Hello" and they are praying for you too. Gabe, all of your teachers said that you were doing great in their classes and for you not to worry about your homework right now. You will have time in the next 2 weeks to make up your work. They want you to have a great time and not to stress and think that it is great that you have this wonderful oppotunity to serve the Lord. Each one of them asked about you and said that your classmates pray for you daily too. Some of them said to let you know that they have to post on your class work and don't worry about the zeros, etc. That will all change when you turn in your homework and take tests, etc! Also Mrl. Johnson said that some of your homework is reduced this week. She said on page 102 do #6 (not page 103) and page 106 do #2 only. I just thought that I would let you know this now to help ease your mind. It's late and I am tired so I'll say "good night" for now. We love and miss you. Mom/Phyllis PS Here is something cute that I saw in one of my doctor's office: "Good Morning!!! This is God. I will be handling all of your problems today...and I will not need your help...Have a nice day!!!" We all need to pay attention to that!
Weiss, David and Donella At Home	Dear team. Since you have been gone, we have been lifting you up in prayer and worship lyric. We have been singing the following worship song at aprox. the same time you are preparing for a concert.I hope it doesn't loose it's impact without music. Randy, if you have a copy, please share it with the group.We love and miss you all. Dwell Casey Corum Dwell in the midst of us Come and dwell in this place Dwell in the midst of us Come and have Your way Dwell in the midst of us Wipe all the tears from our faces Dwell in the midst of us You can have Your way Not our will, but Yours be done Come and change us Not our will, but Yours be done Come sustain us
choate, michael At Home	Michelle, You realize by now,that every tour since 2001,somewhere along the way you "walk "in the exact same footsteps as before? Lifting you up while away from the family especially. Remember,"no ice skating with your hat on and stay out of the hot water!" Team, beseech the Holy Spirit to activate the Armor of God after you put it on. We join all of Heaven in saying Hallelujah for all God is doing in and through you. Keep your knees down and your head up!
Johnson, Linda At Home	Dear MC family (Gabe, Annie, Greg and Nancee), We are all praying for you back here at home. Greg and Nancee you are such faithful witness of God's grace. I'm praying that the people will see God's love shining thru you. Annie, I'm so proud that you would be willing to go across the world to reach the lost for Jesus. Gabe, every day during 2nd period we check the map and talk about where you are. Today we had a minimum day and I had forgotten to check the map. Boy,did they make sure they reminded me. Right, before the end of the period someone was like hey where is Gabe today? We have been praying for you and the team. You will be happy to know that I shorten a couple of assignment. On p. 102-103 you only have to do p. 102 #6 (skip p. 103) and on p. 106 you only have to do #2 and #6 (you can skip the rest of the page). Hope you hadn't done those pages yet. See you soon. Mrs. Johnson
Campbell, Esther On Mission	We are having such an amazing time with our Slovene teammates! Our friendships are growing daily, and we truly love working together. Hello to my precious Lacey. Wesley and Curtis! And thank you, Dad for helping take care of my family while I'm gone. I love you and will see you soon! Esther
Droll, Regina At Home	Hello New Hope 2007! How exciting tonight's performance must have been at the Seskov dom in Kocevja. The Lord has his hand over Slovenija and is surely always watching the country. He keeps calling the Slovenes just like He calls us. What a joy is it to have you all participate! Soak in all that God is doing in Slovenija because the country can surely stand for the beating heart of Europe! To this day I have Slovenija memorabelia in my room and can't ever forget what God did back in 2001 and 2002. He doesn't change. Ps. Try the ice cream it's fantastic! And I echo the Choats in, "Sarah where are your shoes?" Also, has anyone heard of the BIT Hotel? Blessings as you continue for you are fighting a good fight.
Haugh, Candee At Home	Nancee Davis I am praying for you specifically right now. I pray that you are getting the rest that you need and are feeling healthy. I pray against anything that may come against the good work that you are doing for our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray for that whole group that God blesses you and places his angels around you to gaurd you while you give of yourselves. Love you!
