There's nothing better!

It's time to combat the ridiculous new movie, Orphan. We're not going to curse, we're going to bless. This time, myself, you and 500 others are going to write positive posts about an orphan experience in our lives. Something will be needed to combat this "new" outlook that Hollywood is creating for orphan care.

My mentor posted a blog on this subject here.

Here's one story of mine

When my wife and I were training to be House parents at a local children’s home, the orphans were “showing out” in a negative way. They were calling names, yelling and being disobedient. They had problems, but they were not freaky killers.

Our tummies were turning. What do we do? Do we leave now before we’re committed? We searched the Scriptures that night for answers and came across Matt 25. Jesus’ is going to judge us base on how we treated Him (through the lease of these). I realized it didn’t really matter how the orphan treated me, because I was truly serving Jesus. Then there was a cross reference to James 1:27. This time, I realized I was living out true religion, and this verse was another confirmation that it didn’t really matter how I’m treated in return.

This sick movie is an inappropriate and false extreme. However, I’ve learned that doing God’s work isn’t always pretty. No matter how orphan care may turn out, the beautifully positive aspect, is that we’re ministering to Jesus and living out Pure religion that God our Father accepts. There's absolutely nothing better!

The Cow has come home X4!

Yesterday was THE most nerve racking day on the farm (beside the day A1 ran away). It served as the day, in which A1 (our cow) came home. Learning from some of my mistakes I opted to buy a Steer from the farmer who had A1. Cows are herd animals, just like humans, so they shouldn't be alone. There's also a BIG chance that A1 is now pregnant, so we needed something besides her, to feed our paying customers.

When we 1st went to identify A1 we met a young and almost cuddly bull. He came up to us like a pet dog! We fell in love and day dreamed just a little bit about going ahead and starting our own herd. We enquired a bit and waited on a price. The farmer called me Sunday night, with prices and he mentioned another heifer. All of his prices were great and less than I had expected.

Now, I had a decision to make. Was I going to bring back 2 cows or 4? One already got out, so how can I handle more? Well, for one I doubled up on the electric fence. I put in 2 strands of electric, doubled up on the post and put in corner posts. I was till nervous.

I prayed as a ran at 6AM and by 7AM, still didn't have a resolution. I opened my Bible to which it said, "Do not work for food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life..." The whole time I had been praying I was thinking about the financial factors: the risk, the payoff, our bank account etc... After reading that, I asked, "What would bring God the most Glory?"

The Lord is a God of multiplication and growth. I don't think He had A1 run off to get pregnant so that we could just kill her early. Isn't it like God to take something away, only to expand our territory! I think Father would be most glorified by a step of faith. I now have to trust him to get Rebekah and I through financially (until the fall). I have to trust the cows won't escape. I have to trust that I will be able to sell the other heifer. I have to trust in $3,000 for a perimeter fence ASAP.

Already God is reveling his glory. I wasn't charged a boarding, hauling or sire fee from the other farmer. I have a saw mill man who will cut up locusts posts for free. I just got a call from a friend who will let me borrow a truck for hauling the trees to the saw mill. I just heard word that Levi will be visiting for a week, and is willing to volunteer his time.

To God be the Glory! This is something I can't do on my own.

Award wiinning mission photographs.

Seth Barnes of Adventures in Mission threw a missions photo contest. I'm blown away by some of the results:




For more crazy fabulous pictures click here.

What's it look like when...

What's it look like when the angels in heaven rejoice over one soul saved? I imagine it might look allot like my friend Dan when he caught a major league home run. Yep, my friend, who was just here for a middle school camp, caught an Atlanta Braves home run.

Check out the excitement here

the shirt for one.

This morning as I was prayer walking in preparation for today's witnessing God gave me a revelation. I was struggling. I didn't want to wear the blue "ask me about Jesus" shirt. I just wanted to go as myself, as one of them, I wanted to be "incognito".

As I was praying Father showed me one soul who needed a sign. There was at least one person who needed to talk about Jesus, but actually needed the sign. I wasn't sure who the person was, or even if they were going to talk with me (most of the team was actually wearing this shirt).

As Ryan and I roamed the streets we got to talk with several homeless people we knew, but as we walked a gentlemen spoke out, "Tell me about Jesus".

WOW.......! Isn't that the dream sentence any believer would want to hear? The shirt was worth $10 and much much more. God can use absolutely anything.

I shared the gospel with the guy. I wish I could tell you we had tears and sure repentance. This guy had all the wrong answers and still claimed to be a Christian. The Good news of God was still told!!! His word does not return void.

