Bulgaria - Macedonia 2015

The LORD says, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Barnabas is one of my favorite men of the Bible. His real name was Joseph, but was given this nickname which means "Son of Encouragement." What a powerful statement, to be called that instead of your given name! This is the calling of our Bulgarian - Macedonian Servant Team... to serve and to encourage fellow believers.

This year, I'll be returning with the Bulgarian - Macedonian Servant Team from Bullhead City, AZ as we support and encourage fellow believers. We will be visiting brothers and sisters in several parts of Bulgaria and Macedonia. In an area where the protestant church only accounts for 1% of the nation, God is at work in the hearts of His people. In a place where the persecution is sometimes subtle, but very real. In a place where real believers are feared and often ridiculed.

We will visit and serve churches in Sofia, Svishtov, and  Macedonia during our eighteen day visit. Once again, a full week of youth camp will bless many children and adult. This will be our chance to serve children and teens.

We greatly appreciate your prayers for our brothers and sisters overseas and for our team. The Servant Team is not setting out to evangelize the nation, but rather to encourage our brothers and sisters as they share Jesus with their neighbors. We are only here to serve. (July 1 - 17)

Many thanks to those who have already donated.   - Northern Virginia Association of Free Will Baptists		Many have chosen to financially support mission work to Bulgaria in the past. If you choose this again, you will receive a receipt from Heritage FWB Church. Thank you for your prayers and assistance.

I hope you enjoy this video last year, as we look forward to this year's journey.
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins,
 as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

Inner Strength

From the outside, the hull of the old boat was battered and beaten. For many years, she had seen turbulent storms and suffered much damage. Now, don’t think that it was always that way, for this old girl had seen smooth waters and had voyaged to many wondrous places. She had experienced many adventures that would excite and entice anyone. However, it wasn’t the smooth sailing that gave her the worn look, it was those storms and rocky passages that made most people shake their head when they looked on her exterior. To the passer-by, she looked like she should have been put away years ago, yet there she was, still able to stand strong day after day.

What was the secret of the old boat? What gave her the strength to carry on? Deep beneath the surface, if you were to look under the scarred gunwales, you would see an inner strength. She was held together by what most could not see, by strong steel that made her able to withstand all the calamities on the surface. It was the inner strength that gave her character.

As with the old boat, many men and women who seem to be battered and beaten continue to carry on day after day. While they may not be the most attractive nor the fastest, they hold fast and stay true to the course. The strength of the truly resilient comes from what cannot be seen from the outside. It is God who can give such strength, holding us together as he lifts us up and protecting us with His armor. I thank God that He doesn’t fail and that He can be relied upon when the storms of life come our way. 

Bulgaria / Macedonia Servant Trip 2014

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8

In August 2010, the Lord started guiding me down an unexpected path. Taking my experiences and passions to allow opportunities I would have never expected. Over the past two summers, I've been blessed to work in His ministry to Bulgaria through The Hanna Project. God has moved in me, drawing me to this land so far away as I have seen Him work in peoples lives. Now, he has opened a new door.

This year, I'll be joining the Bulgarian Servant Team from Bullhead City, AZ as we support and encourage the Church in Bulgaria and Macedonia. We will be visiting brothers and sisters in several parts of Bulgaria and Macedonia. In an area where the protestant church only accounts for 1% of the nation, God is at work in the hearts of His people. Yet, all around them, people have no hope at all, or put their hope in ritual and superstition. Real believers are feared and often ridiculed. A special treat for me on this trip will be camp! We will be working at a Christian youth camp on the Black Sea. This will be our chance to serve children and teens in Narnian fashion.

