Cinder Block Gardening

And they said cinder blocks don't grow on trees. No, I'm not growing cinder blocks in my backyard now. I'm growing with cinder blocks. These are like LEGOS for big kids.

For raised beds wood is just about all out. Everyone says don't use treated. Well, if you use untreated you'll be replacing boards seasonally. There are railroad ties but the chemicals in them are also a little iffy.

The next logical step seemed to be landscaping stones. They aren't cheap but they're designed for this stuff, right? Well, I've already tried a couple of different kinds and I haven't been all that impressed. Beyond the cost they seem either too small or too irregular in shape. I looked at all kinds of landscaping blocks, imagining, trying to find the right shape and price and color even and I just never could feel completely settled on anything.

And then one day I was doing some more of my usual raised bed Internet research and I found some videos on YouTube that showed some guy using cinder blocks and it appeared he was having the kind of success I was desiring. I especially liked how he used the holes to his advantage, places for trellis poles or other handy upright features.

I decided to get enough for a single 4' x 8' bed two rows high. (I realized today that's a total of 32 blocks.) I was quite satisfied with the results. Some of the first things I noticed was how quickly I was able to load up what I needed and how quickly the bed was constructed. The smaller landscaping blocks just seemed like they took much longer to lay out. The cinder blocks take up more space so if backyard real estate is an issue then blocks with less volume might work better. The size, weight and shape of the cinder blocks meant straighter and more square lines and less gaps. I could also be less concerned about the weight and pressure of the soil inside pushing the walls out. They are easier to stand, walk or sit on too.

The first 4x8 bed I built I employed the use of the holes right away constructing an enclosure to keep the birds off my strawberries. I was quite pleased with the ease and the results. I could tell I was working with a more component like setup that offered me more function and versatility.

Now as I am completing my first season of growing I have started planning to add more beds. I have no doubt I will continue with more cinder block construction.

What does composting have to do with God?

That's a question I've been asking myself too. Here's the best way I can answer that.

Actually, the longer question might be, "What does composting have to do with what God is doing in and through the greater community of Siloam Springs, Ark?"

You don't have to be a believer to know that tough times are ahead. Composting to us is just one of many ways we can secondarily support some of our more primary preparedness initiatives. It's part of an overall strategy to lower our overall consumerism-dependant center of gravity. Composting, but ultimately gardening, is a way to diversify our source of food. It has been said that the average neighborhood grocery store has about 2 days of inventory in stock at any given time. This nation sees disasters of all kinds year-round ultimately with no geographical boundaries and our infrastructure is constantly being tested and affected. Whether large scale or more regionally speaking if we became cutoff from product or transportation our local neighborhood markets could dry up very quickly. Our family has chosen wise ways to store extra water and food and other supplies to mitigate the harm that could befall us in this type of a scenario. Growing a garden helps ensure that we have fresh fruit & veggies 3 seasons out of the year, not to mention the many other benefits to producing your own food. So we feel that we are following divinely inspired wisdom in adopting these and like practices. And we freely share our knowledge and skills with others so that we as believers can be in a better position in times of crisis to show God's love to others when they need it most.

So, please don't be surprised as you see forthcoming posts describing more "off the grid" habits as we prepare for the things that history and the Word have taught us are inevitable eventualities. In the words of a dream the Lord gave me back in April of this year, facing the oncoming storm, it is our goal to help, "Get the people ready!"

- Wade Baker

Simple Composting Bin

Composting has many benefits. One of the first things you may notice is a reduction in your outgoing trash volume. If points were awarded for stewardship this is one of those places where you could earn one or a few. By reducing our outgoing trash we are sending less waste to landfills. Landfills certainly serve their purpose but why add to them any more than we need to?

But probably my favorite part about composting is turning what most people consider as waste into a valuable resource, rich garden soil. This can prove handy whether your growing marigolds or melons.

But to make composting an activity, a habit or a lifestyle for most people it's got to be simple. Those creative ideas that help the environment, produce something useful and don't take too much effort are great!

And going back to my favorite reason, I like composting because it helps support my backyard gardening habit in a number of ways. Beyond producing a soil enriching agent it gives me a handy place to put plant material that I need to remove from my garden whether it be weeds or plants that have finished their season or crops that didn't quite make it to the table. I also can't tell you how many tomatoes and squash and melons I've eaten that started as plants in and around my compost. I see those little familiar looking sprouts pop up and transplant them to my garden. It so much fun watching free and easy food grow. Much of my garden this year were what I refer to as accidentals. Of course, they are no accident. I count each one as a gift from God.

So, let's get to the business of building a compost bin. There are many resources available telling you much more about all the benefits and techniques. This is just one I stumbled across that I felt led to share with you today.

This first picture shows my existing compost bin that we have used the last couple of years but as you can see, it's full and needs a friend to help carry the load. So propped up against it is a fresh roll of what is universally called hardware cloth. It's not a fabric at all but rather a medium wire mesh. I bought this particular roll at Lowe's but I think I found about the same thing at Atwoods.

Remove the plastic and paper wrapper and you may find your roll is still held together with a thin bailing wire. One of the hardest parts can be finding the beginning of that little wire so you may end up doing what I did and cheat. This may be a good time to grab a pair of wire cutters. You're going to need them sooner or later anyway, the only tool you'll need for the whole project.

So cut and/or unwind the wire and the roll will start to loosen and open up a bit. By this point I should throw in the legal "make sure to wear gloves" because the wire ends can get a little pokey. I know this because I don't always follow the legal advice.

So save that extra wire. In fact, this might be a good time to use the wire cutters and go ahead and cut it up into pieces about 6 inches in length. Set them aside because you will need them soon.

This next part is when having a 2nd person should would be handy. By now you will notice the roll can be wound up pretty tight; more memory than I have left I can tell you that. I've done this by myself before and it's no fun. It can also take some time to get the roll loosened up. This time I thought I'd be smarter and employ a couple of cinder blocks. I walked the rest of the roll out trying to bend it flat with my boots. As you can see, Ladybug was absolutely no help at all.

So now I have my mesh back over where I intend to finish it up and install it. As you can see it rolled right back up tighter than Scrooge's hand on Christmas Eve. Plan ahead. Trick a buddy into coming over.

That first "stitch" can be hard when you are doing it all by yourself. Grab your buddy by the tail of his shirt and tell him you need him just a little bit longer. Somehow talk him into struggling the two ends together while you make your first tie. I have overlapped the two ends about 3 inches. This next part you can do as the Holy Spirit leads. I liked doing my stitches horizontally from one side of the overlap to the other. If the overlap is truly 3 inches and you cut the wire to a 6 inches you're not going to get much of a twist so keep all that in mind and adjust accordingly. By the way, if you don't have wire cutters but you have a handful of zip ties lying around you can make this a tool free project, if you don't mind all the little tails.

So patiently work your stitches down. I spaced mine about 3 inches apart. With the mesh being 36 inches high that would come to about 13 stitches which is probably enough.

When you get about halfway down flip the whole thing over and finish it that way.

Now that all of your metal wire stitches are done, and you've breathed a sigh of relief and stood up straight again it's time to clean up the extra wire. I set a little waste can on the ground and trimmed up all the extra tail on my twists.

One final step (no pun intended) that I don't show here is I turned the hoop horizontal for a moment, set it on the firm surface and stepped on the seam with my boots. This not only helps to flatten out the seam a bit but also bends the twist back down to reduce the risk of catching one with your hand someday.

Now that your done, you can enjoy the fruit of your labor. No real pomp remaining, you can just set it in place. I have used stakes before to keep it in place but found them pretty useless. As you can see I have two bins side by side now. There is a whole new technique of using two bins in a way to accelerate the composting process. There are many more resources available on line to describe this. This entry was just the 101 for today.

- Wade Baker

Return from Hiatus

Yes, I have been absent. September & October were crazy months for us. A lot has happened in that time. So even though this blog is not intended to be a personal journal I feel the need to explain a little from the author.

