Pictures from Haiti
March 16th, 2010
March 16, 2010
Worth a thousand words!
Dear friend,
Jesus used analogies and word pictures to help us grasp the
full meaning and thrust of the Christian life and the Biblical principles by
which we are to conduct ourselves. Last week I reported on our “faithful
endeavors” in Haiti, but did not have pictures at the time. Some pictures have
arrived and I would now like to share with you this brief update in visual
form.
The men were ready to serve as they embarked upon their
journey to Haiti.
Two of our men are shown with the doctor and the mom after
assisting in the delivery of the new baby.
The new mom honored the ALERT men when she insisted that
they name the baby. After several men discussed it, they named her Esther.
They were all smiles as they posed with the mom and baby.
Our medics were also involved with the daily medical needs
of adults and children as they continued to seek help at the medical clinic.
We praise God for the opportunity to touch so many lives and
we thank each of you who have supported this work of the Lord during a time of
great need.
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
Faithful Endeavors Dec. 08
December 18th, 2008
December 18, 2008
Dear ALERT friend,
I hope and pray that you will be blessed of the Lord as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, this Christmas. It is a time to reflect, not only on His birth, but also upon His purpose for coming, “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” {John 10:10}
While so many in our nation are trying to remove the name of Christ from our celebration of the most important event in the history of the world, we must not forget the birth of the one who came to bring everlasting life to those who trust in Him. I was born on December 25th and can, in some way, relate to the diminished observance of this birth date in the midst of what is and has been such a busy “holiday” season. The good news: It is not about me, but about Him! As we hear about the diminished observance of Jesus’ birth during this season, we can rejoice in the fact that this is a wakeup call for all of us to proclaim His message to everyone we meet. Let’s wakeup to the reality of our faithful heavenly Father who has provided the greatest gift ever envisioned – salvation through the blood of Christ.
As we conclude this year, the International ALERT Academy appreciates the faithfulness of God who has provided many needs during this past year and especially these past three months. Many of you served as open vessels of His outpouring in providing the specific and timely funds to accomplish our goal of serving Christ by meeting the needs of people who have suffered loss in times of crises.
The financial gifts that strengthen our base of operations have been increasingly growing as God continues to show His hand of blessing upon the work of this ministry. We are encouraged. Praise the Lord! We are finishing the year strong and looking forward to the challenges of 2009. Our needs are great during this coming year and I hope that you will pray how God may lead you to support us in our faithful endeavors of this ministry.
God bless you with exceeding joy and abundant life this Christmas.
Strengthened in Christ,
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
Faithful Endeavors Nov. 2008
December 1st, 2008
November 26, 2008
Dear ALERT friend,
On Tuesday, November 11, our nation focused much of its attention on the sacrifices of military personnel who have served and who currently serve in our military forces as it recognized and honored them on Veteran’s Day. It was a day to remember the freedoms, rights, and blessings that our nation enjoys because of their sacrifices and determination to keep freedom alive.
On Monday, November 10, the International ALERT Academy honored the area veterans, law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS personnel, and other public servants with a dinner and patriotic concert. The evening began with the men of our Basic
Training Unit 40 marching around the perimeter making their way to the front carrying the 50 state flags while the ALERT Men’s Chorus CD played the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Several of our battalion men followed, carrying the U.S.A., the Texas, and the Christian flags. It was a glorious sight as nearly 600 people (some wearing their respective uniforms) stood and saluted while singing the National Anthem.
Our team of hosts from various aspects of the Academy’s programs had spent days setting the area with elegant décor that exuded honor to all who attended. One World War II Veteran commented, “When the big war is fading quickly in the memory of our nation, we are thankful that there are people like you who still remember and honor the sacrifices that were made. We feel honored to come here every year.”
Our staff experiences great joy each year as we honor our men and women who have dedicated themselves to these worthy causes. We are thankful for the many who support us so that we can continue ministries such as this.
