The Circuit Rider

                                                       The Circuit Rider

    Many of you may not know what a circuit rider was/is, or what role circuit riders had/have in performing the Lord's work. February is an important month in the Lord's long term plan. We enjoy Valentines  Day, which is all about love. That's what John tells us in 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." February marks the birthdays of George Washington, father of our country,  and Abraham Lincoln, who guided the nation in freeing slaves. Let's forget the shameful fact that our pious leaders took almost 100 
years from adopting the Constitution to actually freeing slaves, and many "equal" citizens were freed by a civil war.

     In the early years of our nation we were a rural dominated nation, with much of our population living far from each other in the wide open spaces, especially in the Midwest and west. There were  churches and ministers in the villages, towns and cities, but the 
isolated rural folk frequently were not able to attend a church. Riding to fill this gap were circuit riders--men who could teach the Word of God and perform services such as baptisms, marriages and funerals. They had no home church, and their method of transportation was a sturdy horse. They traveled a vast distance through lonely country
to reach pioneer families. Most families he visited would not see any other minister until this circuit rider would return on his route.
    
    Most families he visited were poor, and could not afford to pay him with money. They paid him with some good hot meals, by fixing his equipment, giving his horse some serious care, and, most importantly, by treating him with deep respect. In some places, this riding minister was known as the "sky pilot", recognizing his mission to lead people to salvation and faith.

    This history lesson fits right in with the 30th anniversary of Faith Walk Ministry. February marks our 30th year in the service of our Lord. We have been modern day circuit riders, although we did not plan it that way. If we listen and obey, God uses us to accomplish his plan. We do have a choice, and we can either follow His direction or choose our own path. Our dreams have to be His dreams, not  necessarily our desire or preference.

    My family's experiences as "insiders" in the organized church gave us some understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the church world. Some churches and congregations are very active in taking care of social issues, but frequently in rural and poor areas, the needs are much greater and can't be met. Finances and lack of
man/woman power prevent assistance for the needy. This was/is the situation in our area. We're not talking about people who are lazy or on the dole. Most of these people are really trying to lift themselves up. Job losses, illness, age and physical problems were/are the 
major reasons for the problems. Sometimes these situations resulted in depression, compounding the problem.

    We knew of the healing possibilities of pet influence, and opened up our farm to enable troubled people to bond with an animal or two. All animals on our farm are people friendly--we don't have to chase them to catch them, they come to us for treats and petting. That
includes small animals as well as horses and cows. We do not have regular help, so taking care of the livestock is both a labor and financial challenge. We've had schools and church groups visit the animals and make new friends.

    From the beginning, we realized our work would not be a financial success. From my experiences in denominational colleges and  churches, I  needed to make a hard choice. To receive support from an organized church, we would have to follow some man-made rules of that denomination. Many of the people we wound up helping had bad experiences with the organized churches  and it was difficult to separate their experience from the real teaching of scripture. This reinforced our mission--a faith walk leaves faith tracks. If you're on a troubled path, just find and follow the faith tracks.

    Before Anita (my wife) went back to work to support our ministry, we had served as a temporary "hotel" for people needing an emergency place to stay. It was not unusual to get a knock at the door at midnight from someone "stranded" out in the country. We
even housed a missionary for a time who had lost the financial support of his denomination. At times a situation could prove humorous, as when a deliveryman driving a tanker truck ran out of gas by our barn, He was embarrassed to tell us he had emptied
the tanker, but forgot his own tank. We always had gasoline on hand, because the need by travelers was more often than you would think. There were instances when people had battery or tire problems, and we are located 10 miles in each direction from any business to help.

    There never was any charge for this help, because like the Good Samaritan in the Gospels, we are here to serve, not charge. Farming  is not an easy occupation to turn a profit, and without Anita's income, we could not have continued. My major help came from our daughter, Helga, who is a whiz with animals. She has been deeply involved with
animal rescue and emergency training. She has a degree in health administration, but does not work in that field. She uses her knowledge to counsel people on how to get medical help through the maze of paperwork. There is never any fee or charge.