For one thing, I lost access to my my primary home computer. The Lord has restored that through the generosity of my previous employer. Yes, I said previous. So I have more time on my hands and I'm actively seeking Him regarding this new direction.

Speaking of new directions, this blog is about to take a new focus. It will stay true to it's original intent (in the title header) and begin to outline some of the neat things that God is doing in the areas of preparing His bride, the church, for the days ahead. As some of you may know, the Lord has been really speaking to me and dealing with me in regards to disaster response and all the forms of preparation that are required for His body to come together to "reach the harvest in crisis" (to borrow someone else's words).

So today starts a new season. Just as the leaves are falling to the ground so this is a time of transition. Even as the trees are preparing for dark, cold, dry times ahead so we too, as believers, should be getting the people ready. But not from a place of fear, but from wisdom and faith because we are protected through a divine covenant and scripture shows us promise after promise. And like every Spring the trees flourish once again in beauty and bringing forth fruit.

The Pool Nearly Full in August!

The "pool of Siloam Springs" was nearly full (steps to steps) the morning after we had a meeting of 21 adults representing 7 different churches to discuss a biblical approach to security in the context of disaster preparedness and relief.

Siloam Springs received 2 1/2" of rain the night we met at Terry & Diann Meythaler's home. Jordan Roach of the Naval Academy presented an outstanding biblical approach to security. We met for two hours from 6PM-8PM and added probably another 30 minutes afterward for food and fellowship.

We prayed for the home a couple of streets over that was struck by lightning and burned in the severe thunderstorm. There was much engagement and discussion. Tabbitha Easley led us in worship singing and playing her guitar. We look forward to meeting again in two weeks.

- Wade Baker

United Christian Charities

I attended a meeting last night in Bentonville about a growing group of individuals moving into Northwest Arkansas to build a Christian disaster relief center here. The team's name is United Christian Charities and it is acting more as an umbrella organization for this Arkansas project.

This non-profit organization's prinipal leader is Vincent Xavier who is currently based out of Southern California. They believe they have a strong word from the Lord to begin the disaster response center vision in Northwest Arkansas. His partner in ministry, Billy Stout, moved to Northwest Arkansas the 8th of this month to provide local leadership for the project.

In the meeting last night they announced having closed on 10 acres on the 15th of this month. The land and included property is near the small town of Decatur which is about 15 miles north of Siloam Springs.

- Wade Baker

BlackBerry Test

I am testing creating a new post via my BlackBerry.

BOVHOP at Old Settler's Day

BOVHOP (Big Ol' Van House of Prayer) is a group of musicians out of the International House of Prayer - Siloam Springs. They travel and tour and play at various venues around the region. They have a unique techno-bluegrass sound and are known to bring the joy of the Lord.




The BOVHOP team was gracious to bring their talents to an evangelistic outreach in neighboring Colcord, OK. Old Settler's Day is a festival that's been observed in Colcord for a number of years but this year the 7 churches in the area came to together and really took it over. BOVHOP brought the music and I think people enjoyed it and were touched.

- Wade Baker

John 9:11

This is a verse that has been heavy (in a good way) on my heart for nearly a year now for the greater community of Siloam Springs, Ark.

"He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight." - John 9:11 (KJV)

Many of you may know that we have an old spring downtown that some have nicknamed our very own Pool of Siloam or Pool of Siloam Springs. I submit that there may be another Pool of Siloam in this community.

What if the 50-60 churches that call Siloam Springs home is collectively the Lord's figurative Pool of Siloam?

Selah

(In scripture that word can mean, "Pause, submit it to the Lord and reflect on this for a moment.")

If that can be true then the next question on my heart is, "What are the implications?" Meaning, what do we know about the biblical Pool of Siloam? One of the clearest attributes is that the Lord used it in healing. Can this somehow be applied to our city? Many people's thought probably naturally drift the the physical spring in our community. But what if... the Lord wants to bring healing to and/or through our community through the greater body of Christ, His bride, the church? How would that happen? Wouldn't we need unity? Because otherwise were not talking about a pool, we're talking about 50-60 puddles.

Can the Lord use a puddle to bring healing? Certainly! But what if we had a pool? Can you see it with me? A deep, crystal clear reservoir of bubbling spring water. And even better, one that is so full that it begins to spill out and become a stream that goes out to the surrounding communities. Streams of living water (John 7).

I just wanted to share with you what a blessing this verse has been for me. May God use it to also speak to you and bless you as well.

- Wade Baker

Invitation

I would like to take this entry as an opportunity to invite those who have testimony about what the Lord has done in and/or through the greater community of Siloam Springs to share it with me and let me know how you would feel about me posting it on this blog. I'm particularly interested in historical information (anything pre-dating this blog) but also interested in current events as well.

Topics can include, but are certainly not limited to, personal testimony that is tied to Siloam Springs, words the Lord has given you that you have seen fruit from, or Christian heritage information. This blog is especially interested in testimony of Jesus that is expressed through cross-congregational or cross-denominational unity.

Please feel invited and welcome to submit any entries to my personal email address:

unitedbride@gmail.com

Blessings to you all!

- Wade Baker

The Peace Inn

I would like to take this opportunity to at least briefly describe to you a local and tiny ministry called The Peace Inn. It is a guest house that supports the local house of prayer and its related ministries. People who are coming from outside the local area to minister, teach, sing, pray, preach, or assist with such activities at the International House of Prayer - Siloam Springs are welcome to stay at The Peace Inn anytime, for any length of time at no cost.

The Lord gave my wife & I this house (that we live in) for a song about 5 1/2 years ago when it was still a neglected foreclosed and abandoned property. No one had lived in it for years and it was quite literally falling apart. It had once belonged to Gina's family but had been sold and then fell into disrepair.

We drove by "grandma's old house" for months feeling sorry for it before I finally read the notice on the window. A few weeks later I was on the steps of the local courthouse bidding on it with one other man. When I bid my final amount, that Gina & I had agreed upon in advance, the other bidder all of a sudden dropped out and we became its new owners.

We did as much to it as we could the 30 days before we moved in. It was awful. It was mostly a month of removing filth, layers of it, and dead critter parts and souvenirs. House parts that were thoroughly soiled were dragged to the curb. We slapped a fresh coat of cheap paint on everything just to give us a sanitary barrier.

I don't recall where we started after that but I know it wasn't too long before we needed to totally replace the entire bathroom. I took a week of vacation to get it mostly done. After that I started on the kitchen. Meanwhile we replaced most of the major fixed appliances. Then we found the termites. We paid (dearly) to have the house treated before too much damage was done. We replaced the roof, every door and every window in the house. We tore walls down and we built walls up. Most of the plumbing and electrical was replaced. We made room for a dishwasher, replaced the countertop and added more cabinets. We replaced much of the lighting, flooring and trim and slapped some color on the walls.

Many people helped us over the 5 year live-in project, some paid, some eternally rewarded, some both. As we were nearing the official completion of most of the work something started happening in our hearts. It was around this time that we became acquainted with the House of Prayer and its supporting church, Antioch. We quickly became aware that many folks from outside the area, especially from Kansas City, were visiting and needing a place to stay and rest. We live just 7 doors down from the House of Prayer and as our lives were already becoming intertwined with this ministry it just made (spiritual) sense to open up our home in support of it.

So Gina & I moved our personal things out of the two extra bedrooms, made the beds and hung our sign (so to speak). As soon as we communicated our desire to the House of Prayer & Antioch we started receiving visitors. It started with the Derek Loux team, then some missionaries from Israel, then 2 consecutive teams from the House of Prayer in Kansas City. Then we had an ice storm and housed a family with 4 kids for about a week. Now it's May 2009 and we will be near capacity 3 weekends out of the month all Kansas City folk.

The Lord has also given us the honor to host ministry/business meetings, social gatherings (usually with no notice), dinners for as many as 12 people, a cookout for about 30 people, and even a jam session at least once so far. We also enjoy the more intimate meals shared with friends whether we've known them 20 years or 20 minutes.