On the response side of ALERT, last week we were called upon to help a county Sheriff’s department in a missing person search. It was a re-establishment of a search for someone who had been missing for two years. We were able to successfully eliminate an area under suspicion, but without any additional discoveries. The detective on scene thanked the men for a full day of coverage in a heavily wooded area. Based upon some of the small items the men found, he was quite impressed with their abilities and thoroughness.
Please continue to pray that God would provide financial support as we faithfully endeavor to discern His direction in serving the needs of others.
Strengthened through Christ and your prayers,
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
Faithful Endeavors Oct. 2008
November 11th, 2008
Dear ALERT friend,
Update on Hurricane Ike
On September 12, two of our instructors deployed with Texas Task Force One along with additional special rescue personnel from other states. Their goal: to be positioned at various locations on the coast ready to rescue those who refused to evacuate. As the hurricane passed through on the morning of September 13, they began rescuing people who were stranded on rooftops of homes and automobiles in the Orange and Bridge City areas.
Meanwhile, the International ALERT Academy campus was opened again to receive nearly 300 evacuees. On the third day of their stay, Lew Sterrett shared one of his special “Sermon on the Mount” messages while breaking a horse. Two of the evacuees raised their hands to trust the Lord in salvation at the end. Others who were already Christians were encouraged that anyone would go to this extra effort to do this for them.
As the floodwaters receded down south, there was need for additional manpower to begin the work of assessment and restoration. ALERT was given the call on September 19.
Arriving in Chambers County later that day, 22 men with chainsaws began clearing trees from homes and yards. On the second day an order came from the State Emergency Coordinator to send all of the ALERT resources to Bridge City where massive flooding had occurred and little help was on the scene. On Sunday afternoon half of the team moved to Bridge City while the other half remained two more days to complete some of the tree clearing commitments.
Arriving in Bridge City we were escorted to a meeting in the park where many residents were gathered to hear statements from their Mayor, their U.S. Congressman, state emergency personnel, and FEMA. They wanted us to be there so that we could gain an understanding of how the people were feeling since there was a lack of help coming to their community. We certainly heard the cries, grief, and anxiety of the residents as they searched for hope.
We were greeted with joy as we began helping people clean up the chaotic mess. More than 20 fathers and sons (ages 8 – 17) from our Cadet program joined us in the work. We were pleased to see these “soldiers of Christ” come alongside with the overwhelming challenge that faced us. House to house we removed flood soaked furniture, sheetrock, paneling, carpet, and flooring. Some of the piles of debris were as high as the house as it lay on the side of the road awaiting pickup. We worked in several neighborhoods and traveled through many other parts of the city, but we did not see a single home that had not been touched by the flooding.
On September 26, many other volunteer organizations began arriving and our mission was ending. We had shared the gospel with many of those with whom we had worked, and spread encouragement and hope to both Christians and non alike. Much seed of the gospel was planted and much joy was restored to many residents who previously felt there was little hope.
Please continue to pray for us as we faithfully endeavor to meet the challenges that lay ahead.
Strengthened through Christ and your prayers,
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
Faithful Endeavors
September 19th, 2008
Shortly after noon today, I will be deploying to the southeast Texas area with 20 men to begin the recovery phase of emergency management. Now that the waters have receded, we are receiving the calls for help. We will deploy to the Chambers County, east of Houston.
The city of Anahuac was hit heavily in that county and the plan will consist of mud-out (removing sheetrock, carpet, flooring, furniture) and plenty of chain saw work to clear downed trees from private property and roads.
We are not sure on the housing situation for us, but we are taking tents as a precaution. As far as we know, there is no electrical power or water available in the county. The men are looking forward to this opportunity to serve our Lord by serving others.
We plan to be there a minimum of one week. Ongoing needs will determine our length of stay beyond that. We will also have some of our ALERT Cadet units joining us for the project.
Please pray for us as we endeavor to serve that community with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
In His strength,
Colonel John Tanner,
Director of IAA Programs
Commander of ALERT
Donate to the International ALERT Academy™
Hurricane Ike Update
September 17th, 2008
The Littlest Evacuee
Three days after Hurricane Ike swept through Texas with destructive winds and torrential rains, the International ALERT Academy is continuing to serve evacuees and has begun storm clean up and repairs around the campus.