Holliday, Terry At Home	Hey Everyone, great hearing that people are responding. of course why not we serve a great and wonderful father..keep up the good work, Hey Tony I miss ya bro, Looking forward to hearing all the stories when you get back. take care everyone may God bless you more than you can imagine. you guys are awesome:)
Bull, Larry At Home	Dear Team, Well, I made it home, safe, sound, and blessed! It's almost 4 a.m. on Thursday. I am awake......wide awake....have been since 2 a.m.....but I freel great! You are starting a concert right now and I know all that is happening & wish I could be there. What a treat to have spent those few days with you ministering to the Slovene people - people that God loves. I come home thankful for having had the opportunity to work with all of you. It was an honor to travel with such a fun, caring, God-focued group. Thank you for making my job with you a joy. My heart is filled with fabulous memories of you - a great team that is doing a great work for the Kingdom. As I sat on the airplane, and sat, and sat, and sat, I reflected on all of you and the amazing gift that each of you are: Todd, thanks for your organized tour-guide leadership. Todd and Sara, thanks for opening your home to me. Lin, you are truly a solid-gold nugget of skill, class and faith - way to go. Andy, watching you lead the band was one of the many highlights for me Monday night. Besides leading with skill and confidence, your heart for the Savior was beautiful to watch - great job! Karalee, you are a precious gem. Thanks for sharing your amazing talent and heart with us and Slovenia. And Team, 'Made Me Glad' will never be the same for me, for truly, He has made me glad. To my new Slovene friends, I love you and will always remember your hospitality and support. Andre' will remain a shining star in my book of Men among men. Thanks for the laughs at breakfast, Dude, (I already miss the jet fuel) but mostly, thanks for allowing God to shine through you into my heart and to the hearts of the Slovene people - your people. Well folks, I could go on for a long time about each of you, but it would consume the entire blog, so I best not. Blessing to you. We pray for you daily. Always continue to be amazed. And don't forget to imagine the day you enter the gates of heaven and people walk up to you and say thank you...... Love you guys, Larry
Ricklick, Clan At Home	Michelle and Team, Michelle we miss you greatly and I will kiss your feet upon your return. Hayden and Tirzah had a melt down today and began to cry without warning. They miss you. I had my three month post-chemo CT scan today and will know the results in a few weeks. Team, please pray that the cancer is still nothing more than a memory. The kids and I have prayed for you all each passing day. As you approach the half way point continue to keep your focus on the heavely realms and what God is doing through each of you and in you. It's natural to feel tired but take care of your bodies. I am sure Lin has plenty of vitamin C to go around. The enemy wants you all deported and he will attack in the most elusive ways. Men, guard your hearts and be mindful of what you look at. Women lift one another up with up in action and in words. As you enter Kocevje be watchful of one another, stand gaurd and pray. Mike
Stephens, Gay At Home	Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! Praise Him all creatures here below...praise Him above, ye heavenly host....praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! How the hallways of heaven must be resounding with the praises of New Hope ringing through them! I can just imagine our Jesus with a BIG smile on His face as He listens to your "heavenly voices." Barb, we had a sweet time of prayer for you together in our Tues. class....we are so proud of you and can't wait to hear how our Abba is revealing Himself to and through you...one day we will be kneeling before the throne accompanied by those who came to know Him through your obedience to His call....love, blessings, courage, and good health to all of you, Gay
Hunnicutt, Todd On Mission	Lendava - Wow - the Hungarian cultural hall in Lendava tonight was one of the prettiest places any of us have seen. The architcture might look Asian or native American to some - very striking. Our biggest concert yet with 400 people, mainly just people from the town, very few from churches.
Shaggy Doug, AKA At Home	Hey Team! Conner, Sam, are you listening? Sit up straight and listen. Wake up Sam. Hows the SCHNITZEL, I hear its good this year! Are you two behaving? Hey Greg, dont forget to stop by the pony bologna store! Hey Randy, We missed you last night at practice. Kaye and I are praying for you all. Hi Karalee! Im so glad you were abel to be a part of the team again this year. Becky, I have been praying for you also. I hope you are feeling great! I cant wait to here more about what God is doing in Slovania Love you all. Doug Sneed P.S. Sam and Conner MEEEOOOW
Scranton, Tammuy At Home	I have been traveling and just now had access to the blog. What an amazing blessing. Makes me want to be there (or in Turkey :) ) Had a great time of prayer for you all (hanging out in a Lurtheran church, but that is another story). I had opened my Bible and was praying with my eyes closed, then looked down at Ezekiel 36:26 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes..." We prayed this for the Slovenes before you left and God was confirming for me that He was going to do just that. I am so thrilled to hear of all that God is doing outright. Also be encouraged by the unseen things He is doing in the hearts of the Slovenes. Things you don't see but are resounding deep in their spirits. I also pray fervently for the work Jesus is doing in each of you. Experience bears out that He does as much or more in the hearts and lives of those who sacrifice and go as He does in those whom we serve. What a priviledge it is to be part of this awesome team. You are all so precious in His sight and in my heart. Press on. I love you all.
