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.



Sunday, July 27, 2014

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot: 28 July, 2014

Prayer Breakfast
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton, Montana

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers
2. Breakfast is served
3. Morning Psalm: 105
4. Breakfast Reading: Exodus 16:1-21
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          News around the valley
          Community Aid through Christian Churches
                   Action Plan
                   Confederation of mutual aid organizations in the valley to help the county government
          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington
                   Week 28 of 52: Pandemic Preparedness
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:
          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
          1 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          8 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          15 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          22 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          4 Apr 2015 – 0645 – March for Jesus Christ
Tasks:
          Mission Statement for Community Aid
          Call and visit sheriff
          Use county emergency response draft to identify needs of the county
 Fellowship of Christian Veterans:
          Our 3Circles:
                    1) Outside (Feeder) Circle: Churches & Church Organizations, Veterans Organizations, Special Events, and Word of Mouth
                    2) Middle (Prayer Groups) Circle: Prayer Breakfast every Monday at 7am, Prayer Lunch (still needed), Intercessory Prayer, and Veteran Outreach
                    3) Inside (Serve the community with Care) Circle: Fellowship of Military Brethren

On Twitter: @Walk_April_4_15


Week 28 of 52: Pandemic Preparedness

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), serious, contagious disease outbreaks can and do happen. CDC investigates new contagious diseases—averaging one new contagion per year. Given our vast array of transportation systems, these diseases can end up at our doorstep far more rapidly compared to any other time in recorded history. Since pandemics are fast moving, vaccinations would be useless.
When an outbreak occurs, those living in cities and those living in close proximity of others will be more at risk. Statistics from previous pandemics indicate that 30–60 percent of the population will contract an illness. Any pregnant women, infants, elderly people, or those with chronic medical conditions are also at risk and could be the first of the population to contract the contagious illness.
When the pandemic begins, many will remain in a state of denial about any approaching epidemics and not want to think of the long lasting repercussions of such a disaster. Being prepared before the mass come out of their daze will ensure that you are better prepared before the hoards run to the store to stock up.
Having firsthand knowledge of the government’s protocols before this type of emergency arises can help put you ahead of the game. Understanding that our lives will change drastically if the population is faced with a pandemic and being prepared for this can help you make better choices toward the well being of your family. Some changes could be:
  • Challenges or shut downs of business commerce
  • Breakdown of our basic infrastructure: communications, mass transportation, supply chains
  • Payroll service interruptions
  • Staffing shortages in hospitals and medical clinics
  • Interruptions in public facilities – Schools, workplaces may close, and public gatherings such as sporting events or worship services may close temporarily.
  • Government mandated voluntary or involuntary home quarantine.
With any type of disaster or emergency, the responsibility falls more heavily upon our shoulders to ensure that we are able meet our needs. However, this is not anything new to a prepper. We believe in being self reliant, and if you have followed the 52-Weeks to Preparedness series, you should well be on your way to handle such a disaster.
So how do we prepare properly for this type of emergency? Similar to other emergencies we simply prepare as much as we can because any steps taken toward preparedness are better than none at all. Here are a few ideas to consider on how to better prepare for family for this type of emergency:
1.     Taking proper illness precautions – avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes during any pandemic.
2.     Create a sick room for the home.
3.     Keep your immune systems up by getting lots of sleep, having a good diet and taking vitamins and antioxidants to protect your health.
4.     Stay inside and avoid contact with others.
Some of the following suggestions to purchase have been repeated in previous newsletters. Ensure that you have these items on hand in order to prepare for this type of emergency. To read more about pandemic preparedness, click here.

Preps To Buy:

  • Have a two-week supply of emergency foods that require no refrigeration.
  • Store 1 gallon of water per person per day, in clean plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
  • Supply of nonprescription drugs
  • Pain relievers
  • Cold medicines
  • Decongestants
  • Stomach remedies
  • Anti-diarrheal medication
  • Vitamins that have immune boosting enhancers.
  • Fluids with electrolytes (such as sports drinks).
  • Bleach or disinfectant
  • Tissues
  • Garbage bags to collect soiled clothing and bedding before they are washed.
  • A thermometer
  • Latex cleaning gloves
  • Disposable gloves (in quantity)
  • Soap
  • Hand wipes
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizers or homemade hand sanitizer supplies
  • An extra supply of your regular prescription drugs and medical supplies.
  • N95 respirator masks (in quantity)

Action Items:

1.     Understand your community’s role in pandemic preparedness. Find out ahead of time what your community’s protocols are in the case of a sudden onset pandemic.
2.     For those with special needs, ensure that you have supplies ready for them (infants, elderly, handicapped, etc.).
3.     Plan accordingly for pets as well.
4.     Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they became ill.
5.     Finding out your employer’s plans and ask your child’s school or day care what their protocol is during epidemic outbreaks.
6.     Have some supplies prepared in your workplace.
7.     Identify how you can get information, whether through local radio, TV, Internet or other sources.


