Family Camp 2 at Northland Bible Camp (July 2007)

The O'Byrnes enjoyed a fantastic week at Northland this past week. The sun was shining and the bass were biting! Bob Johnston spoke on the family and Peter gave a series of encouraging messages in the evenings. I'm posting a shot of the dining hall, built by Chester Donaldson ("Mr. D") who started the camp 50 years ago with his wife Marion. There is a 50 year reuinion planned for Sat., Aug. 11.

"Paganini…and one string!"

Today's message at Northside Bible Chapel was on Romans 12:3-8 - Our relationship to oursleves: honest evaluation of our gifts. We looked at the role of attitude. Below are a couple of facinating stories taken from Chuck Swindoll's book Strengthening Your Grip about attitude...

The colorful, nineteenth-century showman and gifted violinist Nicolo Paganini was standing before a packed house, playing through a difficult piece of music. A full orchestra surrounded him with magnificent support. Suddenly one string on his violin snapped and hung gloriously down from his instrument. Beads of perspiration popped out on his forehead. He frowned but continued to play, improvising beautifully.
To the conductor’s surprise, a second string broke. And shortly thereafter, a third. Now there were three limp strings dangling from Paganini’s violin as the master performer completed the difficult composition on the one remaining string. The audience jumped to its feet and in good Italian fashion, filled the hall with shouts and screams, “Bravo! Bravo!” As the applause died down, the violinist asked the people to sit back down. Even though they knew there was no way they could expect an encore, they quietly sand back into their seats.
He held the violin high for everyone to see. He nodded at the conductor to begin the encore and then he turned back to the crowd, and with a twinkle in his eye, he smiled and shouted, “Paganini…and one string!” After that he placed the single-stringed Stradivarius beneath his chin and played the final piece on one sting as the audience (and the conductor) shook their heads in silent amazement. “Paganini… and one string!” And, I might add, an attitude of fortitude.

Dr. Victor Frankle, the bold, courageous Jew who became a prisoner during the Holocaust, endured years of indignity and humiliation by the Nazis before he was finally liberated. At the beginning of his ordeal, he was marched into a Gestapo courtroom. His captors had taken away his home and family, his cherished freedom, his possessions, even his watch and wedding ring. They had shaved his head and stripped his clothing off his body. There he stood before German high command, under the glaring lights being interrogated and falsely accused. He was destitute, a helpless pawn in the hands of brutal, prejudiced, sadistic men. He had nothing. No, that isn’t true. He suddenly realized there was one thing no one could ever take from him – just one. Do you know what it was?
Dr. Frankle realized he still had the power to choose his own attitude. No matter what anyone would ever do to him, regardless of what the future held for him, the attitude choice was his to make. Bitterness or forgiveness, to give up or to go on. Hatred or hope. Determination to endure or the paralysis of self-pity. It boiled down to “Frankle…and one string!”

The single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my success or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position. Attitude is that “single string” that keeps me going or cripples my progress.

If we’re honest we must admit that much of the time we spend concentrating and fretting over the strings that snap, dangle, and pop – the things that can’t be changed – than we do giving attention to the one that remains, our choice of attitude.

6.8 Earthquake off Guatemala

(CNN) -- A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Wednesday just off the Pacific coast of Guatemala, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Authorities were evacuating high-rise buildings and homes that might be vulnerable to damage if there were aftershocks, but none had been reported to the USGS so far, the agency's Rafael Abreu told CNN.

The quake struck at 1:29 p.m. (3:29 p.m. ET), about 70 miles from the capital, Guatemala City.

The quake's intensity, according to the USGS, was such that it was also felt in El Salvador.

The quake's epicenter was about 40 miles below the Earth's surface, the USGS said. Earthquakes centered closer to the surface generally can cause more damage.
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I remember a quake hitting one day while we lived in Guatemala City. We ran outside and saw powerlines swinging and walls bending. The earth moving under our feet was the strangest sensation I've ever felt; reminded me of how frail we are and how uncertain life is. I think God can use these things to speak to us.

We will be following this story and be on our knees for all our friends in Guatemala.

Enoel Reports on Relief Effort in Bolivia

A short term mission to Bolivia in 2005 introduced me to Enoel Suarez, missionary from/to Bolivia, South America. Enoel and his wife Leisa (Canadian) serve the Lord in Santa Cruz. While on furlough in Canada his poeple suffered some major flooding. With the help of MSC and a couple of brothers he was able to organize a relief mission for a week in April. Northside Bible Chapel collected an offering to add to other funds and we helped him purchase some Physician Travle Packs (PTP). Below is his report of how it went.


