After serving four years with HCJB World Radio--a mission that specializes in spreading the gospel into “closed” countries via the airwave--Joseph Garness has begun serving with Send International and is preparing to relocate to Alaska to support their radio ministry there.

Joseph’s first year was filled with language instruction and training, then he served in the high mountains of Quito, Ecuador.  After returning state-side, Joe worked on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation southeast of Hot Springs.  His ministry in Alaska will include on-air announcing, writing news copy, scheduling music, and generally everything that's part of keeping a 24-hour a day radio ministry going.

The Car is packed, the cat has a new home and I have said my goodbyes.

Tomorrow, Wednesday October 3, at 11:15 am, I will get on the ferry to Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

The last two days have busy. It’s astounding how much one is able to collect in a year and half. But on the other hand, it is also therapeutic to clean the junk out of one life.

The hardest part of leaving Petersburg is saying good bye to new friends. I know that wherever I go, The people of Petersburg will always be in my heart.

I found out today, that I will not be working with SIM International in Ecuador. They don’t currently have any job openings there. Please continue to pray for me and Jaine that God would show us his direction as we plan to be married.

Please continue to pray for me as I travel in the next few days. I will be taking the Alaska Marine Highway to Prince Rupert and on Thursday I will begin driving east with my destination Jasper Alberta on Thursday, Great Falls Montana on Friday and home to Nisland South Dakota on Saturday.

If I have access to internet, I will try to post updates on my journey to South Dakota.

Please note if you have been sending emails to music@krsa.net, I will no longer be checking that email address. Please send emails to jgarness@gmail.com.

Until next time, God Bless.

Joe Garness

Fall, 2006

Summer, 2006

March 24, 2006

Praise to The Lord!!!

I received word today that God has supplied 99% of my monthly commitments needed for ministry in Alaska as well as 48% of my outgoing expenses.

However, I can't leave for the field until I have 100% of my outgoing expenses as well. Please pray that God would supply for this need.  The staff of KRSA would like to have me in Petersburg by April 16th.

Please continue to pray as I complete preparations for ministry and that God would continue to prepare the way for this new door of ministry to Alaska.

Serving Together,
Joe Garness
Missionary
SEND International

February 16, 2006

Greetings Prayer Partners,

A Newsletter update was put in the mail today so everyone should be receiving a paper copy.  I've started sending everyone paper versions because I've had trouble with many supporters not receiving my emails copies.

Missionary Orientation Program at SEND International is finishing this week. I've been blessed beyond all measure from the people I've had time to spend with new and old missionaries from around the world. Each of the members of this group brought a freshness to my soul and I'm excited about the ministry God is preparing in Alaska.

Praises:

Prayer Request:

That's it for now. Have a great night!

Serving Together,
Joe
Missionary
SEND International
www.send.org

January 2006

Hey Everybody, here is a quick update of my ministry that I posted on my web page tonight.

Praises and Prayer Request

COP Update

For the last week and half I have been at Send International's Candidate Orientation Program or also known as COP. This is a time when those who have applied to be missionaries with Send International have been asked to come to Farmington Michigan where Send has there headquarters, to receive training. Candidates also appear before the Personnel Committee and are interviewed. I appeared before the committee in November but was asked to come to the training.

What a blessing it has been. I have met new appointees who are where I was five years ago. I saw their stress leading up to the personnel committee meeting and the relief afterward.

Several of the children of the appointees brought viruses with them and have been freely sharing. (I was sick over the weekend.)

I've been greatly impressed with the Send International staff and have been welcomed in as part of the Send family.

Overall, 7 families and 6 singles have spent the last week and half learning about missions together. I learned some valuable points that I hope to apply to my ministry. I also received news that I have been
assigned to Petersburg Alaska.

Thank you for your prayers. I felt and needed them.

My Internet access has been limited mainly because the room I'm staying doesn't have internet access but the office does.

I hope to give you more details soon before I leave Michigan Friday afternoon.

**My jgarness@hcjb.org.ec and jgarness@hcjb.org not longer work.**

Please use jgarness@gmail.com or jgarness@joesspot.us

Joe

December 2005 Front Lines newsletter

In The Shadow of His Wings:

On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation I learned about God’s protecting wings.

September 28th and 29th of 2005, The Nisland Independent Community Church sent a mission team down to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation with the goal of helping a single mother fix her trailer house.

Our church mission team was partnering with a local mission called Hands of Faith. Hands of Faith operates a small thrift store and soup kitchen in White Clay, Nebraska as well as providing practical job skills training to Native American Men on their compound a few miles south of White Clay.

The community of White Clay is just two miles south of the Pine Ridge reservation and and is not on the reservation. Because it is illegal to sell alcohol on reservation, 8000 cans of beer a day are sold in White Clay.