    A time consuming part of our ministry, especially now, is spent in counseling. Much of it is done by telephone because we reach people who do not live close by. We offer neuthetic (Christian) counseling, which differs substantially from secular counseling. This has become Anita's major work. Frequently people tell us they began counseling, but had to stop because of the cost. We were surprised to  learn the cost of counseling by some churches. We do not push conversion nor denomination. We offer both the plan of salvation and the obligations of a saved person. This is based on scripture, especially the Gospels and the parables as taught by Christ. Apparently few of our leaders, especially in the church, believe or follow Christ's teaching. I met and talked with many people (patients, care givers and physicians) while undergoing health treatments and surgery over a 10 month period. I consider myself blessed not to have the problems of many of these people. Our church leaders need to study scripture and understand many of these people cannot provide for their needs. I'm tired of hearing the repeated statement one pastor of a very affluent church said, "I'll teach them to fish, and they won't have to come
begging for fish (food)." He needs to spend time as I did, among people who weren't even able to fish. 

     Having studied some law before pursuing other fields of study, both my wife and I (she was a magistrate) have offered pro bono legal help for the poor. When charged with an offense, they may get attorney representation through a public defender. This is how that doesn't work: most public defenders usually present plea bargains. Only in rare or high profile cases do public defenders perform as depicted on television. If the plea bargain is not accepted, the district attorney will schedule a trial. Of course the public defender has already chosen to believe the plea bargain. That means the charged person actually
does not have independent counsel. It's guilty until proven innocent. In our pro bono work, we traveled many miles, and did the leg work to get the facts of these cases. Sometimes the evidence we found resulted in cases being dropped. Sometimes they went to court, and we had to retain an attorney. We have had a spotless record, and thank the Holy Spirit for providing the outcome. I served on a Grand Jury, and had the opportunity to observe the "good" cases as well as the "bad". Most of the cases I heard were quite easy to decide, but occasionally there was a bad rap. No system is perfect, but we have
placed expedience ahead of justice.

    Teaching in the public school system showed me the joy that comes from watching someone experience the "light bulb" effect when the solution becomes clear. I always enjoy writing the messages we post, and the messages I pass on to other pastors and teachers. I do not use an outline, nor do I make many changes in the first writing. The Holy
Spirit is my guide, and if I err, it is my human weakness to blame. He makes writing messages enjoyable and educational for me.

    We truly believe we have done God's bidding over the past 30 years, and in so doing have learned the meaning of abundance, as so many pastors and leaders don't understand. Luke 12:15 warns us of the real meaning of abundance as explained by Christ. And He said to them,  "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for 0ne's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." When, for a time, I was not certain I would be coming home, I realized the things I had in abundance. They were my wife of 50 years, my daughter, my dog who recognized my voice on the phone, and my little black cat that also recognized my voice. Then, there are the people who have contributed to my substance and education, and the many animals who exhibited
loyalty and companionship.

    Folks, do not be led astray by the common teaching that abundance is taught in scripture to mean money and the "good life". Read all the verses in Matt. 25:14-30. I stress "all the verses", because I want you to see that Christ did not teach how to gain material wealth, but that material wealth must be gained honestly. Note especially verse 26, where the lord (rich man) ADMITTED he cheated to gain his wealth. If you're still not  convinced, turn to Luke 19:11-27. You may not understand the connection between Matthew's explanation of money and Luke's explanation of power or influence. Money is power, and power is money. If you have any doubt, consider the outrageous fund raising in American politics. Luke's warning tells us the nobleman sought support not with money, but rather through the influence of community and city leaders. By  putting them in charge of groups, he knew they would do whatever they could to hold leadership, through money, patronage, or fear. It works. Look at North Korea or books of the Old Testament. Those
who don't fall in line suffer the consequences--Luke 19:27. In North Korea, they were executed. That is drastic, but in more civilized parts of the world, there are other ways such as job demotions, firings  or being ostracized.

    I know some of you will not agree with my explanation of abundance or the scriptures I quoted, but after 30 years, I understand 2 Cor. 8:13-15. "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack." When God calls, you can't take money or possessions with you. All you can take is your record and a heart that placed Him above everything else. We believe Faith Walk Ministry is fulfilling that mission.

Rev. Walbear

THE LORD'S GARDENS

                                                            THE LORD'S GARDENS

    The wonders and excitement of Christmas and New Year observances are past, and we usually settle down now to attempt to "ride out" the cold, ice and snow of January and
February. But, wait!!! We have a subject the Lord gave us to lift the depressing days of long darkness and cold!

