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, June 19, 2016

The Granada War - Episode 8: The Siege of Cambil, 1485

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot 20 June, 2016

Prayer Breakfast: The Cost of Servanthood
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton Montana

Lord Jesus Christ, you have shown us what it means to be a servant. We ask now for your grace and strength to faithfully follow in the footsteps of servanthood. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Morning Psalm: 31

3. Breakfast Reading: Matthew 12:46-50

4. Breakfast is served

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          a. News around the valley
          b. Week 22 of 52 weeks of preparation by Tess Pennington
                             
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

7. Benediction
          You have been in communion with your Lord. Go forth now in the strength and assurance that the Lord Jesus Christ goes with you. Amen.

Upcoming Events:
          0700, 27 June 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 4 July, 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 11 July, 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 18 July, 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 25 July, 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 1 Aug, 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 8 Aug, 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 15 Aug, 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 22 Aug 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 29 Aug 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
         
Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:

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.


The Granada War - Episode 7: The Siege of Ronda, 1485

June 19, 2016 Worship Service

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot 13 June, 2016

Prayer Breakfast: Our Weakness and God’s Strength
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton Montana

Oh Father, through the power of your Holy Spirit you enable us to do and be more than we can think and imagine. Come now, dwell within us, and make us strong, to do your work and will. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Morning Psalm: 46

3. Breakfast Reading: Psalm 28

4. Breakfast is served

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          a. News around the valley
          b. Week 21 of 52 weeks of preparation by Tess Pennington
                             
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

7. Benediction
          You have been in communion with your Lord. Go forth now in the strength and assurance that the Lord Jesus Christ goes with you. Amen.

Upcoming Events:
          0700, 20 June 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 27 June 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
         
Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:

Week 21 of 52: Emergency Fuel Supply

When a disaster threatens a given area, fuel is one of the first emergency prep items people begin stocking up on. Fuel helps power you through an emergency by providing means to keep warm, cook, and supply emergency power for generators, appliances and electrical tools. When choosing which types of emergency fuel to store, consider the following issues:
  • Any dangers the fuel may pose by being stored.
  • How much fuel needs to be stored for the given emergency.
  • What appliances or tools the fuel needs to provide power for.
  • How long the fuel will stay viable for.
  • How it needs to be stored for safety reasons.
Because storing fuel for short or long-term use presents its own set of unique challenges, ensure that you safely store your fuel supply by following these safety regulations.
When storing certain fuels, you will need to use a stabilizer to prevent the fuel from separating. Some of the most popular fuel stabilizers are Sta-bil and Pri-G or Pri-D. Both are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased online or at most super centers. Most preppers like to have enough fuel on hand for at least a 72-hour period. To be on the safe side, plan on storing enough fuel to last under your predicted worst case scenario. Put some thought into which type of fuel you can store for this minimum period of time.
If fuels are to be stored for emergencies, then it will need to be stored in containers that prevent evaporation and prevent the signs of fuel phase separation. If the storage container is made of plastic, ensure that the container is made of durable HDPE with barrier materials to eliminate hydrocarbon emissions, has an airtight seal to reduce spills when not in use and has a pour spout that controls variable flow, has automatic venting and automatic locking when lever is released. Plastic is permeable and the fuel can seep through, however; some preppers have found that metal fuel cans are best. Some preppers suggest using auto grade silicone to coat their metal cans in order to preserve them longer.
The six most popular fuel sources to store are listed below. To learn more about these popular fuel types, how long they last and how to appropriately store them, click here.
  • Firewood
  • Gasoline
  • Diesel fuel
  • Kerosene
  • Propane
  • Solar power
You are probably wondering how much fuel you should store for a disaster. The answer is largely dependent on what you plan to use the fuel on during an emergency and how long the disaster will last. If you wanted to only run a generator with gasoline to power your home and appliances during the day, plan on using 1-2 gallons of fuel per hour. In a 72-hour emergency where you are reliant on yourself to provide power, plan on needing at a minimum 48-gallons of fuel.
Those who live in apartments or duplexes will probably not be allowed to store any types of fuel in or around the buildings due to the close proximity of living. Fuel dealers in your local area can tell you about the EPA and regulatory issues associated with storing fuel in a tank on your property. Contact them for this information as well as a host of other useful information about fuel storage.