Hunnicutt, Todd On Mission	We have had some technical problems so sorry about the lack of fresh news. The second concert in Celje was in the classic old world cultural hall. The crowd was very responsive and we heard great things from people in the organizing church. The third concert was Sunday afternoon in Slovenj Gradec where our teammates, Ben and Janis Hlastan are starting a church plant. Local TV filmed the whole concert. Monday was the fourth concert in a glorious concert hall.from 1913. Of course our black gospel music still needed amplification for balance, but one song I sing with just piano was done totally without the sound system, and it was amazing. Then as you have already read from Karalee, the Murska Sobota concert went very, very well, mainly because we made it a special focus of prayer. Thus we are about halfway through and around 1200+ Slovenes have seen the concert live in 5 different cities. Pray for the TV crew from Slovenj Gradec to do a great jpb editing, and for that broadcast to be seen all over. There was also a TV crew in Maribor who interviewed many of us and shot part of the concert. Pray that their segment on national TV would clearly proclaim the gospel. Pray also for us tonight in the largely Hungarian city of Lendava in a brand new cultural hall in a town with a small but thriving church plant. No. We won't try to sing in Hungarian, but the printed program has been translated into Hungarian.
Youngman, Aaron At Home	Hello dad and Cheryl! This is your favorite son Aaron. How are you two doing? Everything is just fine and dandy down....or up...or even side...here (not sure what it is but Lauren always corrects me) Just wanted to say that all of you are in my prayers and that I miss you. Dad, did you rock out on the accordion? And Lauren, I'm still praying for you and I miss you...especially since it is Tuesday. But I love you and I'll see you soon. Aaron
McCarthy, Karalee On Mission	Hello from Slovenia! Just a quick note to let you know that Todd's been trying to blog each night after the concert, but none of them seem to be getting through. We'll try to get more details about each of the concerts soon! We had this morning mostly free today, ending in devotions and worship time together. Then lunch in a local restaurant, (SCHNITZEL!) and pizza, and then the rest of the day was spent in our concert venue. We performed in Murska Sobota, which was a special concert for me because it's where I live! Murska's been known as "the weird concert" because every year it's been a hard concert, so we were trying to be more alert and prepared than usual. But praise God, it went really well! Lin said "I don't think Murska's going to be known as the hard concert anymore!" We had a weird set-up, with lots of sound problems (at one point I heard Caleb say "I've just lost all power!") and lots of people running back and forth across the street to my apartment to put on makeup, iron, babysit, etc. Rehearsal was also a little rough because the sound was being finicky. I started getting pretty nervous about how the concert was going to turn out! But we had two great times of prayer as a team, one in the seats and one backstage right before the show, and wow, God worked big time! He worked a miracle in our sound equipment, in our energy levels, in our focus, etc. etc. It went well!! The audience reaction was overall positive, and I know the believers here were really blessed and encouraged. It was also fun to see at least three different denominations of believers in the audience. In other personal news, I'm just soaking up time with this amazing team! I'm so blessed to be along for the ride. Each team member is special and needed and valued, and God has perfectly constructed this team to meet the needs here! It's great to live in such an encouraging, genuine community. I love you guys! Thanks for your prayers, and please keep praying and blogging! We still read the blogs aloud on the bus or during devotions, and love hearing from you. May God bless you for all the encouragement and love you show us! Thanks for traveling with us!
Zeek, Verity At Home	Hey Team! I just wanted to say "Hi!" and let you know that I am in constant prayer for you and your mission. Your whole church family is with you. To Annie: I just want to say that I miss you lots and that your group is praying for you. I am so excited that God is using you to change lives, but I will also want to hear about how God is changing your life as a result! Keep up the good work, team!
Hunnicutt, Florence At Home	We arrived back from a great trip to Israel on Sunday. Glad to get news of the New Hope tour. We are praying. Prayer request for you--the fires in Southern California are only a couple of miles from Lois and Gregg's ministry (Center for Bio Ethical Reform) headquarters. They would appreciate prayer. Thanks.