Dear Partners in the Lord,

I was seeking a different word to address you; one that describes each and every one of you, but I could not think of another. I arrived from my trip to Bolivia on Friday afternoon and found the family well. I am so excited about how well the trip progressed that I would like to share some of the stories with you.
We ( Bill Letkeman, Len Venne, and I ) left on April the 23rd with four boxes of medicine and two boxes of clothing. Everything was going well until we arrived to Bolivia. As we went through customs, they tried to take the medicine away from us. Perhaps they thought that we might try to sell it, or they may have wanted to sell it themselves. After a long discussion, they finally let us into Bolivia with the medication. We knew that all of you were praying for our trip. We arrived to Santa Cruz on April 24th at nine o'clock in the morning. It took us seven more hours of driving to reach the affected area. I arranged for the purchase of food and clothing ahead of time, so when we arrived it was there. The next day, we sorted out the clothing and food to be distributed.

Our team had been planned out ahead of time, so all of the members met together in Santa Cruz. The team consisted of brother Brad Hallock and his wife, Dr. Placido Mercado, and two others. In Trinidad, three more young, local doctors joined us. They were Dr. Eric, Dr. Virgilio, and Dr. Dario. They accompanied us to the nine villages where we had the opportunity to treat more than five hundred people (including small children) with medication. All of the children received parasite medication, vitamins, and fungus creams. Many people were ill with fungus infections and rashes due to the dirty water. Some of the medical problems we encountered included heart problems, diabetes, and dengue fever. One lady named Rebeca needed heart surgery right away. We were able to help her financially. Another young boy, Sixto, needed some testing done on his heart right away. We were also able to help him. We also assisted a brother named Joaquin Ortiz with diabetes plus two others with dengue fever.


We were able to take almost three tons of food with us. This included main staples like rice, flour, beans, pasta, sugar, cooking oil, etc. We also took 1,200 items of clothing to be distributed. None of this would have happened if you were unwilling to share some of your own with those brothers in need. The help that I received from many of you was a true confirmation that the Lord was leading this project. We are so thankful because many of you, my brothers and sisters, were willing to share the blessings received from God with others. We are not able to find words to express how thankful we are to all of you. You were not just willing to pray, but also to take part by sending some money to those in need. 2 Cor. 8:3-5 says, "
Please continue to pray for those in need. Most of the people have returned to their homes, but they still have great needs. Many need to rebuild their homes and their lives. They are open to the gospel, and we were able to share the Word with them. They once had an evangelical church, but it was destroyed by the flooding. Many of us are busy trying to gain more material possessions, but they just struggle to survive and live day by day. The village people often have rice, so they will go and fish to complete their meal. Everytime we eat a good meal, we should be thankful for what the Lord has provided.

I could not go to Bolivia without passing by the camp. I was so pleased with the advancement of the facilities. The brothers had constructed one side of the diningroom and added a volleyball court for the young people and children. They also completed the construction of the kitchen. We praise God for using others for this purpose.
Now, we need to complete the other half of the diningroom, the washrooms, beds, and tables.

I went to visit Cynthia and Edilson....the ones in charge of the Fourth of February project. They are doing fine. They had a baptism service and an anniversary service. They are doing a great job.

Thank you for your lovely gift of money that was used for medication, food, and the camp. We appreciate your prayers on our behalf. We are very grateful for your interest in missions.

In Christ,
Enoel

The BLOOD of Jesus

A number of years ago while in Guatemala my wife was asked to donate some blood because she has the rare "universal" blood type. I could not help but think of that experience when I read the following article...

I once heard a story about a Nazi pilot who was shot down during World War II. The pilot was taken captive and brought to the hospital where a British doctor began dressing his wounds. As the doctor worked, he realized a blood transfusion was necessary due to the loss of blood.
When finished, and making use of his British humor, the doctor remarked to the Nazi, “This ought to go far in making a gentleman out of you. I have just put into your system two pints of Jewish blood.” The patient was horrified!
However, no scientific experiment can determine nationality by blood, for we read in God’s Word, that the Lord “hath made of one blood all nations.” (Acts 17:26).
Although there is nothing in the blood to distinguish the nationality, there is a blood classification determined by the presence or absence of certain substances. Before a blood transfusion can be made, the donor’s blood must be tested to be sure the substances are the same as the patient’s. If different bloods are mixed, clotting could begin and this could result in sever illness or even death.
The various blood groups are type A, B, AB or O. Type O is sometimes referred to as “universal” because it does not clump with other plasmas.
Reading about these different blood groups caused me to think of Someone who gave His blood for all – a “universal donor”. The effectiveness of His blood is available to anyone. Like the marvel of the filtering system of the blood, His precious blood has a cleansing effect. “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). It would be impossible for us to live without blood in our bodies. The Bible says, “The life…is in the blood” (Lev 17:11), and Christ’s blood is the source of everlasting life. Do you have it?