On Saturday, October 29th, our group had spent the morning making repairing a trailer house for a single mother with two children. The condition of the trailer was deplorable, the windows were covered with broken, the bathroom floor was rotted and there was no hot water and only cold water in the back of the trailer.

Because of the amount of work still remaining to be done, it was decided to take a break for lunch at the worksite, rather than returning to mission in White Clay. Because we had not packed our food in coolers, I and a couple other members of the team needed to return our cold food items to the Hands of Faith mission house in White Clay after lunch.

After arriving in White Clay, Bonnie Olson and Colleen Brunner, two of my team members, took the food into the building and I remained with the pickup and numerous construction tools.

As I was leaned up against the truck waiting for the other members of the mission team to return, a large Lakota man walked up to the truck and stared at me. I couldn’t remember if it was appropriate to look a stranger straight in the eye in Lakota Culture. I asked him his name, but he didn’t answer.

“Are you a Christian?”, he asked. I replied “Yes.” With a look of hatred in his eyes he stepped directly in front of me and informed that he didn’t like my white skin and he didn’t like the lies (referring to
Christianity) that I was teaching.

“Why are you here?” he demanded.

I tried to explain that I was in Pine Ridge with a mission group helping a single mother fix her home. But Willy didn’t want to here this. He continued asking why I was here.

I began to tell him that I was sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with the people of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He then lightly punched me on the cheek and told me that “it was time to stand my ground”, meaning that he wanted to fight. I continued to try share what Jesus had done for him.

At one point, he grabbed the collar of my coat and began to choke me. He said “What if I kill you now, white man?” I replied, “If you kill me now, I’ll go home to be with Jesus.” At that, he pushed me backwards and told me I should go back to my own people.

I kept praying, Jesus help me and then I’d glance at the door hoping my fellow missionaries would come out.

Willy continued to ask me why I was there and insisted it was time to stand my ground.

Finally, Bonnie and Colleen came out of the building. Bonnie quickly climbed in the truck and started the engine. I was quickly moving around the truck to the passenger door. Willy again hit me in the shoulder and as I entered the truck, he grabbed my arm trying to pull me back out. We peeled his fingers off my arm but he refused to let go. Finally, Colleen quietly put out her hand and told Willy that we needed to leave. Willy took two steps back and allowed us to leave the area.

The realization of the danger I was in began to sink in, and I began to shake.

Of all the places I’ve traveled, I’ve never been assaulted for my faith.  I truly believe my life had been threatened and if given the chance this Lakota man may have killed me. But more than being a physical assault, this was a spiritual battle that the Lord had allowed me to take part in.

We later learned this man “Willy” had been shot in the head by a white bartender some 15 years earlier. Curtis, the director of Hands of Faith told us that Willy had made a profession of faith but they were unsure if the profession of faith was real.

Please pray for Willy and the other Lakota’s who are in bondage to alcoholism. Pray that God would break him of the stranglehold of alcohol and that God would use Hand’s of Faith Mission to show him the way of Salvation.

Throughout the summer, I had been asking the Lord to give me the boldness of the apostles. I had also been asking the question, if my life was on the line, could I stand up for Jesus.

In one instant of time, God answered both my questions. I believe that the Holy Spirit gave me the strength and boldness at the moment I needed it. The Bible says in Psalm 91;

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.”

It is through tests such as these that God teaches us and prepares for more difficult trial later.  Don’t be afraid of the testing times, for it is in those times that God demonstrates his mighty power.  Perhaps through my experience with Willy, one of the many people who was watching will somehow be able to come to a personnel relationship with Christ.

Send International

Its official, I am now a part of Send International. On November 29th, I met with the personnel committee of Send International and was accepted as missionary appointee to Alaska.  The meeting was a culmination of a month and half of emails and conversations about my future ministry.

God has opened exciting doors for ministry in Alaska with the Northern Light Radio Network. I will be involved in all aspects of Christian Radio Broadcasting including on air announcing, news writing and music scheduling.

Before I can transfer to Alaska, Send International has asked me to raise $2785 per month for living expenses ($2,400 was my previous monthly support with HCJB.)  In addition I will need to raise $16,249 for outgoing expenses. Outgoing expenses include money for training, travel expenses to Alaska as well as expenses for deputation. This is similar to the amount of support raised in HCJB to get me on the mission field.

It seems like a lot of money but to God nothing is impossible and I am confident that He will raise up partners to fulfill this need.  Through out my years as a full time missionary, I have encountered those who believe that missionaries “should get a real job” and “stop mooching off nice people.”  However, I believe that God has called me to full time ministry through radio and part of that ministry is giving believers the opportunity to share in this work through prayer and financial gifts.