The Lord has surely blessed us and it is our joy to share what he has given us with others.

If you have plans to visit the ministry at the International House of Prayer - Siloam Springs (or its related ministries) and are needing a place to stay and rest please feel free to contact us. We will do what we can to accommodate you.

I'm sure you will be hearing more about The Peace Inn.

- Wade Baker

Free Prayer Booth Photo Found!

I actually found a picture of the Free Prayer booth. It's the little white tent behind the huge tree. It actually was a good location. Now you know I wasn't making this whole thing up.


- Wade Baker

Siloam's Storm Angel

Siloam Springs seems to be unusually spared from many weather events that could have a devastating effect on our community. I have some times wondered if there is an angel stationed on US 412 at the state line. A screen shot like the one below from just a few minutes ago might get others to wondering it too.

- Wade Baker

The Pool of Siloam (Springs) Has Water In It Today Still

We had Spring Singing at the historic Spring of Siloam again today like usual (usually unusual). It seems the weather has been pretty effective in discouraging folks from showing up. We pray for rain and then run and hide from it. The Marketplace Set was sharing about that this morning.

I have never seen the pool full so many days in such a short time. It's neat that it gives me an opportunity to share it with others. Today we had with us, visiting from IHOP-KC, published author Cherie Blair. It was a blessing to have her there today. Cherie is a full time intercessory missionary with strong connections to the Siloam community. She also serves on a team in KC that prays for Siloam each week.

It's our pleasure to have Cherie staying with us at The Peace Inn, our homegrown version of a local ministry guest house the Lord has blessed my wife & I with. It is open and available to visiting ministers & missionaries. We'll have missionaries staying with us 3 weekends in May alone. It is always a blessing to us.

- Wade Baker

Let It Rain

I've been joking around the House of Prayer that the song "Let It Rain" is off limits until further notice. It's been raining for about 10 days straight. These last 2 days we finally saw a welcome and much needed break. The community sounded like an angry swarm of bees as movers were running in harmony across the city.

I'm glad for our reasonably-priced mowing guy, Ron. Between being allergic to grass and not having the time it sure is nice. Plus I don't know too many people who actually like to mow. Ron was able to get it done just before our weekend guest arrived. It looks so nice.

But as I type this Sean Womack is singing about the rain again. Op! There he goes again, "let it rain." Like I mentioned in a previous post, when he sings that it usually does. Erik Leetch got soaked last Friday after Sean sang that. Although thanks to his rain gear Erik only got soaked on the outside. My wallet was wet for a week. There's a story there too. I'll try to share sometime.

- Wade Baker

The Pool Has Filled Twice More

I was driving back from the community National Day of Prayer service and saw the Pool of Siloam (Springs) was full of water again. The odd thing, even though we've had quite a bit of rain lately, it hasn't rained in 2 days. Usually the pool is empty within 24 hours of the last day of rain. I wonder if God kept it there as a sign for the community prayer time.

There is another time it was full since my last post. The pool filled last Friday, a week ago, while we were there for Spring Singing. It's the first Spring Singing that had water and it was filling while we were there. The representation there was also cross-congregational even though I hadn't thought about it until now. This was also only 5 days after the Free Prayer booth. Better for God to gives us a sign after the festival as rain would not have been a welcome event. The pool was full 3 days the weekend following the festival, Friday through Sunday. Those are the same days the prayer booth was in operation the weekend before, like a mirror.

These two occurances represent documented observations number 6 and 7 in the last 12 months, 3 times in the second part of 2008 and 4 times 2009 so far.

- Wade Baker

The 52 Churches Now Have Their Own Blog

I have broken this blog out once again, hopefully for the last time.

All information regarding the 52 churches of Siloam Springs has moved to the following new blog:

thechurchofsiloamsprings.blogspot.com

- Wade Baker

The East Gate of Siloam Springs

I visited Eastgate Free Will Baptist Church yesterday (what a great time) and it got me thinking about the name, east gate. When you break it out like that we believers almost can't help but think of the east gate of Jerusalem.

I tried yesterday to find some information in my bible about it but only a reference in Nehemiah. Not even a helpful map in my particular study bible. When I check my concordance I see 27 references. I had a vague sense that this is the gate "by which the Lord enters" but I wanted to see where I was getting that from, ever curious. Now I see there are several references in Ezekiel. I thought it was end-time prophecy related and checked Revelation. I forgot about his Old Testament cousin.

I also seemed to recall that this gate had been sealed off and a cemetery stood between it and the Mount of Olives. A quick search has turned up that this is accurate. I've heard that non-believers did that to prevent the Lord's return. It's even somehwhat convicting that there are those that understand this prophecy better than some believers.

I plan to do more study and report what I find. This promises to be a difficult post so I appreciate you bearing with me as I try to flesh this out. I just found it interesting that that was the name of the church and it is on the east side of town. I feel like the Lord is trying to speak to me about this and that's why I'm trying to seek it out.

I've continued to research and contemplate this and I keep encountering interesting discoveries. So we're working with the term "east gate". It is the gate that is mentioned in regards to the Lord's return. It also is a possibilty that it's the gate mentioned in Acts 3:2 where healing occurred. Or let's say this, the gate that's referenced in this passage was on the east side of town, near the temple, facing the Mount of Olives.

So the term "east gate" can be thought of in terms of the Lord's presence (or the entrance thereof) and healing. Why is all of this interesting? Well, because of the church I visited recently, Eastgate Free Will Baptist. Out of all the 52 churches that call Siloam Springs home, Eastgate is the easternmost. And guess what's on their sign? "Siloam - A Place of Healing - Eastgate Free Will Baptist Church".

I just find it very interesting how consistent it is with scripture even though those associations were necessarily considered when the sign was put up.

- Wade Baker

The Free Prayer Booth - The Testimony of Tiffany

A friend at church today reminded me I owed you all this story.

I don't recall if it was Saturday or Sunday I was sitting at the Free Prayer booth at last weekend's Dogwood Festival. It was while my friends Ron & Bonnie were there so you might have to ask them which day it was if that's important. It was a blur to me.

They are talking off to the side and I noticed this young lady walk by the booth and as soon as she did she quickly plopped down in one of the white plastic food court chairs. She didn't look like she was feeling too well. I wondered if the Lord wanted me to pray with her. I leaned over to my friends to excuse myself from the booth and they took it as an opportunity to lay hands on me and pray fervently for me. I was caught a bit off guard but their encouraging prayers seem to lend me an extra measure of the Lord's grace.

I stepped away from the small prayer circle and made the short distance to the seated young woman. I think I said something like, "Ma'am are you feeling all right?" I think some of my first aid training was doing some of the talking. She told me she was pregnant and was feeling faint and dizzy and thought she'd better sit down. It looked like she didn't have a lot of color in her face. I told her I was from the nearby booth and we were praying for people and asked if she would mind if I prayed for her. She readily agreed and told me her name was Tiffany.

From there I think I went straight into prayer. I thanked the Lord for the life that she carried inside her and then went for the two main points that seemed to be burning on my heart. I asked the Lord to impart to Tiffany in that moment divine "strength and endurance" and I closed in Jesus' name.

I'm going to have to slow this part of the playback down a bit because everything seemed to happen so quickly and all at once. I think I said something like, "I hope you get to feeling better soon." and I think she gave me a sincere "Thank you." I turned and walked the few steps to the booth and sat back down. As soon as I did and looked over to where Tiffany was sitting all I saw was an empty chair. As my eyes scanned the crowded scene I could just make out Tiffany as she was walking briskly away and in an instant was out of sight.

Thoughts shot off in my head like rapid fire. How had Tiffany gotten up so quickly? How is it that she seemed to cover 2 to 3 times the distance I did in the same amount of time? Where did she go?

