4 REBELDES DE MEXICO!

God Moments.

2012-01-26T15:31:00.000-08:00

There are so many great things about being a cross-cultural missionary. The most meaningful to me are those "God Moments" when the Father simply opens a door for ministry right before my eyes. A few days ago, a friend from the USA and I went to visit a village among an unreached people group here in southern Mexico. We experienced some incredible "God Moments."

The most meaningful was an encounter we had as we were walking to our vehicle to head back home. As we were walking a man asked us to come and speak with him. Just so you know, a part of our work in this village was to allow the people to send a video greeting to members of this community in the USA. My friend from the USA is a staff member of a church in a city where hundreds of people from this village are living. It is incredible to think that members of indigenous, unreached people groups are living right under our noses in the USA.

This man asked us to video him but as we began talking with him he began to cry. A few months ago his father had died and now he feels like his life is falling apart. This man's family was once close but now they are becoming distant because their father was the one who held the family together. This man wept bitterly about how his family in the USA was not able to come back to Mexico for the funeral.

But God placed words of truth in the mouth of my pastor friend from the USA. He spoke wonderful words of biblical truth to the man and we prayed over him, his wife, and his son. This grieving man heard about a Father of comfort, a way to have eternal hope, and was assured that the God of heaven indeed heard his cries of grief.
My pastor friend in the USA will be able to deliver a special video message to the family of this man. Will you pray for this Mexican man and his family?

Deuteronomy 10:18-20 (ESV)

18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.

19 Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

20 You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.

This is supposedly a people 'closed' to the Gospel but I can assure you that the Father has opened the doors wide because of this church's response to the 'sojourners' living in their community. Does God have a "God Moment" waiting for your church? Look around your town or city. The Father is bringing the nations within reach of many of our Southern Baptist churches. What will happen if we miss the opportunity?

19 January 2012 Update!

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Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. Colossians 2:6-7

We are so grateful for so many of you who are 'partners' in the work here in southern Mexico. Your prayer support is of utmost importance and your giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and through the Cooperative Program is a huge blessing. Thank You!

We just wanted to give a quick update to our prayer requests from last week.

That the people of southern Mexico will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus in a way that they can fully understand the Gospel.

Your prayers are helping us see the 'hidden things' that we must understand in order to communicate the Gospel.
Please continue to pray that we will learn the culture here so that we can communicate effectively the message of hope.

Pray that we will be faithful to the vision God has given us for ministry: A multitude of disciples among all peoples of southern Mexico equipped to fulfill the Great Commission to the ends of the earth.

Your prayers are strengthening our determination and deepening our desire to work hard among the people of southern Mexico.
Please continue to pray for this important need. We must stay focused on our task. It is so easy to be distracted from our main task by really good things. One reason southern Mexico is still in need of the gospel is because good things are being done instead of the BEST things.

Open doors for ministry here in this very spiritually dark place.

Your prayers are creating 'divine appointments' where we are able to meet folks that God wants us to connect with. An example is last week we were looking for good hotels for volunteer teams to use. God led us to a great place with a very friendly manager and staff.
We must build relationships. Pray for this to happen.

Our families in the USA who must adjust to life with us here in Mexico.

Our families in Mississippi are our biggest cheerleaders. Your prayers give them a sense of call to this task, too.
Please continue to pray for our families in Mississippi.

Partners from the USA who are committed to doing missions in a responsible way.

Your prayers are being used by God to send us USA partners who want to make an eternal impact beyond the traditional methods of building a building or sending cash.
Please pray for God to call out Southern Baptist churches who have a desire to reach southern Mexico with the message of hope.

Haylee and Jackson adjusting to a new life, new school, new friends.

Haylee and Jackson are making good friends. Your prayers have led them to a Wednesday night Bible Study for teenagers. And, there's frozen pizza here!!! :-) Small to you...BIG to us!
Please continue to pray.

Finding the house that God has for us.

Your prayers are helping us to find the best house for our family. We have negotiated a contract and are waiting for approval from our attorney. Doing all of this in Spanish is a challenge! :-) And, we are blessed to have our dear friends who are keeping Amazon (our dog) for us while we house hunt.
Please continue to pray for this house-hunting process.

Favor with immigration officials so we can receive our long-term visa.

Your prayers have allowed us to find favor with immigration officials who are very helpful. We should find out more info on Friday.
Please continue to pray for the long-term visa process. We cannot get our furniture from Peru until we have our long-term visa.

Thank you so much for your help through prayer!

Please also pray for Jeff as he travels to an unreached people group over the next few days with a friend from California. Pray that we'll get good research done and that a 'Person of Peace' will be located so that the message of hope can reach these people.

You are a blessing!

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson.

Letting Go.

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

10 January 2012 Update!

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The city of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Thank you to all of you who so faithfully pray for our family. You are such a blessing. We wish you could all see the impact that your prayers have on every part of our lives as missionaries. Amazing.

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. Philippians 1:3-5

We are here in southern Mexico in the city of Oaxaca. We are learning our way around and we are really enjoying getting to know the people and places of our new city. We certainly miss many people in Peru but Oaxaca is a special, special place. We cannot wait for all of you to come and visit us here.

Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart. Proverbs 17:9

We are in a temporary apartment while we search for the house that God has for us here. Haylee and Jackson have begun classes at their new school, Oaxaca Christian School. Amazon (the amazing Peruvian dog) is alive and well here in southern Mexico. She's staying with some of our dear friends until we can find a pet friendly casa. Liesa and Jeff are busy getting our new lives going. We hope to have some type of 'normal life' one day soon.

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

We do miss our family and friends in Mississippi and Peru and around the world so much. But we are at peace knowing that the Father has us here for a reason. We will search for where He is working here and join Him in His work. We did not arrive here with some grand plan but we are simply trusting Him to guide our steps to the right people and the right places.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

Please join us in praying for these requests:

That the people of southern Mexico will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus in a way that they can fully understand the Gospel.
Pray that we will be faithful to the vision God has given us for ministry: A multitude ofdisciples among all peoples of southern Mexico equipped to fulfill the GreatCommission to the ends of theearth.
Open doors for ministry here in this very spiritually dark place.
Our families in the USA who must adjust to life with us here in Mexico.
Partners from the USA who are committed to doing missions in a responsible way.
Haylee and Jackson adjusting to a new life, new school, new friends.
Finding the house that God has for us.
Favor with immigration officials so we can receive our long-term visa.

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. I John 5:14

Please allow us the honor of praying for you. Send us your requests at wigtake@gmail.com.

Our USA phone number is unchanged. 601-914-6705. That's a Mississippi number. Call us.

Get SKYPE on your computer so we can talk face to face.

Go ahead and plan your trip down to Mexico to see us. We want you to come and you will certainly be able to pray better if you see the precious people that we would like to have join us around God's throne.

Love you all,

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson.

Catholic building on the plaza in Oaxaca.

Jackson's School Project.

2011-12-29T11:29:00.001-08:00

christmas video a video by Jeff_Holeman on Flickr.

Jackson made a video for his Computer Technology class. He wanted to share it with you. Photos are from a photography field trip to take photos of Brandon Christmas decorations.

Countdown to Oaxaca, Mexico.

2011-12-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

We will be leaving the USA on January 5 headed to southern Mexico to the city of Oaxaca. We are ready to see what the Father has in store through this new ministry assignment. We'll be moving in a temporary apartment until we can find a house and get our crate full of 'stuff' shipped from Peru. Haylee and Jackson will begin classes at their new school on January 9th. And, we already have two ministry trips scheduled for late January with churches from the USA. So, there will be busy days ahead. Thank you for your prayer support!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T08:50:00.001-08:00

South Half Champs 2011

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South Half Champs 2011, a photo by Jeff_Holeman on Flickr.

Did I mention that my brother's Petal Panters won the South State championship this year? They finished 2011 ranked #4 in the state of Mississippi.

15 December 2011 Update!

2011-12-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on what is going on with us.

We are taking advantage of last days in the USA by spending time with family and friends, speaking to a lot of church and mission groups, and trying to have as much fun as possible. We will be finishing up our responsibilities as Missionaries in Residence at Mississippi College this week and the kids will be taking semester exams. We are so grateful for the many of you who pray for us regularly. Here are some specific requests that we would love your help with at this time:

The indigenous people groups of southern Mexico are in need of churches to be planted among them. Pray that the Father would make it possible for new churches to be established among these people groups. Here is a map for you to pray for groups by name. Click on it to make it larger. -;
Pray for Haylee and Jackson as they say their 'See You Laters' to their new friends here in Mississippi and as they prepare for a new place, new culture, and new friends.
Pray for all the final pieces of our departure to fall into place so that we can get to work in southern Mexico.
Praise God with us for the opportunity to be involved in His work in Mexico.

Blessings to all of you! Thank you for praying.

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson

Don't just give to missions. SEND Missionaries.

2011-12-03T16:30:00.001-08:00

You'll hear much over the next few weeks in Southern Baptist churches about giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. You should give! A lot! But, don't just settle for giving to missions when you can be a SENDER of missionaries.

Why be a sender?

Sending is something God does. Our heavenly Father is a sender. He was motivated by love to send His Son so that we could be rescued by a message of hope. Be a part of sending missionaries who are motivated by love to proclaim a message of hope. When you SEND missionaries you are following the example of your heavenly Father.
Sending is the responsibility of the church. The hope of Galatians 3:14 is that 'hope would come to the Gentiles.' Jesus clearly communicated with his early followers that His Church would be His Workers. As a part of the church you fulfill Christ's command when you SEND missionaries.
Sending missionaries is about more than money.

We have to provide spiritual support because of the spiritual battles (Eph 6:12).
We have to provide emotional support because of the challenges that cross-cultural workers face. Emotional support can be provided by phone calls, emails, visits to the field, and other expressions of kindness and love.
We have to provide accountability because iron sharpens iron (Prov 27:17). Mature, constructive accountability of those you support is a part of your role as a Sender. Ask questions. Challenge those you Send to grow spiritually and avoid sin. Many missionaries are in lonely, isolated places. Your accountability role can play an important part in their lives.
We must provide financial support. It all belongs to God so make sure you're a good steward.

Sending brings blessings to the Sender. You can enjoy the fulfillment of knowing that those who send missionaries share in the great work that is happening around the world. And, those who send are a part of making disciples and those who make disciples have the promised presence of Jesus.

As you generously give to missions this Christmas, why not make a commitment to be the best Sender of missionaries that you can be?

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

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Let it begin with me.

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Fall 2012 College Student Positions in Oaxaca, Mexico.

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Hands On is a semester long mission opportunity for college students and young adults.

Take a look at the positions below, pray, and apply to invest your life in Southern Mexico!

17 November 2011 Update! Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-16T18:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our first Thanksgiving as missionaries was spent in Richmond, VA four years ago. (Click HERE for that blog post.). The way God has provided for our family and how He has done so many amazing things over the past four years makes us so thankful. We are thankful to God and so thankful to each of you who spend so much time praying for our family.

