Back to Joe's Journals

                           Saturday, Nov. 5

I have friends all over the world. This weekend I am spending time with my friend, Seidu Ajanako, from Ghana. He is a world-class volleyball and soccer player.

Right now we are in the computer lab listening to a radio station transmitting from Ghana. The next song that they will play has been requested by my friend for me. We were able to request it over the internet and within minutes to hear confirmation over the web/radio transmission that they will play it next.

It is so cool to live with today's communication advantages.

Just thought that I would share some cool part of my day with y'all.

Hope something exciting happens for you today.

Joe

Monday, October 31, 2005 - 10:30 AM
 
Well, I received a test back today in Calculus. I got a B. That is a pretty good score, but I had made simple mistakes on every problem .

I have two tests later and am kinda thinking about them, wondering if I am well prepared. I guess that I am. I have done more studying this last week than in the past few, so I should be good.

Yet, I feel/felt some worry .... but then I rationalize that all things are going to work out for the good and that worrying will not help me in any way. What I need to do is talk to God and allow Him to calm my spirit. I have studied and will get the best return for my efforts if I am comfortable and not worried. I think that I should calm down a little, maybe I will go for a short run to release some energy, that should be good.

Later,

Joe

Saturday, October 29, 2005

What to Do


Well, today is Saturday and since I am up and awake I thought that I might do something productive.

I have found in my own life that things come much easier when I have something to look forward to. For instance, if I have Calculus homework and Accounting to do then it is best to make a plan to spend time with friends or go to dinner in a few hours. This gives me enough time to work and proper motivation to finish the task knowing that the time of labor is temporary. This helps because it puts the work into perspective as only a part of a great day and not the end in itself. No one wants to work all the time. But Calculus can fill my time while I am waiting for my next exciting event.

This afternoon I have planned to go to Saddleback Church with my friend Jonathan and after church I think that we are going to try to catch the rest of the Flag Football Finals, the Fortuna Bowl. I am very excited to have that time with my friends and with the community of students.

So, after the pain and lessons comes a time of relief and excitement with friends. Just remember that whatever you are going through is temporary and for those who believe in Jesus, all pain will eventually cease.

So, WORK HARD cause the time is temporary and then rejoice in the time of rest spent with others.

Off to work hard on my Calculus

Later,

Joe
 

October 28th, 2005
 
Hope that you all are having a great day.

The weather is beautiful here in sunny southern California. I am a bit tired and don't really know why, but everything is going well.

This morning I took my history midterm-- short answer question and essay questions. I did a little bit of studying before hand. So, if any of you have questions about Conquistadors, Native Americans contracting diseases from foreigners ( oh, that reminds me I better go get my Yellow Fever shot and paper saying that I am free from communicable diseases before I go to Liberia) or the differences between the 3 regions of colonies on the American east coast then I am your man.

Then I had another Calculus class, it was quite exciting discussing the use of triple integrals to solve volume problems in space.

Chapel was cool, I really enjoyed the music today. The songs Blessed Be Thy Name and It is Well were used to convey the message that no matter what circumstances are going on around us, we can have peace and bless the name of the Lord. This solves many of our problems that could result from focusing too much on ourselves. If we put the focus on God and His power and greatness then everything else is manageable because He can work it out.

I have Accounting and Math Proofs tests on Monday so studying for that will take some time this weekend, not too much though.

Well, I am gonna go back to the apartment and take a power nap before my appointment. Hmm ... maybe someone will call me and interrupt my studying tonight, that would be GRRRREAT!!
 (951) 212-1096.

Later Friends,

Joe
 

October 25, 2005 

I am going to Liberia, leaving on January 11th, 2006. This should prove to be an awesome experience and I am trusting that God will be with me every step of the way.

The purpose of this journey is to learn more about the people of Liberia and about the Greater Love Bible Baptist Church, the children's home and Pastor Wesley. I have hopes that my stay with them will greatly strengthen the bonds that FBC Galt already shares with this wonderful congregation.

Currently, I am trying to get all of the health forms filled out and line up my courses so that I will be able to use my experiences as a basis for school projects.