Even though dozens of our evacuees are from hard hit areas such as Beaumont and Jasper, Texas, most of them have already begun the trip home-or to what was their home. With their departure, IAA Housekeeping is freshening up the dorms for families that are staying longer, and cleaning vacated ones as we welcome more evacuees from other shelters.
On Sunday, IAA officially welcomed its youngest evacuee-a precious five-day-old baby girl. The baby’s mother and her family arrived here a few weeks ago during Gustav. This little bundle was born in between hurricanes and came back with Ike to visit us again!
Doing our best to make the evacuees feel welcome, we have opened the South Gym for periods of games and activities during the day, and organized a popcorn and movie night that received A+ marks from children and parents alike.
Current Hurricane Deployments
The two deployments that went out before the hurricane have remained in their locations because the needs there are so great. Captains Josh Tanner and Steve Dankers deployed with part of the Longview Fire Department for search and rescue along the gulf coast in Bridge City, Texas. These men are conducting boat rescues and house-to-house searches in the floodwaters.
Captain Chris Overby and four medics are in Huntsville, Texas serving as EMTs for a shelter currently housing around 500 evacuees. They have had several opportunities to give God the glory as they minister to the evacuees both physically, with EMT care, and spiritually, with songs and testimonies. As John 13:35 says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Please pray for both these teams as they complete their missions and hope to return by the end of the week. Additional ALERT teams will deploy in the coming days and would also appreciate your prayers for safety and efficiency in meeting the needs of those they are serving.
If you are interested in helping the ALERT Academy prayerfully or financially with Hurricane Ike relief efforts, call 903.636.2000 ext. 2101, or email ALERT at jtanner@alertacademy.com. You may also donate directly at http://donate.alertacademy.com
Campus Cleanup
We are blessed that there is only minor damage to the IAA campus as the eye of the storm went right over us, rather than the east side of it as we first expected. Trees fell around the campus, shingles were blown off in places and power was out for several hours, but we are very grateful for God’s gracious protection. Praise the Lord for the Facilities Department and for their efficient efforts to bring the campus quickly back to normal.
Endeavoring to help the landscaping crew with the tremendous job of clearing the ground of big sticks and limbs before mowing, we called for a kids “Campus Cleanup” time. 
Close to 20 children and young adults of our staff families participated in clearing the lawns around several buildings. Their diligence and active hands and feet worked amazingly to help erase the “hurricane look” around the campus. Thanks kids!
Hurricane Ike Response
September 12th, 2008
We’re at it again! With Hurricane Ike expected to make landfall on the Texas-Louisiana gulf coast in the next 12 hours, the IAA staff are responding with housing and trained personnel to aid those in distress. Many staff spent Wednesday and Thursday making beds and cleaning dorms in preparation for families needing safety from the storm.
Seeing the needs in the Houston area, an ALERT medic team deployed on Thursday for Huntsville, Texas, where they are assisting evacuees fleeing Ike’s path. Captain Christopher Overby and the medics are currently serving at an evacuation shelter. They are helping special needs individuals and are prepared to administer first aid.
The IAA campus has also responded to the needs of evacuees driving from Beaumont, Jasper and Sugarland, Texas. The registration desk is hopping with evacuees coming in to register their families and move into rooms free of charge. Nametags, welcome packets, room keys, and car tags are being distributed, as well as an abundance of smiles and support from registration staff. Updates on Hurricane Ike are regularly posted throughout the campus and provide continuing information for the evacuees.
Our primary campus housing is already full, and evacuees still needing housing are put on a waiting list or directed to government assistance. We expect to have close to 250 guests on campus by this evening. Please pray for the safety of those still traveling, and for peaceful hearts for those who are waiting out the storm so far from home.
We are humbled and thrilled to see God bring this opportunity for us to show His love to so many in stressful times. Our staff and battalion will be serving tirelessly over the next few days. Prayers for energy, as well as openings to individually share Christ with others would be appreciated. We look forward to seeing God work, knowing that, “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.” (Psalm 12:5)
If you are interested in helping the ALERT Academy prayerfully or financially with Hurricane Ike relief efforts, call 903.626.2000 ext. 2101, or email ALERT at jtanner@alertacademy.com. You may also donate directly at https://donate.alertacademy.com/.
