Do not fear adversity, Expect It.

"After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." Acts 14:21-22

As people we all go through trials and we all suffer because of sin and our rebellion before God, but as Christians we are promised that we should suffer and be tried for our faith in Jesus. Peter even teaches us that it is God's will for us to fill up the sufferings of Christ for following Jesus, 1 Peter 3:17. Unfortunately I believe that most of us even as Christians still suffer because of our evil and not because of our devotion to Christ 1 Peter 4:15-16. But as Christians we should not be anxious or fear adversity and the works and effects of the enemy but we should expect them when we strive to be more like Jesus. Peter teaches us to suffer well in his first book to the churches, its not about will we suffer it is all about how we suffer. But we as Christians also have a hope, we have a just and loving heavenly father who is mindful of us and finds favor on us, despite our good or evil. He is for us and not against us. Tiff and I experienced this while broken down in Kansas. Some may say our failed transmission and cv axel was a sign that we should turn back, but as a Christian is should be a sign to keep pressing forward, knowing that the enemy's works and effects desire to thwart the will of God in our lives. As Paul teaches in 1 Cor 15 we must have Christian stubborness, we must be steadfast, immovable, and always abound in the work of the Lord. We know that King Jesus is for His Kingdom coming and therefore he is for those who push back the gates hades. Despite our plans being thwarted we saw our conquering King run to our rescue. With a classic van which parts are hard to come by we looked to be stranded in KS for at least a week but maybe two. The friendly people of KS worked diligently to get us to the right foreign auto place and there was even a vanagon guy in town, but none of his sources had our transmission, so it looked like it might have to come from either one of the coasts. Which meant a long time, shipping costs, and it would probably be used from a junk yard with no idea of miles or quality. So to help these guys out who were already up to their neck in jobs I called the people I came to know back in Colorado and they all pointed me to one guy, who gratefully had one lying around. Gods first favor on us. Then we began to research how to get it out here, and remembered that Tiff's cousin was coming out the next day to visit the same family we were going to before we broke down. God's second favor on us. So long story short and five favors later, my sister, Carrie, picked up the transmission east of Colorado Springs, gave it to her husband, Wayne, who drove it to denver to give to tiffany's cousin, Kyle, who left the next morning for MS and dropped it off in KS for installation. So within one day we found a transmission, shipped it to KS (for free), and had it installed by some gracious mechanics, and we were on the road that night. Honor to those who helped and Praise to Jesus

This left us one day in MS for the lake and one day in AR to visit Tiffanys cousing, Tyler. We are so grateful for everyones genorosity and hospitality over this last weeks and months.

Carrie Sisco Martinez - Thanks for your gifts, Mo's life jacket, bike, and picking up a transmission on your way to your son, Olivers, Dr's appointment.
Wayne Martinez - Thank you for taking time to drive back to denver to drop off the transmission, even though you just had driven back from there for work.
Kyle and Lauren Foster - Thanks for picking up the transmission and dropping off to us in KS.
Mechanics in KS - Thanks for doing everything you did to accomodate us and get us back on the road.
Walmart Parking Lot and Travel Centers - Thanks for the free stay.
Brad and Doreen Foster - Thanks for your hospitality and generosity to let us stay with you and all the gifts you gave to us for our journey, and dragging our old transmission back to the Springs.
Rick and Cathy Sisco - Thank you also for your hospitality and generosity and putting up with us for 5 months.
Tyler and Angela - Thank you for probably what is our last home cooked meals for a while, for your generosity and hospitality. For your gifts to Mo and the GPS, which by the way took me on some random toll road, so you owe me 50 cents. jk :)
Dan and Valerie Wilmot - Thank you for your gifts and generosity and taking our old transmission back to the guy so we can receive our core charge back.
God our father - Thank you for sending your son and finding favor on Him, the world, and all of your sons and daughters. May you be glorified and may your Son be lifted up in all of these things.

We are so grateful,
Chris, Tiff, Aundreus "MoMo", Ceydie, and Shadow

Riches, Family, and Comfort: Broken down in Junction City, KS

Jesus teaches at the end of Luke 9 that riches, family, and comfort will hinder us from the kingdom of God. This morning as I was thinking about our mission, and what it really looks like to camp in a van with two dogs and two and a half people, I was awakened by the reality that this isn't going to be easy or comfortable. Which led me to meditate on these verses and really question whether I am really willing to give up my comfort to see the kingdom of God. For me the family and riches were things that were easy for me to leave behind and things I found in Jesus, with a new church family and eternal inheritance, but this morning comfort became a reality and I found myself realizing that my true comfort wasn't being found in my Savior. I was creating a functional savior in this world that somehow gave me what Jesus was intended to fulfill in me, I am a new creation, my identity was solely to be in Him. My mind was taking me to the point of should I put this behind me and give it all up because of its potential enduring difficulty or should I in faith and grace press on, persevere, witness and partake in the Kingdom of God. Comfort all of a sudden was hindering me from running the race set before me. And all in God's providence he was preparing my heart and mind to encounter our first trial some four hours later.