Monday, July 21, 2014

Military Brethren: Stand To for 21 July, 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: 16
4. Breakfast Reading: Isaiah 41:1-10
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          News around the valley
          Community Preparedness through Christian Churches
                   Action Plan
          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington
                   Week 27 of 52: Emergency Light Sources
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:
          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
          1 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          8 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          15 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          22 Sep 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 27 of 52: Emergency Light Sources

Many do not anticipate the amount of light sources needed for an emergency, let alone for a long-term emergency. In a previous newsletter, it was suggested to stock up on flashlights and matches for a short-term disaster to get by in an emergency where the electricity has been turned off. Practicing energy conservation measures during that time can also help prolong your light sources. However, if you find yourself in an emergency where the lights go out permanently, being able to sustain yourself for a longer-term scenario requires a more permanent means of producing light.
Some are turned off by the idea of attracting unwelcome attention to themselves by having light in the home during a longer-term emergency. Further, powering up a loud generator to turn the lights on may also draw attention to the homestead. That being said, if you are concerned with this issue, take special precautions ahead of time. Black out curtains can easily solve this issue. Plan to have a means of emergency light for not only getting around in the dark, but for essential rooms that will need to be illuminated. Rooms used for food preparation and even for medical/triage reasons will need to have lots of light to help treat any serious medical issues that occurs, especially at night.
Developing your survival skills and investing in preparedness supplies and know-how can help put you ahead in the survival game. Here are a few suggestions of emergency light sources to invest in for a longer-term disaster:
Candles – It is recommended to have candles for an emergency, however, many get confused as to what type of candles and wax are best in this type of situation. Keep in mind that candles are candles, so save yourself some money and look for the cheaper varieties. The Catholic style devotional candles range between $3-$5 and may be even cheaper at Dollar stores. A case of these type of candles can be purchased at the Dollar Tree for $12. Keep in mind that candles do emit carbon monoxide, so ensure that candles are placed in a well ventilated room. The light the candles emit may also be considered dim compared to other light sources you can find, therefore more may be needed to light a room effectively.
Solar lighting – Solar lights would be an efficient alternative to having light. Solar garden lighting can also be used as an alternative means to producing light. Solar garden lights can be purchased for as low as $1 at the Dollar stores and can be used as a torch (the solar panel/LED top can be unscrewed to be used as a night light), or could be altered to provide overhead lighting. In the morning, take it out to a sunny area to recharge. Get creative! Flash lanterns would also be a great product to look into, if this is the means of light you prefer.
Purchasing solar panels to use to light and power the home is an expensive investment that could pay itself off especially in al long-term scenario. These panels would be an amazing purchase for those interested in going off-grid. Keep in mind that solar cells are very fragile, and because of the fragility of solar equipment, it would be wise to invest in replacement parts for any solar materials purchased. Remember: two is one, one is none.
Fuel powered light sourcesGas powered lamps and overhead lighting are also available for those interested in a more off-grid solution. Bear in mind that additional fuel will need to be stored in order to provide light. Hurricane lanterns can be purchased at outdoor stores, but can also be found at garage sales, or donation centers such as the Salvation Army for a fraction of the cost. Remember to invest in extra parts and fuel for these types of light sources.
Rendered animal fats – If you find yourself with no means of producing light, tallow can be made from rendered animal fats. Note the smell tallow emits may not be what you expect, but it will do the job it is intended to do (Rendered animal fats can also be a means of producing alternative fuel for certain engines). Further, re-using fats from foods can also be used as a stand in for your normal fuel. For a more in depth review of bush craft lighting, click here.
Light from water – That’s right, you can light your home using a clear soda bottle and clean water. The light it emits is comparable to a 50 watt light bulb. You can see the amazing video here.
Night vision goggles – Investing in a pair of night vision goggles would be good not only for perimeter security, but also helpful in other situations where you do not want to draw any attention to yourself. The price of night vision tools vary from $250-$500. Night vision scopes are also available for rifles and could be an advantage for hunting. In online reviews, it was mentioned that some service members who used the night vision binoculars have said they prefer the monocular version. Because of the mass manufacturing of this product ensure that where you buy is from a reputable dealer.
Generally speaking, the American lifestyle is largely dependent upon the power grid. When the grid goes down, our population’s Achilles’ heal will be exposed. With our inability to function in a realm without power coupled with the extreme stressful nature of disasters and emergencies, it can be a large antagonizer for chaos and unwelcome encounters with the unprepared.
The following list is meant to be a comprehensive list of suggestions you should have in your preparedness supplies. My personal feelings are the more supplies, the better. And let’s not forget that the following items would make good bartering items. Find which items would benefit your family the most and invest in those.