These past couple of weeks have been really busy but a whole lot of fun, too! Here's some highlights:

Liesa's Birthday on November 3. We celebrated with Liesa's mom and dad and the nieces and nephews on November 2 and then with Liesa's sisters and the brother-in-laws on November 4! Mucho fun was had by all involved. We are thankful!
Petal Panther Football. Jeff's brother coaches at Petal High School and they have had a great year and are rolling through the play-offs and, hopefully, will win a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. We are thankful!
Royal Ambassador Day at Mississippi College on November 5 was a great day! It was a lot of fun to spend the morning with about 200 young boys and teach them about missions. Everything worked out fine and 'The Snake Guy' who was with us was a lot of fun, too! We are thankful!
On November 6, we spent the day at First Baptist Madison, MS to help raise money for Lottie Moon. It was fun spending the day with my friend Clay Stegall and his family. Clay is the student minister at FBC Madison. We are so thankful for churches like FBC Madison who are one of the top 200 giving churches to Lottie Moon. Great job Madisonites! We are thankful!
On November 7, we spent the evening with the students at the Baptist Student Union of Mississippi College. We're thankful for the group from MC coming to Oaxaca, Mexico in the Spring to work with us. And, we're hoping to work out some avenues for MC students to work with us next summer. We are thankful!

Mississippi College International Chapel 2011 Thanksgiving Celebration

On November 8, we celebrated Thanksgiving with the students who attend International Chapel. These students are from East Asia and meeting with them each week is a blessing. For most of these students this was the first time to be in the home of someone from the USA and it was definitely a first for the typical southern Thanksgiving food. We had a great time sharing Thanksgiving stories and traditions. We are thankful!
On Wednesday, November 9, we traveled to New Orleans, LA to tackle the task of trying to get our VISA for Mexico. Immigration issues are always challenging but the Lord provided a sweet Mexican lady who is a member of evangelical church in New Orleans to handle our paperwork. We had our VISA within a couple of hours!! And the nice lady at the Mexican consulate told us she would pray and was thankful of our work in her country. How 'bout that?? Go God. We are thankful!
On Friday, Nov 11, Haylee had her update with her rheumatologist. All of her test results look good and Dr. Edelman feels so good about her progress with rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Edelman is a strong believer in Jesus who is so supportive and encouraging to Haylee. We are thankful!

Holemans and Rankins at an Ole Miss football game.

On Saturday, Nov 12, we went to the Ole Miss/Louisiana Tech football game with our friends, Dr. Jerry and Mrs. Bobbye Rankin. It was so much fun being at the game with them. They had not been to an Ole Miss game in 30 years. We had a great time but almost froze to death. You never realize how many cuss words are in your school cheer until you're sitting with the former president of the world's largest mission sending agency. Quite convicting but I think we still have jobs. We are thankful!
On Sunday, Nov 13, we spent the evening with the fine folks at First Baptist Yazoo City, MS. This is Jeff's home church from his high school days and it was fun seeing old friends and making some new ones. It was great for Jeff to be their 'guest preacher' and to be able to share about what God has been doing through the work of our REAP NORTH team in Peru. We are thankful!
On Monday, Nov 14, Jeff was able to spend the day at the Mississippi Baptist Student Minister's Retreat. It was fun to re-connect with old friends and be able to encourage student ministers to be more involved in missions, especially international missions. We have been blessed to work with some outstanding student groups over the past few years. We are thankful!

We have a lot of great things coming up that we're excited about and that you can pray for.

Early Thanksgiving with some of our Peru Missionary Family! We'll be meeting the Penningtons and Bredbenners in the big hills of northwest Arkansas for some great fun. (To say that the Ozarks are mountains would be offensive to our Conchucos friends from the Andes Mountains of Peru.) It will be good to have all of the crew back together again. We have a short tradition of spending Thanksgiving Day together. We are thankful!
Thanksgiving Day in Petal, Mississippi with Jeff's mom and family. It is a blessing to be able to be around family during the holidays. We are thankful!
Sunday, November 27. We'll be talking missions at Cato Baptist Church (Rankin County Mississippi) and First Baptist Clinton, Mississippi. Both of these churches are strong in their giving to missions. We are thankful!
Wednesday, November 30. We'll be at the home church of Liesa's Aunt Pat in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. Carmel Baptist Church is a special place and Jeff hopes there's Carmel Cake involved. We are thankful!
December! Our final days on the campus of Mississippi College will be bittersweet. We have grown to love the students, staff, and faculty of this fine school. We are so indebted to Dr. Eric Pratt for allowing us to have this opportunity. It is blessing to serve with so many fine servants. We are thankful!
Thursday, Dec 1. Jeff and Liesa will be leading chapel for the employees of the Mississippi Baptist Convention. We are such close friends with so many of these folks. It is an honor to work with them in completing the Great Commission task. We are thankful!
Sunday, Dec 4. We're returning to Center Grove Baptist Church in Maben, MS to talk about missions and raise some money for Lottie Moon. Center Grove is the home church of Chris McMinn, our brother-in-law. We have been blessed by their encouraging support through the years that we have been serving as missionaries. We are thankful!
Monday, Dec 5. We'll be talking missions with the WMU of First Baptist Church in Yazoo City, MS. Many of these ladies helped keep Jeff straight during his high school years. It is wonderful to be able to spend some time with them. Liesa will speak to them while Jeff rolls all of their yards just for old time's sake. We are thankful!
On Dec 6 Jackson will be inducted into the Brandon Middle School Beta Club. He doesn't really know that Beta Club is for outstanding students and he really doesn't care. But mom and dad are excited! We are thankful!
On Dec 8 to 12, Jeff and Liesa are headed on a CRUISE! We've always wanted to go on a cruise outside of Disney World and we've saved some money and also found a great deal so we're sailing away to Cozumel, Mexico for a few days. We're excited about the cruise. Of course, Jeff has a fear of deep water so he's hoping wearing a life preserver 24 hours a day is socially acceptable on a Carnival cruise. We are thankful!
On Dec 14 SANDI BRIDGES COMES TO LIVE WITH US! The only down-side is that it's only for a few days and not forever. We were honored to work with Sandi in Peru and learned so much from her. We are ready to spend some gluten-free days with her. We are thankful!
On Wednesday, Dec 14 we'll pick up Sandi and head to Jeff's mom's church in Petal. Petal-Harvey Baptist Church has been a great support for Jeff's mom as she's lived in Petal, MS. Liesa's former student minister is minister of education at this church. We'll be talking missions and raising money for Lottie Moon. We are thankful!
On Thursday, Dec 15 we'll be speaking to the Prime Timer's Group at Liesa's home church, Crossgates Baptist. We are going to love this opportunity to spend an evening with some wonderful older adults. We are thankful!
On Sunday, Dec 18 we get the privilege of talking missions for ten minutes in the morning worship services at our home church of First Baptist Oxford. FBC Oxford is our family. Our hearts still remain with the people there. There is no way to repay these folks for their encouraging support over the years. We are thankful!
January 5, 2012! We head out to our new missionary assignment in Oaxaca, Mexico. We cannot wait to step off the plane and hug Caleb, Luke, Elijah, and Hope. We are thankful!

Blessings to all of you and have a wonderful, happy Thanksgiving!

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee and Jackson

In the next five minutes.

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International Chapel Thanksgiving Celebration

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We have been serving this semester as Missionaries In Residence at Mississippi College. The best part of our job has been meeting with International Students each Tuesday to learn about Christianity and God's Word. These students have become great friends and we have been blessed and challenged by them.

Would you continue to pray that several of these students would come to know our Savior?

Another big blessing is being able to spend time with Dr. and Mrs. Rankin. They have moved to Clinton, MS and although they are 'retired' they haven't slowed down much. We are always blessed and so encouraged being with them.

1 November 2011 update

2011-11-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings out there in internet land!

Your prayers are always a powerful part of our lives. We are so grateful for those of you who invest time to pray for us and to support us in so many ways. Click HERE for a great resource to know how to pray for missionary families. Click HERE for a resource to use as you pray for unreached people groups.

At this time of year we want to remind you that The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is so important to the work of Southern Baptist missionaries around the world. Thank you for your generous support of the offering. If your church does not support the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering you can give directly through the IMB website. This time of year is always a great time to find out how your church supports missionaries. If you don't ask, you'll never know.

Oct 31, 2011

We've had a blast over the past few weeks. Here's some highlights:

Petal Panther Football. Jeff's brother, Pete, coaches at Petal High School and they have locked up the #2 seed in the state playoffs. We've enjoyed being able to see some of the games.
Sydney McMinn's Birthday Party. It was a blessing to be a part of Sydney's skating party and to celebrate with her. Sydney is Liesa's sister's (Missy) daughter.
Teaching at Mississippi College.. We were able to be a part of Dr. VanHorn's class a few days ago. Dr. VanHorn was one of Jeff's favorite seminary professors and now we're together at Mississippi College. Neat experience. It is a lot harder teaching an 8 am class than simply showing up.
Baptist Global Response Training. We were so moved by our time at this training event in Nashville, Tennessee. We are encouraged to hear that Community Development ministries are expected to be a very important part of future IMB work.

Lindsey Powers Ward. We have known Lindsey since our 2007 training in Virginia and we served with her in Peru. It was such a blessing to be able to see her during our trip to Knoxville. The orange sweater was ugly, though.
Sharon Baptist Church, Powell, TN. We had a wonderful weekend in Knoxville, TN during our visit to Sharon Baptist Church. This wonderful church is considering their future mission involvement and we were blessed to be able to dialogue with them. However, Jeff was a little disappointed we didn't meet anybody named Sharon.
Halloween. Some folks like it. Some folks don't. We get that. Haylee and her youth group used the evening as an opportunity to go door to door and deliver info about our church and to pray with folks at their door. Jackson used the evening as an opportunity to bring some candy home and have fun with his buddy.
Mississippi Baptist Convention. This annual event is like a family reunion for many and we had a great time seeing old friends and making some great new friends. Southern Baptists exist because of missions and we are grateful for the many churches who faithfully support missionaries.

Please pray for these events that are coming up soon:

Liesa's Birthday is November 3!
Royal Ambassador Day at Mississippi College. November 5. Have we mentioned that we're on the program with 'The Snake Guy.' We're really hoping Jeremy Nelson will show up for this event. He's our only weapon against snakes.
We'll be at First Baptist Church of Madison, Mississippi on Sunday, November 6. We'll be speaking in the morning worship services and we'll be spending the evening with the middle and high school students.
Mississippi College Baptist Student Union. We'll be speaking to these great students on Monday, Nov 7. We've been blessed in the past to work with MC students in Peru.
Thanksgiving Dinner for our International Chapel Students. We're having a traditional Thanksgiving Celebration for the students we meet with on Tuesday afternoons. Jerry and Bobbye Rankin are helping us plan this special event for these students.
Getting our Mexican Visas. We'll be in New Orleans on November 9 and 10 to pick up our visas for Mexico. We think all of our paperwork is in order to get our visas. Please pray.
First Baptist Yazoo City, MS. We'll be in the evening Harvest Celebration with these great folks on November 13.

Here are Haylee and Jackson's latest school photos:

Blessings to all of you out there. If you're near Brandon, MS please come see us!

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson

21 October 2011 Update!

2011-10-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hello world!

Thank you so much to all of you who are praying for us. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our lives.

