THE GREATEST CHRISTMS GIFT EVER GIVEN

It is not the dog, but Jesus Christ. By looking at this picture I think about how save we are in His hands and how we need to trust Him even more this coming year. I have been very blessed this year and I want to pass this on you every one of you. Please put your trust into Him and He will NEVER leave you alone. As I write this I remember the day I gave my life to Him. Oct 26th 1996. After that day so many things happen in my life. Not all that good, but over all the peace he gives me during those hard days. Plus just knowing He is my friend too. Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. Please reflex on what He has done this last year for you. If you still have questions about Who He is? Please at this time just sit back and talk with Him. He has been waiting for you to.
A message that my Pastor Lee talked about this last Sunday:
The Greatest Christmas Gift Ever Given? Seek to unwrap it. Jesus Christ, EMMANUEL, God with us. He was sent from heaven with love. We want to see what we really got for Christmas, so that we will be motivated to CELEBRATE it as we should.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. I love you and I wish I could give each and every one of you a BIG HUG. Thank you for your time and talk with you soon. Tom/Kevin

This was a subject that came up during our devotion time at the ALC Check it out. I thought it was pretty good answer.

Is there any Scripture that supports Animals being in heaven? If so , can someone give me the reference?

WE have an ongoing discussion at our home tonight about if we will ever see our old dog again. Hoping someone out there has faced this question before and may have some possibly comforting insight from a Book Cahpter and Verse from the old or new Testament--thanks! NO goofy answers please!

• 5 years ago
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Henry C

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I thought this article might be helpful

Will there be animals in heaven?

by Randy Alcorn

Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot pulled by horses (2 Kings 2:11). We're told there are horses in heaven (Revelation 6:2-8; 19:11). In fact, there are lots of horses, enough for the vast armies of heaven to ride (Revelation 19:11; 2 Kings 6:17).

Other animals aren't mentioned in the Revelation passages, presumably because they don't play a role in Christ's second coming (an army bringing deliverance rides horses, not Dalmatians or hedgehogs). But isn't it likely that since there are innumerable horses in heaven there are all kinds of other animals too? Why wouldn't there be? Why would we expect horses to be the only animals? If there were no other animals, there wouldn't be horses.

In Isaiah 65:17 God refers to creating a New Heavens and a New Earth. In subsequent verses the text seems to move back and forth from the millennial kingdom to the New Earth. God makes clear he will have animals living there-either in the millennium or the New Earth or both (Isaiah 65:25).

Some also argue for animals being in heaven based on Ecclesiastes 3:19-21, which says "Man's fate is like that of the animals...all go to the same place." However, in the larger context of Ecclesiastes Solomon is simply talking about the outward appearance of death. Men and animals both die and we can't see where they go. Scripture tells us elsewhere, however, that man has an eternal soul. It tells us he goes one of two places at death. Animals are not said to have eternal souls. They are not said to relocate when they die. The presumption would be that at death they cease to exist.

However, this doesn't mean beloved animals won't be in heaven. I once read Billy Graham's response to a little girl's question, "Will my dog who died this week be in heaven?" Graham replied, "If it would make you any happier, then yes, he will be." Animals aren't nearly as valuable as people, but God is their maker and has touched many people's lives through them. It would be simple for Him to recreate a pet in heaven. I see no reason to believe he wouldn't if it would bring his children pleasure.

Romans 8:18-22 says that the whole creation was subject to suffering and futility because of human sin. The creation groans in longing for the liberation that will come to humans, and thereby to all creation itself. Creation is under man's dominion and will share the rewards of his redemption just as it shared the punishment for his sin. Animals are a central part of that creation, next to man himself the most significant part. After all, besides his wife, Adam was called upon to give names only to one other part of the creation-the animals (Genesis 2:19-20). He worked the garden, but he wasn't invited to name the vegetation. Clearly, the animals had certain qualities that set them above other creation. They were to be special to man, and his naming them makes his connection with them personal.

If the New Earth is all the best of the old earth and more, then we should expect it to contain animals. If animals weren't part of the New Earth, this would seem an obvious oversight. Eden was ruined through sin and will be restored through Christ's reign of righteousness. All that was part of Eden, and then made wrong through the sin of the first Adam, we would expect to be part of the New Earth, made right through the virtue of the Second Adam.