On another note, I met someone sure to be a Christian. Upon a casual inquiry of what he was about he said, "I'm a hippie Christian". I said, what group are you with. He replied, "We're Christian." He wasn't lazy homeless, he was living out a nomadic style approach to the great commission. He was not drunk, high or just claiming to know Jesus Christ. He was a modern day apostle, living what we would call a radical lifestyle. A total abandonment of this world, for the sake of God's good news.

He shared his testimony of complete worldly "success" to the wreckage Jesus caused in his life. He spoke of how he sold EVERYTHING and gave the money directly to the poor. He's been on a mission for 14 years now and I was highly inspiring. He's traveled the nation sharing the gospel (by bicycle). I gave him my number. Hopefully, I hear from him again.

There's much more. Right now we're all laughing. Rebekah's parents are visiting and Ryan's playing the guitar. We're all zapped. There's something about straight up witnessing that really takes your energy.

Tilling downtown Asheville.

This Holler day we're joining Karl Gessler and his crew for a weekend of street evangelism in Asheville. We've got these blue shirts that say, "Ask me about Jesus".

We'll be walking around downtown during the annueal Bel Chere festival hoping for the chance to tell others about Jesus.

I love Asheville and I'm burdened for its people. It should be fair to say that this event will reflect some of the best and worst Asheville has to offer. It's a spiritually dark city, filled with extreme immorality. At one point in time Asheville was voted in the top 10 freak capitol of the world. It's been called the San Franciso of the south.

Tonight, we'll be prayer walking the very streets in which we'll be ministring. It's kind of like a spiritual tilling. We'll be getting the land ready for planting!

Please, please, please join us in prayer as we face this critical weekend.

Poverty simulation Camp

Poverty simulation camp is a great way to discover God's heart for the poor. Join us as we explore the Christian call to the least of these. For more info, check out our web site:

Holler Ministries Poverty Camp

Too often, we pass this bum by. He needs to get a job. But what if it were Jesus holding the same sign, accept it would say, "I love you".

Maybe it is....

How do we motivate ourselves and others to care?

I've been in prayer lately about the direction of our camps out here at the Holler. We will definitely continue to partner with Steve at Good Soil Ministries to keep Africa up and running. In fact, Steve plans on doing 2 camps next year! We're all for it!

I'm also very eager for a full summer. I've been praying and racking my brain for a Holler specific solution. In the past, we've done mission camps, but I think we need something more. There's a ton of mission camps already, and we don't really have the means to "compete". How could we better use what we've got to create something radically different? How can we be so different that even the local youth would come to this camp? Not just youth either. Is there something that would work for college students and even certain families?

An answer? Poverty Simulation Camp! It's a blend of missions, poverty simulation and education of God's heart for the poor. It's filling the "hole" in our American Gospel. It's getting these young people to realize their "rich young ruler" status and hopefully begin to ask Jesus, "what more do I lack?"

Among other things, campers will loose possessions, beg, sleep outside and eat with homeless people. It will serve to be an uncomfortable weekend, but hopefully it will empower them to awaken to God's kingdom.

Much of the program is coming from the Mission Waco people in a simulation called "Plunge 2 poverty".

It's hard for us American's to be saved.

..."How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!"
The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!"

When I read this passage growing up, I always felt sorry for rich people. When I became a man, I realized I was filthy stinking rich, along with almost every other American. Now, I feel sorry for the US and other developed countries, because it's so difficult to be saved.

Don't believe you're wealthy? Take the test:

I'm the 617,928,589 richest person on earth! Discover how rich you are! >>

Did you know that if you have a frig, a bed and you sleep under a roof your richer than 75% of the world! Check out this video from miniature earth to better understand our little world:


What hope, then do we have? Thank God the story continued as follows: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." They were even more astonished and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?" Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."

For a powerful message on this very subject check out:

Le Tour De France!

Lance is back, and so is the Tour de France. We just remembered and have tuned in online on Versus. It seems we're just in time for the mountain showdown between Lance (4th place) and Alberto Contador (3rd place).

Can Lance win 8?



Maybe this can motivate us to get off of our butts and exercise.

Not your typical family reunion.

As Rebekah and I were being shown around the new independent living center at the Presbyterian home for children, the resident stated, "I'm not going to miss this lunch. It's my family reunion."

Maria has been in the children's home for nearly 10 years, so this truly is a reunion for her. Rebekah and I worked there for 14 months, and it's where we fell in love with God's orphans. Much of the staff became like family to us and we even found our 1st daughter at the home.

We ate lunch next to an old timer who had been there in the 1930's! I asked him what it was like back then, in which he replied, "Allot of work". The boys farmed, while the girls cooked. The daughter of the alumnus said that if you didn't farm in those days, you didn't eat. They gardened and had farm cows. They used mules and horses to do the work (they didn't have a tractor).

