April 5, 2011

An Optical Solution!

Dear Friend,

The following story demonstrates God’s blessing upon the ministry of the International ALERT Academy.

Since last October, our IT\Telecom department has been seeking a solution to various fiber optics problems that we are having on campus. Training has been somewhat out of reach, while the cost of having someone come in to take care of the problems has been prohibitive. About four weeks ago we came to a point that something had to be done. In the midst of existing problems some of our facilities crew were working on a water line repair and accidentally cut through one of our fiber trunk lines. Chris began checking on training options to bring he and Nathan up to speed on outdoor fiber repair and testing. While researching prices for a separate project, Chris contacted a company in Dallas and was given a pressure pitch to purchase. Because of the pressure to purchase, Chris was reluctant to deal with this company. He called a friend of the ALERT Academy in Tyler, Texas who had helped him with the alarm systems and through him was able to contact a man in Tyler who could help with the repair for a price. Upon contacting this man, he recommended contacting a woman that he knew in Longview who could possibly help. Chris discovered that the woman worked for the same company that he had rejected out of Dallas. He put her name on his desk and was reluctant to call her because of the previous dealings with this company.

Three days later, after unsuccessful attempts at other options, he received a call from the woman in Longview. She said that the man in Tyler had suggested that she give Chris a call to see what might be needed. As Chris explained our situation the woman was very eager to help. Chris later discovered that she was a Christian and that she had been looking for a way to donate expertise and resources to help a ministry in need. She also mentioned that she lives in a nearby community and passes our campus everyday on her way to work, but was not sure what The ALERT Academy was all about. She was supportive of our ministry and told Chris that she believed she had found the ministry she would like to help. She offered to take a look at our fiber optics problem. The very next week, she and a man from Tyler met together with Chris.

When they arrived, they brought a Fusion Splicer and other equipment that would permanently repair the broken fiber. After a day of training at no cost, Chris and Nathan were able to repair the break in the fiber trunk. To rent the Fusion Splicer usually costs $250 or more per day, not including labor charges. They told Chris they would like to leave the splicer at ALERT until they needed it again so that Chris and Nathan could become proficient in its use and repair another break in the fiber. Both of these individuals brought other equipment that they donated to ALERT. They also promised to return and give further training to Chris and Nathan in fiber troubleshooting to fix the other problems that we have. These people gave, and continue to give, of their time and resources in answer to a long awaited prayer that Chris and Nathan had been asking of the Lord. We can surely see the Hand of the Lord in these events. Chris and Nathan now have the training and the equipment at no cost, essentially for as long as they need it!

We praise God for His answer to this problem and for the fulfilling of His Scripture: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20,21

New Birth on a Parking Lot!

A group of our single staff and battalion men went to a well known retail store recently and instead of just shopping, they decided to share the gospel on the parking lot. Many seeds were planted and one young man (worked in the store) received Christ as Savior. Sharing the gospel of Christ and seeing a new life born into the Kingdom is of greater value than any training we can give. It is much sweeter than the “icing on the cake.” I am greatly encouraged that these men are putting their focus on the most important responsibility of the Christian life.

If you are not already, please join our team in prayer and financial support of the many activities that allow us to share the good news of Christ and serve others. Your gift will allow us to continue the work that God has called us to do!

Colonel John Tanner, Director

International ALERT Academy

To support our ongoing ministry, please click on the DONATE NOW button at the top of this page

Or, mail us at: International ALERT Academy, Faithful Endeavors, One Academy Blvd., Big Sandy, TX 75755

March 24, 2011

Fire

Dear Friend,

Wildfires are a constant threat in many areas of our nation, especially as we enter into the spring and summer seasons. It is for that purpose, ALERT men were called upon recently to support an area of Texas in reducing the effects (mitigation) that a wildfire could have on their community. ALERT’s task was to clear brush and trim trees of dead branches in Buffalo Gap, an area that boasts of the largest live oak forest in northwest Texas.

In the first two days, thirty-five ALERT men cleared forty acres. The Mayor of the city commented that the men did a remarkable job in just a few days and that the area now resembles a park. One woman wrote, “They did more than just trim trees and brush. They were great examples of how we should serve each other and our community with eagerness and happy hearts.” Jesus said, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). These men spent a week being servants of the people of Buffalo Gap. In so doing, the name of our Lord was lifted up.

