Searching for seekers

Monday we traveled downtown to see some of the activities. As we moved about we met teams from “Answers in Genesis" , The Good-news Games", "Action Ministries" as well as others, It was good to see them working the downtown area.
We were able to visit with many people using the "More than Gold"  pins to share the Gospel.  Later we prayed together as we prepared to begin our shift. We worked at one of the Transit stations near the "Ozone" venue. Our job was to give out as much hot chocolate as possible, distribute our testimony booklets and Gospels, sharing our pins while drawing the people into conversations that would allow us to share. We made sure to carry chocolate to all the Security workers as well as bus drivers also. One of the Security Guards told us that he didn't have time to read at home, but he took and read the Gospel of Mark during his shift! (He also did his job very well - the crowds were very well behaved.) I hope to see him again tonight and talk more . We had the opportunity to pray for one young lady whose mother had just passed away. She was grateful that we were there and willing to listen to her. Many people enjoyed the Hot Chocolate, especially as the temperature dropped. We had many great conversations with people about Jesus. Serving several night in one neighborhood will give us the chance to see some of these people again. One of the groups that particularly enjoy us being at the transit station are those who live nearby. They enjoy our hospitality and wish that this part of the Olympics would last beyond the closing ceremonies.

We estimate that we passed out over 800 cups of chocolate in about four hours. We had a great time doing it too. We gave out all of our pins and had to get more!

"Richard Ayling and his wife once upon a time from Rouses Point and Quebec provence now reside in Nrth Caralina"

Please pray for us that we will be lead by the Spirit to talk to those he has prepared for "divine appointments". Keep those we were able to visit with in your prayers, Pray that God will bring them back to visit with us again, or to another station where His workers are serving and waiting.

Vancouver- At last

Wow - traveling in winter is always an adventure. After four hours of delays in Syracuse and Chicago I finaly arrived in Vancouver. Everyone that was going to meet me had gone home. Joe and the teammates were just arriving back to the building  (after enjoing the US Hockey Victory) and discoverd me wandering around searching for a way in.

Today we are learning our way around the area. Mostly looking for Tim Horton's some of us REALLY need coffee this morning.

We are being housed at Vancouver College - a local private high school. Thanks to them for their wonderful hospitality.  We are living barracks style. There are seven men on our team.
Later today we will begin our service of hospitality at on of the transit stations. Pray for our team as we seek to engagfe the people in conversation seeking their invitation to share with them. Our pins are one of the most effective ways to open the conversation.

I was rereading the parable of the prodigal an was moved again by the son who thought he could make it on his own. So many people don't realize there need for God. We cannot do it without the Father.

Thanks to all of the folks at the Baptist Chapel for their support and prayers.
This is the rest of our team celebrating the USA Hockey victory

on the road

we had a great start. We had a great worship service at Tupper lake Baptist chapel. At the end of the service the men led a special time of prayer for the mission team and the Vancouver trip. It is a great feeling to have the love and support of the Chapel. Please pray for the athletes especially the bobsleds today. Also for the Vancouver Teams. As we join with other believers from all around the world. May God bless this outreach.

beginner skiing

I am at our local mountain watching the new skiers. They are wobbly and timid they shake and jitter as they slide down the bunny slope. They are a long way from the Olympics. Yet one of them could be an olympian someday.
I am reminded that as believers we all start weak and timid yet we grow strong with time, training and coaching.
Let's all make an effort to grow strong in the lord.

Preparing for Vancouver

I have been busy preparing, packing, unpacking, repacking for the mission trip to help out with "More than Gold" at the Vancouver Olympics. I still do not know what kind of gear to pack - the weather in Vancouver has been very warm!
I was reading the Bible and praying for the athletes, for their safety as they compete, and that they would be open to the chaplains like Derek.

This is an experiment, intended to keep everyone up with the adventures of Pastor Rick, and the 'More than Gold team.