Prayer Request

Hey folks-
If you're checking this blog, chances are good you pray for us on a regular basis. I'm going to try to be better at regular prayer request updates.

Praises
-Two weeks ago, I (Jon) challenged students at youth group to stop living on the fence, to choose who they were going to live for. Three students stayed after to talk, and two more contacted me the following week to talk. One of the students committed his life to Christ!
-The kids are adjusting to school, making friends, and generally healthy/happy.

Prayer Needs
-The Suburban isn't running very well since the "Squirrel Incident."
-We're working our way through the kids, getting dental work done.
-JS, the young man who decided to follow Christ... for his spiritual foundation and growth as he goes through the "Spiritual Survival Kit" with Jon.
-For Janelle, as she develops relationships both with students and adults.
-Jon is planning on running a half-marathon in December, but training isn't going well. Please pray for his ankles and heels.

Thank you all for standing in the gap on our behalf!

In Memory-9/11

Seven years ago today, many of our lives were forever changed... drastically changed by the actions of a handful of men acting under the delusion that they were earning special privilege in heaven. So much for a "religion of peace."

Today, we remember the sacrifices made by men and women who gave of themselves; most of whom would more than likely look at the ground, scuff their boot, and say "I was just doing my job." We call them Heroes.

I'd like to mention two families whose lives have been forever touched by these Heroes.

The Family of Ronald P. Bucca Sr.
You can read the whole story through the link above. I personally got to know Ron Jr. while serving with 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group. It was an honor to serve with Ronnie. He and his family know the real meaning of sacrifice.

The Family of Timmy R. Brown Jr.
I served with Tim during OIF I. Like me, Tim was troubled by 9/11, and joined the Army to do his part. Tim was killed by an IED in August, 2003. His family's lives have been forever changed because he chose to answer the call.


The McIver Family has been forever changed by the events of September 11th, 2001. However, we look back and see God's hand through it all. I am a better husband, father, son, and Follower of the Most High because of my time in the Army. I feel like I can truly claim Romans 8:28:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."

To all those whom I have served alongside... Thank You.
To the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice... God bless you and keep you.
To our President, George W. Bush... Thank You for having the courage to face evil head on.
To those serving overseas today...

May The Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Family Fondue Night

Our kids are pretty simple when it comes to food. Foodies they're not! They would be happy most of the time with a diet of hot dogs & chips, apples, a grilled cheese or PBJ, with the occasional slice of pizza thrown in. You know, kid food. ( I know my mom cringed as she read that, right?)

Yesterday we decided to do something a little different... we did Fondue for dinner! Not just cheese fondue to dip bread/veggies in, either. I mean the actual "Coq Au Vin" style where we actually cook meat and veggies at the table.

They were pretty enthralled by it all. Liam had his own special dipping sauce (no cheese for that kid, allergies you know) for bread and veggies. They enjoyed the cheese, but the real test came with the main course. The only rule was that everyone had to try one of everything. Other than Luc almost gagging on a piece of shrimp, everything was a hit.

Lach declared it the best meal our family has ever experienced. Janelle and I declared it a family record as we spent one and a half hours happily around the dinner table. We think this may become a monthly tradition for our family. Perhaps we've nudged our kids down the road to "foodie-dom" or perhaps not... regardless, we had a great time!

If you're planning on stopping by for a visit in Sierra Vista, give us a weeks warning and the night you're here just may end up "Family Fondue Night."

Facing The Giants

If you've never seen Facing The Giants then it belongs on your TO WATCH list.

My parents gave me the movie last year, and I watched it three times that first month.

We watched it tonight with the kids, and then I watched it again because I didn't get to finish it with them. It is a great movie, with an incredible message.

I wanted to share the scripture that Coach Grant Taylor reads at the turning point in the movie. I think it can apply to you no matter what situation or giants you are facing today.

1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn ^[a] of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3

My rock, my fortress and my deliverer.

By the way- if you can watch the movie without crying, I pronounce you a robot.

A Really Lousy Blogger...

I know, I know... I'm really bad at this.

I know many(four) of you check in here on a regular basis, and I've been letting you down.

If you didn't already know, Janelle is a GREAT! blogger. If you haven't been, she's linked on the right of this page, or you can just click HERE.

As for the rest of us-
-Kids started school last week. (reference SPCMM for pictures.)
-I love my job/ministry! I can't wait to get to work every day.
-I love where we live!


As for prayer requests-
-Pray for me as I am in the middle of planning for the next year, putting together a calendar.
-Pray for the kids as they get into the routine at school, make friends, etc.
-Pray for Janelle as she gets involved in PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel), that she would enjoy her time and get to know the ladies.
-We're still praying for a second car. God is faithful!

I really, really, really promise... I'll try to post more often.

Jon for the McIvers

Ok, so I'm a lousy blogger...

But you can cut me some slack, right? I mean, in the past three weeks, I've flown halfway across the country, loaded a truck, driven back almost halfway, moved into a new house, started a new job, and taken up macrame. Ok, all but that last one are true, but it sounded good at the time.

Yes, the McIver's have arrived in Sierra Vista. If you would like our current address, just hit me up on email, jonmcivergmailcom, and I will hook you up! We're keeping our current cell numbers for a while- seems like everyone around here has a different area code cell number.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. Please keep praying as the kids start school in a week and a half, and as we get ministry rolling.

I'll try to be better about posting. I promise.

Jon for the McIver clan

On our way!

Hey folks!

If you haven't heard already, the McIver's are on our way! We have officially been given the green light to move ourselves to Ft. Huachuca!

Jon and Dad will fly to Nashville on Wednesday, load a truck, and hopefully arrive in Sierra Vista, AZ on Sunday. Janelle and Mom will drive the kids and dog on Sunday, hopefully arriving about the time Jon, Dad, and crew have the truck unloaded.

If you think about us, pray for:
-Safe travel for Jon & Dad
-Safe trip for Janelle, Mom, kids, & dog
-Plans to work out e.g. connections, load/unload, etc.
-Peace, rest, health for us all!

Thanks so much for everyone's support, prayers, and love!

Jon for the McIver Clan