The Crosswalk

The Crosswalk
Every once and a while, a seemingly-simple email comes around that ends up
being quite profound. This is one of them.
Awesome!! We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine, after the rain....
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....
He knows every heartache, sees every tear, a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may , throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, to give you His grace, and send you His love.
May God fill your day with blessings!!
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of
battle!

This is something I recieved today.

This is for the people that don't live in the USA. The web page that is below. Just click on it and then vote and hit results. After that you will see how the world is voting. It really is a eye opener. The world is looking for someone new and that would be a scary things if they could vote.
Now ALL of you out there look and see what could happen. Make sure you are going to vote on Nov. 4, 2008. I have already asked for a ballot to be sent to me here in the Bahamas. If I don't receive it I saw last night that I could go to the USA Embassy and they post my vote for me. So PLEASE make sure you ALL vote this Nov. It could be a bad thing if you don't. The web page is this http://www.iftheworldcouldvote.com/

This is for fun.

Good morning from Inagua!!!!

What an incredible weekend!!!!!!!!!!
Looking back on the trip, it is amazing to me that we have almost completed 6 roofs. This is indeed a miracle, as none of us are roofers by trade. We also had the opportunity to do a neighborhood sweep/clean up. That also opened doors to share the gospel with people who were curious about the Americans picking up trash on their streets. God's favor has been upon us despite the heat and our inexperience. One of the families went all out to bless us as we worked on their home. From cakes to curry chicken to pleasant conversation, we have been lovingly "adopted in" to different families on the island.
Yesterday certainly was a day of needed rest and re-fueling... In the morning, we split up to attend two churches. I visited Zion Baptist, which is the church that is allowing us to sleep in their large fellowship hall. Reverend Bain exhorted the congregation to continue to celebrate, despite their situation because God is worthy of our praise all the time and has indeed spared the people from a lot over the past couple of weeks. Another group headed to the Methodist church, where many of the locals we have met attend. In the afternoon we were invited to a BBQ with John Nixon's family (he's here assisting with the government's disaster relief organization, called NEMA). He's from Inagua and his whole family came out to serve us with food and FUN. I believe some of the guys speared fish, while others played volley ball with the children or just enjoyed great company and the aqua waters of the Caribbean.
This morning, the door opened for us to go back into the schools to present a high school assembly on ual abstinence. The message of purity and God's heart for relationship through the book of Song of Solomon was very well received by the students and teachers alike. We are also back on the roofs beginning the 7th and 8th homes, and we are eager, Lord willing, to accomplish the goal of 10 before Friday. Please continue to pray for protection, favor, and a move of God's spirit among the people here. Some are still in "shell shock" and others are just trying to make it a day at a time, rebuilding their lives. Thank you for co-laboring with us!
Rejoicing in Him,
Meredith Cravens
Patmos: Reality Discipleship
Adventure Learning Centre

For nothing is impossible with God! --Luke 1:37

These are guys from calvary Bible

Praise Him in the morning, afternoon and night..

I just want to say thank you to all of my friends and family. For your prayers and support (money) that you have given. I have a special place in my heart for the guys here, in the Bahamas. My brothers in Christ. I was told a little while back that the Men's group at Calvary Bible was going to see if they could help me out. Then I was told that they had some money for me. At the time I was told they have raised up $130.00. So Saturday morning we meet at 6:30 am. Well I was about to leave and Erold came up to me and handed me the money. I thanked him and left for home. Well when I got home I looked and there was $200.00. You guys really do know how to make a man feel love. Thank you very much.
This verse the Lord, I believe gave me a while back. Proverbs 30:8to 9 New Living Translation.
First help me never to lie. Second, give me just enough to satisfy my needs. (9) For if I grow rich. i may deny you and say. Who is the Lord? And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy Name.
So I know folks I am here for this time and that is all I can do and say. Thank you again and I will give a up date a the end of the month on my funds.

This is our group of single's

Yes, us singles are meeting again.

