Farnsworth Forum

I try to involve my family as much as I can with what I am doing. When I spoke in chapel a few weeks ago we began with a family skit, a Superheroe skit. Amelia played Flash , Joel played Wolverine , and I played Superskinny. Marisol was the Damsel in Distress. Marisol was being crushed by a Big Wheel and called for help. Flash and Wolverine responded first to the S.O.S. I was in my office changing as fast as I could. Together we were able to rescue Mamá from further harm. As we left, we urged her, "Be a good citizen; love your neighbor." I segued into a lesson about the woman caught in adultery in John 8. Using Bob Kauflin's song "He'll Always Defend You," I reminded the students that when God rescues us from our sinful past, he always give us a responsibility. For the women it happened to be, "Go and sin no more." Jesus wants us to make our lives count for Him. Certainly not easy, but a challenge worth noticing and living out.

Marisol came up with the idea for the men students to serenade the female students and campus staff for Valentine's Day. The guys loved the idea. Of course, we went to sing to Marisol and the kids as well and even ended up singing for our neighbors who are Chuukese. The majority of our PIBC students are from Chuuk, so there was an instant connection with our neighbors. Mamu, Brad, and Keiny rock to the music. Kalvin was hiding behind Joel's sunflower. Mark and Leeman served as too of our talented musicians for the serenading session. Joe sang with all his heart and soul! Who knows? We may do a repeat performance next February and even cut a CD in the process!

PIBC has joined forces with Pacific Abundant Living Ministries (PALM) to devise strategies to combat drug, alcohol, and tobacco use among young people and adults. PALM is one of the coalitions working with PEACE, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Guam is # 1 among U.S. states or territories for tobacco use at 34% of adults, so much work remains to be done. I attended a two-day training last weekend with two PIBC students, Joel (from Palau) and Jayvina (from Chuuk). The training, held at the Outrigger Guam Resort, gave us the opportunity to network and participate in activities designed to encourage team building with cultural diversity. We all enjoyed the outrigger canoe races. Here Jayvina, second from right, is preparing to board the canoe. The person in the second position is the caller, who tells the other paddlers when to switch sides. I had not canoed since my days as a camp counselor at Haycock Camping Ministries. Jayvina's team won both of their ra...

Since we are not there to spend Valentine's Day with you in person, please enjoy this Valentine photo collage. We appreciate you and love you very much. Thanks for your prayers and friendship. We couldn't do what we do with you. Joel is making a heart mobile for his AWANA Club project. It turned out really nicely. He likes doing crafts. Amelia is trying her hand at homemade Valentines. Look at the intent expression on her face! Joel took this picture of Amelia, Marisol, and Ned. Here we are posing for a picture in our old living room at PIBC, now a staff lounge. Joel and Amelia made valentine Tshirts for themselves and for Daddy. What do you think? Maybe we should start a Tshirt design company.

One of our favorite things to do as a family is work outside in our yard. It can really help to clear the mind after a busy, stressful day. Marisol loves to mow with the lawnmower we bought from the Home Depot that opened in Guam in December. I usually harvest the papayas and tropical lemons (kalamansis) because I'm the tallest member of the family. Joel is in charge of making sure that the coconut and pineapple trees have enough water. Amelia was running around and unavailable for photos. Our sincere regrets to her Fan Club members.

Whoever would have guessed that I would have two children who are motorcycle lovers. I think I am the antithesis of Fonzie!