How many times have you heard a song on the radio that helped you through a difficult time? Did you stop to write a letter, thanking the station, songwriter or singer for that blessing?  Radio ministry does not necessarily yield spiritual fruit that can be easily measured, counted and applauded. However, it is a vital ministry God uses to help people in their time of need.  It is this ministry to “those on the other side of the radio” that God has called me to be a part of. And God has asked me to share that blessing of ministry through the asking of prayer and financial support.

Many of you have not been called to travel to far away lands and preach the Gospel, but perhaps God has called you to stay on the home front and help support ministry through prayer and financial partnership.  I am told that for every soldier that is sent out into combat, at least 3 or more are needed to support them behind the lines. It is the same with missions. We are soldiers on the field fighting for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I thank God everyday for those of you have been with me through the last five years and I’m praying that the Lord would lay on your heart the desire to continue partnering with Send International and myself in the next two years.  For those of you have never been a part of this team, but would like to, I give you the opportunity to share in the work of world wide missions.

I know that this time of year there are many organizations and individuals are asking for your money. I’m asking that you prayerfully consider if God would have you as a partner in this work.  If so, please complete the enclosed card, so I know of your desire and your commitment.

Please pray for me as I make this transition from Ecuador, to the U.S and finally to Alaska. Also please pray that God would bring in the support needed.  Each of you has been a special part of this ministry and I look forward to another 5 years of sharing God’s word around the world.

Spring 2005

The day was November 17, 2001, I could hardly contain my enthusiasm as the plane touched down. I had finally arrived in Quito, Ecuador. After almost a year of language study in Costa Rica I was thrilled begin the work God had prepared me for in Quito. I couldn't wait to begin my new ministry with the English Language Service of HCJB World Radio. I had no idea of the joys, the trials and the amazing experiences God would take me through.

My first assignment for HCJB World Radio involved working in the English Language Service as a producer, news writer and broadcaster. I mixed and produced dramas for a program that taught English as a second language and assisted on a news magazine style program entitled Studio 9. I also programmed the English Language Service broadcast schedule on the HCJB World Radio's Broadcast control computer.

In July, of 2004 I became the Communications Coordinator for the Latin America Region of HCJB World Radio. My responsibilities included producing stories for written publication and creating HCJB presentations and videos.  This new assignment involved much work and daily communication with HCJB World Radio Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Therefore it is with much thought, prayer and guidance from HCJB World Radio Staff Members that I have made the decision to return to the United States.  I will now be working in the International Headquarters of HCJB World Radio in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In Colorado Springs, I will work the Communications Department of HCJB World Radio and will be producing video and power point presentations, as well as corporate communications and other written publications for HCJB.

I will be returning to the United States May 5, 2005. I will first be attending an HCJB World Radio conference in Colorado Springs and after that I will be on the road for six months of support raising before beginning my new responsibilities in October of 2005.

Because the cost of living in Colorado Springs is significantly more than in Quito, HCJB World Radio is requesting that I raise an additional $1673 per month in order to complete my transfer. This is a significant amount of money, however, even a small increase in one's support will help me reach this targeted amount. An increase of only $642 in monthly commitments would allow me to qualify for a missionary subsidy through HCJB World Radio. This option provides financial support for HCJB World Radio missionaries working in Colorado Springs. A breakdown of my support needs are listed in the side box.

I want to say Thank you, to all of those who have been faithfully supporting my ministry through HCJB World Radio. Your commitment to this ministry through your prayers and financial support has enabled me to serve God for four and half years of ministry. Through your generosity, HCJB World Radio is able to continue to share the Gospel around the world.

If you are not a supporter with this ministry, or have not made a monthly commitment, please consider if God would have you be a part of this life-changing work. If you are already a supporter, thank you, again.
Would you consider increasing your financial commitment to this ministry? Special one-time gifts are always welcome. If you feel you are unable to make a financial commitment but would like to be a part of
my prayer team, or help in other ways, please let me know. If you are a farmer or rancher, you can be a part of HCJB World Radio ministry through Steer inc. Please see the enclosed page fore more information.

It is with mixed emotions I write this letter to you. I am happy to be returning to the United Sates, but at the same time, I am hesitant to leave Ecuador. I have grown to love the Ecuadorian people and the Latino culture.  It is with great difficulty that I will say good bye to my friends, co-workers and a culture with has become a part of me.

My time in Ecuador has been an amazing adventure of learning to live in another world. There are simply not enough words to describe to you all things I have experienced. This has also been a time of learning more about who God is and who I am.

Each of you have a special place in my heart. You have faithfully prayed for me through these difficult years and stood beside me with your financial support. Thank you for sharing in the vision of proclaiming the Gospel to all the world.

I look forward to seeing and talking with each of you when I return in May.

Until next time,
Joseph Garness

Please do not send emails to:  joegarness@yahoo.com

Summer 2004 Front Lines newsletter

Spring    2004 Front Lines newsletter