Sandra and I have our tickets to head back to Europe on October. 22. As always our son-in-law Greg has a busy schedule arranged for us. We are excited to share with you what awaits us there:
• Arrive in Warsaw; recover from jet lag while we reconnect with our kids and grandkids; scope out Warsaw for future mission opportunities.
• Pulawska Church in Warsaw; Couple Communication translation team check-in; “Soul Care” training and coaching; Couple Communication class for 6 English speaking couples.
• Altensteig, Germany for the Youth with a Mission European Kings Kids staff conference; lead workshop on burnout; meet European leaders and build strategic relationships for future staff care opportunities.
• Bck to Warsaw for further work with Pulawska Church; teaching opportunities in other churches; connect individuals seeking further training in the exchanged life message.
• Lublin Pentecostal Church for seminars on the the exchanged life and grace-based living.
• Bsck to Warsaw, Samuel Christian School for class on identity in Christ for young teens.
• Debriefing and packing and return flight to USA.
Tickets, conference expenses and travel in country total about $3000. We also have $300 expense for the training materials we will take with us for the communication skills training.
We could definitely use your support as we seek to take the message of Christ as our Life to Europe again. If you’d like to help us financially with this mission you can give online at http://www.thegracelink.org or send a check for Grace Link to Grace Link, PO Box 4131, Huntsville, AL 35815. (These are tax deductible gifts.) It goes without saying that your prayers for this undertaking are huge to us as well!
Please consider if Father might lead you to invest in this mission. We look forward to sharing with you all that He does on this trip!
Thanks!
Blake and Sandra
How does God really feel about me?
Why is life so terribly hard at times?
What is so different about the Christian life anyway?
Why does God allow suffering in the lives of believers?
How can I live the Christian life?
“For the message of the Cross is…the power of God.”
These and other issues will be addressed when
Grace Link offers the
at
Rivertree Church (The Tree House)
652 Taylor Road, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Friday, January 20, 6.30-9.30 pm and
Saturday, January 21, 9 am–4 pm
Cost for the conference is $10 and includes syllabus, snacks and lunch on Saturday.
An offering will be collected on Saturday.
Presenters will be
Blake Rymer and Bart Justice
Who together have shared these empowering truths internationally
with more than 10,000 folks over the last 20+ years.
Space will be limited to 50 people and you must pre-register
by sending a check for $10 to:
Grace Link
PO Box 4131
Huntsville AL 35815
(or pay online at http://www.thegracelink.org)
To get more info call Blake Rymer at 256.682.2216 or
access the Grace Link website, http://www.thegracelink.org
Also, check us out on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/OurWellspring
(Click on the “Like” Button to follow us)
Come join us and invite your family and friends!
Bart and Blake
This fainting has happened to me twice before: in 1998 the first time I went to Sighisoara, Romania and around 2004 when I was in Cluj, Romania. Both those times I was involved in teaching the EL message. Well, this time I was preparing to teach the EL message to the AT group here and it was the first time I was in a place where a thorough evaluation could be made. All the tests were clean by the way and the bottom line is I had a vasovagal episode. (If you Google it it’ll explain it better than I can.)
I’m not sure exactly how all this relates but it gives me pause to consider the spiritual implications of this experience. I certainly don’t for a moment want to imply that I am public enemy #1 to the councils of hell, but I do think that the message we proclaim is lethal to the false gospels, both to the legalism and the license that Satan would have us pursue in the name of Christ. It is simply typical that anytime we attempt to offer a conference or workshop or advanced training, some unexpected concurrence takes place, be it weather or illness or family issue or something else out of the norm. The only time Sandra and I ever had a serious discipline issue with our youngest daughter (who was in high school at the time) occurred when I was doing an extended training event in Romania and Sandra was left to deal with it without me being there!! (Just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean no one’s out to get me!)
At this point in my life all this doesn’t surprise me, even though it took two days in the hospital to recognize it with the help of some perceptive friends. And one of the takeaways for me is that I must not forget that we are engaged in a war of eternal proportions. The effectiveness of the training we offer is not about how good an organizer or teacher or counselor we are nor how great are the handouts or notes we use. It is about the glory of God, the name of Christ and the amazing grace They administer to us through the indwelling Spirit. It’s about the Truth! Sometimes I lose touch with that reality and give more weight to the preparation and organization of the training over the opposition we face when we take up the banner of Christ.
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If they fall down,
they can help each other up.
