This from a friend here, The Bahamas.

Hi Tom,

I am wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year. I hope 2008 is filled with many more gracious things -- good and positive for you.

I hope all is well with you and your family, or loved ones.

It is my prayer that the challenges you face this year will not break you but make you. Believe me, challenges will come. It is my prayer that the challenges I face this year will not break me but make me.

I pray that this year will be a year of few disappointments and no regrets.

I pray that this year be a year of greater spiritual commitment and spiritual prosperity. May your confidence in God and love for Him increase.

I pray that this year would be the year where you and I accomplished most, if not all, of the goals we have set individually whether those goals are spiritual, physical, family, personal, financial, career, or whatever.

I wish you a gracious 2008.

Until then,

Gus

This is from a good friend of mine here in The Bahamas. Now you can under stand why I love it here. Guys like this are so encouraging and willing to lend a hand. I know a lot of you out there have had some rough times this last year. So my prayer is the same. That you will NOT break, BUT MAKE YOU. May His blessings be a pond you this year.

See you all next year. Tom

I am back at home and loving every mintue

I am back at home

Hey everyone I want to say thank you to all of you that took the time to ask me over, or for going out. It really was a great time for me to get caught up with my Christian family. It so good to know that I have a big family, like all of you. The 11 days just seamed to run together. These last days have been such a blessing to me. I am sorry for not seeing all of you; I promise my next trip will be writing out a schedule and sent to all of you. So you can make your plans around it. But like I said before, THANK YOU for every thing you guys have done. I did know some of you wanted to know how to help me out. If He has put me on your heart to help. Please write the check out to Adventure Learning Centre. Then take a post note and stick it to the check. Please don’t write my name on the check, if you want to get it wrote off for taxes. If you have any question on this please feel free to write me.

My e mail address is: toms@alcbahamas.org

I am sorry but I don’t have a personal phone as of today.

I know most of my time there was to get the word out about my needs. I pray that He will use you in any way to help.

Thank you so much for your prayers and suppose. Please let me know if you need any prayers, I would love to be here for you too.

My trip back home

First of all I woke up thinking I would be late for my flight. My reason is, when flying from there to here. I need to board the plane by 9:25am. So I called my ride Bill, and asked him to see if we could go earlier. He said no problem. So we got to the airport by 7:30am. While at the ticket counter. The tells me I need to take 13 pounds out of my bag. I looked at her and ask could I just pay for the weight. She said NO. So, my extra bag I gave to a friend last month and for got to ask for if back. So I opened my bag and just looked for heavy stuff. Well I had 4 bags of cookies and fruit cake. I took them out and it was correct weight. So my friends and family that gave me those, I didn’t get a chance to eat them. They all went into the trash and the just said okay. I was not a happy boy. I was really looking forward in sharing them and even eating them. So if you gave me anything like that. Please remember me the next time I am in town. Okay back to the flight, I didn’t need to be there until 8:30am. So I got some what caught up on e mails. Until my battery went . So if I owe you an e mail, I will write to you this weekend.

See I don’t have intern net at my apartment. I need to go over to the office. But I can write my blogs and save them and send them when I can get on line. Thank you for your prayers and suppose.

I want to share a God story

While in town I rented a car for $191.00, 6 days. I would have liked to hold it for the rest of my stay there. But it would cost 420.00 more. That is right $420.00 for 5 days. I know it is Christmas but it just is not fair for people that can not afford it. So I called a friend of mine, Bill. I was telling him about the rental. He told me, that I could use his truck. I just love how our Lord just loves to bless each and every day of our lives. Then he told me he would love to take me to the airport. Man our Lord is SOOOOOOOO Good.

Okay if any of you out there would like to write to me. Please do at toms@alcbahamas.org

While in town I bought a $19.99 phone at ATT. It was such a blessing to have a working phone. But while at the airport this morning, I was trying to set up my security on the phone. Just to let you know why, my phone got ripped off while in my apartment here in the Bahamas. So I was playing and guess what? Yes I locked it and now I can not get into it. I went to one of the phone guys here, he told me it would cost $75.00 to free it up. I just bought it for $19.99. He said sorry, but that what it will cost. I will try some other places to see if I can save a couple of bucks. I need my phone here and back in Ft Lauderdale. I have $87.00 still on this phone there.

Having some trouble sending pictures

I am sorry but for a couple of days I have tried sending pictures to my blog. I am not sure why. But when I get a chance I will try to do something else. I am sorry for no pictures. Hope and pray by next week it will be working again. Thank you Tom.