Also, with the help of individuals from the church and our vast connections, I am seeking sponsorship from the UN, International Commission and possibly other organizations. I would also like to connect with the Rotary club and the American Embassy there.

I have been reading a book about globalization and how God can use businessmen to share the gospel. In fact, God wants each of us to use whatever gifts we have to benefit the church and to spread the news of Jesus' love and salvation to all people.

So, as you read this, think of some way that God has given you a unique place in the lives of others. Why did he place you there?? So that you could be used by Him to share His love and make a positive difference in their lives. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you should be doing it as unto the Lord knowing that He is watching and always seeks to catch us doing what is right. He delights when we think and do those things that please Him.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. This is because as you seek to do what God wants for your life, you will find what you were made to do and God will show you that you are valuable and why you are the way you are.

Have an awesome day,

Joe
 

TRUE FRIENDS    October 25, 2005

I have been thinking about the qualities that make up a true friend. I have many friends all over the world. Some that I may not have seen in years, or possibly we have never even met face to face. But they are people who are interested in my life and I am interested in theirs.

On the other hand, there are people who I may know and may even see quite regularly, but I would not consider them my friends. We may have much in common, but if we do not connect and have meaningful communication, it is hard to be sure that a friendship exists.

It does not take much communication, not much frequency, but there has to be an interest on both sides to stay connected with the other and at least a small effort.

It is not a one-sided operation. You cannot be friends with someone who does not want to be your friend.

I remember doing a project in my sophomore English class about the attributes of a true friend and guess who I found as the prime example of a friend?   .... JESUS.

Yes, because he knows us, he is concerned about us, he listens to us, and he never ignores us. He has even given His life to redeem us. Now, if I have such a great friend as Jesus, that makes me want to be a better friend.
 

in from China:
October 3, 2005

Dear Joe,

I am sorry that I have not written to you so long.    

It's because I was in my new school--my university. All is fresh to me and I have no computer there and I have no the card which is used to having use the computer.    
        
But I still having read about God and I really put it into my life.    

Came to a new place,  having know about so many freshmen, new schoolmates, new teachers, new neighbours, new brothers and sisters,   I have learnt to share and show my love to all of them.  I am knowing the true word of God.     

Please do not worry,  I am still keeping talking to God and really show his love to my neighbourhood.   
 
God bless us all!!!

Hanson

September 16, 2005

This morning I made another good decision. I chose to take on the responsibility of sponsoring another child. This time ( my parents don't know yet, but they should be pleased) I found one that was from Lesotho. I was listening in chapel as the message was presented in form of a long monologue/play. At the end it was presented that the player was a World Vision supporter. He showed a video about World Vision and provided the opportunity to sponsor a child. I do not think that Bright will mind, and my stomach will still be filled. My God has supplied all my needs and I have this great suspicion (mostly certainty) that He wants to use me to meet the needs of others even around the world.

Why don't you sponsor a child? or another one? or at least give $1 to Liberia and allow God to replace what you have worked so hard to earn. If you are cheerful, you will be blessed and you cannot outgive God. Go ahead and give according to your faith, maybe He will show you something more valuable than green pictures of dead presidents.

Do something and tell me or keep it a secret and send me an email that you read my blog.

Joep19@gmail.com

September 14, 2005

I am alive. School is going very well. I am making all sorts of new friends and reconnecting with friends from last year. My roommates are awesome, the housing is great. Everything is wonderful. I have cable and wireless internet access . The Lord has also blessed me with a wonderful job opportunity that I will begin on Monday. I will have the chance to regularly put my actions where my heart is by serving those who cannot perform basic activities for themselves. It will be the outward expression and trial of my conviction. Do I really love people (and God for that matter)? Because as the poet rehearses the message of Christ, "Service to others is service to Me". Click here to read the full lyrics to this song: Serve.

To be a Christian is to serve.

In fact, if we do not serve then do we obey? If we do not obey then do we love? If we do not love then do we know God? If we do not know God how can we be saved?

