Jackson's School Project.

christmas video a video by Jeff_Holeman on Flickr.

Jackson made a video for his Computer Technology class. He wanted to share it with you. Photos are from a photography field trip to take photos of Brandon Christmas decorations.

Countdown to Oaxaca, Mexico.

We will be leaving the USA on January 5 headed to southern Mexico to the city of Oaxaca.  We are ready to see what the Father has in store through this new ministry assignment.  We'll be moving in a temporary apartment until we can find a house and get our crate full of 'stuff' shipped from Peru.  Haylee and Jackson will begin classes at their new school on January 9th.  And, we already have two ministry trips scheduled for late January with churches from the USA.  So, there will be busy days ahead.  Thank you for your prayer support!

Merry Christmas!

South Half Champs 2011

South Half Champs 2011, a photo by Jeff_Holeman on Flickr.

Did I mention that my brother's Petal Panters won the South State championship this year? They finished 2011 ranked #4 in the state of Mississippi.

15 December 2011 Update!

Just a quick update on what is going on with us.

We are taking advantage of last days in the USA by spending time with family and friends, speaking to a lot of church and mission groups, and trying to have as much fun as possible.  We will be finishing up our responsibilities as Missionaries in Residence at Mississippi College this week and the kids will be taking semester exams.  We are so grateful for the many of you who pray for us regularly.  Here are some specific requests that we would love your help with at this time:

1. The indigenous people groups of southern Mexico are in need of churches to be planted among them.  Pray that the Father would make it possible for new churches to be established among these people groups.  Here is a map for you to pray for groups by name. Click on it to make it larger. -;
2. Pray for Haylee and Jackson as they say their 'See You Laters' to their new friends here in Mississippi and as they prepare for a new place, new culture, and new friends.
3. Pray for all the final pieces of our departure to fall into place so that we can get to work in southern Mexico.
4. Praise God with us for the opportunity to be involved in His work in Mexico.

Blessings to all of you!  Thank you for praying.

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson

Don't just give to missions. SEND Missionaries.

You'll hear much over the next few weeks in Southern Baptist churches about giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  You should give!  A lot!  But, don't just settle for giving to missions when you can be a SENDER of missionaries.

Why be a sender?

1. Sending is something God does. Our heavenly Father is a sender.  He was motivated by love to send His Son so that we could be rescued by a message of hope.  Be a part of sending missionaries who are motivated by love to proclaim a message of hope.  When you SEND missionaries you are following the example of your heavenly Father.
2. Sending is the responsibility of the church.  The hope of Galatians 3:14 is that 'hope would  come to the Gentiles.'  Jesus clearly communicated with his early followers that His Church would be His Workers.  As a part of the church you fulfill Christ's command when you SEND missionaries.
3. Sending missionaries is about more than money.  
• We have to provide spiritual support because of the spiritual battles (Eph 6:12).  
• We have to provide emotional support because of the challenges that cross-cultural workers face.  Emotional support can be provided by phone calls, emails, visits to the field, and other expressions of kindness and love.
• We have to provide accountability because iron sharpens iron (Prov 27:17).  Mature, constructive accountability of those you support is a part of your role as a Sender.  Ask questions.  Challenge those you Send to grow spiritually and avoid sin.  Many missionaries are in lonely, isolated places.  Your accountability role can play an important part in their lives.
• We must provide financial support.  It all belongs to God so make sure you're a good steward.
4. Sending brings blessings to the Sender.  You can enjoy the fulfillment of knowing that those who send missionaries share in the great work that is happening around the world.  And, those who send are a part of making disciples and those who make disciples have the promised presence of Jesus.

As you generously give to missions this Christmas, why not make a commitment to be the best Sender of missionaries that you can be?