But pity those who fall
and have no one to help them up! (Proverbs 4.10-11)
When it comes to spiritual battles we all are fall risks, especially so when we are solo. We need each other, a band of brothers, a community, a team to move with us and under-gird us. Confession time: While I know this from experience and from the scriptures, I sometimes fall back into the independent way, the way of my youth and my life in Adam.
Another takeaway for me is this: I will no longer travel alone to teach and offer ministry. Either Sandra goes with me or one or more of you go with me. There is the very practical issue of physically helping me up off the floor of Sam’s or Tesco or a train station floor should the enemy pull the vagal nerve torture trick on me again. But there is also the very real issue of spiritual cover we must always offer one another as move into the fray for the Kingdom of God. I have heard that Billy Graham always traveled with a companion in constant contact with him. What wisdom!
This will make it more challenging for me to travel as I’ll need to coordinate schedules and likely have to find financial assistance to allow others to travel with me. I’ll probably ask my sons-in-law to go to the front of the line here since I’m still waiting on the payment for the brides I furnished these guys! They owe me! But please know that I’d be blessed to share those trips with you when it works out.
You too are my community, my band, my team, so I hope you will prayerful consider this as a valid opportunity for you - I suppose I should emphasize the male gender here so as not to send the wrong message - to take an active part with me in Europe and the other options Father offers.
So enough for now except to say thank you all for the prayers and encouragement and love you have lavished on us! We are grateful.
Giving Christmas Away: Love - 12/13/09 Speaker: Blake Rymer
Luke - Who is this Man - 3/21/10 Speaker: Blake Rymer
Luke 12 - Our Ransomed Heart - 6/6/10 Speaker: Blake Rymer
Luke 19 - Zacchaeus - 2/2/11 Speaker: Blake Rymer
“For the message of the Cross is…the power of God.”
These and other issues will be addressed when
Grace Link offers the
“Christ Our Life Conference”
at
Rivertree Church (The Tree House)
652 Taylor Road, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Friday, August 12th, 6.30-9.30 pm and
Saturday, Saturday August 13th, 9 am–4 pm
Cost for the conference is $10 and includes syllabus, snacks and lunch on Saturday. An offering
will be collected on Saturday.
Presenters will be Blake Rymer and Bart Justice
Who together have shared these empowering truths internationally
with thousands over the last 10+ years
Space will be limited to 50 people and you must pre-register
by sending a check for $10 to:
Grace Link
PO Box 4131
Huntsville AL 35815
(or pay online at http://www.thegracelink.org)
To get more info call Blake Rymer at 256.682.2216 or
access the Grace Link website, http://www.thegracelink.org
Also, check us out on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/OurWellspring
(Click on the “Like” Button to follow us)
How does God really feel about me?
Why is life so terribly hard at times?
What is so different about the Christian life anyway?
Why does God allow suffering in the lives of believers?
How can I live the Christian life?
“For the message of the Cross is…the power of God.”
These and other issues will be addressed when Grace Link
offers the
“ C h r i s t O u r L i f e C o n f e r e n c e ”
at
Rivertree Church (The Tree House)
652 Taylor Road, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Friday, June 10th, 6.30-9.30 pm and Saturday, June 11th, 9 am–4 pm
Cost for the conference is $40 and includes syllabus, snacks and lunch on Saturday.
Presenters will be Blake Rymer and Bart Justice
Who together have shared these empowering truths internationally with thousands over the last 10+ years
Space will be limited to 50 people and you must pre-register by sending a check for $40 to:
Grace Link
PO Box 4131
Huntsville AL 35815
(or pay online at http://www.myrivertree.org)
To get more info call Blake Rymer at 256.682.2216 or
access the Grace Link website, http://www.thegracelink.org
Also, check us out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OurWellspring
(Click on the “Like” Button to follow us)
First of all, Sandra and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season! I suspect you’re like me and find it hard to believe that it’s that time again. Just enjoy and make the most of it by enjoying the many blessings Christ came to share with us.
Around Thanksgiving Sandra and I were in a Cracker Barrel waiting to get a table. We were browsing around the bazillion trinkets they offer in the store and found a couple of small candles with fragrances we thought would be nice to burn during the holidays. We’ve used them a few times and thoroughly enjoy the aroma they provide for our home. As I was reading through the Bible just this week I came across this passage that made me think of those candles and their lovely fragrance.
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Ever wondered why you have negative thoughts about yourself?
Do you struggle with a chronic temptation or sin?
