by Dr. Gerry Baughman,
Founder and Director

I Thessalonians 4:11 tells us to "study to be quiet." I enjoy quiet times and often treasure them, but for the last year of traveling, it hasn't always been as quiet as I would like. It's not Mrs. B. She is at home taking care of her mom and handling the CAMP BIMI * SMART office. It's my buddy, GiPS, who is always waiting for me the moment I get in the car. GiPS speaks several languages and does quite well with the accents, as well. 99% accuracy is pretty good, but on occasion, GiPS gets confused when there is new construction or a detour. It can take me on the shortest route which can be hazardous at times!

As we travel together, GiPS is faithful in reminding me when and where to turn. There have been times when I thought I knew better and ignored the instructions. Immediately, GiPS answered back with an irritated "reconfiguring." At times, I think GiPS would like to tell me, "You're on your own buddy!"

It's not been all bad. We've had some agreeable times too. There was that afternoon last spring when I was driving through southern Virginia on my way to a meeting. It was a beautiful sunny day and I had several hours to spare. My 'ornery' came out. I purposely made a wrong turn to do a little sightseeing. Of course, GiPS annoyingly "reconfigured" on several occasions but finally gave up exasperated and led me so faithfully to my destination, even though it was not the way GiPS knew was best. What I saw on my chosen detour were wonderful farms, Thomas Jefferson's home and several beautiful plantation homes. I think when I pulled into the church parking lot, I heard GiPS give a big sigh of relief. However, GiPS didn't quit. When I got back in my car after the service, without any hesitation, I was faithfully guided to the home I would be staying in throughout the conference.

Did I tell you that GiPS led me around the Pentagon, White House, and other sites in our nation's Capital? I wondered why GiPS had a change of heart and wanted to do some extra sightseeing until I turned on the radio and heard that there had been a bad accident on I-95. Traffic was backed up for twelve miles! Now, how did GiPS know that?

Traveling with GiPS is somewhat like trusting in the Lord. You need to obey the instructions even though you can't see the road that far ahead. Although you may make a wrong turn, if you listen, you can get back on track. There are times when the Lord will take you on detours that you do not understand only to learn later that He has protected you from long delays in getting you to your destination. There are times when His Detours will enable you to see some of the most beautiful parts of His Creation that will make you love Him more. Even when you make willful wrong turns, you can trust that He is ever 'reconfiguring' your journey to get you back on the right road. Job said it well, "But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10

Don't get irritated, or be a 'Burger King – have it your way' type of individual. Just listen, follow His Instructions and enjoy the journey wherever it may lead. Be submissive to GiPS – God's Placement System.

GiPS' Buddy

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It's not trekking through the jungle in the steaming heat,
It's not eating shish-ka-bob made of monkey meat,
It's not cutting a python with your pocket knife,
That makes the biggest part of a missionary's life.
But it's praying that your kids will just take a nap,
While you're trying to find a church with a hand-drawn map.
It's raising your kids from the front seat of your car,
While you're driving down the road trying to figure out where you are.
It's not cruising down the river in a dug-out log.
It's not being guest of honor while they're serving dog.
It's not speaking in Swahili with the old Zulu.
Or struggling with a culture that can frustrate you.
But it's getting rid of things that you've had for years,
While you're trying to pack a barrel through a blur of tears.
It's saying good-bye to Grandma just one more time,
While you're sitting in the airport just pretending you're feeling fine.
It's not wearing funny clothes in a foreign land.
It's not speaking jungle-ease like the natives can.
It's not even baptizing many in a single day,
Or always getting what you want every single time you've prayed.
But it's growing to love the people that you've come to know,
And rejoicing in the Lord as you see them grow.
It's thanking the Lord for all that He has done.
And then it's going home on furlough when you feel you've just begun.
Yes, that's the biggest part of a missionary's life.
- Grady Toland

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Diane Baughman

What's in a word? A lot! A word can evoke emotions, soothe, anger, trigger memories, confuse, help, harm, heal, cut, encourage, devastate, inspire, challenge.

What is a word's worth? That depends, but more importantly, what is your word worth? I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but...here I am saying what my grandmother, mom and close relatives have said before me. Your word, or vow, should be like gold – pure, true, trusted, dependable, not just a thin coating over cheap metal.