I was amazed and then also sweetly convicted. I heard a question in my heart, "What did you expect?" Not that. "Why not? Isn't that what you prayed for?" Well... yeah, but... "But what?" I was just left shaking my head, for so many reasons.

And then I recalled the days of Jesus' first disciples. "Get up and walk." I didn't even think to ask Tiffany if she was feeling better. I think I could have said, "Get up and walk" and would have been biblically justified in doing so even though our culture has done to good of a job to strangle that kind of faith.

I didn't feel condemnation but just the loving hand of the training Father. If I had to do it again I would like to think I would do it differently. The good thing is I most likely will have another opportunity, though next time her name might not be Tiffany.

Maybe there were two miracles that day. Tiffany seemed to receive a divine physical touch in an instant and a young man seemed to receive a new measure of faith in the very next instant.

- Wade Baker

Free Prayer - Found!

After days and days of listening to Bill Johnson sermons (for at least the 3rd time) I have finally found the recorded testimony I've been looking for. This is the story that inspired the idea for the Free Prayer booth at last weekend's Dogwood Festival. I won't post it word for word but here's a fair an accurate representation.

Bill Johnson's younger (little) brother heads up a ministry on the streets of San Francisco. He's 6'6" and describes himself as "280 pounds of love". He takes these little old grandma's into the bars of San Francisco and puts them at a table where they put up a sign that reads, "Free Prayer". Bill's brother orders a 7-Up and sits at the bar watching the ladies to make sure they are OK. Pretty soon people start coming to the table, kneeling asking for prayer and before they know it there's a vibrant ministry time going on.

I share this with you for a couple of reasons. One is that the general concept of the Free Prayer table was not my original idea. I am grateful for the encouragement I continue to receive but I don't want to take credit for something that wasn't completely mine. In fact, I've since learned that the prayer booth concept has been very successful at many festivals across the nation for years. This is also encouraging to me as we are seriously planning on doing it even bigger and better next year (51 weeks to go).

The other reason I share that story with you is I have tried to do so verbally with a number of people and I've probably botched it up like a old tired joke and so I wanted to set the record straight and for you to be able to hear it as accurately as possible. I think there is a lot to learn from this testimony and so I want to present it as accurately as possible.

I know that I am encouraged anew just having heard it again. I hope it also inspires you to new ideas and levels of boldness and courage. He speaks to you in that still quiet voice. Move forward with the ideas, even if they aren't your "cup of tea" as a friend put it. I trust you will be as richly blessed as I have been.

- Wade Baker

The Pool Is Full

This is a "reprint" of a previous entry by the same name. In breaking this blog out into 2 (one Siloam, the other more personal) I seem to have lost a few entries. This is and important one so I thought I'd at least mention it again.

What I refer to as the physical Pool of Siloam Springs is full right now. This is only the 6th time I have seen this in the last 2 years. It is somewhat of a rare sight. In fact, the photo at the title of this blog is one of only a couple like it and the only I know of that's ever been published, electronically or otherwise. So if you want to see what all the hub-bub is about, this afternoon, after the rain tapers off a bit, would be a great opportunity to come check it out. It will most likely go back down tonight and be gone by Monday morning.

It has a lot of sticks and leaves in it right now but I'm planning on coordinating some volunteer work with the city and getting it cleaned out.

- Wade Baker

The Pool of Siloam Springs' Author Creates Personal Blog

I started getting on some rabbit trails so I started a personal blog and have tried to move anything not having to do specifically with Siloam Springs and/or what God is doing here to that new location. This new opportunity allows the reader to continue learning about the author without clogging this more important narration with personal entries.

So, here comes the link.

http://wadeandgina.blogspot.com/

- Wade Baker

The Pool of Siloam Springs' Title Image

First, I want to thank my friend, Jamey Clayberg, for working on the title image at the top of this blog.

This is a photo my wife, Gina, took sometime last year of the historic Spring of Siloam in the main downtown park of Siloam Springs. I was so excited to see it so full of water I "couldn't help myself" but to enter into it even though I was still wearing my Sunday's best.

The Lord had been speaking to me recently about the spring being filled. I didn't even know it was possible until Gina & I went down there that one Sunday afternoon.

Thank you again, Jamey!

- Wade Baker

Blog Links (Blinks)

I think I've done a better job of making links to other blogs more readily available. You should be able to see them over to the right side of this page now. ------------------->

Also, this would be good for me to introduce a new word to you: blinks. It's the combination of the words blog and links. That's right, you heard it here first, documented for all mankind. I especially like how blog is already a hybrid. So I've made a hybrid of a hybrid. I'm sure that genetic monster will come back to haunt us someday.

- Wade Baker

The Marketplace Set

There is a small group of believers that gather each Friday morning 6-7AM at the IHOP-SS to pray about things in the marketplace. We pray for things like some of the local companies, their leaders, more businesses sowing into Kingdom things, for justice in things related to commerce like against human trafficking. Last week we prayed for the Prayer Booth at the Dogwood Festival because it's a good example of bonding ministry and the market together. We also pray for things like marketplace evangelism. This could even mean praying for someone at the local store.

Sean Womack leads worship on guitar and vocals, Bill Tucker plays bass and Joel Karum usually leads prayer. It's what's called an Intercession Set so the microphone is also open to those not on the actual team. We often have local business owners come and pray with us. Sean does a great job leading worship and his words are usually quite prayerful and quietly powerful. Let's just say when Sean sings "Let It Rain" you better hope you have an umbrella. You think I'm kidding? I'm glad I wore my waterproof boots today.

It's easy to think about business and ministry as separate. This 1-hour set is a great reminder that God is and wants to be in everything. God understands economy & commerce better than any man. He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. When faced with the option of man's economy and God's economy wouldn't God's always be the wiser choice?

Maybe we'll see you here sometime soon.

- Wade Baker

Researching the Free Prayer Sign Testimony

For days now, I have been pouring through several Bethel Church (Bill Johnson) sermons (recorded on CD) trying to figure out where I heard that testimony about the lady in the bar with the sign that read, "Free Prayer". I listen to them in the background on my headset while I'm working. It's been great.

The main reason I'm doing this is several people have asked me how I came up with the idea to have the Free Prayer booth at last weekend's Dogwood Festival. I'm actually not sure but I'm pretty sure I heard about someone else doing something similar first but now I can't seem to track it down. This has happened to me before. Maybe it's not important. Maybe I have a difficult time letting that go.

Ok, the Free Prayer story is also not in the Faith for Reformation sermon...
or the Favor Like Jesus sermon...
Now I'm listening to Being Summoned by God... wasn't that one...
How about the Bill Lance interview? Needle in a haystack... Ok, doesn't look like it was in the interview.
Let's see for 200 I'll take "A Renewed Mind"... I'm losing this game.

At least I'm getting a mega dose of good teaching. In case I lost you already, I'm refering to Bill Johnson sermons. I think I listened to my first of his sermons oh, maybe just a couple of months ago. I'm sure they seem very "different" to many Christians but I would encourage you in how you weigh them. I have found them very inspiring and I think they have encouraged my faith. That's a good thing, folks. Remember? I think we used to call that fruit. Ok, back to my search...

I'll try alphabetical order this time, "A Throne Room Experience". Nope, not that one either. How about, "Back to Our Roots"? Nope
Now I'm in Blessing or Offense - 1st Service...
How about 2nd service... wasn't 2nd service. Does God want me to listen to all these all over again?
Well, I like Don't Eat the Bones anyway. I've listened to all these twice before this last pass. Now it will be three times each. Some of them more than that I think. That's homework (for my upcoming trip to this church). Wasn't Don't Eat the Bones.
Feeding Alligators was popular. But it wasn't that one. I'm running out of options here.
He Tore the Heavens Open... Nope.
He's the Healer (The Roadrunner)...

- Wade Baker

The Unity Set

I've been circling around this one a bit and it's time to land on it.

If Sunday mornings are the axle in the flywheel of my weekly schedule then Wednesday's 7-9 PM at the House of Prayer - Siloam are the apexes.