Last night was our kick off for this season. It sure was good to see my brothers out too. Sometimes I am the only guy and boy that could be fun, but. Well last night we got together and had some good food and fellowship. Veda played a CD and stopped it, meanwhile we where passing a little plastic pencil sharpener around. If the music stopped you that had the sharpener you had to say a verse out of the Bible. Boy my mind went after the first time around. I could think of anything. So my friend Ambros said John 3:16. So I made it. Okay after that we listen to Dr Miles Monroe about singles. It was pretty good and then we talked about what he was saying. Boy we got into some good questions and even better answers.
I think our next time together we will be going out some place and having fellowship. So please if you are staying home on a Saturday night and not sure what to do. Please come and join us. Or if we are not meeting, e mail one of us and maybe we can do something too. Hey it sure is good to see my fellow friends and I do look forward in doing it again. Just enjoy live, it is doing by fast and why not have some funnnnnnnnn. If you have any questions, please e mail me or you can call me too. Toms@alcbahamas.org 431-5751 this is my cell number.

Hello from Inagua!

We obviously arrived safe and sound! We met our first miracle at the airport. When we realized how "overweight" our luggage was, Pastor Chet called the team to pray. Shortly thereafter, BahamasAir waved ALL of our "excess" baggage fees for the sake of the cause in Inagua. Every piece of luggage that we sent ahead and brought with us was here when we arrived. God is so GOOD!
We were surprised in seeing the extent of devastation on the island, and also thankful to arrive to comfortable accommodations. The people are very grateful for our presence and surprised that we would be willing to "volunteer" expecting nothing in return, just to assist them in a time of need. This has opened many doors already to share the love of Christ.
So far, we have been able to complete almost 3 roofs that were torn up by hurricane Ike... The first one is the roof of the church we are sleeping in together. The second is that of a handicapped family. And the third belongs to an elderly couple. Our goal is to complete 10 roofs by next Friday, (Oct.3rd) when we head back to Nassau.
The students are very excited about this opportunity and are continuing to live "flexible" as they wake up each morning ready for whatever challenges may come. The sun has never felt hotter (Inagua is located right on the equator), mosquitos have never seemed so large and "hose showers" have never been so appealing as in these last two days. Everyone is giving 100% to the tasks at hand, and we're thankful for overall health and protection.
Please continue to pray for us... That we would have a mind to work, heart to serve and that God would be glorified in and through us among the people here. To HIM be all the glory!
Rejoicing in Him,
Meredith Cravens
Patmos: Reality Discipleship
Adventure Learning Centre

For nothing is impossible with God! --Luke 1:37

This is the school I am talking about below.

Nickaus and Celavey

Things are heating up around here.

I have a couple of stories to share with you. Yesterday afternoon, I was taking our two guys, Nickles and Celavey, they do the grounds at ALC. Well on the way there, we go thought a school zone. This school as just open for this year. These are Jr High kids. Well there is no signs saying 15 mph. But we all know when going through a zone, we need to slow down. I was going around 15 to 20 mph. I looked in my mirror and I see this guy coming barreling pretty fast. This is a two lane road. He was about to pass me and I pulled over in his lane, boy did I get him mad. My back window was open and I shouted at him, SCHOOL ZONE!!!! He open his door and told me to get out of his way. He passed me and stopped in the middle of the road. Got out of his truck, walk over to me and told me not to ever do that to him again. I shouted back at him and told him 15 mph zone. Mean while he had some chose words for me and I saw my old self surface. I said a chose word to him and told him to just go. Mean while the traffic behind was getting up set too. He got in his truck and drove off with his tires a blazing. I started to drive again, but inside I was so up set. I just kept saying to myself and the guys in my truck what is wrong with him. Then I realize I have some junk in heart I need to get rit of. I could not believe that word came out of my mouth? I know He is doing the work in me, but I always think it is about or other things. I saw myself blow up and I didn't like that at all.
I got back to the centre and saw Adam and told him about it. Then he told me about what he has been dealing with. I will tell that story next time. Please pray for us so we can handle convict better. I saw a guy last night. Beating a other guy with a hose. Reason the guy beating him, kept asking WHERE IS THE WIRE? The other didn't say anything, he just stood there and took it. I looked over and didn't know what to do. Which I walked back and asked God why???? Folks our time here is getting shorter each day. There is so much angry in the guy on this island. I know it will not get any better. Please Lord just take us up!!!!!

