Forehead

Yesterday at lunch we were playing a game where I say a word in English and the kids shout out the word in French. During the game I said, "Forehead", and Micah quickly responds "quatre têtes" which means "four heads". It was funny and it took a while for everyone to catch on to why. The Bible study went real good last night. We had six come for it. We had a good time singing, studying God's word, praying, and just talking. I am excited that we were able to have this experience before we left.
Angie is doing well. There is no doubt that she is expecting. I walked into the living room this morning and found her watching TV and crying, tears streaming down her face. . .it was a cooking show. It was a sure sign.
My former pastor Bro. Harold Davis passed away yesterday, so he is doing fine now. I have included the obituary (below) that was sent out over our news network . God bless, JASON


Services for Reverend Joseph Harold Davis, 81, Tyler, are scheduled for 10:00 am, Saturday, January 30, at Pleasant Hill MBC, 6876 State Hwy 323 W., Overton, TX, near New London with the Pastors Paul Clark, Don Britton, and Ronald Witcher officiating. Graveside services are scheduled for 3:00 pm, Saturday at the Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Mineola, Hwy 37 about, three miles north of town, under the direction of Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home, Overton.

Pastor Davis died Wednesday, January 27, 2010 in Tyler. He was born May 15, 1928 in Atmore, Alabama. He was saved and baptized by Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, Pensacola, Florida in 1944 at the age of 16. In 1946 he graduated from Pensacola High School. He was also licensed to preach that same year. On January 20, 1948 he married Frances Louise Russell of Golden, Texas and she stayed faithfully by his side for over 62 years. He was ordained to the Gospel Ministry by Bethel Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Texas on October 1, 1950. He attended Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary in Henderson, Texas and graduated with a Master of Theology degree in 1962. He was later awarded his Doctor of Theology degree by Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary.

Brother Davis pastored six churches during his more than 60 years of preaching the Gospel: Salem M. B. C. in Rusk, Texas from October 1950 to September 1953; Trinidad M. B. C. in Trinidad, Texas from September 1953 to July of 1957; Bethel Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Texas from July 1957 to May of 1960; Mt. Bethel M. B. C.- in Gary, Texas from May of 1960 to December 1962; Unity M. B. C. in Longview, Texas from December 1962 to February 1968; Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Overton, Texas from February 1968 to March 4, 2001 (33 years).

Brother Davis served on the Faculty of Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary in Henderson, Texas from 1961 to 1993 when he retired after teaching Seminary students for 32 years. He served as clerk of the Missionary Baptist Association of Texas from 1962 until 1991 (29 years). He served as the moderator of the M. B. A. of Texas messenger meeting from 1999 to 2000. He served as the moderator for the messenger meeting of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Association from 1974 to 1975.Survivors include his wife, Frances Davis, Tyler; a brother, Charles Davis, Lawndale, California; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, George and Patsy Russell, Golden; and numerous nieces and nephews.Honorary Pallbearers will be Deacons and Ministers.The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, Janaury 29.

Andrew got shot.

The weeks is off to a good start. Angie took Lilia and Caleb to the Dr. yesterday to get their vaccinations. When they returned I asked Andrew how the Doctors visit went. He said, "He shot me". Lilia and Andrew each got one shot. I was amazed to find out that Andrew didn't cry. He watched the doctor do it and when it was over he said, "That didn't hurt very bad." Yesterday I finished the rough draft for the bible study. Of course I will constantly be revising it and changing things. Today I will work on the lesson for the prayer meeting in Carcassonne.

Let me mention for those who may not know, my former pastor Harold Davis is near death. Doctors are saying it could be just weeks away. Bro. Davis, as I always called him, was my pastor the first 16 years of my life. He was a great preacher, he could take the most complicated passages and explain them in the simplest way. At a young age he preached a sermon about hell. I realized that I was headed for that horrible place and spoke to my father afterwards about. My dad explained the way to avoid hell and gain heaven, by turning away from our sin and turning towards Jesus. Afterwards we went and talked with Bro. Davis in his office and he used his trademark quarter illustration to illustrate that once saved, always saved. He baptized me soon afterwards. My father has a website created that has his sermons. He preached through books of the bible and many are already on the website. They make good resources for pastors and christians around the world. You can visit it by clicking here. It is possible that I could be back in the states in time for his funeral, but in either case, I will see him again. The picture is of Bro. Davis and my father a few years ago. I'll end with quoting Bro. Davis words, "We cannot stop Armageddon from coming, but we can flee now to find a place of safety for our souls. Every man, woman, boy and girl in the world ought to flee to the cross and trust, call, upon the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of the soul. I would like to give a special warning to all who are unsaved: Get ready today just as if you knew that Jesus would come today. Look to Jesus right now in prayer and ask Him to save you. I would like to give a special appeal to all who are saved: Get just as busy for the Lord today as you would if you knew that Jesus would come today. Look to Jesus right now in prayer and ask Him to help you to live for Him. Ask Him to use you in His service." God bless, JASON

The clown and the magician.