It was the second half of last year (2008) when the Lord was really working with me on a vision for the 52 churches of Siloam Springs. I’ve had a number of people ask me how this idea came about and I will try to spend some time soon trying to unpack this more and more. For now, just keep in mind that as I saw 2009 approaching and as I studied the local church and the number of congregations I quickly figured out that in the 52 weeks of 2009 I (and we) could pray for one church each week of the year. There are some more additional interesting details to share later but that’s good for now.

I knew the Lord was speaking to me on this and I shared this vision with a handful of individuals I knew walked in wise counsel. I had varying responses, naturally. Some didn’t surprise me, some did. But one of the responses that pleasantly surprised me the most was that the Unity Set team I was working with on Wednesday nights. They quickly and wholly welcomed the idea of praying for the 52 churches, one each week. Think of it this way, each week someone was going to hand me a 50-lb bag of coal and the Unity Set team said, “You can use our furnace”. Without it, I’d be sparking a whole lot of little fires everywhere.

I am grateful that they have continued to embrace it. I believe the Lord has called them as much as He has called me to this, each playing our own different parts, and skillfully well at that.For example, I have plans to attend Eastgate Freewill Baptist Church this Sunday. My calendar indicates their service begins at 10:30 AM. That entry was made months ago so one of the first things I’ll need to do is confirm that. It looks like I will need to do a "drive-by", probably some time today.

I’ll keep you posted.

- Wade Baker

"The Pool of Siloam Will Be Filled"

If you haven't already read "The Man in the Water" post you might want to familiarize yourself with that one first. The rest of this post is going to read assuming you've read the one mentioned above. I don't want to lose anyone. I feel this is too important for that.

I will start off by saying I have personally seen the historic Spring of Siloam in the downtown park of Siloam Springs be filled with water 5 times in less than a year. When I say filled I mean that there is water completely covering the bottom of the pool from the steps on one side clear across to the steps on the other side. The 5 different times represent varying depths, anywhere from mid-shin to knee to upper thigh (and I'm 5' 11").

There are a number of things that make this unusual. The first thing I'll mention is that it's rarely seen (witnessed) and even less rarely documented. Personally, I didn't even know about the spring a year ago much less that it can occasionally fill with water. You should know or keep in mind this thing sits day after day usually bone dry. There are two old small troughs in the corner that usually contain about an inch of water year round but not enough to get the stone paved floor even damp.

A couple of other things. This cistern like structure was never built with the intent to hold water. In fact it drains quite well. On the rare occasion when it is full you can watch the water flowing out of it. Also, the pool does not fill with rain water directly (like a discarded plastic pool). The pool fills from the bottom up. It's groundwater coming from the spring, naturally, as a result of a large amount of rain in a short period of time. It's quite clean, clear and beautiful... and then it returns to the ground and it's gone again and soon bone dry again.

Now, let me establish. I have always seen the pool fill as a direct result of rain. Again, I will say it the other way. I have never seen the pool full if it hasn't rained for 1-3 days first. So I don't think there's anything unusual about the correlation of rain and a full pool. But you may soon see that there could be an interesting correlation of a different kind.

Let me first share with you the 5 dates I have seen the pool filled.

Sunday 8/10/2008
Wednesday 9/3/2008 - Friday 9/5/2008
Sunday 9/14/2008
Resurrection (Easter) Sunday 4/12/2009
Late Saturday 4/18/2009 - Early Sunday 4/19/2009

Let's look at each of these dates and let me tell you a little bit more about each one.

Sunday 8/10/2008
Derek Loux, associated with the International House of Prayer - Kansas City, brings a ministry team to Siloam Springs and they lead 3 days of worship & teaching at a local church that draws believers from about 5 different fellowships in the area. On the 3rd and final day of their visit the pool is full of water.

Wednesday 9/3/2008 - Friday 9/5/2008
Two months in advance the Lord revealed to me the pool would be filled. About 20 people from about 7 different local congregations gather to witness this unusual baptism in "The Pool of Siloam".

Sunday 9/14/2008
Approximately 7 churches combine for one large church service on the John Brown University campus, one of the largest cross-congregational expressions in Siloam's history. Upon leaving that service it was discovered that the pool was about as full as it's ever been.

Resurrection (Easter) Sunday 4/12/2009
5 churches work together to provide a week of Community Holy Week Noon Services, Monday through Friday. The pool was full from steps to steps the very day these services were leading up to.

Late Saturday 4/18/2009 - Early Sunday 4/19/2009
5 people representing at least 3 different local churches combine resources and deliver more than 174 cases of bottled water and 2 dozen sheets of plywood among other requested supplies and services to tornado-ravished Mena, AR. The pool fills that very same night and goes back down the very next day.

Have you figured it out yet? I have to be honest and tell you I didn't quite "get it" to this level until this morning on my short drive to work. In case you missed it, here's my best shot at it:

Each one of these examples has a strong association with a unique cross-congregational and/or cross-denominational expression of biblical unity from the community of believers in Siloam Springs. These could also be refered to as moments of spiritual breakthrough. Remember: This is in a town with less than 15,000 people that has 52 churches and who has, naturally and understandably, demonstrated a long history of struggling with denominationalism.

I'm going to let you pause on that and consider your own conclusions. Need more documentation or evidence? Just email me. If that's not what it is then what is it? You don't know me? I can appreciate that. I can also provide references. Still have doubt? That's natural. I'd like you to consider, however, that our God is beyond the natural. He is super-natural. I urge you not to too quickly dismiss what I am presenting. If you truly want to see if there is anything of truth to this, truly seek it out. I believe it deserves a fair consideration. The implications could be significant.

We'll continue to discuss this.

- Wade Baker

Kingdom Culture Conference - June 24-26

Many of you know or are learning that I am going to the Kingdom Culture conference this June at Bethel Church in Redding, CA. There's a lot to share about that but, I know I keep saying this but, later. For now I wanted to make sure you know that I'm going.

I've had a number of people ask me if Gina is going. Sadly, she is not. Due to the fact that Gina has been called to teach, and is really good at it, she will be both teaching a college class and taking another college class this summer and is completely booked up.

So this first trip (yes I said first) to Redding I'll be solo, at least as far our our little family is concerned. On the other hand it appears I will be traveling with at least 6 other Siloam Springs believers. That is awesome!

So I'll check it out for the first time this year and see about how to get Gina out there next time. This is how Gina and I have operated for many years. I check it out first, bring back the report and then help Gina decide if it's for her next time. The most vivid lesson of when we learned the value of this approach for us was when I took her on a group trip through a little known cave in western Oklahoma. It was much more difficult than I expected and could have kept Gina from ever going into another cave again. She was a good sport and we agreed from then on I'd check them out first. We've applied that across the board over the years and it seems to work well for us.

I will miss you, honey!

- Wade Baker

Antioch Church

Antioch Church in Siloam Springs played a pivotal role in a dramatic (spiritually positive) change in my life Summer of 2008. That sweet fellowship & teaching continues to be the fertilizer to my spirit as I continue to grow in the greenhouse of the Lord. Continuing that analogy, the Holy Spirit is the water and my brothers and sisters, planted closely together help hold one another up. I am very grateful for each of them, too numerous to mention in this post at this time. I am confident they know who they are.

It was very early this year they started a website, though the church has been around for about 9 years.

Here's their link:

http://www.antiochwelcomehome.org/

We're still working on the site. Stacey Conrad's doing a great job!

- Wade Baker

Another Siloam Blog

This could be one of the most followed blogspots in Siloam Springs. What an amazing testimony! Here's the link:

http://vickidees.blogspot.com/

- Wade Baker

Another Fellow Blogger

I don't know how this has escaped me until now; probably because I never thought to look for it. In addition to my co-worker Holley we have another talented writer blogging with us. You may already know of him and/or his work. It's Roy Lessin. Here's the link to his blog:

http://roy.dayspring.com/

I am confident that you will be richly blessed through his words.

