Take Up the Cross and Follow Him

Matthew 16:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.



Monday, June 30, 2014

Military Brethren: Stand To for 30 Jun, 2014

Veterans Push Back with Prayer
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton, Montana

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers
2. Breakfast is served
3. Morning Psalm: 4
4. Breakfast Reading: Colossians 1:9-23
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          Observations of the community, state and nation
          Show and Tell
          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington
                   Week 24 of 52: Water Preparedness (List 2)
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:
          7 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          14 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          21 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          28 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          4 Aug 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          11 Aug 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          18 Aug 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          25 Aug 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          4 Apr 2015 – 0645 – March for Jesus Christ

Tasks:
          Prayer to do God’s will
         
 Fellowship of Military Brethren:
          Our 3Circles:
                    1) Outside (Feeder) Circle: Churches & Church Organizations, Veterans Organizations, Special Events, and Word of Mouth
                    2) Middle (Push Back with Prayer Groups) Circle: Prayer Breakfast every Monday at 7am, Prayer Lunch (still needed), Intercessory Prayer every day, and Daily Communion
                    3) Inside (Give Back with Care) Circle: Fellowship of Military Brethren

On Twitter: @Walk_April_4_15



Week 24 of 52: Water Preparedness (List 2)

Never can enough be said about water purification and quality water sources during an emergency. One of the reasons I am placing so much emphasis on potable water is because improper drinking water is one of the leading causes of death in third-world countries. It is also one of the four most likely ways to die in a SHTF scenario. That being said, we must take steps to have water on hand for cooking, cleaning ourselves and ensuring that our households are properly sanitized. Learn more about how to properly disperse of waste and how to create a sanitation kit.
When water is unavailable, we must trust in the skills and knowledge we have amassed. One essential skill is knowing how to properly treat water. Here are two videos you can watch to create a Homemade Water Distiller and a Solar Powered Water Distiller.
Those of you who do not have access to natural water sources will need to be more clever at finding water in an emergency situation. Knowing the hidden water sources in your home can help you find immediate water (for short time use) when you need it the most. Many preppers use some of the following methods of having additional water on hand during emergencies:
Further, those that have wells on their property with electric pumps may want to consider an alternative hand or solar pump to have on hand during disasters where the electricity is out. Hand pumps such as Flojak pumps are very popular amongst preppers and would be a solid investment for those of you needing a non-electric pump for your well.
Having multiple ways to treat water will ensure that you are able to drink clean water during times that the water supply may be contaminated or turned off. Further, having potable water will ensure that your family has what they need to survive and thrive.

Preps To Buy:

  • Collapsible 2-gallon water containers (as many as you think your family needs)
  • 1-2 Bath tub storage – This is a large food grade plastic container that holds up to 65 gallons of water and fits convenienctly into your tub.
  • Water filtration system – Big Berkey Water Filtration Sytems are, by far a great investment for your preparedness foundation. As for pocket water filters nothing comes close to the Katadyn Pocket Microfilter. It has a 20-year warranty and can filter up to 13,000 gallons of water. All in a compact size for your bug out bags. Also, the life straw also has some great reviews and would be in your best interest to check it out. It removes 99.9% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% waterborne protozoan parasites, and will filter approximately 264 gallons of water.
  • Purchase extra filters for any water filtration systems
  • Water purification tablets – my family has stocked up on micropur tablets, but there are a host of other purification tablets out there. These tablets are great to carry in your bug out bags, evacuation vehicles and even to use on camping trips.

Action Items:

1.     Have at least 7 days of water stored up. Remember: 1 gallon of water per person/per day.
2.     Ensure that you have water purification systems for the home and bug out bag. This gives you a back up for your back up.
3.     Start practicing water conversation in your home.