    We need to go way back to the Old Testament and the Book of Genesis. The first thing God did after creating  man was to plant a garden. (Gen. 2:8) If we pay attention going
through scripture, we learn God used seeds and plants in much of his teaching. These are things we can see and use to understand His instruction. We have become more of an urban society, but we farm and rural folks still have an opportunity to put the teaching to work.

    Early in our history gardening was a necessity for many people. The ultimate value of a garden became vividly apparent during World War II. With millions of men and women in uniform or working as civilian support, farmers needed help to produce enough food to feed these defenders of freedom. War stamps and war bonds were important tools for raising funds to finance the war effort, but the Victory Garden effort enabled anyone with access to a small plot of land to join the effort at little cost except time and sweat.

    More on that later, but now I want to refer to the delightful arrivals of seed catalogs in our mailboxes. They do the most to cheer me up on these long days of Winter. I can study and plan for my future garden, learn about new varieties and pick up some tips on doing a better job. This has special meaning for me this year, because there was a period of time when I wasn't sure I would be able to have a garden.

    My gardening experience began very early, when I was  about five years' old. My grandparents and parents always had a garden, but until that year, I didn't make the connection between the garden and things I like to eat. I watched the preparation of the land with tractor and tillage equipment, and then further preparation of the soil with hand tools. My parents told me I could have a small garden of my own if I would take care of it. I was hooked for life!

    I received instruction about seeds and plants. Some varieties of plants such as tomatoes and cabbage we secured by buying started plants. You had to plant these seeds long before the weather and soil was warm enough in western New York. I needed a little help for these, but handled the seeds just fine. I ruled my first garden a success, and I was proud.

    Two years' later, the war was on, and gardening became a major effort, even for those who had never gardened before. By now I had a good-sized garden, about a fourth as large as my parents. I kept it neat and weed free. I received the coveted large certificate bearing the "V", signifying I had indeed grown a garden. My disappointment was that although I admired the large red tomatoes I had grown, I didn't like the flavor. In my
early teen years, for whatever reason, they tasted good, and have been a favorite ever since.

    Now back to seeds and plants, and how God used them for examples to us. Christ told His disciples in Matt. 17:20, "if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain,  Move from here to there,' and it will move;". Here we get a good idea of something very tiny that seems insignificant, but can become large and meaningful. We also should understand that we could move a mountain with that faith. That seems 
impossible when you think about it, which explains why we aren't out there moving mountains. We immediately have doubt, and that reduces our faith power. If we pray for someone, but have doubt in our mind, the power of faith is short circuited, and just like electricity, the object won't work, or the problem will not be permanently fixed.

    When we receive the colorful seed catalogs, we see in our mind's eye beautiful plants and fruit. When we plant and tend the garden, our faith in the result remains strong. We expect the plants to grow and provide fruit. We have faith in the seeds and plants largely because we have seen the success. If we desire answer to prayer to be successful, we must have that same depth of faith. 

    Sometimes plants don't grow well or die from disease. Not everything in a garden may turn out as we planned. So, too, answers to prayers in life may seem to fail, although faith is  strong. Prayer can change God's plan if He so wills it, and we must understand He has a purpose for everything, and  everything is in His control. 

    The word "purpose" is a life changing element. We all have a purpose, or as Christians understand it, a spiritual gift or two. When we deviate from our purpose, we short circuit our faith, and fall short of positive results. Prayer is all powerful, but it must come from a sincere faith. We all sin occasionally, but when we deliberately do something wrong and know better, we damage faith power. This is like being careless with your garden, not weeding, not irrigating, etc. What you see happen with your garden from not being a faithful caretaker may happen when you pray. 

     When you plant lettuce, tomatoes, corn or cabbage, you expect a tasty positive outcome. Tending the garden is your path of faith,  just as your everyday life is your path of faith to the Father, Son  and Holy Spirit. Enjoy the colorful garden catalogs, and spend 
these cold winter evenings planning and expecting the satisfaction of watching God's miracles as your garden grows.

