SBC Student Worship Choir

SWC Mission Tour - 2011

2011-06-28T10:03:00.000-05:00

Ensemble "I Will Follow"

2011-06-19T21:00:00.001-05:00

Mission Trip Video #1

2011-06-19T20:57:00.001-05:00

Update

2011-06-17T22:59:00.010-05:00

Lots has happened since my last post. Our schedule has been non-stop! I'll try and hit the high points.

Wednesday

VBS continued with great gusto. The children from both Rosemont Baptist Church and Northbrook Villas learned about faith and the love of Jesus through bible study, music, crafts and recreation. The theme for this year's VBS is The Big Apple. Our students and adults engaged the children by showing love and exhibiting a real passion for the Lord. The connection between them is so evident.

The second group finished painting the Sharing Ministries Food Pantry to the delight of the entire community. A front page article in the local newspaper fueled excitement among the locals. Many people find it hard to believe that we've come in goodwill and expect nothing in return for our service. They are pleasantly reassured that good people DO exist and that is so much more blessing in giving that in receiving.

We presented a concert at Rosemont Baptist Church for the families that are participating in VBS. Many new families of were in attendance for the concert. Dr. Kim was very encouraged by their presence. It was a wonderful evening of worship.

Thursday

The last day of VBS. We enrolled more children at both sites this year than ever before. The missions offering received was more than ever before. To say that VBS was a success, is a complete understatement.

We spent Thursday afternoon cleaning the church and returning everything to its original state. We also packed out suitcases in preparation for loading later that night.

In the midst of all of the positive and encaging things happening we encountered something that threatened to derail it all. However, the Lord's power and might were displayed and things were restored quickly and without interruption.

The one thing we've been looking forward to the whole trip has been "Main in Motion". A community-wide street festival every Thursday night through June, July & August. Meeting with officials in February were very positive and we had been given open access to anything we wanted to do. The officials described the event to us but nothing could have prepared us for what we experienced. We were told that upwards of 3,000 to 4,000 would be in attendance. They were right!

We invited each child that had attended VBS to be our guest at Main in Motion. We prepared 2,000 hot dogs, 2,000 bags of chips, 2,000 bottles of water and served it all served on 2,000 bright yellow frisbees. The children, under Ms. Laura's direction sang the VBS songs and praised the Lord amongst the huge crowd in attendance. Our students worked by preparing the food, serving the food, working the inflatables, assisting with the VBS children and various other tasks. It was and incredible experience and we praise the Lord for giving us the vision and resources to accomplish what has become the largest single event we've ever produced on a mission trip to date. I found it humorous while chatting with a local when she said "I'm sorry that more people didn't turn out tonight." I responded with bewilderment as to where we put another single person in the midst in the wall-towall crowd!

Friday

Another very early departure! We loaded the bus at 4:45 and headed toward Amarillo, TX. Upon our arrival we would go to the Amarillo Sox baseball game where we sang the National Anthem and cheered on the hometown boys. Unfortunately our support was not enough to put the Sox in the winners bracket.

Saturday

We are currently en route to Spring! We are praying for continued safe travel and for us to be able to maintain our schedule.

Day 5

2011-06-15T10:32:00.007-05:00

Tuesday proved to be a very productive day. The VBS's are running very smoothly and we are seeing new faces every day. The Lord has been gracious and allowed us to see some

fruits of our labors. Last year many relationships were formed. We are seeing that those relationships have stood the test of time and distance. Many of the children from Montrose have waited all year for us to return. We saw a mother that came to know the Lord last year, now leading a ladies Bible study. Children that came to know the Lord last year, telling us how different their lives are. We hear citizens of the community say "you guys were here last year!" It's not often that the Lord allows us to see things like that. We feel our job is simply to plant the seed and allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest.

We continued painting the Sharing Ministries Food Pantry building yesterday. We have made significant progress and feel sure that the project will be completed this afternoon.

Last night (Tuesday) we went to Valley Manor Nursing Facility to present a concert. We have never done anything like that before. The students were a little anxious about what to expect. The residents were simply wonderful. Before we sang the students greeted the residents and what a joy it was to see their faces light up as they began to interact. The residents loved seeing the students and loved talking to them.

It was requested that a small group do a mini-concert for the residents that live in the Memory Care unit. These are folks that have Alzheimer's or dementia. About 12 students and adults went to the unit and shared with the residents there. The students were a bit apprehensive at first but quickly warmed up and began connecting with the people. We sang a few songs and left with wet eyes.

The trip has been so good thus far. I am constantly amazed by our students. They work hard, and do so with joy. I have been privileged to watch many of them grow to become mature young adults through the years. It is such a blessing to see the Lord grow them and use them for His Kingdom.

Thanks for your continued prayer support. We feel them!