Fresh Troops!

The new Recruits of Basic Training Unit 45 arrived this past Monday to begin their 9-week boot camp. The excitement level was high, as most of our staff, families, and battalion were on hand in the Fieldhouse Gym to welcome them. I observed eagerness on the faces of these new ALERT trainees as they anticipated the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. We briefed them at the beginning using the passage from 2 Timothy 2:1-4, concerning their focus on the Lord Jesus who has called them to be a soldier in His Christian army and how ALERT is a tool that God will use to strengthen their resolve to be disciplined, able to serve others.

The International ALERT Academy covets your involvement in making a difference in the lives of these young men and those they serve. Here are some of our most critical needs for your prayers and support:

• Landscape heavy equipment maintenance person.
• Our deployment funds are at zero! Our last two deployments were funded by our general funds, which are also in need.
• Scholarship funds for: ALERT men seeking training who are – sons of widows; Sons of full-time Christian workers; Young ladies to attend STEP; and, Young men to attend Quest. Each student who requests financial help is screened and obliged to pay a portion of the required costs.
• We are still seeking God’s man to serve in the position of Cadet Commanding Officer.

We are thankful for your friendship with this ministry and pray God’s richest blessings upon you!

Colonel John Tanner, Director

International ALERT Academy

To support our ongoing ministry, please click on the DONATE NOW button at the top of this page

Or, mail us at: International ALERT Academy, Faithful Endeavors, One Academy Blvd., Big Sandy, TX 75755

November 29, 2010

Establishing Purposes:

The Strength of a Landmark

Dear Friend,

As 2010 draws to a close, God is centering our hearts on the important issues that define our vision and mission. Many times, God uses funds, or the lack thereof, as a way of redirecting, or refocusing us. We are now in that time of “lack.”

Over time, as we (International ALERT Academy) expanded our ministry opportunities, vision and mission became increasingly cloudy, vague. We find as we get so involved in the “work” of the ministry that we can forget who we are, or lose sight of the foundational reasons as to why we exist.

People First

It is not about programs, but it is about people. It is about the lives of those who set foot on our campus as well as those we serve. If we are not making a difference in the hearts of young people who come here, we will not make a great impact on the lives of those we serve. Anyone can serve! Anyone can place himself/herself in the midst of a crisis, such as a disaster, and do “good” for the people who are suffering. Making a marked difference distinguishes itself in changed hearts and the character-driven determination that exemplifies the life of the ALERT responder. Therefore, as we have strayed somewhat over time, we see the need to refocus our attention on the young people that pass through our doors.

Proverbs 22:28 tells us to, “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” I believe this to be a key to drawing upon the foundational vision and mission that was established by Ron Fuhrman (Founder of ALERT) in the early days of ALERT. As I recently read some of his handwriting from those early beginnings, I was able to make some adjustments and course corrections that will direct our goals and strategies. In a recent meeting with our staff, I shared these as our “reestablishment” of our future focus. I now want to share these with you.

Vision:

To disciple courageous young people to be world changers, willing (heart) and capable (skills) to disciple others (opportunity).

Mission:

• Assist young people in clarifying life purpose
• Support fathers in establishing Christ-likeness in their sons and daughters
• Establish a desire to be salt and light in the world
• Equip them with the Word of God
• Provide challenges and experiences to help them be mighty in Spirit
• Dedicated public service and global emergency response
• Cultivate an attitude of life service to God

Within this framework, the International ALERT Academy will have a profound impact on the lives of young people as well as the lives of those who are in need of assistance in the midst of crises. Having our vision and mission at the forefront will strengthen our resolve to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands around the world. As this was shared with our staff, I witnessed a renewed fervor in our people that I have not seen in a long time. We are now set to move forward!

Your assistance through financial gifts has been a major source of our success. We are now in need of those who can come alongside to strengthen our cause for greater ministry around the world. Please pray and seek what God’s direction is for you in helping us accomplish His plan for us.

Colonel John Tanner, Director

International ALERT Academy

To support our ongoing ministry, please click on the DONATE NOW button at the top of this page

Or, mail us at: International ALERT Academy, Faithful Endeavors, One Academy Blvd., Big Sandy, TX 75755

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