My thoughts at this point in my life is that I am truly free (or at least freer than I will be in the future). If I felt the need strongly enough I could fly to almost any country within a few months. I have a greater freedom with my money that I foresee in the future. I have neither land, nor family, nor career. I have the freedom to do whatever God asks of me and not enough obligations to block my focus. I really want to keep this mindset although prosperity challenges our love for God. I am willing and able when I have "nothing" ... how will I feel when I have lands, children, and a career? Will I still be free to do WHATEVER God asks of me? Will I keep my passport renewed?

So, my key idea is this ...Since I am free to do right. Is this good? Can I do it? Why Not? I feel that this is a very good attitude for a 19 year old male to have. Instead of pursuing all the vain imaginations or lusts of my flesh, eyes and the pride of life, I am willing to endure light and momentary trouble for the Hope of an eternal glory that far outweighs all of it.

Lord, help me to use my freedom to accomplish Your purpose.

GIVE TO LIBERIA! even as small as $1 and see if God will give you freedom to provide more service to the least of these.

Be a cheerful giver and you will always have something to give :)

August 31, 2005

So I had a cool time with my car yesterday. I took Zoe, my car, to Performance and  now have 4 new tires and everything is checked out. Then I drove to Fair Oaks to meet Deb, her sisters, her brother-in-law, and her parents. I enjoyed spending time with them and it was nice to have some independence and to ride on my brand new wheels. I forgot my camera, but you will soon be able to see a picture of my car.

August 17, 2005

What is real?

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV)

What is right?

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. [NIV]

August 16, 2005

Tom Lane Answers the call ... and the question. ERICH

 CLICK HERE TO READ

August 15, 2005

August 13, 2005

These are not ALL in the family, but they are all IN the family. CLICK HERE for today's entry.

August 11/12, 2005

REAL QUESTIONS

Calling you who are spiritual. Any Elders? Any Teachers? Anyone who has a WORD from the Lord? We all have some questions and we belong to each other. Would you help me help them? Email me anything that you think may be useful.

Hello Joe
It's Josh here. I've found a church to go to and I'm about to start going. But I am still unsure how to speak to god. Would you have some tips. I've acquired a bible as well.

Catch you later
Josh

and Erich writes ...

I think god may be true but im not sure. But 1 thing i know is that someone is up there and i dont no how to talk to him or her can you tell me what to do next?

 Play it again: Turn Your Worries Into Prayer
  

It is easy to talk to God (prayer) ... anytime anywhere. He is a friend at all times and though you don't see Him, He is always listening. He knows your thoughts so He is not confused about you, even when you are. He loves to here you speak to Him because He wants you to realize His presence and His love.

Here's one thing on daily prayers ... but if I let you leave, you have to come back to the site ... http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/day/index.html

Prayer
     A privilege and an obligation of the Christian where we communicate with God. It is how we convey our confession (1 John 1:9), requests (1 Tim. 2:1-3), intercessions (James 5:15), thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6), etc., to our holy God. We are commanded to pray (1 Thess. 5:17).
     Some personal requirements of prayer are a pure heart (Psalm 66:18), belief in Christ (John 14:13), and that the prayer be according to God's will (1 John 5:13). We can pray standing (Neh. 9:5), kneeling (Ezra 9:5), sitting (1 Chron. 17:16-27), bowing (Exodus 34:8), and with lifted hands (1 Tim. 2:8).
 

August 10, 2005

Hanson, Thanks for reminding me about God's plans for our healing. Sometimes He doesn't do things how we think they should be done. Sometimes He uses momentary troubles to provide eternal solutions: (OPEN DOORS).   

He always does what is best for us and is our HEALER. Read the rest of our Theology of Suffering and Healing.

