Joy & the Holy Spirit

Hello all!

Camp Life has picked up quiet a bit since Monday- I have been blessed to be a part of God doing some really cool things.

Tuesday was definitely a blessing- God revealed His joy to me in several neat ways. First, I was running fever Monday night and still on Tuesday morning. Only having Camp Life for 5 days meant that I really didn't want to be sick any because I wanted to give my kids all that I had. I prayed that the fever would go away, and God answered. By 10am on Tuesday morning the fever was gone and I felt better than ever. I also had the opportunity to do 5 blessing times (one on ones with each child) and really was encouraged by how they were all doing. A few of the boys have really started to read the Bible and apply it to their lives- very encouraging since they're only 12-16 years old. These kids are so much more exposed to tragedy and bad things at an early age, so really they've lived through things most of us don't see in a lifetime. At lunch my boys served a girls group lunch- I'm teaching them how to be true gentlemen as in Zambia girls are treated as second rate citizens. They seemed to enjoy this and were very shy during our brief time together. In the afternoon we had our sex talk and we shared with the the story of Solomon, I threw out some Tommy Nelson one liners, and we used an analogy to show the guys how vulnerable they are when sleeping around. HIV is such a huge problem- 1/6 people in Zambia have aids...it's truly out of control. But- praise the Lord- two of my 5 new kids accepted Christ (John and Luke) later in the day:)

Today (Wednesday) was another amazing day. My fever subsided yet again and we really tried to share with the boys in a very practical sense what Grace is and who the Holy Spirit is and how he works in our lives. We actually read scripture from John 12 about how the Holy Spirit, our counselor, is always with us and teaches us "all things". I'd never really thought about that before...he teaches us all things...not just some things. Both my Zambian counselors shared stories with our group about how the Holy Spirit worked specifically in their lives. I want to share one in particular.

Noah was in the front seat of a bus on his trip through Lusaka one day; he was in the very front seat in the corner by the windshield. For some reason Zambians love the front seat (shotgun!). So..as he was riding he felt the Holy Spirit leading him to just get off the bus. He didn't know why...but finally he just got off and caught the next bus. About fifteen minutes later, his new bus drove up on the bus he had been riding. That bus has crashed into a ditch, and the seat he was sitting in had been completely crushed all the way to the other side of the bus frame...if you getting chills right now...so did I!

Later today we took a trip to the new LRC (Lifeway Christian Schools) to see the new schools and how they were being put up. This location was actually a old World Hunger site (not exactly the right name) that had been abandoned. Family Legacy has been testing four schools and they've had remarkable results in effectively educating kids. When we got to the LRC probably 200 kids atleast crowded around our buses and as we got out jumped into our arms. I've got some great pics, but it was amazing just holding these kids. They are so poverty stricken but so joyous to see us. It was a true reminder of why I am here.

Tomorrow we'll be traveling into Kabanana Compound to visit my kids village and pass out flour, honey, and oil and bless people in their community. Please pray that me and my boys will be courageous and filled with the Holy Spirit to touch those in need. Also please pray that I will be an encouragement to both orphans, Zambian Staff, and Americans and that I will "leave it all on the field." I am praying for all my donors as again this trip would not be possible without you.

Love & Ztwownana Milo (see you tomorrow in Nanja),

Travis

Isaiah 40:31

Camp Life Day 1

Day 1 is in the books at Camp Life- it was great to be back in the swing of things with my kids. This morning we started the day off singing and praying with the Zambians. My Zambian translator is Brian- he's an incredible writer and one day wants to write a book. My other helper is Noah; he's a super servant and blessing to work with as well.

I got 11 kids this year- 7 are kids I've had from years past and 4 are new. It's been great because Emmanuel, who I had in 2008, is back (he wasn't in our group last year). It's been a blessing to see how the Lord has worked in his life and how he's grown into a young man. I had 4 one on one times with Salati, Sindiso, Emmanuel, and Phillip. They shared stories about how they've grown up spiritually and it seems they've been making great decisions as they grow into young men.

Please pray for two of my new boys- Mandra and Lazarus (different one from my first year). They both seemed distant in all of our interactions today, even when we played games. This is their first year at Camp Life, so I don't know much about them. Please pray that the Lord will open their hearts to hear God's word and that He will give me and my helpers the words to speak into their lives.