Droll, Anna At Home	Lin and Team, Wow, I look at the items you sent me, the CD and the photo and I'm blown away by God! I'm moved to pray a prayer over you all: Father, Thank you for doing exceeding, abundantly beyond all that the Choates and I and Ray could have ever thought to ask. Now I ask you to grant a great gust of your Spirit wind to take them through every appointment on this tour. I pray you bless every individual team member with a mighty blessing in Christ Jesus. I pray that every young person find their feet even more firmly planted in your plan for their lives. I pray for every marriage to be taken to the next level of Christ-likness and blessing. I pray for increased anointing on the musicians and voices so that the heavens over Slovenia be shaken and more of Your rain pour down. and I pray that every day and every night Jesus be the main attraction. Glorify Yourself Father, and Your Son Jesus and transform every life and all of Slovenia by Your Spirit. Hallelujah!!! I love you Team! See you on November 9th! Anna
Kope, Carol At Home	Dear Tony & Team, I'm still praying for the safety of all of you and the success of God's Mission. Perhaps you have heard about the terrible Santa Ana winds and firestorms here in San Diego County where I reside safely in Oceanside. Ramona, Poway, Fallbrook and many areas in San Diego, including parts of Escondido, DelMar and Solana Beach have been evacuated. Over 300,000 people have had to leave their homes with over 170,000 acres burned and 1,000 buildings, including many homes destroyed. Over 10,000 people are full of hope & fear in the Qualcomm Stadium evacuation center. God is certainly telling us to "be prepared" in many ways!! Love & prayers, Mom
Duncan, Phyllis At Home	Dear Gabe and Team, It was so good to be awakened at 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning and hear your happy voice! Dad and I first thought that it was "The Sub-Finder"! How happy we were that it was you. Sounds like you are enjoying everything eventhough it is a lot of hard work. That makes us very happy for you and everyone else. Barb, I got your email this am and it made me cry! I am so greatful that you all are getting a chance to really meet with people on a personal basis as well as the audiences and to pray for and hopefully change their lives forever. I definitely stopped and prayed specificly for the family and their son, the old people in the nursing home and for your performance at 10:00 our time. I know that God is working in all of your lives and has to be in many Slovenes lives as well. My prayer for all of you continues to be safety, good health, strong voices, and most of all that the people of Sovenia see Jesus through all of you precious (child) and brothers anad sisters of mine. I love you all and pray for you every time that I think of you. I pray especially today that God will bind Satan and all of his demons from all of you and the audience in the town that you mentioned that I can't recall right now that held so much spiritual warfare last year and that God's Light will shine over and through each and everyone of you and to those you are singing and wittnessing to. God Bless you all! I love you and miss you very much. Phyllis
Frohock, Laurie At Home	Hello Bro and Cheryl, Just wanted to send you a note to say that I'm thinking of you and praying God's continued blessings for you and the team and to the people whom you are reaching out too. Everyone here is doing fine and sends their love. I love you and see you next week. Love, Sis
Rowe, Dave and Deb At Home	Friends and Family, our hearts are full of joy as we consider your journey and all you are doing for the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ! What a blessing it is to participate with you through prayer. Be strong in the Lord, be encouraged by his word, and have a blast as the spirit moves.
Collyer, Steve At Home	Greg and Nancee,Our prayers are with you. I realized last week why you weren't too sad when you left school during our homecoming ;-) Your sub teacher said she lost your lesson plans so she's having the kids watch Road Runner cartoons instead.Please let Gabe and Annie know their classmates wish them well and God's blessings for much success. Oh yes, your History class is still getting those conduct points!
Costin, P At Home	Continue to pray for you all daily. May the Father continue to bless you each with health and strength as you use your talents and abilities for His honor. Lin:the boys went out. Pami
Hobbs, Pruitt, Bailee, Brian At Home	Hey Annie Gabe, Baeb and everyone else their, We just wanted to let you all know that we are praying for you and that school just isn't the same without you. Also Annie Mrs. Cattlet wanted me to tell you that she loves me more. Everyone here misses you and can't wait 'til you get home. Love you guys
Edgerton, Travis At Home	Hey all! Just a quick note to let you know that I'm praying for you all and I'm very proud to call you family and friends. Thanks for representing your church with such passion and excellence! We look forward to your return! Blessings.
choate, michael&Linda At Home	Todd & Sarah, If we would have had any idea what God had planned for New Hope back in 2002,we could have prayed for a Bus complete with beds and a kitchen! :) You realize there are only 4 members left that know what the B.I.T. is. We are amazed at all He is still doing through the two of you and your willingness help the Slovene Church show and tell others of God's love for them.Sarah,do you know where your shoes are?!Everytime you take New Hope on the road,you know what song pops into our heads..admit it..you too :)
Terry, Claude At Home	Hello! We are praying for you! We had the opportunity to do so in all the services this weekend. Again, I want to express how grateful we are for your sacrifice and commitment to see the Slovene church encouraged and the gospel shared through your love, music and drama. Blessings!