Rev. Walbear

AWAY IN A MANGER

                   (Rev. Walbear's parents with their first store at Balcolm's Corners, NY circa 1930's)

                                                              

                                                              AWAY IN A MANGER

     NO! This is not another Christmas story! This is a New Year's message, and you'll have to wait later on in the story to discover the connection about the manger. So...Have patience.

   

  Many New Year's celebrations have always been boisterous, loud, and merry. That's true the world over. Costumes such as those in China are magnificent, and most countries and cultures observe meaningful

celebrations. In many instances, the holiday has serious religious implications.

   The celebrations in most rural communities during the 1930s and early 1940s were rather muted. This was the era of the Great Depression and World War II. For many families the new year was a time to be

thankful they made it this far in tough times. In the 40s, people were concerned about the war. The early years of the war didn't go well for the Allies, and husbands and sons were away, serving their country.

   

  My family operated a general store that was a sort of hub for a rural, mostly farming community. This was the day before the supermarket and big box stores. The general store was the place most people purchased

everything except for rare specialties. Besides a full line of groceries, you could buy shoes, clothing, household goods, hardware, tires, auto parts, gas and oil, and many other items. Except, during the war years, almost everything was rationed.

    Certain items such as sugar, tires and gasoline were of short supply because of the war effort. The need of butter for our troops spawned the development of oleo for us back home. We were limited to two pair of

shoes per year, and some things like silk hose were not available. Gas was in short supply, so there wasn't much travel. It was needed for emergency vehicles and farms.

    A mild type of black market sprang up, but it was nothing like black markets of later years. There was a control on ALL prices, so there was no price gouging, even in black market items. People really cared for each other, and families helped families. This was especially true where one or more family member was away in military service. I have not seen such an attitude since the 1950s.

     So, what does this have to do with New Years? It explains to us that there is more to the observance than partying and getting soused. Things were very serious and somber during this time. Hope and opportunity brought to us by the holiday made us more aware of our shortcomings and the need to retool our lives. This could be survival.

   

  While there was still a holiday mood, an emphasis was placed on new resolutions. What bad habits we needed to try and eliminate, and what we could do improve ourselves. My parents, like most of the local people, observed the holiday with a few friends and a special meal. My Dad always "shot" the old year out and the new year in by firing a round or two with his shotgun. That had long been a tradition.

    Near the end of the war, we moved to a dairy farm. I had not yet reached by teen years, so I viewed stories I was told as possibilities, but not necessarily accurate. This is when I heard the manger story. My Dad had been raised on a farm, and he told me tradition had it that the animals in the barn would talk at midnight on New Year's Eve. Why not check it out?

    

We went to the barn an hour or so before midnight. Although it was a cold night, the weather was clear. I had often "propped" myself right behind the front leg of a cow to get warmth from her body heat. This

night the barn was comfortable. I didn't really believe the animals could talk to me, but I still waited in anticipation. Our animals were people friendly, and they were contentedly eating hay, chewing their cud or

taking a nap. No sign of talk.

   

  Then Dad pointed out that the animals were not talking in English or any people language. They were speaking their approval and enjoyment of their feed, comfort, and home. It was talk, all right, but in their own

language. They were happy, and so was I. Later in life, I sometimes continued to fire off a round at midnight, but my wife and I always preferred to be with the animals. They munched at their hay--in mangers, of course-- and that reminded us of our Savior. The manger with fresh hay made a very comfortable and nice bed.

  

  Giving it a bit more thought in the relative quiet of the barn, I realized how perfectly God had lined up the series of holidays to remind us of His teaching. In late October we observe Halloween, a time for the things

we need to avoid--witches, goblins, the devil, etc. Then, in November, we have Thanksgiving. This is the time to appreciate the food and creature blessings He has bestowed upon us.

  

  Following Thanksgiving is Christmas, the observance of God's great gift to mankind, Jesus, our Savior. New Year's Day provides us with the Hope and Opportunity that we can erase the bad things in our life and move ahead for blessings in the future. As salvation gives us a new birth, we have the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us to overcome bad spots in the pathway of life. We experience the Trinity in these three special days following a warning. What a perfect plan, and most of us probably never understood the whole story of the special days.

 Happy blessed New Year, folks!