Would you like to better understand God’s strategy for your growth?
Why is the “Cross” much bigger than just forgiveness with God?
Interested in overcoming the performance treadmill
and resting in your true identity?
Can we really overcome sin and live in peace and rest before God?
These and other issues will be addressed when Grace Link
offers the
“Christ Our Life Conference”
at the Summit Crossing Meeting Room
347 Hughes Road, Madison AL 35758
Friday August 20th 6.30-9.30 pm and
Saturday August 21st 9 am–4 pm
Cost for the conference is $40 and includes syllabus, snacks and lunch on Saturday.
Presenters will be Blake Rymer and Bart Justice
who have shared these empowering truths internationally
with hundreds over the last 10 years
Space will be limited to 50 people and you must pre-register by sending a check for $40 to
Grace Link
PO Box 4131
Huntsville AL 35815
To get more info call Blake Rymer at 256.682.2216 or
access the Grace Link website, http://www.thegracelink.org.
Angry? Frustrated? Lonely? Guilty? Anxious? What about ambivalent? What does that word mean anyway? Well, knowing that might be a key to understanding what is really going on with many of the students, staff, faculty, and administration.
Each campus tragedy and school shooting that we have in our country gives us a little more insight into the angst, frustration, dysfunction, and yes, ambivalence that is seething under the surface in our culture…especially in the lives of our young people.
So, what is ambivalence? Well, it is a kind of defense mechanism that makes decision-making very difficult. And, if a decision is made, ambivalence makes it very hard to stick with that decision. Simply put, it occurs when a person has two or more conflicting emotions at the same time about an issue, person, or thing. Thoughts and actions end up in contradiction with each other. The outworking is often confusing for all parties involved.
A faculty member may be happy and relieved to see extra police and security around campus while at the same time have a disdain for and mistrust of those same law enforcement officers because of the failings that are represented in the system from which they come. A student may have intense feelings of fondness and loyalty to their university while concurrently despising it for the way it has seemingly handled a grievous situation. An administrator may love his or her job but fear coming to work. The list goes on…
“I just want it to go away” seems to be the overwhelming sentiment on campus. Many are stuck in various parts of the grief cycle but do not have the energy or are unwilling to move on or get help. They just want it to go away. Many are suffering from post-traumatic stress and are thinking that, maybe with time, their symptoms will just go away. Loss of sleep, appetite, and ability to concentrate are common. Maybe these symptoms will just go away.
Something that enables the ambivalence virus to do its nasty, destructive work in a person is the need to have the appearance of having it all together. We think, “Well, everyone else seems to be doing alright. Maybe I should be over this by now. I don’t want people thinking I’m weak or weird because I’m still struggling. Maybe I should just press on and maybe these thoughts and feelings will just go away.” American culture breeds independence, and with it, a need to feel as if we can solve our problems ourselves. But we weren’t created that way. We were created to need one another! We were created as relational beings, like our Creator. We weren’t meant to always figure it out for ourselves.
It has been shown that soldiers suffering from PTSD best deal with their trauma in groups. Often, a group of people dealing with the same difficult issue or addiction can be far more effective in aiding someone in their pain than a lone counselor can. Sometimes a small church group or Bible study can bring far more care and comfort into a person’s life than that person’s pastor can. However, ambivalence often keeps us from seeking out this help. And our pride and/or shame help us along in our independent loneliness telling us that someday the problem will just go away.
There is a balloon release on the UAH campus this Thursday. There isn’t anything magical about releasing balloons that will make the problem just go away. But, it is a group activity that has shown considerable benefits in helping folks let go of things so that they can begin to move forward. There will be a discussion on “Where Was God In The Midst Of This Tragedy?” before the balloons are released. This is a question being asked all over the campus, the community, and even the country. Will people come to hear the answer to that question, or will their desire for the issue to just go away (along with their need to have the appearance of doing alright) be strong enough to keep them from coming? I guess time will tell…
To anyone that is still reading this that is dealing with feeling of ambivalence, guilt, fear, anger, hurt, or frustration, please know that you are not alone. For anyone that can’t sleep, has lost their appetite, or can’t concentrate on their work or studies, please know that you are dealing with things that many others are dealing with as well. The effects of trauma and grief do not go away over night. But, they can be dealt with very effectively in relationship.