For generations, when someone gave you their 'word,' it was a promise, a contract, without question, without a shadow of a doubt. In Canada, Brother Baughman did our personal and church banking with a local credit union. He was so trusted by them that he could walk in the door and borrow thousands of dollars personally just on his word or signature...without any collateral. You know those wax seals on elegant stationery where your initial is pressed in by a tool? My understanding is that it was first done by kings and queens so the recipient would know who the sender was and if the letter had been opened if the seal was broken. Is your word your seal?

I'm not sure when it occurred. It's been a gradual decline. However, the devaluation of one's 'word worth' is an area of spiritual economy that desperately needs to be restored. People today think nothing of flippantly making promises that they don't intend to keep; signing contracts that they think nothing of breaking; giving their word without a second thought of the ramifications on others if they don't follow through.

Often we hear "We come to you because we know that your word is your bond. We can trust you." In fact, at the surgeon's office last week, the billing clerk said, "We've known you two for years. We can take you at your word." I am so thankful that God's Word is pure, true, trusted, and dependable. Where would we be without it?

On the mission field, in full time ministry, or as a Christian layman, our word should be our bond... something that the national, the believer and unbeliever, friends, family, co-workers and our employer should unequivocally trust. Without truth and trust in our word, an important character trait, our word has absolutely no value. The ramifications of that? When we share the Lord and how to be saved with someone, how will they know it is true? Yes, our words do affect others in EVERY WAY, ESPECIALLY regarding ETERNITY. The next time you 'give someone your word,' think twice before you do. Is your word, or vow, just that? Eccl. 5:5 says "Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay." It makes all the difference in how you influence others around you. I give you 'my word.'

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After a long journey with college, interning, deputation, language school and paperwork, several CB alumni flew to their long awaited destinations in January...eager to begin the next exciting chapter of their lives...ready to make a difference. We asked them to share their thoughts and emotions before, during, and after their arrival. Take a CAMP BIMI moment. Listen to their heartbeat.

1.1.09 Brian and Charity Collins – Destination – SINGAPORE

1.7.09 Nate and Heather Wolf – Destination – TANZANIA

Please pray for us as we travel. It will be a long trip for Hayden. Pray that he does well on the plane and as he adjusts to life in Tanzania. Traveling with 12 pieces of luggage, pray that we have no problems. Pray for us as we say goodbye to family. We've never done this before with a one-year-old and we know it won't be easy. Your prayers are a big reason we are able to say we are going back for another term of service in Tanzania.

1.13.09 Kelli Reese – Destination – NEWFOUNDLAND

1.13.09 Rob and Angela Freeburg Willoughby – Destination – ESTONIA

Rob's Perspective
The reality of leaving America to begin a life in Estonia didn't sink in until I went to the post office to ship nine boxes of clothes and household items to a missionary's address in Estonia. I realized that my family and I would be arriving at about the same time as the boxes!

I'm not one to get too excited over things, but the day before our flight, I started to get a feeling of anticipation. The next morning, I was ready! My mind was working fast as I thought of what needed to be done before Mom could drive us to the Cleveland airport. I had to pack the car, eat breakfast, and help get RoseLynn ready. However, Angela would not be rushed! I was eager to finish packing, but she was deliberate and calculated as she made sure nothing was overlooked. I interpreted this as 'slow.'

We took too many bags with us – six 50 lb. bags, a bulging cloth bag, two backpacks, a Wal-Mart bag stuffed beyond capacity, and a clumsy car seat for the plane ride. We pulled the largest carry-on suitcase possible and pushed RoseLynn in her stroller. We were relieved to get rid of our checked baggage, but dismayed when our boarding passes were marked 'SS,' meaning an extra thorough security check! I managed to keep a good attitude while a TSA emptied out all five carry-ons. After repacking, we slowly marched to our gate. In Chicago, we had to go through security again. Our Wal-Mart bag gave out and we had to buy a duffle bag in the airport.

The flight to Stockholm was relaxing. I didn't have to carry anything. RoseLynn slept for only a couple hours during that overnight flight. In Stockholm, we learned that our stroller had been forwarded to Tallinn. Without a stroller, we struggled like overburdened pack animals the entire length of the airport. Our half empty flight to Tallinn was short. Upon arrival, we still had no stroller until we made it to the carrousel. By this time, our bags were the only ones left, and the carrousel had stopped. Everything had successfully made it. My spirits were up again, as I realized, It's over! We made it, and our bags made it, too!