We've identified this mail as junk. Please tell us if we were right or wrong by clicking Junk or Not Junk    WAY WRONG... THAT"S MY BROTHER FOR WHOM I HAVE BEEN WAITING. hi it it is Erich Delamore [from Australia] and I got your email off josh and i want to talk my email is [ask joe] email me please

Dear Joseph,
Thank you for your reply. I praise and thank God that He
has privileged me once again to be in touch with you. I get your email
in a Gust book. Believe that God has a special plan in bringing us both
together. I wish to have correspondence regarding spiritual things. In
this way we both can encourage each other and strengthen in spirit and
mind. In fact I am in need of your regular prayers and cooperation so
that I can save the perishing souls. We know that these are the last
days and His coming is very imminent. I am very sad that many people are
dying without knowing Jesus as their personal Savior.
      As a young
man I dedicated my life to spread the Gospel and lead as many as I can
before I leave the earth and before the coming of the Lord. In this
regard I need the cooperation of co-workers in His vineyard. Please pray
on my behalf that God may raise a number of co-workers to cooperate with
me for the extension of the Kingdom of God.
Sincerely in
Christ,
Evangelist.O.Praveen Babu

JULY 23,2005 Joe Wrote:

August 9, 2005  

Fishing is like Witnessing and the church is the boat. Are you the bait or the fisher of man? awat !?!  Gotta go clean my fish. If you wanna know what this is all about ... ask my father (click the link after you read my blog).

Daddy?? Am I a shepherd or a fisherman??

News From the Field ▼▼ ...

              God answers prayers. Can He get a WITNESS??  Thanks, Hanson.

Dear Brothers,         Thank you for your kindness and your praying for me.     Today,  I feel much better.              Yesterday, I promised to give you the information about my question about god.  Now let me told you,     The number in the bible is Page 13,   MATTHEW5,  33--35.       Why it said "But not swear at all: beither by heaven, for it is God's throne;".       We promise to somebody,  sometime it mean we love him/her,  so we promise him/her something,    to making them happy and let them feel they are in love.      And we will keep the promise.     If we do so,  it is right,    but why the Matthew said not swear at all!           Thanks for your reading my question.            These years,  I just facing about many family problem.    It make  worry and sad all the time.     Now,  I pray,  but,  why,   my family is still have so many problem,  why it broke,  why it poor and my familiars can not have a better life.     It's unfair!           Brothers,  do you please also help me to answers about this question?                 I pray for you!                                              A missing Lamp,  Hanson - China Within seconds of this email I received a message from  Natalie in Singapore... "Hope you're doing ok and I'll be praying for you, as well as your friend Hanson."

August 8, 2005        

June 27, 2005

I haven't really packed yet for my tour and I leave tomorrow. I had church -- a combined service and I ran the powerpoint and some sound.

Then we had lunch, watched more home videos, and went to a graduation party for Jerry's friend Jordan. By the time I had some dinner it was time for youth group. That was fun and we even had home made ice cream that the Senior made.

Then I helped take down the volleyball net. Next it was an unexpected trip to fix up my bicycle so that I will be able to spend some time with Ron, Nathan and Ashley at a bike trail tomorrow morning before I leave with the New America Singers.

So, tonight I am finishing up another family DVD. Then I will pack most of my clothes and stuff (shouldn't be too hard since I will have a uniform and guys are easy).
Then I will get some sleep and wake up to start another DVD and ride bikes.

Then I will come home, start yet another DVD and finish packing, rest a little. Then off to begin my tour with the New America Singers.
 

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Why are you running?

This morning I awoke at about 10:00 AM (I had gone to bed around 5:00 AM) and decided to check in on good ol' uncle Rob ( aka pastorob for those who are not my sweet cousin(s) ). Sure enough, he was up and working on the website. Lately he has been involving himself with the PATTERSON, PETERSON, CLEVELAND, SHAFER, WHITE, GAMBY, SNYDER, WHEELER, MAGDALENA, NUTTEN, JAGGER, and ARMSTRONG names from my Grandfather PATTERSON'S branch. ME? I like to be about my Father'sBusiness™, but I have my own projects as well.

Today I resourced a city council member with a promotional video detailing the recent events in the campaign to make people LOVE GALT. This subtle memory device was developed entirely by the PATTERSON family-- Pastorob directing, filmed and edited by Dan Patterson, and Joe Patterson--Best Boy .

Oh, running?? Yes ... In order to pass along the baton that is this vision for a loving, community in the CENTER of California; I needed to do some physical labor. Lately, I have been distancing myself from such activities preferring instead to let my fingers do the walking and train at my convenience.