Poisonwood

On a recent mission to Belize we came across the Poisonwood tree on a hike in the jungle. From its name you will understand why it is a tree not to be messed with. The sap of the poisonwood is extremely toxic and causes blisters and rashes on the skin. The sap can be seen oozing out of any wounds on the bark of the tree. The leaves of the tree are also toxic topically, and some who are extremely allergic to the tree can break out by standing too close to it.

Fortunately, it is often found growing near its natural antidote. Our guide told us that invariably almost always growing near the poisonwood tree is the Gum Elemi tree and the crushed leaves of the Gum Elemi will ease the itch and burn.

So in the gospel. You and I have been affected by the poison of sin. But thank God the antidote to sin is not far from any one of us. That is what we find in the book of Romans: "But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:8,9). So the Word is near us not distant, mysterious or inaccessible, but readily available and accessible to all. Have you availed yourself of the antidote to sin in the blood of Jesus?

Why Missions?

Maria & Hudson Taylor (1865)


When Hudson Taylor was director of the China Inland Mission, he often interviewed candidates for the mission field. On one occasion, he met with a group of applicants to determine their motivations for service. "And why do you wish to go as a foreign missionary"? he asked one. "I want to go because Christ has commanded us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,? was the reply. Another said, "I want to go because millions are perishing without Christ.? Others gave different answers. Then Hudson Taylor said, "All of these motives, however good, will fail you in times of testings, trials, tribulations, and possible death. There is but one motive that will sustain you in trial and testing; namely, the love of Christ?.

A missionary in Africa was once asked if he really liked what he was doing. His response was shocking. 'do I like this work"? he said. "No. My wife and I do not like dirt. We have reasonable refined sensibilities. We do not like crawling into vile huts through goat refuse...But is a man to do nothing for Christ he does not like? God pity him, if not. Liking or disliking has nothing to do with it. We have orders to "Go,? and we go. Love constrains us.'

Our Daily Bread

Mark stuffs face with Mexican tostadas

This is priceless: Team Canada, on their last night in Corozal Town, visit a Mexican restaurant to try some local cuisine - SCRUMPTIOUS! Of course, Mark could not describe the taste of his dish as his mouth was way to full!

Cave Ranch River (Part 2)

The river sped up as we entered the next underground cave system...

Tubing the Cave Ranch River

I just had to publish a couple of video logs my twin took during our cave tubing outing. Derry organized a trip to the Cave Ranch River where the team floated on tubes in and out of caves. Inside the subterranean river system there were huge stalactites and stalacmites (icicle-like rock formations). It was an amazing time and the water was crystal clear and cool. Enjoy...

Corozal Town Mission House

I've just now been getting around to processing all the photos and videos of the short-term mission to Belize in March. I wanted to post this one to give a good look at the project completed with a view of the property as well. It will be exciting to see what God will do in this new location. We got to know some of the locals who are very friendly and eager so see something done in the area. Pray for the believers as they reach out and for future teams as they come alongside to help.

Enoel shares his burden...

Two years ago I lead a small team to Bolivia to help missionaries Enoel and Leisa Suarez in the work there. They are on furlough in Canada right now but are receiving calls for help from his people in Bolivia because of serious flooding that has affected vast regions of the country. He sent me an update today which I want to share with you for prayer and consideration. He writes...

"Please read...Some time ago, I read about the flood that had affected Bolivia……especially Trinidad and the surrounding area. I thought…surely I can help them, so I began to pray for them. However, the news kept coming, and friends described the situation.
After I arrived from my trip to New Jersey, Leisa told me that Dr. Placido Mercado had called and would call again. I talked to him last Saturday, and he informed me of the need.
Doctor Placido Mercado and Brother Julio Acosta have suggested taking items needed. The people are suffering with fungus, diarrhea, dengue fever, breathing problems, and they need to hear the gospel in this difficult situation. We need some antibiotic creams, pills to purify the water, etc.
If anyone would like to join me on this trip to help the needy, please contact CMML at (732) 449-8880 Or MSC at (905) 947-0468.
We are here to make a difference; let’s do it (Gal. 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, ‘let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith”). Now is the opportunity!

Your Servant in the Lord,

Enoel Suarez"

Jeremy on top of Xunantunich

Hi,
I mentioned that we had other videos of our short-term mission. Erin sent us a dvd with all the pics and vids, so we are trying to get some uploaded. Here is a shot from way up on top of an ancient Mayan ruin. We can see Guatemala from our vantage point. It is truly amazing to think of the work and expertise that went into the construction of these temples. What happened to the people? What happened to thier civilization?