October has been busy with all kinds of things happening:

Mississippi College. We are having fun being a part of all that is going on at Mississippi College. Of course, our favorite part is spending time hearing what God is doing in the lives of students. We are blessed to have this assignment during our time in the USA. And, the Baptist Student Union at Mississippi College have plans to come to Southern Mexico in the Spring to minister among the unreached people groups of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Oct 4. Second Baptist Springfield, Missouri. Jeff traveled to Springfield, Missouri to meet with their mission team about working in Southern Mexico in the future. It was a tremendous time and Second Baptist is committed to embracing an unreached people group in Southern Mexico. They'll begin their ministry in 2012.
Jacinda Melson. Jacinda is a wonderful part of our family with whom we worked in Peru and Bolivia. Jacinda is beginning a new ministry assignment and we are so thankful that we were able to spend time with her for a few days.
The Pennington Family. Our dear friends from language school and Peru came to Mississippi to visit. It is always a fun time when Brian, Jen, Jordan, and Trevor are around. We are hoping to be able to get together with them before we all head down the paths God has for our families in the future.
The State Fair of Mississippi. Good friends. Funnel cakes. Pronto pups. Deep fried Oreos. Biscuits filled with molasses. It was a good time. Thanks Ken Hall for taking us to lunch at the fair and buying us foot-long corn dogs.
Mistie and Bubba Robinson made a visit to our home here in Brandon and it was so good getting to spend some time with them. We love and miss our Oxford family mucho!
Haylee's choir at Brandon High had a Fall Concert and Jackson's football team had a road game at Pearl High School (Eat dirt!). Both of our kiddos performed spectacularly!

We have some busy days coming up:

Mississippi College. On Tuesdays we have been meeting with a group of international students who are interested in learning about Christianity. We're planning a 'Thanksgiving Meal' with them next week and will continue to answer their questions about our faith. We'll also be meeting with MC students who are pursuing ministry-related careers to answer their questions.
We'll be headed to the Baptist Global Response Training Conference in Nashville. We're looking forward to learning about new ways to help those affected by natural and man-made disasters.
We'll be spending a weekend with Sharon Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN to prepare them for their work in Southern Mexico in the coming years. We're looking forward to spending time with our friend Chad Williams for a couple of days.
The Mississippi Baptist Convention is coming up and if you're in the exhibit hall during the convention look for us at the International Mission Board area. We're hoping to see many of you there!
Liesa's birthday is November 3! Party time.
RA Day at Mississippi College is coming up on Nov 5. We'll be there along with a guy with snakes. We'll have to be on top of our game to compete with a guy with snakes.

We'll be speaking at several churches during the coming weeks. Here's where we'll be:

Oct 30. Sharon Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN
Nov 6. First Baptist Madison, MS
Nov 13. First Baptist Yazoo City, MS
Nov 27. Cato Baptist Church, Brandon, MS. / First Baptist Clinton, MS
Dec 4. Center Grove Baptist Church, Maben, MS / Petal Harvey Baptist Church, Petal, MS
Dec 18. First Baptist Church, Oxford, MS.

Blessings to you all!

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson

A blessing.

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There are so many blessings that come from being involved in student ministry. Kellie Burnham Berry is one of those blessings. Kellie was a part of the youth group at First Baptist Kosciusko, MS when we arrived there back in 1994. It has been such a joy to keep up with Kellie through the years, through the boyfriends, through her time on the mission field, and now as she and her husband, Ryan, raise their kids. Kellie stopped for a visit today and we are so thankful for our friendship.

Go.

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Go from AsiaLink HistoryMaker on Vimeo.

Reproducing Disciples That Are Obedient to Jesus.

2011-10-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

When making disciples weteach what we know but we reproduce who we are. A couple of weeks ago David Jett, pastor of Crossgates Baptist Church, made that statement in a sermon. It's not an original quote to David but one that has been made by others. Our family Bible studies for the past few days has been in the book of Amos. One of the conversations that Amos had with God refers to God using a 'plumb line' to examine His people. Brother David's teaching and the principles from God's Word that I am learning are challenges to examine what kind disciples are being produced through my life. Am I helping to produce disciples who obey Jesus?

The whole idea of disciple-making has been something I have continued to learn about over the years. I certainly consider myself a better 'disciple-maker' now than back in 1987 when I had my first 'job' as a student minister. I'm pretty sure my primary goal as a disciple-maker back then was simply to give people 'information' about how to be be a disciple when my goal now is to 'show' others how to be a disciple. Years ago I was concerned about my students obeying me whereas now it is much more important that those in my circle of influence simply obey Jesus. I tried early in ministry to make students obey Jesus, to talk them into it, even manipulating in positive ways if I had to. I don't have any desire now to force people to obey Jesus. Sure, I really do desire that they obey Him, especially my children and family and friends, but forcing them to obey Jesus is not on my agenda nowadays. The experience of being involved in disciple-making has caused these shifts.

God gives me the task of making disciples who are obedient to Jesus (Matt 28:18-20). Unfortunately many disciples are not obedient to Jesus but are simply religious reproductions of the discipler. This is not necessarily an indictment on the discipler but an animadversion on the methods the discipler is using. The discipler who focuses simply on pouring out information instead of investing in the life of the disciple runs the risk of producing a follower of the knowledge about Jesus. The goal of our disciple-making effort is to produce followers who are obedient to Jesus. Too many alleged disciple-makers define success when all the information is given instead of how their disciples are obeying.

As a cross-cultural missionary I have had to hold my tongue as mission volunteers proclaim great success at discipling when I know their so-called disciples are not equipped for long-term obedience to Jesus. These disciple-makers have given their disciples a ton of information but have not invested time in understanding their world-view, their heart language, and their motivation for wanting to be a follower of Christ. South America is full of 'informed' followers of Christ. We need 'equipped' followers of Jesus. Jesus gave His disciples much more than information. He shared life with them so they could know who He was. He invested. Everything.

Many of you who read these words are disciple-makers. Have you examined the quality of the disciples you are making? Are they obedient to Jesus? I spent years teaching what I knew instead of reproducing who I am. When I teach what I know I look for better material but when I reproduce who I am I look for a better me. The only way I can be better is to be more surrendered, more obedient to Jesus. The disciples of Jesus carried on His mission. I want my disciples to carry on His mission, too.

Information about following Jesus is good. However, to produce disciples who are obedient to Jesus requires that they see someone who is obedient to Jesus. That takes an investment on the part of the disciple-maker. Get out of the classroom or small group setting. Find out what makes this person who is the focus of your disciple-making task tick. Which words open the heart? Have they seen how you handle failure? Have you washed their feet?

As you are going into all the world make disciples. Baptize. Teach them to obey. ALL that He commanded. That's a huge time investment. And He is with us.

The 4 Amigos.

2011-10-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

Haylee, Jordan, Jackson and Trevor.

Jackson and the cousin crew.

2011-10-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

Jackson with Megan, Hayden, Cameron and Sydney.

Missionary Family Weekend!

2011-10-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful few days with the Pennington family and Jacinda Melson. Jacinda worked with us in Peru and the Pennington's are our friends from language school days and we also served with them in Peru. We had a great weekend together.

The Play of the Week.

2011-10-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Jackson is #33 in the video. He makes the bone-crushing tackle at the top of the screen.

4 October 2011 Update!

2011-10-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hello amigos!

Thank you for your prayers for our family. We are so grateful for so many who are investing in this interesting life that God has called us to. It is amazing how God continues to teach us new things all the time and also continue to show us His faithfulness in so many ways.

We've had a busy September!

Our ministry assignment as Missionaries In Residence at Mississippi College continues to bring huge blessings. We've met some amazing students who God is using now and will use in the future in amazing ways. Liesa and Jeff were responsible for putting together 'Global Opportunity Week' on September 18 to 24. We had a lot of help (Dr. Rankin, Fish, and Jennifer) in making the week a great success as we wanted MC students to consider how they can be involved in disciple-making. We will spend the next couple of weeks following up with students who are trying to understand how they fit into God's plan for making disciples of all nations. We also have some opportunities coming up to lead some of the classes in the Department of Christian Studies that we know will be great. And, please continue to pray every Tuesday at 4 pm as we meet with a group of students from Asia who are interested in learning about Christianity. This is a priority time for us each week and we love what God is doing in the group.
We have been heavily involved in work on behalf of the IMB. On September 7 we were a part of a conference in Atlanta, GA where over 500 church leaders gathered to learn how they can work among the 3500+ unengaged, unreached people groups around the world. We were able to meet some wonderful folks interested in working in Mexico and we were blessed to see so many of our REAP NORTH partners who are ready to begin new assignments wherever God is leading. We were also a part of the leadership for the Mississippi Missionary Parents' Fellowship. Jeff's mom and Liesa's parents were able to participate this year and it was fun being around so many missionary families. It was good to be able to spend time with some of our wonderful missionary friends who serve in a very challenging place.
Jeff has been busy speaking at several churches around Mississippi. He's been able to travel all over the state speaking to student groups and meeting with pastors and missions leaders who are interested in joining God in His work around the world. On a recent trip to West Heights Baptist in Pontotoc, Jeff was able to meet some new friends who are from Oaxaca, Mexico where we might be moving to in January 2012. We've enjoyed Skype meetings with future ministry partners and Jeff is looking forward to traveling to Second Baptist Springfield, Missouri on October 5 to meet with their church staff about future work in Southern Mexico.
Liesa has been busy with duties at Mississippi College and other ministry assignments. She was able to serve at our state WMU camp during a mother/daughter retreat this month. She and Haylee were able to serve together in teaching moms and daughters about the work of missionaries in South America.
Haylee and Jackson are enjoying life here in Mississippi. Haylee is making new friends and had a good time at Brandon High's homecoming dance. She's got this boy that is calling and texting all the time, too. Jackson is having fun with the youth group at Crossgates Baptist and is learning how to mix it up on the football field. Both are bringing home good grades and are the funnest kids around.
We have been having a blast at Ole Miss Football games. There's not much good football to see but we have enjoyed being back 'home' in Oxford when we are able. We are grateful to the Morgan's for always having room for us on Saturdays. Jeff went to the Maroon People/LSU game in Starkville a few weeks back with Louis Zinc and it was good to see some good SEC football action and to once again experience the aroma of the Maroon campus.
Living in the Jackson area has been a blessing. We're able to spend some good times with our families and to catch up with former students who are now dear friends...Jennifer, Kelsey, Lyndsey, Jeremy, Karen, Seth, and the list is endless. We are blessed to have so many friends and family so close to us.
October will be busy with some really fun stuff going on. The Pennington family is coming to Mississippi to spend a few days with us. We're so looking forward to having them here with us. We've got a date with the Ole Miss BSU this month and we are always happy to spend time with Ole Miss students. The State Fair is kicking off this weekend and we are ready to take in that redneck action. Speaking of rednecks, our Arkansas Razorback friend Jacinda Melson is coming to visit us and we're excited about sharing our indoor plumbing with her. We are traveling to Nashville to the Baptist Global Response conference and we're hoping to learn some new ways to lead our USA partners in ministry. And, we'll be heading up to Knoxville, TN to spend some time with the one and only Chad Williams at Sharon Baptist Church. Sharon Baptist is considering coming to work in Southern Mexico. And the month ends up with the Mississippi Baptist Convention and we'll have a great time representing the IMB amongst the biggest supporters of missions on the planet. And, the Rebels play Alabama, Arkansas, and Auburn this month so it'll be a while before we celebrate a win.

Well, that's about it for us. If you're in central Mississippi please come see us.

Jackson, Haylee, Liesa and Jeff Holeman

Found this restaurant in Ecru, Mississippi.

2011-10-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

My friend Shawn found this restaurant owned by some fine folks from Oaxaca, Mexico. I was able to talk with them and will be spending a little more time with them in the future. Small world.

Prayer Request.

2011-09-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Liesa and Haylee as they lead a Mother/Daughter Retreat this weekend at Camp Garaywa. Thanks to all of you who so faithfully pray for us.

Jackson and Nana.

2011-09-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

Jackson and Nana after scrimmage.

Updated Prayer Card.

2011-09-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Jackson's First Football Game

2011-09-22T20:00:00.001-07:00

Jackson is #15 in this video.

Jackson's First Football Game from Jeff Holeman on Vimeo.