It was a reunion for Steve Thurston who's been a house parent for 10 years now, but also lived at the home back in the day. I asked him what it was like, to which he replied, "Allot of hard work".

Allot of hard work has disapeared with our times. It now seems to have transferred to the adult leadership. Life on campus now reflects what we might see in a typical youth group. The kids get vacation, have fun activities (every day) and all the meals are cooked for them. This new style of life, only reflects this new culture we live in.

Tom Cambell, president since 2005, has had a phenomenal influence on this ministry. Since his beginning they've raised literally millions of dollars, built a much needed independent living center (paid for!) and there's a gigantic increase in outside involvement. Just when you tell him, he's doing a good job, he'll reply, "It's all God". What a humble example of great leadership!

Holler Group Shot!

The Holler community is now a year an a half old (just slightly younger than Jonah). Believe it or not, we just now did our 1st group picture. Pamela's been here since June and we've yet to be all present for one of our tri-weekly gatherings. Sickness, travel, camps, and "regular" life have demanded at least one of the longer term residents. It was a sweet time of fellowship and we had JD to take the shot.

Let me introduce the team:

Mark and Kathy Lucas - As they would say, "a couple of grey heads, in this youthful community". They're our source of wisdom and discernment as we venture out with our lives and ministries. They're a great asset to this ministry as they counsel young people and offer their talents for the growth of the Kingdom. They're currently housing the girls in our discipleship program.

Connie Lucas - Daughter of Mark and Kathy, vibrant and youthful addition to the Holler. She's eager to serve the Lord, naturally creates community and is well beyond her years in maturity.

Ben and Brook Dalton - 1st long term residents (besides Rebekah and I) - They truly have a fearless pioneer Spirit. They're eager to know God and serve as they house guys in our discipleship program.

Caleb and Hudson Dalton - 2 years old and 4 months old boys. Caleb, aka "wild man" serves as a great source of energy and drive. His fearless approach to life will carry over into radical new ventures of serving our King. Hudson will be one of the toughest guys in the world (as a result of Wild Man for a brother). I imagine he'll be one of those enduring missionaries that stick it out through thick or thin.

Justin, Rebekah, Jonah and Josiah Rhodes- Man, that's great to ad another to our name. I can't wait to see how many arrows God will grant my quiver!

Ryan Jones - Resident since August. He actually planned for just one semester, but loved it so much he's still here. He's a perfect example of a pure heart that God desires. He's the model disciple (attracted to his mentors, teachable and available). Absolutely on fire for the Lord and is doing some amazing things in the Kingdom.

Pamela Gessler - Our newest resident (June) and has already served as part of a core in that age group here at the Holler. Pamela's arrival has seemed to open the door to a new energy and wholesome network of people. She's got the faith of miracles and I trust she's brought a whole new portion of the Spirit with her!

Lost and found.

Early Saturday morning, around 2am our cow got really antsy. She began pacing back and forth in her fence and was mooing like crazy. So first thing in the morning I went to open up her paddock to give her more grazing land. The second I turned off the fence, she busted out!

She was in a craze, frantically searching about. I managed to lure her back in the pin with a bucket of feed, however she ran off before I could close in the fence. We concluded that she was in heat, looking for a mate.

This time she headed towards the woods. I had Jonah on my back so I couldn't keep up for long. I went back down to gather my thoughts, get some supplies and hand off Jonah. I was able to track her for about 1 mile and then I lost her tracks.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday we searched and searched and searched. We searched via van, via foot, via quad and via telephone. We called animal control, the sheriff's office, the neighbors and we had absolutely no leads.

Then today, I got a notion to drive the four wheeler across the mountain to Brush Creek. I wanted to see where the trail hit civilization on the other side. I wanted to see which farms were accessible through the trail system in the forests adjacent to us.

Ryan showed up around 4pm and we headed out. At one point we hit a 3 way fork in the trail and just asked the Lord which way to go. Following my instinct I went left and we ended up at a fence to a pasture. Ryan noticed a track along the outside of the fence. Sure enough they were similar to what I had seen on Saturday. We followed the tracks and eventually found a heard of about 20 black Angus cows. I ran to the herd and inspected the cows. Sure enough, some of them looked like A1.

I ran to the road and took down the name on the mailbox and we headed back to the Holler house to explore our lead. Long story short, we found the owners of the cows and they have an extra one! They had me take a look to pick her out. I'll never forget locking eyes with ol' A1!

I'm absolutely thrilled. For one, I already payed $600 for her. On top of that, the customers have already paid into her as well. So really, I would be out nearly $1,500! Plus, we really missed her.

Praise the Lord, the Cow has come home!

Saying good bye to cousin JD

That's a pic of our cousin JD with his "jerry" rigged ear muffs as he reapares a door in the Holler house.

Ever since we've been married, Rebekah's cousin JD has been visiting us each summer. He's been coming all the way from TX since he was 12. He's a great kid, and it's been a privilege to see him grow.

He's seen us change from wordily mountainboarders to radical Christians. From MTV to no TV. Childless to foster children, to disciples like Levi, to birth children. From drunken mountainboarding events to event fund raisers. From overgrown Holler to every single thing mowed. From 1 garden plot to 5,000 square feet. No camps to Africa camp. You get the idea. He's seen us grow.

We've seen him grow as well. He was once only 5ft and now he's 6'2". We've seen him through middle school, high school and now college. We've seen video games and girlfriends. We've seen passions in rollerblading, skating and cars turn into a drive for the business world.

Now, he's becoming a man. He's a tremendous help around here. He mows, does home repair, watches Jonah and simply looks around to see what needs to be done.

This time was fun as always. Among other things we: Celebrated Chick-fil-a's Cow appreciate day by dressing up twice and getting on the news, we mowed the entire holler, we ate 30 or more pieces of pizza at Gatti's, we searched for a cow in the dark, we shot off fireworks on the 4th, we burned a brush pile, tackled hot dog world, watched nearly all of MVM (the mountainboard video's I produced 5 yrs ago), did wheelies on the Scag, cleaned up the Storehouse, "jerry" rigged lots of stuff and shared the Lord's supper (twice). That's just the tip of the ice burg.

We worked hard and had allot of fun. We dropped him off at the airport yesterday and look forward to next year. Thanks you JD for believing in us and taking advantage of all we have to offer. We love you!

re-telling the gospel.

We were pleased to welcome some special guests yesterday at Barn Church! Karl and 3 other Gesslers came to re-tell the gospel. It was refreshing to have a break from leading and enjoy the gospel story from beginning to end.

This was practice for a 2 week tour across various states. The Holler will actually be joining them at Bel Chere in Asheville for some street evangelism. We'll be wearing t-shirts that say "Ask Me About Jesus". Hopefully this will generate some meaningful conversations.

Let me know if your interested in joining us on the last weekend of July.

Happy Cow day!

Today was "Cow Appreciation Day" at Chick-fil-a. If you dress up like a cow you get a FREE meal. Never to let a free meal go to waste the Holler continued the annual tradition of summer time fun at the Gospel Bird.

We were on tour, getting breakfast in Arden and lunch in Hendersonville. We actually made the evening news. Click on the "Dress like a Cow day link on the Absolute Le page.

Connie wrote a poem about the experience:

I dressed up as a cow today,
and went to chik-fil-a,
A lot of people made fun of me,
but the food was quite tasty!
My utters started to fall,
and the people watching sure had a ball!
My paint for my spots started to smear....
But I didn't care I just grinned from ear to ear,
Because....................
I was eating chicken!

For more pics of the event click here.

1,000 Questions.

HollerGanic Produce!

We've got 5 family shares available in our summer garden. All the produce is completely natural and has never been sprayed with insecticides or chemical fertilizer. This is fresh food, as God intended.

For $220 your family will receive a box of produce each week for the next 11 weeks (through the end of September). Produce pick up options include the Storehouse on Friday's from 9 to 11am or the Holler on Saturday from 2-4pm. Other options may be available on an individual basis.

Rebekah and I have been gardening as a family now for 4 years. Our goal for the farm is multi fold:

1)Subdue the land in which God has granted us
2)Feed us and the community
3)Feed the camp
4)Feed the poor
5)Raise money for our family support
6)Farming/Gardening as part of camp

Here's a list of the produce:
Lettuce
Broccoli
Kale
Carrots
Onions
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Corn
Beets
Radishes
Variety of Beans
Pumpkins
Watermelon
Green Peppers
Wine berries
Squash
Zucchini

the world race

For a couple years now, we've been following Seth Barnes' (of Adventure's in Missions) blog. One thing AIM does is initiatiate young people to world missions through a mission project called the world race. Students travel with a team and minister in 11 contries in 11 months.

We're actually using the discipleship ministry here at the Holler to train a couple of residents to partake in the race. Good Lord's willing, we'll serve as a launching and landing pad for these young cruisaders.

Here's a cool video of someone who recently returned from the race:

How to Change the World from Ian Schumann on Vimeo.

Celebrating independence and dependence.

It's raining outside as type this blog. Yesterday was a wonderful time of celebration here at the Holler. People came out from the woodwork. We had all kinds of families come to share in this special day with us. Activities includes a 150ft slip n' slide, Burly Bills BBQ, a time of devotion, fireworks, and of course... guns!

For more pics of the slip n' slip click here.

“I can do nothing on My own initiative…” - Jesus

What a humble example we have in Jesus. First, He acknowledged and realized His utter and complete dependence on the Father. Secondly, He admitted to everyone that He was dependent on someone/something. That in my book took a dose of humility.
Since we just celebrated Independence Day, the independent thoughts of this society are fresh on my mind. Our culture teaches us that independence is good, and it’s suggested that the strong man needs no one. The American dream speaks of a small family, a house, a car, a job you like etc…, but it says nothing of dependency on others. To depend on someone else reflects weakness.

Perhaps this frame of mind teaches how to relate to our brothers and sisters, but it must also teach us how to relate to our Father. Christianity is often seen as a crutch. It’s been put in a negative light to need God. Christianity has been the religion for weak people. To that, I say amen! I need God. I do not need the American dream. Jesus Himself has admitted His own dependency on God, “I can do nothing on My own initiative”.

Who are we to think we can do ANYTHING on our own initiative? Even Jesus, is dependent on the Father. As we celebrate Independence Day, I often think about the freedom we have in Jesus. Christ has broken the shackles of our slavery to sin. Much of the freedom we receive in Jesus comes by our dependence on the Father and our brothers and sisters in Christ. We actually gain freedom by our interdependence in the body of Jesus.

It’s been said that today, the 5th of July, is sometimes celebrated as Dependence day. I think it’s fitting to have these two special days so close together. On the 4th, as we think about our freedom in America, I think it’s appropriate to also think about our freedom in Jesus. We are now independent of sin, but never from the Lord or His body. Let’s not take our independence too far and let’s remember our utter and complete dependence on God and His body.

The Simplicity of God's will.

My brother Jody preached a sermon on June 14th down in Florida at the Jupiter Harvest Bible Chapel. We're proud of his steadfast commitment to the Lord.

Here's his sermon on The Simplicity of God's Will.

8 year anniversary!

Rebekah and I have been married 8 years, and we've actually been dating for 13 and a half! That's nearly half of our lives. In a look back we realize just how far we've come, or how much we've been through.

Early on, one of our anniversaries fell on the day we hosted a mountainboarding event here at the Holler. We were lost and consumed by the pursuit of the American dream (not God's dream).

Soon after God saved us, we found ourselves loving Him and people at a local children's home. One year we found ourselves on shift while parenting 9 foster children.

Probably the most memorable anniversary had to be the one where we were doing respite foster care for a 3, 2 and 1 year old. To be honest, it was extremely taxing and felt like a hell on earth. You'll just have to take my word for it. This was at a time where our adoption was falling through with Shay and these 3 little "babies" had issues we weren't ready for.

This year our anniversary fell during missions camp here at the Holler. It's interesting to see where we've been and where we seem to be going. I praise the Lord for this adventure He's put us on. As hard as it is, I wouldn't trade it for anything.


So on July 2nd, I took Rebekah out on the town for our anniversary. We enjoyed natural, fresh, southern cuisine at Tupelo Honey Cafe and followed it up with some ice cream at the marble slab. We missed Jonah terribly, so we didn't stay out too long.

As many of you know, marriage isn't easy. For us, the 1st year of Jonah's life had to be the hardest on us. Having a child was a gigantic adjustment to our life together that one one could have prepared us for. We seem to have gotten through and have adjusted accordingly. In a time of rampant divorce, I praise God for a continual drive of commitment to this union.

Pray for Honduras!

Rebekah and I are burdened right now for our fellow brothers and sisters in Honduras. From what we can tell, their president began to make moves to establish his reign indefinitely. However, Honduras is a democracy. Apparently the Honduran military took action and removed the president to Costa Rica. It seems the Venezuela president is behind much of this and is now considering an attack on Honduras.

Now, it looks like the country is in a stand still waiting to see what will happen. The US embassy has ordered all Americans to stay inside. Our friend, Will Tucker and his youth group at the HVL Church of Christ had a mission trip planned to Honduras next week, but it's been canceled.

Personally, we know at least a dozen missionaries in Honduras right now, particularly at Orphanage Emmanuel. I ask that you join us in prayer for peace. We're concerned for this impoverished country. This new conflict isn't doing any good for what little aid Honduras was already receiving.

For an insiders story check out La Gringa Blog