Ramsey, Amy and Crew At Home	Hey all! As I was getting all the kids off to school this morning, I couldn't help but think about all of you, and what cool things you are doing! We're all waiting and praying fervently, and look forward to every update you can bring us. Keep up the good work, ya'll. By the sound of things, you guys are really making an impact, through Christ! Woo Hoo! On to the shout-outs: Becky - It's Monday am here, which means tomorrow we should be getting together and doing what we do. I miss that, and can't wait for you to be home to tell me every last detail about NH '07. Karalee - I hope you are having a great time in the choir! You guys must sound AMAZING!! Caleb and Evelyn - You guys rock, and I wish I was there hanging with you! Lauren - Take care of my girls, and I have been keeping your pic on my MySpace in tribute to my Prayer Buddy! Meggi - I SO miss you, and wish I was there with you again this time! You were such a great friend to me when I was there last time. Make everyone laugh, this year! I pray that you bring joy to the people of Slovenia, and to God's heart, the way that you did for me last year. All the Slovene team members - I'm sorry I haven't gotten a chance to meet you all! I hear that you guys have worked SO hard, and that are sounding great! I hope that you take care of my "family" , and that you guys form some great bonds. Thank you for letting the crazy Americans be a part of Christ changing your country! OK, I have to stop or Todd is gonna have a coronary! I can hear him now, "Yeah, yeah, yeah... Blah, blah, blah, Becky... yeah, yeah, yeah, New Hope... Great, great, great!" I love you guys!!
Bjork, Lisa At Home	Hey Tony, I just thought that you would like to know that the retreat for Single Focus went well. We had twenty-four in attendance, and had a blast. I just got back today, and thought that I would let you know that we were praying all week for you and the team. We continue to keep all of you in prayer that you will stay in good health, that your travels will be safe, and that your rest be plentiful. We also pray that the Lord will continue to shine through all of you, showing all in Slovenia just what a wonderful, loving God he is. May God keep all of you in the safety of his arms. God Bless!
Degnan, Devona and Carl At Home	Mike, Paula, and team. We supposed you are already aware we are praying for you and following your journey on the prayer map you gave us. What a great tool to help us know better how to pray each day. We look forward to hearing all the great stories you are in the mist of creating. Of course, we know better than to expect to hear them on the eve of Oct. 31! Please remember to tell our two little gals hi for us. And of course, we are anxious to hear if the boyfriend meets with your approval. We are proud of you for being willing to answer God's call for you to make the journey to Slovenia and work so hard at learning to sing in that most difficult language. We love you and miss you.
Bullock, Jana & Kash At Home	Hello team! Kash and I have been lifting you up in prayer every day. He even reminded me to pray for Slovenia through his 102 degree fever, sore throat and stuffy nose! We pray that you are all in good spirits and good health. Isn't it exciting to know that God is using you to further His Kingdom?! Throw all your cares upon Him and take comfort in knowing that He is in all the details.
Devlin, Clare At Home	Hey Gabe & Team, I am so excited for you. I am praying that you will be filled with the Spirit and His message will bring many to a personal relationship with our Lord. I am praying for your safety and health and that your commitment to serve Him will bring many blessings and that you will see His glory. Oh, ya have fun too which I know you are!! Love you, Clare
Lester, roma At Home	Wonderful news that everyone arrived safely. Morgan, it was a great surprise to hear your voice when you called me from the airport. It makes a granma feel very loved. Ask Mom about the time when she called her granma from the empire state building. We are praying for all of you. May the Lord continue to bless your mission. much love granma.
Weber, Colette At Home	Jay and I lift you up in prayer as you minister to those precious people in Slovenia! Nancee and Greg-you are such a wonderful witness out on the mission field! As you touch lives we pray the hearts are open to HIS love! "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few" Luke 12:2 Your team are the laborers and we praise God He is using you to touch these lives! Love you! Colette and Jay
Brown/Smith, Megan & Danae At Home	Dear Annie- aka Court Fairy. I hope your all having a wonderful time in Europe. We miss you very much. Its sad not having your laugh there on Wednesdays and Sundays. Somethings missing when your gone. We are all praying for you. Hope God is doing amazing things in your life and in the lifes of the slovens. We cant wait till you get home. Be safe & God Bless!! We love you. P.s Tell Barby (Barb) and Gabe and Connor hi!! =)
Campbell, Lacey At Home	Hello Mom and team! It seems that you all are healthy and are doing well on all your concerts. I have been praying for all. Mom, I would love to read a message from you to see how things are going. Everything here is fine, and Wes won both his water polo maches on Saturday. Hear from you soon!
Evans, Melanie At Home	Hey Team! I think about you often and imagine what you are doing. I think what you need is a New Hope Web Cam!!! That way, we at home can see what you see...the glorious scenery, the warm and loving people, your adventures. I think Caleb should be able to rig up something for you. Maybe he could even put it on a headband and you all could take turns wearing it???! Sounds crazy, but I wish I were with you, seeing and experiencing it all. Take care. Know that we are thinking of you and praying for you often! Blessings!