Preps To Buy:

  • Multiple amounts of plastic or metal fuel storage containers
  • Seasoned fire wood (ample supply)
  • Fuel of choice to run generators, appliances, provide electricity for 1-3 month duration (if legally allowed to do so)
  • Fuel for cooking (ample supply)
  • Alternative cooking source (a solar oven, Korean cook stove, volcano stove, dutch oven, rocket stove, propane grill or stove)
  • Propane (one weeks worth)
  • Long burning jarred candles (unlimited amount)
  • Extra wicks for candles (can be purchased at Amazon or Ebay)
  • Matches

Action Items:

1. Read about the different types of fuel and decide which fuel choice(s) is best for your family.
2. Find an appropriate area outside of the home where the fuel can be stored.
3. Ensure that you rotate your fuel regularly and check to make sure there are no signs on leaking.


The Granada War - Episode 6: Queen Isabel: Spain's Crusader Legacy, 1484...

June 12, 2016 Worship Service

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot 6 June, 2016

Prayer Breakfast: Christian Maturity
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton Montana

Oh Father, renew our spirits and draw our hearts to thyself, that our work may not be to us a burden but a delight; and give us such love to thee as may sweeten all our obedience. Help us that we may serve thee with cheerfulness and gladness of children, delighting ourselves in thee and rejoicing in all that is to the honor of thy name; in Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Morning Psalm: 84

3. Breakfast Reading: Galatians 5:16-24

4. Breakfast is served

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          a. News around the valley
          b. Week 20 of 52 weeks of preparation by Tess Pennington
                             
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

7. Benediction
          You have been in communion with your Lord. Go forth now in the strength and assurance that the Lord Jesus Christ goes with you. Amen.

Upcoming Events:
          0700, 13 June 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 20 June 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          0700, 27 June 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
         
Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:

Week 20 of 52: 1 Month Supply of Food

We are all preparing for different reasons and to different degrees, however, most of you can agree that we are all preparing for a scenario where we will need to have emergency supplies to fall back on when the time comes. We have discussed in previous newsletters how storing food is both economical as well as promotes personal responsibility. Knowing that you can sustain your family in a disaster also provides peace of mind, which is priceless.
When storing food for long-term emergencies, it is hard to calculate how much food a person or family will need. One of the golden rules of prepping is “it’s better to be over prepared rather than under prepared.” Ensure that your family has enough food for long-term emergencies by researching to find out how many calories a person needs per day in order to survive, and knowing how much food to store. Remember to turn to the long-term food supply guideline to ensure that your food stays within it’s expiration date.
Certain foods can stand the test of time and are lifelines to families.  The following is a detailed list of the suggested prep items for you to purchase this week. Most of these items are lifetime survival foods, meaning their shelf life is 20 years+ and would be a good investment to make towards your food security.
  •  White Rice – White rice is a major staple item that preppers like to put away because it’s a great source for calories, is rich in starches and carbohydrates, is cheap and has a long shelf life.  Although some prefer brown rice, white rice is the better storage choice. Even though brown rice has more nutrition, it is considered a “living” food and tends to not last as long as white rice does. If properly stored, white rice can last 30 years or more. Rice can be used for breakfast meals, added to soups, made into a variety of side dishes and is also an alternative to wheat flour.
  • Beans – These low cost preps are not only packed with nutrition, but are extremely versatile. Beans are packed with protein, iron, fiber, folate, antioxidants and vitamins. When beans are accompanied with rice, it makes a complete protein which provides all the amino acids needed to survive. One serving of beans and rice provides 19.9 g, or 40 percent of your daily vitamins.
  • Wheat – Wheat is one of your long-term emergency must haves! Besides being a high carbohydrate food, wheat contains valuable protein, minerals, and vita­mins. Wheat protein, when balanced by other foods that supply certain amino acids such as lysine, is an efficient source of protein. Wheat berries are best to store as they will last longer than flour. The berries can also be used as a  breakfast cereal, added to soups for additional nutrition, popped like popcorn, ground into flour for baking, used to make alcohol, livestock feed, used as a leavening agent, for sprouting.
  • Oats – Steel cut, rolled or quick cooking oats are the most common types of oats you can buy in bulk. Oats are considered a whole grain and can be a valuable protein source during a long-term situation. In addition, oats can be used in a variety of cooking recipes, ground into flour, sprouted for needed vitamin nutrition, and used as livestock feed. Oats also have proven to be very effective in soothing the skin, and can be used medicinally. The alternative medicine community boasts that infusions of oat straw has also been used to assist in nicotine withdraws, and  used to treat flu symptoms and coughs.
  • Salt  Salt is a multipurpose, low cost prep that will be highly desirable if a long term disaster were to come around.  Prepping calculators suggest having 25 pounds of salt stored for one year. Salt can be used for curing, as a preservative, cooking, cleaning, medicinal, and tanning hides. Salt that is stored in it’s paper packaging can be subject to caking due to exposure to moisture. Packing salt in long-term packaging is suggested.
  • Sugar – Sugar will be highly desirable in a long-term emergency mainly because it will add a bit of normalcy to the situation. With a little sugar stored away you can use it as a sweetener for beverages, in breads, cakes, as a preservative, use it to make alcohol,  for curing, gardening, and as an insecticide (equal parts of sugar and baking powder will kill cockroaches). Much like salt, sugar is also prone to absorbing moisture, but this problem can be eradicated by adding some rice granules into the storage container. It is suggested not to add any dessicant packets to sugar as it will cause the sugar to brick.
  • Bouillon Granules – Bouillon granules are a great way to add flavor to dishes during a long-term situation. This could be a great way to beat food fatigue (eating the same types of food repeatedly that causes one to lose their appetite). Because bouillon products contain large amounts of salt, the product is preserved.  However, over time, the taste of the bouillon could be altered.  If storing bouillon cubes, it would be best to repackage them using a food sealer or sealed in mylar bags. Bulk quantities of bouillon granules can be found at most super stores.
  • Powdered Milk – Because dry milk will probably be the most sensitive food item you are storing, the drier powdered milk can be kept the better. In fact, adding a dessican’t packet when storing for long-term would be helpful in preserving this necessary food item. Powdered milk is not just for drinking. It can be used in a variety of recipes, added to soups, used to make breads, and also has many beauty uses as well.
  • Cooking Oil – Many overlook this critical prep item. Having oil is not only essential to use for cooking purposes, but it can play a large role in our diet as well. The fats contained in oil have nine calories per gram compared to the four calories contained by either carbohydrates or protein. This makes fat a valuable source of concentrated calories that could be of real importance if faced with a diet consisting largely of unrefined grains and legumes. Having cooking oil on hand could also be helpful to aiding the diet intakes of children and elderly since they consume less food and may be risk for malnutrition in a long-term disaster situation. Storing cooking oil could pose a problem. Due to the instability of most cooking oils, unopened bottles of  oil have a shelf life of 1 year. This is one example of why it is so important to use the foods that we store. Ironically, coconut oil has a longer shelf life of 5 years when properly stored in cool, dark place. Although darker colored oils have more flavor than paler colored, the agents that contribute to that flavor and color also contribute to faster rancidity. For maximum shelf life buy paler colored oils.

Preps To Buy:

  • White rice in bulk quantities
  • Beans in bulk quantities
  • Wheat in bulk quantities
  • Oats in bulk quantities
  • Sugar in bulk quantities
  • Salt in bulk quantities
  • Bouillon granules in bulk quantities
  • Powdered milk in bulk quantities
  • 2-gallons of cooking oil

Action Items:

19.         Calculate the amount of food your family will need for a month long disaster.
20.                With the food storage items purchased last week, begin assembling Mylar bags and storage containers and pour food contents in and seal for long-term storage. Have a print out on hand on the directions for packing food long term to ensure that you are storing food correctly.
21.                Ensure that food lids are sealed correctly.
22.                Store sealed food containers in a cool, dark, and dry area of the home.
23.                As a reminder, remember not to forget your pets in your long-term food storage plans and ensure that you have packed enough food away for your pets. Dog and cat food can also be stored in food grade plastic containers for long-term use.


The Moment of Truth

The Granada War - Episode 5: Boabdil's Bold Advance, 1483

June 5, 2016 Worship Service