Also- if you could pray for my health...tonight I've been feeling a bit of fever and I don't want that to get in the way of this week.

Everything else is going really well- it's been great to reconnect and do Camp with my close friends who've been coming for the last 3 years.

Thanks for your prayers and I'll be in touch!

Nehemiah 8:10,

Travis

Father's Heart & Sunday with the Zambians

Hello all! Well- I'm in Zambia and the last two days have been full of blessings.

Yesterday I got the opportunity to go see my sponsor child Elijah in the compound of Jon Leing. I was earlier in the day told that Elijah had moved to another village away from Lusaka, but to my surprise I found out that that was a different Elijah and my Elijah was here. I spent the afternoon playing with him and his friends at the Family Legacy CRC (Community Resource Center) and then visited his home. I quickly saw that their family had moved since last year- their house was about 10x10...that it. I got to meet his mother, two sisters (one is Francia), and his sister's 5 month old baby. One HUGE blessing was finding out how much better Elijah's father was doing. Last year when I visited he was very sick. We've been praying for healing and his father is doing so much better! He was out working when I visited. It was such a blessing getting to see Elijah at home- he is such a precious child!

This morning we had church with the Zambians and Pastor Rafael preached a very powerful message- "A Christian Believer with a Difference". He pretty much brought the message that there are many of us who believe, but that obedience and action are the key to living an authentic life with Christ. It was a very great check for me and reminded me to see how my actions were lining up with my beliefs. As Rafael reminded me- even demons beileve in Christ. Jesus said, "If you love me you will 0bey my commands." Our actions and what we say we beileve in must match up- otherwise...we (myself included) are just fooling ourselves.

I'm actually having lunch now and am getting to see my Zambian partner from last year- N'Kandu. It's been incredible to see N'Kandu grow in his faith this year as he's leading the children's camp at his church and going to college.

Thank you for all your prayers!!! I really appreciate it. Zambia is a great place for me to come back to to be reminded of how real and powerful the Lord is and how he's accessible...we just hae to believe, obey, and follow Him.

Love,

Travis

London

We arrived in London today and got the pleasure of showing Kelly Bumpkin and Kim Malnar around the city. We went by Big Ben, Parliment, Westminster Abbey, St. James Park, Green Park, and Buckingham Palace. I slept the whole flight from Houston to London- much needed! We fly out to Lusaka here in an hour or so and on Saturday morning I'll get to go see Elijah and other kids in the Jon Leing compound.

Thank you for all your prayers- the Lord is already in this and working.

Sunday we'll have church with the Zambians, which is my favorite because they really know how to worship. Sunday evening I get to meet my translator (called evangelist) and other partner (apostle). Monday- I meet the boys and Camp Life starts!

Have a blessed weekend- thanks for all your support!!


His joy is my strength,

Travis

Leaving for Zambia Today!!!

Hello Family and Friends!!

To say the least- this has been an eventful 48 hours. Yesterday I traveled to Fort Worth to get my passport that turned out to not be there! Thank y'all for praying- today the Lord has answered one of many prayers in helping me go back to Zambia. After driving through Nacogdoches from Camp to get my birth certificate (I just happened to be driving through Nac...my birthplace), passport photos at Walgreens, and boarding pass, I sped down to Houston where I had an outside chance to get to actually get my passport today. I had all the documentation, but as I got ready to sign the lady at the counter said, "I'm sorry, but it's past the cutoff- it was at noon." I pleaded and prayed that the Lord would get me through. Sure enough..she checked with her manager and they pushed it through!!! PTL. I'm still not on the flight, but I'm fully aware He is in control.

Thanks first and foremost to you who made this trip possible- you are His hands and feet and I know the Lord will bless you many times over as he has me over and over as I go back to Zambia.

If you're praying- please pray for the following:
1. Strength and Energy- I'm on "e" right now
2. Vision and humility to just share what He wants me to say
3. Spiritual growth for my boys (Elijah, Salati, Sindiso, Angel, Moses, Phillip, Davies, Felix, Steven, Peter, Edward, Japhet, Suwilanji, Jack, Lackson, Lazarus, and Emmanuel)
4. For us to experience true JOY and fun
5. Empower me to encourage other Americans on the trip

I'll be leaving tonight- I am so sad to be leaving my kids at Camp Huawni...this is the last week of Camp (pic above is my tractor crew on cookout for Session 3). Our staff especially has done an amazing job- you can pray for them too! (energy and to finish loving the kids strong!)