Choate, Michael & Linda At Home	Randy and Cheryl, Lifting you up and joining you through memories of laughter and "wide eyed wonder" at God's hand shinning Hope and the evidence of His Holy Spirit Blowing across peoples lives, giving them an awareness of His presence, everywhere you lift His name in Worship. We are praying everyday of this journey you all get to know Him deeper and more passionately and fall more in love with Him than you thought possible.What ever you do,don't allow the mission to distract from what He is teaching
Langley, Lauren On Mission	Hey all! thanks for all the prayers! The Lord is doing great things in our team and with others. The unity among us is amazing and God-given! :) I have to get to devotions, but just wanted to tell you to keep praying! :)
Duncan, Phyllis At Home	Dear Gabe and team, I am anxious to hear how your first performance went. Dad and I have been praying for all of you and the Slovene team to have great energy to allow you to sing beautifully, act, and knock the socks off each group that you perform for! In other words, to touch their hearts and bring them to their knees before the Lord. I have total faith that y'all did and will continue to do so. It is now about 11:00p.m. here and about 8:00a.m. in Slovenia. WAKE UP! Or do you get to sleep in since it is Saturday? Ha! We miss you and hope that you are having fun and staying well at the same time that you are working so hard for the Lord. He will sustain you. Gabe, Dad and I know that you are OK and having fun because we have not heard from you! It's OK, Terri said that Connor has not called either. You're lucky that we can keep up with all of you with this great Blog communication system! I know that everyone is thinking about now if they read this, "Phyllis just can't stand it, not to talk to her son and to be there!" Well, I guess that I am proving them right. If I can live up to my reputation and give everyone a good laugh and embarrass you at the same time, then I have done my duty as your mother! Sorry! All joking aside, I love you and everyone there and I will continue to lift all of you up in prayer daily. Good luck as you perform tomorrow (Saturday the 20th) in Celje. I am praying that you have gotten great rest, stay healthy and have strong, clear voices for this and every performance and that many will come to the Lord because of your efforts. We love you, Mom
Weiss, David and Donella At Home	You are in our prayers each hour. Thank you for taking on this battle.
Hunnicutt, Todd On Mission	Our first concert is over! In Kamnik last year we packed out a small room in a library with 90 people. This year, that number more than doubled, though the hall could have held 300. There were several people from other towns and churches who came to see what the show is like this year. I heard from one lady that the husband of a lady in her Bible study came, and really liked it, though he always blows off spiritual things. The show itself went well - some minor mistakes - but the people afterward were very excited and appreciative. Tomorrow we leave this central region and head off on the road tour. Pray for travelling mercies, good health, and for people to be drawn to the Lord through our efforts and the power of His spirit.
Scranton, Tammy At Home	It is so hard to believe that just a couple of days ago we were feeding you breakfast and sending you off on the bus. Now you are there. I am encouraged by the number of people who are praying for you all. A friend of mine has a map up on the inside of his office door where people come and go all day. Praying for God's glory and might to shower down on all your concert venues and that He would meet each of you individually. thanking God for you and wishing I was with you.
Stephens, Gay At Home	Hi SloveneTeam! What a joy to read the blog and hear about our Abba's marvelous, extravagant outpouring of answers in response to our prayers....I'm excited about being part of your efforts through my intecessory prayers.....Barb, we missed you in class Tues....it's not the same without you, and Paula we missed you in leader's meeting....may God's glory continue to be revealed through your music, testimonies, and sweet, sweet spirits....much love, Gay
Steckler, Melissa At Home	Greetings New Hope Team~ You are being lifted up in prayer to our King, that His Spirit would overflow you with joy, peace, unity, courage and strength as you bring new hope and living water to thirsty people. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Rom. 5:13 Blessings~ Melissa
Weiss, Donella and David At Home	Many blessing to all of you. We spent some time during choir on Thursday evening praying for all of you, for health, rest, and strength. Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Randy and Cheryl, you are loved and missed. Cheryl, eat the beets. They are good for you. Donnie
Choate, Michael & Linda At Home	Mateja (Mrvic) We are so excited that you are apart of the traveling team and getting to meet and join other Worship leaders(for you all are Worship Leaders)from across Slovenija,making new friends and Brothers and Sisters in Christ and building your prayer circle together for God's vision and work is always completed through the Unity of Prayer. "For this reason I kneel before the Father,from whom His whole Family in Heaven and on earth derives it's name.I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through Faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love,may have power,together with all the Saints...(Eph 3:14-18A) We lift you and the Team up in Christ's Love
Choate, Michael & Linda At Home	New Hope Team, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of Unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ"(Romans 15:5-6) You are the Fragrance of Christ's Love and we pray that everywhere you take the opportunity to Worship God with your voices and actions,others will see Him in you and join in. All who know you are United in Prayer. Bog te Blagoslov
Haugh, Candy At Home	Greg and Nancee and group, I spent much time today lifting all of you up in prayer. My prayer is that God will use you to minister to those that seem to hard to minister to. I pray for your strength and health. Greg and Nancee, love you so much and I'm so excited for you again. I am envious that you are out on mission field, but as you know, it's not my time right now. See you soon and Blessings to all of you in the group! You have been called to do great things!