Flooding in Bolivia

I just got a call from my good friend and missionary Enoel Suarez. A couple of years ago I went to assist him in the work in Bolivia. He has been in Canada on furlough with his family for almost a year now. He just called me bacause of the desperate situation in his country. They have had terrible flooding since January (see exerpt from website below). Doctor friends of his have called asking for his help; they need antibiotics, children's vitamins and parasite medicine and people to help. Just returning from Belize it would be hard for me to go, but I'm willing and praying.

Bolivia Floods Update: shelter for the homeless
28/02/2007

The devastating floods continue to cause devastation and mayhem in much of Bolivia, with almost 70,000 families falling victim to the effects of "El Niño". The climate phenomenon of heavy rainfalls and floods has meant thousands of children and their families have had to flee their homes and are at severe risk of disease.

Months of heavy rain have affected the whole of the Latin American country, although the rural districts of Santa Cruz and Beni have been most severely hit, with 17,000 families and almost 13,000 children affected.

Mission House Completed

Immigration, customs, flight delays, time changes, sleep deprivation...these are just a few of the challenges we met as we made our way home. But, praise God, all are home safe and sound and glad for it! In due time we will have more pics and vids to post, but in the meantime I wanted to publish a couple of photos of the building completed...at least at the stage that we came to complete. It sits on a lovely piece of property in a growing neighborhood. At 20 ft x 24 ft it is quite compact but will serve as a mission house and Bible study hall, and later will be a nice little residence for a worker.

Trusses set in place

We have a bunch of video clips from Cave Branch river, Xunantunich and Sunday services to share but not much time. Here is a clip I managed to get while the trusses of the building were being installed.

Today we were with the saints at Grace Chapel and Berea in Belize City. This afternoon we will be joining them again at 8 Miles for a special meeting in about an hour. This evening we will all go to Bethany Chapel in Burrel Boom again.

Today's verse is Psalm 23:1 "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want."

Adios for now,
Sean

Team Canada visits Shark-Ray Ally

Tonight we wanted to give you a view of last Saturday's excursion to Caye Cualker. Erin (Auburn Bible Chapel) produced this video clip for us.

Tomorrow we hope to finish putting the roof on the mission house under construction. Today the trusses were placed and braced. The Lord has blessed us with beautiful weather, health and strength and unity. Janie who was injured in a shower continues to improve - thanks for praying.

On behalf of the team,
Sean

Day 7 Vidoe + Mark's comments...

The latest footage of progress of Team Canada's mission project in Corozal Town. Today I'm handing Erin's laptop (a Mac!!!) to Mark (from Bancroft Bible Chapel) who will give us a few words for today's post...

alrihgt .. well the project has so far gone very smoothly considering the tools we have to work with. the team is getting along very well together and it is visible to see God working here. the last of the blocks were laid today and we will begin to assemble the roof tommorow. it will only be a few more days before our part is complete. It will be a blessing to see the building complete, however, it will be upsetting to leave so soon. we are looking forward to the next few days and we keep you informed with what is happening here. God bless.

Thanks, Mark! Today's verse from this morning's devotion by Bob Vaillancourt (Grace Bible Chapel, Timmins) will complete our late blog entry: "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved" (Romans 10)

Team Canada at Cay Caulker etc....

e-greetings to our praying friends in bloggerland! Here are a few shots of our mission as we continue to enjoy Belize. Most of the team is here at the Leslies resting after a day at Cay Caulker, a tiny island off the coast. We are having so much fun working, fellowshipping and enjoying the sights. There have been setbacks. Bob Hoover from Bancroft was bitten by a scorpion the other day - it was hiding in his workboot! He is fine; he actually insisted on going to work after we got him some medicine. Also, Janie slipped in the shower at the Dr's house. Please pray for her as she is in a lot of pain.
Other than that the project is pregressing very well. The pictures show Jeremy trying his hand at laying a few block with his uncle Derry. Mark is seen at the top of the wall as they place the last row of blocks on the wall. Next week we hope to finish the cement work and put the roof on. One of the shots pictures the team enjoying a hard earned meal on the island of Cay Caulker.
Tomorrow we will be at several assemblies with some of the team members speaking and shareing testimony. In the afternoon we will visit 8 Miles where the previous team helped renovate the building into a little chapel. All of us will be joining the saints at Bethany Gospel Chapel in Burrel Boom for a gospel meeting. Let us keep this wonderful news of God's love for us in Christ ever at the centre of our hearts and lives.
Now, it is late and others are waiting to check e-mail. Thank you for visiting our blog and stop in again sometime soon. We appreciate your prayers.

Sean on behalf of the team....

Corozal: Day 2

Hello folks,
Due to heavy rainfall we had time to edit and upload the latest video. The rain just stopped though and we're going to try and go back to the site again. Hope you enjoy our little video clip. The team is working well together and sends greetings to all at home.

Thanks for your prayers,
Sean