Until then,

Buck

Day 4

2011-06-13T23:57:00.001-05:00

Tonight will be a short post. However, tomorrow I will be posting several pictures and possibly our first video.

VBS began today at Rosemont Baptist Church and Northbrook Villas. Rosemont had 9o in enrollment, not counting SBC kids and adults. (On the first day last year we had 73 on the first day.) Northbrook Villa's had 63 in enrollment today, not counting SBC kids & adults. (On the first day there last year we had 18!) Needless to say it was a very successful first day of VBS.

This afternoon we went to Sharing Ministries, a food distribution ministry in Montrose. We scraped, primed and put a single coat of paint on the exterior and part of the interior. It was hard work and the students did a great job! The folks at Sharing Ministries were so impressed with the spirit and attitudes of our students. They were also amazed that they would give up and entire week of their summer to come and do work for people they've never even met! To illustrate this, a total stranger drove by and inquired what we were doing. One of our students explained that we were on a Mission Trip and he reached in his wallet and gave them some money right there on the spot. We happily gave the money to the food pantry.

Tomorrow we will divide in half. One half will continue painting and the the half will go river rafting. Then on Wednesday we'll all switch.

Thank you for the continued prayers. Keep 'em coming!

Until then,

Buck

2011-06-13T00:19:00.011-05:00

Whew! What a day!

The day began bright and early. We joined together with Rosemont Baptist Church for worship this morning. Our students led in the worship service and the presence of the Lord was obvious and predominant. Dr. Kim's sermon regarding miracles was excellent and timely for our trip.

After a delicious lunch of homemade chalupas, we began setting up and getting things ready and organized for the beginning of VBS tomorrow. Students were going over Bible lessons, organizing craft projects, learning song motions and making sure all the recreation equipment was ready for tomorrow's VBS children.

Late in the afternoon we loaded the bus and went to Northbrook Mobile Home Park where we hosted a VBS Kick-off Block Party. The students led the children in games, made sno-cones, popcorn, cotton candy and presented a concert to the residents of the park. Many of the children that attended VBS last year were waiting for us as we exited the bus. The smiles on their faces were enough to melt our hearts. They were singing songs from last year's VBS and some of them brought some of the small gifts they had been given by students last year as remembrance's. Many of the children's parents came and it was a wonderful way to start the week.

As we made our way back to the church we had the blessing of assisting the new associate pastor's family by unloading their moving trucks! This was something that we've never done before. Tim & Lori and their children Micheala and Rowen are moving to Montrose from Edmond, OK. They will serve alongside Dr. Bearden to spread God's love to the people of Montrose. We unloaded 2 moving trucks and a u-haul trailer. You haven't lived until you carried a refrigerator and piano downstairs to the basement! Just sayin'...

Tomorrow VBS will be in full swing at Rosemont Baptist Church and at Northbrook Villas. Tomorrow afternoon we will be doing a community service project with the Montrose Community Food Pantry.

Thanks so much for the prayers. We are thankful for each one of them.

Until then,

Buck

2011-06-11T23:43:00.003-05:00

Saturday has been a great day! We were able to maintain our schedule very well today. Many times we are able to do so for a single day, but it's rare that we're able to do so for 2 consecutive travel days. A great driver (Rex Brown), beautiful weather and a bus load of incredible students and adults is a great combination for making the impossible, possible. The students have been awesome. Their attitudes and dispositions have been wonderful and have made the trip thus far very enjoyable.

Today was seriously, all travel. Aside from 2 pit stops, and 1 lunch stop, we pressed onward. We arrived in Montrose around 5:30 PM. Got everyone checked in and walked over to Rosemont Baptist Church for a delicious lasagna dinner. Got the equipment unloaded and set up, made a Walmart run and got back to the hotel in time for everyone to be able to get a good nights sleep. We have a big day tomorrow and need for everyone to be on top of their game!

Since today was just a travel day I'm posting a few scenic pics I took along the way today.

Pray for us tomorrow as we lead worship at Rosemont Baptist Church and host a VBS Kick-off Block Party at Northbrook Mobile Home Park.

Day 1

2011-06-11T07:44:00.004-05:00

Day one began very early and ended very late. The day went very smoothly and without interruption. We thank the Lord for His watch care over us as we traveled and managed to stay on schedule.

We departed SBC at 5:00 AM and pulled into Wichita Falls around 11:15 AM for a quick lunch. After lunch we were back on the road and arrived in Amarillo at 4:00 PM, right on schedule! After freshening up quickly and getting room assignments we were back on the bus for a short 30 minute trip to the Palo Duro Canyon.

Once at the canyon we set up for a pre-show concert and enjoyed a fabulous steak dinner prepared by the world famous Big Texan. We were blessed for the second year in a row to be able to present a pre-show concert to the guests as they were arriving to see the outdoor musical presentation of "Texas".