2011-09-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends!

Just a quick update. Things have been busy, busy in our lives.

Haylee is doing great and is enjoying high school. She's involved in the the youth group at Crossgates Baptist and is continuing to take guitar classes. Some boy keeps calling her and texting her alot. Not sure what that is all about. :-)
Jackson continues to do well. His first football game is today so we're ALL worked up about that. He is enjoying our time in the USA, making new friends, finding ways not to do homework, and all those things jr. high boys do.
Liesa and Jeff are busy with Missionary In Residence duties at Mississippi College and also sharing with churches and other groups about the things God has done in South America. Last weekend we led a session for the Mississippi Missionary Parents Fellowship. That was big fun. We have also enjoyed finding and spending time with other missionaries from around the world who are also on stateside assignment.

We have some busy days ahead that you can be praying with us about:

Today, Sept 22 is our final GO! Week chapel at Mississippi College. Jennifer Smith and Fish Robinson will be leading and it's gonna be goooood.
Next week we have meetings with area pastors regarding the 'embrace' initiative the IMB is currently promoting so that the remaining 3500+ unreached people groups in the world will hear the Gospel.
Liesa is leading a retreat for girls at Camp Garaywa on Sept 30 to Oct 1. Pray for her as she prepares and leads this training opportunity for young girls.
On Monday, Oct 3 we'll be meeting with the high school seniors at West Heights Baptist Church in Pontotoc, MS to talk about disciple-making, missions, and their partnership with us on the mission field in the future.
On Oct 5, Jeff is off to Second Baptist Church, Springfield, MO to meet with them about a partnership with us in the future.
On Oct 6 to 11, the PENNINGTON'S ARE COMING TO VISIT! Hooray! The Pennington's are our dear friends from Peru who are also on stateside assignment.
On Oct 10, Liesa and Jeff will be speaking to the Woman's Missionary Union at First Baptist Meridian, MS. We're excited about this great opportunity.

In the midst of all of those special events we have our ministry opportunities at Mississippi College. Please be in prayer for a group of 5 students from East Asia that we are meeting with on Tuesdays at 4 pm. These students are learning about Jesus for the very first time. Please pray that we will love unconditionally and proclaim the Gospel wisely.

Thanks for your partnership and for 'holding the rope.'

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee and Jackson

11 September 2011 Update!

2011-09-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hola friends!

Lots to catch you up on.

We are excited to be celebrating Haylee's 15th Birthday today! It was wonderful today to be joined by many of her closest friends for lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant in Oxford. All of you know that Haylee is such a blessing to so many. It has been good to celebrate with her today!

Haylee and the cousins (minus Hayden) in 2007.

Our last update was a couple of weeks ago. We've been busier than we've wanted to be!

Haylee and Jackson are doing great. They are enjoying school and making good friends here in Brandon, MS. Jackson is learning to be elusive on the football field and hopefully, will learn how to deliver some punishing blocks from his wide receiver position very soon. Haylee is doing great...taking guitar lessons...texting...listening to music...all that teenager stuff. Thank you for praying for them.
Liesa and Jeff are serving at Mississippi College as Missionaries In Residence for the Fall Semester. Things have been wonderful as we're meeting students and finding different places of ministry. One great opportunity we have is on Tuesday afternoons with International Students as we discuss Christianity during International Student Chapel. This is something that we really enjoy because the students from a large East Asian country are eager to listen but many do not believe in God and have no concept of a personal relationship with Him. We are loving this opportunity God has set before us.
Liesa and Jeff also have duties with the International Mission Board during our Stateside Assignment. We were in Atlanta earlier this week for a meeting of churches interested in working with unreached people groups around the globe. There were over 500 folks at the meeting! It seems God is stirring the hearts of many of the churches in the Southern Baptist Convention to be even more involved in reaching to the uttermost parts. Even more exciting is that some in the world's largest mission sending agency are willing to work with them. These are exciting days!
We've been able to spend some time with our families and friends. We're blessed with so many folks that love us. It has been fun to catch up and be a part of their lives again. The hardest part of serving so far away from home is missing so many 'family moments.' But, it sure makes things a lot sweeter when you're back in middle of them. We won't ever take them for granted.
Church. Being a part of church in the USA has been such a blessing. We really did not realize how spiritually worn-out we were. It has been refreshing to be able to be challenged by God's Word and to enjoy worship in our heart-language.

Thank you to all who pray regularly for us! You are a blessing to us in so many ways.

Love,

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson Holeman

A Great Day in Oxford.

2011-09-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: The crazy screaming woman you hear is Liesa.

Jackson's Baptism at FBC Oxford

2011-09-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Home.

2011-08-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

Updated America's Prayer Requests.

2011-08-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

Click HERE for prayer requests for September.

29 August 2011 Update

2011-08-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:6 instructs us:

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

Your prayers are such a comfort to us. In our 'anxious' moments we find strength in the knowledge that so many folks actually set aside time to intercede on our behalf. Thank You!

We've had a busy few days. We've been able to see some good high school football. Jeff's brother is on the coaching staff at Petal High School so we've been rootin' for the Petal Panthers the past two weekends. A great benefit of being the family of the coach is that Jackson and Jeff have 'All-Access' the the locker room and the sidelines. Jackson has had a blast seeing the real world of Mississippi high school football. Also, Haylee's high school (and Liesa's high school) is Brandon High School and we played our huge rival, Pearl High School, this past weekend. We arrived 90 minutes before kick-off to find the stadium already full. Fortunately we found some seats and yelled our best 'EAT DIRT PEARL!' cheers.

We are living in the missionary home of Crossgates Baptist Church here in Brandon, MS. Crossgates has been so good to us! The home is incredible and we are enjoying being just down the street from Liesa's parents and their pool! :-) Our dog 'Amazon' is living at Liesa's parents and seems to be adjusting well, too! We are really loving the people at Crossgates. Pastor David is a very effective communicator and the worship is kickin'. The pastor called for a 21-day Fast about 18 days ago so Liesa and Jeff are looking forward to a return to food that is bad for you in a few days. Haylee and Jackson are enjoying being in the youth group and are making some good friends.

Last week we were a part of meetings in Birmingham with the leadership from our America's Affinity. As you may know, the IMB has launched an effort to encourage Southern Baptist Churches to EMBRACE the remaining people groups of the world where no one is attempting to plant churches. This is a huge task and we are excited about what God is going to do in the America's. If your church is looking to plant churches in Central or South America, please contact us. We'd love to hear from you.

The students finally arrived at Mississippi College last weekend. Jeff and Liesa had a great time helping with move-in for the freshmen girls. We loved meeting the new students and their families...especially those moving in the 1st and 2nd floor! We tried showing some love to the 5th floor folks, too. The MC campus is alive with students and we are grateful for the opportunity to be able to help. We are excited about working with international students, also. MC has over 300 international students with most coming from Asia.

We're busy this week with work at MC and the kids and all of their activities. Jackson is loving 7th grade football. Of course, nobody has tackled him yet so that may change. Haylee is always the perfect student and is continuing her guitar lessons. We are headed to Oxford this weekend to see our first football game on campus at Ole Miss in 4 years. We are so, so ready. EAT DIRT BYU!

Thank you for your friendship and your partnership with us as we enjoy a few months in the USA. Please join us in praying:

For Haylee and Jackson as they continue to adjust to new schools and new friends and a culture that is very different from what they've had the past 4 years.
For Jeff and Liesa and the work at Mississippi College. Pray for 'divine appointments' with students so that we can be used by the Father to advance His agenda.
Traveling. Liesa and Jeff will be traveling to Atlanta next week for an 'Embrace Event' where churches will hear about world-wide opportunities among peoples that need to hear the Gospel in a way they can understand. We're also a part of the Mississippi Missionary Parent Retreat in September. Liesa and Haylee are helping lead a retreat for girls at Camp Garawaya in a couple of weeks. Jeff is traveling to Hillcrest Baptist in New Albany, MS to speak to the youth group.
Future. Pray that the Father would continue to clearly mark a path for us to follow.

Blessings to all! If you're in the Jackson, MS area please let us know!

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee and Jackson

Provocative Church: 30 Simple Ways To Be Missional In Your Workplace

2011-08-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

Provocative Church: 30 Simple Ways To Be Missional In Your Workplace

19 August 2011 Update!

2011-08-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

We've had a great week here in central Mississippi!

Haylee and Jackson have had a good week of school. We're discovering that the Fetzer school in Peru has prepared them well for school here in Mississippi. Haylee and Jackson are both doing very well with their classes are are adjusting well. Haylee is taking guitar lessons from a teacher at a local college here and Jackson is enjoying playing middle school football.

Jeff and Liesa are ready for the students to arrive at Mississippi College so we can get to work. We've had a good time this week getting to know other faculty and staff and planning some of the events for the upcoming semester. Student arrive this weekend so we'll be helping with move-in on Saturday. We're excited about the 300+ international students who will be a part of the student body this fall. It will be a unique opportunity to touch the world from Mississippi.

Next week we head to Birmingham for a few days with some of our America's Affinity Leadership Team as we prepare for some great things happening in the future in The Americas. We look forward to good meetings and spending time with great friends. Please pray for these meetings as we seek to share the Gospel with the Unengaged Unreached People Groups of the Americas.

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson

Furniture Sale!

2011-08-17T09:35:00.001-07:00

All Furniture has been sold thanks to the ultimate saleslady...Pam Carter.

Praying for the World.

2011-08-16T15:40:00.001-07:00

Five Great Quotes about Prayer . . . And Five Challenges to Pray for the Nations!

15 August 2010 Update

2011-08-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Greetings to all from sunny and hot Mississippi!

We are enjoying our time here in the USA tremendously. This past week was a good one as Haylee and Jackson started school here. Both have had a good week and report that school is not as bad as they thought it would be. Thank you for praying for them as they once again adjust to another life.

A fun part of being in the USA is re-connecting with former students. Our orthodontist here, Dr. Rich Simpson and his wife Amie, are former students. We have run into former students here, there, and everywhere we go. We had Kelsey McKeithen over for dinner this week. We used to counsel teenage boys as Kelsey broke their hearts as she was growing up. Now, she's a nurse in the pediatric ICU. The church we attend has two of our former students on staff. Seeing how God has answered our prayers over the years is a real BIG blessing.

This past weekend we were in Oxford, MS for DiscipleNow at First Baptist Church. Haylee and Jackson loved being a part of the weekend and Liesa and Jeff enjoyed spending time with some very dear friends. Jeff was able to take in some of an Ole Miss Football practice. Liesa went to a movie with some of her friends. And, we were able to attend church at our 'home base', First Baptist Oxford. A perfect weekend!

We're gearing up for the arrival of students at Mississippi College this week. Liesa and Jeff are serving as Missionaries In Residence at MC this Fall. We're excited about the opportunity to minister to students and faculty/staff at MC. Things will be busy and we like it that way.

This weekend, we'll be joining the leadership from our America's Affinity to continue to work out plans for the EMBRACE emphasis of the International Mission Board. We'll be traveling to Birmingham, AL and we're praying this meeting will be led by the Lord to bring many more into His Kingdom. Please pray as we travel and for the leadership of the America's Affinity. These folks have a huge task and are incredible servants. We are thankful to be able to support their work.

If you're in our part of Mississippi, please give us a visit!

Discipling.

2011-08-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

From Four Square.

Culture Shock Tweets...

