Where in the World Are the Maners?

Back in the US

2010-12-25T11:28:00.006-06:00

Greetings from the US. Merry Christmas! We hope all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I got back safe and sound and we had no problems with the luggage. I am so grateful to the FBC Greenville mission team for being so willing and great sports in bringing back 11 extra bags for me. Thank you all for your prayers...the time with the team and ministry we did in ES went great. After Christmas, I hope to share a little more.

God bless. Above are some pics of the team and their work sharing the Gospel, Christmas boxes, food baskets, and providing entertainment through jumpies.

Wishing you all the Merriest Christmas and Happy New Year.

The Maners

Last Day

2010-12-23T07:21:00.002-06:00

Greetings from ES. Thank you for your prayers. This will be my last full day in ES and the FBC Greenville mission teams. The past few days have been great. We have had block parties, seen a lot of children enjoy themselves on jumpies, handed out food baskets and Christmas boxes, and most importantly shared the Gospel to many. It has been great and we have seen some lives changed but something that words cannot describe--we have seen children smile with joy and families filled with gratitude for what they received on behalf of God's provision through FBC Greenvilled and other churches who provide boxes (I will share more and pictures once I get back to the US). I have a little time now before we get started for the day and would like to ask you to pray for the following:

Today we will be at the orphanage (Remar) playing and interacting with the children. We will have a small program for them (they received Christmas boxes last week through Bob Kendrick and his teams) sharing the Gospel through the Christmas story. We will then see some of the ES and return to the hotel to pack for tomorrow.
Continue to pray of the follow up of the lives of those that have been changed for Christ.
Traveling mercies---pray that we all have safe travel tomorrow without any luggage, ticket, customs, connection problems. Also pray for the group as they will drive from Memphis to Greenville once they land. (Please pray the bags "thru". The FBC group has been so generous to take extra bags for me. Pray that they bags do not have weight issues and that they go straight through customs).
Kim and the kids and her family as they will be traveling.

Again thank you for your prayers and support. God bless

Mission Team: Prayer Requests

2010-12-17T17:50:00.010-06:00

Greetings from ES. Kim and the kids are doing well and trying to get adjusted to the US (and the weather). I am finishing up here in ES and my last mission team (FBC Greenville) is arriving this week. Please be in prayer for the following (if you are willing please take the time to pray for each of these events each day--copy and paste/print and pass it on to others):

Saturday 18th: Pray for traveling mercies (safe flight, connections, luggage, no custom problems) for the FBC Greenville group---they will arrive at night.
Sunday 19th: Evangelize in the community of Pastor Enrique (pray that lives will be open to the Gospel and come to know the Lord as their Savior) in the morning; in the afternoon we will be joing Bob Kendrick and his teams for evangelism. We are partnering with a local Baptist church and are planning a block party (Erik and Susan Resendez--new ES missionaries--will have their jumpies for the kids) for the community--this means many children and family members. We are expecting 1000+ children. The day will be finished with a church service (inviting all that come to the block party). Please pray again that lives will be changed for the Lord--pray for the evangelizing teams throughout the block party as they will sharing the Gospel and for the service at night.
Monday 20th: Comedor El Buen Samaritano, Iglesia Bautista Apopa. From the mid-morning to afternoon we will be working with children (VBS). We will hand out Christmas boxes and share the Gospel.
Tuesday 21st: Mision Cristiana El Redentor, Lago Coatepeque, Santa Ana. This will be a long day of working with children (VBS), door to door evangelism; block party in the afternoon (use of jumpies again), handing out Christmas boxes and toys, and finish with a worship service (sharing the Gospel--we pray many of the community will show). Pray for salvation of lost souls that people will turn to the One Savior and Creator.
Wednesday 22nd: Iglesia Bautista Betell, Apopa; work with children (VBS), jumpies, evangelize all that come to the jumpies, finish with a night service (again sharing the Gospel), hand out Christmas boxes and food baskets.
Thursday 23rd: Spend time at Remar Orphanage playing with the children.
Friday 24th: Pray for safety and traveling mercies of FBC Greenville group and me as we return (different flights and times). Pray that their will be no luggage problems (they will be taking back some of our things), customs problems, connections, safety and traveling mercies.

When praying for these days, please keep the group in mind as this may be the first time some share the Gospel. Pray for the FBC group itself--that God will use this mission trip to change their lives. Each day, pray for open hearts to the Gospel and that people will come to know the Lord as their personal Savior and be saved (every day we will be evangelizing and reaching out with the Gospel message). Pray for our safety each day as we travel and drive and pray that the Enemy will not be given a foothold in anything we do nor that he will thwart any of our means of sharing the love and salvation of Jesus Christ our risen Redeemer.

God bless and thank you for your prayers and support (due to time this may be my last blog from ES)

Count Down

2010-12-12T11:56:00.002-06:00

Greetings from ES. Thank you for your prayers during this time. Kim and the kids are doing well and trying to get adjusted to being back in the US. I am counting down for 2 things:
1. to see my family--I sure do miss them and am looking forward to seething them (that will be my Christmas present).
2. the FBC Greenville mission team will be here in 6 days (Dec. 18). Be in prayer for their traveling mercies and for the work they will do here (and the prep work needed to be done before they get here). We are going to support some local churches with outreach to the community. They are going to give out Christmas boxes and food baskets to those in need. We are going to help in VBS outreach to children and their families and finish with a night service. With the help of Eric and his ministry of inflatable jumpies, we are going to have a lot of children at many of these activities of outreach. Pray that the lives of these parents and children will see the need for Christ and open their lives to Him as their Savior. Pray for the mission group as they will outreach to these families: pray for their spiritual strength, safety, and health while they are here. Pray for the leaders of this group that God will use them in mighty way for His purpose.

Some prayer requests:

The Gospel will be shared and that lives will be changed for Christ through salvation through the mission teams.
My family and I as we are apart; wisdom and insight for the remaining days here.
Travel preparations as I return with the group. The group has been so helpful and generous in their willingness to take extra bags back for me. Pray that all our luggage will get back to the US without any problems and complications (costs, customs, connections...).
All of our travel here in ES the next few days. There are about 3 mission teams helping Bob (also Eric and Susan the new missionary family) with shoe boxes and sharing the Gospel this week. Pray for their safety.
Pray for Bob's health. He has not been feeling very well these past few days. Pray for a full recovery.

Thank you for your prayers. God bless

United States

2010-12-07T11:09:00.002-06:00

Well the kids and I are back in the United States. We have been here since Saturday. We had a great traveling day. However the weather is a bit chilly. I am use to walking around in shorts, t-shirt and flip flops. I can't seem to get warm enough.
So we are adjusting. I have had a lot of people say, " I know you are so excited to be back home" but truthfully my home was in San Salvador. I miss my home. I know what they mean though and they are being super sweet to say something. You must understand, Bill and I were committed for two years to serve HIM in El Salvador and for reason we don't know our Father sent us home early. We ask that you pray with us to know what is next. It is sad for us. We left family back in El Salvador. Bella left her friends. So I am not sure how I feel. But I KNOW that we are ready to go wherever HE sends us. I just want to be the hands and feet of CHRIST. My heart is sad and happy as I write this because we are separated from Bill. Keep Bella in your prayers she is really missing her daddy. Again pray with us for the Lord's next step. I am praying for HIS guidance for my family. Thank you again for ALL of your prayers.
Love
Kim
Disclaimer: Bill usually reads my blogs before I post them so please forgive any errors....

Moved Out

2010-12-06T12:02:00.002-06:00

I have officially moved us out of our home here in ES--kind of sad in a way. Now I have to work on getting our pet dog sent to the US. I am sure there will be some paper-work and then some more paper-work. Oh well.

Kim and the kids are doing well and today Causey turns 2. It is sad to miss his b-day (we celebrated before he left). Keep us in your prayers as we are apart and continue to pray for the FBC Greenville group that will be coming in about two weeks. Also continue to pray as God leads us to the next thing.

God bless

Safe and sound

2010-12-04T20:53:00.002-06:00

Thank you for your prayes. Kim, Bella, Causey, Merci Kathryn and Dwayne got to MS safe and sound. God blessed them with safe travels.

I am finishing moving us out of our home. Keep us in your prayers as we will be apart for the next few weeks. Also keep the First Baptist Greenville Mission team in your prayers as they prepare to come on Dec. 18-24.

I hope to keep everyone posted.

God bless

Time is flying

2010-11-30T21:39:00.002-06:00

Greetings and we hope all had a great Thanksgiving. Time is flying around here. So let me get to the point and update:

About 2 weeks ago, we had our last Bible study. It was a great time of fellowship and sad knowing this would be our last time. We truly loved getting to know these college students and having them as a part of our lives for the last year and half. During this time, the Lord led me to spend my time sharing the Gospel (one last time) and the importance of having Jesus Christ as our personal Savior--the importance of now and not later because we are not promised tomorrow. We are thankfu and blessed that God allowed us to get to know these kids and are looking forward to seeing how God works in their lives. It was definitely sad saying good-bye but, Lord willing, we look forward to an opportunity to see them again and plan to stay in touch with them.
I finished my classes at the University and turned in the grades. Again this was also sad, but it was a great opportunity that God gave me to share His love while teaching. I look forward to hearing great things about these students.
We had a great Thanksgiving with the Kendrick and Resendez family. Continue to pray for the Resendez family as they adjust and transition to ES and begin making this their home (pray as they get their belongings shipped and through customs; finding a new home). They have already started their ministry and God is going to use it in an awesome way. Read more about them and their needs on www.hope4elsalvador.org
Packing, packing, and more packing. We have been getting everything ready to return and are making progress. Kim and the kids leave this Saturday to return to the US. We are thankful to Dwayne (Kim's brother) who is flying in on Thursday to help Kim with the kids on the return trip. Please be praying for Dwayne's safe travel on Thursday here and all of their safety for the return flight on Saturday. Pray for the kids as they adjust to being back in the US--they have grown fond of ES (also it is sunny and 85 here).
Pray for the 1st Baptist Church Greenville that is going to be here from the 18th to 24th sharing the Gospel. We will be working in at need communities reaching out to children and their families (VBS type work) and having a finishing service each night where we will share the Gospel. Pray that souls will be won to the Lord and that the Lord will use this in a mighty way for His Kingdom and His Glory.
Pray for Kendrick Ministries (Bob and Angelique) as in the next few weeks they will be busy giving out Christmas shoe boxes and clothes to pastors and their families and churches.
Continue to pray for our finances and give the Lord praise: God provides for us every day.
Pray for me as I will be away from my family for about 3 weeks. Also pray that as God leads us in what He has next for us to do that we will be faithful.
Time flies: Causey will be turning 2 years old this December.

Thank you for your prayers and your support. My apologies for not posting as often as I should.

God bless

This Week

2010-11-15T11:59:00.002-06:00

Greetings from ES. Again thank you for your prayers and support. Here are a few updates:

Bella finished up school and had her program last Saturday. (She is growing up fast--I now understand that statement). She did spectacular.
Last Tuesday we had our Bible study. It went well and we are finishing up the study. This Tuesday will be our last Bible study. Pray for guidance as I lead this last study (that it will be all God and none of me) and pray for the hearts of those that do not know Christ as their Savior. Also continue to pray that God will provide another teacher/leader that will continue these Bible studies.
Tomorrow I have my last meeting with my women's b-ball team. Pray that God will use this last time with them to impact and work in their lives. Pray that their next coach will be a Christian that is concerned with them spiritually.
Packing. We are in the middle of packing and getting things ready to come back to the US. Pray for us during this process: wisdom and guidance. Pray for our remaining financial needs (God continues to provide daily!). Also keep Bella in your prayers as she will transition back to life in the US (this also includes all of us---what God has in store for us next).
First Baptist Church Greenville Mission Team. They are coming to do outreach (evangelism) in December. Pray for their preparations and the hearts of those they will evangelize.

Thank you for your prayers. If you do not get out newsletter and would like to know how God is working here is the link to our recent newsletter: https://sites.google.com/site/whereintheworldrthemaners/Home/maner-newsletter

God bless

Update of the week

2010-11-07T07:31:00.002-06:00

Greetings. All is going well here. The past couple of days have actully felt like fall weather here in ES--it has been windy/chilly (for here) and sunny. It has been very pleasant. Here are a few updates.

We had one last basketball "practice" this week (we scrimmaged against each other--I had to play--that is one way to let me know I am getting a little slower and older) and then I took them to Pizza Hut on Friday for a last get-together. These are some great guys. Please pray that the Lord provides a new Christian and godly coach for these guys that is interested in them spiritually. (I hope to have one last get-together with the girls team this week).
This coming week will be my last week at the University for classes. I now only have 2 more Bible group meetings with them. This week I had a great time with those that could come. The book (Crazy Love) has been good material to use and very challenging. Pray that God will provide someone that will continue with the Bible studies and the remaining 2 meetings: pray for God's conviction.
We began the process of packing this week--books, picture, small items, and selling of furniture. Pray for us as we continue with this. Pray that a container (the details and finances) will all work out in the next few days.
Pray for the Kendricks as they have a construction and evangelizing mission team in Chinameca helping build onto a small rural church (Sunday school rooms) and as they do VBS and outreach in the community.

Thank you for your prayers. God bless

Blessings from Prayer

2010-11-01T10:01:00.004-05:00

Greetings everyone. I want to start by thanking everyone for your prayers. God has been answering them in a mighty way. In our last newsletter we asked for prayer, specifically in the area of our financial support, and God is providing. We want to share this as a testament of His provision and the power of prayer. I am working on our next newsletter and will share more about this, but here is an example of His provision (the truth is we should never be amazed at God's wonderful way in which He takes care of us--but I want this to encourage everyone who has been praying for us).

God is providing for our finances. When we first sent our newsletter, we were in a great need for our next remaining months here in ES. We asked for prayer in this matter and God responded. God is providing for our daily. How awesome is He.
We received news that someone wanted to provide a vehicle for us once we returned. This was a concern for us and God provided in a great way.
As we prepare to move back, one of the "hurdles" we face is the cost of containers (means of shipping our belongings back to the US) for the move. We got a call out of the "blue" and someone gave toward this cost.

God knows our needs and He is providing. Please continue to pray as we prepare to move back and the remaining time we have here. Even though we are preparing to go back to the US, ministry still continues here (up to the day we leave). Here are some prayer requests:

We have a group of 30 coming from December 18th -24th to help evangelize. They are from 1st Baptist Greenville. Be praying for this group as they will share the Gospel in different areas and communities here in ES. They will also help in distributing shoe boxes (Kendrick Ministries) to churches that have children who otherwise would not get a Christmas--another great means of sharing the Gospel and also showing God's love.
Continue to pray for our finances. We have needs for moving expenses (containers and traveling).
Bible study at the University. We have about 3 more weeks until the college semester is over, which means 3 more Bible studies. Pray that God will continue to use this time to grow these students spiritually and bring the those that are lost to Him. Also pray that God will provide someone that will continue to minister to college students once we leave.
Pray for the new missionary family--Resendez (www.hope4elsalvador.org) that is arriving this week. They will focus on family outreach evangelism. Pray for them as they search for a home and begin to learn the language and culture.

A quick update. Last week I finished my last week at Oasis Christian High School. It was a great year with challenges and I enjoyed getting to know these kids. I know God is working in their lives and hope to hear great things about them. I will miss them.

God bless

Updates

2010-10-24T17:31:00.002-05:00

Greetings. My apologies again for not keeping the blog up-to-date. I just wanted to give an update about what is going on here in ES.