A good start might be to come and release a balloon that you have written on and watch it disappear into the evening sky while talking with others that are doing the same. Maybe calling the counseling office and scheduling an appointment to talk with someone that understands what you are going though would be appropriate. Maybe sitting down with you friends, pastor, or church group and admitting your struggles will be a good starting place. From personal experience, I would suggest approaching Jesus, as He is a great starting place for your journey.
Ambivalence breeds bitterness, depression, and rage – none of which you want as companions. On the other hand, Jesus promises to take our burdens and give us rest. He actually becomes our place of rest. And as we rest in Him, we find a Wellspring of Life coming from within us that is anything but ambivalent. “Come, follow Me,” He says!
Maybe you can use some reassurance that God is powerful enough to handle anything we encounter in life? As our church (http://www.myrivertree.org) studies through the Gospel of Luke, I had the privilege of speaking on this passage illustrating the power of God in Christ. Follow this link to find the answer to the question: Who is this Man?
]]>
Ever wondered why you have negative thoughts about yourself?
Do you struggle with a chronic temptation or sin?
Would you like to better understand God’s strategy for your growth?
Why is the “Cross” much bigger than just forgiveness with God?
Interested in overcoming the performance treadmill
and embracing your true identity?
Can we really overcome sin and live in peace and rest before God?
These and other issues will be addressed when Rivertree Church hosts the
“Christ Our Life Conference”
at the
Tree House Meeting Room
652 Taylor Road, OXR 35763
Friday February 5th 6.30-9.30 pm and
Saturday February 6th 9 am – 4 pm
Cost for the conference is $35 and includes syllabus, snacks and lunch on Saturday.
Presenters will be Blake Rymer and Bart Justice
Both have shared these truths with hundreds over the last 10 years
Space will be limited to 50 people and you must pre-register by sending a check $35 to
Grace Link
PO Box 4131
Huntsville AL 35815.
To get more info call Blake Rymer at 256.682.2216 or
access the Grace Link website, http://www.thegracelink.org.
(The link will take you to the Rivertree Church website. Then click on Giving Christmas Away:Love 12/13/2009 Blake Rymer.)
Listen Here
Dear Family and Friends,
Another year draws to a close. Another year on this journey of discovery within Christ. Another mother lode of reasons why He is worthy of our bond-service. He is not merely the reason for the season, He is our All in All. This is why Grace Link exists – to connect others to Him in personal, healing ways. Thank you for being on this journey with us.
I probably say this too often, but this year has been a blur for me. Sandra and I were quite busy through November and just now things seem to be settling down. I’ll hit the highlights month by month:
January – Along with the staff of Rivertree Church, we relocated our office to 652 Taylor Road in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama. Our church has provided us ministry office space since we returned from Budapest in 2000. We (I’m on the elder board) now have our own property and should start building sometime this year. PRAYER: This building phase is a huge step for Rivertree. We ask God to bless this generous congregation and extend their impact.
February – We did a Grace Life Conference at the Young Life office in Huntsville. It was well attended. We’ve had a solid relationship with YL. It’s area director, Steve Hampton, has gone through our training and is a strong advocate for our ministry. PRAYER: YL is an effective ministry to students. We ask God to provide for their financial and staff needs.
March – We led a team of 19 students and adults from Rivertree and three other churches on a mission to Katowice, Poland to teach English as a second language and American football in a few of their schools. Our hosts were Kings Kids of Poland (http://kingskidspl.blogspot.com/), a ministry of YWAM. It was a great trip!! Of course we also got to visit our family there – Erin, Greg, Abi and Hannah Skrobarczyk – our kids and grandkids (as well as our hosts)!! PRAYER: God is blessing Kings Kid Poland with growth beyond their ability to manage. We ask God for leaders and funds to keep up the momentum and for stamina for Greg and Erin.
April – Much of the month was spent preparing for the annual members’ conference of the Association of Exchanged Life Ministries, held in Toccoa, Georgia at the end of the month. I’ve had the honor of serving as the chairman for the AELM the past few years and I have a much deeper appreciation for how our colleagues are expanding the kingdom of God, and how the AELM encouraged and empowers them to press on. PRAYER: In May 2010 I’ll step down from the board. Ask God to give the board a renewed vision for how this unique organization should move forward into the new millennium.
May – Along with a group from three different churches, I was part of a mission team to Sighsoara, Romania. Our mission was to support Casa Vieti, a pro-life ministry, in their work with Gypsy women, and my role was to teach a series on leadership in Manna Church, led by Pilu Hadarean, a good friend from our Budapest days. It was a very successful mission and extra special to be on mission with our good friends Tommy and Barbara Glenn. PRAYER: Casa Vieti and Manna Church offer invaluable ministry to the Gypsy culture in central Romania. Ask God to give them increasing favor and influence with this unique subculture that they might transform the lives and families of these dear people.