2011-08-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

It has been an interesting adjustment to be back in the USA with plenty of time to observe our surroundings. Jeff has been 'tweeting' interesting experiences over the past few weeks. Many of you have asked for a comprehensive list. Here ya go:

Culture shock sign #22: Liesa says I was talking to the lady at the grocery store in Spanish. I blame it on the chinese food.
Culture shock sign #21: Grocery store has refrigerated pet food. Speechless. #U.people.r.crazy.
Culture shock #20: Just set up my Papa John's On-Line account. I can even add extra peppers if I want.
Culture shock sign #19: U now rent movies from vending machines..not a store. Cool.
Culture shock sign #18: @ Brandon High this a.m.: "Honey where U movin' from?" Me: "Peru." Lady: "Lord, I hope u ben talkin' 2 somebody."
Culture shock sign #17: At Walmart. Found a tattoo removal kit. That's gotta hurt.
Culture shock sign #16: Pulled up at the gas station today. Waited on someone to pump the gas. Not gonna happen. :-(
Culture shock sign #15: Been in the USA for over a week. I haven't come upon a speed bump yet. Nice.
Culture shock sign #14: Mailboxes. Person comes and leaves something 4 you in front of your house in unlocked metal box by the street. WOW.
Culture shock sign #13: Walked in Smithsonian toilet after D.C. thunderstorm & found folks stripped down under the blow dryers. Bumfuzzled.
Culture shock sign #12: Should Free Refills really be this exciting?
Culture shock sign #11: Driving. These North Americans don't get in a hurry. Out of my way!
Culture shock sign #10: Am I weird 4 missing thunder and rain and humidity?
Culture shock sign #9: Guilt-free toilet paper flushing! Yeah! #notrashcanbesidethetoilet
Culture shock sign #8: Standing in line. Nobody trying 2 cut. Sweet!
Culture shock sign #7: I am giving dirty looks 2 cashiers who give me wrinkled/torn money.
Culture shock sign #6: Parked the truck on the street last night. The truck still has all the mirrors this morning! Praise the Lord!
Culture shock sign #5: Is 9:15 am REALLY the time for Sunday School or should we show up about 10?
Culture shock sign #4: I think Cherry Coke Zero would make Cuy (Guinea Pig) go down so much easier.
Culture shock sign #3: In awe walking around Wal-mart. I felt a strange kinship with the Hispanic couple walking down the shampoo aisle.
Culture shock sign #2: Just spent a lot of time and money at Wal-mart. How can there be only 4 check out lines open on a Saturday night?
Culture shock sign #1: In Hotlanta waiting for a plane ride to Mississippi. Lots of white people here.

First Day of School 2011.

2011-08-08T07:02:00.001-07:00

Haylee started High School and Jackson started 7th Grade today!

Please join us in praying for Jackson and Haylee as they once again adjust to new schools and new friends. As children of missionaries, they did not choose their lot. They have accompanied their parents as we answered God's call. They have been forced into situations that most children never face. They face problems many of us never consider. However, they have handled all of this so well. That is due, in large part, to the many of you who pray for them.

Here are some specific prayer requests that you can use as you pray:

Pray for our family to stay strong spiritually. Pray for Jeff and Liesa to be aware of the spiritual needs of our children.
Pray that Haylee and Jackson would establish their own spiritual lives. Pray for them to continually be aware of their need for a personal walk with God-- to really know Him, not just learn about Him.
Pray that Haylee and Jackson would be filled with the Holy Spirit each day. Pray that He would guide their thoughts and decisions.
Pray that Haylee and Jackson would have a hunger for God's Word and a love for His church.
Pray that Jackson and Haylee would have thankful hearts for all of their blessings.
Pray that Jackson and Haylee would be able to handle the temptations and influences that they will encounter each day.
Pray for victory over feelings of loneliness that children of missionaries often experience. Pray that godly adult mentors would invest in them and be able to discuss their problems, fears, doubts, and confusion.
Pray for Haylee and Jackson's education. Pray that they would learn well and excel in school.

Thank you for your investment in our family. We are so grateful for you.

3 August 2011 Update!

2011-08-03T20:07:00.001-07:00

While Jeff and Haylee have been at camp and Africa, Liesa and Jackson have had fun playing in the sun and spending time with friends and family. One thing Jackson has missed most about being in the States is riding his bike. We are living in the neighborhood where I grew up and Jackson has been enjoying his freedom to explore the neighborhood on his bike. Two of his best friends from Oxford, Evan Moore and Joshua Morgan, came to town and he took them riding around the neighborhood. If you are in the Jackson, MS area we expect you to come see us! He also had a chance to go bike riding in Oxford one afternoon with Austin Carter. Many hours have also been spent swimming with the cousins.

Another highlight was a middle school trip Jackson and I took with First Baptist Oxford to Stone Mountain, GA. Did I just say middle school? He is officially a seventh grader. We had a great time going to the Coca Cola Museum, The Varsity Drive-In Restaurant, and Stone Mountain Park. There is a ropes course at Stone Mountain that is pretty cool. The highest point is 36 feet. Jackson started the course with Liesa (who is afraid of heights), but quickly moved on ahead and continued on the course leaving her behind. He was the second one to finish. He was kind enough, however, to return for a second climb and help his mother finish the course. We also climbed a rock wall and yes Liesa made it to the top. Liesa taught several of the kids on the trip in pre-school choir and several moms on the trip taught with her. What fun to hang out with these awesome friends.

Many people have asked me if I (Liesa) miss Peru. My response is the same as it was when we went we left the States and people asked the same question. Obviously, we miss our favorite activities and foods when we leave a place where we live for a time. Peru is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. But the thing I always miss the most is the people that you build relationships with. I have come to understand the importance of investing in the lives of those God puts in our path for however long that time is. The hardest part of leaving Costa Rica and Peru was saying good bye to friends not knowing when you’ll see each other again. The best part of returning to the States is seeing special friends that you haven’t seen in a while. This past month has been that kind of month. Connecting with those special friends and family that are so dear to my heart. I look forward to connecting with more of you during our time here in the States.

2 August 2011 Update!

2011-08-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Thank you so much to those of you who pray on our behalf. We are blessed to have a huge group of prayer amigos who not only love us but are so faithful in their prayer support. Thank you.

As most of you know, we're on stateside assignment here in Mississippi. Stateside assignment is a time of reconnecting and renewal that Southern Baptists provide their missionaries who are employed through the International Mission Board. We have enjoyed our time 'off the international mission field' very much. I think we were much more spiritually drained and in need of some relief than we realized. It's not that missionary work is any more difficult than any other ministry assignment. But, when you combine a God-sized task, done in a different culture, with some serious opposition by the Enemy, things can wear you down. If we had not had the support of a tremendous team and friends while serving in South America, we're not sure if we could have survived as happy campers.

This week I (Jeff) have been studying the words of Christ in Matthew 11, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you find rest for your souls."

Yielding to a yoke of any kind is not in our nature, is it? However, everyone who has breath has yielded to a 'yoke' of some kind. The 'yoke' of sin comes in a variety of weights: materialism, legalism, individualism. But, the yoke of Jesus is 'easy and the burden is light.' When the Enemy tries to convince you that the yoke of Jesus is too heavy or too restrictive take a look at the yoke you are currently yielded to. How's that workin' for ya? Are the things you are pursuing in your life eternal? Is your life 'abundant'? (John 10:10) If I am not careful I discretely slip out of Jesus' yoke and replace it with the yoke of independence and self-management. Do you do that?

When I have tried to obey Jesus without first depending on Him through faith, I have found that His yoke just will not fit. I call it the 'BIG HEAD' problem. You've heard the comment, 'He's got the big head.' Obviously it means that someone thinks they're more important than they really are. They think they know it all. If I think I know it all, have it all together, can do life on my own, then that is not faith in Jesus. That is faith in me. Idolatry. Worshiping my abilities. Recipe for disaster. The yoke of Jesus comes off much easier than it goes on.

Missionaries are prone to slipping out of Jesus' yoke. Everybody is telling us how great we are. Everybody is telling us we're their heroes. Everybody is putting their stamp of approval on our lives. It's almost as if I'm an athlete playing for an SEC Football School except the score is not broadcast every Saturday night on Sportscenter. I have more Romans 7:15 days than Matthew 25:34 days. The reason is because Jesus doesn't clamp his yoke around my neck tightly. It's my choice to follow Him.

Our Savior is a Teacher, not a taskmaster. The Enemy wants me to believe that God is a taskmaster and that God wants to see how much of a burden I can bear. However, Jesus is my burden bearer. He's my freedom giver. The yoke of Jesus is a life-giving promise. Only He is sufficient. I am most free when I am most submitted to Him.

Togo West Africa.

2011-07-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Haylee and Jeff went to Togo West Africa to work with kids in poverty and to help begin construction on a hospital in an area of desperate need. Enjoy the video...

Memories from Peru.

2011-07-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

26 July 2011 Update!

2011-07-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hola amigos!

It's been a while since we updated you on all of the great things going on with our crew. July has been a busy month and God has been really good to us in many, many ways. Basically, Jeff and Haylee have spent the past three weeks together and Liesa and Jackson have done the same.

Liesa and Jackson have had some wonderful adventures this month: Swimming. Sleeping late. Meeting new friends. Spending time with the family. Heading to Atlanta/Stone Mountain with some friends from home. Riding the bike around the new neighborhood here in Brandon, Mississippi. Tons of fun.

Jeff and Haylee spent a week at Super Summer Mississippi on July 9 to 15 at Mississippi College. Super Summer is a Leadership/Discipleship/Evangelism Training Conference for high school students and is one of the MAJOR things that Jeff has missed from the USA during the past four years. Haylee attended Super Summer as a student and Jeff was able to serve again as a part of the Executive Staff...his 12th year to do this. It was a tremendous week and God taught us so many things.

On July 15, Haylee and Jeff rushed to catch up with a group from Oxford who were headed to Togo, West Africa. The experience of serving the Lord as part of a team of volunteers was a special one. It was good to NOT be the leader of the team or the missionary-in-charge or having to worry about fitting in to a particular organizational strategy. We could just simply relax and minister to the precious people around us. Haylee was involved in children's ministry. Jeff was a part of a construction team building a hospital in an area of severe poverty in West Africa. God was good to use us and remind us of how important it is to minister to those who feel they have no hope.

Jeff and Liesa have a few days left before beginning to serve as missionaries-in-residence at Mississippi College. We are so excited about working with students in a variety of ways. Please pray for us as we serve in this ministry opportunity.

Haylee and Jackson are nervous and excited about beginning school here in Brandon. Jackson will be in 7th grade at Brandon Middle School and Haylee will be in 9th grade at Brandon High School. Please pray for their adjustment to a new school and new friends.

We are grateful for your prayers. We'd love to have you come to Brandon, MS and see us. If you're in the 'hood, please let us know.

Blessings!

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson

A letter from Haylee.

2011-07-07T16:01:00.001-07:00

Haylee presented this letter to us last week. We wanted to share it with you.

Mom and Dad,

Thanks for all yall have done for me. I love you guys so much. Thank you for following God and obeying Him by being missionaries. It's been a lot of fun for me to live in another country and make new friends. I know that you care about me and Jackson and want the best thing for us, and even though we don't always appreciate what all you do for us, know that we are grateful. I love that we, as a family, can all be together and have fun just by talking. I've gotten to do some pretty amazing things in my lifetime and it's all because you chose to follow God and do His will. Because of you, I have become a better Christian and you have taught me so many things about obeying God's will. I really do love yall and I hope we have as much fun in Mexico as we did in Peru. Thank you for all that you do for me.

