Since Pat Won't Post... I Will (a post by Jason Harris)

This is Jason Harris. I am Pat's Underwear Brother. Some of you know me and some of you don't. If you're interested, you can check out my blog that is linked on the right hand side there. Pat's last post was February 27, 2007. That is 22 weeks ago to the day. I know several of you (me included) have been leaving comments on his last post begging and pleading Pat to post an update. Our cries have fallen on deaf ears. Not for lack of interest on Pats part, or for lack of love. Having talked to Pat, I know that he has been busy for one and has had a bad experience with Blogger.

Pat and his family are on the road as I type this post heading back to Lubbock from their trip out to California. They came out for the Tahoe Family Encampment and for a stop over at the coast. We (the Harris') were blessed to tag along and spend time with them.

The Sheaffer's arrived in Shingle Springs on July 20, 2007. The next day, we loaded up the camping trailer and headed up the hill to Camp Richardson at Lake Tahoe. We camped there until July 25, 2007 then went back to the house in Shingle Springs for one night in comfort and bathing/showering bliss (quite a nice change from the campground toilets and showers.)

While in Tahoe on Tuesday Pat did an AIM flag presentation right after the keynote speaker. It was great! There were ex-AIMers, AIMers and future AIMers all lined up holding flags while Pat told the crowd about the work God is doing through AIM. After the flag presentation we stood out and gave away AIM tee shirts to anyone that would wear one.

On Tursday afternoon (after re-stocking the trailer with food, snacks and drinks) the Sheaffer's and Harris' headed for the coast. It was supposed to be hot in the central valley so we were excited to get to cooler climes. Imagine going to the beach to get away from the heat. That is Northern California beaches. At night it was windy and in the low 50s. During the day it was foggy/overcast and in the 60s.

Here are some pictures of our trip...



The Sheaffer boys straddling two states on their way to California.



Pit stop at "Chief Yellowhorse."



Watch Out For Snakes!!



The kids taking a break and watching a movie after a hard day at play in Tahoe...



Pat rode around Camp Richardson in Tahoe on Michelle's pink Trek. Pat got quite the reputation from riding a pink bike.



Malissa and Titus at the Tahoe Campsite.



Noah jumps off a friends boat on Lake Tahoe! Pretty cold water, but not bad once your body goes numb.



The Beach Campsite. Notice our clothing attire is very wintery.



These are the steps down (and back up) to the Point Reyes Light House. It was built in 1870 and stopped being used as a lighthouse in 1975.



Here are Luke and Noah on their way back from tide pooling with Pat.

I hope you've enjoyed this update. Maybe this will get Pat motivated to start blogging again. He'll find out that I've hijacked his blog when he gets the email that a new post has been published.

Love you Pat!!!

Your UB.

Camp Adventure 2007

Camp Adventure is a time twice a year especially designed for high school juniors and seniors, as well as college-age men and women, who are even a little bit curious about AIM and want to find out more. It is a time to come and live with the current AIM students and find out what it is really like. You will be involved with them in great Bible study, community service projects and some good ole fun!

This year our theme is: Sink to the Top. Please give some prayerful consideration to joining us either in January or in March for this special time. AIM truly is an awesome and life-changing opportunity but it does require taking that first step of faith, so come and check it out! We anticipate at least 70 young men and women planning on attending Camp Adventures this year. See AIM link to the left for additional details.

Blogger Blues / Mission Term / Mexico

DRATS! I've discovered that I am one of select few who've had on-going battles with Blogger; I have had to switch my account twice, entire posts have been "lost" and this has been a consistent frustration for nearly eight months now. Sadly, my October, November, December and January posts are "gone" says Blogger. They are unable to "acquire my posts" and suggested that I "re-write as needed." The end to this saga is that I have relied on this Blogger as a vehicle of AIM reporting and information. Several readers have inquired as to "what has happened." I was (actually still am) tempted to transfer my blogs/reports to MySpace... we shall see:( Nonetheless, much as transpired since my last "lost posting" and I've much to report.


AIM TEAMS ANNOUNCED:
By June of this year, Lord willing, eleven AIM apprentice teams will be arriving on their respective mission fields. This year God has raised up nearly 60 young disciples who are willing to go and share Jesus with those in darkness. Fields are: Juneau, Alaska; Montezuma Creek, Arizona (Indian Reservation);Gosford, Australia; Recife, Brazil; Strasbourg, France; Prato, Italy; Leon, Mexico; Napier, New Zealand; Lima, Peru; West Mains, Scotland; Capetown, South Africa. PRAISE GOD! These tender warriors will join almost 50 other AIM student currently serving around the globe.

MISSION TERM BEGINS:
When the AIMers returned after their Christmas/New Year's break, we began what is known as Mission Term. For the first two terms (August-December), AIMers spend most of their time sitting at the feet of instructors being feed God's word. Additionally, we teach short courses in areas such as public speaking, one-on-one studies, teaching children, writing newsletters, etc. They also participate and eventually lead small group (same gender) Bible studies. However, in Mission Term, the greater focus is to prepare them as mission teams; thus classroom instruction is pulled back to only 25 hours per week and they begin "practicing" being a team and implementing the knowledge they've received from all the classes.

During the initial weeks of mission term, we "take away" several privileges with the purpose of helping students to learn how to cope with life on the mission field. For at least a month, AIMers are NOT allowed to 1) eat fast food and/or in restaurants, 2) view TV, movies or computer entertainment and 3) or drive (public transportation or walking only). These three areas truly challenge our students... This is a generation enamored with the computer (IM, MySpace, etc.) and it is very difficult to be disciplined to manage time and desire. They quickly learn how much time and space one has when the TV/game factor is removed from their lives. They even begin to appreciate the "silence" and opportunity to commune with God more frequently and purposefully.

Certainly, Mission Term is much more than a few "missed" privileges. The students grow in their ability to make wise decisions and function as a vibrant, legitimate team purposed to submit themselves to the leading of missionaries. They learn to deal with conflict, differences and set their sights on their respective mission fields. We travel to Mexico City (world's second largest city) for a cultural awareness trip and simply to open the eyes of their hearts to a vast, last world. This mission term will conclude late March.