The Bible study went well Thursday night. We had four people visiting. We had a lesson over the cleansing of the leper (Leviticus 14). Friday we got our tickets purchased for the states. Friday night we enjoyed having some friends from Carcassonne over for supper. We enjoyed the evening. Lilia talked almost non-stop the entire evening. Saturday I got some flowers planted and got my kids Sunday school lesson ready for Sunday. Services went good in Carcassonne today. Afterwards we went to a event in our town that was a mix between an end of year party and a city coucil meeting. There was a clown and a magician that the kids really enjoyed, and they had snacks and presents for all the kids. It was enjoyable and we really liked being able to get out into the community. It lasted almost to seven o'clock, so we rushed home and grabed some sandwiches, bathed the kids, and got their homework all checked over. I missed hearing our services from our church in Hillsboro, but I am glad for the opportunity to make new contacts. This next week will be busy with Doctor appointments and studying. Attached pictures are from this afternoon. God bless, JASON

Change of Plans

It is not always a bad thing when plans change. This is very true in the case of Christians. When an unseen change occurs, you at once realize that this was the plan of God and occasionally you can even begin to see why as time progresses. We have changed our plans quite a bit recently. I can not begin to share with you all the ways that God has used this to his will and for our good. We now plan on returning to the US in February until April. This will be easier because the kids will miss less school, Angie will be traveling less pregnant, and it will be cheaper to fly this time of year. The only negative aspect is that it is short notice.

Tuesday I spent all day preparing the lesson for tonight. It was a lesson that I prepared during Seminary, but it still took all day to get it written in French. Wednesday, we started planning out the trip back to the states. Lilia and Caleb had swimming and in the afternoon, Angie went shopping. We had a friend over that evening to practice the music for the bible study. Today is final preparation for the Bible study.

We are looking forward to being back in the states. As of this moment I think I will enjoy the temperature differences the most. The purpose of this trip is not only to see family and friends but also to visit churches and pick up some more support. We have lost a couple of supporters over the last two years and we will also need more funds to support the growing ministry that we have. If you are interested in having us come to your church please contact us early so that we can manage our time well. We will miss being here, as this feels like home as well. We look forward to seeing some of you soon. The attached picture was taken the day before we left to come to France. God bless, JASON

To have a secret in the drawer.

The weekend went well. Saturday we accepted some furniture from our neighbor, as she is moving. She gave us several nice pieces, we are already praying for whom the Lord will place in the house next. They are not aware of it yet, but they will be hearing about Jesus shortly. Angie did good on the Sunday school lesson, my part went good as well.

The title of this blog is a direct translation of a french phrase "avoir un polichinelle dans le tiroir", "to have a puppet or secret in the drawer". A better English translation would be "to have a bun in the oven". It means to be pregnant. Yes, you guessed it, we are expecting a baby. Surprise! We are surprised yet excited by this news. Angie will be due in early September. That is the reason why we are moving up our trip to the US to be from April through June. We told Lilia last night, after we told our parents, she was really excited. Afterwards I went to her room to check in on her and she said, "Daddy, I am so happy I have been crying." We told the boys this morning. Caleb said, "wow" and wanted to touch Angie's stomach. Micah ran and gave Angie a hug. Andrew said, "We are gonna have a present." The boys kept refering to the new arrival as "he", so I explained that it could be a girl; which none of them had thought about. Lilia liked that idea. So the news is out. Attached pictures are of Micah and Andrew at a week old, Micah at home and Andrew in the NICU. God bless, JASON

First Bible Study

We had our first Bible Study last night. It went real well. Only one other couple came, but we were thrilled all the same. There were some conflicts with other activities happening on Friday nights, so we will most likely have it Thursday next week. We have wonderful time of singing praises to God, pray and looking at God's Word as a whole. I am excited about the future. Attached a couple of pictures taken during the evening. Lilia and Caleb sat in on the bible study and read scriptures. Caleb even took a turn praying in French during the prayer time. Today we are helping the lady next door move some items. She is the daughter of our landlord. She is moving to Carcassonne. I am already praying for the next family who will be moving in there. It will be a wonderful chance to build a relationship with someone. The lady next door has given us some wonderful pieces of furniture that will not fit in her new house. She has also passed along some outside toys that our kids will love. We are also busy getting ready for tommorrow. Angie is teaching Sunday school for the younger kids, meaning Andrew, Micah, and Caleb. I am leading the song service, making announcments, and scripture reading. I am looking forward to it. God bless, JASON

Thawed out.