While here in town

I was driving along US 1, yesterday, I remembered I needed to go to the Library to check e mails. So I turn right down this street and guess what? I saw a manhole open and looking at it, I remember the set up we used during my time working for Madison Barr. So turn down the road and guess what? It was them, so I stopped and talked with Craig and ask him all kinds of questions and just to get caught up. It has been over three years since I have seen anyone from that company. We talked and it was a good time. Craig told me that there was a Christmas party at the old place this morning around 9am. I was there and boy was I surprised to see so many of my old workers. These guys have been working for the same company, ( name chances 4 times), for over 20 years. The picture you are looking at is just a few of them. The rest were still working in other areas of the state. It sure was a nice time to get caught up and just see how we all have aged a little more.
Okay, my trip has been a wonderful time and just seeing old friends and even getting a chance to go to a movie last night. A friend of mine, Rose and I went and saw August Rush. A real nice and clean movie. I do know if you see it your eyes will leak a little and walk away saying that was a good movie. Well my time is winding down and I still need to see other people. I have been tried calling some , but number are no good. So if you have not hear or seen me, as of today. Please call me at 954-304-0249. I am only here until Thursday this next week. One more problem I will not have a car after tomorrow afternoon. So my time at night is limited. I will be using a bicycle. Plus the use of Tri Rail. I really hope I get to see you all. Merry Christmas and talk with you later on.

Watch out for this.

If you want to see more about this, check out this web page. http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809.asp

ABOUT AREA CODE

We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code. The woman said 'Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you--get back to us quickly. I Have something important to tell you.' Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 809 . 'We didn't respond'.

Then this week, we received the following e-mail:

Subject: DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809 , 284 AND 876

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY

AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809

This one is being distributed all over the US . This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call. Be sure you read this and pass it on. They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has-been arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls. If you call from the US , you will apparently be charged $2425 per-minute. Or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged more than $24,100.00.

WHY IT WORKS:

The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (The Bahamas).The charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That's because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong. Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam

Sandi Van Handel, AT&T Field Service Manager

Additional information on these area codes can be found from ATT at:

My flight and fun this day.

Well a normal day in the Bahamas, Customs computers go down. It only took a little while for them to come back. Then our flight was delayed about 1 hour. On the plane ready to go, traffic on run way, another delay. Took off and on my way over. All is going well and get off the plane, Ft Lauderdale. Down in the baggage area, power goes out three times. Lord I am suppose to be here? Hey going to Alamo, piece of cake. They have these computer setup, if you have place order before, you can go to them and sign in and get a little piece of paper and go out and look for a car. I ordered a small one. So I am standing wanting for some to come and tell me which car is mine. I saw a guy and asked, he tells me just pick the one I want and leave. OKAY nice. I standing next to a Saturn so I took that one. Now in the car I playing with the buttons and I hear On Star is here for you??? I push the button next to it. RED ONE, DON"T TOUCH IT. I did and hug up right after he said On Star 911. He called me back and ask me is there a problem. I said no but thank you for calling.
Guess where I went then????? That is RIGHT, Char Hut and boy did I enjoy that.
ATT next, got a phone there and saw Roger from Calvary and just talking found out that Gio's wedding was not where I was going Calvary FT Lauderdale? It was down about 20 miles in Plantain. Drove a little fasting to get there. Made it and changed clothes and the picture that you see is, he did it and boy was he HAPPY BOY NOW. Well folks I will be here until the 27. Hope to see everyone Wednesday night at the church service. Bye for now.

My friend Gio and his new wife, Christain

Good Day All. I know you all are out looking for a GIFT for me.

I have made it to the little town called Fort Lauderdale. Came in Sunday afternoon. Things are going well now. I have made it to ATT to get a New PHONE NUMBER----- 954-304-0249 That is correct, I even checked it on the phone to make sure. Hey I made it to Gio's wedding. It really was a nice service and Pastor Chet had some fun. Okay I just want to make sure every one knows my NEW phone number 954-304-0249. I will be in town here until Dec 27, so if you want to see me or have me for some time. Please call me and I will work it out. Please keep me in prayer here, I really want to connect with friends and family while here. Plus raise up some funds too. May your Christmas be a the BEST it has ever been. He is right long side you as you read this and YOU too can have Him dwell inside of your heart, just by asking Him to enter. Please remember why we have Christmas. It is all about HIM, not gifts and stuff. I will be putting some pictures in later on this week. May you ALL have a BLESSED CHRISTMAS. Bye for now.

Just something to laugh at.

A 54 year old woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near experience. Seeing God she asked "Is my time up?" God said, "No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live."

Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction, breast implants and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in and change her hair colour and brighten her teeth! Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it. After her last operation, she was released from the hospital.