- Wade Baker

Photo Links Not Working

I am currently expereincing issues with editing photos and photo links (and some other editing related issues). This means if you click on a photo it may not enlarge in another screen or at all. I will keep troubleshooting this for a while or until I figure it out. My apologies.

- Wade Baker

A Call to Unity

This blog will highlight the many expressions of biblical unity that are being seen in the greater community of Siloam Springs.

There are currently two of these expressions that are closest to my heart in this season.

The first one is the Unity Set led by Renee Johnson 7-9 PM each Wednesday at the International House of Prayer - Siloam Springs. Brad Batchelor also helps lead worship and Erik Leetch & I help lead prayer. Erik also plays bass and I also help with sound as does my wife, Gina. One of the first cool things about this is that this small team alone represents to different fellowships serving together under a common purpose, to pray for unity. The others that often come also represent this same theme, coming from various church bodies in the area. This is also my first official invitation to you. If the Lord is speaking to you about unity and what you can do to partner in prayer for it this may be the place and time to be. We welcome you and strongly encourage you to consider it. We would love to see you.

Click on the image below to see an enlarged map of where the International House of Prayer - Siloam Springs is.

The second expression of unity, mentioned in another post, is Spring Singing. This small but faithful group meets each Friday at noon at the historic Spring of Siloam downtown. They are usually a time of guitar playing, singing, scripture reading and prayer for community transformation, what some people might also refer to as revival. This is also a cross-congregational group. Sometimes there's just one, one time there were about 20. It's held each Friday until around 1PM rain or shine. Feel free to come and go as you are available and led. Here comes the invite: If you have a heart, a passion and/or a burden to pray for Siloam Springs this could be the thing for you. There have been many amazing things that have happened during these times or related to them. Come see for yourself or wait until I can blog about them someday. You have been invited.

Click on the image below to see an enlarged map of where we meet for Spring Singing each week.

- Wade Baker

Tuesday AM Prayer 4 Hours Away

May the believers of Siloam Springs be encouraged to know that there is a faithful group of people who gather each Tuesday morning, 10:30-11:00 AM, and pray for this community. This group of prayer warriors, intercessors meet in Side Room # 8 of the Global Prayer Room at the International House of Prayer - Kansas City Missions Base.

I had the honor of praying with many of them a few weeks ago. Many of you know Kyle & Heidi and I imagine others know Cherie Blair, Tim Smith & Audra. There were also others there but I didn't get everyone's name.

I'm currently serving as a conduit for prayer requests so if you know of something they can lift up specifically or generally for the community of Siloam Springs feel free to share it with me and I will with them.

In the meantime, is that just awesome? And a little convicting, in a good way. How many of us (including myself) spend 30 minutes a week on our knees praying for our home town? May we be encouraged by what they are doing and may we also be inspired to do more of the same.

- Wade Baker

Hot Topics

Here are some other topics I hope to cover soon.

• Did you know there is a group of men that have been meeting and praying weekly in Siloam Springs for the last 30 years?
• There is another group of men meeting and praying on Wednesday mornings and have been doing so for about 9 years.
• Kind At Heart Ministries is reaching the eldery, widowed and disabled in the greater Siloam Springs community, acting as a long loving arm of the church.
• There is a movement, being led by Dean Kerns, to find prayer warriors to take certain times of the week to pray for Siloam Springs. He's working towards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is one of two 24-7 movements in this same small city.

- Wade Baker

The Author's Family

You may see references to my parents and grandparents and wonder where they are. My folks live about 1,000 miles east in South Carolina and my last living grandparent (my dad's mom) is in a nursing home more than 1,000 miles away in California. These people are very important to me and you'll hear more about them. I'm just kind of setting the scene for now.

- Wade Baker

Too Busy to Take Pictures

I just realized we got no pictures of last weekend's Free Prayer booth. The good thing is, that is a reflection of how busy we were. Sure there was some downtime but it seems like all I could think about during those times was rest. One more reason to do it again next year, pictures!

- Wade Baker

The Man in the Water

Ok, I'm jumping the gun a little here but my mom asked me a question regarding the photo of me standing in the water and that prompted me to write the following. Another (good) can of worms which I am sure to return to many more times.

The picture of me standing in the water has a lot of meaning and I will be sure to explain it on the blog. In the meantime, a short version (some of this may sound familiar):

On July 5th I was journaling and I heard a small still voice in my heart say, "The Pool of Siloam will be filled on September 5th." I wrote it down not sure what else to do with it. My best understanding at that time was the Lord was going to fill the historic spring downtown with water that day. After about a week I shared it with my pastor and he encouraged me to keep praying about what the Lord would have me do about it.

A few weeks later after 3 days of rain Gina & I went down to the spring to see if it was even possible for it to fill with water. We were surprised to see it was full of clear spring water that had come from the ground and was about knee deep. I didn't even stop and walked right out into the middle of it not caring I was still in my Sunday's best. Gina had her camera with her and she took the picture of me giving praise to God. It wasn't the date I had written down. That was still a month or so away.

It was around this same time that I was seeking baptism for the first time as an adult. These two things quickly started coming together. I asked the pastor how he'd feel about baptizing me in the spring. He agreed, I sent out invitations to about 200 people and we prayed believing that there would be enough water. It started raining that day and rained for the next 3 days. On Friday the rain had quit and about 20 people gathered at the spring and there was enough water.

I personally witnessed the spring fill 3 times last year. I've seen it full twice this year already. And there is more to the story but I promised you the short version for now.

- Wade Baker

Who is Wade Baker?

I will try to answer this question over time throughout this blog. Many of you already know me at least well enough. For the rest of the readers, check out my profile. That should help get you started. I'll keep working on that. And even though this blog is about Siloam Springs you'll soon see how the author just can't seem to keep himself out of the story. So it will become important to know who he is.

I'm tempted to give you the biblical perspective first (a new creation, son of the Most High) but I know you probably know most of that already so we'll come back to that again later.

Other than that, don't expect to be impressed. I'm just a plain old 34 year old guy, working a pretty normal job Monday-Friday 8-5. Been here (DaySpring Cards) for a little more than 5 years. My title is Resource Planner and I help the company manage their product development schedules. I see some of you are already yawning. That's ok. I warned you.

What are my other qualifications? Well, this is a blog. But, this is an important blog to me so at the same time I don't take it too lightly. What is my training? A few years of business school... gone to church most of my life, spent time growing up on the missions field overseas... Still not getting it? I'm trying to tell you. I have none of the things that someone might naturally expect of someone trying to accurate and significantly document a community's journey with God. I have no portfolio, no hidden agenda. I have nothing to sell, no contest I'm trying to win, no platform I'm trying to push. I have no credentials, no certificate.

But I do have something.

I have access to everything God has to offer to a believer. I have faith. I have belief. I have His love. He encounters me. He gives me wisdom. He speaks to me. He reveals things to me. I know about Him in my head, I feel Him in my heart and I experience Him in my life. I trust Him. I love Him. I want to do what He wants me to do even though sometimes I lack all the courage or boldness to do it. He teaches me and He trains me. He is my perfect Father and my perfect Mother. His Son is my Savior, my brother, my friend. I am His father's son and loving servant. He is my Master because I welcome Him. His Holy Spirit guides me and helps me. God's hand touches me when I need healing and also when I need instruction. He opens my eyes and fills me with His presence. He is the source of my joy, the source of all I have. He is my Provider and my Lover. He is everything good to me.

So, two things: one - apparently I am fully qualified to preach the good news that is Jesus. And two - so are you.

He may give you a pulpit, or a classroom, or a sailboat, or a job. He may give you children, or a website, or a business, or a vehicle. He may give you a microphone, or a computer, or a cell phone, or a house. He may give you a camera, or a skill, or a pen, or a city.

Whatever He gives you, you can be sure that He did so because He loves you. And He loves others like you so very much that He wants you to use whatever He's given you to tell others that very truth.