The snow finally stopped falling late Saturday night. We ended up with over 7 inches. It was nice while it lasted. Sunday, Angie and the kids stayed home, while I walked to the car and braved the icy roads to go to the church in Carcassonne. I really enjoyed the servcies. Their current pastor will be retiring soon and his replacement was visiting Sunday. I enjoyed hearing him speak. He will be moving here in June and we have offered him to stay in our house if needed while he is trying to locate one for him and his family. Tuesday he came and visited in the morning with us. I am really impressed with him and looking forward to getting to know him and his family better. We are trying to decide our plans for returning to the states. We do not know if we will leave mid-june and stay to the end of August, or if we will May and stay to July. We received a Christmas package from Angie's parents today. Loaded with fudge and other goodies. Angie has gone shopping with Lilia, January is a month of sales on almost everything. I am hoping that we will have the Bible study this Friday. I am giving an introduction to the Bible. I also pray that we will have a good number come. I heard this morning of the large Earthquake in Haïti, our prayers go out to all who are affected by this tragedy. Tomorrow I am giving the prayer meeting at the church in Carcassonne since the pastor has taken a short trip to England. Sunday I will lead the services and Angie will teach the younger kids Sunday school. Attached picture is the kids playing a board game. Enjoy the day that God has given you. God bless, JASON

"It rarely snows here"

How many time have you heard that before. For the third time this winter we have snow on the ground. As you can see from the pictures it is quite a bit, 5 inches or 13 1/2 cm. It snowed Thursday evening, Friday afternoon, all night Friday, and has snowed all morning today. The kids have had fun playing in it. It is a little hard for Andrew to walk since some of the drifts are up to his waist. We still have power thankfully, yesterday we had some brown outs. We are still planning on getting to church tomorrow. We did cancel the Bible study last night. Enjoy the pictures. God bless, JASON

Snow again.

Our internet was down Tuesday through Thursday. We talked to the help desk on Tuesday but could not get the problem resolved. The repairman came Thursday and pushed the reset button to fix it. I wonder why myself or the help line people did not think of that. That was a $150 just for him to push the reset button. The prayer meeting in Carcassonne went well yesterday. All the ones who showed up spoke English so they gave the option for speak in English, but I stuck with the French. Also, it started snowing yesterday afternoon and we currently have about 3 inches of snow on the ground. The kids really enjoyed playing in it last night (pictured). They still had school this morning. We left early so we could walk a third of a mile to where we had parked at the bottom of the hill. We are about to go pick them up for lunch. We will probably eat in town somewhere to avoid the drive and walk back. I imagine that the bible study will be canceled tonight because of the snowy weather. God bless, JASON

Twenty Ten

The New Year was kicked off well. We enjoyed bringing in the New Year with a couple from Carcassonne. We started this year off in prayer. Wise considering what all we will have going this new year. Last week we did receive boxes from my parents and from my sister and brother-in-law. That made for two more Christmas celebrations during the week. We enjoyed getting them and are truly thankful for them. The gift from my parents had been opened and searched, I would imagine in wake of the recent bomb scare on a flight. Last week was dificult week of culture shock for me personally. I found myself not even trying to comunicate in good French several times. Thankfully a New Year has been started. Yesterday we took the kids to McDonalds, with Angie being sick and then the holidays, it has been over a month and a half since we had gone out to eat. Afterwards we enjoyed a good talk with my younger sister and her husband on skype. Kids will be back in school Monday. I will be bringing the lesson at the prayer meeting the next two weeks as the pastor in Carcassonne will be traveling. Also Friday will be our first home bible study, Lord willing. I am working on an introduction to the Bible. I pray that God will bless this Bible Study. As well I have email a request for someone to be my French Conversation partner, I hope to receive a repy soon. Evidently I am in need of help with French (even my kids remind me of this). The picture is of us opening the box from my parents. God bless, JASON