We greatly appreciate your prayers for our brothers and sisters overseas and for our team. The Bulgarian Servant Team is not setting out to evangelize the nation, but rather to encourage our brothers and sisters as they share Jesus with their neighbors. We are only here to serve. (July 1 - 17)

Thanks to the following who are helping financially.		Many have chosen to financially support mission work to Bulgaria in the past. If you choose this again, you will receive a receipt from Heritage FWB Church. Thank you for your prayers and assistance.
NORVAFWB
Heritage WAC
Harold and Stacie Green

I hope you enjoy these photos from past years, as we look forward to this year's journey.

THP Team Bulgaria

Dear Friends and Family, 

Last year, the Lord opened a door of opportunity to me and many of you helped with your prayers and contributions. He allowed eleven of us to travel to Svishtov, Bulgaria and serve special needs children and local church members. God began opening doors for His Church - Protestant Christians in ways that are continuing to unfold. Thank you for the prayers for us and our friends in Bulgaria. What you may not know is that the Lord began unfolding a new work within me too. Just when I thought my life was planned and settled, God started shaking and challenging... WOW, what a mighty God we serve! As we continue to pray for guidance, your prayers are still cherished.

This year, I would like to share a new opportunity that the Lord is providing in June. Once again, we will be serving in a humanitarian mission trip to Svishtov, Bulgaria. The Hanna Project is sending a team composed of people from all around the U.S. to bring help, hope, and healing to men, women, boys and girls.

Purpose: The first and foremost reason for going is to share the Good News of Jesus with the people there by showing the love of Jesus to them. We will be constructing a playground at that same school for children with mental and physical disabilities, and will be working with conversational English sessions for high school students. Our hope is that they will see Jesus through us! We are looking forward to supporting Tim & Lydia Awtrey, along with Jonathan and Amy Postlewaite, our missionaries in Svishtov. We are asking the Lord to help fan the flame of the Gospel to people who are skeptical about Christianity and the protestant church. 

Prayer needs 

• God will open the hearts of the people there. 
• Team Unity. 
• I will be open to what God wants to teach me. 

I am so excited about this trip! Will you please consider sharing this opportunity with me as the Lord leads you to pray and/or give? Financial support is essential to my going on the trip, but of equal or greater importance is your commitment to pray! 

When:  May 31 - June 10, 2013

Where: Svishtov, Bulgaria 

Cost:    $2500.00 per team member. 

(This covers airfare, food, transportation, lodging and materials.Each team member is responsible for raising 100% of their financial and prayer support.) 

If you would like to be involved, please put my name in the memo and make your check payable to: The Hanna Project and mail to: The Hanna Project, PO BOX 417, Antioch, TN 37011 You can also visit http://www.hannaproject.com/fundraising/profiles/dockhoilman and support me online with credit or debit card.  

THANK YOU!

Merry Christmas!

Praying the Lord's blessings for all our friends and family during this Christmas season. Some day we'll have time to sit down and spend the time together that we want... If not this side of Heaven, then in the presence of the Lord. WOW... what a day! ... But for now, Brenda and I wish the very best for you and those close to you.

High Seas Adventure - Tuesday

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High Seas Adventure - Monday

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Pentagon Disinvites Franklin Graham from Prayer Event

The U.S. Army on Thursday withdrew an invitation to a Franklin Graham because he has the audacity to speak the truth. In an interview last year with CNN, Graham said "true Islam" was too violent to be practiced in the United States.

"You can't beat your wife. You cannot murder your children if you think they've committed adultery or something like that, which they do practice in these other countries," he said.

"I don't agree with the teachings of Islam and I find it to be a very violent religion."

How dare anyone disagree with beating your wife? Who knows, they may soon have wife-beating awards to wear on the soldiers' chests... You go ARMY!

Pentagon disinvites evangelist who scorned Islam | Reuters

GO10 Walk

On April 5th, a historic walk began in Glennville, GA. Laura Belle Barnard, the first international missionary Free Will Baptists sent out, attended the Glennville FWB Church before leaving for India in 1935. The GO10 Walk for the World, a 2,500-mile walk that covers a route commemorating major events in Barnard’s life, began at this church. The purpose of this walk is to challenge youth to consider their role in reaching the nations with the Gospel in their generation.