June - One of the highlights for June was a weekend in Franklin, Tennessee with the Family Dynamics Institute (http://www.familydynamics.net/).We were attending a refresher workshop for facilitators of the “Dynamic Marriage” class for married couples. This is a powerful group experience for any couple that would like to strengthen their marriage. We were preparing to facilitate a DM class here at Southwood Presbyterian in October and November (see below). PRAYER: Family Dynamics Institute is doing great work on behalf of the family. Ask God to multiply and bless their work.
July – Counseling at Rivertree Church (http://www.myrivertree.org/) and Summit Crossing Community Church (http://www.summitcrossing.org/) mostly highlighted this month. These two churches have been very supportive of our ministry for years by providing financial support and office space. They are both growing and impacting North Alabama for God’s glory. PRAYER: Ask God to give wisdom and boldness to the leadership teams and the young men, Ross Jaeger and Paul Whaley, who pastor them.
August – Certainly the highlight was the mid-month arrival of our kids and grandkids from Poland (http://skrobarfam.blogspot.com/) for an eight-week stay to visit family, friends and supporters of their Kings Kids ministry. We had a blast getting to know our grandkids, Abi and Hannah, better and coaching them on their English skills, not to mention getting our hands on them and their parents. PRAYER: Of course we ask your prayers for them as they labor and raise a family in the challenging secular culture of 21st Century Poland.
September – Two things were special: 1) The extended Rymer family took their vacation on the Gulf coast. We had 20 of us enjoying the beauty of the white sandy beaches and the face-to-face family time it offered us. 2) We also did our second Grace Life conference, this time at the Choose Life office’s pleasant meeting room. It went great as well. PRAYER: Please ask God to show us new and effective ways to share the liberating, transformational mess age of Christ our Life in our churches and community.
October – We met with the AELM board of directors out in Estes Park, Colorado so that we could visit the location for our April 22-25, 2010 AELM members’ conference (http://www.aelm.org/), the YMCA of the Rockies. We had a wonderful getaway to the Rocky Mountains as well as a very productive board meeting. PRAYER: The annual AELM members’ conference can be a very encouraging event for our members and the public. Ask God to give us success in this event so that it might strengthen the AELM and our mission.
November – Sandra and I had the honor of facilitating our first Dynamic Marriage class in October and November. It was eight weeks of interaction and growth for the eight couples and for us. This is something we can encourage anyone to do for the sake of his or her marriage relationship. PRAYER: Ask God to use the seeds that were sown in the lives of these couples to bless and strengthen their marriages.
So there’s our year in brief if you add in the week-to-week counseling, church responsibilities and assorted other meetings that go with our various roles. One request we have for us: We need your prayers also for a clear vision from God of the future for us. We don’t want to presume that we are where He wants us. We may be, but we always want to hear Him say, “It is very good!”
Thanks!! You are an inspiration for us to keep it up! We love you for it!
Blake and Sandra
P S - Here are some recent bonus photos of our wonderful grandkids - In the 1st picture Front Row: Seth, Jacob; Back Row: David, Josh & Noah / In the 2nd picture - Hannah & Abi.
LEARN TO:
THINK AND LIVE MORE LIKE JESUS
BE LIBERATED FROM SELF-DEFEATING BELIEFS AND BEHAVIOR
EXPERIENCE PEACE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
COLLABORATE WITH GOD AS HE WORKS IN OUR LIVES
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT IN LIVING LIFE
SIMPLY ENJOY YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FATHER!
CHRIST OUR LIFE CONFERENCE
September 25-26, 2009
Friday 6:30-9:30 pm
Saturday 9 am - 4 pm
- Choose Life Meeting Room -
220 Rands Avenue
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
$25/Person
(includes syllabus, snacks and lunch)
TO ATTEND YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER
BY PHONE at 256/682-2216 OR
BY E-MAIL at gracelink@gmail.com
SEATING IS LIMITED TO 50 PEOPLE
SO GET YOUR REGISTRATION IN EARLY!!
TO GET MORE INFORMATION
BLAKE RYMER - 256/682-2216
or
http://WWW.THEGRACELINK.ORG
Write checks and mail to:
Grace Link
PO Box 4131
Huntsville, AL 35815