Hunnicutt, Todd On Mission	We had a great, but long, day of rehearsals in a community hall in the small town of Cerklje. The choir is really sounding good as a group, and we were able to put the whole show together today for the first time. Please pray for us tomorrow, as we do our first concert in the city of Kamnik. Pray especially for Caleb and Sebastian, as they handle the technical side of things with a new sound system.
Sexton, Lin On Mission	We just finished our rehearsal - started at 9 a.m. and it's 9:45 p.m. Everyone's in great spirits - tired, but it's a good tired. We are making progress and cramming lots of cues, lyrics, scene shifts and changes into our head! But we're experiencing a blanket of God's peace. We met the Slovene part of our team and worked together all day, sharing laughter and meals and work. Larry being here is so great - he's really run us through our paces. The sound equipment is 80 percent here. Pray that our speakers arrive in the next few hours! God is good. We are on track! Our first show is tomorrow in Kamnik.
La Core, Jen At Home	Hi everyone! I check the blog page multiple times a day and pray for you each time. I'm so glad to hear everyone and everything arrived safely. Praying for rest, divine apopintments, health and energy for all of you ... especially for my sweet Becky! (I promised her I'd squeeze in a hello!) To God be the glory for everything that happens the next couple weeks. Post up prayer requests regularly, I'm here waiting to pray for them! Love you!!!
Evans, Melanie At Home	Dober Dan! Hello Friends! I'm missing you greatly, thinking of you often, praying constantly and looking forward to hearing all that God is doing in you and through you! From Isaiah 42 - "He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."
Bjork, Lisa At Home	May your instruments play as if God himself were playing them, and may your voices be strong and clear. May all of you shine with God's holy presence, and draw all who hear near. Blessings to all of you. Stay strong and focused on Him. Love and Prayers. LAMB
Ramsey, Amy At Home	Good morning! So good to see that you all made it, with all of your stuff! As I prepare to go to sleep tonight, I just want you all to know that you are on my heart. I am praying for stamina, fluidity as you begin to blend the styles and cultures, and extra rejuvenation during those precious times of rest. Becky and Karalee I do hope you enjoy your reunion, and make sure and have a good laugh over those hideous Jelly Belly's! I love every last one of you, and am STOKED to watch what God is going to do!! Have fun, make every moment count, and tell someone to forget something in every town, so it will almost seem like I'm there!! 2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and all the gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. It's time, guys!!
Kope, Carol At Home	Hi Tony & everyone! Glad to hear you all arrived safely. The ladies in my Bible Study prayed today for the success of your ministry & your well-being. We are a progressive, ecumenical Catholic Church in Oceanside CA and commend you for your mission tour. May God richly bless you and all those you touch through your ministry. Carol aka Tony's Mom
Duncan, Phyllis At Home	Dear Gabe and New Hope Team, Well it's about 7:15 pm here and you guys are or should be asleep. I prayed all day yesterday for all of you to have safe travel, rest and sleep as muh as possible and for God to make all airport checks, especially Germany, quick and with no snags. Looks like He came through. Praise God! When I say all day, I mean all day! Yesterday was tough for me, but God has answered one of my other prayers to trust Him in all things and to keep you safe. He gave me peace and allowed me to focus on the work you will be doing with the Slovene team to bulid His Kingdom and to reach and touch the hearts of the people of Slovenia and to be joyful and happy! What a relief! We prayed for all of you at Home group last night and all are keeping up with your daily life away from home and will pray daily. Okay, they prayed for me and Dad to have peace and joy too and it worked! I love you all and think of you may times a day and night and pray each time you come to my mind. I know that God is truly in control and that you already are blessed and will be blessed even more for what you are doing. God Bless You, Mom - Phyllis P.S. Gabe, your bible project got turned into Mr. Miller on time! Love you! Mom
Flores, Carolyn At Home	I will pray that you have an amazing impact on the people that you come into contact with. God uses every experiance for his glory even the unexpected ones. I will also pray for safety as you go from one location to another.
