http://chadmustain.myadventures.org Chad Mustain -Adventures in Missions - en-us Thu, 7 Aug 2008 19:19:29 GMT 30 http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=new-blog http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=new-blog In preparation for beginning our lives together and our move to Georgia to continue working with Adventures in Missions, Heather and I now have a joint blog. Instead of blogging individually to keep you all posted on the work that we are a part of and the difference your support is making in our world, we'll be posting together. Our new blog is:   http://chadandheather.myadventures.org/   If you subscribe to my blog or to Heather's, I've added you as a subscriber to our new blog. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=garden-of-the-gods http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=garden-of-the-gods Yesterday Heather and I took some "time off" and went down to Colorado Springs to the Garden of the Gods. We met up with two of Heather's co-leaders from Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa, Chris and Christina Via. It was just a nice day of catching up with good friends and enjoying God's beautiful creation. Here are a few photos from our day out. At the info center of the Garden of the Gods Chris and Christina Via   It's pretty incredible!!   Heather and I "lifting" Balanced Rock Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=highlight-video http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=highlight-video A few weeks back Heather put together a great video that highlights this past year in both our ministries in England and South Africa but our personal lives as well. For those of you that we haven't been able to meet with personally, we hope this gives you a visual of what we've done and the lives that YOU have helped change through your prayers and support.   For the Famous One, Chad and Heather Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=counting-down http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=counting-down It's hard to believe that Heather and I are less than a month away from our wedding. The planning and preparation continues to go well as all of the big details are taken care of. I guess it's sort of like the calm before the storm of all the things that will need to happen the week of the wedding.   Last week we were also blessed with a great week of support raising. Several of you really stepped up and made the commitment to support us this next year. For that we say a huge THANK YOU!! Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=showers-of-blessing http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=showers-of-blessing Ezekiel 34:26b says: "And I will send showers, showers of blessing, which will come just when they are needed."   This verse has been so true in Heather's and my life. We continued to be so blessed by friends and family wherever we go. We had a wonderful weekend in Norman catching up with friends and family. We had a shower Friday night where we received more gifts to help us begin our life together. It was great to spend time with people that I hadn't seen in a while and for Heather to m Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=blessed-beyond-measure http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=blessed-beyond-measure Over the past week in Dallas, Heather and I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our friends and family. From the moment we arrived at my parents house last Saturday we began receiving wedding gifts and it literally hasn't stopped. A group of ladies put on a beautiful wedding shower on Saturday and everyday since then we have received gifts in the mail, someone dropping one by the house, or giving one to my dad at the church. Heather and I are so thankful to be surrounded by f Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=an-ever-flowing-spring http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=an-ever-flowing-spring Heather and I continue to be pretty busy In Colorado spending time with family, visiting friends, and doing things for the wedding. Today we are meeting with a florist and then we are taking the rest of the day "off" to spend together having fun in Boulder. We leave early Saturday morning to fly to Dallas to spend the week with my family and then drive up to Oklahoma the following weekend to visit with friends and to be at Generations Church.   Yesterday I had a great conversation with He Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=colorado1 http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=colorado1 My trek across the country with Heather continues to go well. We arrived into Denver, Colorado Tuesday night and have had a great time with her family. Each day we check a few more things off our to-do list (Heather bought my wedding band on Wednesday!!) for the wedding and merging our lives together. A random fact about me is that one of my lesser life goals is to go to as many Major League Baseball stadiums as I can during my life. On Saturday I'll get to check another one off my list (and my Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=dansville-ny http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=dansville-ny Heather and I are having a great time in Dansville. Her family is wonderful and I've had a great time getting to know them. The thing I've enjoyed the most is the slower pace of life on the dairy farm in a small town. It's been great to rest, read, and process all that's gone on in the past weeks and months.Yesterday, Heather and I went to Letchworth State Park. It is know as the "Grand Canyon of the East." It was beautiful and we had a nice time enjoying God's beautiful creation and each other' Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=busy-busy http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=busy-busy Over the past week or so in Gainesville, GA life has been great but very busy. Heather and I have signed a lease on an apartment for the fall, have a cell phone family plan, registered at Target and Bed, Bath, Beyond, and have done many other things in preparation for marriage and our move to Georgia.Our pre-marital counseling has gone really well this week. Jeff and Kelly have been such a blessing to us and so helpful. We ask for your continued prayers as we prepare for marriage and learn to mo Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=georgia