Pickle Sickle

Think Flav-o-ice, but pickle flavored. Basically, it's frozen pickle juice. Here's how the conversation preceding my purchase of the Pickle Sickle went:

Me: What is a Pickle Sickle?

Drive-thru kid: It's like a frozen pickle. It's really good.

Me: Really?

Drive-thru kid: Yeah, do you want one?

Me: Sure, why not?

It was only 95 cents.

Actually, as I re-read that conversation, I realize how easy it was to sell me on something that in no way would ever be good. I am a sucker.

Thank You, Partners

I just wanted to say a quick "Thanks" to all who have partnered with us! If you are reading this at www.hebrews1312.blogspot.com, check out the huge list to the right. Unbelievable!

These are all people and churches who have committed to praying for us and/or have given us financial support. Without all of you, we would not be able to do this year-long volunteer program at The Voice Of The Martyrs. While parts of this journey so far have been very difficult and very challenging for us, both Christy and I know that this is exactly where God wants us to be.

In the short amount of time that we have been here, we have already been blown away by VOM and how they operate. We are so excited for the rest of our year here...and whatever is beyond. I hope all of you who are partnering with us realize that you share with us in our excitement! We cannot wait to share with you the different things that we get to be involved in throughout the year.

Once again, thank-you. And, if your name should be on the list, but isn't, please let me know! Or, if you would like us to add your name...just contact me!

B-ville

The past week has been quite a blur, filled with packing and traveling. Here are a few of the highlights.

After finally getting everything stored, sold, or packed, we headed out for our first destination – Clinton, IL – last Thursday evening. We arrived much later than we wanted to, but that was fine. At least my little truck made it that far pulling such a heavy U-haul. I was glad to unload it and get rid of it before going the rest of the way to Oklahoma. We had a great time in Clinton with my mom, brother, sister-in-law, and niece. It was also great to be able to attend First Christian Church on Sunday. I was given the opportunity to do the offering meditation for both of the services on Sunday morning. It was a chance for me to thank everyone for their generosity.

On Monday, Christy and I continued our journey west. I thought for sure we would be driving into some heavy rain. This would have been bad due to the fact that many of our belongings were in the back of my truck, covered by a tarp that I am sure would not have kept everything completely dry. But, somehow, no rain fell on us at all, despite the fact that we drove directly into tornado warnings in Missouri and Oklahoma. Which, by the way, is a great way to be welcomed into your new state! I love storms, and although I am a bit embarrassed to admit it, I love the movie Twister (which is not only about storms, but also takes place in OK). So, driving my truck into a tornado warning in Oklahoma was pretty exciting for me. I imagined myself driving directly towards the F5 as I prepared to launch Dorothy.

We arrived at our apartment dry and unharmed. Our apartment is very cool. The Voice Of The Martyrs has done an amazing job with the housing that they offer to their volunteers. And, if I could digress for one more second, there is a storm shelter near our apartment that is built to withstand an F4 – just in case you were concerned. Anyway, as I was saying, the apartment is wonderful. It's fully furnished, which is great – except for the fact that we are pack rats and are now wondering where to put all of our stuff. But, the furnishings are great. I can't say enough good stuff about the housing here! And, when you look out the window of our living room, you can see the future site of all of VOM's operations. It'll be amazing when it's finished.

Every Tuesday morning, VOM holds a chapel service. Christy and I made a point to attend. I didn't know that this weekly chapel took place and I am really looking forward to it. It is complete with a time of worship, a time of prayer, and a time of hearing a message from a selected guest speaker. After the chapel service, Christy and I met with a couple VOM employees who will be overseeing us as we serve here. We were then given a tour of the office complex.

The rest of the day Tuesday was spent "getting settled" here in Bartlesville. I did want to make all of you aware of one important detail. We opened a PO Box. You can send mail to this new address effective immediately – Jake and Christy Follis, PO Box 4026, Bartlesville, OK 74006.

We officially begin serving with VOM on Friday, March 13, 2009. They have graciously given us a couple of days here to just settle in and transition. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on our specific duties once we figure all of that out!

Please continue to pray for us! While we have always been very excited about this move and about this opportunity, it has proven to be much more difficult than I thought it would be. There has been a lot of stress associated with this move for various reasons. Please pray about that – and specifically pray about the selling of our home. We appreciate your prayers so much. We do not have the strength to do this ministry on our own. It is only through your prayers and God's power that we are sustained day by day!

One final note – soon I will be adding even more people to our partners list! I know there are some of you who have stated that you are in prayer for us and/or have given to use financially. We are having some wireless internet issues right at this moment, so I haven't had a chance to update the list. I apologize. Your names will be there shortly. Also, if you don't see your name on the list, but you have been praying for us and/or have given to us financially, please let me know. It is very possible that I have lost track inadvertently.

Thanks to all of you!