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Bellevue Commisioning

I forgot to mention that we were invited to meet with Pastor Steve Gaines while at Bellevue. He was gracious to pray for us along with the service and then pray for our ministry. Thanks to everyone who helped make that happen. Thank you to the nursery workers who kept the girls at church both in the morning and at night. Majesty was a wonderful production. Thank you to the choir and orchestra for the hard work that went into a special time of worship. Finally, thank you to the Earnheart Bible Fellowhip for allowing me to share my heart and express appreciation for the support of Southern Baptists.<

Operation Family Christmas

Thank you that prayed for the outreach. I joined over 750 volunteers with my dad and delivered over two tons of groceries. Cars came through our line after having the gospel message and we loaded up the love. I know prayer was in effect. God overwhelmed us with good weather right up until the last bag was delivered.

Memphis for Christmas

We made the trip successfully overnight. No one was awake here when we arrived but everyone was surprised by our presence. Newsletters should be going out quickly. Don't have one but want one? Write me.

Week 8

I am just completing my exit paper to review the highlights of the training here at FPO. It has been a rich time of fellowship with believers that I will be able to pull from for the next many years. I realize more fully what my family will be missing as we begin to minister cross culturally in an atheistic society.

Our goal was to complete the work here in an excellent way.

Areas for growth and development have been discussed that could have gone unchecked without the penetrating light of Christ's word.

The full return on investment by our employer and supporters has not yet fully been realized. I am looking forward to the time when it will be possible to unload all information that we have acquired while here. 

One key is mobilization. That is the process of keeping our supporters on mission with us. If you have been directed to this site since meeting my family in Atlanta for commissioning service let me know. I hope to find out what is effective and what is not before we leave.

I have our first Bennett newsletter at press currently and will distribute ASAP.

Czech Apartment

I got this picture off the web to shake everyone up. We don't have any pictures from our place but there is an our place that has been found. Rejoice with us that God has provided for our arrival;)

Official welcome to Fred and Wilma

I love my brother.

Portland 2008

I just learned how to get better video to the group. Enjoy!

Washington, D.C.

God was honored by the group outreach in our nations capital. Lisa and I were in a group with three journey people who wanted to help with the girls. It was a big help to have extra hands for all the challenges of the day.

Thank you for praying. Several witnessing opportunities were fulfilled. I personally felt a great connection with a shop owner who received a tract and saw my testimony.

The video from the lake is unrelated. I am just working to get the best way to add content. Thanks for your patience.

Grace, Papa, and Dad in the water

New Picture

What do you think? There is much to be learned about this blog by your editors but we are making attempts at it. Please enjoy.

Welcome Smiths, Grammy, C&T, and Bennetts

I am glad to see some smiling faces on the blog site. Please let us hear from you.

Prayer update:

Lisa and I were not able to get off campus this last Saturday for the community outreach. However, I received a good report from other members of my team. The group to Richmond reported that many needs were met and prayer was shared for a number of lost individuals. The team that went to Short Pump also shared that several groups were willing to talk. No on the spot conversions took place but some follow up was requested. There will be another trip next Saturday.

Thank you for lifting up this time of sharing. My health was well below the norm through the weekend preventing my participation. Thankfully, I am feeling much better. Don't be surprised that this type warfare is affecting our ministry. I expect more trouble on the field. The family and I covet your prayer as each step we take down the road to service takes us further into the battle with evil. To God be the glory!

Answers for the Bennetts (see hyperlinks)

Soteriology

Ecclesiology

Contextualization

Syncretism

Seeking Prayer

There will be two groups leaving campus on Saturday for strategic outreach. The first group will depart FPO at noon and go to the downtown Richmond area. Lisa is a part of the first group. The second group will depart FPO at 1500 for the Short Pump (shopping) area. I am going on this trip with at least 10 others.

Both groups go in an effort to share the good news of Jesus Christ with whoever the Lord presents to us. I invite you, our supporters, to be on your knees from now until Saturday asking God to prepare the hearts of those we will meet. Please pray this Saturday for God's will to be accomplished through us. It is a blessing to be involved in the work of the Lord together.

Words of the Day

Soteriology

Ecclesiology

Contextualization

Syncretism

Extractionism

Test your skills.....

ESL English as a Second Language

Today is the first day of a 16 hour course offered here at the learning center. Training is going well. I look forward to completing the sessions and gaining a certificate. The journey girl who arrived in Czech only last month has already worked to get in front of students working as an English teacher. Pray that God will open this door for Team Moravia.

Learning...