Thanks to an anonymous donor this unique walk-a-thon has the potential to raise more than a million dollars to share the Gospel with those who have never heard it. So far there are 1,083 walkers registered and $225,451.19 donated online in this historic event.

Pray for Joe Wilson and volunteers who help him coordinate this event. Pray also for safety and health for those walking the different segments. Pray for walkers from Heritage FWB Church as we walk on May 27. The walk will end at the site of our national conference in Oklahoma City on July 20. Check out the website for more information or to participate... I really need the sponsors! www.go10walk.com/dock.

Merry Christmas

Pray for Our Country

Praying for our country as President Obama signs legislation at 11:00 today that will outlaw the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians and other believers will now become targets for persecution and prosecution because of this law. This ‘hate crimes’ bill will make as many as 30 different sexual orientations into federally-protected minority groups.

Right There in the Middle

Brenda and I were so touched by the following letter from a mother of one of her former students, that I just had to share...

Last week, Zeke went to see the doctor for his kindergarten physical. During his exam, the doctor mentioned that she heard a slight heart murmur. Therefore, Zeke will have to go see a pediatric cardiologist to be tested to verify that the heart murmur is innocent. Josiah, my oldest son, had to undergo that testing when he was younger, so I was not as overly concerned this time around.

I began to explain to Zeke that he had to go into a machine that would take pictures of his heart and the doctors and nurses would look at the pictures. He then asked me, "Will they see God?" Not fully understanding what he was asking, I explained that "No, they won't see God. They will see the outside and top and bottom of your heart."

He then replied, "Yeah, I think He's in the middle."

I wanted to thank you for affirming... to Zeke that when he asked God into his heart, God was there right in the middle whether or not the doctors could see him. I pray you have had a blessed summer and that God continues to provide you with opportunities to teach this most important truth to many more children.

God bless Zeke and his family!

Nine Hours of Hope - DASHED by Obama

It took less than nine hours for President Obama to put down

"that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

It took less than nine hours for his staff to affirm that ALL DO NOT DESERVE A CHANCE. And to believe that I had hope in this president . . . I had prayed that he was an honest and truthful man. Even when many said "we will see," I really tried to believe him and trust him . . . But it took less than nine hours to dash all my hope for our children to get a fair chance.

Apparently, officials with the new administration have revealed that President Obama will repeal a ban on U.S. taxpayer funding of foreign abortions on his first day in office. World Net Daily reports: "Fed coffers to be opened for worldwide abortions."

I followed up on this and looked his "agenda" at www.whitehouse.gov to find that President Obama has already announced that he "will make preserving women's rights under Roe v. Wade a priority in his Adminstration." (Note: Apparently in a hurry to get this published, his staff skipped the spell-checking and correction of Administration.)

How could the man be so bold to tell us that everyone deserves a chance and then so quickly turn around to destroy that chance for millions of Americans? I know that's what he had promised before the elections, but I was praying for a change of heart. I was praying for an ethical man of compassion . . . Not some monster who is salivating at the prospect of killing our children. Dear Lord, help us.

Obama Invokes God's Promise of Life

"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." - President Barack Obama

So begins the Obama legacy . . . I thank God for the words that our new President has chosen. I know that the words were carefully chosen and studied . . . They were not just spouted without thought. Those words have never rung truer than during this week: National Sanctity of Human Life Week.

I take this opportunity to thank our new President and to give him credit for great words. I am praying that this man follows through on his statement ALL DESERVE A CHANCE! I am praying that he has the courage to end abortion now and ensure that Americans actually DO have a chance. What a great day for the United States . . . Finally a president who will bring an end to the killing of pre-born children.

Looking forward to the Presidential Order to end abortion this week . . .