The University Bible study is going well. We have started a study by reading a book by Francis Chan: Crazy Love (we are grateful for a church in the US that donated the materials for this study--each student received a free copy of this book). It is a good book because it challenges Christians in their walk with the Lord. It has several good topics and is a good tool for Christians who want to grow closer in their walk in the Lord. It is also two-fold in that it makes those that are not believers (who may also read this book) to really think where they stand and why? This same message applies to Christians, but it is challenging because God can use it to make us think and realize where we are spiritually: milk or meat (the minimum or striving to grow every day).----We have been meeting every Tuesday at the University and as soon as Merci gets her shots we will meet at our house again (hopefully next week). Please pray for those in this study that they will grow and seek to be stronger in the Lord and those that do not know Him may come to know the Lord as their personal Savior.
This is my last week at Oasis High School. It has been a great year filled with challenges. I am going to miss all the kids that I teach. The 11th and 10th graders were a great group. God is going to use these kids in great ways for His kingdom.
The University is also winding up. I have about 4 weeks left of teaching classes. Teaching at the U has been a great opportunity to share the Gospel and to get to know some great kids. These are students I will stay in touch with for a lifetime and may even be able to help someday further their studies in the US (this also includes the Oasis students).
Blessing: a church and some individuals gave nearly $1600 to benefit the Remar orphanage. This money will got to help them pay their monthly bills. God is great.

Prayer Requests:

Pray for us as we finalize decisions about leaving ES at the end of December. The last year in half has been challenging, but the most importantly, a great blessing. God has used this time in ES to allow His Word and the Gospel to be shared to children, University students, basketball teams, churches, and the orphanage. We were blessed to be a small part of this--He uses us, the unworthy, to share His grace and mercy. God has also used this time in ES to grow us and challenge us spiritually--what we have learned here will follow us where ever we go. Pray for guidance and wisdom as to what our next step will be.
Pray for our finances. God has provided and continues to provide daily. Pray for this daily provision and also please give Him the glory for doing this daily (for us and everyone).
Pray for new missionaries that will be moving to ES in Novemeber. This family will have a focus on children and family evangelism and will be partnering with Kendrick Ministries.

Thank you for your prayers and support. Below is a link to our last newsletter.

God bless.

https://sites.google.com/site/whereintheworldrthemaners/Home/maner-newsletter

Prayer Request

2010-10-04T10:35:00.003-05:00

Greetings from ES. We had a great and encouraging visit from Mimi Shaw (our pastor's wife in Starkville). Please keep her in your prayers as she travels back to the US today. Pray for traveling mercies (safety in travel, connections, customs, documents, driving...). Thank you for your prayers. God bless.

Prayer Request

2010-09-27T20:05:00.002-05:00

Greetings. It has been a busy few weeks. My apologies in not keeping the blog up-to-date. Here are a few updates:

The boy's basketball team finished this season 3rd overall. They won their last game--it took until the 4th quarter before they started "playing" but they finished hard.
My sister visited and helped us for about a week--she was great help; we were blessed to have her help during her vacation time (cooking, cleaning, changing diapers is not a glamourous vacation)
The University is going well. Oasis high school has been challenging the past few weeks for various reasons, but now there is only about a month left of school (they finish the last week in Oct.). Pray as I wind down in both places--also pray for the senior class as they take a big national exam this Wednesday.
Merci Kathryn is growing and doing well--Bella and Causey are good big sister and brother. Continue to pray for them

Here are some prayer requests:

Pray for Mimi Shaw (our pastor's wife in Starkville, MS) who is traveling this Thursday to come visit us. Pray for traveling mercies and that she will have a safe trip with out any complications or problems.
Continue to pray for us. We are seeking God's guidance on when we should return to the US (December on next June). There are many factors that are leading us to pray for this--pray that God's will be done.
Continue to pray for our financial support. God continues to provide and, though it should not, it amazes us when He provides in unexpected ways (His provision is seldomly the way we think it will be).
Pray for our Bible Study group that God continues working in their lives in a great way.

Thank you for your prayers and support. God bless.

Family Visiting

2010-09-12T08:32:00.003-05:00

Greetings thank you for your prayers. My sister, Elizabeth, arrived safely yesterday and will be here for a week. Dwayne and Mrs. Billie returned to the US on Thursday. Family has been a blessing to help us during this time---since I have returned to my full duties of teaching and coaching.

Coaching: Our last game was postponed due to a bus strike that lasted for 3 days here in ES. This strike affected our classes at the University--classes were canceled. Everything, to my understanding, is back to normal as of Friday.

Teaching: I continue to teach at the U and Oasis. Pray as I teach and coach that I will have and take every opportunity to share Christ in all that I do.

Bible Study: Had to be postponed last week due to the bus strike. I hope to have the Bible Study at the U the next few weeks until Merci Kathryn can start having visitors at home.

Prayer Requests: Continue to pray for Kim and Merci Kathryn that they will continue to do well.

What God has in store for us here: whether to stay or return after December
The lives of students that we come in contact with
Bob and Angelique Kendrick in the work they are doing here and as they prepare for the Shoe Box mininstry in December

God bless and thank you for your prayers

Close One!

2010-09-04T22:08:00.002-05:00

Greetings. Thank you for your prayers. Dwayne, Kim's brother, got here safe and sound. He will be with us until Thursday and then go back with his mom. They are a great help to us--Bella and Causey are loving every minute.

I am back in full swing of things: --teaching at the University and Oasis high school. Coaching is winding down. Unfortunately, the girls team did not make it to the playoffs. It was not due to a lack of talent, but because we had to forfeit 2 games because we did not have enough girls show (the irony is that a team that we beat with only 4 of our girls made the cut--Oh, well). The boys team, on the other hand, has definitely improved. This semester God blessed me with a new point guard and he is good (I wish I had him sooner)--he has been the difference maker. I say this because on Friday we almost beat the "unbeatable" team. We lost by 4 points in the last minute 46 seconds. Our team led by 9 points at one point. This is the team that has scholarship players and players that play on the national team (they are the only team we have not beat--they put us out in the championship game last year). The other university team has beat us by 10-18 points before in other games. Needless to say, I was beside myself this whole game and am still trying to get over the fact we lost (as I write, I see the 3 pointer that shifted the direction of the game and the lack of "hands" in his face)--Oh well. It was a close one. This game made me re-evaluate my perspective. I went into this game a little downcast. We had not practiced due to rain and exams and also lost a close one to another good team last week (in order to be first we had to be the team the other day). I believe the team came together and played hard---the best they ever played before. This made me want to coach them another semester, but as Kim reminded me, I am a coach. Meaning, I am competitive and this is not necessarily God opening the door for another semester. (I still see the shot and the opportunity though; and see how God has used me to a stable person that does care about them--something that will never change). Needless to say all is in God's hands. We have our last game next Thursday--we are basically playing for 3rd place.

Hope I did not bore anyone with basketball details. We are doing well. Kim continues to recover (she can't wait to be able to get out of the house) and Merci Kathryn had her 2 week exam and is doing great (she gained nearly 2 lbs and grew about 2 inches). Continue to pray for us and especially what God has in store for us (wisdom about the time to leave).

God bless

Maner Update

2010-08-26T09:54:00.003-05:00

Greetings from ES. I just wanted to update everyone quickly about some of the work we have been doing here. Things have been a little hectic the past couple of weeks with doctor and hospital visits and now a newborn. Whew..., but during all these things God has been with us every step of the way. Here are some of the things that have happened during all this excitement:

About 3 weeks ago I was given the opportunity to share at a local Baptist church. They were having their 15th anniversary and so they had 4 days of church outreach/celebration with different speakers at the church (Bible conference/Revival). The theme was evangelism. So on a Friday, I fealt the Lord impress on me to speak on the importance of evangelism with discipleship in mind. So many times, we only think about evangelism and forget the follow-up (discipleship). The new Christians need to be discipled (I will share about this topic at another time).

Basketball:

the girls team had a good season--when they all came and played. The girls team did not make it to the playoffs because we forfeited two games due to not having enough players. The irony is that for one game we started with 5 players and the entire second half only played with 4 (one of the girls had to go to work). We won this game, but the school we played made it to the playoffs because we forfeited two.
the boys team made it to the playoffs. It was a rocky start but they made it. We lost our first game in the playoffs. It was a close one. The sad part is that I did not get to play two of my players because our AD at the University did not have proper documentation on them. So we continue with two more games (it is a round-robin). So we shall see the outcome.
I have started back at the University and Oasis high school. I am getting back into the routine of things. I hope to have the Bible study for the college students at the University for the next few weeks (until Merci Kathryn can handle seeing a lot of people wanting to hold her).

Prayer Requests and Praise:

Praise: Kim had no complications and Merci Kathryn was/is a healthy baby. God has provided for everything (even the finances).
Continue to pray for Kim to have a quick and healthy recovery and Merci Kathryn that she will continue to do well
Continue to pray for our financial support (we had enough for about a year and half--until this December). We want to do God's will, whatever it may be.
Pray for our ministry here with the University and basketball. God used the groups that were here to open opportunities to share the Gospel in different venues (other basketball teams)
Pray for guidance for us as we listen to what God has for us next.

Thank you for your prayers. God bless

Maner Baby and Newsletter Update

2010-08-20T10:48:00.003-05:00

Greetings, all continues well. Kim is still recovering (please continue to pray for a quick and healthy recovery). Bella loves being a big sister and Causey is getting practice being a big brother. Continue to pray for us.
Also be in prayer for my parents as they go back to the US on Sunday. Pray for traveling mercies that they will not have any ticket, luggage, document, connection, and customs problems and safetly in flight and a safe drive back to their home.
The Lord's timing has been great--I have been blessed by Oasis and the University working with me to miss classes (to let you know how great the Lord's timing is---next week Oasis High school is having a retreat for the students, so I will not miss many classes).
The following link is to our newsletter for an update on what we have been doing the past weeks (there are a lot of pictures): https://sites.google.com/site/whereintheworldrthemaners/Home/maner-newsletter

God bless

Coming Home Pictures

2010-08-19T21:44:00.010-05:00

We are home. All is well--thank you for your prayers. Keep praying for a quick and healthy recovery for Kim and for Merci Kathryn.

I am going home today

My outfit

Peaceful sleep--I wonder when this is all going to change for us.

Home We Go

2010-08-19T08:09:00.002-05:00

Thank you so much for everyone's prayers. God has been taking care of every detail. Today we head home. Kim's doctor "discharged" her last night so we can leave this morning. Continue to pray for Kim as she recovers. The doctor said this could take a month--so please be praying (you know Kim is not one to take this lying down with her feet propped up and relax). Merci Kathryn is doing well--and continue to pray she continues to be healthy (pray that Causey begins to understand "baby sister"--it will be hard for him to be able to just jump into Kim's arms and lap).

Thank you all for your support and prayers.

God bless

More Merci Kathryn Pictures

2010-08-18T16:42:00.011-05:00

Thank you for your prayers. Kim is doing better and walking around more. She still has pain, but is doing better. We will get to leave tomorrow morning. Continue to pray for a full quick and healthy recovery. Home again tomorrow--Lord willing. Enjoy some pics.

Me and Mommy

I got to be on the go

Picture worth more than words

Can it be my turn again to hold her

Hey where are the feet?

Can I touch

Causey, Bella, and Merci Kathryn

Are those the Wiggles?

Proud big sister

I am excited, but hey the Wiggles are on

Can I keep holding her?

Sleeping

My info in Spanish

Gran is it my turn again?

couple more pics

2010-08-17T18:21:00.007-05:00

Angelique Kendrick (Honey as the kids know her) with Merci Kathryn and Bella

My mom with Merci Kathryn and Bella

Proud Big Sister

Causey--we can't keep him still to take a picture, but he is taking it all in as a big brother

Causey front and center (for one second).

Thank you for your prayers. Keep praying for Kim. She is feeling better this afternoon and moving around (she still has pain). We hope to go home tomorrow.

God Bless

Merci Kathryn Grace Maner

2010-08-17T12:49:00.009-05:00

Thank you for your prayers. Kim is doing well and in recovery (we hope to be able to leave the hospital tomorrow)--continue to pray for a quick and healthy recovery and that the pain would decrease.

Merci Kathryn Grace Maner is doing well and healthy. Continue to pray for her. Bella and Causey came and visited today--they are proud big sister and brother.

Again thank you for your prayers in this time. Here are a few pics.

Baby Girl

2010-08-16T22:20:00.003-05:00

Thank you for your prayers. We are the proud parents of a baby girl: Merci Kathryn Grace Maner. She was 6lbs 14 oz and 18 inches long.

As of now all is well. Kim is in recovery and Merci Kathryn is a strong and healthy baby girl. Please continue to pray for quick and healthy recovery for Kim--you know she will want to bet home ASAP. Bella and Causey are excited big sister and brother.

I hope to update soon. Again thanks for your prayers.

maner prayer request

2010-08-16T18:56:00.001-05:00

Quickly. Kim is going to have a C-section tonight. Pray.

God bless

Maner Update

2010-08-15T15:57:00.002-05:00

Let me give everyone a quick update.

Thank you for your prayers: the Parkers arrived back safely to the US and my parents here in ES (they are visiting for 8 days).
Continue to pray for Kim and the baby. She is due tomorrow--Aug. 16, but that is not "definite" as most know. Pray for her during this time--she is ready to have this baby. Pray for the doctor and the entire process.
I return back in full force to all my "duties." I have returned to teaching at the University and coaching and tomorrow I return to teaching at Oasis high school. I have missed being around the students, but it will also be hard to go back to these duties and having, Lord willing, a new-born soon. I have been blessed at the University with a "better" schedule this semester--I am only teaching 2 classes. Also, basketball will be winding down (the boys made it to the playoffs; we are still awaiting to hear about the girls). These changes (basketball and University) will allow me to have more time at home.
Hopefully, on Saturdays, if all works out, I will be helping one of my basketball players who is finishing his social hours in order to graduate (a national requirement for all university graduates) with basketball clinics. He will be doing basketball clinics for a poor community and I will help by sharing the "spiritual" element. This means I will share the Gospel to these kids for the next few months.

Please continue to pray for us. We are so grateful for all of your prayers.

God Bless

traveling mercies

2010-08-13T21:17:00.002-05:00

Greetings from ES. We are still waiting--no baby yet. Kim is supposed to be due on Monday--we shall see. Keep her in your prayers.

Meanwhile, the Parkers (Howard and Billie) are flying back to the US tomorrow (Saturday) and my parents (Jim and India) are flying in for a visit. Please keep them both in your prayers that they will have traveling mercies: safety in their flights and no connection, luggage, document, and custom problems.

God bless

Travel Update

2010-08-02T21:22:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your prayers. Mary Kathryn returned safe and sound to the US and the Parkers arrived here without any problems.

Will keep everyone posted. Your prayers are much appreciated.

God Bless

Sad Day

2010-08-01T18:48:00.002-05:00

Greetings from ES. Tomorrow will be a sad day for us--Mary Kathryn is going back to the US. She has spent a month of her summer helping us. She has been a great blessing by helping us with everything: from kids, Kim, to basketball (when they showed up to practice). MK has been such a great help--we hate to see her go and the kids are going to be very sad. Please keep her in your prayers as she travels tomorrow: pray for traveling mercies (safety in travel, flight connections, documents, luggage).

On the bright side, the Parkers (Kim's parents) are coming tomorrow. Please keep them in your prayers that they will have traveling mercies also.

God bless and thank you for your prayers.