In these days of the World Wide Web and Wireless Internet access  there are still those who cannot easily gain a video via cyberspace. This certain council member could not acquire the I LOVE GALT promo video as it would take her about 7 hours of uninterrupted transmission** to receive it at her business in OLDE TOWN GALT. So I, being the intelligent problem solver that I am, loaded it up on my handy dandy USB JUMP DRIVE and ran all the way to the center of town. Quickly I uploaded it on her computer and taught her to how to DOUBLECLICK and PLAYALL though FULLSCREEN was a bit too much for today's lesson.

Anyways, I helped and she will have something cool to show and tell.    Ok .. YOU CAN SEE THEM TOO.

Click here for short video 

Click here for longer video

Then I ran home at a slightly slower pace, satisfied that I had accomplished the goal I set out to achieve.

[** Here at HOME we have wireless 100 mbps-- fast enough for me. Our previous dial-up connection was 56 kbps --too slow and hers was barely 46]

June 20, 2005

Yesterday was a great day to honor my Father and to be about my Father's Business. Yes, I went to two different churches yesterday morning and helped out at Youth Group in the evening. If anyone is interested in helping out the             Youth Group or have ideas for things they could do, CLICK HERE email Ron Shindy after you CHECK OUT THE YOUTH PAGE. Ronny is well respected, fun and open to input from those who have good ideas. Kinda makes me want to stick around Galt to help out. I have next Sunday to assist him, and the rest of August after I get back from my

 TOUR WITH THE NEW AMERICA SINGERS.

June 18, 2005

Well, I don't know if I have inspired them or what. But it appears to me that in response to my Unofficial Site, the New America Singers have begun to post new pictures and recent updates in response to my hard work. 

I am very near to my next adventure, my 5th summer touring with the New America Singers. If you would like to know what California cities our tour will include I will invite you to CLICK HERE. Don't miss out -- this group is WONDERFUL.

Never heard of  'em? CLICK HERE to read WHAT WE DO.

We have some fun too.

June16, 2005

UPDATE: I have been working on a more organized web distribution system for the news regarding the New America Singers. Most of these entries originated as emails from Ted Campbell.

New America Singers: Unofficial Site

SO, I Present to you an inside look into the workings of the New America Singers. Check here to keep track of my group, view itineraries, and find some interesting training materials for maturing Christians.

Yes, the N.A.S do have an official website, but I want to do my own thing.

New America Singers: Unofficial Site

OK, well I am still alive. I know it has been a little while since I have written. I have been really busy working with pastorob on documenting and archiving his past works -- old tapes and such. Go check it out, it took me a little while.

Hm... well I have designed a special little game for those who know the website well or want to see a quick overview of some of the more obscure parts.

So, ready for an adventure? I invite you to compete in the worldwide

ScavengEaster Egg Hunt™

June 8, 2005

Flash! ... I just pulled an all-nighter ... ..............while Dad slept: Click here

May 28, 2005

I am in the internet cafe with my daddy. We were spending some time together working on different internet/writing/myspace projects. I am trying to write out my testimony in a clear and concise manner to share with the people of Hong Kong this summer.

email me

May 27, 2005

Today I have been doing more around the house, trying to get everything put away.

Right now I am listening to Katey Santillan practice her flute. Sounds nice, Katey.

Getting ready to send more money in for this summer's tour.

I guess that is all for today. Just wanted to have something up for those who check regularly.

email me

May 24, 2005

What a packed day. Mom and I are trying to get the house back into shape before daddy returns tomorrow. We are forecasting his return from the future to be 4:00 P.M. PST.

Oh... what did I do today? I was much too busy to record all the details but ...  here's 8 1/2 hours of my day:

Small Kitchen Blind, curtains   

Mom’s bathroom windows.

Gateside yard—putting final leaves in dumpsters

    Rearranging recycling to make room for dumpsters

          Rolling in dumpsters

       Sweeping out dumpster area;

Mowed Side Lawn

Edging, pulling grass in front, sweeping up

Little help moving bookshelf & stuff into office

Dinner/ fixing paper shredder                  

Took down old blinds in office

 Put up new blinds in office 

OK, what else? I wrote a joke, mom thought it was funny and I think it is original.

Why are flowers never clean?