Gustav Evacuee Update 2
September 3rd, 2008
On Sunday, August 31 evacuees from Hurricane Gustav began arriving at the doors of the International ALERT Academy. Approximately 275 people came to us from South Louisiana and Southeast Texas looking for a refuge from the oncoming storm. Residents of Jasper, TX returned to our doorstep after finding a welcome place here during the events of the 2005 Rita Disaster. About 60 evacuees from the Beaumont, TX area arrived by bus late on Sunday night seeking a place to lodge. The Gustav evacuees that made their “home away from home” at the ALERT Academy included thirty 0-6 yr. olds, 56 6-12 yr. olds, and 189 who were 12 yrs and older. Our youngest evacuee was only 2 weeks old.
It was an honor for us – the staff, battalion, and families – of the ALERT Academy to serve these folks in need. Our prayer is that of Matthew 5:16: “…that they may see your [our] good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
On Labor Day evening, the ALERT Academy was thrilled to invite all of the evacuees who were staying with us to an evangelistic outreach that we pray will continue to impact eternity!
What an amazing sight it was on that Monday evening, as friends of ALERT, local churches, area businesses, and members of the International ALERT Academy came together to provide a “pot-luck meal” for the evacuees. It was a testimony of the goodness of God to see His generosity and love expressed through His people!
The evacuees were also invited that evening to a Lew Sterrett “Sermon on the Mount” presentation in which Lew presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ! We are praising the Lord for decisions for Christ made that evening!
Our hurricane-driven guests have left us now and returned to their homes, but our prayer is that they carry something home with them that they never expected – the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ!
Gustav Evacuee Update
September 1st, 2008
The ALERT campus is certainly a “hopping” place with approximately 275 evacuees from Hurricane Gustav having found refuge here. Families have traveled here from South Louisiana and Southeast TX. Residents of Jasper, TX have returned to our doorstep after finding a welcome place here during the events of the 2005 Rita Disaster. About 60 evacuees from the Beaumont, TX area arrived by bus late on Sunday night seeking a place to lodge.
God is giving great grace to the ALERT staff and volunteers. He is strengthening them for the task at hand and giving them joy!
We would appreciate your prayers tonight as ALERT, Lew Sterrett, and the local community will host the evacuees on campus for a pot-luck dinner (thanks to local businesses, churches, and friends) and a Sermon on the Mount presentation by Lew! What an opportunity we have to reach out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
How you can pray:
- Strength for our staff
- That those who are staying with us would see our good works and be drawn to the Father
- For the finances to meet the needs incurred by supporting the evacuees
- Pray for the 6 ALERT medics deployed to a shelter in Huntsville, TX.
How you can assist:
- If you would be interested in volunteering at the ALERT Academy now, or once the evacuees leave, to assist with whipping our grounds and guest lodges back into fine form, please call Sarah at 903.636.9613 or e-mail volunteers@alertacademy.com
Response to Hurricane Gustav
August 31st, 2008
The campus of the International ALERT Academy is busy with activity in response to current concerns with Hurricane Gustav. Evacuees began arriving at ALERT in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 31 and numbers continue to increase. The ALERT staff is also preparing to serve as an advance staging area for service groups.
ALERT has also deployed six medics to Huntsville, TX to provide medical support to a a shelter there.
Currently, as of 3 PM Sunday, the ALERT Academy is providing lodging for approximately 150 evacuees. We are planning for a possible 350 by day’s end.
If you would like to know how you can assist the ALERT Academy with relief and evacuation efforts (physically or financially) please contact us at 903.636.2000 ext 2101 or e-mail alert@alertacademy.com. To donate to the ALERT Academy, click here.
Continue to check the IAA website for current on-campus and response news. We’ll be posting prayer requests, campus stats, and immediate needs that you may be able to assist with.