This is the only shot I have of all Patmos team.

Update on Patmos

I would like to share about what Pastor Chet and Patmos are doing this week. They all flew out Tuesday morning, for Inagua. This is one of the islands that got hit hard, with Ike. I have been seen and heard of, 80% of the roofs are gone. Plus Morton Salt is the main job plus Electric and water supplier. Their buildings are gone now.
So Pastor Chet and crew are over there repairing roofs and doing what ever is needed to help these people out. I did hear that 80% of the electric is back on line. So I just want you all to know that Patmos is doing things that even Bahamians are not. I have not heard of any other group going over there to help. Like the collage, high schools. Now please I am not sure if they are helping or not. I have only heard of the Red Cross and Defence Force going over to help with supplies. So I am asking for prayer for all that are over there helping these people out. Our crew will be back on Oct 3th. I know I will hear God stories and how He just showed up.
The reason I am writing this is, sometimes I am not sure why Patmos does the things Pastor Chet wants. BUT this time my hat goes off to him and all that are over there. That is a true Bahamian. Or like we would say in the states, a true American.

Two subject lines to BEWARE OF!!!!!!

Just verified this with Snopes and it is REAL. ALSO WENT TO TRUTH OR FICTION, IT'S on their site also.
PLEASE INFORM EVERYONE you know!
Emails with pictures of Osama Bin-Laden hanged are being sent and the moment that you open these emails your computer will crash and you will not be able to fix
1.) If you get an e-mail along the lines of 'Osama Bin Laden Captured' or 'Osama Hanged' , don't open the Attachment!!!!
This e-mail is being distributed through countries around the globe, but mainly in the US and Israel . Be considerate & send this warning to whomever you know..
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACT
2.) You should be alert during the next few days:
Do not open any message with an attached file called 'Invitation' regardless of who sent it. It is a virus that opens an Olympic Torch which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your computer!!!This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in his/her contact list, that is why you should send this E-Mail to all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it. If you receive e-mail called 'invitation', though sent by a friend. Do not open it!!! Shut down your computer immediately!!!!
This is the worst virus announced by CNN, it has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where t he vital information is kept.

Hello from the Islands.

I just want to say thank you to all of you out there that were willing enough to let me come into your homes and share. It sure was a nice time and I hope I did just to our Lord for sharing what He has put on my heart. Folks I know by looking at the blog below it doesn't sound to good for my time here, but we will all see what He has planned out in the future. I have had some people e mail me back telling me that they will help out. So as I write this, I know He is doing some work in each and everyone of us each day. So as I close here I pray that He has been speaking to you and you are listening to what He has told you. I am not just talking about money, NO really, my prayer is He is showing something else in your life that He has been trying to show you before. I know He has showed me so much since this trip and I know I have things that need to get right with Him. So if you think of me, say a prayer to work in my heart. I love you all and I do look forward in hearing from you soon. My address is
toms@alcbahamas.org

Happy Monday

Yes it is Monday and I know every one out there is getting ready to go do that work thing. I hope and pray all got some rest this week-end. Well I know my time as ended. I have been in town now since the 12 and today is the 22nd. So that means I will be flying out this morning. I ready do want to say thank you to all that I had a chance to share with. Plus all that feed me too. It sure was a good time and I know I did all I could to try to get the word out about what is going on in my live.
NOW if you are looking at this blog for your first time. Please go down and you can read about all the things that I have had a chance to be part of. Plus how He has been so much part of this trip. As I look back now, I have raised $520.00. Plus someone wrote to me and said they would help out too. Folks if you have heard my story and seen my pictures. Well I know $520.00 sounds like a lot of money. BUT that didn't even pay for my trip here. I look back and all the trips I have ever made coming over here. NON have ever been paid for.
Flight $208.00
Food I bought. $128.00
Gas over $200.00
Need I needed to put some money into the bike. $180.00 and it still not running right.