Would God take away from us in heaven what he gave, for delight and companionship and help, to Adam and Eve in Eden? Would he revoke his earlier decision to put animals with man, and under man's care? If he remakes the New Earth with new men (who look very much like the old men, only perfect), wouldn't we expect him also to make new animals (who will presumably look like the old animals, only perfect)?

• 5 years ago
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I appreciate all who contributed, and this article that Henry C. offered seems to qualify and substantiate the hope that our family will be reunited with our old furry friends! Thanks again, and Merry Christmas to all!

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We are getting ready for a NEW Planetarium Show Set Up.

Yes we have been blessed to get a new Planetarium Show program. So Mark thought it would be neat to change our World Bus into the Solar bus. When I first got here in 2005, we had a bus called the Solar Bus. Since 2008 we had to take it off the road. The body on the old bus was falling off. So we now use it for storage. So now we can show off our New Solar Bus, but the bus is not new. This is Sam that is painting the sign on the side of the bus. Kevin, my son is doing the main pictures. I really think it is looking good. Hope to be able to finish it before the end of the year. We will need it by Jan 5th. that is when Calvary Fort Lauderdale, Fl comes in and there will be 96 people staying at the ALC Camp. So the bus is really needed to be able to transport them around. I will keep you all in the loop with more pictures as we work it.

Take a look. This is our new puppet stage.

How so true.Thanks Uncle Wilard

See Scooby plays with Jiggles. For now?

That is right we have a couple of projects going on here at the ALC.

Top photos are the NEW SOLAR BUS. This use to be the World Bus. During this last year mark has been working on getting a NEW Platinum show. So it is being sent over as I speak. Mark thought it would be neat to show it off with a new bus colours.
I spayed it Black. Now Kevin and Sam have to honor to finish up with all the planets ans stars and what ever they think will go with it.
The next project is our New Puppet Stage. It is a large tree with a fort inside of it. It is being built by Tim, Mark and who ever as the skill to do this kind of work. What we are doing to do is. Wrap it in wire mesh and then cement it. I will keep you all in the loop.

Yes we put up a small Christmas tree.

I know it is small one. But really don't have place for any thing bigger. Plus I know you are saying the balls are to big? Plus why are the light on the bottoms MORE. that is how it was made. What do you want for $65.00 here. I didn't pay that I got it for $25.00
I want tyo wish each and every one of you out there a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS. I am looking forward in seeing what will be the next year like.

Please take a minute or so to watch this, I believe you will be BLESSED

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Vnt7euRF5Pg&vq=medium

If you could just cut or even copy and paste on your internet and be BLESSED as I was. A tear even came to my eyes.

Can I please SAY SOMETHING

A question.  Has anyone heard of any foreign country sending aid for those affected by the Superstorm Sandy??? 

 

 

We read all the jokes and forward the good ones but I just wonder who will pass this one on.  How about you sending it on if you got the guts to do so. I am and just wonder how many I will get back? AND very happy to be of the 1%.      Someone please tell me  What the HECK's wrong  With all the people  That run this country???!!! Both Republicans & Democrats! We're "broke" & can't help  Our own Seniors,Veterans, Orphans, Homeless etc. In the last years We have provided aid to Haiti, Chile, Pakistan, Lybia, Egypt, Turkey, and Japan!!!  Literally, BILLIONS of DOLLARS!!! Our retired seniors, living On a 'fixed income', Receive no aid  Nor do they get any breaks!!! While our government  And religious organizations Pour Hundreds of Billions Of $$$'s and Tons of Food To  Foreign Countries!!! We have hundreds of adoptable children who are shoved aside to make room For the adoption  Of foreign orphans. AMERICA:  A country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed hungry, Elderly going without 'needed' meds, And mentally ill Without treatment-etc.etc. YET....................... They  have a 'Benefit'  For the people of Haiti On 12 TV stations, Ships, and planes lining up With food, water, tents, clothes, Bedding, doctors, and medical supplies.  Imagine if the *GOVERNMENT*  Gave 'US' the same support They give to other countries. Sad isn't it? 99% of people won't have the Guts to forward this. I'm one of the 1% --  I Just Did.

    

 

Monday night we had our Christmas play outside. The goats stole the show. I want to say thank you to all of you that sent me HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes. I am trying to answer them.