Hunnicutt, Todd On Mission	The team arrived safely in Venice, even a little early, with all suitcases, and no customs problems with the CDs! Many were pretty sleepy on the bus, so we hope they will be able to get good rest tonight. Tomorrow: Rehearsal all day in a nearby village with the Slovenia team (for the first time!). Pray for the Lord to unite our hearts and our voices together.
Costin, P At Home	Blessings on each of you today. May you have health, strength, protection and joy as you go through your days away. • Pami • Prov 3:5-6
Hunnicutt, Todd On Mission	The team should arrive in Venice in about 6 hours! Amazing how a whole year has gone by, though Slovenia hasn't forgotten New Hope. In the town of Novo Mesto where we had such a huge concert last year, we've already heard that both our concerts are "sold out" (the tickets are free), and most of the 200 church members themselves never got a ticket! Pray for wisdom for that situation-a good problem to have! Please pray for good health for those of us here, and specifically for my wife Sarah, as her back has been giving her a lot of pain, just in the last 3 days.
Vo, Devan At Home	I printed the New Hope 2007 tour schedule right before I left for Kansas City, Missouri. I'm working out there for a week. I will be praying for you guys during my lunch break because that's when the New Hope concert start (7 hours difference). I thank God for each and every one of you. I know that God will use you guys to add to His Kingdom in Slovenia.
Giannosa, Terri At Home	At Bible Study this morning, Gina Hulin received a call from Michell R. re: a fire at the airport which has delayed their departure. And so it begins... Anyway, over the years I have had a book I always seem to return to for extra encouragement. It is called "Come Away My Beloved", by Frances J. Roberts. I was reading this a few days ago, about God's Outpouring before the end of the age, and, as I read through it I began thinking of Slovenia and praying this for Slovenia: "The Last Great Outpouring": "Behold, ye stand on the threshold of a new day. For I have truly great things in store for thee. Yea, thou hast not power to conceive that which I am about to do. For I shall bring to pass a new thing. Thou shalt rejoice exceedingly. Ye have heard of the showers, but I say unto thee that I shall send a mighty downpour. Many have cried unto Me out of hungry hearts and have received of My fulness and seen My glory; but I say unto thee, that in the day of the great deluge that is about to come, many shall come to know the reality of My power who have up until now not even dreamed of such a thing. Many who are scoffers, and many who are honest doubters shall find themselves swept away on the swelling tide of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. For this is the time of the last great outpouring. This is the day of the preparation for the coming of the Lord. Many shall rejoice together in the Spirit's work who now are even at sword's point over doctrinal disputations and barriers of tradition. But let thine heart be encouraged; for a new day is dawning: a day of repentance and a day of gathering for My people, saith the Lord. For they shall not continue barricaded and isolated behind walls of prejudice. I am the LORD, and I will be worshipped in spirit and in truth, and not in the bigotry of sectarianism and narrowness of denominationalism. The world is waiting for a robust Church to minister to its needs; and how can an ailing, dismembered Body bring healing to a sick and dying world? Surely I will pour out My Spirit, and by prophecies, by signs and wonders, by many different types of miracles, and by healings, I will reaffirm the veracity of My Word and bring the message of the Gospel of Redemption to many who would otherwise never give heed. I am the Alpha and the Omega. Stand firm in Me. Never waver. Be faithful regardless of aparent failures and discouragements; for My word shall surely be fulfilled, and thine eyes shall see Revival in proportion like as has never been witnessed before in the history of the human race. Keep your eye on the end of the course. Victory is secured already. Do not let the hurdles cause thee consternation. Stay in the running. Verily, I am at thy side. According to each day shall thy strength be; and the race is not to the swift, but the obedient shall receive the prize." Although I believe this refers to the nation of Israel, I also believe that God can (and will) do a new thing in Slovenia, and that many of these words will come to pass. Amen
Sexton, Lin On Mission	New Hope is packed and ready to go in just 32 hours! Tonight (Sunday) we met for several hours, packed our equipment, prayed over our suitcases and shared how God is preparing us for the mission in Slovenia. We have been working on "removing the stones" from the path, as Isaiah says, and on our own 40 days of scriptural preparation, dealing with pride and faith. Now it's time to launch, and we are excited and ready. Please pray for us and for our Slovene team members as we join together for a marathon day of rehearsal this coming Wednesday. This will be a crucial day in our schedule and we have much to do. Pray for us, and ask God to prepare the way!