Update

2010-07-27T17:15:00.003-05:00

Thank you for your prayers. God is great. We played our games today and just as we finished everything (sharing the Gospel)--literally everything, as we packed up the van it started raining. We have a faithful and wonderful God.
Because half of the girls are sick (please continue to pray for them that they will be healthy by tomorrow and that the others that are not sick, will not get sick), we joined the Prep team with my University team. This worked out because only half of my team showed. We played the tournament (every team got 2 games) and we then had pizza. During the pizza time, one of the Prep girls shared her testimony and then I shared the Gospel. Continue to pray that the seeds that were planted will continue to grow.

Again thank you so much for your prayers. Please continue to pray for the health of the girls and for traveling mercies tomorrow. Pray that they will all be healthy to travel and not have any ticket, luggage, document, connection problems. Again to see some pictures of the Prep teams in ES and Guatemala see the links in the previous blogs.

God Bless. Serving in ES.

Update:Sick Girls

2010-07-27T10:00:00.001-05:00

See blog below---but also be praying for sick girls. We have a virus that is going around. Pray that they will all be healthy before they leave tomorrow (it would be miserable traveling sick).

God bless

Prayer Request: Tournament

2010-07-27T09:31:00.002-05:00

Greetings. I have a quick prayer request. Today is the girl's last day here in ES and we have a scheduled basketball tournament at the University. This will be a great opportunity to share the Gospel. Pray for the hearts of those that will hear the Gospel and also pray for the weather. It is overcast and "rainy." Our court is outside and if it rains, well, there will be no games. Please pray, if it is the Lord's will, that we will have good weather for the tournament today (no rain) and that His message will be shared. Again, in the previous blog are the links to the two Jackson Prep teams, if you would like to see pictures and catch-up with what they did/are doing while here.

Thank you for your prayers. God bless

Maners in ES

Girls B-ball Team

2010-07-26T17:43:00.003-05:00

Greetings. Quickly (I am on the run). The Jackson Prep girl's b-ball team is here. Pray for their health, game tonight, and weather tomorrow (we have an outdoor tournament and the weather has been raining on and off). Thank you for your prayers---continue to pray that this team will bring God the honor and glory and for all those we will be sharing the Gospel to.

Here is the link to the girl's basketball team daily blog while here in ES and the boys blog.

http://www.jpladypatriots.blogspot.com/
www.prepincentralamerica.blogspot.com

God bless

Basketball Teams

2010-07-24T18:01:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to give a quick update. The last 3 days went great with the boys basketball team from Jackson Prep. They played games, had b-ball clinics, helped at the orphanage, and spoke at schools and in doing all this shared the Gospel. God used them here and also used this trip to work in their lives. Please keep them in your prayers as they are traveling to the US (now).

The girls basketball team got here today from Guatemala. Please keep them in your prayers as they will be doing the same: clinics, games, orphanage, and speaking in schools. Pray that the Gospel will be shared and that God will be glorified in all.

I will post a link later (do not have it right now) to the blog that one of the coaches kept daily while on the trip.

God bless and thank you for your prayers--continue to pray for weather, safety, and those that will hear the Gospel.

Basketball Team

2010-07-19T11:26:00.002-05:00

Greetings from rainy ES. The Boys basketball team from Jackson Prep will be arriving here on Wednesday. Please pray for traveling mercies for the team (they will be coming from Guatemala to here by bus) and that they will have no documentation problems. Also pray for good weather. Most of the games and clinics the team will be doing here in ES will be outside, so be praying for good weather and the hearts of those we will be sharing the Gospel.

God bless

Basketball Mission Teams

2010-07-16T22:27:00.002-05:00

Greetings. Please be in prayer for Coach Horner and his team from Jackson Prep as they travel tomorrow (Saturday) to Guatemala. Pray for traveling mercies (flight, connections, luggage, documents) as they travel and for their safety and health (they will be playing many games/clinics). They will be in Guatemala until Wednesday and then travel to here, to ES. Pray for the purpose of their trip--that the Gospel will be shared, the seed planted, and that lives will forever be changed by people coming to know the one and only Savior--Jesus Christ. Also be praying for Coach Hatch who will take the Jackson Prep girls to Guatemala on Wednesday and then come to ES on Saturday (Mary Kathryn will be joining them in Guat.). Be praying the same over them. Pray also for all us who are coordinating the events and getting things together--that all will work out to the honor and glory of God.

God bless.
The Maners in ES

Getting Ready

2010-07-14T09:40:00.003-05:00

Greetings from ES. I just wanted to give a quick update. We are getting ready for our next two groups. Coach Horner and Coach Hatch from Jackson Prep are bringing their teams to participate in basketball missions. They are going to Guatemala and coming here to ES. Coach Horner has been doing this for years and this is Coach Hatch's first time to bring her team. The teams will play teams in these countries and during half time share the Gospel and also after the games spend some one on one time with the teams. In addition they will do basketball clinics in schools. Basketball (any sport) is a great venue to share the Gospel. We are looking forward to these teams coming.

Please be praying for the teams as they prepare to come (next week): pray for safety in travel (air and on the roads) and health. Pray for those the will come in contact with--that their hearts will be open to the Gospel and that lives will be changed by coming to know Christ as their Savior.

Pray for us as we prepare for them and work on scheduling.
God bless

Update

2010-07-10T18:01:00.002-05:00

Our last group left recently and we are preparing for the next ones (boys and girls basketball teams from Jackson Prep). The Nashville team that just left was a great help and blessing to us here in ES. Here is a quick summary of what they did while they were here:

Friday morning they helped pass out tracts at the University (the second day back to school for second semester) and shared the Gospel in several classrooms. In the afternoon we went to Remar (orphanage) and they had a VBS program for the kids.
Saturday morning we finished at Remar by showing all the kids a Veggie tale movie and then they handed out to all the kids a goodie bag. Saturday afternoon we shared at a local church during their youth time
Sunday we went to Chinameca and spent the day. Pastor Chris from the group preached at Chinameca Baptist Church in the morning. In the afternoon we passed out tracts until we were rained out and then we had a church service at a small rural church where Pastor Chris had an evangelistic sermon. It was a great day. Pastor Chris had powerful sermons--God spoke through him.
Monday one of the theological students from the University arranged for the group to share the Gospel in 3 high schools. We broke into groups (partnering with a local church) and went from room to room sharing the Gospel and handing out tracts (the students really liked the tracts--they were $1,000,000 tracts that got their attention). We had a good response and had some respond to the Gospel. The blessing is that the theological student's church is doing follow up. This church has a relationship with these schools and is coming back in 2 weeks with another mission team of doctors. God is using this student.
Tuesday was a relax day and I was able to show the group around a little and they also took my Bible group students to the beach (5 of them went--kids straggle in during the first few days of the semester). They had the Bible study at the beach.
Wednesday the group went back to the US.

Thank you all for your prayers. Now we are preparing for the next groups. We are also blessed with Mary Kathryn who is here helping us. She will be a big help here at home with us and a great asset helping me with basketball. Please continue to pray for us and our work here.

God bless

Mission Team: Return Today

2010-07-07T09:24:00.002-05:00

A quick update. The mission team from Nashville, TN is returning today (I will give an update on their work later--seeds were planted and some responded to the Gospel and were saved). Please pray for their safe return to the US that they will not have any ticket, luggage, document, connection problems. Pray for safe traveling mercies.

God bless

1st Group

2010-06-30T20:59:00.002-05:00

Greetings from ES. I just wanted to give a couple of updates and prayer requests.

We have our first group arriving tomorrow (Thursday) from TN. This group is being led by one of my good friends from Brazil (he is an mk)--Jon. He and I went to the same mk school in Brazil, and got back in touch with each other the last two years. Jon and his family and 5 others (including one of their pastors) are going to be spending a week doing evangelistic outreach. Please pray for their safety in travel tomorrow (no luggage, connection, ticket, document and custom problems). Also be praying for us daily as they will be doing VBS at the orphanage for 3 days. They are also going to help do some evangelism on the University campus (also share with my Bible study group), a large public school, and visit an interior town and share with the church and then do some door to door evangelism (weather permitting). Pray that God will be glorified in all that they do, that seeds will be planted, and, Lord willing, hearts will be converted to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. During all this please pray for their safety and health while they are here.
Including this group, in the month of July we have 3 groups coming to ES. Due to this, I have taken a "sabbatical" (not really--just a leave of absence) from the high school where I teach for the month of July. I am so grateful for the school working with me on this (I informed them a few months ago). I will miss the kids (I have a great group of 10th and 11th graders) and will look forward to teaching them in Aug.; at the same time I am looking forward to seeing how God is going to use these groups for His work here (the other 2 groups are basketball teams).
We have an "intern" that will be arriving on Saturday. Please be praying for Mary Kathryn Govero who will be spending the month of July helping us in the ministry. It will be a blessing to have her here with our family (Bella is really excited) to help us, and I know she will be an immediate success with my basketball teams. We are looking forward for her help and grateful for her willingness to give of her time to do this. Please be praying for her safe travels on Saturday (that she will have no problems--same as the group above) and for her health and safety while she is here.

Please keep all these things in your prayers. I am not sure the next time I will be able to blog--your prayers are much needed and appreciated.

God bless

Home in El Salvador

2010-06-25T08:15:00.002-05:00

We made it home to El Salvador last night. The kids were very excited to see their daddy. I was very excited to see him also.
Thank you for all your prayers.
Kim

Travels

2010-06-23T18:29:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your prayers. Bella seems to be doing well, if not better (Kim says she has noticed a positive difference in Bella's hearing--Praise the Lord for that). Please keep Kim, Bella, and Causey and the Parkers in your prayers as they travel tomorrow. The Parkers are going to take Kim and the kids to New Orleans where Kim and the kids are going to leave. Please pray for the following:

Traveling mercies to NO for the Parkers (to and back to their home)
Traveling mercies for Kim and the kids as they travel from NO to El Salvador--pray that they will not have any luggage, ticket, document, connection problems and for the safety of their travels.

Again thank you for your prayers. God bless---I am ready to have them home!

Bella Update

2010-06-21T09:40:00.002-05:00

Thank you so much for all of your prayers. Bella had the procedure (tubes put into her ears)done this morning at 7:00am without any problems or complications. The doctor did say, once the procedure was done, that there had been a quite a bit of fluid and that Bella had definitely needed this surgery. Thank you so much for your prayers. It is awesome how God took care of every detail. Let me share a few of the details so that you can give God the glory in this:

timing: Bella got all this done during the 2 weeks they were visiting--this would not have happened if grandparents had not wanted to see their grandchildren (amazing how God used this trip)
Doctors: God provided godly doctors for every step: our beloved pediatrician (a very godly woman) who confirmed the problem with Bella and then went the extra mile to find a doctor who could do the procedure quickly; ear-nose-throat doctor (who performed the surgery on very short notice), and the anethesiologist. All these doctors were more than helpful and went above and beyond. They were very supportive of us being missionaries here in ES and did all they could/and above to help us. Truly a blessing.
airline: in a time when airlines are not usually very helpful and charging everyone for every little thing, when I called to change Kim and the kids flight to another day, I got the most helpful employee at Continental Airlines. After explaining the details of why needing to change the flight, this person not only changed the flight, but looked into details and found that he could waive some fees due to the cause of change. We are so grateful. God orchestrated every detail.

Please, now keep the following in your prayers:

a quick recovery for Bella
safety as Kim and the kids all fly back on Thursday to ES. Pray that they will not have any luggage, ticket, document, or connection problems. Pray for their safe return.

So please, with us, in your next prayer thank God for His hand in every detail. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. Thank you for your prayers and to God be the glory.

God bless

Prayer Request: Bella

2010-06-19T13:08:00.002-05:00

I would like to take a second to thank all of you, family and friends for all of your support. The ministry we are able to do here is done through God using your generosity and support. More importantly, it is the prayer support that so many of you give us. Please continue to pray for us. I do have two specific prayer requests:
1. Please pray for Bella. Last Friday, our pediatrician in the US confirmed that Bella has fluid in her ears (a further confirmation from her doctor here in ES). This means that she will have to have tubes put in her ears, which requires minor surgery. Even though it is minor surgery, it does require anesthesia. Pray for the doctors and all those who be performing this procedure, that it will be successful, and please pray for a quick recovery for Bella.
2. Due to this procedure for Bella, Kim and the kids changed their return date to ES for Thursday. Pray that they will be able to travel Thursday and without any complications (tickets, luggage, documents, connections) and safely.

I will update this blog as soon as I get results on Monday. Again thank you for your prayers.

God bless

For Sale

2010-06-16T12:42:00.003-05:00

For Sale: Lemon Minivan

Condition: Slightly used (1991)

Doors: open and close (slam)

Paint: Functional (slightly scratched and mismatched)

Air: The windows open

Tires: Eagle (bald)

Radio: Needs some tuning

Gas: Uses Unleaded--all the time

Mileage: In working condition-- the numbers still rotate.

Locks: Side doors lock manually; one large passenger door on side- due to emergency status remains unlocked. Safe: Yes--for all those in want of something that does not belong to them (a great steal)

Noises: Who needs a noise machine. This car comes with great rattles and whistles of all sorts.

Economical: Yes. How else are mechanics going to stay in business.

Power: Yes. Everything is powered manually.

Price: Priceless. All reasonable offers will be refused.

Maner Update

2010-06-11T19:01:00.002-05:00

All is well with Kim and the kids--thank you for your prayers. They are in the States (thanks to grandparents who really want to see grandkids) for a couple of weeks. Kim is going to use this time to give updates at some churches and Bible study groups. Please keep Bella and Causey in your prayers as they get "used" to MS weather--meaning they usually get some sort of "bug."

This Tuesday, I had our last Bible study for this semester. I had a good group show up--end of exams. We ate pizza and then I gave a closing devotional thought. Lord willing, we will start back up in July. As of now, at the U all I have is basketball during June (still have classes at Oasis).

Today, I hate to say this again, but I do believe I was robbed (yes, again). The girls basketball team that we were to play was a "no-show", so I decided to reward my team by taking them to Burger King to have a late lunch. Apparently, while we ate somebody "jimmied" the side door to the van and swiped, of all things, my school bag. The good news is that no computers/projectors were stolen. The only thing that was taken was my backpack, which, again, had my Oasis school books. So for the second time, I am ordering new textbooks. Do not get me wrong, I am "down" about this, but as I contemplate about it, I do see God's protecting hand. How? Kim is in the US, so I can order the text books and have her bring them to me. Secondly, today I decided against taking the laptop to school (coincidence--I think not). All in all, I hate that I was robbed (and who knows the books may show up), but I am grateful it was not worse. We are prevailing--thanks to prayers. This is why prayer is so important.

Prayer requests:

Kim and the kids in the US
Groups and intern (Mary Kathryn Govero) that are coming during July to help us (evangelistic teams)
Our continued financial support for one more year
Kim's pregnancy: the due date is in Aug (another reason she had to travel now and not later)
Basketball teams and teaching at Oasis
Preparing for groups that are coming in July--pray that God will use these groups to advance His kingdom

God bless and thank you for your prayers

Prayer

2010-06-08T18:11:00.002-05:00

Kim and the kids are "stuck" in the Houston airport due to weather. Please be praying for Kim (strength, endurance, stamina--keep up with Causey) as she has to keep the kids busy by herself--and is pregnant until their flight leaves. This is not an easy task, but she will be up to the challenge--please keep her in your prayers.

Ironic note: her final destination--New Orleans. Houston would not let her flight land due to weather, so where do they land? New Orleans. Are Kim and the kids allowed off? No--they have to fly to Houston then turn right around and fly back to New Orleans. I know security is an issue-- but I am all about efficiency.