4.     Learn some alternative ways to collecting water.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Military Brethren: Stand To for 9 Jun, 2014

Veterans Push Back with Prayer
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton, Montana

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers
2. Breakfast is served
3. Morning Psalm: 150
4. Breakfast Reading: John 5:19-47
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington
                   Week 23 of 52: External Security Preparedness
          Veterans’ Affairs
          Prisoner Exchange
          Emergency Communications and Preparation
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:
          16 Jun 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          23 Jun 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          30 Jun 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          7 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          14 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          21 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          28 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          4 Aug 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          4 Apr 2015 – 0645 – March for Jesus Christ

Tasks:
          Prayer to do God’s will
         
 Fellowship of Military Brethren:
          Our 3Circles:
                    1) Outside (Feeder) Circle: Churches & Church Organizations, Veterans Organizations, Special Events, and Word of Mouth
                    2) Middle (Push Back with Prayer Groups) Circle: Prayer Breakfast every Monday at 7am, Prayer Lunch (still needed), Intercessory Prayer every day, and Daily Communion
                    3) Inside (Give Back with Care) Circle: Fellowship of Military Brethren

On Twitter: @Walk_April_4_15

Week 23 of 52: External Security Preparedness

Shortly after Hurricane Katrina struck the Louisiana coast, reports out of New Orleans on September 1st stated that victims of the disaster were being raped and beaten and that fights and fires were out of control, leaving corpses laying in the open as the city descended into anarchy. Emergency responders in the New Orleans area were overwhelmed, and as a result their response time was lapsed.
A “bug in” scenario may be our only choice after a disaster strikes and we must prepare not only for our basic needs, but also for our safety. Since the grid may go down during a disaster, each household should prepare for crime. Looting and home invasions will more than likely be at the forefront of these crime waves and a defensible home will help your family stay safe.
Many of us easily relate to the idea that our home security needs to be beefed up. In fact, some of the homes we live in are defensive nightmares given the location, structural design, neighborhood or city we may live in. Because the home will be more vulnerable when the grid goes down (due to electrical alarm systems not working, lapsed emergency response time, etc), consider having some alternative security features for inside the home. A barking dog would be a great detection system for anyone trying to break in. And, if the pet is trained properly, could assist in protecting the family.
In an emergency where civil unrest can be a problematic issue, criminals look for accessible targets. They will concentrate on vulnerable “easy-pickings” and bypass the more secured areas. This was seen during the Rodney King Trial Verdict riots in Los Angeles and it’s suburbs, the only structures that were spared from active looting by large gangs were some stores owned by armed Korean Americans.
Security is an important preparedness measure to keep in mind when investing in your emergency supplies. Bulking up your home security features for the outside can be your first line of defense in preventing any criminals from trying to enter your home.
Given that our financial situations are each unique, I am not suggesting that you go out and purchase every item on this list. However, if you are able to invest in some security items for the home, I suggest you invest in as much as you can.

Preps To Buy:

  • Reinforced doors and locks. (There is only 1 ” of wood protecting you in normal door locks.)
  • Barred windows or European-style security/storm shutters.
  • Place thorny bushes or plants around windows or near vulnerable areas of the home.
  • If possible, create a barrier from approaching vehicles.
  • Put a peep hole in the door.
  • Add a bolt and chain to the door.
  • Infrared (IR) floodlights to illuminate the property (These can be motion-sensor activated).
  • Solar garden lighting can also be an inexpensive way to illuminate areas outside the home.
  • Fence the entire property, if it is not done so already.
  • A gate at the front of the driveway that has spikes at the top to prevent someone from jumping over the fence.
  • Cameras placed strategically around the home and near the entry points of the home can also deflect an intruder.
  • Create a safe room or vault to where a family can go to evade their attackers.
  • Buy a gun and know how to use it.

Action Items:

1.     Walk around the perimeter of your home and see where the vulnerable areas are.
2.     Make necessary changes to the outside of the home by bulking up on security layers.
3.     Contact a security expert or friend in the police department and see if they can provide you with additional advice.
4.     If it is a good fit with your family, look into purchasing a firearm or going to a concealed handgun course.
5.     Create a neighborhood watch program.


