New Computer, New Blog:)

 

Hey, I'm Tizzy (well, Elisabeth - but very few people call me that besides

my Aunt Lynn:)).  Welcome to my new blogspot!  I just bought a new 

computer recently and since I LOVE pictures, taking them and being in

them :), I decided instead of continuing to clog up the phone inboxes of my 

family & friends, I'd just start a blog of my travels!:)

I graduated from college in May 2009, and was offered a position to travel 

with Evangelist Jim VanGelderen and his wife, Rhonda, to teach\tutor their 

three girls.  The Lord made it clear that's what He wanted me to do, but I 

didn't realize that I'd end up loving it SO much!:)  Along with teaching the 

girls and being a "big sister" to them, I also help with the music in the 

services, counsel, recruit, and do registration, along with many other odd 

jobs that come up in the ministry!:)  

Dr. Jim, as I call him, began what he named The War of Special Forces.

This ministry is specifically geared toward reaching teenagers, saved 

and lost.  It involves three teams - Army Rangers, Navy Seals, and Marine 

Recons - with a captain who takes charge of each team for the week.  

We travel from church to church throughout the United States holding 

The War in various different Christian schools.  We work with the Christian

school teens during the day and then on Wednesday, Thursday, and 

Friday evenings we bring in those teens that we've recruited throughout 

the week.  Each night we have competitions, free food, a cheering contest, 

trivia, and end each night with a gospel message.  It's been absolutely 

awesome to see the Lord save souls and revive hearts of teenagers

throughout the United States!  

Like I said, I LOVE my job, traveling, and having the privilege to serve 

the Lord in this ministry!  I've been asked to stay on with the team 

another year, so there will be plenty more pictures and updates in the 

future, but for now I've tried to post the past places we've traveled 

starting from the fall 2009 and ending with spring 2010.  

First, I'd like to introduce you to my three "little women"... :)

Stephanie Joy (14)

 

Janna Faith (12)

 

Annaleese Hope (10)

 

 

 I absolutely LOVE my three "little women"!:)  

(Did I mention that I think I might have the best job in the world?!;))

 

  

All three girls sing and play the violin and piano..

and are becoming excellent musicians!

(of course, I may be a bit biased!;))

I love my crazy girls!:)  

There's almost never a dull moment!;)

Hope you now enjoy the blog of my travels.. :)

Startin' to Travel

 

Nate & David had fun listening to music together!:)

I was wondering how they'd get along.. 

but they ended up being the best of buds!  

A bit crazy at times, but I guess I'm used to it!:)

 

Nate takin' a little snooze!:)

Chris & Laura decided to take a snooze on the way too!

It ended up being about a 20 hour trip!  We left around midnight

and arrived the next day around 7pm to start our first week of The War!

Sumter, SC - Sumter Bible Church

 

I told Leesie that she could do her homework outside.. 

It was just too beautiful to stay indoors!:)

(Okay, so maybe I am just a little bit of a "softee";))

 

Janna & Stephanie so diligently working away on their school!

(Maybe that position helps her study?:))

 

The girls had fun using their free time to play Lincoln Logs:)

(Brings back a lot of childhood memories!;))

 

Beaver, WV - Victory Baptist Church

 

Dr. Jim and his family had to leave us for a week, 

so Mike Fisher and his family filled in.

They did an awesome job, and we had a 

good time with his sweet family and kids!

 

Mike Fisher preaching... He's definitely an evangelist!:)

 

Getting ready for Tug of War.. of course we have to take some pics!:)

Roanoke, VA - Shenandoah Baptist Church

 

I was in the schoolroom when I heard my name frantically being called..

I looked out to see Janna like this!  I died laughing and had to get 

my camera!:)  She wanted to see if she could fit through the railing.. 

she almost made it!:)

 

BIG BALL BOWLING

  

Chris & Nate eventually informed David that he kept 

blocking their girls that were trying to get the ball!:) 

 

The final evening rally was held at a camp... We had a HUGE crowd!

 

After the preaching, we went down to the bonfire.. 

of course, we had to get some pics!:)

 

I guess it ended up that this little girl had been David's 

secret admirer this week!:)  The final night she wrote him 

a little note and gave him some treats!:)

It was an absolutely awesome, fun week!  

It was awesome to see what the Lord did

and how He answered specific prayers... 

it's humbling and yet amazing to be used of Him!

Edinburg, VA - Valley Baptist Church

 

The Cox Family so graciously opened up their beautiful home to me!

  

We had the opportunity to recruit at a local parade.. 

had a little fun doing it, too!;)

 

We went to an open house while we were there...

They had a very nice house and POOL... !!!

We decided it would be funny to push David in to the pool..

Well, it worked but Nate and Chris ended up getting in, too!:)

Winchester, VA - Keystone Baptist Church

 

Had to capture this beautiful rainbow!:)

Can you tell Janna is enjoying her school?!:)

The guys are enjoying a little break.. 

I guess the tubes come in handy for more than just the competitions!:)

We enjoyed going to a local high school to "recruit" at a football game!:)

 

I enjoyed staying with Erin.. 

she made an awesome hostess and fill-in Mom!:)

 

If you look really close you can see David's black & blue eye...

He suffered a rough blow on Sunday night while playing 

a game with the teens.  He fell hard and woke up having

a really hard time remembering things.. it took him a little

while for things to come back to him, and I think we were

all relieved to finally have the "old" David back!:)

(I don't know if any of us thought we'd ever say that!;) haha)

 

The girls loved Erin's dog, Brady.