When we pulled into Hayes Kansas last night to camp in the parking lot, there was an unusual noise coming from what seemed to be the transmission, thinking it was because of heat we parked and slept with no thought of it. We woke up at five to get an early start to find that the problem was still there but abbreviated, so we decided to hop on the highway and give it a try to see if the problem persisted or became worse. I don't know if it was the sound of the highway or what, but the problem seemed to fade away in the rythm of the highway. Two hours into the drive we ran into some construction and because we can only go 50mph, I was causing quite a back up and decided to be courteous and pull of to let everyone pass by. Pulling over caused both Mo and Tiff to wake up, and because my eyes were getting sleepy when Tiff offered to drive I let her take the wheel, which put me in the back (closer to the noise). Now that I was closer to the noise, I became more concerned that we should probably pull over and see if an mechanic could put it on a lift and give it a check. Enter Junction City, KS. After an initial look we were pointed to the local euro car mechanic which was drowning in projects, but gracious enough to take the time to fit us it into the day. Also enter the next godly test to my comfort issue and the reality check of that nice comfortable road trip to Branson, MS. After a quick chat and some time on the internet of figuring out what the next day or week may look like we unpacked the bikes to waste away the afternoon while we waited for the news. Searching for dog friendly hotels, maybe future mechanics in our destination place (if we could some how limp our van into branson), and some place to hike, walk, or just hang out, we further began to be awakened to the reality of living out of a van in an unknown town with unknow plans, and also some heat and humidity. God's grace began to also shine more in almost a gentle fatherly way to prepare us for our next few months, and growing us to become content with a lack of comfort and familiarity.

And about the van we found out the grinding was a transmission and a rear cv joint making harmonious music together. So, being that we have an older van, it might be hard to find parts which makes our new home Junction City, KS. Pray that we can rejoice in all things and make the most of our time in Kansas. Thank God also that there is a lake here because we have told Mo he is going to a lake and based on our new schedule we might not get to see the lake in Missouri.

We will keep you posted.

Our Tenative Travel Schedule

Depending on weather and unforeseen events this will be our tentative travel schedule down to Belize.

June 3th: Head out to Missouri to visit Tiffany's Family at Table Rock Lake
June 5th: Arrive in Missouri (Our van's top speed is 55mph, maybe)
June 8th: Leave to visit Tiffany's cousin in Fort Smith, AR.
June 9th: Leave for Brownsville, TX
June 11th: Arrive in Brownsville, TX
June 12th: Enter Mexico
June 16th-18th: Enter Belize

We will do our best to keep you posted on our travels and stops. You can keep in contact with us via BlogSpot, Facebook (tiffany sisco), or our email (chris.sisco@msn.com, clsisco00@yahoo.com)

God's Hand

"The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes." Proverbs 21:1

When Tiff and I were approached three weeks ago with the opportunity to adopt Aundreus "MoMo" Kalijah Hoganson into our family we new that it was God's desire for our lives and our responsibility to His Kingdom and Mo, but what we didn't know is how it would all play out and impact our almost emanate move to Belize. Two weeks ago the Utah court system was ready to grant full custody of Mo back to his mother, but because of a change of heart the courts were introduced with the news that Mo's custody would be granted over to Tiffany and I. This order was late in the game and no one really new what would be the outcome and what the courts would rule. It was so unique with a voluntary relinquish of custody, to us being out of the state, to our mission trip, etc... that no one quite new what the judge would rule. Knowing that Mo had now become our first priority in the Lord we began to prepare for another season in Utah, trying to figure out where we would stay, where to work, etc... So about a week ago we packed up our dogs and basically everything we own in the van we intended to drive to Central America to attend what we hoped would be a final custody hearing for Mo. When we arrived to the courts that day we spoke with our case worker and she really had no great insight on what the outcome would be. The only comments we had heard is that one of the lawyers kind of mocked at our missions trip to central America because it wasn't an official LDS mission. As the court began and all primary statements were given there was nothing in favor of the custody happening that day. There were objections to the quickness of everything, to our leaving the country, and there was a desire to have a family team meeting to set up a transition plan with therapy involved. At this point Tiff and I looked at each other as to acknowledge a season back in Utah would be the outcome, BUT it was at this moment I believe that hand of Jesus began to intercede. The judge began to explain to us the situation and what it meant and then asked us what it all meant to us, we acknowledge the responsibility and my only comment to her was that Mo was simply a "gift" to our family. Following this the discussion the hearts began to change, the conversation moved from postponing to finalizing the custody right then. It was unbelievable, God's goodness began to shine forth like a sunrise on a clear morning. When the ruling went down our case worker literally turned around jaw to floor in amazement. I could only think, God's favor. His faithfulness was refreshing, it confirmed our trip to Belize, it saved us from having to hire lawyers and pursue custody apart from the state, and it saved months of drawing the adoption out. It was powerful and glorious, and crazily enough three hours later we were in the post office expediting Mo's passport for entry into Belize. Thank you for everyone's support and prayers during this process, and praise your Lord and King for ruling and reigning.