I have been trying to answer every one face book hits. I had many to answer and I only use my computer for about a hour each morning. I will get to you. Thank you so much, I love you guys. Please if you get a chance e mail me and let me know what you like and dislike on my blog. I would love to hear from YOU

toms@alcbahamas.org 

Saturday night we had a Christmas dinner for Singles.

Had a wonderful night with our outing. We all meet at Lucky's house and had dinner and then sang songs to our Lord Jesus Christ. Then played a couple of games. Really a nice time with friends. I want to say thank you to Veda and all for making this happen. At Singles we always eat well. Maybe not as good as this night?

I am so blessed to call ALC my family, they bought me a ICE CREAM cake. Yesterday was my 61st birthday. Thank you al for your e mails and face book wishes.

This is my Newsletter for the year end report. Sorry the pictures didn't come through.

Merry Christmas and wishing for a Happy New Year

From Kevin and Tom Schafer

Yes another year is about to pass. I have been looking back to all that has happened in my life this last year. It just blows me away how I have been blessed in so many ways. I am not one to write a newsletter every once a month or even twice a year. I use my blog for pretty much everything I do here. This way you are inform the day or the day after on what has been going on here in my life. The address of my blog is: http://tombahamas.blogspot.com Please when you get a chance to go and look at it and see so much more. Plus look at www.alcbahamas.org

If have not heard about my life until today. Here goes.

I have been here in New Providence, (Nassau) Bahamas. It has been now 7 plus years. (2005)

During this time I have been the over seer of the ALC Camp and ALC Maintenance.

As the Camp guy, I have been very much blessed by showing people around this island and just getting the time to spend with them.

Now as the maintenance guy, that has been fun too. We have many things that break and need repair pretty much every day of the week. But by His grace I have had a chance and even a privage to fix most things. Like I said before, it is an honor to be called the guy that fixings tings.

As of a couple of years ago, I have brought in a young man to live with me, at the Camp. His name is Kevin. He is 17 years old now. When I meet him as a neighbor, 6 years ago. His mom has 6 girls and him. I saw how God was working in my life with him. So two summer ago. I asked him if he would like to move in at the Camp? Then I asked his mom. She said, that would be great. So during this time he has been transferred to a school around the corner. (C.V.Bethley) he now is in 12^th grade. As for him living here, he as some work projects and chores too. It really has been a lot of fun to have him here. He is very well behaved and well manner too. 

As I close out this year. I just would like to share one more thing with you. I have been a missionary here. I am not allowed to take a job. So we live on support of others. I would love to hear from you and if God has tugged on your heart to support us. Please look at the web page below and check out my site there. My number is 4303. http://www.ssmfi.org/Missionaries.aspx

Plus I would love to hear from you on what has been going on in your life this last year. Folks I love you and look forward in hearing from you. REMEMBER WHY WE HAVE THIS SEASON. JESUS CHRIST BIRTHDAY. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL  

My e mail address is toms@alcbahamas.org love you.                                                                                                                                   

This is Juggles, she is looking for the MOUSE

Yes we had added another friend to our family. Her name is Juggles today, not sure if Kevin wants that name or not? I think it is cute name and it is Christmas time. A guy was driving down the road and saw this little kitten in the street and brought her to the Adventure Learning Centre to give to us. It is funny how everyone knows the Centre here in the Bahamas and brings us every kind of animal. Last week we got another snake. He is only 5 foot long. Then someone found a barn owl hurt along side of the road and brought him to us. The sad part about all this is we don't have a vet here. So like the owl he didn't make it through the night.
Getting back to Juggles, Scooby is doing well with her. she like his tail and plays with it. Maybe I can get a picture of it later on.

We are redoing or what you would call repainting our World Bus.

A couple of days ago, I started spray painting the top and front  of our old World Bus with Glossy Black. The first cover had some runs. But I changed the nozzle on the gun and now no more runs. Thank you Jesus.
We are hoping to make it look like our old Solar Bus. It will take some time but at the end I really think it will look great. I will keep you inform with pictures as we work on it. Kevin is the main painter. He will do the items that will take time. Right now he is painting on the front the MOON. I will show you next week how it is coming.  The last picture here you see Sam, she loves stars and that is one of her talents to is painting.

This is Joe and Tim standing around and not sure WHY?