It was a beautiful sight to see our missionary partners waiting in the airport lobby! We were able to go right over to the house we had found on the internet and meet our soon-to-be landlords. What a blessing to stay there our first night! Since we arrived at 10:30 a.m., I was able to get a cell phone that day. Missionary friends are a blessing!

Those first few mornings, I would wake up at some early hour and thank God for bringing us through deputation and to Estonia at last.

This is only my fifth day living in Estonia. Jet lag is gone and we are getting established in our new home. I'm eager to continue my language studies and help the missionaries in our church downtown. Once again in life, I find myself beginning something new that God has put before me.

Angela's Perspective
We made it?! Deputation travels and meetings are over?! This will be a whole new and different phase of ministry than the past two years, yet more like what we are called to, studied for, prepared, planned and anticipated.

The plane flight was fine. There was too much to think about, pack, and carry to fully realize that we were leaving our 'home' and families for a new 'home.' Only when I saw a stewardess that looked just like my Aunt Diane did some tears come. Family that is left at home pays a price too. They will miss us and we will miss them. But they are not lost to us, and we hope and pray to gain a new family of Estonian believers and missionary brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Is this what Jesus promised in Mark 10:29-30? I'm not sure, but those verses are more meaningful now.

Our house? It is beautiful! Much more spacious and comfortable than our Dodge Caravan (home for the last few years)! But where to start...the kitchen has little more than basic appliances and the basics in dishes (provided by our landlord), and a coffeemaker (Yeah!). I think we plan to look for a microwave tomorrow. The boxes from our container may be weeks in showing up. It was two months before our partners received their things, so there is little sympathy from them. Meals provided by two missionary wives were lifesavers. What do missionaries do arriving on a new field alone until they find the grocery store?

It is not like there is nothing to do until our things arrive. My list of things to purchase is endless. Have you ever considered the value of window blinds or curtains? We are in a fishbowl with transparent white curtains (again provided by the landlord) and the lights on inside with windows and doors on every side. There is not a place to stand on the first floor out of view of neighbors. And did I mention the sun is only up from 9 to 4. So the neighbors can share most of our lives.

Our six suitcases are empty. We are making slow progress on the nine boxes we mailed. There's space to put things...on the floor. I love the heated floors. Each room has its' own thermostat. There is nothing like a toasty bathroom floor after a shower or bath for RoseLynn. We are getting spoiled.

The grocery store is about five minutes away and they have just about everything; well, I have not needed much so far. But this is no sacrifice.

1.18.09 Kristine McLaughlin – Destination – IVORY COAST

Thank you for all of your prayers for me! The Lord blessed with a very good trip over. The three flights went well, and my luggage made it safely. Once I landed in the Ivory Coast, there was a small 'speed bump' in the customs line. The official was hesitant to let me through with an extra laptop for our national pastor in Bingerville. After talking with a 'higher' official, they let me through. They said, "It is for a pastor, and that is a blessing." What a relief! Thank the Lord for how He works in these situations! Then, I turned a corner and saw the Machs, my missionary partners, waiting for me.

Yesterday at church was the first day that I really got to see the people. It was so neat to see many familiar faces and even better to be able to talk with them now in their French language. Some even said that they still have my prayer card and have been praying for me. Lots of smiles and warm African greetings...it is such a joy to be with people who are so easy to love!

A teammate, Tammy Aurand – CB '02a, went 'above and beyond' with a cozy room ready for me when I arrived. The Lord provided a really nice home just across the street from the Machs' house. The location and space is ideal for having visitors stay with us. I even saw glimpses of parrots outside our window this morning! How good the Lord has been! I have a heart full of thankfulness. NOTE: Just a few months ago, Kristine's neck was broken when she fell asleep at the wheel while on the way to the hospital to be with her dad who is battling pancreatic cancer.

1.23.09 Jennifer Long – Destination – UGANDA

1.26.09 Matt and Michelle Moore Conrad – Destination – HONG KONG

1.29.09 Shannon and Lorie Whitaker – Destination – CANARY ISLANDS

2.1.09 Another CB alumnus departed for CHILE for a month long survey trip!

2.2.09 Robin Gillies–Destination–ECUADOR – left for medical training in a mission hospital.

to be continued...again and again

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El Salvador ~ Colombia

a popular elegant jam filled layer cake

1.5 c flour
1 t baking powder
1 c unsalted butter, room temperature
1.25 c sugar
1 T orange, zest only
1 t vanilla
6 eggs, room temperature
.25 c orange juice
1 c orange marmalade
? c powdered, or icing, sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease, flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Sift flour, baking powder together in large bowl.