Every Paul needs a Timothy, and Every Timothy needs a Paul

"The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:2-3
I wanted to thank all those who have poured parts of themselves into my life and those too who have been a blessing to me and have alloud me to pour out myself to them, and also to encourage all of us to keep our aim towards making sure we too our fulfilling these purposes in the kingdom of God. More specifically I wanted to say thank you to John Morris, who has been a faithful example, friend,  encourgement and Paul to me over the last five years. John and I met five years ago and began to meet once a week where he took the time to lay down a foundation of the apostles teaching (aka the Bible) into my life. Which became the very foundation with Christ as the corner stone that has propelled me to build a life after God's own heart. Thank you for your gifts and generousity leading up to our depature these last few months and your faithfulness to our Heavenly Father. I can't explain the gift your were and have been to my relationship with Jesus and I am greatful both to Him and to you and your ministry. And if you don't have a Paul or don't have a Timothy, John has a great eministry with some awesome tools to help manifest these relationships in your own ministry and walk with Jesus. You can check them out at www.actsoneeight.org.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Life, Godliness, and a bit of Catching Up

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2
There is nothing more abundant in life than to live as a sacrifice towards God and to understand and know what His good, acceptable, and perfect will for his church and each one of His children individually. And I would say to the best of our faithfulness this is what Tiff and I have devoted ourselves to over the last 5 to 6 years. Five years ago Tiff and I moved to Utah through the vessel of her job with the Texas Roadhouse but with the intention to be faithful and available to Jesus. During our stay in Utah we attended a few churches, even one in brigham city, that were very edifying and equipping but missed some of the missional spirit that Jesus had cultivated in us. It was through a couple, Charlie and Kate, that we had met at our stay in one of these churches that we were introduced us to a new church plant, called Refuge. Not knowing it at the time this would become a home and a family for us that would equip, train, encourage, confirm, qualify, and commission us to be sent out 4 jesus to Belize to preach the gospel and make disciples in Central America. We are so thankful to all of our families, imidiate, extended, extended church, etc... but were extremely blessed by Jesus to come along side our refuge family and all that they shared and poured into us spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and practical. During our season in utah with refuge the Holy Spirit began to work some desires into our hearts that would send us along future paths never even imagined. And knowing that Jesus not only desires to work things in us but to also work through us, we began to pursue these desires and pursued working them out in our own lives. The first was adoption. Because of our barren womb Jesus began to speak to us and encourage us through his word and his people to pursue adoption. There were three major things that encouraged us into this journey, first the book of James teaches that pure and undeviled devotion to God is to help the widows and orhpans, second by Gods grace/unmerited favor He has adopted us into His family, and even our God and Savior Jesus, too was adopted by Joseph. One preacher reinforced it this way by teaching during the times of the first century church some babies and children were unfavorable to families and were sometimes thrown out with the garbage and it was a ministry within the church to go around and rescue these children and adopt them into their family, just as we have been rescued and adopted into Gods family. These things led us to pursue adoption which led us into foster care, and as much as foster care is about reunification and not about adoption, in our eyes it was an opportunity to not only help a child but help a family. With God's grace we were able to see fruit in both of these areas, we were gifted the right to foster Aundreus "MoMo" Kalijha Hoganson, and to come along side his mother, brother and family to help support their reunification. And It was only three weeks ago that we were asked if we would like to adopt MoMo into our family forever, and knowing it was God's will for our lives we humbly, joyfully, and thankfully said yes. Secondly, the Holy Spirit had been working things into our hearts missionally. Within myself he had cultivated and began to confirm prophetic leadership gifts, and spiritual gifts of exhortation and teaching, and within Tiffany He was working a desire to serve in central america. And as Paul encourages the Phillipians, to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" we began to plant, fertilize, and cultivate these desires moving about in our souls. And with great steadfastness and immovability God has driven us to the point of selling off everything we own, and we are two weeks away from driving our new family in a volkswagon vanagon westfalia through mexico and onto Belize. We are so thankful for the grace of our Father in Heaven, the faithfulness of our brother and King Jesus, the comfort and counsel of the Holy Spirit, the prayers and supplications of our church family, the support and hospitality of our families and all those who have accomodated us over the past 7 months. God is faithful and living and amazing and coming back one day and our desire is to faithfully pour ourselves out for His awesome and mighty kingdom while we still have time, thanks again be to Him and everyone who has been apart of this journey. Please pray for our ministry, MoMo, and specifically a place of peace and hospitality to recieve us in Belize, and continue to follow us primarily here and at Tiff's facebook page, Tiffany Sisco. We were created unceasing uncurable worhshipers let our worship and our identity reflect and glorify His image and His kingdom to come.

Gods gift

meet Mo.  this five year old little guy will join us on our adventures thru mexico, and into belize, to preach the gospel.

Christian Living

"Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:12