God bless

Rain

2010-06-04T10:15:00.002-05:00

Well its still raining here in El Salvador. So we have been stuck inside a lot. I have been trying to come up with things to do besides watch TV. I am running out of ideas. So if you have anything let me know.

Yesterday afternoon we turned one of our chairs into a basketball goal.. Pictures below. Its funny how much fun they had playing with it.

Well have great day

kim

Sun is out

2010-06-01T08:23:00.004-05:00

A great blessing today is to see the sun shining through our windows. I still have no classes, until further notice. It has stopped raining, but the government is concerned about the standing water levels--there are also many devastating cases on the coast, areas near mountains and rivers. Guatemala was the "center" of this storm, compared to El Salvador. Please be in prayer for all those who have lost their homes, for Christians as we outreach to these people in need--that God will be glorified.

This storm has brought things "full circle" to us as we contiplate having been here for almost a year. Many of you will be receiving soon our recent Maner update. In this update we have an insert for prayer. The focus of this insert is to pray for our support---we felt led to come without having our "full" support for the 2 years. This at times can be "worrisome" and be a source of anxiousness. Though this could be considered a "storm" for us, God has used this real tragedy of Agatha in Central America, to remind us of His Truth. I could write and expound on this, but I think God's Word will do this:
Rejoice in the Lord always....Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the pease of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus....I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength....And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phi.4:4a,6,7,12,13,19

Prayer Requests--we do believe in the power of prayer:

Guatemala and El Salvador: aftermath of the storm and those affected--the response of Christians to glorify God, not themselves or organization(s)
Maners---as we serve here in El Salvador--that we will bring God all the glory; our support that we will use all resources givento us wisely and for His honor and glory.

God bless

Rain Rain Go Away

2010-05-29T17:38:00.005-05:00

Well I picked the color blue to write in because we are all so blue. We are blue because of the rain. It has been raining here for the last couple of days. We just found out today that we have the first tropical depression of the year over us and Guatemala! It has rained all day long. This morning we lost power about 9:30 and it did not return till around 2:00. We were fine with it however the kids were not. Bella wanted to watch TV and we told her the power was off. She really didn't understand. She wanted to listen to music and all other stuff that took power. So finally we took our couch cushons off and let them jump and flip on them. We could go outside and we couldn't do anything much without power. I think they had fun. Bill and I were having small heart attacks because our floor is ceramic tile. We just knew one of them would get hurt. However no one did. We all laid down to take a nap around 1:00. Everyone was resting well and then suddenly in our bedroom my hair dryer goes off and scared me to death. My heart was racing I couldn't figure out what the crazy noise was-- let me just say, I had not used my hair dryer today. So I turned it off- but with the hair dryer on that meant we had power.... I was super excited. Everyone rested but I couldn't because my heart was still racing fast.

The pictures above are of the kids jumping and playing with their daddy on the cushions!

Basketball Game

2010-05-27T17:34:00.002-05:00

Well its been raining here most of the day. What I wanted to report on is that Bill had a basketball game today. He was making up a game that had been rescheduled. It started raining around 12:00 he was suppose to play at 1:00. Let me remind you all of his games at the University are outside. Anyway- I called him at 1:00 to see what they had decided to do. Our phone conversation: Me: "Hey just wanted to see what you were up to" Bill: "I CAN'T TALK RIGHT NOW I AM IN A GAME! and then he hung up the phone. So around 2:00 he called me back and was like I am sorry I couldn't talk we had just started the game. And then he went on to say that this was the first game he had ever played out in the rain. Also they won. He was super excited.... So anyway I hope he doesn't catch a cold from the rain.
Serving and playing in the rain in El Salvador
The Maner Family

Bill is home

2010-05-24T17:05:00.002-05:00

Well on Thursday morning Bill left our house around 4:30 in the morning headed to the airport. If you don't know why it was because his Uncle Al passed away on Tuesday. Uncle Al was Bill's dad twin brother. Uncle Al was a very dear man to us both. I am so thankful to have known him.
So him leaving meant I was a single mom for about 4 days. We had a good time. Uncle Bob and Honey (Angelique) kept us busy. I am so thankful for them both. It is like have parents down here with them so close by to us.
However much excitement we might have had I was very thankful to have Bill back home. His flight came in last night. Bella got to go to the airport to meet him! Causey and I had to stay home. Causey likes his bed time which right now is around 8:00! So Bella went with Uncle Bob and Honey to the airport.
We also were very excited when Bill started to unpack his suit case! Bella and both got goodies but I was excited because he brought back: grits, dried cranberries and dry blueberry mix for muffins.
So this morning I prepared the muffins. When Bella sat down to eat hers for breakfast she said wow mom we have not had these in a LONG time.
Thank you for your support here. Also thanks for the comments and for your prayers.
We love each and everyone of you.
The Maners

Prayer Request

2010-05-18T23:16:00.003-05:00

Many opologies for not having blogged. I did want to want to post a prayer request. My uncle (my Dad's twin brother) passed away the other day. He had been battling cancer for some time. Please keep my family in your prayers during this time. My Uncle was instrumental in many ways and impacted all of our lives in so many great ways. We were blessed to have him in our lives.

Because my Uncle is very dear to me, I am making arrangements to fly to the US to be with my family this weekend for the funeral. It will not be an extended stay, but enough time to be with family during this time. Please pray that I can get a flight and that I will not have any connection, ticket, document, or luggage problems. Pray for Kim and the kids as I am away. Thank you for your prayers and God bless.

ADVENTURE

2010-05-12T20:36:00.004-05:00

Its been a very nice week here in the city. Bella and Causey were both sick last week with ear infections. They both are much better now. We had a sonogram on Sat. of the baby and he/she is doing great. We are still on schedule for Aug. 16th. However the baby is breach but the doctor said not to worry; a lot could happen between now and then. So I do have an adventure to tell about. As you may remember I had my bag stolen with all of our identification in it. Bill found out in order to get my new ID's that I would need a police report. This information came from the lawyer at the University that helped us get the paper work done early.

So on Sunday of last week Bill and I after church went looking for the police station. However this one was closed and we would have to come back. The good thing is that the police station was near to our house. So we went back on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 but they had just closed. On Wednesday we went back that morning and ALL of the computers were down. Bill asked the lady where there was another police station and she told him. (I had no idea where or what was being said). So we knew we could not put this off any longer. If I didn't have a police report and someone committed a crime with my ID I would be held responsible. We didn't want this to happen.

So on Thursday (THE DAY OF THE GREAT ADVENTURE) Bill got one of the basketball guys to help us out. Victor speaks great English and has become a close friend of ours. So Bill told me to be at the University to pick Victor up at 1:00. Angleique agreed to watch the kids. So at 12:30 I go to the school to pick of Victor. He could leave at 12:30 instead of 1:00.

Ok first off I asked Victor how far is the police station and he replied< "O not far at all"! So I knew that it would take at least 15-20 mins. to get there. All we knew was that it was by a school that they had played a game before. We got to the "area" and begin to look for a police station. We found nothing. So Victor asked this man who looked at him as if we were in some other country. We drove off to find someone else to ask. This man told us that the police station was behind a Texaco. So off we go. We found the Texaco and the only thing behind it was a wall. We pulled in the gas station and ask someone. They said and pointed to this place behind the police staion but on top of this hill. Ok so we finally made it. I was thinking yes!!!!

Victor pulled in and found the police officer. Victor rolled down the window and ask the question? Is this the place where you get a police report. The officer was so nice to say NO! We were in the wrong location. He (police officer) tells us where we need to go. I ask Victor how far is this place. Victor's answer was not far. I laughed out loud.

So here we go to the next place. Its kinda down town. A lot of people and traffic. We get there and go inside. They were very nice there. Victor told them what we needed and the police officer said they couldn't do anything that I had to go to the United States Embassy to get some paper work for the documents that was stolen. I was so sad.

So I get in the van call Bill and tell him we had to go to our Embassy to get paper work. He (Bill) was like NO. He told me the documents that were stolen was my El Salvador resident cards this had nothing to do with our Embassy. So I told Victor and here we go back to the police station. So we go back in and tell them what we needed. They told us they still couldn't help us because we didn't have the number on the card. So I called Bill again and I asked him if made a copy of our cards. He did not but went to ask the Lawyer. The Lawyer had not and wanted to talk to the police officer. So I handed him the phone and they talked. They finally told Victor that they still couldn't do anything without these numbers. This meant that we would have to go to the Immigrant office to get these numbers. So we leave there and go to the Immigrant office. We get there and the man at the door was like don't worry you are next. We seat down and wait. We wait some more and wait more. Finally we get to speak to the lady. She told us no problem. By this time let me say its 3:00! We got the numbers from her. Victor was like so do you want to go back to the police station and get the report. I was so tired I was like no way. I don't want to go back down town to get a report. I said lets go. He was like I know one that is close. HA HA....

But serious it was close. They were so helpful. I was able to get the police report at 3:30. It took us only 3 hours to get one.

I am learing here that everything is done slow and nice.

Crazy Week

2010-04-28T10:34:00.002-05:00

Its been not a fun week here in the city. I had my diaper bag stolen this week. What happened was that Angelique and I went walking in the park nearby. I had been leaving my stuff in her car so I didn't have to push Causey and the bag in the stroller. So like every other day I just put it sorta under the seat of her car. However this is not a small diaper bag. Angelique locked her car and we went on our way. The park that we walk at is so nice and beautiful. We love the people there. Everyone kinda knows each other. Also there are a lot of the walkers who speak English. We had finished up and headed back to the car. When we got there Angelique hit the button to unlock but it didn't click like it normally does. So she thought maybe she had forgot to lock the door. When she opened the passenger door she looked for her purse which was in the glove department. It was there however when I began to look for my bag it was gone. Angelique felt horrible because she thought she had forgotten to locked the door. But she DID NOT they broke into the car with something. Well what they got from me was some diapers, wipes, a book, and trash. However they also got my wallet with all of our ID's. I also had my debit and credit card plus driver licenses. I had no money in the wallet except for some change. I must say it was sad. It will be hard to get our residences cards re-issued. I cancelled all of my cards.
I know that the Lord has all of this under His control. I ask that you pray with me that these people will some how come to know the Lord. I wish I had some tracts in the bag but I didn't. The old nature wished it was filled with dirty diapers. But I am so glad that I am saved by grace and pray that somehow those who felt the need to steal will find HIS grace also.
Also we were not the only ones that day. They also broke into a ladies trunk and got her purse. We found out she did have cash in it. She had planned to go pay bills after her walk. So Angelique and I were sad to hear about her. Continue to pray for us. It doesn't get easier having a crime committed against you just because you are a Christian. However knowing that you can pray to the Father helps.
Thanks for your support.
Serving in El Salvador
Kim

Update on the week

2010-04-25T15:59:00.003-05:00

Well what a week. Bill is still very busy with teaching at both schools and coaching basketball. Last week he had the first games. The boys and girls lost but Bill was very excited about the girl's progress. (He said people must be praying because in one week he went from having 4 girls to having 8; and most have had playing experience. They will be a good team if they all start coming to practice). The boys were disappointing because they did not play like a team and for the last 2 weeks many of the starters had not come to practice--and it showed.

Bella had a good week of school. I am still not use to her going to school. It seems like she should be at home with me. Next month our little girl turns 5! I can't believe it! She has been planning her birthday party for months and her gifts! I keep telling her she has a big wish lists and we have a very small, small, small budget. Causey is doing well. This week he has learned that he can climb on anything. One night I was preparing dinner. Bella was screaming Mommy-come, Mommy Hurry!!!!!!!! When I got out to her (which was a split second)-there was brother on top of the table standing. I was so proud yet so mad at him. Who knew you could be proud and mad at the same time. I am sure you are asking why proud of my son climbing on top of the table, I would say because he is boy! I want him to be adventurous but safe! Ha Ha....
We also had a check up for baby Maner this week. All is well. The doctor says all is looking good. We are on schedule for August.
News on the van. So we are still setting off car alarms. So if we have made yours go off somewhere in your town, you know who it was (Sorry Mimi)!
But here is another story for you. We had gone out Sat. to let the kids play in the park at Wendy's. We also needed to stop by and pick up a speaker at the Radio Shack near the Wendy's. ( Bill is still trying to replace stuff that was stolen). Any way, so we were leaving the parking lot and this bus was blocking part of the exit drive. Bill was like man I don't know what this guy is thinking. I was like neither do I. So Bill starts to slowly pull out- we were near a curb but nothing big. So Bill hits the curb and we hear like a spew noise. We both thought that the tire had rubbed against the curb. So he pulled out and kept going. So we were not far away from our house and I notice that something was terrible wrong. I told Bill- You need to pull over and see what that noise is. He was like okay. He gets out and then I open the door because the noise is on my side. I was like so whats up. He said you need to see this. So I get out. I could not believe it. Our tire looked like it had been through a shredder. A paper shredder that cuts paper into little bitty pieces. He said I think we did something back there at the curb. I agreed. So he and I decided we would just walk home. It was maybe a mile or less. But as we began this man pulled over and helped us. I thought wow this is so nice. Him and Bill talked in Spanish and the kids and I just stood there. So we got in. He spoke English and was so nice. I told Bill just tell him to let us off at the gate and we could walk. Bill didn't and I was like okay. As we were approaching our drive I was thinking why hasn't Bill told this guy where we live. The man pulls down our drive. I thought that is odd because the guard didn't stop him. Then I thought they must have saw Bill. Then the man pulls almost in front of our house and stops. I was thinking this is very odd. But come to find out- HE is our neighbor. Bill told me later they see each other in the mornings and wave to each other. God is so great to us. (Bill was then gone for about an hour--he went and changed the tire and put on the spare. He also explained why we are setting off alarms--our muffler is broken--in half and needs to be replaced. So the van is still "driving".
Living in El Salvador
The Maners

2010-04-17T10:33:00.002-05:00

Well Bill and the basketball team have their first game today. We are hoping that all goes well. I am sure he will update later about the games and how they went.
The kids and I are doing great. We are having a nice day doing nothing but cleaning the house.
The new baby that is due in Aug. is doing great also. He/she is moving around a lot. I don't remember Bella or Causey being this active this early. However I am getting older and don't remember much. I can't believe I am already 23 weeks into this thing.
We are still thinking about finding out the gender of the baby. Bella has come up with a name for the baby if it is a girl. Get ready: Maner Grace Maner. I don't know about you but Maner Maner might get old. We are trying to give her other options. So far its not working. So if its a boy she wants to use the name Parker. So we are having to think of names to go with Grace and Parker.
Have a great day.
Maner's in San Salvador.