Who is Wade Baker?

One of many unique earthen vessels, yielded to the Potter's hands, baptized by fire, whose purpose is to receive and pour out the goodness of God.

- Wade Baker

Time Stamps

Ok, I don't know what's up with these time stamps yet but they are way off. I didn't go to bed at 8:33 PM yesterday and I also don't post the majority of my entries in the middle of the day yesterday. I guess I made need to reference the time when it's relevant to do so. I probably have more blogging friends than I realize so I'll be picking their brains I'm sure.

Speaking of blogging friends, here's another one I will reference. I have the privilege of working with an award-winning author. Her name is Holley Gerth and here is the link to her popular blog.

http://blog.dayspring.com/

Ok, I think I'm figuring out the time stamp thing; looks like Pacific Time. I should have known better.

- Wade Baker
The Pool of Siloam Springs

It's Past My Bedtime

Well, almost. I'm trying to implement a new personal bedtime policy. Am I getting old? (Rhetorical question) I'm trying to make sure I go to bed at least 8 hours before I need to be up the next morning. Hey! Don't hate me because we don't have kids. This is not going to be easy.

I've just been doing a pretty poor job of taking good care of my physical body especially lately. In a way, if I don't take good care of myself it can become more difficult to help take care of others. I've committed to trying this for the next 6-7 weeks (leading up to my trip to Redding in June).

According to the clock on the stove (the Baker residence "official" time, the equivalent to the national atomic clock) I have about 23 minutes remaining.

Speaking of the Baker residence... this could be a good time to introduce another topic. My wife Gina and I, around the beginning of this year, more officially have opened up our home as a guest house to support our home church and the local house of prayer. This means when we have guest speakers, for example, we ask the event leaders to keep us at the top of the list of people to stay with. We also open our doors to those visiting the church or house of prayer from out of town which often ends up being people we already know. We've also open our door for related ministries like those associated with houses of prayer outside our immediate area such as Kansas City. We've had missionaries stay here before and have plans for more next month. We have a 3-bedroom house the Lord has blessed us with (just the 2 of us and our 30-pound house dog, Ladybug) and we live only 7 doors down from the church.

I'd like to share more with you about this sometime but that at least gives you an idea. Though up until recently we've been calling it the Maxwell House (on Maxwell St) we've, even more recently, renamed it The Peace Inn according to a very specific dream I had. It's kind of a play on words in reference to the youthful expression, "Peace Out". I'm sure there are some other levels of meaning we'll continue to enjoy exploring.

- Wade Baker

What's the Blog Idea?

In case I haven't communicated this enough elsewhere in this blog, the purpose of this collection of posts is to document and communicate the wonderful, interesting and otherwise incredible things I and others are seeing God do in our community. Is that to say we're special? Yes, but no more special than any other gathering of believers. Is that to say God isn't "moving" in other communities in this nation or around the world? No, absolutely not. All I'm (sometimes I'll use we) trying to do is "own" what's in my backyard. Own in the sense of reporting. I'll also explain my often liberal use of the word "we". Sometimes it's just a bad habit but I can honestly say that oftentimes I am accurately and fairly representing many of my brothers and sisters here in Siloam Springs. I can say this because many of us stay in regular honest dialogue and healthy debate. (I love you, brother Erik.)

I'm sure I will draw criticism as I will delve into controversial subjects. I'm okay with that. Not because I don't care but because I do care. In fact, I invite your feedback especially when it's intended to be helpful and caring. In no way am I trying to cram my own personal opinions down your proverbial throats. I am laying out a banqueting table and I am sure to offend tastes. I sincerely apologize in advance because that is only a nasty by-product and not my intention. But let us move through offense. Let us rejoice in the things we agree on and let us continue to discuss and debate the rest. Let us agree to remain open to the things that may be of the Lord and the things that move us into a closer relationship with Him.

The International House of Prayer - Siloam Springs

What better way to introduce this topic than to be at IHOP-SS during one of my favorite sets (if I'm allowed to have one). I might as well come clean now. This is the 2-hour devotional set led by fellow blogger Christy Fast. I asked myself earlier today why I single this one out as my favorite. I'm checking the notes in my journal for the answer. "For the music. I think in many ways and many times I prefer the devotional style. And the intersection of quality (skill) & schedule is just right for me." Well, there you go I just copied and pasted some of my private journal onto the Internet, for the first, but maybe not the last, time ever.

(I was telling my mom (her name is Sherry) earlier this evening that I don't intend this to be my diary but some of that stuff could sneak in at times. I still fully intend to keep maintaining my private old-school spiral bound journal. I'm sure you understand.)

Enough aside for now... The International House of Prayer - Siloam Springs has played a key role in my relationship with the Lord. It has become an integral part of my testimony today. I'll go ahead and give you their link now.

http://www.ihopss.com/

The biggest chunk of the story occurred last summer (2008), sometime around June. There was a slow & steady build up to that season though. That story goes back at least 10 years if not 17. But this isn't time for all of that yet.

IHOP-SS has about 25 hours of live praise and prayer the last time I checked. It's growing that quickly. The goal is 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Sound impossible? The House of Prayer in Kansas City has been doing it for nearly 10 years. Yeah, but they're a big city you say? I'm sorry for chuckling but... Wouldn't you agree if the Lord wants to build it He can? "What about common sense?" You might ask. Then I will ask, "What about an uncommon sense?" Was it common sense that one man (and his small family) built the ark? And, without getting too weird on you, houses of prayer are alot like Noah's ark. Don't get your feathers ruffled just yet. There will be plenty of time for that later.

Who am I arguing with, by the way? Just as much myself as anyone else. These are some of the real doubts my heart has had to face. All this to say that this is the impossible and something the Lord is well acquainted with and never impressed with.

This being said, the House of Prayer (Siloam specifically) is quite and has been quite potent well before it even reached its current 25 hours a week. A couple of services totally "undid" me last year (in a good way, for the Lord). The Lord used those times to unlock or release some things for me that apparently I needed very badly. The only things we need badly are the things of God. I'm not saying the the HOP is THE secret weapon. I believe God has a varied arsenal. I was moved to tears today just listening to a couple of songs by artists I'd classify as secular who may not know the Lord. My buddy, Mike, has some even greater stories along those lines. He's right!

So back to the HOP-SS. If you live in this area and need a boost (mostly spiritually speaking) please give it serious consideration. If you are unsure and want to talk to someone about it first or go with someone I'd be honored if you would contact me. If not me, ask around. Go with a friend like I did. I will ever be thankful to God for my friend. And I'm going to name him, Ted. Brother, I give thanks for you.

- Wade Baker

Disaster Response

Here's another brick being laid in the foundation of this blog. Another (good) can of worms when talking in the context of this city (Siloam Springs). Where to begin? I will say that I have heard from many sources that they see Siloam Springs as a city of refuge. Initially I saw that as more of a bunker-like situation, meaning people will come to us. Lately that paradigm has been challenged to include responses to other cities from Siloam Springs. I'm moving quickly here, I realize. But let me also say, there does seem to be a high level of activity in this area to better prepare for local disasters and to also be a city of strength and compassion in order to respond to other communities in our region. The most recent example would be the cross-denominational response to tornado ravished Mena, AR.

The more you learn about Siloam Springs the more connections you will see between it and Kansas City. One of those newest connections is with Crisis Response International (technically in Grandview). There is at least one Siloam resident who has already trained with them and 2 residents who plan to train in May. They have a website. Check it out. I think we will see more and more believers preparing for and responding through God's strength and provision to those in crisis. There is a great harvest there.

Sonrisa Means "Smile" in Spanish

Ok, so I'm jumping around a little... or a lot. I'll try to keep it down. But, in the meantime you might have to adjust to it a little.

One of the many highlights of last weekend's Prayer Booth was meeting, visiting, sharing and praying with a young lady by the name of Sonrisa. What a crazy (in a good way) name!