Our students were simply amazing. This was probably one of the best "first concerts" we've ever done while on Mission Tour. Following the concert we were bombarded by people commenting on "those wonderful young people". Their lives, their faces and their voices were used as living testimonies to Jesus Christ and his immeasurable love. We enjoyed the presentation very much and were finally back at the hotel around 11:30 PM.

A very quick night, a delicious breakfast and a very cool morning set the stage for a great day 2. Yesterday we traveled 586 miles from Spring to Amarillo and today we will travel 564 miles from Amarillo to Montrose. We know that the Lord is with us and know that He will use us to His glory in many ways, some we're not even aware of. Please continue to lift us up as we travel and as we minister in Jesus' name.

Montrose Update

2010-07-01T14:53:00.002-05:00

Just spoke with Donna from Montrose and she gave a great report regarding the current state of things at Rosemont. She has been all over town delivering thanks-yous to people and business' that make a contribution to VBS and all of them have had something great to say about "those kids from Texas". She went to the ROTC to see if they could get a color guard for their July 4th service and even the man there had heard about us and read about our visit in the newspaper and was talking about how great is was that we came to help. 2 grocery stores and the Chamber of Commerce have also had many great things to say.

That was our hope and prayer. We wanted for Rosemont to be able to increase their ministry and visibility to the people of Montrose. We wanted for more people to know that they exist. We can only praise the Lord for the way He works through His willing children.

In two weeks they are going to begin an on-going Mom's class. One of the ladies that attended the class while we were there has been coming to church regularly, with her 2 children.

The Lord is continuing what He began with us.

She also updated me on Dr. Kim's health. He is not doing well at all. He is in constant pain and is needing to make a decision very soon about what to do. Please be in fervent prayer for him. He has some major decisions and obstacles facing him. I know he would appreciate your prayers.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Spring Baptist Church Montrose Day 4

2010-06-25T09:33:00.000-05:00

Commendation

2010-06-22T10:28:00.002-05:00

I thought you might enjoy seeing this letter we received from the mayor of Montrose. Our goal and purpose of the Community Service Projects was to help Rosemont Baptist Church establish an identity in their community and to cast a positive light on their ministry. I believe that through the Lord's power & provision, we accomplished what we set out to do.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

News : Baptist church from Texas helps out community (Montrose, CO)

2010-06-20T20:55:00.000-05:00

News : Baptist church from Texas helps out community (Montrose, CO)

Spring Baptist Church Montrose Day 2/3

2010-06-20T16:20:00.000-05:00

Waxahachie

2010-06-20T06:05:00.003-05:00

It is 6:00 A.M. and we have just left Waxahachie. We are anticipating an arrival of 8:45 A.M. Should things change we'll update as merited.

Wichita Falls

2010-06-20T03:13:00.003-05:00

It's a little after 3:00 A.M. and we are in Wichita Falls. The drivers are taking a quick break and we'll be back on the road shortly. The next update will be after we've come through Dallas and are on I-45 Southbound.

Update

2010-06-19T23:47:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends and Parents,

We are currently en route to Houston. We were able to obtain a new bus along with a new driver and relief driver. We left Amarillo around 11:30 P.M. Future updates will be via this blog, Facebook or you can call (281) 353-5448 x106. The next update will be posted upon our arrival in Wichita Falls.

Students and adults are all safe and sound and doing well. Please continue to pray for our safety and expedient return home.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Change of plans

2010-06-18T23:44:00.005-05:00

This morning began without a hitch. We were still praising the Lord for the amazing night we had witnessed at the block party. Over 400 people were in attendance and we continued to receive reports of people coming to know the Lord. We were still floating on air.

We departed the hotel on time after picking up a few newspapers to read the front page story about our students being in Montrose and all the work they had done this past week. A colored picture accompanied the story that contained several quotes from our students.

We even had a departure committee present. Several members of Rosemont were there in the wee hours to say good-bye.

All went well until we began to climb Monarch Pass. One of the buses lost power and was chugging up the mountain at a snail's pace. Once the first bus reached the summit it went back down the mountain and shuttled the troubled bus's students to the summit. After a 2 1/2 hour wait and a temporary fix, we were back on the road. But not for long. We were able to limp to Canon City where we purchased additional materials to try and fix a busted turbo hose.

It wasn't long before we realized this fix was not going to work. Bus #1 went ahead to Pueblo to try and find a more long-term solution. We were able to find one and soon we were once again back on the road. But not for long.

Once again trouble had reared its ugly head and we were going nowhere fast. It was determined that a new bus would have to replace the ailing coach. So, now the search was on for somewhere to take the students during the wait. We began to call local churches in the area to see if anyone had a family life center that we might be able to hang out in until the new bus arrived. We called Belmont Baptist Church not knowing anyone there. In addition it was 5:00 P.M., on Friday. The pastor answered and was so gracious and kind. We invited us to come to his church and crash until we were able to board the new bus.

With a park across the street many of us played kick ball to pass the time. Some watched a movie in the Worship Center and others played basketball on the church parking lot.

As the minutes turned into hours we realized that there was not a bus within a reasonable distant to reach us in time. It was then determined that we would need to go ahead and secure rooms for the night in Pueblo. Yeah, right!

With a major convention in town there was not a room to be had, much less 27! We were beginning to feel the pressure. On a long shot I called Colorado State University in Pueblo. Without a direct number I called the County Sheriff's Office and began to track down a number of someone that might help us.

Upon reaching the Sheriff's office, the deputy told me he would be glad to help us and called the university for me. Within a few minutes I received a call back from a member of the university's housing staff. I was told that rooms were available but that the housing director would have to approve it, since the dorms were closed this weekend.

Within 30 minutes I received a call inviting us to spend the night at the university. The student workers had determined that we needed their help and they were willing to work to find a solution.

The very nice lady said an officer would meet us within minutes to escort us to the university. Keys had already been organized and were waiting, along with the students on staff.

In the meantime sponsors had gone to KFC and picked up 100 boxed meals for everyone. No small feat in and of itself.

Once at the university we began to find rooms and eat some much wanted chicken. By now it was around 9:30 P.M. While organizing keys the housing director once again appeared and told us that she had called food services and told them of our plight. They told her that they would be here bright and early in the morning to serve us breakfast. (The cafeteria is closed until Monday) BTW, the housing director lives in Arvada, a Denver suburb 100 miles away and usually goes home on the weekends. Today she had stayed late at the office to catch up when she received our call requesting her help.

By all accounts we could chalk today as being a total disaster. But as I told our students tonight, the enemy would like nothing better than for us to do that. However, we still were able to see God's provision in such an awesome way. He placed people in our path that were able to provide the assistance we needed, in just the way we needed it. He is to be praised! He is still on the throne and in the business of taking care of His children!

Tomorrow morning a diesel mechanic is scheduled to be here at 7:00 A.M. to make the necessary repairs so that we can return to Houston. We are scheduled to depart at 9:00 A.M. and begin the 14 to 15 hour journey home.

Please pray for our continued safety and that the Lord would be glorified in everything we do. Even though it looks to some like a disaster, it's all part of His plan and we're thrilled to be part of it.

Until then,
Buck

Amazing!!

2010-06-17T11:31:00.005-05:00

I have taken many mission trips in my life and all of them have been amazing experiences. I have always gone expecting to see the hand of God move and change lives. Sometimes that happens in grand style and sometimes it happens on a smaller scale. Each trip is different in it's own way, and has it's own unique qualities.

I have to say that this trip has indeed been different. Different in a good way. One of the major differences has been the level of preparation from the host church. Rosemont Baptist Church has been working for months preparing for our visit. Major & minor details have been discussed and planned with the finest precision.

Another visible difference is that they have been praying and asking the Lord to show up in a major way. Well, He has answered their (and our) prayer. We have seen His Hand move right in front of our eyes. We have seen so many people come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior that we are humbled by His might and presence. Children and adults. Our students, and adults, have been so bold and willing to share their faith with the people of Montrose. It has been so inspiring. It has been so awesome to see the Lord change people's lives.

Our team has done an amazing job. They have worked harder than any other group I've ever been with. We have had the ability to diversify our skills and minister on a whole new level. Everything from computer skills to parenting classes have been offered. We have had the opportunity to invest in people in a very different, yet practical way.

At the same time the Lord has allowed us to be blessed in many different ways. Ways that have made the logistics of our trip flow very smoothly. Everything from allowing us to stay in a hotel that has an incredible staff. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help us in so many ways. Everything from using their commercial washers & dryers to launder our shirts and t-shirts multiple times this week, to completely rearranging their schedules to accommodate ours. They have made arrangements to have breakfast ready at 4:30 A.M. tomorrow morning so the kids can fix themselves a to-go box to eat on the bus. I have never seen a hotel staff work with such a personal and giving spirit.

We have also had some very giving bus drivers. Our schedule is very complicated and demanding. Rex & Jeff have taken it all in stride and done it with such joy and willingness. They can't say enough good about our kids and how wonderful they are. Even though I already knew it, it makes my heart swell with pride to hear them talk so favorably about them.

I praise the Lord with my whole heart for allowing me to be part of such an amazing group of people. Our students are the finest anywhere, and there are simply no words to adequately describe our adults and the way they work so tirelessly to serve the Lord and to invest in our students.

I am reminded of Paul's writing when he said "I thank my God in all my remembrances of you, remembering you constantly in prayer. We recall, in the presence of God our Father, your work of faith, labor of love and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."