PLEASE I am trying to show you all, This is His ministry. All I can do is tell my brothers and sisters what is going on. I know maybe some of you are praying about sending me some funds. I am not saying that is wrong. I am just trying to show you all. I have enough money to make is the end of Nov. If that is what He wants, that is what I will do.
Please I hope I am not sounding like I am upset. I just want to do His work and that is my way of living. Please keep this and me in prayer and I really hope you do e mail me and just keep me in your loop

She is a LIVE. This is my new/ old bike.

That is right, today is Sundayy 22nd.

Yes Sunday has come and that means one more full day here. I just want to say thank you to all of you. I have been to four Bible studies and I had a chance to talk in front of 8th graders too. Ana has explained all the different thing that are avable for us missionaries that are supported by Calvary Chapel, Ft. Laud. Folks I am so happy to see how Calvary does back us and help us in any way they can. I had a nice talk with Ana Steele on Wednesday morning. She is the one that is over seeing this ministry now and she explained all the things that Calvary has for our use. I really am looking forward in talking more with her and the team. Next time I will do a better job asking for things and getting a table and just hooking up with the CCA children. So like I was saying before, this trip has pretty much worn me out and I will need a vacation when I get back to Nassau.
I will keep you all inform on the funds that He has given me and how there was so many people that ask how they could help.
As of today my Lord has given me $480.00. I really do want to say thank you to all of you that has helped me. But I know there are more people out there that would like to help too. If you believe He has told you to help me. It really is a easy thing to do. PLEASE pray FIRST. NEED.
Write your check out to Adventure Learning Centre. Fill in the amount. Then if you could PLEASE take a post note or a piece of paper. Write on that my name. Tom Schafer. PLEASE don't write in the memo area my name. I don't know why, but I have been told, this is how to send money to me. Then please put in a tithe envelope and drop it in Calvary Chapel' s tithe box. You will be able to have a tax write off and I will receive the money.
I really do love ALC and I believe He wants me there too. Thank you for every thing and like I said I will keep you all in the loop.

Folks my time is winding down.

Yes I have been here for one week and boy it sure has been a lot of traveling. I have now Jon Bunch's truck and I have filled it up two times. That means I have put some miles on it. Well so far I have had the chance to go to four home Bible Studies. Last night was my last one. I was over whelm, This group has more than 60 people in it. That to me is a church and I had the chance to share with them. I look back and I see God working in these home groups. Just being there for that short time and even hearing their stories too. Like I said last night was mission night and there was about eight people or even more, that shared what God has done in their lives during their own mission trips. I just look on and listen to all they had to say. I just was in all and so grateful to be able to share too. After the time I had more than 10 people come up to me and ask for my card and they told me that they would keep me in prayer and in touch too. So I say THANK YOU TO ALL. You guys all open up your homes and studies to me. I was very pleased in all you let me do and your time too. I am looking forward in hearing form many and seeing what He has planned out too.

It is Tuesday morning.

I just want to let my friends and family know. I have been trying find loop holes and any thing to get from having to paying my taxes. I have talked with some of my friends since I have been here. Just not wanting to believe I owe IRS money. If you don't know what I am talking about. Well back in May of this last year I ask a friend to do my taxes and she did. She mailed them to me in Nassau. I got the papers and just could not or didn't want to believe I owe IRS $1600.00.During that year I made $9800.00. So while here I have asked for advise on this. I had a friend named Tom, he told me that this sound like Social Security. Then yesterday I called someone else Robert and he gave me someone else number to me. I called him. I had the papers in front of me and he asked questions and I answered them. YES he said this is for Social Security and there is NO way out of it. So as I sit here thinking and wondering what should I do? The answer is easy, but I look at my funds and say how? So before I leave this coming weekend. I will stop by and pay them.
I want to say to Becky, thank you for doing them and I am sorry for questioning your work.