Alarming

2010-04-10T14:40:00.002-05:00

Well- we made it back the kids and I. It has been nice to get back to the daily routine of things. The morning we left was very intersting with the van. We were on our way to the airport around 4:30 that morning. Half way through our trip we kept hearing a popping noise. I was like Bill what do you think that is, Bill- oh its probably something- something. He didn't know and neither did I. All I knew it was still popping. So finally I was like"Bill I think the van is back-firing." He was like you know I think you are right. So we began to pray. Bella was in a very talkataive mood that morning. She was wanting to know this and that. I finally told her, "Mommy can't talk anymore, we must pray we make it to the airport." She was fine with that and joined in with her own prayers. Needless to say we made it the airport on time. Later in the afternoon when I talked to Bill on the phone he said it never did it again. Who knows what was going on. But the Lord took care of us.
Okay so to the ALARMING part!
If you could see our van you wouldn't think much of it. However when you turn that bad boy on-its going to rock your world with the LOUD noise that comes from it. We are not sure what happen to it when we took it the mechanics. We did get the AC fixed but now its sounds like a Monster truck going through our neighborhood.
Ok so one day I notice that car alarms where going off everytime we drove up or down our street. I didn't think much of it. Then I notice when we drove down any street that car alarms were going off. You could hear the noise of the alarm and the blinking lights. So I told Bill I think our van is making the car alarms go off. He was like are you sure and I said yes I am. I am not sure if he believed me or not! So other night he had to go to basketball pratice and sure enough when he turned our little van on what did I hear-- all the alarms going off on our street. I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
So yesterday I met with Angelique and a group from NC at a mall to have lunch. I had to go and get Bella from school. I am not that confident yet to drive here but I did make it to the mall parking lot okay. So this mall has a parking garage. Ok so I get to the mall fine we had lunch and we were leaving to go home. I was pulling out and guess what a car alarm goes off. So I thought ok here we go! I had to make a circle out of the parking garage and by the time I was ready to leave (not kidding) I had set off every car alarm in the parking garage. All you could here was a chime of car alarms and lights flashing all together as my MONSTER TRUCK roared by. Seriously I could not stop laughing and could not wait to see Bill to tell him. We laughed together about it and thank the Lord for his blessings.

There Here

2010-04-06T17:06:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for your prayers. Kim, Bella, Causey, and Angelique Kendrick made it in last night without any problems. I was glad to see my family.

School has started back---I spent all my break grading so now I am where I should be with school work. Bob Kendrick has a group here on their Spring Break from NC. They are building a wall at the orphanage. Pray for this group as the adjust to very hot working conditions and as they also share the Gospel to the children through VBS.

Again thank you for your prayers. God bless.

Traveling Mercies

2010-04-04T14:58:00.002-05:00

I hope all are having a great Easter. A time not just for family and friends to be with one another, but a time to rejoice in the true meaning of Easter: the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I do have a prayer request. Please be praying for Kim, Bella, Causey, and Anqelique Kendrick as they travel back to ES tomorrow. Pray that they will have traveling mercies and not have problems with bags, tickets, documents, connections, planes, and flights. Pray that they will be safe and that Causey will travel well.

Thank you for your prayers and support. God bless.

Sharing the Gospel

2010-04-02T15:05:00.002-05:00

Nobody may claim a monopoly of the gospel. Good News is for sharing. We are under obligation to make it known to others.--John R.W. Stott (The Message of Romans)

Thank you for your prayers. Yesterday, I went to Santa Ana, another large city in ES, at the invitation of a theology student, to share the Gospel message at a church gathering. It is a small church plant, and according to Jimmy (theology student), most have to walk more than a mile to come to the church. The church is on the outskirts in a poor neighborhood. Some (if not many) of the kids are affected by gangs. This is important to know because of the 20-40 that were there for the church gathering, most were children (young to teens). The church invited everyone from the church to come to watch a movie (many if not most, according to Jimmy, do not get the opportunity to watch a movie). Jimmy asked that I share the Gospel, which I did, before the movie and then an invitation was given after the movie. This being Easter week (Semana Santa: Holy Week), Jimmy showed the Passion of Christ. It was amazing how quiet and what great interest all showed in the movie (myself included--after all these years I had never seen it). Many were obviously affected by "seeing" just a "small bit of reinactment" of what possibly Christ went through. Thank you for your prayers because God is using the pastor and Jimmy to work in this community. God's message does not return void.

To end I will say this. God used this opportunity to bless and grow me in my walk with Him. I have shared the Gospel before (our Bible study group and at various other times) but this time was very different. It is hard to put in words the emotions and thoughts that have been going through my mind--only to say it has been a personal blessing. By no means not because of anything I did (I did nothing), but to see the power of God's message at work--unexplainable. Needless to say, I have yet begun.

God bless

Updates and Prayer Request

2010-03-31T09:13:00.002-05:00

I have decided to make sure I take the time today to give a few updates.

Kim and the kids are doing well in the US. Grandparents and family have enjoyed seeing them. As I write, Kim is busily getting items to bring back. Keep her in your prayers as when she returns she will be bringing several items back which will add weight to her luggage. Kim is having to bring back teacher edition books, computer, and projector. All these were items that were stolen from my vehicle a couple of weeks ago and are very much needed in our work here (I have been using student edition books, with no answers, talk about having to be prepared!). Begin praying for their safe return.
Here in ES, I am catching up on grading because the robber(s) took everything from our car, that included tests. So the past couple of weeks, students had to take retake "make-up" tests (they were such good sports about this) and resubmit labs. Needless to say, with this work and their regular work, I am catching up on grading in both high school and U. This is not exactly how I thought I would be spending my week off from school! (To give an idea, I literally spent morning to night on Monday grading, all yesterday morning, and will spend most of today grading---and then I will have the high school done; that still leaves the University; fortunately it is not as much). God has taught me much in this process and taken care of every detail---the kids get to be with grandparents and enjoy this time off. Imagine if they had to be here: "Sorry Bella can't do that today--I am grading." I do not think I could do that, so probably grading would have been harder to do. So you see, God is in all the details. I could tell you some stories...maybe this small one to hopefully be a faith builder.

-------------------------About 3 weeks ago, before the robbery, I needed to buy a calculator. I really needed a scientific one for my science classes. When I went to buy one, the cheap ones were sold out. I thought about buying the more expensive one, but instead I bought a small cheap one to do my grades with. I believe this was God at work in the smallest of details. Why? What else got stolen a week later---none other than the calculator. Yes. I can attest God is in the "smallest" of details. Let us always give Him the glory.

Some may be thinking, well at least you took a break yesterday afternoon. Yes, from grading, but in order to go pay bills. To give you an idea and something to count your blessings on how some business has to be done here. There is no writing checks putting them in an envelope and mailing them or paying online (at least not for these bills). No. One has to go to the bank or paying locations (though most banks accept all bills) to pay all the bills. I stood in line over an hour yesterday to cash a check at one bank and pay a bill there, in order to go to another bank and wait another 45 minutes to pay other bills. To be fair, part of this wait is last of the month because it was pay-day for many. Also Holy Week is considered as vacation/holiday time. Meaning, many banks and business will close at noon today (Wed.) and not reopen until next Monday.
Prayer Request: Pray for me the words of Paul (Col.4:3-6) that I will speak God's message clearly as I share the Gospel at an event on Thursday. A theology student from the University asked that I would share the Gospel on Thursday at an event where he is going to show a movie (The Passion of Christ). I will share the Gospel and then we will show the movie and have a time of invitation. Pray for this evangelical outreach. Pray that the words I speak will be clearly from God--that He will be glorified and not man--and as I share this in Spanish ("clearly" has 2 meanings here for me: Gospel message and actual speaking of Spanish). Pray for those that will be there that there hearts will be receptive to the Gospel and ready to receive it.

God bless and thank you for your prayers.

Answered Prayer

2010-03-26T07:25:00.002-05:00

Thank you so much for all of your prayers. I talked to Kim and they had a great trip without any problems. This is how awesome God is--Causey slept from San Salvador to Houston. Kim had to wake him up as they were taxiing into their gate. This was a tremendous blessing because it made it easier and less stressful for Kim. Big sister, Bella, was great help on the trip. Again thank you for your prayers.

I hope to blog this weekend about our last Bible study on Tuesday.

God bless

prayer Request: Travels

2010-03-24T20:33:00.003-05:00

A quick prayer request. Please pray for Kim, Bella, and Causey as they travel to the US tomorrow. Pray for traveling mercies that they will not have any ticket, luggage, document, or connection problems and pray for their safety. Pray also that Causey will travel well. Kim and the children are going to spend a week in the US thanks to grandparents who want to see grandchildren. This is an answer to prayer because this will allow Kim to spend time with her family friends that recently lost a loved one.

Thank you for your prayers.

2010-03-21T14:36:00.003-05:00

Well its been a good week here in the city. We are having some really nice weather. It did however rain other night. See that is very odd for this time of year. The raining season doesn't start until May. A rain shower here in March is like it snowing in Mississippi in May. However we were told that it was due to a cold front and a warm front that clashed. It was a very bad storm meaning a lot of rain, thunder, and lightning. I was sure that the kids would wake up from the loudness of the storm but they did not. However Duke the dog was not so sure about the storm. He got up and started to whine. We (Bill and I) assured him every thing was okay. Duke did not think so. He kept on crying and so finally I got up. I went down stairs to show him everything was fine. I went back upstairs and he followed. We tried to go back to sleep but it didn't work. So I finally end up rocking the dog to sleep. The storm passed and we were able to rest. The kids never woke up but Duke was the kid this night.
Bill has had a very busy week. He has been working very hard on school work after having his stuff stolen. He is adjusting very well though. The Lord is very faithful in providing what you need and not necessary your wants. He has his first basketball tournament this coming week. We know no details at this point but hopefully soon.
We had another doctors appointment and evreything is looking good. Baby Maner is growing very well.
The kids and I are getting ready to leave very soon for the states. We are exctied. Bella has been counting down the days to see her grandparents. Causey I don't think really cares at this point.
Serving in San Salvador.
The Maners

Blessings--Update

2010-03-12T20:29:00.002-06:00

Thank you for your prayers. It has been a busy week and "crazy" but God is good and has/is taking care of all things. A couple of things:
1. In my last blog I mentioned how Kim had lost a close friend to the family (they called him Uncle). Due to the timing, Kim could not go to the US and be with her friends family. This was very disappointing, but God, as always, took care of the details. Kim's parents were planning to come for another visit in May, but they decided instead to help Kim and the kids to come at the end of March (semana santa--Holy week here; meaning it is like Spring break and everyone is off from school). This is an answer to prayer because it allows Kim to spend some time with her family and with the family that lost their loved one. (I also know some grandparents that will be excited to see some grandkids).
2. Today right after school, as I was paying a bill at a bank (a well known US bank chain here in ES), our van was robbed. They took my new laptop, projector, all my school books, and papers I was grading. The van does not lock well, but I was at the bank which has guards everywhere and you would think cameras. To my surprise, there are no cameras where I parked the car and the guard was obviously doing something else, so unless the Lord intervenes, the items are gone. I am upset and disappointed. Material things can be replaced; it is the school books and papers I was grading that is really disappointing to me. Do not get me wrong, I am also disappointed about the computer and projector because I got them during Christmas for use down here. These items were being put to use---I had all my school work on the computer and the projector is used for powerpoints. Please pray for us that we will have a peace of mind knowing that God is in control even in situations like these. He will take care of these things.

Keep us in your prayers. God bless

Prayer Request

2010-03-08T06:28:00.002-06:00

Please be praying for Kim at this time. She received news this weekend that a long time family friend died. This friend was like an adopted family member. Due to the circumstances (short time notice), Kim cannot make it back for the funeral and be with this family. We are praying and trying to make arrangements for a later date. Please keep the family of the lost loved one in your prayers and Kim.

God bless

Park

2010-03-07T07:38:00.008-06:00

Yesterday was once again a beautiful day in San Salvador. We decided to take the kids on a picnic at the park. The park is about 5-7 mins from our house. It is where Angelique and I walk in the mornings. Its a great park because you do not feel like you are in a big city. Its got great trees and beautiful flowers.

So we packed up our lunch and headed out. We had a great time for about 20 mins. Then Bella says I need to go to the bathroom. I said there is no bathroom here. She was like I need to go. I was like okay. So Bill said I think there are some over there and he went to look. There was no potty. We (Bella and I) talked and she was like why can't I go behind a tree. We have had to do that with her before because no public potty's in these small towns. I was like NO there is way to many people here. So she said she could wait.

We played on the swings and just let the kids run around. They played for a while but then Bella was running when she fell down. We didn't think she hurt herself but she did. Her leg was bleeding and scratched up. So I cleaned it up and put some stuff on it. But she said it hurt a lot. We decided to go home.

Well when we got home she was walking around and doing other stuff. I was like Bella don't you have to go to the bathroom BAD. And she was like oh yeah, I forgot. Its amazing how quickly they can forget an important thing like that.

Writing from San Salvador

Kim

2010-03-05T13:19:00.002-06:00

Well what a week again. Bella was able to go to school yesterday and today. She was ready to get back to school. I am so thankful she loves her school and teachers. She is learning something new everyday. Causey is doing great. He really likes playing with Duke outside. We are very careful not to leave him alone because he likes to eat dirt, rocks, paper, and etc. Just other day Bill found him carrying a piece of dog poop in his hand. Needless to say Bill was not happy and I am pretty sure he scrubed Causey down. Duke is adjusting well to the new family. He is not use to Causey pulling his tail nor sitting on his head. We are having to protect Duke from Causey. Baby number 3 is doing well. I am pretty sure I can feel her/him moving around. I don't remember feeling Bella this early but its a great feeling. By the way I am 16 weeks PG. A lot of people have asked me " Will we find out what the sex of the baby?" well I am not sure. If you know us than you know that we didn't found out with Bella nor Causey. They both were a SURPRISE!!!!!!!! But with this one I am kinda thinking about it. One of my friends said if we found out "that just wouldn't be the Maner way" ha ha. I agree and love her advice. So we probabley will not find out. But its still a thought.
Bill is super busy. We never see him. We are ready for his schedule to slow down.
His basketball is going great.
We just recently had to purchase a new washing machine. Our old one stop washing. We were very sad about this because of the expense of the new one. however the Lord provided one that we could afford. We also had some problems with our van but we have got it worked on and hopefully its fixed. And than there is... just kidding I think thats all at the moment. Its amazing how the Lord blesses you even when you don't "feel" like things are blessings. He truly takes care of you. Well its been really nice and warm here. If the kids were not sick we may could even go swimming tomorrow. But we will wait to they are much better.
Hope that it warms up for everyone else. Bella said she wanted to go visit her grandparents in the States but it was to cold for her. I told her it wouldn't be cold forever but I don't think she believed me.
From San Salvador
KIM

It has been a long time

2010-03-03T05:51:00.002-06:00

My apologies again. I know this is no way to keep everyone updated if I do not do it consistantly. The last 10 days have been pretty hectic. So here we go:

Keep Causey and Bella in your prayers. They have been sick on and off that past few days with different things (I am getting to know our doctors well). They currently have bad coughs and are taking medicine for this. Please pray for their full recovery.
Kim is doing well. Her last check-up with her doctor (Saturday) went well and she is progressing. Please continue to keep her in your prayers during this pregnancy.
Bible Study: We made a change for this week, which we hope is positive. Since many cannot come to our home during the week at night (usually due to transportation and safety reasons), this Saturday we are doing something, Lord willing, at the University. We will all meet there at the basketball court from 10-12. We willl play games and hang out have a Bible study and then finish with hotdogs. Hopefully, we will be able to do this maybe once a month. Please be praying for this---that God will use us for His honor and glory; that those who do not know Christ will be reached and the Gospel shared to them; that the Holy Spirit will work in their lives and that lives will be changed for His kingdom.
Basketball: the boys team has really picked up. I am amazed. I actually have a team to practice with and have additional talent. They are working hard and the next tournament is supposed to start at the end of March. The girls team is struggling. I have enough to make a team and due to their class schedule practice is hit and miss. Pray that God will use basketball for His honor and glory.
School: This keeps me busier than ever. I teach 4 classes at the U and 4 classes at Oasis. I am enjoying getting to know my students, but as many of you know, school work (grading and prep work) does not stop at school--it goes home with you. Pray for me as I try to achieve a balance in this area, and at the same time, give my best to my students (and balance all that needs to be done at home).
Vehicle situation: please pray for wisdom in this area. The minivan we bought has been in and out of the shop the last two weeks. I do not want to get to a point where we put more into it than it is worth.
Mission Teams: We have about 4 teams scheduled to come this summer--they range from individuals, couples, to groups. Pray that all the planning will fall into place for those coming (my schedule here), but more importantly--they will be used to further God's kingdom and His work.