Thank you so much for your prayers. We are not done yet. Tonight we will be hosting Family FunFest, our closing celebration for VBS, and the plan of salvation will be presented to the parents. Pray that the Spirit is strong and that people will hear the message of salvation and will accept it!

Until then,
Buck

Day ???

2010-06-15T17:22:00.002-05:00

Will someone please tell me what day it is? I woke up this morning wondering "what is that noise" (my alarm) and "what day is it?" I then realized it was my alarm but still haven't figured out what day it is. It's funny how they all begin to run together after a while.

We have had such a great time. Yes, we've had fun, but we have really seen the hand of God moving over this city. Today (Tuesday) we had 102 children at Rosemont. That's 2 1/2 times more than they've every had before. At Northbrook Villas Mobile Home Park they had 20 on the first day and 32 today. At Olathe they had 4 the first day and 8 today. Each location is having wonderful experiences and witnessing the power of the Lord work in the lives of the children that come their way.

This afternoon our middle school students went river rafting and we are praying they're having a great time. The high school students worked with the city of Montrose cleaning up public hiking trails.

Last night, we had the opportunity to go to Ridgeway Reservoir. Some of our braver (or crazy-er) students and sponsors swam! Yes, swam in the icy lake. The snow run-off is caught in the lake and believe me, it's very, very cold! They were trying to warm up by standing under the hand dryers in the the restroom!

Tonight we will be doing a concert at Northbrook Villas. We have an opportunity to minister to their physical needs by providing food and their spiritual needs by introducing them to Jesus. Your prayers are appreciated!

Until then,
Buck

Spring Baptist Church Montrose Day 2/3

2010-06-15T16:53:00.000-05:00

Day 3

2010-06-14T12:19:00.003-05:00

Sunday we saw the Lord bless mightily. In the morning we divided into 3 teams and spread out all across the city of Montrose to minister and lead in three local churches. All three groups had great times of worship and saw the moving of the Holy Spirit. The students and sponsors were living testimonies for the Lord.

During the afternoon, we went to our 3 VBS locations and began to make preparations for the week ahead. Many times this is the most difficult task, since we never know how many kids will be at any given location.

The students are working hard and serving the Lord through their each and every step. Our sponsors are also working hard and are such amazing examples to our students. I thank the Lord for their wonderful participation and for the sacrifice they make to come on the trip. They lead our students by example and love them whole-heartedly.

After a supper of sloppy joes we had our first VBS kick-off celebration at Rosemont Baptist Church. The purpose of the Celebration was to pre-register the children, but to also introduce the parents to Rosemont. Mission accomplished. Everyone had a great time and at that point the enrollment numbers were higher than ever before.

We are seeing lives changed forever! What an honor and privilege to serve the Lord by giving of ourselves. Please continue to pray for us and the people of Montrose. Tuesday and Wednesday we will be working with the city of Montrose on some service projects. This will be a significant opportunity for Rosemont Baptist Church to establish a presence in the community that they are striving to reach for Christ.

Until then,
Buck

Mission Day 1 - Montrose

2010-06-13T16:59:00.000-05:00

Day 2

2010-06-13T00:46:00.002-05:00

We're here!!! We had a very uneventful day. (we like it that way) After a very cool morning in Amarillo, we stopped for a pit stop around 10:00 A.M. in the Northern part of the Texas panhandle and were about to freeze! We had to put on our jackets and hoodies on to keep warm.

We ate lunch in Pueblo and were again surprised by a guest. Kyle Fluker (Donny & Vickie Benkendorfer's son-in-law) is there while doing some Air Force training. It was great seeing him and I think he enjoyed seeing us. After lunch we crossed Monarch Pass and got snowed on!! The outside temperature registered 42 degrees. We put some of the cool weather in a jar and are bringing it home with us!

We pulled into a rainy Montrose around 6:45 P.M. (remember, we're on Mountain Standard Time). After eating a lasagna dinner at Rosemont Baptist Church, a Wal-Mart run was in order before turning in for the night.

The students are amazing. I couldn't be prouder of their behavior and attitudes. Their willingness to help and be used is truly inspiring.

Tomorrow is a going to be long day, however, a lot of ground work is going to be done that will enhance our ministry the rest of the week.

You prayers are being felt, please keep them coming.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

2010 - Day 1

2010-06-12T09:50:00.003-05:00

Day 1 was a great day! After an early start, we were able to stay on schedule all day. We had surprise visitors at our lunch stop in Wichita Falls when Lucian & Deanna Stohler walked into McDonald's. They were on their way to the Texas panhandle to see their kids and grand-kids.

We rolled in to Amarillo around 4:00 P.M. We checked into the hotel and after a quick change we were back on the bus and on our way to the Palo Duro Canyon to see the outdoor musical production "Texas". While we were there we had more surprise guests, Mike & Teresa McCaskill and Gary & Rhonda McConaughey met us there to enjoy the evening.

Before seeing the musical we ate a wonderful meal by The Big Texan. Salad bar, fresh fruit, potato casserole, hot rolls and either grilled steak or chicken breast were on the menu. And for dessert, hot peach cobbler!

This evening the Lord provided us with a wonderful ministry opportunity. We were able to do a 30-minute pre-show concert as guests came into the amphitheatre and found their seats. Our student were amazing! The Lord blessed as we sang and ministered.

We returned the hotel around midnight and it didn't take long before everyone was fast asleep.

Thanks for your prayer support, we can tell that people are lifting us up. Please continue! Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post on flick'r later today.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Mighty To Save

2009-06-30T10:16:00.000-05:00

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Week In Review

2009-06-30T10:15:00.000-05:00

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Day 4

2009-06-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

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Day 3

2009-06-24T21:45:00.001-05:00

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Day 1 & 2

2009-06-17T01:19:00.002-05:00

Dear friends,

Sorry for the delay in posting anything to the blog. UNLV has been in the process of changing internet servers and for the past 3 days we haven't had an internet connection.

The trip is going amazingly well. You would be very proud of your students and the way that they are serving. At each place we've been, we've seen how God's hand and divine direction took us there. Even at a retirement home, we saw God's hand move and the people were drawn to the message of the gospel.

The VBS/Sports Camps are going very well too. At each location we've seen children, and adults, want to know how they can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, or how they can strengthen an existing relationship. They are also very impressed with our students and the fact that they would travel so far to share.

Another major bonus is the weather. Usually this time of the year the thermometer is soaring into the 100's. We've been blessed with low to mid 90's! Of course with no humidity!!! We are very thankful.

Now that we have the internet issue resolved I will try and post some more things today.

The trip isn't over, so please continue to pray for us and the work that the Lord had laid out for us.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

y

Albuquerque

2009-06-12T22:52:00.006-05:00

Greetings. from beautiful Albuquerque. We drove over the Sandia mountains just in time to see the sunset and watched as it painted a beautiful backdrop behind the city.

After getting away on time this morning we made great time. The Lord blessed us by allowing us to avoid any delays and to not encounter a single problem. The students have been on their best behavior and we are very proud of them.

We stopped in Wichita Falls and might have set a record for the fastest lunch stop in SWC history. We were back on the road in about 45 minutes.

We stopped for dinner in Tucumcari. McDonald's, Subway, Long John Silver's/A&W & KFC were the choices. If you ever want a friendly and great staff to serve you fast food, the folks at KFC in Tumcumcari are awesome. They served us with smiles and efficiency and did it all with friendly service. Again, the Lord was taking great care of us.

We stopped in Amarillo for a driver change, and again was very quick. The drivers we have with us now, Mr. Charles & Mr. Elmo, will be with us for the duration of the trip. Again, the Lord blessed us with great men that serve with joy and smiles.

We will be up early tomorrow morning and on the road by 6:00 A.M. We crossed over into the Mountain time zone, so we are an hour behind Houston time.

We hope to post a video of the 2 travel days tomorrow night.

Please keep praying for us and for the people of Las Vegas.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Mission Tour 2008

2008-06-25T08:34:00.002-05:00

Mission Tour 2008 is all but a memory now. However, the seeds that were planted will have lifelong effects on the people involved. Below is a compilation video of the weeks activities.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

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Wednesday

2008-06-19T08:27:00.004-05:00

Friends & Families,

We had an amazing Wednesday. We began very early. We left the hotel at 7:30 A.M. and traveled to the city of St. Charles where we did a concert for the St. Charles Youth Center. The center is home to around 300 male inmates between the ages if 14 and 17. It was a little intimidating at first, but once inside the Lord provided the strength and power we needed. It was a great experience and we really saw the Lord move and work among us. The young men were grateful we had come and were respectful and gracious. The concert went very smooth and it was an awesome experience.

After the concert we were back on the road as we traveled to Countryside (like going from Katy to Clearlake). Once again the Lord provided us an open freeway with light traffic and we were able to make great time. Once at Countryside we had a quick lunch and were off to our VBS sites. All week we have been running 3 simultaneous VBS/Sports Camps in different locations across the community. One has only averaged 4 children, one has had 10 and the third one has averaged around 70 children! It was difficult to say good-bye to the kids and we encouraged them to come to the block party to be held Wednesday night.

After we concluded the VBS camps we headed back to Brainard Avenue Baptist Church where we immediately began to set up for the block party. Food, inflatables, games, volleyball and a concert. We had a huge turn-out and lots of our kids came that we had ministered to in VBS. we played and ate and visited with guests, many of whom this was their first time to come to church. One unusual thing about the evening was how cool it was. It was probably in the low 60's or high 50's. We were in t-shirts and shorts, and shivering. A little wind made it downright cold! However, we're not complaining. The concert was great and we loaded and cleaned up and got back to the hotel around 10:15 P.M. It was a very long and tiring day, but everyone felt like they had contributed to the Kingdom in a very positive way. It was a good tired.