Want to or know the answer?

email me                    joepk15@hotmail.com .

During some recent house cleaning. I unearthed some unsent thank you cards from last year's graduation party. I have four that I never sent. What is the worth of an undelivered message of thanks? I wonder if the thought even counted?

May 23, 2005

This morning I woke up and mom was already working. She and a friend are putting up family pictures. They have some cool ideas and I like seeing these wormholes- if you look through the frame you may be transported to another time and space. (for more on time-travel view the recent publications of the eccentric pastorob -- or for those with a future hope, the soon to be doctorob.

Caution : make sure you are ready to travel back in time before delving into your family photos.

Oh yeah, we also picked Jeremiah up from the airport.

May 22, 2005

Today we had quite a crowd at the Epicenter. FBC Galt had  a combined service followed by a pig roast. It was really cool to see all the new folks, friends, and relatives of the First Baptist Church of Galt. Two Baptisms, music, and a great message and invitation by Pastor R.B. McCartney. Mom and I were discussing how great it was that things could go sooo smoothly without the presence of pastorob. Glad that there are so many great workers in this season of church life. 

May 20, 2005

Today I have been making some copies of the music CD for the upcoming VBS week: Ramblin' Road Trip.

--Pack your bags and get ready to join kids of all ages on an adventure-filled getaway across the U.S.A. with Ramblin' Road Trip: Which Way Do I Go? As ramblers (a.k.a. kids) cruise along "Route 254" - you might know it better as Psalms 25:4 - they'll visit natural wonders, big cities, and theme parks as they discover how the daily choices they make affect their journey. From Destination Worship in Washington, D.C. to Destination Obedience at Knott's Berry Farm in southern California, ramblers will learn that when they choose God as their guide, they can arrive at the ultimate destination - a relationship with Jesus!--

I think that this is a great way for me to be involved in the summertime event for the children of Galt. I loved VBS, but have been out of the land of the Epicenter since I began touring with the New America Singers in 2000. I am especially enjoying listening to the music and thinking about how the message of salvation, obedience, faith, trust, thanksgiving, obedience and praise will be taught to the kids in a storylike fashion. Also the melodic elements of this lesson can stay with them for a lifetime.

I was not there for the week of Truth Trackers, but I know that many children found a great way to remember the 10 commandments. Most years there will be a song specifically teaching the ABC's (Admit, Believe, Commit or Confess) of becoming a Christian.

May 19, 2005

Hola, Today I spent most of the day with mom again. This morning we took Dan to Sacramento so that he could catch a flight to Michigan. He will be there to see Jerry graduate from Coldwater High School. For more on what I did for most of the day see my ideas about painting.

May 18, 2005 (update)

After some cleaning around the house I went over to the Santillan estate and cut some branches off of their tree with a chain saw. Then I cut them all up and fit them into the yard can. There were a lot of little branches, but it took less time than I expected and I got to utilize some cool tools.

Today I am in Sacramento. Mom has to provide a deposition -(Testimony under oath, especially a statement by a witness that is written down or recorded for use in court at a later date) . We are learning how to express ourselves clearly and concisely. Mom is time traveling through her life reviewing her educational history, work experiences, and medical background.

There are many aspects involved that I did not quite expect. Who knew it would take so much effort just to tell the truth? And no notes or phone-a-friend.

Can you remember every aspect of your personal life?

At least I have this internet journal so I can remember some things from the past year.

May 17, 2005 (late update)

I have been watching a lot of movies lately. Tonight the movies are Elektra, and In Good Company. The difficulty about Blockbuster is that with their new policies -- even though they have dozens of the newest movies, many times they are out of store. This is because people can keep them for a long time. Also, Galt does not carry a movie that I wanted to see ... but that's alright.

Hey there! I am in an internet cafe right now. It's A Grind is a pretty cool place to hang out and they have everything you could need ... a toilet, food and free wireless internet. Yes, Natalie, that is a coffee machine surprise! (oh, I am speaking with my friend Natalie in Singapore over the internet right now).

Today I went over to the home of Beverly and Art Dunahoo. There I painted a small white fence. At first I thought that it might rain, but the rain stayed away long enough for me to finish my task.

