I recommend the movie! Good food for thought! Grace be with you!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
"They Love Eachother!"
"Dad, they love eachother!" So, these are the words I heard my daughter who is about a month shy of 4 years old whisper to me while watching Disney's new WALL-E. If you have not seen the movie, she is talking about two robots who, during the entire movie, do not say more than their names (WALL-E and EVE) and the word "directive", referring to a mission EVE has been programmed to carry out. Not that I believe that Brynley is picking up on something other children her age would not catch, I just think it is interesting that she saw "love" between two cartoon robots that hardly say a word to each other. So, now that I know she can grasp some sort of concept of "love" based upon what she can observe on the big screen, I hope and pray that we can raise her up to understand and live out Biblical love. Lord help us!
I recommend the movie! Good food for thought! Grace be with you!
I recommend the movie! Good food for thought! Grace be with you!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wow . . . can I even call myself a "blogger"?
Too much to say and not enough time! It has been so long I don't even know if I can be called a blogger. If anyone is reading this, hold me accountable to at least following up about El Salvador (sometime soon) and encourage me to pass on prayer requests.
The quick of it, El Salvador was a great trip. I really like Living Water International (http://www.water.cc/) and would recommend them from what I know and have experienced thus far. I think it would be great to have a group of friends take a week sometime and go drill a well instead of taking a typical "vacation". Let me know if anyone is interested!
Please pray for Granton Bayless (http://grantonbayless.blogspot.com/). He is the son of some friends from church. You can read up to know more about the specifics.
I spent some time this morning getting caught up with Fred and Lindsey Broome. The sad thing is, I didn't get to talk with either of them! My thought and challenge to all . . . blogging is a double-edged sword . . . we can all keep up and know what is going on in each other's lives and never speak again. There is a delicate balance to be found. Please, give us a call, come visit (that is an open invitation to all), invite us to come visit you! I give anyone reading this the permission and challenge to hold me accountable to seeking out "real", person-to-person interaction and fellowship!
Last words . . . I really want to be reading more and I am too lazy to discipline myself and make it happen. If anyone is interested, here are some of the books I am aspiring to read. I would like suggestions and I hope to gain your insights on some of these books as I actually get into them!
Faithful to the End (Wilder, Charles, Easley) - This is the textbook from a class I enrolled in this past spring (Hebrews and General Epistles). Because of my crazy schedule, I took the easy way out and audited the class. You just don't retain things as well when you don't have to prepare for exams and write papers and so I am going back over my notes (60 Pages Typed!) and trying to read the text again so I really have a better basic understanding of Hebrews, James and such!
The Idea of a Christian College (Arthur F. Holmes) - Work related but from what I can see so far it would be interesting reading for anyone . . . especially for anyone looking to work at a Christian College and for those of us who will eventually look to send our children to college (what a thought!)
The Politics of Jesus (John Howard Yoder) - I hope to have some discussion on this after I read it!
Simply Christian (N.T. Wright) - Discussion!
The Irresistible Revolution (Shane Claiborne) - He will be coming to SBU to speak this Fall.
The Fabric of Faithfulness (Steven Garber) - Work related!
If you made it this far, thanks! Grace be with you.
The quick of it, El Salvador was a great trip. I really like Living Water International (http://www.water.cc/) and would recommend them from what I know and have experienced thus far. I think it would be great to have a group of friends take a week sometime and go drill a well instead of taking a typical "vacation". Let me know if anyone is interested!
Please pray for Granton Bayless (http://grantonbayless.blogspot.com/). He is the son of some friends from church. You can read up to know more about the specifics.
I spent some time this morning getting caught up with Fred and Lindsey Broome. The sad thing is, I didn't get to talk with either of them! My thought and challenge to all . . . blogging is a double-edged sword . . . we can all keep up and know what is going on in each other's lives and never speak again. There is a delicate balance to be found. Please, give us a call, come visit (that is an open invitation to all), invite us to come visit you! I give anyone reading this the permission and challenge to hold me accountable to seeking out "real", person-to-person interaction and fellowship!
Last words . . . I really want to be reading more and I am too lazy to discipline myself and make it happen. If anyone is interested, here are some of the books I am aspiring to read. I would like suggestions and I hope to gain your insights on some of these books as I actually get into them!
Faithful to the End (Wilder, Charles, Easley) - This is the textbook from a class I enrolled in this past spring (Hebrews and General Epistles). Because of my crazy schedule, I took the easy way out and audited the class. You just don't retain things as well when you don't have to prepare for exams and write papers and so I am going back over my notes (60 Pages Typed!) and trying to read the text again so I really have a better basic understanding of Hebrews, James and such!
The Idea of a Christian College (Arthur F. Holmes) - Work related but from what I can see so far it would be interesting reading for anyone . . . especially for anyone looking to work at a Christian College and for those of us who will eventually look to send our children to college (what a thought!)
The Politics of Jesus (John Howard Yoder) - I hope to have some discussion on this after I read it!
Simply Christian (N.T. Wright) - Discussion!
The Irresistible Revolution (Shane Claiborne) - He will be coming to SBU to speak this Fall.
The Fabric of Faithfulness (Steven Garber) - Work related!
If you made it this far, thanks! Grace be with you.
Friday, March 14, 2008
El Salvador
So, I have been horrible about keeping people up to speed as to what is going on with us . . . Sorry! Honestly, I feel like I am writing to Shelley and Lindsey since you are the only two people who may be reading this! We love you guys and hope all is well.
I am heading to El Salvador for an SBU Mission Trip, my first with SBU. Since I am so behind right now and I should be packing (I leave for KC in 11 hours), I have had to resort to cutting and pasting my "support" letter. Sorry! Ladies, please pray for my and my team . . . please pray for my girls (all three) while I am gone! Give Erin a call and some love! I really do covet your prayers and ask that you pass the request on to anyone and everyone. Much love and I will talk to you later!
The Letter:
Hello from Zach Waters in Bolivar, Missouri. Erin, Brynley and Sydney say hello as well. Whether I just saw you yesterday or we have not had a chance to see each other for quite some time, I hope this letter finds you well. Life is as busy as ever here in Bolivar with me trying to keep up with student activities at Southwest Baptist University and Erin trying to keep up with the girls while also managing the University apartments.
I can only imagine how busy life may be for you and so I appreciate your taking the time to let me tell you about a great opportunity that the Lord has brought into my life. This March I will be traveling with 18 SBU students and our team leader to El Salvador, Central America. We will leave from Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, March 15th and we will return on Easter Sunday, March 23rd.
We have partnered with Living Water International to drill two wells that will provide much needed clean water in two rural villages near Acajutla, El Salvador. Our team of 20 will split into two teams of 10 each day and head to separate villages. Two female team members will be moving from home to home within each village to educate the women as to how to best use the new well. This sounds so simple, “educating” them as to what to do with clean water, but it is a vital part of our project. If, for example, they were to leave a bucket under the well at all times, the chickens will drink from the bucket and contaminate the water. In my village I will coordinate the well drilling. The eight of us will rotate between drilling to hit a clean water source (usually 100 – 200 feet) and hanging out with the villagers and getting to know them. We will probably get to play some soccer! I am very excited to get to work with Living Water International. I encourage you to read more about this incredible ministry at http://www.water.cc/main.aspx.
While drilling the wells and bringing clean water to each village is our goal, our ultimate desire is to get to know the people and build relationships that will allow us to talk with them about Jesus Christ. I am writing to you in part because I believe that you can help our team in this eternal work. I believe that prayer is very powerful. I know that many of you are very dedicated people of prayer. I would like to ask you to pray for me and for our trip. Here are some specific things you can be praying for: 1. Each of our team members will submit to the Lord’s will in all ways during this trip; 2. God will work through the relationships we build and give us the opportunity to encourage the believers we come in contact with and share Jesus Christ with any unbelievers we meet; 3. The drilling will be successful and we will find clean water; and finally 4. The Lord will protect Erin, Brynley and Sydney while I am away for the week. I encourage all of you with children to ask them to pray as well. Please put the enclosed prayer postcard on the fridge or somewhere visible as a reminder.
There is also a financial need for this trip. A lot goes into preparing 20 people to work closely together to drill wells and educate a community in another country. Major expenses include well drilling supplies and transportation costs. We also have incidental expenses that quickly accumulate such as vaccinations, food, housing, educational materials and training fees. I have personally committed to raising $1,455 for my part. As of February 20th, our team had raised $19,952 dollars and still had to raise $20,000. If you have the resources and feel that giving to help fund this trip would be good stewardship of what the Lord has given you, then please consider helping financially. I hope, between what Erin and I give and what our friends and family are able to contribute, to raise above the $1,455 to be able to help the rest of the students on my team. All gifts are tax-deductible and checks can be made out to “SBU Missions” (not to me personally). Please use the enclosed donation card and envelope. If you feel led, feel free to present this opportunity to your home church as well.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for lifting this trip, my family and me up in prayer. I would love to hear what is going on with you. E-mail is always easy! You can get in touch with me at zwaters@sbuniv.edu. I will be in touch again after we get back to update you concerning our trip. I pray for you and your family as I send this out. May the Lord bless you and keep you and continue to reveal Himself to you.
His-
Zach Waters
I am heading to El Salvador for an SBU Mission Trip, my first with SBU. Since I am so behind right now and I should be packing (I leave for KC in 11 hours), I have had to resort to cutting and pasting my "support" letter. Sorry! Ladies, please pray for my and my team . . . please pray for my girls (all three) while I am gone! Give Erin a call and some love! I really do covet your prayers and ask that you pass the request on to anyone and everyone. Much love and I will talk to you later!