I am only joking. We worked all day on putting up more branches and even wiring them to the ceiling. It is really looking like a TREE???? One real nice thing we found out was? Joe told us he would come back and help us with the cement around the tree and branches. I know that will be a BIG help. Tim, Mark and I think we can do it? But Joe told us he has done this kind of work before on trees. So when we get ready, we are to e mail him and let him know when to come on back.
Hey I was very blessed to have Joe come over here this last mission trip of Calvary's. You know him being close in age we could talk and pretty much understand all that ha been going on. The students that came along did a really nice job on all I asked them to do. Thank you very much and maybe down the road one or two might want to come back and help us with program? You know I had to ask that,. we are always looking for help  here and any one that has a willing Spirit to help our doors are always open.

This was the church we as a group went yesterday.

Sunday we went to a church that I believe has been a real blessing to me these last two week-ends. Remember last Sunday Kevin and I went to a out side church service? This is that church.in their place.I am sorry to say, I didn't get their name. I just remember LIFE something.
The pastor is in the first picture. His name is Pastor Rolles. He taugth on Luke 15:25 to32. This area of verses is about The story of the lost son. But the pastor talked about the angry older son. It really was a good teaching. Think about the first time you read this. I remember reading it and saying Hey that is not fair? The one that leaves gets back and the dad gives him a party? How can this be, I have stayed and did your work and what ever was needed I did it. The younger son took all that you (father) gave him and wasted it away? Now go to verse #31His father said to him, look dear son, you and I are very close, and everything I have is yours.
Now remember in the beginning, the father gave up every thing to BOTH sons. The older on got 2/3 and the younger one got 1/3. So mean while the older son stayed home and over see everything his dad had, He could have had any thing he wanted. He didn't have to touch his own stuff. he used his dad's stuff plus his dad was with him and they both grew together even more. They had to work together and during those times they spent time together. PLUS think about this, the father called him his son. It is like how God calls us His son. He is not a worker or even a child, but His son. That means God loves us so much to call us HIS SON. We can go to His throne room any time and spend time with HIM.
At the end we had time to spend with the church members and had a nice cup cake. It really was refreshing to hear God's Word the way he did it. We laugh and plus say things when to the pastor during the service.What I am talking about it. The pastor started talking about Valentines Day  I said BE CAREFUL where you are going? He was telling us, that that day was made by woman and that is the day to bring home stuff for them. The reason I said watch what you say was. Here in the Bahamas, is a crazy week before. There are tents every where set up to sell the guys these baskets of stuff for their ladies friends. It really is over whelming all that is for sale in a basket.  You think it was Christmas time during Feb 14th.
 I hope you enjoy my little talk and would love to hear from any one of you out there that read this and say I don't understand or what are you trying to say? Or maybe you enjoyed it.
Please e mail me at toms@alcbahamas.org  Love to hear from you.

We started the day out doing some work projects.

After we had lunch we went to the Straw Market and walked around down town for a while. You know had to stop at Star Bucks? Then just walked around and got back to the van. Drove over to Paradise Island. Drove around showing them all that was there to see. Last stop was at Cabbage Beach. That is right if you see a black children walking in the water? That is Kevin, He went in the ocean and really thought it was not that cold. Most times we go to the beach, this time of the year. He will not even get close to the water. It isn't because he is scared, no the water is to cold.
So if any one is has heard I work people to hard and that is it. SEE I can be nice guy too. They worked and then we had some fun. It is like today. We are going to a Bahamian Church and coming home to have lunch. then work for about 5 to 6 hours. Then come back to the Camp have dinner. THEN Paradise Island again. That right I will be taking them back to see the Dig and what ever else they want to do. See I can be a good guy????
The reason is I have been told before that I work the people so hard then don't give them a time to have fun. SEE and I will share more pictures tomorrow about what we did and saw.

Joe and I got the axle out of the train.

Yes our trains front axle has gotten broke again. It was not because someone ran into some ting? One of our girls were driving it around the trail and BANG. The sad part is, this will be the third time to re weld it. So yesterday. Joe and myself got it apart and that is what you see above how badly rusted she is. This train has been going around this property now over 11 years it might even have been longer. Most days four times around the back lot.
The times before when the axle broke a guy named Bob has been here. So I am sorry but he will not be here until end of Jan 2013. So I thought if we take the axle out and I will take it to a welder here. This way he will be able weld all away around the axle. Plus reinforce it front and back with angle iron. We will see tomorrow what Mr Knowels thinks about welding it. He might even say no.