Preps To Buy:

  • Long lasting candles
  • Hurricane lamps
  • Hanging lanterns battery powered,solar and/or gas powered
  • Flashlight – hand cranked, solar, battery powered, or LED
  • Solar garden lighting
  • Light sticks
  • Matches and water proof types
  • Cigarette lighters
  • Strobe light – as a signaling device
  • Head lamps
  • Extra glass mantels for lamps
  • Extra candle wicks
  • Extra propane or fuel
  • Extra batteries for flashlights, lanterns and head lamps
  • Solar panels
  • Solar chargers
  • Battery chargers
  • Black out curtains
  • Night vision goggles


Sunday, July 13, 2014

Military Brethren: Stand To for 14 July, 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: 37
4. Breakfast Reading: Luke 12:35-40
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          News around the valley
          Wildfire Season is upon us
          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington
                   Week 26 of 52: Emergency Sanitation Preparedness (List 2)
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:
          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
          1 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          8 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          15 Sep 2014 – 0700 – Push Back with Prayer Breakfast
          22 Sep 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 26 of 52: Emergency Sanitation Preparedness (List 2)

In 2010, after a devastating earthquake leveled Haiti, people all over the world wanted to help. Despite all of the aid pouring in, the reconstruction process was put on hold in order to deal with a cholera outbreak, an illness spread from the contamination of food and water. This epidemic was caused by open-defecation and could have been avoided if individuals knew where and how to properly expel waste.
Ready for the shocker? It is a documented fact that more people die after a disaster due to poor sanitation than from the disaster itself. You can do everything right regarding emergency sanitation measures, but that will in no way protect you from all those around you who did not. During times of extended disasters, those that live in close proximity to one another will be at the greatest risk for contracting illnesses from unsanitary conditions. Teaming up with those around you to create a community led sanitation system can assist in avoiding epidemics caused from unsanitary conditions. In this case, the group as a whole takes full responsibility for its success and will see fewer instances of illness.
Quite simply, wherever humans gather, their waste also accumulates. This creates a perfect storm for E. coli and bacteria to invade most of everything that you touch. Not to mention carrying the risk of infectious disease, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the very young, the elderly and people suffering from diseases that lower their resistance. Fly infestations can also pose a problem for sanitation, and if waste is left out in the open, then it will lead to the possibility of epidemics. The following are a few examples of structures that can be built to maintain sanitation during a longer-term disaster:
  • Simple pit latrines are the easiest and cheapest way to dispose of waste.
  • Ventilated latrine and an odorless earth closet that prevents fly infestations, are also good choices. Learn more by clicking here.
  • Decomposing toilets are above ground latrines that are another option and once the waste is decomposed, it can be used in the garden. Click here for more information.
Ever hear of humanure? Solid and liquid waste can be decomposed and composted to be used in the garden. For more information on using liquid waste in the garden, click here.
Toilet paper is always a concern for emergency preparations, however, there are alternatives and in a long-term scenario you will need to begin thinking outside the box. Some off-gridders use rags and thoroughly wash the soiled cloth for other uses. However, if you are opposed to this, other alternatives are available and can be viewed here. And for the lovers of disposable toilet paper, you can purchase larger quantities online at Amazon or at online janitorial supply stores. According to Wikipedia, one American person uses an average of 23.6 rolls of toilet paper per year. In a long term disaster, toilet paper will be a hard to find luxury item and could be a great bartering item. I would like to add however, that stocking up on thousands of rolls of toilet paper will take up a lot of space. So having some on hand for extended emergencies is a good idea, however, for longer term scenarios, you may need to get creative.
Because we are getting into more longer term preparedness items, you want to find prep items that are are multi-functional in order be as efficient as possible. Soap nuts are a great multipurpose prep item. They are cheap, have many uses, and can be composted after use. Soap, both antibacterial and regular, can also be purchased in bulk from your local dollar store.

Preps To Buy:

  • 2 weeks or longer toilet paper
  • Cat litter
  • Bleach
  • 5 gallon bucket
  • Clothespins
  • Laundry plunger (optional)
  • Wash boards (optional)
  • 2 large storage bins to do laundry
  • Women’s sanitary needs
  • Soap or a multipurpose alternative (in bulk)
  • Hand sanitizer (in bulk)
  • Mesh screening to use for long term latrine
  • Space bags to store toilet paper

Action Items:

1.     Ensure that you have sanitary items for all members of the family, including women, children and elderly.
2.     If you have not done so, create a sanitation kit for the home.
3.     Print this Hesperian health guide on sanitation and add it to your emergency manual.