Rev. Walbear

Christmas at Arkwright

                                            Christmas at Arkwright

    Thanksgiving and Christmas have always turned my thoughts to the warmth and joy of family and scenes such as "Over the River and Through the Woods to  Grandmother's House We Go." Few of us make trips like that now, but the cozy thoughts and excitement still are associated with the poem. I associate that
poem with a Christmas experience I had over 70 years ago when some families took a sleigh to grandma's house. We didn't take a sleigh to the Christmas gathering. The snow was so deep and side roads not plowed out yet, so we traveled by car with chains on the rear tires as far as the main road was cleared.

    Then we turned onto a gravel side road where the plow had been able to clear a distance of about 100 yards. From there it was almost two miles to my aunt's house and farm. It was also the end of that road that became a field road from that point on.

    There was a small farm where the plow had managed to open the road, and we left our cars there and went inside the warm house where that family welcomed us to get warm. They had a large wood stove, and the entire house was cheerful and Christmasy. Did I mention we had about two feet of snow and the temperature was in the single digits?

    This was a typical winter occurrence for the area in western New York labeled the Grape Belt in the summer and the Snow Belt in the winter. While the land along Lake Erie produced wonderful grape, fruit and vegetable crops, the range of hills behind this fertile area served as the collector of moisture from the lake as the wind carried the clouds directly over the hills in the form of snow. The westerly wind then built huge drifts.

    My aunt's farm was really located in what a townie would describe as the "sticks." This was rural western New York, and a great place to raise a family as long as you didn't mind the harsh winters. The side road to my aunt's home was at an intersection known as Arkwright. It wasn't even a village, but was known for a huge building fondly named the Chicken Tavern. If you mentioned either name, people knew exactly what you were talking about.

    So far, this part of our journey was the easy part. We had arrived at this location without dreaded broken links on the chains. Remember, these were the days before four wheel drive and winter tires. When links on the chains broke, they would hit the undersides of the fenders and create a great deal of noise. You would usually have to stop and try to repair the breakage wherever you happened to be under whatever weather conditions. To plow the heavily drifted roads, highway departments had developed rotary plows that were the ancestors of today's snow blowers. They were huge machines and fascinating for us to watch.

     Now we had to trek the nearly two miles up the drifted road to my aunt's house. This was on foot. There were no tracks, just the ribbon of white through the trees and curving slightly uphill. With no snow, this wouldn't have been a difficult trip for a couple of five-- year olds. There were four adults and the two of us. We kids could not have gone 10 yards up that road without someone "breaking trail" because the snow was generally chest deep for us. So, the four adults broke trail, with the men going first, the women following, and us bringing up a very exhausted rear. We had to stop and rest often, because we all got pretty played out.

    You'd think we should have called the whole gathering off due to the terrible conditions. In those days, country people were hardy folks, and they were used to handing tough situations. This had been planned for quite a while, and we weren't about to be disappointed. While my cousin and her parents lived in a small town, they weren't what we call townies today. Small town life in that area was almost the same as living in the country.

    After what seemed like a week wading through that snow uphill, we at last saw the second story of the farm house and roof. The snow had drifted so deep up this high on  the hill that it actually reached the second floor of the house on the west and north sides. This is what it must feel like when you are traveling across the
desert and find an oasis.

    This was a big farm house, and few homes had central heat or furnaces in those days. They had a large kitchen and what normally served as a dining room, but was the living room in the winter. The regular living room was closed off for the winter, except for this Christmas gathering. It was opened up, and the large Christmas tree was right where the two rooms were usually joined together by double doors. There was no heat upstairs, so you had to snuggle in under featherticks. They were unbelievably warm, and the forerunner of sleeping bags.

    There was a wood stove for cooking and a kerosene stove to heat the other two rooms. These three rooms were very comfortable. Although most people along the main roads and well-traveled side roads had electricity, there was no electricity on this road. The lights were actually kerosene lamps you may have seen in old movies. They worked pretty well. This really was the only improvement most people had that was missing here. They had no telephone, but many country people had yet to get "wired." Bathrooms, especially on farms, were yet to become reality, but most towns and villages had them. "Outhouses" still were common.

    This house had an "inhouse" outhouse. That is to say, the toilet was a room inside a woodshed attached to the house. They had intended to put a floor in the woodshed, but only got as far as placing the support beams. On these, they placed a series of planks to the inhouse. If you needed to use the facility, you didn't waste any time because it was really COLD.