From your daughter,

Haylee Holeman

Would you join us in praising God for a wonderful daughter and son who early in life understand OBEDIENCE to God's will? What a blessing.

2 July 2011 Update!

2011-07-02T12:27:00.001-07:00

God is faithful. That is all we can say as we celebrate what He has done over the past (almost) 4 years as we have served as missionaries. We have failed many times but He has not. We have been impatient but He has not. We have been unsure of things but He has not. Thank you so much to those of you who pray for us. As we finish this term of service as cross-cultural missionaries we know that you were a key component. You can celebrate knowing that you are a part of the the work God has done through us.

These past two weeks have been a busy blur. After a quick trip up the Amazon River to visit with some student missionaries, Jeff returned to Lima and we began the process of packing up the house. Here's what we've been up to:

The mover's arrived on June 21 to pack things up and all of our earthly belongs were loaded on a truck on June 22. We 'camped out' on cots and sleeping bags for the rest of that week.
On June 23, our teammates celebrated 2 1/2 great years of ministry in Peru, Bolvia, and Ecuador.
On June 24, Haylee and Jackson racked up some great accolades at Awards Day at school. We had one last dinner with the Pennington's and Bredbenner's and headed off to the airport.
June 25. We arrived in Brandon, MS and moved in the VERY NICE missionary home of Crossgates Baptist Church. We have been SO blessed by this great church.
June 26. Fantastic worship at Crossgates and went to see CARS 2 with the McMinn's (Liesa's sister.) We also picked up a vehicle from Mr. W.C. Young from The Macedonian Call Foundation that we can use during our time in the USA.
June 27. Got on a plane and flew to Richmond, VA to the International Learning Center for 5 days of wonderful fellowship with other missionaries from around the globe. This was a great week of fun and meetings.
July 2. We drove to Washington, D.C. and we're here for the weekend with my mom and my brother and his family.

We'll return to Mississippi on July 5 and hopefully will get to see more of our family and friends in Mississippi. Thank you for your prayers! We want to see all of you soon!

On a Mission to Hold a Hand.

2011-06-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

Jesus decided that He must go hold her hand. This was the task before Him.

That was Jesus' response to the pleading of Jairus (Mark 5) who insisted that Jesus must come and heal his sick daughter. And, fortunately, when Jesus decides to do something He follows through. This is great news for a cross-cultural missionary.

But it was not easy for Jesus to hold her hand. Many times it is not easy for a missionary to follow through on his/her assigned task. Some things get in the way.

There was the issue of the crowd. They were there with open hands wanting Jesus to 'bless' them. Missionaries are met with the open hands, too. 'We can do the work if you pay for it.' 'We can't have a church unless you build us a building.' 'We want ____.' Sometimes, the needs of the crowds are overwhelming. Did Jesus get as frustrated with these people as I do sometimes? Did Jesus EVER get a visit from a national partner simply to ask, 'Hey, how are you doing?' instead of asking for a 'blessing' every time? I'm sure focusing on the mission to hold a hand kept him sane.

There was also the issue of the bleeding woman. Unfortunately, she had been tossed in with the crowd and her deep faith and deep need were hidden. Do I miss legitimate needs by focusing on THE CROWD and not THE PEOPLE in the crowd? I'm sure I do. This bleeding woman was relentless; pushing her way to Jesus, pushing her way to abundant life and with a touch of hope her body was healed.

Jesus knows everything. He knew what had happened. But ministry is not complete until a personal touch is given. The woman, although frightened, knew this, too. She came to Jesus and heard some incredible words: 'Daughter.' 'Peace.' 'Suffering is over.' When will I treat every person Jesus puts in my path as a daughter or a son? Jesus knew that the physical healing was temporary but the spiritual healing He gave to the bleeding woman that day would last forever. Her spirit would bleed no more because of her faith. Lord, help me to always look beyond the physical needs to the spiritual needs.

There was the issue of the messengers. The messengers brought the news that Jairus' daughter had died. But, Jesus already had before him the task to hold her hand. The messengers' news was not a deterrent for Jesus. He knew the God who had called Him to this task was aware of this development BEFORE the assignment was given. The Father is never caught by surprise. Jesus' response to the news was Faith. And, he told Jairus, 'Just have Faith.' Missionaries with no Faith will Fizzle before the Finish. Lord, help me to keep my eyes on the task you have given me and to do so with a heart full of faith.

And, there was the issue of the weepers and wailers. These folks are sincere. They either love the little girl or they are a part Jairus' family or both. They have an investment in this. Their heart is in the right place it seems. 'She's only asleep,' Jesus says. They laughed. They lost their opportunity to see Jesus work with a simple, faithless laugh.

They might have said, 'Your strategy won't work here, you don't know the problems, your presence here is making things worse.' As a missionary, I've heard all of those things (from other missionaries who can weep and wail with the best of 'em.). Lord, help me to remember that if you have called me to a task that You will be faithful.

Jesus entered the room. The hand He had come to hold was small and sweet. He took her hand and spoke the words, 'Little girl, get up.' The task was complete. A life was restored. A family was blessed. The Father was glorified. The weepers and wailers were silenced. The messengers began looking for another message. The heart of the formerly bleeding woman smiled upon hearing the news. The crowd made plans for the next event.

There are so many lessons here for those of us who serve as cross-cultural missionaries. The most important lesson for me is obedience. An important key to fulfillment in ministry is obedience. Jesus demonstrated that over and over again. There are many weapons the enemy uses to cause us to take our eyes off the task: the crowd, the messengers, the weepers, and wailers.

We have a calling to hold a hand, to share a word, to train leaders, to proclaim a Gospel of hope. Lord, keep my eyes focused on you and the task you have called me to complete.

Father's Day at Church.

2011-06-20T05:21:00.000-07:00

Haylee sang a song in 'English' in church on Father's day!

17 June 2011 Update!

2011-06-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Peru!

The Lord is up to some great things here. Over the past few weeks we have seen the Father bring so many new people into His Kingdom. Peruvians from different people groups have been baptized. We've worked alongside some wonderfully talented USA partners from numerous Southern Baptist churches. We've seen new Bible studies started that will, we pray, soon become strong churches. Our teammates report great success in their work as well. If you are praying, then you are a part of the work. Thank you for all you do!

Only 7 more days and we'll be in the Great State of Mississippi for our Stateside Assignment. What is Stateside Assignment you may ask? Stateside Assignment is a time that missionaries can take advantage of after serving a certain length of time outside of the USA. For us, our stateside assignment will begin on June 25, 2011. We are currently planning to be in the USA until January 5, 2011. While on stateside assignment, we'll be serving at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS as missionaries-in-residence. They will put us in a cage in the middle of campus and students can come and see what 'real, live missionaries' look like. No, not really. We'll be available in a variety of ways to counsel students and faculty/staff considering involvement in missions and we'll be ministering to the large group of international students on the campus of MC. And, then there's the 'other duties as assigned' clause in the job description.

While in the USA for stateside assignment we'll be living in a home provided for us by Liesa's home church: Crossgates Baptist Church. We are excited about being a part of this church (they speak English, you know) and the kids are excited about being a part of the student ministry there. And, we're looking forward to chill-laxing a little bit. And, of course we'll be witnessing the Return to Dominance of Ole MIss Football this fall.

Haylee and Jackson will be attending the public schools in Brandon, MS and they are excited and nervous about that. Fortunately, they still have memories of 'big' school before we came to the mission field. So, they have lots of good memories. And, we've already been to the schools and met some of the folks there.

This will be a busy week as we pack up our furniture for storage here in Peru. We'll also be saying some 'see you later's' to some really, really special folks. So, you can see, we're experiencing excitement and sadness at the same time.

We've had a busy couple of weeks with Jeff working in Bolivia and a quick trip on the Amazon River to find Courtney Hunter. Courtney Hunter has been a part of our lives for almost 14 years. She was a little 7 or 8 year old girl when we first met her in Oxford, MS. Now, she's a grown, gospel- carrying, jungle-hopping missionary leading a team from her Southwest Baptist University. To say we are proud of her is a HUGE understatement. She is everything you can imagine and more. She's a wonderful follower of Jesus.

Liesa has been busy getting things ready for our departure and also helping with some last minute things for mission teams. It is time for Liesa to have a little break from keeping all of these mission teams on the right track. Hopefully, some time relaxing by a pool somewhere is in her near future.

Our next report will be from Mississippi. If you're in the area, holla.

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson Holeman

Good News from the Jungle!

2011-06-17T19:56:00.001-07:00

News from our teammates, Jeremy and Crystal Nelson:

Humble Area First Baptist Church, TX made a video of their March 2011 trip. They provided leadership for a leadership development/training as well as an eye clinic. It was a really amazing trip and I'm so glad they put together a video of some of those moments. Jeremy Nelson and the team were able to begin some solid Biblical teaching with believers, pass out Bibles in URARINA!!, have a Urarina pastor baptize someone for the first time and much more! Praise the Lord for what he is doing among the Urarina.

7 June 2011 Update.

2011-06-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

What is the highest and best use of your life? Find out and go do it.

Jeff read the above statement a couple of days ago on a website of one of his favorite missionary authors. He was reminded of a verse he adopted as his own 'highest and best purpose' when he was a student at Ole Miss:

2 Timothy 2:2

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

Jeff has been in another South American country this week spending time with some of our missionary colleagues that we are blessed to serve in our role as team leaders. It has been a joy to hear their stories of what God has done and how God has used them to make His Name known. The stories of their faithfulness through challenging days has blessed us greatly. We have been humbled just being known as their friends and someone whom they trust. These past four years have certainly been the 'highest and best' use of our lives.

As we complete this term as missionaries here in South America we look back at an amazing journey full of incredible stories of how God has been faithful. He has been so faithful to send us so many of you out there who pray for us. We can never thank you enough. We owe you a huge debt.

We are committed to following the Lord's 'highest and best' calling on our lives. We ask that you would continue to pray for clarity in our understanding of how we can best serve our Lord. Pray that we will continue to find trustworthy people to teach so that they will teach others. Thank you for your partnership with us as you 'hold the rope.'

Student Ministry is still in our blood...

2011-06-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

Please pray for the following student teams that were sent out this week...

Not pictured: Javier (translator) and Aracelli (translator)

Not pictured: Vladimir (translator)

Not pictured: Noime (translator) and Humberta (translator)

Not pictured: Gladys aka Mama G (translator)

Join the Movement

2011-06-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

Connecting.

2011-06-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Connecting. That's a word that we've become very familiar with over the past year. The emphasis of our assigned task within our missionary organization has become 'connecting'. The word 'connecting' has even been added to the logo of our missionary sending employer. The large cluster group of missionaries that we work with has been named 'The Connecting Cluster.' What does that mean? Why the emphasis on 'connecting'? Does it mean we've become dis-connected? Does the new emphasis imply that something is 'not' connected that needs to be?