I am very proud of our students. They have worked hard and done an amazing job. Today we are going to Six Flags for a little fun. We will leave early tomorrow morning and begin the journey home. We can't wait to share with you all that we have experienced.

Thank you for your prayers. Keep them coming!
Until then,
Mr. Buck

Tuesday

2008-06-18T06:09:00.002-05:00

Friends and Families,

Today was another great day. We started by doing some canvassing around the parks that we are doing VBS. We have success at all of the areas and are hoping that many of them will come to the block party on Wednesday night. This will be the first time many of them will have associated with a church and we are praying that the impact will be life changing.

Wednesday morning we will be going to the St. Charles Juvenile Facility. Some of our students are a bit nervous about the experience. Please pray for boldness. Please pray for a calm sense of peace to be over us. Please pray for us to be a messenger of hope for the young men.

The Lord surely is with us. The trip has gone very smoothly and we have had the opportunity to plant many seeds. Thank you for your prayers. Keep them coming!

Until then,
Buck

Monday

2008-06-16T23:16:00.009-05:00

Dear Friends and Families,

Here is a video from Monday's activities. Also, we've added many pictures to our Flick'r page. Just click on the badge to the right. The Lord did some amazing things today. The temperature today was 78 degrees, with no humidity. Tonight's low is 59. We traveled from the south end of Chicago to Uptown (the equivalent to going from Clearlake to Spring) without a single travel jam. Like Houston, Chicago has terrible traffic. The Lord was watching over us and providing us with His wonderful grace. The video shows a little of what we did today.

Thanks for your prayer, keep them coming!

Until then, Buck

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Day 3

2008-06-15T23:02:00.001-05:00

Day 2

2008-06-14T22:47:00.008-05:00

Dear Friends, & Family,
We arrived in Chicago around 8:00 P.M. We had a great day with no problems. When we arrived in Chicago the traffic was great and we were able to drive from one end of the city to other without stopping. Unfortunately, Chicago traffic makes Houston traffic look like a day in the park.

When we exited the interstate to go to the hotel the Lord gave us a huge rainbow. We feel like He was assuring us that He has some great things in store for us this week and that He has His hand on us.

Tomorrow we will lead in worship at Brainard Avenue Baptist Church then spend the afternoon doing some sight-seeing and making additional preparations for our activities next week.

Hopefully tomorrow we'll have a video to post.

In the meantime, we appreciate your prayers!
Until then,
Buck

Day 1

2008-06-13T22:33:00.003-05:00

Hey friends and family,

We made it to Little Rock! We had a great day with everyone having lots of fun this first day. We arrived in Little Rock around 3:00 P.M. We visited the Clinton Presidential Library. Ate dinner at Brown's Country Buffet. (Yum!) And had some free time at Geyer Spring Baptist Church's incredible Youth Center.

I'll post more tomorrow. In the meantime click on our Flick'r badge to the right to see some pictures from today's activities.

Keep praying for us.
Mr. Buck <

Lifehouse's Everything Skit

2008-04-25T21:51:00.001-05:00

We're Singing

2007-10-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

We will be singing this Sunday, October 28 in both AM services. We will meet in the Music Suite at 8:30 A.M. and then attend the first service. We will sing again in the second service and then dismiss to our S.S. classes. We are singing "You Are Incredible".

Our resident shutterbug, Crystal C., took some pics at our recent game of "Steal the Bacon"!

Who Am I Video

2007-08-17T11:03:00.002-05:00

Hey Guys,
One of our Leadership Team Members sent me this video. It's very cool! Maybe we could incorporate something like this into this year's program.

Until then,
Buck

Who Am I Casting Crowns

2007-08-17T10:56:00.001-05:00

For Those

2007-07-22T08:10:00.000-05:00

This is the last video. It really captures the essence of our trip and the ministry that was done. The faces tell it all.

Mr. Buck

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Lifesong 2

2007-07-03T10:45:00.000-05:00

This is the first of the 2 videos we showed at the Homecoming Concert. It tends to focus on our kids and the work they did. I have one more to post soon and hopefully will have some info on where you can go to download lots of photos.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hear Us From Heaven

2007-06-25T10:21:00.000-05:00

I think it's cool that the title of the song also conveys the attitudes of our hearts while we were in Denver. I created this video and had every intention of posting it while we were still there, but the university had to take down the server and do some maintenance, thus making it impossible.

Even though we are home I still have 2 more videos to post after this one. I'll keep updating for the next few days with videos and pictures.