    We had a great Christmas dinner  and then it was time for the opening of gifts under the tree. There were lots of gifts for children and adults alike. This was really a special time, because we were still coming out of the Great Depression. Rural folks had a rough time then, and gifts were rare except for Christmas and birthdays. We always ate well, because much of what we needed came from our land and animals.

    In the excitement of opening the gifts and holiday atmosphere, I don't believe any of us gave any thought of the difficult journey to be there. In a small way, it was sort of like the feeling those gathered in Bethlehem a couple of thousand years ago must have had. It had been a hard journey for a mother-to-be to get to Bethlehem, with no reservation at the Ritz or Holiday Inn. But the final chapter was beyond glory with the birth of our Savior. 

    Friends, always remember God is in control of everything. He did not make life on earth easy for His son.  If your road is difficult, you can make the trip as long as you follow His directions. Christ gave us the Spirit of Christmas, which was love, peace and compassion. He repeated the warnings of the Old Testament
about material  desires which lead us to believe we can prepare for a "rainy" day. 

    I recall so many "teaching" stories which give us a good feeling, but actually are entirely misleading and cause us to make serious judgment decisions. One that is appropriate for the Christmas season is the story of the ant and the grasshopper. The ant is a hard worker and prepares for winter while the grasshopper does not prepare for winter, and dies when cold weather comes. Contrary to this teaching, the grasshopper is not lazy and is not to prepare for winter. God created him for a purpose, and he fulfills that purpose during
his lifespan in the warm weather. God is in control, and both species fulfill their purpose.

    When we use the ant and grasshopper as an example to separate people through material possessions or occupations, we are falling into a trap designed to make us feel superior to others. It is not a Christian story and leads us away from compassion. We need to understand John, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved". This is total compassion because no limits were placed on who you were or what you did or didn't do, EXCEPT you must accept Christ as your Savior. We must share Christ's compassion for our fellow men/women whether they are rich or poor, pretty or not, workers or not, healthy or not, and same race or not. We are all sinners. If you really want to understand the Christmas story, carefully read the Four Gospels, taking notes not about Christ's birth, but about what He taught. He is the message of Christmas.

    As a final word, I want to thank all of you who prayed for my recovery and health. I had a very uplifting learning experience that I could not have received any other way. I have been blessed by this experience and gained much knowledge and understanding that could come no other way. I also was privileged to observe and recall the fruit of some of my previous work. Just never forget that God is always in control of everything. No matter how bad anything appears to be, it is according to His will. If you accept Christ, you will have a purpose, and that purpose will be Christ-like, not a self-centered goal. I wish you a merry Christ-
centered Christmas.

Rev. Walbear

          Project Eden Prattsburgh Cattle Drive

We'd like to share a special project with you all. It impacts our family directly and those of fellow veterans. My father is the hospitalized veteran. Some of you know his physical struggles this past year. Despite that, he has still contributed sermons to this site and on facebook under God's direction. Daniel's story of how Project Eden got started is a heart wrenching one of loss and a new beginning for both him and other suffering veterans.

The purpose of Project Eden is to rehab and train PTSS vets on an organic farm, using a very rare herd of exotic miniature cattle. There is a timely need to purchase these cattle, to save a hospitalized veteran from losing his farm to tax sale. This gives the veterans therapy and new self sustaining skills for their new lives. Much of these homesteading skills are almost a lost art themselves and this is a rare opportunity to blend the needed with therapy.

         Project Eden Prattsburgh Cattle Drive

From battle fields to farm fields you can support America's finest by pitching in on Project Eden Prattsburgh's Cattle Drive!

Providing Futures

          My name is Daniel Hoaglin SSG/USA/RET, co-founder of Project Eden Prattsburgh, a branch of Johnny’s New Hope Inc.  I served just shy of 11 years in the US Army when I was wounded in Iraq in 2004, and subsequently medically retired.  I went several months unable to get work, and not receiving my compensation from the Veterans Administration.  Due to this “high level of care” I lost my home, my family’s belongings, and my self-esteem.  After going through several treatment facilities with very little improvement in my condition; my family and I turned to farming to help provide a future for ourselves.