Ella & Tummy Time

Lisa here...we have finished nearly 3 days worth of teaching on spiritual warfare. I realized today that I have been somewhat naive until now. Now, I've always known that this stuff happens, but not to the extent of the accounts I heard recently. Seeing the stronghold that the devil has on this world encourages me all the more that going to share the love of Christ is where God has called me. Like Philip said, every reference to this in the Bible refers to the victory that Jesus Christ and we, as believers, have. It is so comforting and freeing to know that we don't have to worry about the end result. We are to simply have faith in Christ, be in the Word, and be obedient. These are some of the most effective steps we can take to prevent the fallen one from getting a stronghold in us. Probably the greatest insight I received today was the recognition that many Christians, me included at times, try to start with being obedient. However, if we don't have faith and aren't grounded in the Word, it is impossible to be obedient. We would be trying to do it on our own and that never works.

Thank you for continued prayer as we keep learning more each day!

House Church

Our first meeting was a great success. No seminary trained pastor was leading but the word was opened and application was evident in each life. There was nearly 100 % attendance and each family represented has plans to go on the mission field. Hopefully, future meetings will be just as productive.

Session this morning and most of the week is on spiritual warfare. Every mention of the subject in scripture discusses our victory in Christ. Please pray that we will live in victory while here. I pray that you will too.

FPO week one

The Bennetts are making transition to the scheduled events of Field Personnel Orientation. Saturday proved to have its challenges just like the rest of the week but there is no looking back. Tomorrow, we will meet as a house church for the first time. Libby Baptist Church, thank you for allowing me to serve you and God through music ministry. Now, I feel confident to do the same in this next setting.

Lisa and I each enjoyed a prolonged time alone with God yesterday. He spoke to me some truths in scripture that I want to pass along for encouragement. He says that His eyes are on the righteous. That is me thanks to the Holy Spirit working in my life. He promises to hear my cry.

There are many who I hope will read this and know that my cry if for you. I enjoyed spending time at the feet of the Father knowing that He hears me when I lift up my requests. Both of my brothers and my sister were prayed for by name. I prayed for your work and your jobs and your growth in Christ. All four parents were lifted up. Lisa and I are so grateful for the legacy that has gone before us. Thanks. The Vine was on my mouth as I asked the Father to bless your time tomorrow and the special needs that we are lifting up together.

In closing, be encouraged that the scripture also made clear that we are to live by a power that is not our own. When Christ spoke to the disciples after being raised from the dead he told them to wait before they set out on a mission to share the good news. They were to wait on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit before they left home. Brothers and sisters if you count yourself part of the family of God then know. You can go out with Joy, be led forth with peace and do all things through the power of Christ.

Is it already Friday

Grace got a quick once over at the doctor to find out that she has an ear infection. There is now a new child among us. The medicine has worked quickly to make Grace feel so much better. Lisa will still be alternating with me as someone has to be at home with Grace but we are looking forward to the weekend and a new week with everyone in place.

Field Personnel Orientation

Thank you for praying that we would arrive safely. After one stop in Whytheville, VA, we are now residing in Rockville, VA at the International Learning Center.

Grace is not feeling well currently so she has not been able to go to the first day of school with her sister. The photo shows Ella on her way in the stroller with Grace. Grace took a round trip back to the house with Lisa this morning.

Please pray that the little ones will transition well. Grace does not yet understand that we are at home. Always at home....

The meetings are about to begin this morning at the seating is full. We will be in touch.

PB

SOLD

Thanks to everyone who has been in prayer for the Bennetts as we transition through Chattanooga. The start of this Saturday had all of our worldly things in the garage of the in-laws. This afternoon, it either fits in the luggage or its gone.

We enjoyed another successful yard sale today. The things that were left have been donated for use by others. The packing process will continue but Lisa and I feel a burden gone from our shoulders. Many brothers and sisters in Christ encouraged us along in the day today and last week. If you were a part of this crowd then thank you too.

In closing, as I shared with our Bible study group at church last week, invite the lost and needy to join you on the driveway to let the Lord do a work through you as an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Plus, the cars will fit in your garage.

SALE

I confessed to the Bible study class this morning that I have been distracted with stuff this last week. Moving all the worldly possessions from storage to the Blair's garage was a challenge. Then came the sale....

You know that many larger items went fast to make room for the piles of boxes to come thanks to the Internet. There were other things which friends and neighbors were interested in buying as they lay in the driveway.

I looked forward to making progress not in financial gain but in reaching the goal of minimizing what goes overseas with us more than anything. As the sun rose on our sale though I was reminded that I am a missionary and began to think of ways to share the gospel with those who showed up looking for new lamps and used socks.

I trust that Christ is honored when we seek to glorify Him. His glory became a primary goal throughout the day. Nearly everyone had the opportunity to hear that there is a way to enjoy a relationship with the Savior. Others were encouraged in their faith. I know I was as well. Many individuals offered prayer support to me and my family. This is what we seek.

Please continue to pray that my priorities will be in the right place as I guide my family through this transition.

In His Service,

Philip

Available now on Craigslist.com...