I can't answer all of those questions for every missionary but in our hearts 'connecting' means several things:

Connecting the lost to the One they were meant for. The ultimate purpose for us being here in South America, for taking our children away from family and friends, for living so far away from those we love IS to connect the LOST to their ONLY HOPE. Without a 'life-changing connection' to Jesus Christ, there is no hope.
Connecting the church to its primary mission. There are missionaries who believe that 'missions' should be left to the 'professional missionaries.' I personally know some of them who hold to this view. Jesus clearly communicates to ALL of his disciples the challenge of taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. Jesus clearly set apart 'the church' as the foundation (connecting point) for the building of His kingdom.
Connecting the church to its missionaries. The missionaries that God has called to serve Him around the world can help a church move from 'Cross-cultural ministry' to 'Cross-cultural missions.' Missions involves church-planting and leadership development. Ministry is good works done in Jesus' name. Missions is making disciples who form churches who make disciples who form churches who make disciples...(and it continues...) A well-trained missionary can help your church connect Ministry to Missions.
Connecting the church to cross-cultural national partners. A church's cross-cultural ministry works best when a member of that culture is a PARTNER in ministry. The most effecting church planting and leadership training is done with and through partners from the culture we are trying to penetrate with the Gospel. Every mission team should look to connect to a national believer before settling on a church planting strategy. (The photo above is a national Peruvian missionary named Humberta. She doesn't call herself a missionary but she is one of the greatest missionaries on the planet.)
Connecting the missionary to the church. Being a missionary is a wonderful, difficult life. We would not trade these past four years of our journey for anything. But, it has not been easy. A source of strength for us has been the relationships that we have with many Southern Baptist churches who have loved us in so many ways. We are so blessed in our particular missionary assignment because we are able to have so many 'connections' with churches in the USA.

Those of you who are Southern Baptist will be hearing much in the coming months about 'connecting' with the lost of the world and 'embracing' unreached people groups around the globe. Why not pray about where you will 'connect'?

Thank you so much for your prayers for our family!

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson

The FBC Yazoo Crew.

2011-05-28T20:35:00.001-07:00

Two of my very favorite things.

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Me and my missionary woman.

2011-05-28T19:37:00.001-07:00

26 May Update!

2011-05-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you for praying for us this week. We've had an amazing week of ministry with a student mission team from First Baptist Church, Yazoo City, Mississippi. We've been working with a local church here in Huaraz, Peru and also with a local Peruvian missionary named Humberta. We have shared Bible stories, led Bible studies, played with many kids, distributed eye-glasses, shared the gospel on the streets of Huaraz, and much more.

We'll post more news soon...

Jackson holding on to a little Quechua child.

17 May 2011 Update!

2011-05-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

All is well here in cold, gray Lima, Peru. Thank you to all who are praying for us. Here are some prayer requests:

First Baptist Yazoo City, Mississippi is headed to Peru this weekend. Please pray for this student team as they work among the Huaylas Quechua people next week. Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson will be working with this team next week. Haylee and Jackson will be missing a week of school so pray for them to not get too far behind.
Numerous Bible study groups have been started in the past few months among the people groups with whom our USA Partners are working. Pray for new churches to be started from these groups. Pray for the REAP NORTH Peru Connecting Team as we work alongside our USA Partners and Peruvian Partners to do God's work here.
Stateside Assignment for our family begins on June 25. We have a ton of things to get done before we head to Mississippi. Please pray for all of us as we leave Peru and pray that we will understand God's plan for us in the future.
Haylee and Jeff will be headed to West Africa to the countries of Togo and Ghana in July with North Oxford Baptist Church. Please pray for this upcoming ministry opportunity.

Thank you so much for your prayers. We'd love to hear what's going on with you. Send us updates at wigtake@gmail.com.

15 May 2011 Update

2011-05-15T00:08:00.000-07:00

Hey to all of our prayer friends out there,

I (Jeff) write this at the airport in Mexico City, Mexico. I've been here in Mexico for the past ten days doing some research to determine needs among the people here. We've had some great adventures...

Just the incredible beauty of God's creation is a blessing. Mexico is a beautiful country with some amazing people. It's been fun getting to know some of them.
Being around some wonderful missionary friends here. Of course, the McLamb family are our favorite friends here, it's been good to get to know some new folks, too.
Meeting some incredible Mexican Christians who are busy about the task of carrying the Gospel to the unreached people here.

I'm anxious for the next few hours to pass so I can get back home to Lima, Peru and see the family. Although I've had fun, I do miss them. I'm ready to get back home.

Thank you to all who pray. Please continue to pray for the work that God wants to do through us. Pray that we'll be faithful to the call placed on our lives. And, you can send us some prayer requests, too! Send them to wigtake@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you.

Fun with Friends

2011-05-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

Liesa's Parents Came to Visit.

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Our Vision.

2011-05-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

“Our vision is...

...a multitude of disciples among all peoples of the Americas...

...equipped to fulfill the Great Commission...

...to the ends of the earth.”

Thank you to all of you out there who pray. Please continue to pray for the International Mission Board. Pray especially for the godly men and women who lead the decision-making regarding how missionaries will work, where the work will happen, and how the work will be structured. Pray for wisdom for those who lead our America's Affinity.

Liesa and I are very blessed. There is so much good happening with the IMB and the work of the REAP NORTH team that it is not difficult to support the leadership that God has placed over us. Those in leadership are a part of the great things happening in Peru. Please continue to pray for them.

22 April 2011 Update!

2011-04-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for your prayers! The video above is from a ministry Liesa was a part of earlier this week with a church from Virginia.

We are enjoying the Easter weekend with some of our missionary family. Skate Park, the Zoo, and some bowling are the plans.

And, Liesa's parents arrive Monday night for a visit! We're excited about that.

Have a wonderful Resurrection Weekend.

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee and Jackson.

Training for REAP NORTH Partners.

2011-04-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

American Peoples
Church-planting Training and Fellowship Forum
July 19-22, 2011
Atlanta Christian College
2605 Ben Hill Road
East Point, GA 30344

Dates: July 19-22 (beginning with supper on the 19th and ending mid-morning on the 22nd)

Location: Campus of Atlanta Christian College, East Point, GA (see map), just 15 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Atlanta.

Cost: **$175 (includes housing, meals and conference fees).

Send a $100* deposit by the July 1st deadline made out to REAPSouth and send it to:

REAPSouth Training
Dale & Vickie Pickens
2166 Castlewood St.
East Point, GA 30344
(404) 768-3613

Non-refundable if "no-show" or cancellation is after July 1st.
Registration received after this date will be $200.

Print out the registration form and return with your deposit along with the names and housing arrangements of those to attend.

Tweets about what God is doing in Peru...

2011-04-19T12:03:00.002-07:00

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: FBC Humble, TX: ..hours in the dark..debris infested river..hit logs and sand bars..in spite of bad decision, God protected us. URARINA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: FBC Humble, TX: Mary Luz shared she had a dream a month b4 we arrived...said angels told her that missionaries would be coming. URARINA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: FBC, Humble, TX: Rick met w/the pastor in San Juan and other leaders 2 form partnership 4 reaching the Urarina. URARINA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Morningside BC, Columbus, GA: 1 church was planted in the village of La Esperanza. YAGUA PEOPLE GROUP.

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Bryan Assoc., OK: 3 of the people from Mashanah traveled w/the October team and helped do ministry in the Iquito villages. IQUITO PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Ole Miss BSU: Richard and Enrique shared @ need 4 a church. A place of worship & teaching...the people plan on building. ASHANINCA PERENE PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Ole Miss BSU: Nazaria, known as the “prostitute”, meaning she has a different father 4 almost every child, came 2 salvation! ASHANINCA PERENE PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Ole Miss BSU: As Enrique and Rosa shared…they said…”this village is desperate for Hope and to believe in God!” ASHANINCA PERENE PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Ole Miss BSU: Simply living life w/them every day proved God’s love & understanding of the body of Christ among these people. ASHANINCA PERENE PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Calhoun Assoc., MS: Our partnership is working; the Peruvians are catching on 2 the idea of evangelism/church planting/missions. CHACHAPOYAS QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Crossroads Fellowship, Cadiz, KY: Since 2008 ten new churches have been planted in Pachitea. PACHITEA QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Crossroads Fellowship, Cadiz, KY: Pachiitea School of Missiology. Trained 35 leaders concept of Chronological Bible Storying. PACHITEA QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: College Street BC, Walhalla, SC: More than sixty attended the leadership conference. AMBO PASCO QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: FBC Universal City, TX: The Message we call the Gospel rings out loud & clear in the mountains surrounding the Huaylas Valley. HUAYLAS QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: FBC Universal, TX: We hit a home run..went where no one will go..where others will not stay..could say what nobody else can say. HUAYLAS QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: FBC Louisville, MS: 'Never be4 hve we had such gr8, personal relationships...Harvest is ready...area is poised 4 a gr8 revival!' HUAYLAS QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Ingleside BC, Macon, GA reports: '2011 Pastor's Training Conference had 8 people groups represented.' HUAYLAS QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP, ASHANINCA PEOPLE GROUP, SHIPIBO PEOPLE GROUP, JUNGLE QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP, SOUTHERN CONCHUCOS QUECHUA, NORTHERN CONCHUCOS QUECHUA, CHIQUIAN QUECHUA.

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Red Lane BC, Powhatan, VA: 'Youth Camp led by USA youth 4 youth of Apaycanchilla. 19 Peruvian youth professed Jesus Christ.' NORTH JUNIN QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Grace Baptist Church, Somerset, KY reports: 'A Bible study has been started in Pacaraos, Vichaycocha, and Banos.' CERRO DE PASCO QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: FBC Oxford, MS. Planned hermeneutics training for 20 pastors/church leaders. Over 80 showed up. JUNGLE QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Grace BC Somerset, KY reports: '18 people gathered 4 a B. study in Viscas, a town we had little influence in until this trip.' CERRO DE PASCO QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: FBC Pickens, SC reports, 'The S-T4T program used a lot in east Asia (story telling for trainers) worked really well.' NORTH LIMA QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: FBC Quitman GA reports, 'We have met with the Bapt Chrch in Hauncayo and have partnered w/them to work in the of Chupaca.' SOUTHERN HUANCAYO QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

PeruRebel Jeff Holeman

REAP NORTH: Immanuel Community Chch reports, "We have around 30 professed believers in Los Angeles now, with a core group of 10 families..." SOUTHERN HUANCAYO QUECHUA PEOPLE GROUP

18 April 2011 Update!

2011-04-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Just a quick list of prayer requests:

Please pray for Liesa this week as she is with a team from Virginia working in Lachaqui, Peru with the North Lima Quechua people group. Pray for many opportunities for ministry.
Please pray for us over the next few weeks as we prepare to head to the USA for 6 months of stateside assignment. Lots of things to do before June 24!
Please continue to pray for Haylee and Jackson as they finish up the school year and prepare for a return to the USA. They'll once again face adjusting to a new culture and new way of life.

Thanks so much! You all are a blessing.

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson

15 April 2011 Update!

2011-04-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Prepared for Promises Kept.

Our family devotions this week have been in the book of Joshua. This morning we read through Joshua 23 as Joshua is preparing the people of Israel for the end of his life. His passionate words for his people are powerful. He reminded them that God had kept EVERY single promise He made to His people. Joshua forcefully made the case that God was GOING TO KEEP EVERY single promise in the future. And Joshua presented the people of Israel with a way to prepare for 'promises kept': OBEY.

Do exactly what God had asked them to do.

Simple instructions. Cling tightly to God. Be very careful to love your Heavenly Father.

When we were wrestling with the decision to obey God and leave the USA to serve as cross-cultural missionaries we searched for many ways to get out of this responsibility. But, the 'promises kept' always were staring us in the face.

Us: "God, how will we live?" His response; "I've always taken care of that."

"God, how will our families react?" "I've always taken care of that."

"God, how will our children be affected?" "I've always taken care of that."

'Promises kept' is the character of God. He cannot do anything else but keep promises. We know that tomorrow God will keep all of His promises. The rest of our tomorrows will be the same.