          Project Eden Prattsburgh is located on a family farm set in the tranquil hills surrounding the Finger Lakes in upstate NY.  With the help of Johnny’s New Hope Inc., and Berkana Hill Farm we are making a community centered in agriculture and support for America’s warriors.

          With suicide rates among Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans peeking to 22 per day I needed to make a change.

          We looked for the perfect animals to place on our farm for the production of milk and meat for our veterans; however we were coming up short for most dual purpose cattle are large, unyielding. 

          THEN WE FOUND THEM!  A complete breading herd of miniature White Dexter, and Irish Jersey cattle.  Known for their high quality milk and great feed conversion these hand raised cows are a perfect fit for our cattle requirements to raise, and feed our veteran community.  What makes them so perfect is their docility, and size.  With our veterans coming home with multiple injuries, and difficulties it is important to have an animal that can be handled easily. 

          THAT’S NOT ALL!  We found this herd by fate.  “How’s that?” you ask.  The herd is local to our region and is currently being raised by a veteran and his wife.  They have also fell into huge medical expenses and are about the loose their family farm to taxes.  The purchase of their herd will catch them up so they don’t lose the roof over their head. 

          I knew I needed to help, but I never realized how much I could actually help!  Now not only can your donations help our generation’s veterans, but it also helps the generations before us, and for generations to come by saving another of America’s hero’s family farm.

         These cows are one of the last surviving herds of miniature White Dexter cows in existence.  This herd holds great confirmation and excellent proportion. With our ability to breed these animals and carefully select our stock we can bring them back toward their early glory.

          We need to raise $20,000 by August 10, 2013 to ensure to continuation of this exquisite breed of animal!  With your help, Project Eden Prattsburgh, and Johnny’s New Hope Inc., we can not only save a herd of cows, but we can answer the prayers of the family selling them.  They pray the cows would sell to people whom will honor their work in breeding for perfection, and we can answer that prayer, but only with your help!

          100% of all donations to Johnny’s New Hope Inc., Project Eden Prattsburgh, and Project Eden Prattsburgh Cattle drive, go to the betterment of the lives of combat veterans!  We have no administrative costs, and we feel when you as a donator give to veterans, then every cent you donate should be used to help veterans in need.

          With your generous donation we can help raise money to purchase this lovely herd of cattle, and should these donations supersede our intended amount needed all other monies collected will go directly into combat veteran housing.

          Please if you cannot make a monetary donation don’t think that you can’t help us accomplish our goal.  Make some noise about this campaign, spread the word to your friends and family, or cry out in the streets if you must!  Or if that’s too much then you can check us out atwww.johnnysnewhope.org, and friend Project Eden Prattsburgh on facebook to keep up with our ever changing community.

          Don’t just claim to be a patriot, show your patriotism and give to an organization who actually gives back to veterans! 

TO DONATE-- http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/project-eden-prattsburgh-cattle-drive   This charity is a registered non-profit.

  PROJECT EDEN PRATTSBURG

  Daniel J. Hoaglin SSG Ret
    American Legion Commander

    607-281-4581

    danh@johnnysnewhop.org

    PO Box 112, 6387 Butts Rd.
    Prattsburg, NY 14873

Happy Independence Day!

                                                HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

As we celebrate our nation's Independence, let us also take a moment to remember what Christ's sacrifice gave us as Christians as well. Freedom is never free.

The Christian's Declaration Of Independence

I am free from failure for "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me." Phil. 4:13

I am free from want for "my God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ
 Jesus." Phil. 4:19

I am free from fear for "God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Tim. 1:7

I am free from doubt for "God hath given to every man the measure of faith." Rom. 12:3

I am free from weakness, "for the Lord is the strength of my life." Ps. 27:1 and "the people know their God shall be strong and do exploits." Dan. 11:32

I am free from the power of Satan "for greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." 1 Jn. 4:4

I am free from defeat "for God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus." 2 Cor. 2:14

I am free from ignorance, "for Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God." 1 Cor. 1:30

I am free from sin "for the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth me from all sin." 1 Jn. 1:7

I am free from worry "for I am to cast my cares upon Him." 1 Pet. 5:7

I am free from bondage "for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Cor. 3:17

I am free from condemnation, "for there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:1