While I was painting the fence I had plenty of time and songs began popping into my head. Luckily, I have been soaked in Christian music, especially the sort that contains melodic Bible verses or testifies to God's faithfulness. That brings to mind a song God is in Control. What had I been singing ?? Can't quite recall at this moment. Hope I will be traveling back in time to review those lyrics. If you are interested in more aspects of time travel, check out the soon to be

doctor, pastorob.

Then we went to Galt Frostie, a local restaurant that must have been the hangout back in the day. Boy, that place has been there a long time and Galt sure has changed. The land of the epicenter used to contain a movie theatre.

Mom is in here with me. She is studying for a test she will be taking in one of her sign language interpreting classes. It is nice to hang out with her, even if we aren't verbal.

Hey, if you have extra time you can check out my résumé. For some reason I think it would be cool to work in a bank.

May 12, 2005

Working on some household chores. Trying to decide what kind of stuff to put up for y'all to see.

Here's a little thought about one of my chores     ...painting.

May 11, 2005 (late-night update)

It is quite late now and I have discovered how to update from the house. I also found a nice place with faster free internet. More in the future.

I have been helping my mom around the house, doing some painting and other small projects. Some pictures may be coming soon.

Follow the hyperlink to read a letter to the church at Galt.

Tonight I am doing something new, I'm updating my own page.  I am no longer dependent on anyone else to upload my entries.  In the past I have been sending emails containing my journals as attachments and waiting for them to be uploaded. Sometimes they have even endured a little bit of censoring. We will soon be live. Yea!! ... well live enough. Now I have to think before I type.

I am back home in Galt, home of the epicenter, for the summer. Just catching up on some rest, watching movies, and helping a little around the house. Hope to have some interesting new stuff up for you guys as I command this new power of self-updating.

April 25, 2005 

It’s A Small World

It's a world of laughter
- A world of ­______
It's a world of hopes
- And a world of ______
There's so much that we share
- That it's time we're aware
It's a small world after all

Written by: Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman 

Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity of traveling from the land of California Baptist University to Disneyland. This day was made extra special by my companion on this journey. Natalie, my friend from Singapore, was able to go with me.  

I first met Natalie last summer while on tour with the New America Singers. Our choir sang at her school and then invited all of the students to a concert held later in the week at the International Baptist Church. She and I talked after the concert and I gave her my email address (as I have done with many contacts over the years). Yet, I was still unsure whether she would even email me. But, she did email me, and has continued regular communication for the last seven months. After the first couple months, she informed me that she would be coming to the L.A. area to visit some relatives, but I was very skeptical. I did not realize how small the world really is.

I have had the opportunity to travel to many nations over the past 5 years (which reminds me to renew my passport). These experiences, along with the remembrance of Liberian pastor Richard Wesley’s journey to the Epicenter as a result of email communications, keep surprising me. What a great opportunity we as Americans have to communicate, and even visit people from all nations. There are missions efforts conducted all over the world; all it takes is the willingness to be used by God. Of course, as a product of this willingness comes work, fundraising, study, and paperwork. But the possibilities for overseas ministry 2 weeks and beyond are endless.

Not only is the circumference of the earth decreasing as a result of the internet and advances in reasonable transportation, but the distance to neighbors is decreasing as well. There are more people in the U.S. than ever before.

“Consider that by 2035, California's population will approximately double to 64 million, if current population growth continues! This projection is based on the state's current 2% annual growth rate -- a rate that is greater than the national growth rate of 1.1% and is generated primarily by the high immigration rate, both legal and illegal.”

(Rapid Population Growth in California: A Threat to Land and Food Production By David Pimental)

With this growth of the population of California, people are closer than ever before. Also consider the diversity in California as a result of immigration. If one feels a call to “stay” in California there are plenty of opportunities. Do you not say, “Four months more and then the harvest”? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35)  

The small world that we live in is shrinking every day as people become more and more interactive. Shouldn’t we be good stewards of our technology, and the attention of others. Let’s point them towards the things that are of eternal value.

It’s a Small World with Great Opportunities. – Joseph Patterson