 

That's right, everything you see here is for sale. Some of the other appointees suggested craigslist as an option to move some household items prior to our garage sale. This has proven to be good advice. There is simply too much stuff to wait until the big sale day. I am happy to have folk calling and emailing about items they wish to buy. Are you interested?

Praise the Lord that He always provides opportunities to be a witness. Two groups that have stopped by were receptive to hear the gospel. I knew there was more to this process of transition than just making money from all the items in our house.

Ella is also excited.

13 Bags

The Bennetts traveled to Atlanta for our official appointment to service with the International Mission Board. Thank you for your prayers. It was an adventure.

We took the opportunity to send all female members of the family one way. This allowed for a move to Chattanooga without the cross country car ride. How did you manage you might ask.

Think about it. "You only get one checked bag for free", Lisa said. The secret is in the free baby items. We went through security without much time to spare early in the morning on Saturday. Two bags were overweight but that's no problem in Kalispell, MT. Not on that day anyway.

Three were checked for free. Then came the two baby items. The car seat went in the chair we purchased for Grace and the rest got carried on. A backpack was handy for the toddler who was asleep by the time boarding began. We were then each responsible for two carry on items.

Praise the Lord!

Leaving...again

The past two months has simply flown by, since the birth of Ella. Our final days in Montana are already coming to a close and we have mixed emotions about it all. We are incredibly excited to be embarking on this new journey that God has laid out for us! However, there is a definite sadness behind the excitement. We are leaving a town and, more specifically, a church family, that has taken us in as family for the past year and a half. Even though we knew when we moved here last year that we would only be here a short time, it still seems a bit strange to be leaving already. We have had incredible opportunities to serve in the church and in the community, sharing the Gospel and love of Christ. The Lord has so blessed us in every way, providing for every need - above and beyond what we could have ever dreamed!

Just this past Sunday, our church commissioned us to service as full-time missionaries to Olomouc, Czech Republic. We were encouraged by the testimonies and prayers and presented with a framed picture of our town, taken from atop a nearby mountain, with the following verse printed below. Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." We were also given a beautiful piece of Montana-made pottery filled with the prayers and encouragement of our church family. This will definitely provide for the days when we get discouraged, homesick, or just need a little lifting up! We will certainly miss Montana and the wonderful people here, but we go knowing that we are following the Lord and that so many here are praying for us!

This afternoon we will drive to a nearby town to spend the night before boarding the plane to Atlanta early, early Saturday morning. This will start our Appointment week with the mission board. There are many meetings scheduled for us and the board will officially vote to appoint us to serve as missionaries. Saturday will be a very long day as we arrive in Atlanta just after 2pm, then have meetings from 4pm until 9:30 that night. Please pray for safety, patience on our part as we travel with a 2-year old and a 2-month old, and strength to learn when we get there.

Ella has arrived!

We welcomed our new baby girl, Ella Lee, into this world on Tuesday, July 8th at 1:05 pm, weighing in at 8lbs 11oz and 21in long. She is absolutely perfect, of course, as only a baby can be. Ella, who looks amazingly like Grace as a newborn, was also stubborn and did not want to leave her warm, watery world. After 18 hours of induced labor with very little progress, a few hours of rest and an hour or so back at home, Ella was born by c-section. Although this was not my preferred method, it has turned out to be a blessing. The Lord's will is always perfect as is His timing, so I thank Him for an easier recovery!


My parents arrived the night after Ella was born and stayed almost 2 weeks. They were also such a blessing as they ministered to us through entertaining Grace, cooking & cleaning. Grace loved having them here as they took her on long walks to the playground, to the grocery store - one of her favorite places, and story time at the library!


Grace has been such a sweet big sister. She loves to kiss on Ella and cover her with the blanket or burp cloth, whichever is available, to keep her warm :) Just this morning, while Ella was crying, Grace sat down next to her saying, "It's okay, Ella" over and over. Whenever she can't see Ella, she wants to know, "Where's Ella?", just to make sure that I didn't lose her.

Baby Girl #2

This post is a direct result of Jennie's comment, though I'm sure others would like to know too!

Our second baby girl is due July 9th and we've decided to name her Ella, which means "Shining Light". The doctor's say everything looks good - praise the Lord! I do hope she decides to come a little early as I feel huge this time and the tops of my legs keep falling asleep if I stand/walk for too long. Other than that, this pregnancy has been just as easy as the first. The Lord has definitely blessed me in this way! Really, I think He knows that if I had the sickness that some of my friends have had, I probably wouldn't have any more children!

Grace and Ella will be less than 2 years apart, which I'm sure will make things busy early on. However, I hope that it also means they will be close friends as they grow up. Grace has learned that Ella is the baby in mommy's belly and when I ask her to say Ella's name she repeats it then pats my belly and says she wants to see. She probably still doesn't understand that we are going to have a baby around 24/7, but at least she's aware of some things. We need prayer for a smooth transition for Grace and that we would know how to help her feel special when it seems like things are all about Ella. We will have lots of help for the first month after Ella's due date with different family members coming to town. We are so thankful that each of them is able to make the long trip out here!

Just last week I had to switch to a new doctor. My doctor, who is also pregnant and due about a month after me, has had to go on complete, hospitalized bedrest. Please pray that the rest of her pregnancy goes smoothly! The new doctor seems alright, but it is hard to get used to someone so quickly. Thankfully, with this being our second child in less than 2 years, we already have a good, realistic idea about what to expect.

We are definitely excited about Ella's arrival and pray for a smooth labor and delivery!

Yellowstone

Old Faithful

We had a 4.5 day weekend for Memorial Day and decided to take advantage of our proximity to Yellowstone National Park. The park is only 7.5 hours away (nearly 10 with a child who's not yet 2!) and we felt we might not get another chance to go in the near future. So, we packed up and drove to Missoula the first day. While there, we met up with the Swisher family, www.brooutdoors.com, from Memphis, who moved out here in 2007 to start a new ministry. We all enjoyed some good Southern-style veggies at Cracker Barrel and great fellowship! The next day, we drove on to West Yellowstone, MT and checked in to our cabin. We were definitely lucky to find such a great place on such short notice! Saturday and Sunday were spent exploring Yellowstone which meant a lot of driving and several short hikes.

One of Daddy & daughter's favorite stops

Grace was a trooper the whole time, even doing a couple of hikes on her own. For the others, Daddy carried her in the backpack. Not a bad deal!

Mud Volcano boardwalk trail


Souvenir Yellowstone caps

Life Lately

OK, so I think we are officially the worst bloggers ever. It's been 3.5 months since our last post and so much has happened over that time! Before I get into the most recent stuff, here is a brief summary of the past few months.

- Grace spent her first night away from us so that we could attend a church retreat
- We joined our local church here in Montana as members
- Lisa had her first appointment to check on the new baby girl(due July 9th)!
- We all vacationed in Portland, OR for a week to celebrate our 5th anniversary
- Philip's younger brother got married in Memphis and we were all able to attend :)

Finally, we had to leave Grace in Memphis last week with Philip's parents while we attended a conference for missionary candidates in Richmond, VA. Of course, the grandparents are thrilled to have so much time with Grace and think that she is just wonderful :) It's been a little hard for us to be away from her so much, but the week went by quickly.

For those of you who find this last piece of news to be new to you, we'd like to catch you up on the process we've gone through over the past year. We both felt the Lord calling us to be full-time international missionaries in Feb. 2007 and began to pursue the next step of finding a sending agency. We chose the International Mission Board which is supported by the Southern Baptist Association in April. Since then we have done mounds of paperwork and driven to Spokane, WA twice for interviews.

At the conference last week, we had physicals done, pictures made, more interviews, and learned tons about the rest of the process and things we need to do to be ready to move overseas. Please be praying through this with us as we seek God's direction and timing. It has been amazing so far to see how the Lord has worked in our lives and with the timing of each event. When we found out we would be attending the conference, we already had plans to be in Memphis the weekend before for the wedding so we didn't have to make any kind of special trip to leave Grace with someone! God's timing is always perfect and we look forward to the next few months as more is revealed!

To Montana We Go

After a truly wonderful visit home for the holidays, we set out to drive to Montana. Obviously we were a little nervous about driving across the country with a 15-month old and a trailer as well as the large amounts of snow we were sure to encounter along the way. We asked everyone to pray for us on this journey and we know that God provided every single day. 7 days after we left Chattanooga, we arrived in Libby - our final destination. Grace was about as good as possible with the understanding that we were in the car a good 6-10 hours each day. Every nap was taken in the car and every night was spent in a different hotel. Normally, she doesn't sleep well when she is in the the same room with us, but, again, we could feel the prayers being lifted up for us as she slept great the entire time!


The timeline of our trip looked like this:
Saturday - Chattanooga to Memphis, TN
Sunday - Memphis to Tulsa, OK
Monday - Tulsa to Loveland (N of Denver), CO (our longest day)
Tuesday - Loveland to Jackson, WY (simply to see Jackson!)
Wednesday - Jackson to Butte, MT
Thursday - Butte to Kalispell, MT
Friday - Kalispell to Libby, MT (after a long trip to Costco!)

We had such a great time on this trip and wish we had taken more pictures. I think the only ones we got were in Wyoming. This one shows what the sign "Blowing Snow Ahead" literally means:


We are settled into our new home for the next several months and have already reconnected with many friends and our local church home. Of course, everyone was much more excited that we had brought Grace back to them than they were about seeing us :) That's okay though - we are glad that they love her so much!