Onetruemedia has a new video viewer with a larger format, I think it'll make viewing the videos even better.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Love Them Like Jesus

2007-06-20T07:35:00.000-05:00

I think that this video speaks for itself. Thanks for your prayers, the Lord is hearing our cry. Please continue to pray for the lost children of this community.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

What If His People Prayed

2007-06-18T23:41:00.000-05:00

Today we began VBS at 2 churches and the Lord blessed! Both churches had children that had never been to church before. Our students had the opportunity to engage them and to interact with them on a one-on-one level. It was amazing as we watched the Holy Spirit move and work right before our eyes.

After lunch we went to First Southern Baptist Church in Westminster and canvassed the neighborhoods surrounding the church. We passed out flyer's to families telling them about the church's block party and VBS. The block party is Wednesday night and VBS is next week.

It is a rarity that we get to see the fruits of our labor instantaneously. We had no sooner gotten back to the church when the Pastor, Dan Dellinger, told me that they had already received 2 phone calls inquiring about both events! Our kids were so excited!

Our next 2 days are extremely demanding. We won't stop all day. We go from VBS to canvassing to a block party with a concert. Please continue to pray! We will need physical strength and spiritual strength to make it through the next 2 days. "The joy of the Lord is my strength."

Here's a video of some of today's activities.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Desired Of All Nations

2007-06-17T23:40:00.000-05:00

Today was an exceptional day! We rose early to a hearty breakfast at CCU and departed for Mountain View Baptist Church where we participated in Sunday School and led in worship. We shared the platform this morning with the Strength Team and were amazed at the feats of strength.

We ate pizza with the students from MVBC and had the opportunity to hang out with them for a while. We set up for a block party in the parking lot and welcomed the community to enjoy a day of fun. We had 3 inflatables, snow-cones, games and cotton candy. We had such a great time and the Lord blessed our efforts. We were able to pre-register several kids for VBS that had never been to the church before. We pray for great things.

On personal note, I was so very proud of our students today. Their attitudes were positive and they were so cooperative and helpful. The weather was hot and they were still tired from all the travel the 2 days prior. They worked very hard today and did it without any complaining. They were terrific! What a blessing they are to me. They were the kids we have prayed they would be. I thank the Lord for each one of them and continue to pray for His influence in their lives.

Tomorrow we begin Vacation Bible School at 2 churches and will do some canvassing during the afternoon.

Your prayers have sustained us and we are yearning for the Lord to do great things among us.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Mountain of God

2007-06-17T07:31:00.001-05:00

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Day 2

2007-06-17T00:37:00.000-05:00

Good.....day,
We are here! We arrived at the University around 8:30 P.M. We were greeted by some students and adults from Mountain View Baptist Church with snack bags for everyone! It was a warm and wonderful greeting to Colorado.

The Lord was very good to us today. We made great time and were able to keep our stops to a minimum. Our bus driver is an old friend, or should I say, longtime friend, and he is awesome. He keeps us on schedule while pointing out interesting facts about various cities and town. We played trivia games, Scene It and watched several movies to help pass the time.

We stopped in Colorado Springs for dinner. As we were leaving the sun was beginning to set and the clouds were lifting. The combination of the clouds, sunset, mountains and then throw in the beautiful Air Force Academy Chapel and it was a breathtaking view.

I hope to post a video on sometime Sunday and possibily some pictures. Check back for updates.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Day 1

2007-06-16T05:16:00.000-05:00

Good Morning, er...evening,
We arrived in OKC after a great day of traveling. We encountered only a little trouble when we had a blowout on our luggage trailer between Madisonville and Centerville. We bought 2 new tires and were back on the road within an hour.

We stopped and lunched in Lewisville and arrived in OKC around 3:00 P.M. We toured the Oklahoma City National Memorial, ate at Chelino's on the Bricktown Canal and took a water taxi ride down the canal.

Saturday we will have a long day of travel as we head on to Denver. The Lord has been very good to us and everyone is in good spirits and good attitudes prevail. Please pray for us as we travel all day on Saturday.

Check back on Saturday night for some pictures and maybe a video.

Until then,
Mr. Buck

Youth Choir 101

2007-05-24T14:26:00.000-05:00

Some footage from a typical Sunday afternoon and from last year's trip to Washington DC.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Churches in Denver

2007-05-23T17:05:00.000-05:00

The following video is a collection of the other churches we will be working with. Their links are under the links section. The video ends with some scenes of Breckenridge.

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Mountain View Baptist Church

2007-05-23T09:32:00.000-05:00

This is a montage of Mountain View Baptist Church in Lafayette, CO. We will be working with them all week doing various things. VBS, Block Party and Sunday Worship.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Colorado Christian University

2007-05-22T18:19:00.000-05:00

The following video is of the campus at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Co. We will be staying in the Upperclassmen Apartments while we are on our Mission Tour. Visit the CCU website here.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com