George W. Bush: Bible Not Literally True

We have seen it through his actions, have heard him mention it, but now George W. Bush has made it very clear that He DOES NOT hold the same Christian beliefs of many of his supporters. His interview on Nightline focused on his religious beliefs and interpretation of the Bible. Of course, anyone with an ounce of discernment should not have been surprised to hear him say that he does not take the Bible's words literally, that evolution and Christianity can co-exist, and that people of other religions probably pray to the same Supreme Being he claims to pray to.

During these last days of his Presidency, he seems to have given up on trying to pull the wool over Christian eyes, loosening his lips and his politically charged mindset enough to allow such devastating words to become public. His actions over the past eight years weren't enough for many to recognize that his words outlining peace and compassion were empty. His economic conservatism was exposed after our economy collapsed under his open wallet policies, now his social conservatism ploy is under scrutiny. In fact, now he's turning socialist as he's doing his best to governmentalize as many businesses as he can.

So, what are his Christian supporters saying now? Will any of them rebuke their "Christian" President for his apostasy? If they choose to back a man just because he CLAIMS to be a Christian, but does not act according to the Lord's values, why not support Barack Obama the same way? He claims to be a Christan. Why? He is a Democrat. You see, it's not principle; it's partisan politics that matters, after all.

For an excellent article concerning this interview, I encourage you to read Chuck Baldwin -- Where Are Dobson And PCC Now?

Lesser of Two Evils?

For several years, as my children can attest, we worked hard for the Republican party and for conservative American values that we cherished. We saw candidates who spoke with conviction about the God they served and the Bible they believed. Those men were easy to support.

As the years passed, I began to see the candidates change. The Biblical conviction was lacking and the public record of "doing the right thing" was thin. I started to see that the Republican candidates, in spite of much rhetoric, were a lot like the Democratic candidates. They were both headed the same direction on most issues. (Just one was going there faster than the other.) As I worked the polls, I also saw something else . . . Those voters who were once so happy to cast their vote, were leaving the polling place without any zeal or excitement about their candidate. The problem is, they were voting for "the lesser of two evils."

The right to vote is a great privilege, not to be taken lightly. A vote for a bad candidate is a vote that has been squandered. There are many issues which must be weighed; including the bailout failed business with our tax money, a time to bring our soldiers home, the protection of our countries borders, the use of our resources for the United Nations . . . But of highest importance to me is the saving of human life. I have reviewed the candidates, their positions, and their records. Their record and words speak very clearly. On the question of saving the children, I have three choices . . .

1. A man who will allow many children to be killed -
   abortion for any reason.
   
   
2. A man who will allow some children to be killed-
   some abortion and embryonic experiments.
   
   
3. A man who will protect all children -
   ending legalized abortion.

I am accountable every opportunity made available to me. James 4:17 tells me that "one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." So I ask, is it right to vote for the man who will end abortion, or is it right to vote for one of the others who will not?

Chuck Baldwin is the man who will honor things which I know are true. While leaning that direction for a while, I became fully convinced this week when he was endorsed by Ron Paul for President. This year, I'm not choosing the lesser of two evils; I'm choosing Chuck Baldwin.

Let the TRUTH be Heard

Can God Use a Child?

A few days ago, I pulled out the riding lawn mower to cut the lawn. (Thanks for the gift, Greg!) Our granddaughter, Cassie, was here and wanted to ride along with me. I thought this was a great idea too; So I put her in the driver's seat, I sat on the back of the seat, and off we went! This was not a very comfortable ride for me, but I thought it would be great for our relationship and generally a lot of fun.

We started with the back yard which is not much more than converted woods with some grass. It has several pot holes, obstacles, trees and other challenges. Cassie screamed several times from the excitement which may have been coupled with fright, especially when we would cut a sharp corner or bank down the hill. It was clear that she was definitely getting a rush from the ride.