(I'd also like to insert here that I may often refer to others who have not given me any permission to do so whatsoever so I do so with the utmost respect and intentions and will most likely refer to them by first name only as much as possible even though you might be able to figure out who I'm speaking of. If I make a reference to you and you don't like it, please let me know and I'll work to accommodate you. Seriously.)

There's more about Sonrisa's visit than I can share in this entry. In fact, now I'm not even sure why I started this post... failing memory... Anyway, for now, we've established it as a highlight. My prayer partner at the time, Robin, spoke with her most of the time and there's a story there too. Maybe I just wanted to post because I liked Sonrisa's name, what it means and didn't want to forget it.

If any of my posts read like yellow sticky note reminders you might see all over a fridge, well, they kind of are. This documentation is as much for me as it is for anyone else. Maybe you will enjoy the familiarity I take in my tone and be drawn in. I figure if you're reading this you're probably already a friend or soon could be.

Ok, I'm making another pass at this post. I think it started off kind of weak. It was one of my first, still learning how to blog.

When I tell friends about Sonrisa's visit I tell them:

It was Saturday, at the Prayer Booth, a little after noon when I was sitting with Robin when this young lady approached Robin especially and remarked as to the fact they were wearing the same pendant, a beautiful and unusual piece that I probably couldn't do justice. Since there was symbolism behind it there was much for them to talk about, me not hearing most it. (I also don't hear other things well like, "Honey, would you mow the grass?") I could tell it was girl talk so I gave them a little space.

Sonrisa quickly sat down and I could tell they were going to visit for a little while. I did pick up that Sonrisa was from Kansas City and that she was visiting Siloam Springs that weekend and it was her first trip to our city. She was born in Springdale, made a move or few, was living in Kansas City and came down for a visit. The main thing that prompted her trip was the Cherokee Day of Prayer but I don't think she ever got connected with it that weekend. I even made a couple of phone calls for her but nothing panned out.

Sonrisa said she's been to IHOP-KC a number of times and I told her we had a house of prayer in Siloam, up to 25 hours of live worship & prayer. I learned she was staying at a local hotel and invited her to consider The Peace Inn (guest house ministry) the next time she came to visit. Robin & I also invited her to Antioch for Sunday church but she wasn't able to make it that weekend.

She told us about her interesting upbringing and her dear family. We prayed with her for a number of things including healing and direction. Robin & I both agreed freely, on the spot, that the Lord had sent her our way with a purpose. I told Sonrisa about the old spring and how we pray there. I encouraged her to visit it and pray before she left.

I think one of the reasons I struggled when first writing this post, and I still am a little, is that there was something more about her visit with us than can be communicated in words. You know those times or events in your life when you can clearly sense the Lord's hand in something? That fact alone seems to almost make the details of that experience somewhat trivial. "The things of this earth will grow strangely dim..." Sonrisa seemed to "carry" something with her that eclipsed much of the natural things that were around us. There was a presence of the Lord about her. It could also be described as a peace or a joy. I can see where artists came up with halos. It's what you would expect if you could travel 2,000 years into the past and meet the disciples. The new-agers might refer to it as an aura. I don't think they are referring to something that doesn't exist. I think they just renamed something that's persisted through scripture. There was a Godly, divine spirit present. What if it was an angel or few? Please forgive my theology or the lack thereof. I'm trying to describe it as thoroughly and accurately as possible as far as I can align it with what I understand from scripture.

It seemed so soon that we all had been visiting maybe close to an hour and it came time to part ways. We wish we didn't need to say goodbye so soon. I would describe this time at the Prayer Booth as one of the most memorable (truly glorious) and yet most difficult to articulate experiences. It is what I have heard many refer to as a divine appointment. A moment that could remain beyond our understanding.

So, Sonrisa, if you are reading this, may you be encouraged by this. The presence of the Lord is strong upon you and is so real it's tangible. The kingdom of God is near to you. He loves you and gives you, as His beloved believer, access to His incredible goodness and gifts. You have everything at your disposal to carry out the plans He has for you.

Bless you. We look forward to seeing you again.

- Wade Baker

Spiritual Mapping

Spiritual mapping was a new term to me just last year. I have since come to understand it as research (historical, geographical, ancestral) for the purposes of understanding what God is doing in the context of a region a culture or a time. I bring this up now because I may come back and reference this and wanted us to be on the same page.

I have a number of friends who consider themselves to be mappers. Some people might consider this weird but it's not too different from that grandfather, grandmother or father in your family that seems to have a keen interest in the family tree. We have to remember though, that as Christians, our primary heritage is through the Kingdom of God. So it's applying these same natural tendencies to the more significant spiritual side of things. Turning natural tendencies into super-natural Godly tendencies, if you will. Just like with us, a natural body and a spiritual soul there are other things that exist in both realms or worlds (or whatever you call it) simultaneously. I guess I'm really talking about what we refer to as spiritual warfare. "For our weapons are not carnal", "the armor of God", etc.

This blog will likely delve into things such as the spiritual history of the Siloam Springs area, geographical and civic points of interest, the connections it shares with surrounding communities and statistical information such as the number of churches, population and ratios.

- Wade Baker

Siloam Means

I heard a new understanding of what the name Siloam means. I haven't been able to verify it yet so at this time I'm simply documenting what someone said. Her name is Sharon and she was a vendor at last weekend's Dogwood Festival. She seemed to have an open knowledge of the Lord.

She asked me if I knew what Siloam meant. I told her the bible says Siloam is translated "sent". She agreed and said, "sent together as in brothers". She went on to say that the original springs in Siloam were kind of scattered and a couple of brothers dug them out ("trenches" was her word, I remember now) until they converged into a single source (or place).

I'd never heard this before and it seems nice. It may be difficult to verify this through other reliable means, however, such as scripture or local historians. I won't discount it though or dismiss it. I document it here for your consideration and will try to keep you posted on this latest development.

- Wade Baker

Prayer Booth - 2010

I will tell you that at this time I am planning to coordinate the Prayer Booth again next year at the 36th annual Dogwood Festival. I am praying that if the Lord doesn't want me to do it that He make that clear to me, otherwise I'll assume it's a go. I continue to receive encouragement from fellow believers and so personally I believe it has the Lord's blessing. I'll share the dates soon. (It's the weekend of the last Sunday in April.)

- Wade Baker

Spring Singing

To go ahead and get this laid down, and, once again, I'll come back to this...

Each Friday believers gather at the historic Spring of Siloam downtown between noon and 1PM. There is usually guitar playing, singing, reading of God's word and paryer. There have been anywhere from 1 person to approximately 20 people there at a time. It's rain or shine and during the summer we'll switch to early mornings to avoid the heat. I'll give a heads up when that happens. Last week was incredible and there will be many stories to tell about this. If you need more info just email me.

After I submitted this initial post my friend, Erik, shared something with me. I won't have space to share the whole story but he came upon a verse that has a lot to do with this.

"The Lord said to Moses, 'Gather the people together, and I will give them water.' Then Israel sang this song: 'Spring up, O well! All of you sing to it --" - Num 21:16-17

That is crazy (in a God is great kind of way)! We've been singing at the springs spanning two years now and I don't think I've ever heard of that verse! Thank you my brother, Erik!

- Wade Baker

Siloam's Connections with Redding

I just want to throw this in there for now and come back to it later. Siloam Springs is blessed to share many connections with several other communities that are seeing "moves of God". By this I simply mean encouraging moments that seem to be of God. One of those cities is Redding, CA. I personally know of about a dozen Siloam residents that have been there to visit Bethel Church. Bill Johnson is the senior pastor there. His sermons are valuable, recorded and easy to obtain copies of. I'm listening to one right now as I type. In fact it's titled Crazy Courage. It includes the inspiring testimony of a new song called "Christ The Healer". I'm trying to track down the story of the lady and the Free Prayer sign but it must not have been this sermon.

There are at least 7 Siloam residents going out to Redding this June. I am so excited and encouraged!

- Wade Baker