While crossing the street on her way home, she was killed by an ambulance. Arriving in front of God, she demanded, "I thought you said I had another43 years? Why didn't you pull me from out of the path of the ambulance?"

God replied: "I didn't recognize you."

Please read and pray to stop this foolishness.

*Twas the month before Christmas**When all through our land,**Not a Christian was praying**Nor taking a stand.**See the PC Police had taken away,**The reason for Christmas - no one could say.**The children were told by their schools not to sing,**About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.**It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say**December 25th is just a "Holiday ".**Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit**Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!**CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod**Something was changing, something quite odd! **Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa**In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.**As Targets were hanging their trees upside down** At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.**At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears**You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.**Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty**Are words that were used to intimidate me.**Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen**On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !**At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter**To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.**And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith**Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace**The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded**The reason for the season, stopped before it started.**So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"**Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.**Choose your words carefully, choose what you say**Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!*

NEWS LETTER FROM BAHAMAS

News from Tom Schafer of the Bahamas

It sure has been a great year so far! We have been having many groups come in at the Camp. They have been such a blessing to our little island here. If you have been keeping up with my blog, you have seen most of what they have been working on. The group that was here during the beginning of November did puppet shows and dramas for twelve different schools here. Then before them this group came in and cleaned and painted at the All Saints AIDS Camp. Then before them, groups had work at two different Haitian churches, painting and repair of ceiling, and they poured a slab and even put up a wall of block. So you can see that people have been coming to help others. Now I need help from you all for our projects that we have been working on now for almost three years. One of them is the bath house. When I got here we cleared the land and started laying block. Then a storm called Katrina came into the lower parts of the states and every since then the groups that plan on coming here have felt they needed to work there, which I understand. But we are still trying to run a Camp and the needs are very great. So at this time I am respectfully inviting you all to pray and see if God puts us on your heart for helping us with our projects here. There is one more project that has been work on now for 4 years. Both of our cottages have roofs on them now. The inside is still in great need to finish before our next Patmos students come in. These will serve as the new dorms. If you want to see pictures on this, check out my blog and back in September 2007 you can see how far we are.

So please folks take the time to pray and see if God has something for you to do here. Thank you and I hope to see you during the Christmas time at Calvary. I will be there December 16-27. Thank you, Tom

Hey everyone this is for all of you.

LOVE YA
One morning you will never wake up ,
Do all your friends know you love them?
I was thinking...I could die today, tomorrow or next week,
and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed,
friendships that needed rekindling, or three words needing to be said.
Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think
they don't love you back . You would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do.
And just in case GOD calls me home before I see you again...... I LOVE YA!!!
Live ! today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised

Following The Star By Max Lucado

Suppose you could give a gift to Christ, what would it be? How could you
possibly select a gift for the One who not only has everything, but who made
everything?
The Wise Men did. They can be an example to us. In addition to the gold,
frankincense, and myrrh, they gave the Savior some gifts we can give him today:
their hope, their time, and their worship.
The wandering wise men gave Jesus their hope. When everyone else saw a night
sky, this small band of men saw the light. The sight of the star sparked a
desire in their hearts that send them packing. They went, seeking Jesus.
When night comes to your world, what do you see? The darkness or the stars?
Hopelessness or hopefulness? Sometimes, just as he did so long ago, God uses
the darkness to reveal his stars—“The light shines in the darkness” (John
1:5). Give God your hope for Christmas.
While you’re giving, give God your time. The wise men did. Before they gave
God their presents, they gave their presence. It’s likely that these men
traveled as long as two years before locating the prince of heaven. Before that
one incredible moment when they knelt before Jesus, the wise men spent many
moments, months, perhaps years searching, in anticipation of that meeting. Just
as the wise men devoted themselves to seeking the Savior, so can you: “You
will seek him and find him when you seek him with all your heart” (Duet.
4:29).
And when they did find him, the wise men gave Jesus another gift: their
worship. Men of wealth, influence, and intellect: what did they do when they saw
Jesus? “…they fell down and worshiped him” (Matt. 2:11)
Worship. It’s a gift that extends to the giver as well. Through worship, we
come to see God more clearly. God invites us, through worship, to see his
face so he can change ours. In worship, we simply stand before God with a
prepared and willing heart and let God do his work. And he does. He wipes away the
tears. He mops away the perspiration. He softens our furrowed brows. He
touches our cheeks. He changes our faces as we worship. The wise men sought the
child of God, just as God seeks his children. “The Father is actively seeking
such people to worship him” (John 4:23).
The gifts of hope, time, and worship. Three gifts the wise still give.