Place butter, sugar in another bowl and beat with electric mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy and light, 3-5 minutes. Add orange zest, vanilla and beat for 15 seconds.

With mixer at medium speed, add one egg at a time, blending well into butter/sugar mixture before adding the next egg. Reduce speed to medium-low. Add the flour/baking powder in three parts, alternating with orange juice and beating just until smooth. Don't overbeat.

Spoon the batter equally into three cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove cakes and cool completely.

Mix marmalade with a little water and stir until it is almost pourable. Spread half the marmalade over one of the layers. Place the next layer on top and spread with remaining marmalade. Top with the last layer. Sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar by shaking it through a sieve. OR place a paper doily over the top cake and sprinkle powdered sugar over that. Remove doily carefully leaving a lacy design. Serves 6 to 8

Variation: Omit orange zest; substitute milk for orange juice. Use any jam you wish. Raspberry is great!

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My mission's experience really all began with CAMP BIMI and the SMART 2002 trip to Venezuela and Ecuador. I've heard the saying "God desires an empty vessel, so HE can fill it." Well, I needed lots of 'emptying' of self and a lot of humbling. The SMART trip helped me greatly in this area and taught me how to really get in there and work even when you don't feel like it. It really prepared me for deputation and for service here in Romania.

As I got on the plane in October to come to Romania, I was overwhelmed with many emotions: sad to leave my family and friends, excited to start a new venture for the LORD, filled with the hope that souls will be saved, unsure about the future, and possible failings and heartaches. Through the toughest of times and emotion, the LORD continues to remind me to "Fear not, for I am with thee." Isaiah 43:5a It is such a comfort to know that HE is with me wherever I go and HE understands my language even when those around me do not. I believe that has been one of the biggest adjustments or 'culture shocks' – not being able to communicate well with people in their own language. However, the kids are improving in their English and I've noticed that there are not so many giggles as we read the Bible together in Romanian. It has been such a blessing to be able to share the Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ with my language teacher, Mihaela. She is really asking questions about the LORD and I believe is close to accepting HIM. Please pray for the Lord to keep working on Mihaela's heart and that she would be saved. Something that Bro. Ed Hembree preached while I was in Romania for my survey trip was "It doesn't matter what God's Will is for you however small or large it may seem. It just matters that you do it." I did, and I'm 'finally home.'

Kerri McKinney ~ Romania

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Today, I led two Tanzanians to the Lord...in Swahili! A momentous first for me! Yee-haw!

Twelve or so came to go witnessing. Normally, we stay together. Bill Brouwer and Gervasi, a Tanzanian pastor, do all the talking; but usually there are only five or six of us. Today, we split up and I went with two Tanzanian gals, Esther and Happy. At the first home, a man was taking an afternoon 'siesta' with his toddler. His wife was with their other child. They invited us in to an open, unfinished part of their house. John and Angelina rarely attend a church and did not know the One Way to Heaven. They welcomed me to share.

I started with the same intro I've used in the US. "It's great to go to church, but it's even more important to know for sure if we'll go to Heaven after we die." Then I shared the Romans' Road. A church in VA has provided us BIMT missionaries with plenty of John/Romans, so John and Angelina were able to see the verses for themselves.

They both listened intently, smiling at times at my awkward Swahili. Esther and Happy helped me by occasionally re-explaining things. When I finally got to the question, "Would you like to receive Jesus today? Uko tayari kumpokea Yesu sasa hivi?," there was a little part of me that thought, "OK...my brain hurts and I haven't practiced this part very much. Maybe they'll say no." My spirit did a triple flip for joy when they said "YES!"

After reading through the simple prayer in the tract, I gave them the option of repeating after me or praying their own prayer. They both chose to pray after me. It was rather awkward. I definitely need to practice the prayer portion some more. However, praise the Lord that salvation doesn't come because of a well-formed prayer, but because of an open heart! And now...the angels are rejoicing because two more lost sheep have been found!

Lisa Newland - TANZANIA

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Monday, March 15, 2010

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

KEITH & MARLA HERNDON -  MOLDOVA
ANTHONY R & DAWN HESS -  UKRAINE
KEVIN & MARY BETH HICKOK -  BRAZIL