The Letter:
Hello from Zach Waters in Bolivar, Missouri. Erin, Brynley and Sydney say hello as well. Whether I just saw you yesterday or we have not had a chance to see each other for quite some time, I hope this letter finds you well. Life is as busy as ever here in Bolivar with me trying to keep up with student activities at Southwest Baptist University and Erin trying to keep up with the girls while also managing the University apartments.
I can only imagine how busy life may be for you and so I appreciate your taking the time to let me tell you about a great opportunity that the Lord has brought into my life. This March I will be traveling with 18 SBU students and our team leader to El Salvador, Central America. We will leave from Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, March 15th and we will return on Easter Sunday, March 23rd.
We have partnered with Living Water International to drill two wells that will provide much needed clean water in two rural villages near Acajutla, El Salvador. Our team of 20 will split into two teams of 10 each day and head to separate villages. Two female team members will be moving from home to home within each village to educate the women as to how to best use the new well. This sounds so simple, “educating” them as to what to do with clean water, but it is a vital part of our project. If, for example, they were to leave a bucket under the well at all times, the chickens will drink from the bucket and contaminate the water. In my village I will coordinate the well drilling. The eight of us will rotate between drilling to hit a clean water source (usually 100 – 200 feet) and hanging out with the villagers and getting to know them. We will probably get to play some soccer! I am very excited to get to work with Living Water International. I encourage you to read more about this incredible ministry at http://www.water.cc/main.aspx.
While drilling the wells and bringing clean water to each village is our goal, our ultimate desire is to get to know the people and build relationships that will allow us to talk with them about Jesus Christ. I am writing to you in part because I believe that you can help our team in this eternal work. I believe that prayer is very powerful. I know that many of you are very dedicated people of prayer. I would like to ask you to pray for me and for our trip. Here are some specific things you can be praying for: 1. Each of our team members will submit to the Lord’s will in all ways during this trip; 2. God will work through the relationships we build and give us the opportunity to encourage the believers we come in contact with and share Jesus Christ with any unbelievers we meet; 3. The drilling will be successful and we will find clean water; and finally 4. The Lord will protect Erin, Brynley and Sydney while I am away for the week. I encourage all of you with children to ask them to pray as well. Please put the enclosed prayer postcard on the fridge or somewhere visible as a reminder.
There is also a financial need for this trip. A lot goes into preparing 20 people to work closely together to drill wells and educate a community in another country. Major expenses include well drilling supplies and transportation costs. We also have incidental expenses that quickly accumulate such as vaccinations, food, housing, educational materials and training fees. I have personally committed to raising $1,455 for my part. As of February 20th, our team had raised $19,952 dollars and still had to raise $20,000. If you have the resources and feel that giving to help fund this trip would be good stewardship of what the Lord has given you, then please consider helping financially. I hope, between what Erin and I give and what our friends and family are able to contribute, to raise above the $1,455 to be able to help the rest of the students on my team. All gifts are tax-deductible and checks can be made out to “SBU Missions” (not to me personally). Please use the enclosed donation card and envelope. If you feel led, feel free to present this opportunity to your home church as well.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for lifting this trip, my family and me up in prayer. I would love to hear what is going on with you. E-mail is always easy! You can get in touch with me at zwaters@sbuniv.edu. I will be in touch again after we get back to update you concerning our trip. I pray for you and your family as I send this out. May the Lord bless you and keep you and continue to reveal Himself to you.
His-
Zach Waters
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Quick
So, Melanie (Erin's sister) just had her baby and Erin went out to Louisville with her mom to help Melanie, Jed and Josiah out for a couple of days. I have been alone with the girls since Thursday. I still had to work so I had daycare/babysitters on Thursday (until 2 PM) and Friday (until 3 PM) and then again on Friday night (from 7:15 PM to 9:30 PM) so that I could go to see JUMPER.
As an activity the SBU students decided to buy all seats to the 7:25 show here in Bolivar. Don't pay to see it in the theatre . . . if you never see it you won't be missing much. I was "intrigued" by the students' response to a scene in the movie where the two main characters start to take each others' clothes off and kiss passionately. The scene never shows any "real nudity" (we see the girl in her bra) but it is a short, aggressive, passionate scene that we know is going to end in sex. The students all got pretty loud . . . "ohs" and "ut ohs" with someone yelling "This is a school sponsored event?" (with a laugh) . . . more the type of guy that was making fun, not a real question. I guess I expected more maturity from the students but I am seeing less and less of that lately. There are some great young men and women, don't get me wrong but as a whole it can be disheartening a lot of the time. Maybe more on that to come later.
Anyway, I love my girls! They are so fun and so hard to keep up with! My wife is amazing to keep from going insane at times. To all the mothers out there, well done! Erin gets back tonight and I can't wait . . . not because she will take over the girls again (but that is a blessing) . . . but I have missed her . . . and so have the girls. I know she had a great time and really enjoyed getting to be there and hopefully help Melanie out.
I am still trying to figure out this whole blog concept so bear with me. More than anything I am writing down thoughts that I am having when I have a moment to get on and type away but I hope that any friends and family may get a brief glimpse into what is going on here in Bolivar.
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