Sunday, June 1, 2014

Military Brethren: Stand To for 2 Jun, 2014

Veterans Push Back with Prayer
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton, Montana

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers
2. Breakfast is served
3. Morning Psalm: 107
4. Breakfast Reading: Acts 3:1-10
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington
                   Week 22 of 52: Hardware Tools (List 2)
          Talk about change and why people fear it.
          Emergency Communications and Preparation
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:
          9 Jun 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          16 Jun 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          23 Jun 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          30 Jun 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          7 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          14 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          21 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          28 Jul 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          4 Aug 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          4 Apr 2015 – 0645 – March for Jesus Christ

Tasks:
          Prayer to do God’s will
         
 Fellowship of Military Brethren:
          Our 3Circles:
                    1) Outside (Feeder) Circle: Churches & Church Organizations, Veterans Organizations, Special Events, and Word of Mouth
                    2) Middle (Push Back with Prayer Groups) Circle: Prayer Breakfast every Monday at 7am, Prayer Lunch (still needed), Intercessory Prayer every day, and Daily Communion
                    3) Inside (Give Back with Care) Circle: Fellowship of Military Brethren

On Twitter: @Walk_April_4_15

Week 22 of 52: Hardware Tools (List 2)
Keeping essential tools in your preparedness supplies will help you operate in a non-technological environment. As we are moving into preparing for longer-term disasters, we have to think about what our life will be like during an extended disaster. Generally speaking, those that go through disasters typically are without power for a given amount of time. So the cooking, laundry, sanitation and a host of other daily activities will have to be done without the convenience of electricity. We will also need tools to build, repair and maintain our homes and gardens in the face of damage or breakdown. Keeping traditional tools on hand can help in this department.
Tools would make great bartering items and are one of the top ten items needed to create a survival homestead. During times of grid-down disasters, tools can be used to help chop firewood, build a shelter and provide a host of other important duties. The tools you invest in should be of the “traditional sense”, and of good quality. A word of advice is that if you buy cheap tools, you will get what you paid for. In the end, you will end up paying more for another tool because the cheap tool was not well constructed. If you have a good eye for quality tools, look at yard sales in your area, or you can find good tools at your hardware stores or local home and garden centers. Some preppers who are looking for Amish crafted tools can look at websites such as Lehman’s, or Cottage Craftworks to find what they need.
There are a lot of tools that will be needed for a survival retreat and we will continue to add to our existing tool supply. Right now, we are focusing on starting simple and building our skills, and confidence. Click here to view the basic tool kit one would need for their retreat. Many of you will already have some of these tools in your tool kit, so take this time to purchase some extra blades or parts for your tool set. Keep the prepper’s rule of multiples in mind when making these tool investments: “Two is one, and one is none.” Instead of purchasing two tools, consider investing in spare parts for the tools such as extra blades, sharpening tools and lubricants such as WD-40 or Vaseline to keep these solid investment items up to par.
We will all have to make certain sacrifices during a grid-down scenario. The best way to understand what those sacrifices will be is to give them up periodically. Take a weekend or even one day and practice a grid-down situation to experience what your life would be like during those times. This exercise will help you understand how dependent you may be to certain conveniences and being without them can help you find ways around them. Further, get acquainted with your tool investment and practice using, cleaning and sharpening these tools.
The following tools can add convenience to your life, but are not the only tools you should have on hand. In the coming weeks, we will revisit this topic and add to our already existing tool supplies. Click here to learn more about the basic retreat tool set.

Preps To Buy:

  • Work gloves for all members of the family
  • Protective eye wear for all members of the family
  • Paracord Rope
  • Hammers (a claw hammer for hitting nails, and a ball peen hammer used for striking metal)
  • Saws (Hand saws and hack saws with extra blades)
  • Screwdrivers (4-in-1 screwdrivers, Phillips, Robertsen)
  • Wrench sets (Allen wrenches, pipe wrenches, combination wrenches)
  • Adjustable wrench set
  • Ax with a sharpening device
  • Wedge to help in cutting firewood
  • Pliers (an assortment of sizes)
  • Socket set
  • Vise grips
  • Squares (roofing squares and framing squares)
  • Levels (short square and a 4-foot level)
  • Bit and brace
  • Measuring tape

Action Items:

1. If you are not handy with tools, purchase a how-to guide and begin practicing this essential skill. Remember, you only have to be 10% smarter than the tool to get it to work.
2. Simulate a grid-down scenario in your home and practice what life will be like without the modern conveniences we are dependent on today.