http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=georgia Well, Heather and I arrived safely into Georgia Friday night. While in Roswell over the weekend Heather managed to purchase her wedding dress, we caught up a few friends, had a great visit to one of our supporting churches Dunwoody Baptist, registered at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond, and had a restful time staying with Kurt, Faith, and Shiver Giebel.We are now in Gainesville, GA staying with our good friends Don and Connie Rock. Today we have our first marriage counseling session and are going Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=final-days-last-goodbyes http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=final-days-last-goodbyes Well, it's hard to believe that my two year adventure in England comes to an end tomorrow. It's been a wild ride with lot's of ups and downs and God has been present each step of the way. While away on our debrief in the Lakes District, I really experienced God's peace with the ending of this season of life. So, while I am very sad for this season to end, I am very excited for my new season of life with Heather to begin. Here are an assortment of pictures from our leaving party last Saturday ni Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=learning-slowly http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=learning-slowly Over the past few days I have been learning slowly the lesson of forgiveness. I realize there are far worse things going on in the world than our stolen laptops. However, I believe God uses circumstances both big and small to refine us and mold us into who he desires us to be. I have been so blessed to have words of truth and love spoken to me from my wonderful fiancee' Heather, my family, and many of you. In an email this week my mom said to me:Our family has really had the call of God on our l Fri, 9 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=discouraged http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=discouraged Yesterday between 2:00 and 3:00pm local time our house was broken into. Fortunately, no one was home so no one was harmed. Electronics were the primary things that were stolen, mainly laptop computers, including mine. Strangly enough, 3 lap tops were not stolen, including my roommate Drew's, which was just two feet away from mine in plain view. The police were called, showing up a few hours later. As these things tend to go, we are hopeful, but don't expect to see our things again. One of our g Wed, 7 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=last-opportunities http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=last-opportunities As our time winds down here in England, I find that the good-byes and "last times" getting harder and harder with each passing day. Yesterday was my last time to do a scripture reading at St. James and my last time to lead worship at the evening service at St. Andrews. My reading at St. James was very fitting as it was the passage I used in my blog "Committed to the Call" (http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=committed-to-the-call) just last week. Reading from Acts 1:6-14 we we Mon, 5 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=actively-listening http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=actively-listening My emotions are very mixed these past few days. I have just 15 days left of my two-year time here in England. With each passing day I have that feeling of "this is the last time . . . ." Yet, in the midst of this sadness, I look forward to my new season of life that lies just ahead.This past Sunday I lead worship at my last all age service at St. James'. I was honoured to have Dean play along side me. Dean truly has a musical gift. He has learned and become quite proficient with both the acoust Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=committed-to-the-call http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=committed-to-the-call Dear Family and Friends,As my time draws near to a close here in England, and the completion of my two-year commitment with AIM, my life and ministry are at some important crossroads. Because you have been so faithful in your prayers and support of me, I wanted to share these changes with you and would appreciate your continued prayers.England UpdateIn September 2006 Adventures in Missions embarked upon a two-year commitment with some of the poorest and most needy churches in the Manchester area Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=good-times-great-friends http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=good-times-great-friends For the better part of the last two years I have lived and worked with Christine, Drew, and Andrea. I feel so fortunate to have lived in the deepness and richness of community that we experience together. It is such a joy to be able to laugh together, serve together, encourage, and support each other. We have truly made some awesome memories.Christe, Drew, and Andrea overlooking Budapest.Our time together is quickly drawing to a close as I will be leaving on May 16th. They will be staying throug Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=a-work-in-progress http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=a-work-in-progress I think it is strange that we are able to pass something every day and take little notice of it. I've walked by St. John's church and graveyard countless times without really taking much notice of the more subtle details. Last week as I was walking by as I often do, I looked to my left and noticed that a tree had over grown an old gravestone.Over the past few days I have found myself thinking again and again about this gravestone over run by a tree. I think sin sometimes works in the same way th Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=bath-england http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=bath-england On Thursday and Friday I had the opportunity to visit Bath, England. One of our good family friends that we know from Norman, OK called Robin is from Bath. He and his wife have lived in the States for the last few years. Robin was in Bath for a bit of a reunion of sorts so it was great to visit with him and meet several members of his family and several friends as well. Here are a few pictures from my visit:Me and Robin outside the Bath Abby by a statue that a friend of his carved. An