God bless and thank you for your prayers and support.

Saturday is here

2010-02-20T09:46:00.006-06:00

Thank goodness the weekend is here. As of late it seems like I look up and it is Friday or Saturday, which is good because I enjoy this time with the family. Some updates:

Thank you for your prayers for Bella (she had an infection and is on antibiotic). She is back to herself and went back to school yesterday. God is so ever-present in our lives and we thank Him for His protection and hand in this situation (and all situations)
School is going well at the U and Oasis. I am do have to put a lot more time into Oasis in prep time because it has been a while since I had to use my sciences---you don't want to come to a science class not prepared (or any class not prepared--kids know when one is not prepared).

We are getting ready for out next Bible study, but instead of doing it this Tuesday night, we are going to plan for a Saturday. The idea, after talking to my students, is that maybe once a month we will do something on a Saturday. On a Sat. morning or afternoon there is not an issue of transportation. The idea will be have activities at the U and play games, have a Bible study, and then finish with hotdogs. This may allow for them to bring friends and share the Gospel to more. Please be praying for the planning of this and that God be given the glory and that His will be done.
Kim is doing well with her pregnancy. Continue to pray for the baby (as he/she develops), Kim, the doctor, and all that having a baby entails.
Causey is scooting around and full of energy--we think he may be developing some allergies (maybe to Duke our dog)--otherwise he is doing great.
Pray for our vehicle situation. We bought an older van with great mileage but I am beginning to wonder about the miles (if they are accurate). Needless to say it went in to get the AC fixed and the radiator (was running hot). This quickly added up because the van needed a new compressor. Be praying for wisdom in this situation and honest mechanics.
Continue to pray for the work we are doing here with students, that I will be bold and share the Gospel; the Kendricks and their work at the University and Evangelistic outreach Bob does.
Mission teams (individuals, couples, to groups) that are in the process of planning to come to support the work being done here in ES.

God bless and thank you for your prayers.

Update

2010-02-14T14:33:00.002-06:00

First of all--my apologies; I have not blogged as I had planned. Last week was my second week of a "full pace" of classes at the U and Oasis and basketball. We are all getting used to it. I really enjoy the weekends because I try to make it the family weekend.

Some updates:

Last Tuesday- we started back up our Bible study in English. It was all of my students from last year. ( My new class this year only meets in the morning, so it is hard for them to catch buses or get rides to come back to this part of the city for the Bible study. We hope to start doing something maybe once a month on a Saturday afternoon so that all can attend). Kim prepared spaghetti--I must say she was a great sport; she did this all at last minute because I told all my students, but failed to remind Kim on which Tues. we would start. It was mainly getting back together and eating. I share about what it meant to me to be a Christian and the need for a Saviour, sharing how I have never had a boring minute as His child. I think it is hard for many of us to understand the love God has for us and the whole concept of sending your Son to die for our sins can be very hard to understand. I shared how being a father has begun to shapen my understanding of God's love (what I would do for my wife and children). But what if you are not married nor have kids? I shared a video of Team Hoyt (the coach side of me) that demonstrates the love a father had for his son, by training and competing in an Iron Man because his son couldn't.
Basketball practice is going well. The boys team success has brought out "the pack." At every practice someone new shows up. So now we have around 12-15 at practice (at different times) but a pleasant surprise considering last year I sometimes only had one at practice. We will see how long this lasts. The girls--I only have about 6 practicing, but I have been blessed with a new girl that has experience and is a good player. Things are moving forward
This Sunday we visited Union Church of El Salvador, which is an English speaking church for any English speakers. We had a great time of worship because we could sing all the songs and understand everything. I will admit I was leary at first about going---I began to think this might be a "church for all people" meaning a watered down Gospel and not sound doctrine or teaching because it is not a "denominational church." I was pleasantly surprised when the singing, teaching, and preaching were all sound. The preacher began a series on the Divinity of Christ. The pastor did not skirt the issue of sin and what it is and how it seperates us from God. I know Kim (and myself) enjoyed being fed this Sunday as a family. (the church site: http://www.unionchurchofsansalvador.org )

God bless and thank you for your prayers. We will be sending out our newsletter soon.

Long Day

2010-02-02T06:01:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was my first full-throttle day. It was long--it started at 7:30 and went 9:30pm. I am thankful and grateful that everyday is not like that and that Kim is such a great support and good sport in all this. The main reason for this change in pace is I am now working at Bella's Christian school--Oasis. It is a bilingual school, meaning all the main subjects are in English, so I teach my science classes in English. (I also teach at the U and then have b-ball practice at night).

I will be honest I am not to sure why I am teaching at Oasis, but after praying about it and talking with Kim I had a peace about working at Bella's school. I teach the upper high school grades and enjoy being around this age group (so far---just kidding; I know it will have its ups and downs, but I do enjoy it). There will be opportunities to share the Gospel as I teach; we use a curriculum that is based on a Christian worldview, but, I think just as important, there will be the opportunities of influence. Meaning, not only will I teach and share the Gospel in class, but I will be able to interact with these students and hopefully challenge them in their faith. One of the things God has laid on me is leadership. I has been a process in my life where I now see His hand in me as He has molded my leadership "style" and skills. It is in this area that I see the possibilities of God using me to mold and challenge these young students. I will be in discussions with the school to begin a "Christian Leadership Group" that will hopefully teach leadership skills (not as a class; volunteer basis) but more importantly put it into practice. With this said, being praying for this that it will shapen and come to fruition to bring God the glory. With this same theme, I hope also to have a leadership conference later this year---invite some Christian leaders (people I know) to come here and share on leadership, but with the emphasis of how God has shaped them and molded them---thereby also sharing the Gospel. This world needs leaders, but more importantly, ones that have been shaped by God.

Please continue to pray for us. Got to go---another day.

God bless

Bella's First week of school

2010-01-30T11:22:00.002-06:00

Bella has started school this week at Oasis. It's a Christian school here in the city of San Salvador. She is in Kinder 4. Wow time has gone by so fast. Its seems just like yesterday Bill and I brought her home to Clinton, MS. I was so scared as a mother. I didn't know what to do with her. But now she is going to school. I just can't believe it.
She is so excited about going though. She loved her first week. However she didn't like not having her uniform like all of the other students. I told her that soon she will have it. She is the biggest one in her class. And yesterday she told me she was ready to move up to high school. "I don't think so" was my response to her.
Her favorite part of the day I think is going outside to play and her snack. Which is very funny because I asked her the first day what she wanted for her snack. Bella responded with "a sandwich, oreos, and juice. " I told her she would be back home for lunch but this did not change her mind.
Causey I think likes when Sister is gone to school. There is no one to boss him around. HA HA not that Bella would do this at all.
I also went this week to have blood work done for baby Maner. We will go back in a month to meet with the doctor again. My sickness has decreased. We did have the sonogram and all is well. They baby looks very healthy at this early stage. Well hope you have a good weekend.
Causey is a little sick and we hope that it will not get worse. NO fever we pray. We also will baby sit Hutch (a dog) this weekend. Bob and Angelique have to be away. It will be fun.
Kim

Kim's Baby Update-Doctor

2010-01-26T13:43:00.002-06:00

Well let me explain how we found a doctor in El Salvador. We went to the United States Embassy website for El Salvador. On this website they give out a lot of information. I just so happen to find three doctors that they recommend. I have always had a lady doctor and really wanted to have one here also. So the first two on the list were ladies. We called the first one and they said she had moved to another hospital. So on the information that was given was her cell phone. Bill called the number and she answered. He explain to her that we were looking for someone to speak English. She did and gave us her new number at her office to set up an appointment. Bill has a CRAZY schedule this semster and the only day he has any free morning time is on Sat. Well it just so happens she works on Sat. morning, We made the appointment for this past Sat.
So Sat comes around and I was super nervous and excited. I am all ways like this though when I have to go to the doctor. Honey and Uncle Bob kept the kids while we went to the doctor. I wish I could tell you her name but I can not. Its not like Dr. Jones or Dr. Smith. Ok so back to the story. We got to the hosptial and could not find her office. All of the doors had the doctors name on the door but we could not find her name. So we ask a lady and she told Bill where to go-so we went but no doctor office. As we walk by this couple and a different lady, the lady said, "Kimberly" and we said yes. We had walked by the office twice but her name was not on the door. The secretary I guess recognized us becasue we were Americans. So we went in and filled out some paper work and waited. And waited and waited for about an hour-which was fine but being PG I had to go to the bathroom. There was not one in the office that we could see. So after an hour I told Bill I had to go and find one. So I left looking for a bathroom. I don't know what I was thinking. I found someone to ask. In my best Spainish I said where is the bathroom but she didn't understand after the fifth time of me asking she understood. She begin to answer me and I had no idea what she said but with a smile I said yes and thank you. So still needing to go to the bathroom I headed back to the office. When I walked in the door the doctor was ready for me. So the first thing I said to her in English was I really need to go to the bathroom. She was so kind and showed me one in the office. Well anyway after all of that we were able to talk to her and ask questions and she asked me questions. They do offer pain meds here for the birth.... And pretty much the same things as in the states. I will go once a month to see her. She has order blood work and a sonogram to be done in the next couple of days. She did all the things that are done in the states weight and blood pressure. However I did not have to pee in a cup. (Sorry guys) the ladies will understand. But we felt a real peace about her. She got her education from the same school that Bob and Bill work at. She has been a doctor since 1993. She seems really nice. Well I will update you on the sonogram and all as soon as possible. Fun stuff.
Serving Him in El Salvador.
Kim

Kim's Baby Update

2010-01-25T19:48:00.002-06:00

Well its me trying to blog about our new addition. If you don't know already we are having baby #3 in August. And yes we are having the baby here in El Salvador. I have had some to ask, "Did you want another baby?" or "Are you really having a baby in another country?" and then there is "ARE YOU CRAZY?". So let me try to answer these questions.
1. Yes we wanted another baby! We just didn't know when the Lord would open the door for us to have another. But praise HIM, His timing is not ours. And we are super excited!!! So is Bella!.
2. We do plan to have the baby here in El Salvador. We have found a doctor ( I will talk about that later) and the hospital is nice. I am nervous about the whole process because I don't speak Spanish but so far the Lord has taken care of all the details. I know that He is taking care of us.
3. Am I crazy? I don't think (not yet at least). I know that the Lord has all things worked out for us. Really I don't know of any reason not to have a baby in another country. I am not the first and will not be the last. In all that we do here we want the Lord to be glorified. Pray for me though.
I have been to the doctor and will blog about that hopeful soon. I also went to have a sonogram done (I am 11 weeks). So I have several things to report on but I will do it later. And hey if you have any questions just ask. I am new at all of this.
Serving Him in El Salvador
Kim

Busy

2010-01-23T15:19:00.002-06:00

If one were to ask me how this year/semester (in college terms) is going to be, I would say, "Busy". Before I explain what I mean by this, I would like to share something that God has shown me about being busy.

In college during my last two years, I got busy: classes, work, social activities, church, school activities and functions and then trying to squeeze in some studying. Needless to say, many of you had schedules like this---up to the wee hours and then wake up early (if you had 8 o'clock classes) and back at it all over again. Energy seemed not to be a problem in those days. After college, I kept busy at work--long hours and full days sometimes 7 days a week. This was because I was in "ministry" work at a children's home. Do not get me wrong. These hours were self-imposed and I liked working with the children (this is where I met Kim). God used me there, but I think I could have been more effective had I not lost focus: seeking Christ daily. The job, being busy, consumed me so much that I thought things would not happen (get done) if I was not there. The world would colapse if Bill Maner was not working or there. This mentality affected me so that I almost ruined a great friendship with a great college friend of mine because I thought I was not in "control." Notice the theme here, I am doing ministry work for God, but nowhere do I mention Him. The pervasive words are "I" or "me" and "for" and "control". I even enjoyed being busy that I allowed other things to falter: family-- even neglect Kim (our 1st year of marriage), and my personal time with God because I was so caught up in what I was doing (all-- I). To make a long story short, I believe God used the urge to go to graduate school to get me away from this cycle. I say this because I went to graduate school only for a semester and did not enjoy it at all, but it got me away from the job. To say the least, over the years God began to teach me some valuable lessons. I was still busy, and made mistakes, but I began to pray that God would work through me and that what I did would bring Him glory. Needless to say I was busy (coaching and teaching) but God was doing the guiding. I also had some godly men who were board members that were great role models. Some of Kim and my fondest memories (Bella came into the picture during these times) were during those years.
My point: we can be busy but it should not be before God and family---even ministry work. We are expendable and the world will keep turning on its axis with out us. God does not need us. He can use other people---and will. God wants to be the center and have full control of our lives--not an outside guest looking in. Even if it is not ministry, and a job. Sure you may be good at it and people may never want you to leave, but at the end of the day---it is a job. God and family need to be first and God must be the one in the driver's seat. God working through and in us is different than only doing something for God. The for becomes an expression of the through and in God.

All that to say this (I know some are thinking about time, where are you going, or let's face it this blog was not read bc of the length)---I will be busier this year. God has opened the opportunity for me to teach some science classes at Bella's Christian school (in the high school). I am looking forward to the opportunities to share the gospel and minister in any way possible. At the same time, I have classes at the U, the Bible study, and am coaching. There will be some long days, but my family will be with me and involved. So my prayer request is that you pray for strength, but more importantly that God will be glorified in this and that there will always be balance.

God bless

"The Eagle has Landed

2010-01-19T17:34:00.001-06:00

Thank you for your prayers. Kim, Bella, and Causey arrived today without any problems or complications. Again thank you so much for your prayers.

--Last week I got Bella a little puppy (he is not going to be very big), she was so excited to get here to see the puppy. Well it has been a few hours and I think the excitement is gone...

God bless

Traveling Mercies

2010-01-18T07:14:00.002-06:00

Please be praying for Kim, Bella, and Causey that they will have traveling mercies. They travel to Jackson today (Jan. 18) and then will be leaving tomorrow (Jan.19) to come back to ES bright and early. Pray that they will not have any document, ticket, and luggage problems. Also pray for them as they make connections---they only have about 60 minutes in Houston to make a connection to their flight to ES (this can be tough if a flight is even a little late with two children). Pray that they will all get here safe and sound without any problems or complications and that Causey will travel well.

God bless and thank you for praying.

Glorify: Last part

2010-01-16T20:14:00.002-06:00

If we are not glorifying God what are we doing as Christians? Maybe caught up in the rat race of life: school, work, kids, social.... Unfortunately, what ever the reason, it is only an excuse. I as a husband, father, coach, teacher...should glorify God in all I do and enjoy Him. Think about what you are doing in life and ask yourself, "Am glorifying God in what I am doing?" I can emphatically state this: I am far from perfect---I am a sinner that can be selfish and want for myself or even family, but I am so thankful for the grace provided through Christ. If I seek Christ and come to Him, He is faithful to forgive....no matter how many the times. How awesome is that. God has not been keeping a track record on me in order for me to "make-up" for all of my sin. I do not have to work off my selfishness and all my sin (I/we could never do enough if this were the case), thanks to His wonderful grace. We all have access to it---every single one of us. There is no sin too great or a life too busy. All we have to do is come before Christ, repent, and seek Him. The key is a relationship/fellowship with Him daily. No excuses. Like the saying goes, "I have been there, done it." There are no, " But I just .." We get so busy, we so many times get lost. Meaning we lose our True focus and priority. Each day has enough of its own problems, let us not worry about tomorrow. I would like to encourage you to take the time to Stop. Pray and pick up the Word. Ask God to guide you through His Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Start the fellowship by seeking Him first. This is a beginning step in glorifying God and enjoying Him. Something to think about:
What I am doing, is this glorifying God?
Has God asked me to do something but I keep giving excuses?
Who is being glorified: me or God?

As I close, I want to make this point. There is nothing wrong in playing golf, gardening, hanging out with friends, working, going out to eat...I think we can glorify God in all things. The point is that are we seeking to glorify God and enjoy Him---are we seeking the fellowship of Christ? I want to finish with these two examples:
1. I will never forget hearing and reading stories like this---I always wanted to be a missionary or I always wanted to be a teacher or I always thought God was calling me to be a pastor....but, I.....
2. I could never do what you are doing (being a missionary, pastor, teacher...).
In both cases, many people have lived sad, unhappy, unfulfilled, or mistaken lives. If our purpose is to glorify God and we seek His fellowship and are His servants for His purpose, let me tell you there is nothing we cannot do. He provides all and is in all. Take some time, evaluate, pray, search the Scriptures. God wants us to glorify Him and to have fellowship with His Son. It is never too late---I can attest to that and I still make mistakes, but thanks be to God who forgives through His wonderful grace.

God bless.

To Glorify? Part II

2010-01-10T13:24:00.004-06:00

(Aside: I received a comment from a great friend of mine that made me think and realize I had unintentionaly written something. Doctrine is not the key---tool, yes. As I continue with these blogs I hope to point toward what truly is the key: an ongoing fellowship /relationship with Christ. Please give me comments it allows me to check myself, because so many times I am in auto mode--meaning one train of thought mode).

I hope you have thought/mulled about our main purpose in life (read the Scriptures?). So let's continue with me on this journey---my journey, which I think is very similar to many my age and younger. In order to understand the context, I am going to journey back to high school (you could even go beyond these years).

Was my purpose to glorify God and enjoy Him? Far from it. I was number one---looking out for me. What I mean by this is that everything I did was for me or my interest. When I played basketball, I was not thinking "let this be for Your Glory" or "how can I do this and bring Glory to You, Oh Lord". No, I was thinking about what I wanted to do on the weekend, how long could I surf, where were my friends and I going to hang out. As a high school student, I wanted a scholarship (knew I was not going to get an athletic one---more on this some day, because it ties with this theme) so I got good grades (did what I had to do--at times not necessarily above and beyond--was one of those "cool" kids and never talked about school) hoping for at least an academic scholarship. I worked my last two years of high school (we were back in the US for good) to make some money for either a car or college (went for college---my parents let me use their little Mazda truck all 4 years). Got to college and the similar cycle: school (classes) and work. I wanted to be a medical doctor, so the grades were important (to an extent) and I worked. Now, a blessing is that while at college, I began to pursue a deeper relationship with God. The key is pursue. I had some friends who seemed to grow exponentially, I was struggling, but God was/is true to His Word---what He started, He will finish and bring about to completion (in my case it has taken God working through my life). Now I can go in many directions with this, but I am going to focus it on my point: glorify.

Not in any of my years of high school nor college, did I ever say/think "I want to do this to bring glory to God and enjoy Him in the process". I said I wanted to do things for God (be a doctor for Him) and to do His will, but here is the difference: on my terms. There is a big difference between glorifying God and enjoying Him and having everything outpour from this than to "glorify self" and then say "But I will do this for You."

My point is this, it took after college and a process for me to finally see that I was going at it all wrong. My chief purpose is to Glorify God and enjoy Him forever and if I do that, the "doing" His will should fall in place and be a manifestation of glorifying Him.

This is probably the focal blog on Glorifying God, but in my next one I am going to reflect on some of these points and make them applicable to me, my family, and who knows---maybe you.

God bless

To Glorify?

2010-01-10T09:27:00.004-06:00

During this week before classes start at the University (U), I am going to be making plans, looking at the new books, doing some research for them (such as internet, books...), and preparing (powerpoints)---of course these are my intentions (yes, some of you are smiling and thinking, I am not so sure). Anyways instead of boring you with a blog that says---hey I just finished a powerpoint on the verb "to be"---I am going to focus on something that God has been showing me: Glorify. I hope to break this down in 3 parts this week, so as not to be one blog---and those that are interested may have more time to read it. (Please feel free to give me your comments or suggestions in the comment section of blog or email me).

Where to begin? I am going to begin with my roots. As many of you know, I grew up in Brasil because my parents were Presbyterian missionaries. The key here is I grew up in a Reformed background. As a missionary kid, many times there is not "structure" in the churches as one would expect Stateside. What I mean by this is when I was younger, my parents were involved in teaching (Bible Institutes or seminaries) and my Dad always was preaching/evangelizing (or even starting a new church) at different places on Sunday. Things were in there beginning stages. As I got older, and my Dad's emphasis became more teaching, I began to go to a "home" church on a regular basis and get involved. Some are thinking, "What is your point?" My point is I grew up knowing the Bible, but unlike some Reformed churches here in the US, I did not grow up learning the Catechism. I know some of my Baptist friends are either saying what is that or thinking, why is that so important. What many fail to understand is all Catechism really is central Christian doctrine, based on the Scriptures. It teaches children and adults to know what they really believe. This is not a perfect analogy, but it would be like a Southern Baptist growing up and knowing the "Baptist Faith and Message." Now this may be helping many to understand my point. Growing up Presbyterian, I did not know my Catechism (as many others) and I also am confident (because I have taught this in Sunday school), many Baptist do not know the "Baptist Faith and Message." There are differences in these doctrines/guides, but my point is that many my age and younger do not know them. The key is doctrine---many do not know it. Stop one of us on the street and ask us what are purpose in life is:

"To be successful..."

"To make money.."

"To become a .....(fill in the blank) and..."

And you might get this response---before I write it, do not get me wrong, many people genuinely mean it (I have said this before in this context), but I have also used it as a "blanket statement"----"I want to do God's will." I am going to get back to this statement, but for now let me finish with this---think about it, mull it over--because it is the center of this weeks blog. This comes from The Westminister Shorter Catechism in Modern English (1):

Question 1. What is man's primary purpose?

Answer: Man's primary purpose is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

Here are some Scriptures to support this: Psalm 16:11, 19:1, 29:2, 50:23a, 104:31; Luke 10:38-42; Habakkuk 2:14; Matthew 5:16; I Corinthians 10:31;Daniel 5:22-23 (2). Note that some of these verses talk directly about glorifying God, the Glory of God (how we can see it), and results of giving glory (or not).

God bless

(1) The Westminister Shorter Catechism in Modern English. 1986. Reformed Theological Seminary. Jackson, MS.

(2) Meade, Starr. 2000. Training Hearts Teaching Minds. P & R Publishing: New Jersey, 9-11.

New Web Site

2010-01-08T19:38:00.002-06:00

Well...first of all, I am back in ES. Thank you all for your prayers. It was great to visit with family and friends and spend Christmas with them. Continue to pray for Kim, Bella, and Causey as they will be in the US for another week and half and for Kim as she has a few speaking engagements (sharing about our work).

This is the link to our new website: http://www.whereintheworldarethemaners.com/

Hopefully this is better: everything is at one spot (and site name does not have "extras"). I tried to update it with features that people suggested and might like: info, what is new, blog, kendrick facebook, and pictures. It is not perfect but is a beginning. If you have any suggestions feel free to email /comment and let me know.

I hope to blog at least 2-3 times a week (Sund., Tues/Wed,Thurs).

God bless and thank you for your prayers and support.

Going Back Today

2010-01-06T07:56:00.004-06:00

Wow! Time flies. It has been a great time here in the US to visit family and friends and to also share about the ministry in ES. Thank you so much for everyone's support. It has meant so much to us as a family to know that we are being prayed for and that there are those that are eager to hear about how God is using us in ES.

With that in mind, I do apologize because I have not blogged any while here in the States. To all you who follow the blog (I was pleasantly surprised to hear that there are some who follow this blog), I hope to make some changes while in ES to the site and blog at least 2-3 times a week. Please keep the following in your prayers:

Traveling mercies: I travel back today (Wed. Jan 6th) to ES from Memphis (via Houston). Pray for my parents as they take me to Memphis (and then return to Grenada) and then as I begin my trip: safety in the sky, no luggage problems (both are a little over the weight limit), connection problems (I will be "bookin" it in Houston to catch my connecting flight), no ticket nor document complications.
Kim and the children as they will be in the US for about another two weeks. Keep Kim in your prayers as she will be sharing about our ministry at two speaking engagements.

Thank you for your prayers and all of your support. God bless.

We are here!

2009-12-18T11:43:00.002-06:00

Thank you for your prayers. We all got here safely and without any problems. Kim and Bella are with her parents (they flew into New Orleans) and Causey and I are in Grenada with my parents(we flew into Memphis). We are going to meet up on Saturday. Our plan, Lord willing, while in the US is to spend it with family and friends and also share with all of our supporters about our work in ES.

Here are a few prayer requests:

Kendricks and groups as they are visiting Remar (orphanage) today. They plan to have a Christmas party with the children and give out shoe boxes and enjoy being with them. Also pray for safety and traveling mercies for all of them as they all leave ES on Saturday going to the US.
Maners: as we travel around MS visiting family and friends---we will also be sharing at a couple of churches and a school about our work in ES.
Ministry: University classes (Kim and I both will be teaching classes), outreach on the U campus, Remar, basketball (coaching and clinics for sharing the Gospel), English Bible Study, and anything else the Lord opens.
Continued Financial Support for the Maners---as mentioned in our last news letter, we have many projects/needs that can be done, but our financial budget is limited at this time (we have "saved support" for less than a year). The awesome thing about this is that God has always provided for anything that HE wants us to do. My desire is for prayer in this matter on a daily basis because He is and has been faithful to us.

God bless and thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. In case I do not blog again any time soon, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I will leave with these words (maybe even in cliche) that an elderly lady once emphasized to me: Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Traveling Mercies

2009-12-16T22:25:00.002-06:00

Please keep the following in your prayers:

Us (Maners: Kim, Bella, Causey, and I) as we travel tomorrow (Thursday) to the US. Pray that we do not have any luggage, ticket, document, connection, and flight problems (safety)--that Causey will travel well.
Kendricks and mission groups: next two days they will be traveling to churches and Remar (orphanage) giving out the remaining Christmas shoe boxes.
Kendricks and mission groups: Saturday---traveling mercies and safety as they all travel to the US.

God bless and thank you for your prayers.

University Christmas Boxes and Church in San Domingo

2009-12-13T19:36:00.009-06:00

On Saturday the University had their Christmas party for all the employees and their families. It was a great day. Bob Kendrick's staff (Spiritual Outreach) did a great job planning and decorating. More than 300 came and more than half were children---also some surrounding community children came. The area was decorated with balloons, there was a Christian clown group that provided entertainment and shared the Gospel, pinatas filled with candy, games, and prizes. At the end, the shoe boxes were distributed. The children were happy and excited--especially some of the children from the community. According to Bob, this is the only Christmas many of the children will receive (I spoke to one little boy who was so grateful; he said that he could use the plastic box for his crayons and markers at school). It was tremendous to see the faces of happy children and parents. (pictures above at the U)

Today, we went to a church about an hour away from San Salvador--San Domingo to drop off Christmas shoe boxes (the church is going to have a celebration later this week and hand them out to the children of the church). It was a little Baptist Church which is doing a great job reaching out to children (more than half of those there were children). A member in the church has an old van and buses children from the community. Bella, Sarah, and Hannah went to Sunday school and "recited" their class' memory verse at the end of church (these other two girls are daughters of Eric and Susan from Louisiana---they are here visiting because they believe the Lord is leading them to come here next fall to be full-time missionaries reaching out to children). Bob preached and then we stayed and ate at the church with the pastor and another church family. It was so great to see a church worship and reach out.

Please continue to pray for us and mission groups (more arrive on Tuesday) as we arrange shoe boxes (and clothes for pastors and their families) and deliver them to churches and an orphanage (Remar) to be distributed. Also keep us in your prayers as we travel on Thursday back to the US and the Kendricks on Saturday.

God bless

December Newsletter and Update

2009-12-11T08:42:00.003-06:00

Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for us in the next few days as we help Bob Kendrick distribute "shoe boxes" to needy children and clothes to pators and their families. Also pray for several groups that he has coming in the next few days---they will help give out boxes and assist in ministry at Remar (orphanage). Pray for these groups safety as they travel here and while here and that God will be glorified by the work that will be done in the next few days.

Also, I have our Nov./Dec. newsletter completed if you would like to check out what we have been doing the past few months.

A last update, that I forgot to mention in the last blog, is that on Monday I went to a pastor's conference. I was invited by the Christian school where Bella will be attending next year (K4). It was a great conference and an answer to prayer for me. The conference was led by Luis Mendez, the Latino outreach pastor for John Piper. He shared on the Doctrine of Propitiation, something I have been studying, but what really stuck out to me, was in his Power Point he had a graphic illustration which really "tied" everything together. I hope to share some of this in maybe future blogs. The reason I have been studying this in detail is that I think so many of us do not really understand aspects of this doctrine: justification, sanctification, righteousness, glorification, the wrath of God, etc. We hear these words but many of us (including myself until I really started studying these aspects) do not know what these words mean nor could we explain them--especially in the context of sharing/discipling to an unbeliever/new believer. God has really been teaching me about all these aspects in the last few months, I believe so I can be of better service to Him. Anyways....some other time.

God bless.

Basketball Camps and Shoe Boxes

2009-12-09T11:12:00.003-06:00

We are trying to wrap-up the year. I just wanted to give a few updates and prayer requests.

Basketball Clinics: This past Saturday I went to Remar (orphanage) and gave a little basketball clinic to the kids there (starting with age 7+). I had a different group (15 to 20 kids) every 30 minutes. It was great and good to see that some of these kids already knew how to play. I taught them the game Over and Under (passing ball over head and then next person passes it between their legs all in a single file line; the last person then dribbles down the court and makes a basket), dribbling with right hand down the court and back with the left, proper form shooting, and finished with Knock-Out (or Put-Out). The kids seemed to have had fun competing in these events and learning. Bella was my assistant and great help (she never complained--it was very hot). At the end, we just played with all the kids for about 30 minutes (Bella again did so well; she made new friends and played with them).

Yesterday, I had a clinic at the University and did the same thing. The University has a program for children in the surrounding community (250+ children). It has an educational purpose, but also at the same time they do VBS activities. I volunteered to give the children a clinic because they did not have any athletic activities scheduled. This was great fun. Every 30 minutes I had different group and I began by sharing with them "What is a Christian and how to become one" then began with the clinic. Bella again was my assistant and great help. [An aside on Bella: at the beginning while we were getting ready and waiting for the kids to arrive, Bella said, " I am going to coach the girls. You coach the boys. Now what does coach mean?" As most can probably tell, I was/am very proud of Bella. It is moments like these that make it "worth" everything].

English Bible Study: We have tried to meet while the students are on vacation. Last week we met and had 3 show up. Today, we are having a Christmas Party for them, but due to jobs and it being vacation, we are not sure how many will be able to come. I hope to read the Christmas story and tie it into our past studies.