Will we be prepared? We will NOT be prepared if we do not obey. Joshua reminded the people of Israel that if they were disobedient they would not be able to enjoy the 'promises kept.' Oh, the 'promises kept' will continue to come. But, the BIG consequence of disobedience is an inability to enjoy the kept promises. Disobedience causes broken fellowship with the Father. Broken fellowship with the Father brings long days to the life of a follower of Christ. A Christian without the ability to enjoy 'promises kept' is no longer a devoted follower but a deceived fugitive longing to return home.

We want to always be prepared for God to keep His promise. He's promised to bring people from 'every nation and tribe, people and language' before His throne one day. He's promised to bring light to the darkness and set the captives free.

Jesus is the ultimate 'promise kept.' The wages of sin are paid. He lived and died and rose so that we can enjoy the promises of God.

The Holy Spirit gives us the power to obey. We can't do it on our own. Joshua reminded his people of that very fact. Because of the Holy Spirit, we can live in hope and confidence. We CAN obey. We CAN be prepared for the 'promises kept' that are coming.

Please pray that we will be obedient, 'not turning to the right or left,' so that we will be prepared to show others the Promised One.

10 April 2011 Update!

2011-04-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

(Jackson and his buddies. No idea what they're doing.)

Greetings to all out there wherever you are!

Thank you for praying for us over the last few weeks. Here are some answered prayers to celebrate:

Haylee continues to do very well with her Rheumatoid Arthritis. Her doctor continues to reduce her medication. Your prayers are so appreciated.
Jackson is doing well. Growing up fast and doing great in school.
Liesa and Jeff are doing well. We have seen God do some amazing things over the past few weeks. New believers. New churches. Your prayers are so important to the work here.

Here are some important things to be praying about:

The spread of the Gospel and the planting of churches in Peru is going extremely well. We have seen hundreds of people open to the possibility of becoming followers of Jesus. We have seen villages meeting to make decisions about starting churches. We are very blessed to work for the Southern Baptist Churches who support the International Mission Board. For a variety of reasons, mostly economic, we will soon begin losing key members of our team in addition to the personnel we lost in 2010.

We say 'see you later' to Amber Smith next week. She is the one who handles all of the camping equipment, cooking equipment, buys supplies for teams, arranges printing of Bibles and tracts. She rents trucks and arranges transportation for teams. She also accompanies jungle teams to areas in the Amazon Basin. Basically, she is a KEY component of our team.

In a few weeks our National Partner Trainers will head back to the USA. Brian and Felicia Henderson are responsible for teaching English three days a week so that our teams will have translators. They disciple over 100 translator/students each week. They also teach missiological principles to our Peruvian partners so that they are ready to take the lead as missionaries in Peru. They lead the work among a segment of the North Lima Quechua.

In a few weeks, Liesa and Jeff will begin a six month stateside assignment in Mississippi and possibly a new assignment with the IMB. Although we are a small part of the REAP NORTH team, we know our departure will cause our teammates added stress. We are very, very concerned about this.

In a few months we will lose Jim Gilstrap as a funded position on the REAP NORTH team. Jim's assignment on our team is a HUGE one. Jim is responsible for leading the work of several of our new SC church partners among two key people groups (One a key UPG in Peru). Jim is also responsible for supporting all of our National Pastor/Leader Training Events among all Quechua people groups and the Tambo River Ashaninca area. Jim leads two Bible studies in his home each week for Peruvians.

These personnel losses are in addition to key losses among our teammates in Ecuador and Bolivia.

Obviously, the loss of these key positions on the REAP NORTH Peru team means our Strategy Coordinator partners will need to carry even more of the load of their work without direct missionary involvement. It is likely that our Strategy Coordinator Partners will need to send people a couple of days early in advance of their teams to help coordinate equipment needs, food purchases, translator needs, rent trucks, etc. Many of our Strategy Coordinator Partners who are used to having a 'real, live, Southern Baptist missionary' serve along-side them will have to adjust to working without IMB personnel (this is not necessarily a bad thing.). But, when our unaccompanied Strategy Coordinator Partners make missiological mistakes, will those in the missionary world display grace toward mission volunteers and the missionaries who work with them?

We share these things with those of you who pray for us. The challenges of your life probably make our concerns seem very small. We do ask that you would pray with us for these concerns. Pray especially for Amber, Brian, Felicia, Skylar, Sydney, and Jim.

Psalm 32 teaches us an important principle:

⁸ The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
⁹ Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

Our God has a plan. We must trust Him. He is watching over us. Do not be a mule.

Thank you to all who pray and hold the rope.

The Holemans in Peru.

First Baptist Oxford.

2011-04-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

27 March 2011 Update!

2011-03-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

We've had a great week here in Peru.

The best...

Haylee had another GREAT report from her rheumatologist. Her numbers continue to show progress as she continues to fight Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Her doctor has again decreased her medication. Thank you for your prayers. Continue to pray for healing.
March has been such a busy month but God has been working. We saw the start of a new church and there are several more Bible study groups meeting who are almost ready to start their own churches. Please continue to pray for opportunities to make disciples here in Peru.
Fish Robinson and the crew from North Oxford Baptist Church returned to Peru! I wish all student teams were this easy to work with. Although they did not need our help, Liesa and Jeff tagged along with this team. It was so encouraging to be with them and see how a properly prepared and trained team can be so effective in cross-cultural ministry. Great Job Fish!
JAY COOK was here. Jay was here from Argentina for some meetings and we were able to have him with us here at our house for a couple of days and then spend a lot of time with him during the week. Jay is one of those guys who is walking with Jesus and you just want to always be around him. Thanks for hanging with us, Jay.
Liesa was able to attend meetings this week to get great information for use in Community Transformation Training. Basically, she learned some new ways to use Health Strategies to open the doors for church planting.
Our Stateside Assignment is scheduled for June 25, 2011 to January 5, 2012. We'll be living in Brandon, MS in the missionary home of Crossgates Baptist Church. Liesa and Jeff will also be serving at Mississippi College as 'Missionaries in Residence'. We are excited about the opportunity to serve and disciple students while on stateside.
We've had great news about future workers who will come to Peru to fill in the gaps left by personnel who are finishing up their terms. Please pray for them as they prepare to arrive in Peru in August.
Jackson had serious thoughts about working on his research paper. Hey, it's a big deal for us! Now, if we could just follow-through. :-)

Prayer Requests...

Pray for the future. Big decisions must be made soon about where God will have us working. We are trusting God to show us His Plan and we're trusting YOU to be praying.
Continue to pray for Haylee and Jackson. They are doing great because of the prayers of so many!
Pray for our teammate Amber Smith who will be finishing up her journeygirl term on April 20. Pray for her as she seeks God's Will about the future.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support of the work of missionaries around the world through your giving to the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson.

The Most Important Missionary Weapon.

2011-03-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

We meet each morning as a family and study God's Word. For the past few weeks we have been in the Old Testament and a while back we began reading through the book of Joshua. We've been learning the past few days about Israel's attempt to capture the city of Ai.

You may recall that God's people were forbidden from taking any of the valuables from Jericho when they captured the city. However, Achan took a robe and some silver and gold. He hid the items in the ground, but he could not hide his heart from God. With this sin, Achan caused Israel to lose their most powerful weapon: pure hearts.

His sin affected his whole nation. They were whipped like the Ole Miss football team playing Alabama during their first attempt to conquer Ai. Then, Achan's sin was exposed, dealt with (harshly), and the people of God were able to take the city of Ai. And, God gave them the possessions of Ai just to mess with our minds.

There are lessons here for a missionary. God has empowered us with all we need to carry the light of the gospel to the nations. God has given us His Word as the best tool for battle. He has empowered us with the Holy Spirit to guide us, reveal to us words to speak, and fill us with strength for the battle. But if we focus only on the external assignment before us we ignore the internal work that must be done...in our own hearts. It's always much more enjoyable to determine the strategy to reach the lost than it is to determine the deficiencies in our own spiritual condition.

We are mistaken if we think the missionary task is to only make disciples of the nations. The first task of a missionary is to 'discipline' his or her own heart; to remain 'discipled' as we disciple others. Do you think the Enemy convinces me that I am responsible for the lostness of the whole world so that I will ignore the 'deficiencies' I have buried in my own tent? I wonder if the Deceiver uses the responsibility of managing a team of missionaries to cause me to put aside managing my own spiritual condition? I must remember that God must always be conquering "I" before I can be used to conquer Ai. A pure heart is the most important missionary weapon.

North Oxford Baptist Church.

2011-03-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Our newest investments...

2011-03-09T16:01:00.001-08:00

6 March 2011 Update!

2011-03-06T16:09:00.000-08:00

We've had a couple of weeks of 'office work' to keep us busy since the last update. There's this tool we use called the 'CPPI' to keep track of all the work that is going on with the people groups that our Strategic Partners are working with here in Peru. So, for the past few days Jeff has been entering data from reports from all of our teams in 2010. It is tedious work but it must be done.

Liesa has been busy working on logistical support for teams coming to Peru over the next few weeks. Buying bus tickets, arranging transportation, making hotel reservations, reserving equipment, and the other things that have to done to make the REAP North Peru machine run smoothly.

Haylee and Jackson are doing well. They are counting down the days until they get BRACES on their teeth. That big event will happen on Wednesday, March 9. Pray for them as they deal with BRACE FACE issues. They both are glad school has started. On Tuesdays and Thursdays this month they have swimming classes after school so they've been worn out from all of that hard work.

We are excited about some Oxford folks coming in on Thursday. Liesa and I will be working with this team in the Central Jungle. We're praying that the Christians in the community where we have been working are ready to form a church. Hopefully, that will happen this week.

Thank you all for praying!

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson

Challenging thought...

2011-02-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

Neil Cole (Church Multiplication Associates) is credited with this quote...

Ultimately each church will be evaluated by only one thing. Its disciples.

Your church is only as good as its disciples. It does not matter how good your praise, preaching, programs or property are: If your disciples are passive, needy, consumerist, and not moving in the direction of radical obedience, your church is not good.

23 February 2011 Update!

2011-02-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hello out there in computer land!

We're doing well down here in Lima, Peru. Things here are getting back to normal as Haylee and Jackson started school today. Finally, maybe we'll have some normal schedules around here.

Thank You to all who are praying. Please join us in praying for the following churches/groups coming to work in Peru during the next few weeks:

Feb 24 -- Woodland Hills Baptist Church, North Carolina.
Feb 28 -- Jog Road Baptist, Florida
Mar 5 -- Riverland Hills Baptist, South Carolina
March 6 -- Roebuck Baptist, South Carolina
March 9 -- Bryan Baptist Association, Oklahoma
March 10 -- North Oxford Baptist, Mississippi
March 11 -- Humble First Baptist, Texas
March 12 -- Bethany Baptist Church, Texas
March 13 -- Wedgewood Baptist, Texas
March 14 -- Lincolnton/Southfork Association, North Carolina
March 16 -- Grace Community Baptist, Virginia
March 17 -- New Bethel Baptist, Tennessee
March 18 -- Grant Avenue Baptist, Oregon
March 19 -- George/Greene Association, Mississippi
March 19 -- First Baptist Callahan, Florida
March 31 -- Southside Baptist, Arkansas

These churches are committed to working with People Groups that they have adopted as their own. They are the REAL, LIVE MISSIONARIES to their communities. Please pray for the Gospel to be clearly communicated and for the safety of these mission teams. Please pray for the REAP NORTH Peru team of missionaries as we are involved in different ways with each of these mission teams.

Thank You for praying...

Jeff, Liesa, Haylee, and Jackson

Here's a little video of some fun we had last week..