When we first started, I found that there were several times that Cassie exerted her will with the steering wheel. It was surprising what a little adrenaline could do to the strength of a three year-old. Unfortunately, she didn't have the same vantage point that I did. She couldn't see the obstacles and her maneuvers generally led to a rougher ride and caused us to miss the target. While she was wanting to help, many of her efforts actually inhibited our progress on the overall objective of getting the grass cut.

Eventually, Cassie learned to trust me more and to control the steering less. The ride got smoother, she was able to relax and enjoy herself more, and the job got accomplished quicker. We have had a couple of repeat performances and have always had a wonderful time. I believe that these simple pleasures will cherished by both of us for years to come.

Now how God used my three year-old granddaughter to teach me . . .

My Heavenly Father has placed me in the driver's seat and has allowed this rich fellowship so that His will is accomplished, but more importantly for my relationship with Him to be strengthened. The things that He wants accomplished on this earth would be simpler if He just did them Himself. But, this is the way God has chosen to work.

This life that He is guiding me through is filled with many obstacles. Often times, I try to take control, thinking that I know His will, only to find that it makes the ride rougher and can actually hinder God's plan. Sometimes I even try to take control simply because of my selfish desires. But as I have learned to know God, my trust in Him has grown. From the actions He takes, it's obvious that He has a much better vantage point and can steer me around the obstacles and dangers. Sometimes, the dangers must be taken on directly; but only as He directs for His purposes.

Oh Lord, thank you for your patience with me. Please help me to trust you completely and enjoy the life where you have placed me for your purposes. Help my relationship with you to grow and help me to cherish the times we have spent together until the time that we will be face to face.

Ban on Sex for Soldiers Lifted

Single Soldiers and civilians working for the U.S. military in Afghanistan can now have sex legally. So rather than encourage good and moral behavior, our government is now encouraging sin in this area too. Please pray for our soldiers . . . Things are not getting better. The whole article may be found in the Stars and Stripes.

My Redeemer Lives

Team Hoyt is a father (Dick Hoyt) and son (Rick Hoyt, b. 1962) in Massachusetts who compete together in marathons, triathlons, and other athletic endeavors. Rick has cerebral palsy, caused by loss of oxygen to his brain at birth because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Dick carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, pulls him in a special boat as they swim, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.

Thanks to his parents, who ignored the advice of doctors that he would live life in a persistent vegetative state, and Tufts University engineers, who recognized that his sense of humor indicated intelligence; at the age of 12, Rick was able to learn how to use a special computer to communicate, using movements from his head. The first words he typed were, "Go Bruins!", and the family learned he was a sports fan. They entered their first race in 1977, a 5 mile benefit run for an injured lacrosse player who was a schoolmate of Rick's.

Dick is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. Rick earned a college degree from Boston University in special education, and now works at Boston College. They continue to compete in races, and are also motivational speakers.

As of January 31, 2008, Team Hoyt had participated in a total of 958 events, including 224 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Duathlons, and 65 Marathons, including 25 Boston Marathons.[1] They have also biked and run across the USA, in 1992 — a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.

Their story is one of hope and encouragement, where others saw only sorrow and death. What vision Dick must have had for his son, and what a life he has provided. But don't let your minds rest there . . . As a child of the King, our Heavenly Father has done so much more for every Christian who ever lived. We were all dead . . . unable to help ourselves. We were unworthy, just as the enemy has said . . . we were not worth the effort and that only sorrow and pain would result from us. We would have remained dead . . . But Jesus, who loves us as no other could, has lifted us up . . . We are too weak to even walk on our own, but through Jesus we not only walk, but we run, we race, and we win! All we need to do is rely on Him and rest in His power. Indeed . . . I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me. YES . . . JESUS, my redeemer lives!.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Obama contends belief in Jesus Christ not necessary for salvation

Obama contends belief in Jesus Christ not necessary for salvation (OneNewsNow.com): "GREENSBORO, N.C. - Senator Barack Obama has told an audience that although he believes Christ died for his sins, those who reject that teaching can also be children of God."

(This is really sad, but a common belief today.)