Monday, June 20, 2016
Sunday, June 19, 2016
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
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