I'll try my best to keep everyone updated.

Nehemiah 8:10,

Travis

Long Overdue Update

Greetings from College Station, Texas! I'm sitting in my hotel room right now thinking about all the close friends I have and how I wish I could catch up with you all. I've decided to start updating my blog so I can keep everyone in the loop on where I am, what I'm doing, and how the Lord is using me.

This summer Austin and I got an opportunity of a lifetime- we got to run Camp Huawni (www.camphuawni.com). We had an amazing summer with the kids; it was a great change up from the grueling Acton schedule. We had many kids say it was their "best summer ever"; that made our hearts smile.

On July 21st I flew out with my brother and Mom to Zambia; we took part in putting on Camp Life, a camp for orphans in Lusaka, Zambia. I actually got to be with my same orphans from last year- it was a blessing to see how they've grown. They have endured so many struggles they encouraged me once again to live a better life for His Kingdom. I love my kids! (https://fathersheart.legacymissions.org/ambassador.php?aid=1A.00000919). It was also a blessing to have Austin and my Mom there- this experience truly changed my life in a profound way and it's so neat to see that happen in their lives as well. I am planning on going back next year. Pray about it...you never know...maybe you should come with us!

Finally, in August, I accepted a job with Royalty Pecan Farms (our family's orchard) in Caldwell, TX. It's been a rich experience, as we've assembled a great team of people and a unique, premium product (www.royaltypecans.com). After running the retail side for Royalty for a few months, I am so grateful for the lessons learned at Acton and for the teachers and classmates who pushed me to learn more. There is no shortage of ways in which to implement the lessons learned at Acton.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful December and happy holidays. May the Lord bless your Christmas- what a wonderful and magnificent birthday we get to celebrate.

God bless and keep in touch!

Travis

Hello Family and Friends!!! I apologize for the much overdue update. Things are going fast and furious, and I feel blessed to be at this stage of school, life, etc!

As far as Acton goes- things are great. Two weeks from tomorrow and we are finished! It's truly been one of the most stimulating journeys in my life. Tomorrow morning I will be pitching my business opportunity with classmates Hugo, Lawson, Scott, and Joe. We will actually be pitching a real business opportunity, one which we may potentially pursue post Acton. Also, last week I was privileged to host the TCU CEO Club. Brad Hancock, a very talented entrepreneurship teach at TCU and dear friend, and the TCU faculty led a group of TCU students to sit in on a case study. The students also got a chance to hear from former Horned Frog Vernon Bryant as he discussed private equity, what it means, and what all he does here in Austin. Thanks to all you TCUers who I got to meet- I truly enjoyed getting to hear your stories and ambition for an entrepreneurial career path.

On to other news- I attended the 2nd Zambia Camp Life meeting two weeks ago- it was also amazing. I have been praying that the Lord would come through financially for me this year. Thanks to many of you, I raised half of the $4,000 needed for the trip. This past week- God showed up and supplied the rest! I was reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6; He is so clutch! Please continue to pray for my kids and my brother and mom, who are also going with me. The final Camp Life meeting is coming up on April 17th.

Lastly, as some of you may already know, this summer I have secured a very high paying and lucrative job opportunity- the Camp Huawni director position! Well, maybe monetarily it doesn't pay great, but the intrinsic (i.e. enduring/self) value of loving on the kids and staff this summer is priceless. Hey- I do get free rent and will be on the meal plan of our famous chef Miss Ada (she is the most wonderful cook in all of Shelby County!). Following Huawni and Africa, I hope to be back either in Fort Worth or Austin. I've got several opportunities- please pray that the Lord will make the path clear to me and that I would follow joyfully.

So, as Acton winds down, I am trying to soak up as much of the environment and knowledge as possible. I'll be graduating on May 3rd, finally. So before I go, just know that each of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks again for your support. And finally, remember that each day we are all called to be on mission to loving others- we are missionaries, believe it or not! Have a blessed Easter!

He is Risen,

Travis

ps- I am currenlty mentoring a prisoner named James- he and I are involved in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (www.pep.org). Please pray that the Lord will bless and guide him as he begins the process to turn his life around and start his business.