Shoe boxes: Bob Kendrick has a shoe box ministry (very similar to Samaritan's Purse) where he gives boxes filled with toys and needed items for children of several needy churches. He will also give out clothes to pastors and their families (he has a clothes drive that is supported by several churches in the US). Needless to say, in the next week we are going to be sorting these boxes and clothes in order that they can be given out.

Prayer Requests: Please pray for the last English Bible study tonight, pray for the shoe box and clothes that will be given (that everything will be ready and prepared to hand out), and for the Maners and Kendricks as we all plan to travel to the US for Christmas.

God Bless

Libertad

2009-11-29T22:29:00.021-06:00

Volunteers, workers, and family; End of day sunset

Below right: House before we started

Left: end of day reflection on beach

L
Left: after demolish; Below: another before shot

Left: Another home we helped rebuild (elderly couple); Below framing for kitchen of home we demolished

Left: Beginning stages of framing; below: baby resting

Left: Remains of previous home in the back (and outhouse)

University volunteer praying with those that suffered losses during mud slide

After getting food and needed items, the families were broken up into small groups where volunteers and church members shared the Gospel with them (below left); pastor with adopted family (right)

We hope everyone had a Happy Thankgiving. We celebrated with the Kendricks, another missionary couple, and 3 college students from the University. Even in ES, we were able to be thankful and, yes, probably eat too much.

A quick update:

On Saturday, I went with some University student volunteers and Gran Comision (local church we are partnering with) leaders to help in the construction of two homes. These home owners were in need (an elderly couple with next to nothing and a grandmother taking care of 3-4 children with her daughter-in-law that has a baby) and the local church (sister church to Gran Comision) adopted them as a means to reach out to the community. A contractor was hired and they did the detailed work while we demolished what remained of the original structure (we saved the metal siding that could be reused) and painted. It was great to see these college volunteers give of themselves. We worked until around 3:30 and then went to the beach for about an hour. While there we discussed the day and the leaders had a reflective time and shared the Gospel (we had a couple of volunteers that may have not been Christians). It was a great day and everyone worked hard. More importantly those that were benefiting from "new" homes were very grateful. One of the little girls told one of the volunteers she was looking forward to having a newly painted home. Pray for these families and that through this they may be reached by this local church. Above are some pictures contrasting before and after and of one of the families we helped (pictures are out of order due to a slow computer program).

Please keep the following in your prayers:

Basketball camps--we plan to have one at the U next week (Tuesday) during the afternoon. This is in conjuction to a VBS that the U has. I was informed they did not have any athletics/sports planned so we added this at the last minute. We will have the opportunity to reach nearly 250+ children from the surrounding area. We are also planning to have a basketball camp at Remar (orphanage) either this Sat. or next Mon. if we can work it out.

English Bible Study--we are going to have one last Bible study before Christmas this Friday during lunch. Next week we hope to have them all over for a Christmas "party" (get together eat and hang out).

Groups--from Dec.11th - 19th Bob Kendrick has several groups coming to help him give out Christmas boxes (he does something very similar to Samaritan's Purse; boxes with goodies to give out to children). We will also help Bob give out clothes (he also has a clothes drive) to pastors and their families.

We all are coming to the US for Christmas (Christmas present from family and frequent miles) on Dec. 17th. Pray for safety and that all our documents will be in order before we leave. Side note: we will be glad to share with any churches, groups, Sunday school classes, etc. about our work in ES--feel free to contact us.

God bless and thank you for your prayers.

Quick Update

2009-11-23T09:18:00.008-06:00

I have not been very good at blogging as of late. I am working on closing out the school year and trying to do some projects before Christmas (a basketball camp, helping in the disaster area, and helping at Remar--the orphanage). Please be praying for us as we work on these projects.

I am attaching some photos: one is the University women's team in their practice uniforms that were provided by generous donor(s); the others are the men's team after getting second in the championship game; one is one of the players on our team (Alex) getting the award for most points in the tournament; and Bella--our number one cheerleader. We will be back at it next semester. Thank you for your support and prayers. Keep praying for us.

Update

2009-11-14T19:39:00.008-06:00

Let me catch everyone up. Thank you for your prayers---Kim, Bella, Causey and Angelique all got here safe and sound without any problems. The following are things that are "happening" here:

English Bible Study-- the past two weeks we have had the Bible study at the University during the lunch time. This was a trial to avoid the night time and having the students take buses, which can be dangerous. These studies seemed to have gone well. We answered the question "What is sin?" and "The origin of sin?". We read the Scripture to answer these questions and also began discussing the only solution to sin: Jesus Christ. Since school finished for the summer break, we still hope to continue the Bible study at our home, but during the lunch time.
ES Flooding Damage---Above are some pictures of the damage that these heavy rains caused. These picture were sent to Bob Kendrick by a friend of his and they show the devastation that these rains caused. In addition, yesterday I went with a group of college students and members of a local church to town on the coast which was affected. We distributed food and clothing. The church (Gran Comision--Great Comission) that was overseeing all of this broke everyone into groups and the volunteers also shared the Gospel to all that received assistance. We also toured the damaged area. I hope to upload some pictures soon because it was devastating for several homes. Most of these homes that were totally destroyed were/are built near the river that feeds into the ocean. When the river floods, it floods all the homes. Some homes are made of dried adobe mud, so when the waters flood everything is destroyed. I met a grandmother (55) who is taking care of 4 grandchildren (her daughter died last year). To compound this even more, she lives with another relative that has 2 (I think) children. Somone in their family helped them "rebuild" a temporary home. It was made of scrap metal people had given them (think of metal roofing). It was maybe 8 ft by 10ft. All 8-9 people were sleeping in this on two beds. The church is going to try to help with construction (we are going to partner with this church to help all that we can through Kendrick Ministries). Currently, the government is helping the main areas of large-scale devastation (pictures above). Places like this one we saw and others, may never get assistace.

After this we went to a shelter at a local school in this coastal town. We did the same distributed food and clothes. There were quite a number of children there, so we hope to go back with some sport activities to reach some of these children.

Classes are finished for me. I have really enjoyed teaching and getting to know my students. We will start back up toward the end of January. During this time away from teaching, we hope to help with these flood victims and the Remar orphanage.
Basketball-- the girls got put out of the tournament early, but the boys team kept on going. Next week we will play in the final championship game. I have enjoyed coaching the boys and girls team. God is always working and am excited to see how He uses basketball for His glory.

Please continue to pray for us. Thank you for your support.

God Bless

Traveling Mercies

2009-11-12T06:47:00.004-06:00

Please pray for Kim, Bella, and Causey and Angelique Kendrick as they return to El Salvador today (Thursday). Pray for traveling mercies: that they will not have any ticket, luggage, documents, time delays, and customs problems and that they will safely make all connections and that Causey will travel well. Pray for their safety as they travel.

Your prayers are much appreciated.

Addendum: Please pray for me as I lead in our last "official" Bible Study during the lunch break today. This is exam week and the last week of school---the students will be off for their summer break. We hope to continue these studies during the break, but getting all of them there may be harder. God bless.

ES Update

2009-11-10T08:38:00.003-06:00

The situation still remains about the same and the death toll may increase. Someone told Bob Kendrick that in the town of San Vicente at First Baptist Church, they alone had 9 members die (this is what people are telling us--not necesarilly confirmed--meaning the number could be less or more). Churches and Christian organizations are responding to this natural disaster. Our University, local churches, and other organizations are responding by gathering food, clothes, toys, and needed items for these people. Many of these 7500 displaced are living in shelters (schools and churches). Please continue to pray for the search parties, those that have lost loved ones, those that have lost everything, and the rebuilding process. This will not happen overnight.

Further update/explanation on the cause:
After reading some detailed accounts in the local paper, the cause of this natural disaster was rain in excess. The organization that monitered this storm only expected 100 mL of rain due to the storm (part of a hurricane/tropical storm). It rained in an excess of 330 mL (nearly 3X the expected). This excess rain in the mountains caused mudslides, rockslides, and flooding. All this not only damaged homes built on the sides of mountains (well built to "shacks"), but damaged towns/cities below (anything in its path). Bridges, powerlines, telephone lines, homes, business, streets, etc. were all affected. This happened at night while many were asleep and caught many off-guard.

Through the ministry (Kendrick Ministry) we are also trying to help in this process. We are collecting and buying any needed items to be distributed in local communities and/or affected churches. We are partnering with a local church and ministerial students we know to help. If anyone would like to help by giving so that we can purchase much needed items, please send financial gifts to the following address:

Kendrick Ministries
Attn: Maners/ES Flood victims
P.O. Box 465Clinton, MS 39060

Please be sure to put a note with your donations (for ES Flood ) and on your check in the memo section. We are a very small organization, so we want all gifts given for this purpose to be used for this (without this in the memo section it will be considered Maner ministry support). Please note we cannot accept actual items/goods because by the time we shipped and got everything here, it would probably be too late (the cost to send them also would be great). It is "cheaper" to buy the items here for quick distribution.

The plan is to collect/purchase items and take them to be distributed this weekend. We also hope to continue with this project as long as it is needed. If you have any questions feel free to contact me by phone or email.

God bless

El Salvador Flooding

2009-11-09T10:08:00.002-06:00

I wanted to thank everyone for their concern for us here in ES. Where we live has not been affected by the raining which has caused flooding and the greater consequence of this in the mountains and surrounding areas is: land-slides. Please pray for ES and all those who have suffered and are suffering from these rains. According to today's newspaper there have been 124 reported deaths and nearly 7500 people have been affected (damage and or loss of home). These people are currently being taken care of in temporary "make-shift" housing (such as schools). This cotastrophy is the main result of poorly made homes (some are squatters) on the sides of mountains. These homes are made with what is available, or even if made with adequate materials, but are built in vulnerable places (sides of mountains) that are susceptible to heavy rains and mudslides. Please pray for this situation, but more importantly that we as believers will reach out to these people--showing God's love and mercy. For example, our University is having a food drive for these people. Pray that these people will see believers putting their faith in action.

God bless

Praise and Blessing

2009-11-05T21:29:00.001-06:00

Thank you for your prayer support. I wanted to give some updates:

Praise--today our house in Starkville closed. Thanks for your prayers and to all those who helped us through this process. A special thank you goes out to our pastor, JD Shaw, who was willing to oversee the closing on our behalf.
Blessing--we are in the process of finalizing (so please keep praying) a deal on a vehicle. There is a young missionary couple here in ES that is selling their minivan. This vehicle is is in apparent good condition for its year (1991) and rather low mileage (also considering age). It would meet our needs and is the right size for us as a family and for hauling (players, groups, and things). God is good and provides.
English Bible Study--We had the Bible study today during the lunch hour at the University. The topic of discussion was "What is sin?" which led to also talking about the Solution to it. We are going to continue discussing this topic (origin and God's Solution through His Son). It seemed to go rather well with most of the students attending. It is at a convenient time and does not involve safety concerns due to transportation at night. I hope to have one more study next week at the University to finish the semester (next week is exam week) before the summer break. On the bright side, discussing the idea of continuing the Bible study weekly during the summer break was overwhelmingly positive. The students seemed to like the idea of meeting weekly and continuing with our study. Please be praying for this that all the details will work out, but more importantly that lives will grow and be changed.
Kim and the kids are doing well in the US and enjoying seeing family and friends during their visit.

God bless and please continue to pray for us and the ministry God has for us here.

Quick Update

2009-11-04T09:31:00.002-06:00

Thank you for your prayers. Angelique, Kim, Bella, and Causey all got to their destinations safe and sound. Angelique was able to get her ES document Tuesday morning and then fly out without a problem. God is faithful and thank you for your prayers.

On a side note, the boys won the last game so we are still in it. Again, this was an intersting game and for all you sports fans I hope to blog about this later.

God bless.

Update and Prayer Request

2009-11-02T15:06:00.004-06:00

Thanks for praying for the Parkers; they got to the US safe and sound (they did have long lines in customs in Houston, but other than that all was great). So on this note, I have a blessing and a prayer request. Dwayne (Kim's brother) is preaching the Homecoming Service at Salem Heights Baptist Church (Laurel, MS) this Sunday. This was their (Dwayne and Kim's) home church while growing up and where Kim and I got married---the pastors are also related (both father and brother are on staff) to Angelique Kendrick (missionaries we work with here in ES). Needless to say there is a connection to this church. Kim did not want to miss her brother preaching (this is really a special occasion for the whole family), but knew she probably would since they (she and the children) are already planning to come for a Christmas visit. The blessing is that because Dwayne and the Parkers both accrued mileage for their trips through special promotions, they had enough miles to give Kim and Bella (Causey is a lap-baby) a trip to the US. To compound this blessing because of the use of points, this reservation was made at last minute without the penalties (usually, last minute reservations cost an arm and a leg). Hence this prayer request:

please pray for Angelique (she is also going for Homecoming), Kim, Bella, and Causey as they travel tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov.3rd) to the US. Pray for traveling mercies and safety that they will not have plane, ticket, luggage, document, connection, or custom problems. Pray that Causey will travel well (Bella enjoys planes). A special prayer request is that Angelique will have all her documents in order to travel tomorrow--to make a long story short, she has to renew her ES document tomorrow morning before she can leave on the plane in the afternoon. Please keep them all in your prayers and give thanksgiving to God; He has taken care of all our needs and such as this the "extras" that are important to us as family.

One other prayer request: the closing on our home was postponed until this week. Pray that it closes and all goes well.

God bless.

Prayer: Traveling Mercies

2009-11-01T08:42:00.004-06:00

Hope everyone enjoyed "Fall Back." We are now on the same time zone as many of you (Central) until the spring time. We just wanted to request the following prayer request for today:

Pray for the Parkers (Howard and Billie) as they travel back to the US today (Sunday). Pray for traveling mercies that they will have safety; no ticket, connection, customs, documents, or luggage problems; and make all their connections.

It has been a great visit. We are going to miss them and the grandkids are really going to have to make an adjustment (they will have to learn what "No" means--ha ha ha).

Thank you for your prayers.

Long Day---Basketball

2009-10-29T15:57:00.003-05:00

Today has been a long day---and it is not over (I still have to teach another class). I started with classes and then went to our game. We played the past champions again (this is the only team we have lost to) and lost again. We made some changes since the last time we played. I was very pleased with my team. The other university team we played gives scholarship and the coach is the assistant coach of a semi-pro team here. So what he does is get all the good players from his semi-pro team to play for him at his university with scholarships (I have one post player that plays for him on the semi-pro team). Our university cannot compete against these kind of scholarships (I am working on changing this) that are given at other universities. Needless to say, I also only played with 5 players, meaning no subs. Our changes worked the first half: control the clock by keeping the ball until last 5 seconds for a good shot and talk on defense (zone defenses have "holes"). By the half, we were only down by about 5 points. The second half fatigue became a factor. My players are already not in the best of shape, so playing the full 40 minutes began taking its toll. Also, the team lapsed in our philosophy of time control and we allowed 8 or more points on fast break due to quick shots (the other team is quick and fast). Add to this factor fatigue, and the second half turned ugly quickly. We did not lose because of a lack of talent, but because we did not have subs and were out of shape. This will be my focus for next semester: build team unity and find some way to get scholarships to get the players to practice. We COULD be a contender and great team in all these tournaments. We are still in this tournament--we have 3 more games. If we win all these there is a possibility we will see this team again in the championship game. Oh well. I am learning how things work around here.
Continue to pray for us and the work here in ES (continue to pray for Causey--he slept through the night; a good sign he is getting better).

God bless