CHANGE

In May 2012, leaders of YWAM-Richmond came to me and told me that they are proud of my progress and they don't think that I was being challenged there anymore. They released me from my two-year commitment to the Richmond Ropes Course and gave me three weeks to find a new base or school. They gave me a full recommendation and support and I graduated from DTS (Discipleship Training School). I found a secondary school. It is a four-phase program with the first phase in Hawaii, the second in Europe, the third in Australia and the fourth in New Zealand. The school, which is YWAM Ships, is designed to train staff to work on board ships or maritime missions that YWAM offers. The school is great. I've already learned a bunch. We are working on fixing up a 27=ft bay cruiser. It's in pretty bad shape. The steering is rusted. There are a bunch of parts missing from both of its six-cylinder diesel engines. But who knows? Maybe we'll get it in the water before I leave on Sept. 1 for the last part of this initial phase, which is in Orange County, Calif.

I will be uploading some photos and video soon my classes are really intense and I have to study a lot, but it will happen. I promise.

Thank you to all my supporters. I really appreciate it. I pray for all of you and thank God for all of you everyday for without you I could not have committed my life to God.

Jackson Meyer Obel
    

http://ywamships.net/train/school-of-navigation-and-seamanship-sons-2/sons-curriculum-phase-i-ii-iii-and-iv/

So this is a video I made of my time in Brazil with some video editing software. It's not the best video, but it gives an idea of the environment. I didn't have nearly as much footage as I thought I did. Anyway, I cannot thank all of my supporters enough for helping make this trip possible.

God has really blessed me with good friends and a job were I can share my faith freely. I think the next thing on my list will be a new laptop and a car.

There are a lot of Brazilian ESL (English as a second language) students here and we spoke Portuguese. It's fun. I  didn't go to Rio, which is fine because the natives in the Amazon where I was are so amazing. They are so honest. When they say something you have to believe them. They taught me more about myself and my relationship with God than anyone I have known to this day. When I was down in Brazil God spoke to me to head in the aviation direction. I believe God wants me to become an mission aviation pilot.

In June or July YWAM-Va. will be opening up the front of the property with a new bridge and a new driveway. I am very excited along with everyone else here. We will also be building a car garage behind one of the houses we own.

Thank you again. If you guys have any questions give me a call or shoot me a email at obeljack@gmail.com.

lots of snakes, hot weather and great company

My roommate and I have arrived in Porto Velho, Brazil, safely and cleared customs. It could not have been easier. God is so good. In Brazil everyone is so friendly. We made so many friend in the Sao Paulo airport where we had a layover of 14 hours. To all my supporters: Thank you again so much. Videos and pictures will be uploaded soon

Jackson Meyer Obel

obeljack@gmail.com

brazil

I have gotten my visa for Brazil. I will be leaving on March 3 and will be gone for a full month. I am very nervous and also very thankful that God has given me this opportunity to use the gifts that he has given me. My roommate and I have a lot of gear that we are taking down with us for the ropes course that we will be building in Porto Velho, Brazil. Our total flight time is about 36 hours.

By the way, I think I have once again gotten poison ivy, but I do not think it is as bad as the last time.

I am trying to buy a GoPro video camera so that I can show my supporters more details of my work as a missionary. It's a special camera because it can be mounted on a helmet. That means, for example, that I can go rock climbing with it, swimming with it, just about anything you can think of, and be video-taping the whole time. Further, this camera is fully high-definition so the video should be stunning.

Meanwhile, I have gotten two GED books so that I can study up and take that the test and get it over with. Here in Richmond at YWAM-Va. a lot is happening. We are building a maintenance and auto shop building behind one of our houses. The new facility should be finished by July. I am very excited.

4511 Government Rd.
Richmond VA
23231

I cannot thank you enough for supporting me and my mission. It's such an encouragement knowing that there are people out there praying for me.

Jackson Meyer Obel

P.S. If you need to reach me my email is obeljack@gmail.com.

2011 christmas and new years photography

  New York City 

Leaving New York City 

 At the beach near Wellington, Fla. It was such a perfect day to be there. The water and sand were perfect.Thank you, God. 

Breakfast with Dad and Susan 

Leaving the South Palm Beach Airport. 

Shortly after arriving in New York City; 21degrees and I have no jacket 

I have more pictures on my Facebook page

the coming and going of the holidays

This weekend is Christmas. 2011 is almost over and it's been a good year. I have raised my own support, made progress and have a new plan for Richmond Ropes for 2012. Last week we had an all-day work day. It was great. We really cleared a lot of junk off the property. But as a result I have gotten poison ivy quite badly. My left forearm is swollen and red and extremely itchy. In fact, it's almost unbearable. My roommate and I are getting more adventures in rock climbing and rappelling. Let's see. I'm going to my mother's for Christmas and then I'm going to Florida for New Year's Eve. I promise I will bring my camera and take loads of pictures for you all.

P.S. Happy holidays and may God bless you and keep you safe. 

Jackson Meyer Obel 

a late thank you and a praise report

I want to thank all of my supporters for helping me. It's such a blessing to have good financial support so I can continue to do what God has called me to do. I am sorry I have not been updating this blog recently the fall is a very busy time for me and YWAM. This past week all of YWAM-Virginia went down for the Southeast Conference in Alabama. It was so powerful. There is a young girl in the Discipleship Training School (DTS) that got healed from chronic fibromyalgia and depression. She no longer has any of those ailments. God has been working in my life as well. He has shown me that no matter who you are YOU CAN make a difference. I've been working alot on my attitude and how I respond to people that are upset. I recently have purchased some climbing rope so now I can climb on my own time. I have gotten a job at a gym. It pays minimum wage but it let's me build up my savings account.

Alright, well, until next time ... which I promise will be soon.

Jackson Meyer Obel