Sightseeing In Our Own Backyard

When one is enrolled in a theological studies school like SWSBS, there is not much time for "extra curricular activities" like just going sightseeing. There is simply too much work to do to keep up with the workload. It is one of the many sacrifices that must be made in order to prepare oneself for entering the work of the Lord as a minister. This is a little sad considering there is so much to see and do in the great city of Austin, TX.
Thankfully, there are a few breaks in the study quarters of school. So this time, Andrea and I spent the weekend together .... sightseeing.
We went to see and tour the Texas State Capitol, the Texas State History Museum, and a few other sights around town.
One of the unique sights is the Austin Bat Tour. Yes, a bat tour. The South Congress bridge in Austin is home to one of America's largest Mexican Freetail bat colonies. (I know, weird right?)
But it was truly fascinating to see about one million bats come pouring out from underneath a bridge at dusk. Quite an interesting experience!

Planting and Watering

The apostle Paul said,
"I planted and Apollos watered, and God gave the increase"
- 1 Cor 3:6

We are indeed, in the "sowing" business - sowing the word of God in the hearts of a lost world. The mission work that Andrea and I are about to engage in will be the "watering" aspect of sowing. The current team that is in Paraguay (pictured here) planted the church at Sacramento Street 5 years ago. When they formulated a plan to work in the mission field, they committed to five years. At this time, a few of the team members have already returned to the states and others are preparing to do the same. The church is growing and thriving in the city of Asuncion.
But now, they need faithful Christians to come and work with them and "water" the congregation in teaching and instruction. This is what Josh, Cara, Andrea, and myself will be doing in Paraguay.
What an exciting process that God has put in place! But, just as He is the one who gives life to all things, including seed, He is the One who will provide the growth in the hearts of this young congregation. Pray for us, pray for the church!
(In the picture: on left are Chris and Vickie Fry, with Walker and Emma; standing in middle is Perry Hardin; Brittnae Dye, sitting; and on right, Enoch and Laura Rinks)

Wine is a mocker (Proverbs 20:1)

Here is a clip from an upcoming WVBS release about the dangers of alcohol. I play a small part in a reenactment scene from a story told about drinking and driving.

A Glimpse of the City

Here are a few pictures from Andrea's trip to Paraguay. These give just a small glimpse into what the city of Asuncion looks like.
(You can click on any of the pictures to see a larger version of it)
A view of a quiet street in Asuncion from an upstairs apartment.

The residential roads are made from these "pavement" of rocks pictured here. Pretty to look at, but rough on the ride!


This last picture was taken at a new park created in the city. It's a "health" park for jogging and biking. The city officials are making attempts to attract more tourist to Paraguay. One way is by cleaning up the city with places like these. (Reminds me of some of the parks in Florida)

Check back often. More photos coming soon!

Picturesque Paraguay

OK. Maybe not everyone thinks Paraguay is picturesque. But, just as some think a desert is "pretty" while others abhor the thought, or others who prefer flat land over mountainous regions because of their unique inherit beauty, so shall one find something picturesque within his own eyes.

That very thing happened to Andrea on her recent visit to our "soon to be" resident destination.
On her first visit to the country, she was more overwhelmed with the aspect of being in a foreign country for the first time, and the difficulties of communicating in a foreign language, than taking time absorbing the flora, fauna, and cityscape around her.
This time she saw it. Some of those unique little features of a unique little country.
In the next few days, I will post several of her photographs along with a few of my own to try and illustrate a little of what is to be seen in Paraguay.

Exciting Day in Paraguay!

Today is an exciting day in Asuncion, Paraguay!

The Capiata Iglesio de Cristo (pictured on top) and the Sacremento Street Igesia de Cristo (bottom picture) are merging into one congregation today.

Although it doesn't sound promising when we lose a congregation within His kingdom, this may be one of those rare times when much good comes from it. Capiata is a smaller congregation on the outskirts of Asuncion made up of about 30 members. Many of them have been mature, faithful Christian for many years. In fact many of them drive out to Capiata to worship there. Sacramento is made up of about 60-70 members, many of whom are converted within the last five years. This merger will provide an opportunity for some of the older, more mature Christians to teach, guide, and influence several young, growing Christians. What a wonderful opportunity! Also, the two congregations will now be able to pool their resources, which will allow them to concentrate their evangelistic efforts.

It is our prayer and hope that elders will soon be appointed within the congregation and that evangelistic training will flourish within this growing church. Please pray for our brethren in Asuncion and these efforts.

In addition, Andrea and Cara are there on a survey trip and will get to witness this historic event in the history of the church in Paraguay. It is indeed an exciting day in Paraguay.

Blackmer/Spradlin Paraguay Presentation

Josh and I are currently traveling around to various congregations in the Texas area presenting the work in Paraguay to the brethren. We have been a part of the Shenandoah Lectureship in San Antonio, presented at University Hills and Dripping Springs, and will be at Buda/Kyle on Wed. Sunday we will travel to Marshall, TX.

This is a video presentation regarding the work in Paraguay:
PART ONE

PART TWO


This is the PowerPoint that goes along with the presentation:

Spradlin Summary Newsletter for Feb 09

Below is a link to download our latest newsletter:

San Antonio Sightseeing

Andrea and I went to San Antonio for her birthday to check out the sights. One thing we absolutely love to do together is explore new places ... so, San Antonio it was. It's only an hour or so down the road, but we finally made it down there. The Riverwalk is really beautiful, the Alamo is inspiring, and the market place is very cultural. It was a great day!

Mission Sunday 2009

Here is a personal message to all our friends and family at Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ for the upcoming Mission Sunday. God Bless!

(Look at that face I'm making. Video always captures the silliest screen shots.......)

A Girl's Gotta' Shop!

Have you ever known a girl that DIDN'T like to shop? .... didn't think so.

Well now, let me tell you, Andrea is a power shopper, make that an international power shopper. Here she is in Paraguay, South America.

Pictures tell a 1000 words ... so, just look at the smile on the girl's face and then let me translate the sign: "Jewelry Center."
Need I say more?

Threads of the Messiah

The Bible is bound together by threads of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He can be found on every page. There are different perspectives of our Savior which can be identified throughout the Scriptures. This is a sermon on the different messages, or threads, of the Messiah.

Delivered at Buda/Kyle church of Christ, November 30, 2008.

Click on "Play" button to stream MP3 audio:

Who Is MY Neighbor?

Sermon on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37
Delivered at Buda/Kyle church of Christ, November 30, 2008
(Preceded by Scripture reading of Matt. 22:37-39)

Click on "Play" button below to stream MP3 audio:

Still keeping on keeping on

It has been a while since I have updated this blog. I apologize for the delay, but I am happy to report that we have been so busy that there hasn't been time because of many great things that have been happening.

Obviously, the biggest thing has been the work load at school, (which has been much heavier this quarter). But, we have also been traveling a bunch, working on Paraguay plans and making further preparations. I have had many opportunities to preach lately and Andrea has been very involved with projects at WVBS and Dripping Springs. We are continuing to work with the youth at "Drippin' " and have several plans in the works.

This picture was taken while we were in Paraguay.

We appreciate all the prayers and well wishes! We hope you all have a great holiday season!

SWSBS 2008-2009

Here is our latest picture of the students and faculty at SWSBS