awesom Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=holiday-club-and-a-football-match http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=holiday-club-and-a-football-match Today we finished up the holiday club with a "beach party" as this weeks theme was "Fun in the Sun." We had about 25 kids for all for days of the holiday club which is an awesome turn out. Please be in prayer that the seeds of the Gospel message that were planted and watered today would grow and that these kids would come to know the Lord soon or on down the road. I often think of Paul's message about planting seeds in 1 Corinthians 3:5b-9:Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. My job was to Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=have-a-laugh http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=have-a-laugh So, yesterday I was talking to my house mate Drew and I mentioned that I've never shaved my head before. He told me he thought it was something every man should do at least once. So, late last night, I decided to go for it. Don't worry, I did consult Heather before doing so.So yeah, there you have it. That's me with a shaved head. Please, try not to laugh too hard.On a different note . . . . yesterday I read Isaiah 12 and found it to be very encouraging and I thought I'd share that with you this Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=final-opportunities http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=final-opportunities This week we have a good bit going. Today, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday we have a series of "fun days" that we are running like a mini VBS. Several of the schools are on their spring holiday this week, which enables us to do these. Please be in prayer for the fun days as we try to creatively communicate the love and Good News of God. The fun days are largely being led by the participants so please be in prayer for them as well as it is an awesome opportunity for them. Tonight, in addition Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=albert-park-youth-club http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=albert-park-youth-club Every Wednesday and Thursday night I work at the Albert Park Youth Club. The youth club is run by my good friend Dave Fraser. Dave is a licensed vicar in the Scottish Reformed Church but has chosen to leave "formal" church work and to live a missional life-style in Broughton. Over the last two years of knowing Dave, I have seen him do incredible things. Several years ago Dave became the manager of the football pitch and changing rooms in Albert Park. The football pitch was badly out of keep and Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=monday-morning-thoughts http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=monday-morning-thoughts This morning I reflect on God's goodness, his grace, and the prayers of this past week that he answered. The biggest news is that Laura did receive a new liver!! Laura came out of surgery in the early morning hours (eastern time) this morning. Don's wife Connie has been keeping their blog up to date with the latest news. Their current prayer requests are:That Laura's body will accept the liver.That Laura will come out of sedation after 3-4 days without brain damage.The pneumoniaand overall stabi Mon, 7 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=continued-prayer http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=continued-prayer Please continue to pray for Laura and the Rock family. Laura has managed to hold on but is still in a coma, in need of her liver to be miraculous healed or to receive a new liver, and she is retaining fluid so they have put a "screw" into her brain to help with this. Please also pray for wisdom for the doctors and good communication between the doctors because the information that the Rock's receive seems to change with each new shift and doctor. Please pray for strength, peace, and comfort for Thu, 3 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=urgent-prayer-needed http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=urgent-prayer-needed Family and friends, I ask you to pray with me for my good friend and prayer partner Don Rock, specifically his sister. Don and I have been praying for Laura over the past 7 months because she has been on a long, hard road. Yesterday, Don got news that his sister was in a coma, experiencing kidney failure, and in desperate need of a kidney transplant. The last news that I heard from Don is that it doesn't look like his sister will make it through the night and is in need of nothing short of a mir Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=great-week http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=great-week This past week my parents, Katelyn, and a family friend where able to come to England. It was great to have them meet the team, attend a communion service at St. James, meet my friends and ministry partners, and see our various ministry sites. Of course we did some tourist things as well and took in the sites of Chester and London. Here are photos of a few of the highlights.The family under the clock in the city centre of Chester .The stained glass windows at the Chester Cathedral are incredi Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=a-white-easter http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=a-white-easter Yes, it is a white Easter. While it didn't snow much, it did snow early this morning. Here are a few pictures of the sunny Easter morning here in Salford.Alleluia!! Christ is risen!! He is risen indeed!! Alleluia!!ChadOur street. That's our house on the left.St. John's, which sadly won't have an Easter celebration because it is closed.It looks beautiful.Awkward . . . . . ha!! Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=holy-week http://chadmustain.myadventures.org/?filename=holy-week It has been a busy past few days around our house. We've been busy with multiple Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services in both Broughton and Blackley. The Church of England has a very unique and beautiful way of remember both significant events of Holy Week leading up to the Easter Celebration.One of our participants, Katie Mumper (http://katherinemumper.myadventures.org/) summarized her Maundy Thursday experience in Blackley beautifully and I thought I would share that with you. Katie writes Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT