Extreme Sports Missions

KSBJ Announces ESM "Ministry Spotlight"

KSBJ Announces ESM as the "Ministry Spotlight" for the September 23rd Mercy Me - Coming Up To Breathe Tour at the Berry Center in Cypress Texas. Wow!
Please pray for and support this opportunity to build the ministry.

Click Here For Info & Tickets!

December 2005 - On His Wheel

An Invitation To My Birthday Party

As you know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Each year a celebration is held in my honor, and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time many people shop for gifts. In every part of the world, radio announcements, TV commercials, and people talk about my birthday. It is nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me.

The celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first, people seemed to understand and be thankful for all that I did for them. However, today no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they do not know the meaning of the celebration. Last year a great party was held in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts, and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite, and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor, and they didn't remember to send me an invitation? The party was for me, but when MY day came I was left outside. They closed the door in my face. I wanted to be with them and share their table. I was not surprised by their reaction.

Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; some were drunk. Some were telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, a big, fat man, who was dressed in red and wore a long, white beard, entered the room, yelling, “Ho, Ho, Ho!” He sat on the sofa. All the children ran to him, saying, “Santa Claus, Santa Claus”, as if the party were in his honor! At midnight the people began to hug each other. I extended my arms, waiting for someone to hug me. But, no one did. Suddenly, they began to exchange gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When the gifts had been opened, I looked to see if there was one for me. There was no gift for me. I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember parties and gifts, and nobody remembers me. I would like you to allow me to enter your life this Christmas. I would like you to recognize the fact that two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you on the cross, to save you. Today, I want you to believe this with all your heart. Soon I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations, and there is an invitation for you. If you want to attend, I will make a reservation for you and write your name in golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside. Do you know how you can answer this invitation? It is by accepting Me, Jesus, as your Lord and Savior. I'll be waiting for you to attend my party.

See you soon. I love you!!
JESUS

Author Unknown

My Mountain Biking Trip to Serbia - by Daniel Black

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) This summer I had an opportunity to be a part of a mission called Krosstrekkers which was started by Mr. Ben Hannah and is based in Nis, Serbia.  By God’s grace and generous support from Extreme Sports Missions and BRIDGES, I lived in Nis with four guys for about a month and a half. Our goal was to pray for and share the gospel with those in the city and the surrounding villages, using our mountain bikes as transportation.  During this trip, I learned the truth found in Proverbs 3.

Serbia (along with Montenegro) is all that remains of the former Yugoslavia. Like most European countries, it has a complicated history. Having just emerged from communism, Serbia is still weak economically, but the hospitality that we were shown was incredible. The Serbian culture has the potential to drive a “purpose-driven” American insane, because everything is done with a slow, laid back attitude.  Meals and other social events are times that people get together to talk for hours. Often the host would feed us far beyond what they could afford, and gift giving is culturally expected but extremely appreciated.

In many areas of Serbia, people consider themselves to be a part of the Orthodox Church, which is founded on Biblical truth, but puts more emphasis on traditions, saint appreciations, and rituals which distract from the truth about Jesus Christ. Many Serbs accept the Orthodox religion, because “to be Serbian is to be Orthodox”. However, drugs, adultery, pornography, and all other sins are extremely widespread. The youth of Serbia have been influenced by American television, music, and movies. So it was not difficult to talk to the people; but to many, the idea of following Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible was new and peculiar. Because anyone not a part of the Orthodox Church is considered to belong to a sect or cult, we were watched carefully, and we put special emphasis on people reading the Bible themselves, to see if what we spoke was the truth.

The original plan for the trip was to mountain bike through the country using a local urban sporting club as a guide.  We had planned to build evangelism contacts through the club, and ride to local towns and villages to pray and give out tapes, tracts, and Serbian Bibles. James, a journeyman serving in Serbia for the next two years (please pray for him), is permitted to live in the country through his connection with the local sporting club and had just arrived a few weeks before the rest of us. We prayed that God would show us where He could use us in Serbia, and the result was a series of God orchestrated events. One of the guys in our group, Dave, became sick and could not join us on the first trip out; so, after praying he felt lead to hang out with Igor, a local guy we had met. Igor became a good friend, and the Lord gave us several opportunities to share Christ and our testimonies with him. 

On a later trip, a sports camp let us spend the night on some of their empty property.  We connected with some of the kids staying at the camp for karate training, and the next morning they joined us for our “team time” worship service.  James stood up, and starting with the sin of Adam and Eve, he shared the gospel with the kids using a translator.  We gave the kids Serbian Bibles, along with our testimony cards and email addresses.  It is amazing how God worked situations out better than we had planned, even when I personally had a lack of faith and trust.

As the trip progressed, we ended up biking less than we had planned because we realized one of our greatest opportunities was at a basketball court and local hang out area down the street from James’ apartment.  It was a little court area surrounded on all sides by apartments, so the kids call it the “Bunker”. It served as a gathering place for kids and other guys our age from the surrounding apartments, and we spent several nights and afternoons there talking with people and sharing the gospel. While witnessing, spiritual warfare came in many different forms. Whenever we would try to change the subject to Jesus, distractions would come from every direction.  We tried to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading and be patient and ready to face the distractions, and often the person we were talking to would be so interested in the conversation that they would ignore the runaway basketball or pretty girls that would crash in to interrupt. The kids would help us with our Serbian and ask us all kinds of questions, and through many different tools and opportunities, we shared the gospel with them.

During our time in Serbia, we didn’t see anyone come to know Christ; but we planted a lot of seeds, and learned much about the people.  God answered many prayers while we were in Serbia. One had to do with a guy named Ivan who works at the bike shop where we got our bikes to travel around the country. We invited him to our apartment for a movie night and found out that he is a Christian and had come to know Christ through reading a New Testament given to him by his mother.  One Sunday, Ivan took us to a special monastery where the New Testament is read every week. James had prayed for a Christian friend to have after the rest of the group returned to the United States. Ivan is the answer to that prayer, as he and James continue to work together with the people in Nis.

I praise God for His mighty protection over me during the trip, often despite my own mistakes.  He protected me when I lost my passport and plane ticket, four to five days before I was scheduled to return to the U.S. God showed me grace and mercy as the officer at the airport decided not to arrest me but instead allowed me to leave the country without the required exit visa stamp. Often I was too dense to even realize the severity of these mistakes, but through God’s grace, I was protected from the repercussions of the loss of my documents. 

I want to thank Extreme Sports Missions for being so generous and willing to help support the trip, and I thank Craig and Jean, especially, for the hospitality and love that they showed Brent and me this summer. God gets all the praise and glory for the fruit that grows from our work in Serbia. "My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless His holy name for ever and ever." (Psalm 145:21) Amen!

June 2005 - On His Wheel

THE ROAD OF LIFE

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him. But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back, helping me pedal. I don’t know when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable… It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains and through rocky places at breakneck speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal!” I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say “I’m scared”, He’d lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts on my journey, My Lord’s and mine. And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him, at first in control of my life. I thought He would wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, and knows how to fly to shorter scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strongest places, and I am beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, JESUS CHRIST! And when I’m sure I just can’t do anymore, He just smiles and says… “PEDAL.” (Author Unknown)

This is where the rubber meets the road. Faith has to be exercised in the midst of ordinary, down-to-earth living. Ordinary living includes problems. Faith doesn’t often seem necessary when things are going our way. When events occur contrary to our plans, we cry out for answers or for help.

Faith and trust in God come from applying God’s Word to our lives. Theological truth is useless unless it is obeyed. Jesus said that we show our love for Him by our obedience. Our prayer for you and for ourselves is: Lord, bend our hearts toward You and Your Word. Lord, may we love you with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

Memorial to My Friend, My Pal, My Dog…

Sometimes in life, we are blessed to own and be the companion of one of life’s true treasures…Reb Dog was one of mine.  He was true to his name in some circumstances, as he didn’t like bath time so much and often pulled his famous “popping-out-of-the-collar” trick – much to his mother’s dislike.  Anyone that ever met “Reb” knew that he was “one-of-a-kind” and had a “fan club” of people that loved great dogs.  He always smiled.  He loved children and people in general.  He loved to take naps (especially on the porch in the sun).  He loved to hover around the dinner table waiting for that precious piece of cereal to be dealt out.  He loved life.  He loved his “woobie” and often tossed it up into the air or shoved it in your lap hoping for a tug contest.  He loved to chase cats, but I don’t believe he ever (or would ever) harmed one…he just loved the chase.  He loved for me to rub his face.  He loved his “Maw-Maw” (my grandmother) and often sat at her feet when she would visit.  He loved to flip completely over onto his back in a completely subdued position and have his tummy and chest rubbed.  But most of all, he loved to be with me! 

When I got Reb, as a wee pup of eight weeks old, I knew that he was the “one” dog that I would own in my lifetime that had a special place in my heart.  That is the place that a man reserves for “His Dog”.  My wife certainly understands this, as she and my mom are the patron saints of canines and animals in general.  When I purchased Reb on Valentines Day of 1993, as I was leaving, he sat on the floorboard of my truck, not more than 10 inches long and about as heavy as a bag of flour.  Within minutes, he looked me in the eyes and proceeded to climb into my lap and go to sleep – he was home!  From that point on, even though Reb wasn’t in my presence all of the time, we still had a connection…

Rebel was there with me and for me for over eleven years, through thick and thin, and like most dogs loyal to their owners, would always run and jump to greet me with full joy on every occasion!  I was his world and I was thankful he was in mine…

My memories of him are great…and I will be happy to rub his face again and tell him that I love him again when we meet in Heaven in the presence of our Savior Jesus.  My wife, Jean, was Reb’s Mom and she loved him as she does his brother Simba with all of her “Puppy Lovin’ Heart”.

You’ll be missed and fondly remembered, Mr. Rebbie

Happy New Year from Extreme Sports Missions

“See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”  Isaiah 42:9

I am thankful for the New Year as it is a chance for a new beginning, a fresh start.  Our God is in the business of giving us a new beginning each and every day.  We have hope in new beginnings through Jesus Christ. 

May 2005 be your best year ever!

Happy New Year,

Team X4J

On His Wheel - Sept. 2004

Patience and Construction

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

I am the type of person who wants everything done yesterday. Detours, delays and construction don’t fit into my schedule. I want to run 22.6 miles and climb a 1,710-foot elevation now without breathing hard. (I’m training for the Rim Rock Run on Nov. 13). I want my yard to have a nice, thick layer of grass covering the ground. I want a fence lining my yard and berry vines growing -- of course, yielding fruit.
And all the while, I pray for patience. My husband pointed out to me that things such as houses, yards, marriages and training schedules often look worse, while under construction, before they look better. Just when you think things are looking up, something else needs tearing down. Demolition is an ugly business. The trash must be thrown away before construction can begin. Building is a step-by-step process. This is where we get discouraged. In our minds, we picture running a marathon without breathing hard, and then, when we are hurting after a 13-mile training run, we quit. In our minds, we picture perfect family, perfect friends, a perfect church. And when people don’t “measure up,” we want to bolt for the door.
No one is born with patience. That is clearly seen when a newborn baby cries for food. Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is nothing we can manufacture; it is a gift from God. Patience is the mark of love, and our greatest example of love is Jesus’ death on the cross.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

On His Wheel - August 2004

Training

While reflecting on whether or not to run the Rim Rock Run over the Colorado National Monument, a 22.6 mile race on November 13, I came to the realization that my training schedule needed to be kicked up a notch. We recently moved from Houston, Texas to Fruita, Colorado and neither my legs nor lungs are acclimated to altitude. I have a lot of training to do before I can run 22.6 miles! It’s through training that we achieve the endurance we need to complete our goals. It’s similar to our Christian walk with Jesus Christ…

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

Anyone involved in a sport is aware that physical training requires sacrifice, discipline and following a schedule. We set our sights on a goal and determine to do whatever necessary to achieve the goal – eating right, sleeping regularly, and increasing endurance and mileage and time. The reward is finishing the race and of course, we all want to finish well. Once you have accepted Jesus’ death on the cross as the payment for your sins, you become Jesus’ disciple. Discipleship (becoming like Christ) also requires training.

Jesus said,

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” (Luke 9:23-25)

Elisabeth Elliot put it well.

“The disciple, however, lives by a different rule, a rule not natural to anyone who is a sinner [a person who has not accepted Jesus Christ as the payment for their sins]. He will let himself be “lost.” It is the great principle of the cross that he takes up-out of his own loss comes another’s gain, out of his discomfort another’s comfort. How easily we profess a willingness to follow, imagining some notable work for God, some great martyrdom-but forget the first condition the minute there is a little cold air on the back of the neck.”

Discipleship requires a minute by minute surrender of my life for the good of another’s. It is the sacrifice of what I want to pursue God’s will for my life.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Ask yourself this question: What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit his very self? Do you need Christ in your life? If so, email us at teamx4j@extremesportsmissions.com

On His Wheel - July 2004

God’s Gift to You

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:16-18

It is our heart’s desire for each of you reading this that you might be saved. Salvation is God’s gift to man through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and his resurrection from the dead. God made salvation simple.

“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-10, 13)

If you would like more information, contact us at:
teamx4j@extremesportsmissions.com or follow this simple plan,

Listen up – God loves you. (John 3:16)

Wake up – Sin separates you from God. (Romans 6:23)

Look up – Jesus died for you. (Romans 5:8)

Own up – Confess your sins to God. (1 John 1:9)

Give up – Surrender control of your life. (Proverbs 14:12)

Drink up – Receive the gift of salvation. (John 1:12)

Stand up – Put up your flag for Christ. (Luke 12:8)

We may never know if you give your life to Christ (although we would like to), but God does and that is all that matters! The Lord bless you and keep you.

On His Wheel - June 2004

Cliff hanging…Walking on a Wire – June 2004

We raced our mountain bike tandem on May 1 in Fruita, Colorado. The day before, we attended the Fruita Fat Tire Festival where, in spite of a little rain, we had a wonderful day. Some of our friends turned out to cheer us on as we raced. The race included some incredibly exciting, technical sections I loved! There are some “off-camber” trails that required balance as if riding on a wire…and the lines were tight…

Of course, I was on the back of the tandem and only responsible for pedaling, but a big part of the balance…since we work as a team. Some of those we passed on the race course told Craig I wasn’t pedaling! (I assure you, I was!) Craig handled our bike perfectly! We couldn’t lose the race – we couldn’t help but win - we were the only tandem team in the race!

There may be times in your life when you feel you are riding on the edge of a cliff or as Third Day puts it in their latest release, “walking on a wire.” But if you fall, Jesus will catch you, and you will land on solid ground! How many times in life do we wonder where the solid ground is? The “solid ground” is always with Jesus…He’s our redeemer and our “solid ground.”

With even more certainty, you can’t help but win when you give your life to Jesus. Although the race you run is individual and unique, the goal for all of us is the same - Heaven. We are competing for a crown that will last – not one that will perish (1 Corinthians 9:25)…and with Jesus, the trail that we ride or the wire that we walk always leads to HOPE…the solid ground!

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God … Isaiah 43:1-3