Sunday, July 6, 2014

Military Brethren: Stand To for 7 July, 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: 24
4. Breakfast Reading: Matthew 10:1-10
5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          News around the valley
          Dealing with Hardship
          52 Weeks to Preparedness by Tess Pennington
                   Week 25 of 52: Dental Preparedness (List 2)
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

Upcoming Events:
          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 25 of 52: Dental Preparedness (List 2)

In week 10, dental preparedness was introduced and preventative dental health was stressed. This week we are taking our dental issues to another level… a longer-term level. It is important to remember that your teeth and gums are living body parts that respond to vitamins, minerals and fatty acids just as your skin, hair, muscles and organs do. And we must do all that we can do to keep them healthy. When teeth do not get the proper amounts of vitamins and nutrition, their overall health diminishes. Did you know there are foods that are both nutritious as well as good for the teeth and gums? Having access to some of these foods during a short or long-term emergency can be beneficial to your health as well as to your teeth.
As previously discussed in week 10, preventative dental health is the best type of oral care you can give your teeth and gums. Schedule regular check ups with your dentist to keep your oral health up to par. After all, we don’t want to be dealing with any existing dental problems during a long-term emergency. Having supplies and knowledge on natural alternatives to turn to during longer term emergencies will help keep you thriving.
When we think about being in a long-term emergency, the thought of having dental issues on top of everything else is a nightmare in itself. Since our goal is to create an all-encompassing preparedness supply, knowing what the most likely scenarios are and planning for them is better than going into a situation blindly. In the case of dental emergencies, the most common types of dental emergencies to prepare for are:
  • Toothache
  • Swollen jaw
  • Dental injuries
  • Prolonged bleeding after an extraction
  • Painful jaw
  • Painful erupting tooth
  • Cold Sores, Canker Sores, Fever Blisters
Most of these issues can be eradicated through preventative maintenance, so I’ll stress again: Keep your teeth healthy. When there is an emergency, however, dentist appointments are hard to come by. So, we will learn some alternative approaches to keep our teeth and gums in top shape. When the toothpaste and toothbrushes run out of your disaster supplies, look for these dental alternatives in your emergency supplies:
  • Salt
  • Baking soda
  • Essential oils
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Water
These items are multi-purpose, inexpensive and can keep your teeth and gums very healthy during a long-term disaster. For more detailed information including recipes for dental pastes and rinses, click here. Also, if you plan to have any elderly family members staying with you during a short or long-term disaster, do not forget to anticipate their dental needs.
Having some dental supplies to rely on during short-or long-term emergencies would be opportunistic to say the least. Your emergency dental supplies should be all encompassing with regards to multiple dental emergency resources, first aid supplies, vitamins, pain relief, anti-inflammatory needs and antibiotics.

Preps To Buy:

  • Salt (in quantity)
  • Baking Soda (in quantity)
  • Essential oils (in quantity) such as clove oil, cinnamon oil, or 4 thieves oil
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Toothpaste (in quantity)
  • Soft bristled toothbrush (in quantity)
  • Dental floss (in quantity)
  • Toothpicks (the rounded end type)
  • Fluoride rinse (optional, but could come in handy)
  • Tweezers
  • Instant hot and cold packs (in quantity)
  • Dental wax (to place over sensitive areas)
  • Dentemp
  • Cotton balls (in quantity)
  • Gauze pads (in quantity)
  • Black teabags (tannic acid in tea is a natural blood clotting agent)
  • Activated charcoal
  • Suture kit
  • Vitamins
  • Additional dental resources
  • Dental tool assortment
  • Monofilament or suture “thread”
  • Suture needles
  • Celox or quikclot
  • Antibiotics
  • Ibuprofen or pain reliever
  • Rubbing alcohol to sterilize dental tools

Action Items:

  1. If you haven’t done so, get a check up with your dentist.
  2. Begin stocking up on vitamins that can help dental health.
  3. Click here to download a PDF version of “When There Is No Dentist” by Murray Dickson. Then begin studying this resource to familiarize yourself with how to provide care.
  4. Start changing some bad eating habits (i.e., eliminating sugars, sodas, honey and molasses and junk food from the diet). If you do eat or drink any sugary items, make a habit of brushing your teeth within 30 minutes to remove any sugars left on your teeth. This can significantly reduce cavities.
  5. Get in the habit of flossing.