Swift Family Robinson Adventures

Transitions

2011-06-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

So much has happened since Passover. We began counting 50 days to the Feast of Pentecost and that's when things began to really shift in an interesting direction.

Because our Fundraiser didn't go so well we had to change our sails with the wind that we believe God was blowing in our direction. We had a small handful of people support our fundraising campaign by pledging but in the end it fell far short of the target.. We still want to finish our film, but I've had to focus more on the open doors that came through my part time job at the theme park here in Florida. So as far as the documentary goes, it is something that I will be focusing in spare time rather than as a full time job. So that means we don't know when it will be finished.

As of now we're in the process of transitioning to full time residency here in Florida. It's a huge and expensive process because of the cost of registering our vehicle and rv as well as dealing with the overload of taxation from North Carolina. It's been very difficult on us. But there's some very good news right now.

The job at the theme park moved from part time for an attraction there to a full time photography position that begins at the end of June. This position pays a little better and while we're still struggling financially, things are much better than a few months ago. So we praise the LORD for what He's doing and we appreciate everyone's prayers.

Official Fundraiser Begins On Kickstarter

2011-04-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

"Give and it will be given to you..." The words of Yeshua (Jesus), are indeed powerful and true.

Yesterday our official Kickstarter Fundraiser which thankfully was approved went up live:

http://www.kickstarter.com/e/VBjNd/projects/31520117/swift-family-robinson-adventures-movie

We appreciate everyone's prayers and consideration. Please pass this on to as many people as you know. If we don't raise all of the target amount, we don't get any of it.

This picture of my son eating a hotdog is something really special and related to giving. We went to a theme park here in Florida recently when someone was generous enough to give us some free tickets to go there. But we really couldn't afford to eat there as things like a pretzel went for almost 4 bucks. So we were really surprised when this total stranger was standing in line while we went to purchase a pretzel or two just to get something to eat and told us that she had a meal plan and had some free food that she hadn't used up and was leaving and wanted to use it up rather than lose it. So she got us two hotdogs right there. The cashier was in shock. She said she had never seen that happen before. I said, we just thank God for that.

Now how could this total stranger have known that we were in need that day? And yet... this is where we stand waiting and trusting God to provide. Perhaps you are like that woman standing on line. Perhaps you have something to give and here you have come and discovered that we are right here in your sight.

Just know that if you decide to give, it is greatly appreciated by us and we're extremely grateful when people give to help us just as we were with the lady and the hotdogs she graciously bought us. We wish we had gotten her name so she could read this article. Who knows, maybe somehow God will bring her to find us here again so we can give her proper credit. May God greatly bless her and her family. And may God greatly bless those who have given and will give to help us.

Why Is This Week Different From Other Weeks?

2011-04-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Our first Passover in the RV. This past Monday which was April 18th (and Nissan the 14th on the Hebrew Calendar) the day before the Feast of Unleavened Bread (which fell that Monday evening Nissan the 15th) we received confirmation that our Food Assistance in Florida would go through early while we're still going through the procedure and paperwork.

And so right before the festival began we went grocery shopping so thankful to the Father for His provision. It was a real relief. We were able to get what we needed to make a nice meal for the Passover. God came right on time. It's my hope that I will better provide for my family with the work of my hands in the near future so that this will be temporary not long term. But I am grateful for it right now. So so grateful. Thank you, Father!

I've also begun training in a part time job now which has also been an added blessing and some sort of provision during this time. We also got approval to do a Kickstarter fundraising campaign for the documentary about our travels.. I will share more as I put it together. But hopefully if we can raise this money, it will help us to pay our expenses on top of the part time job so it will help us finish the film with less financial stresses.

So this year I led the family in a Passover Seder with a camcorder in one hand and the laptop in the other while doing it. It was a little difficult, but we believed that it was very important to record this special Seder for our film. I had to attach the camera to a digital recorder because unfortunately I didn't have money to buy a mini DV tape this time. So it was a bit more bulky of a situation. But it got done and it will be worth it not just for us but for all of you who will get to share in the Passover experience with us.

The documentary will begin with the Seder. The Last Supper was actually a Seder for some of those who have never heard of this. A "Seder" is a festive meal where the people of Israel have celebrated Passover for thousands of years as a memorial to how God delivered their descendants from slavery to Egypt. We as Messianic Believers do it in remembrance of Yeshua the Messiah who commanded us to do it in remembrance of Him. So it's a combination of telling the story of the deliverance from Egypt along with the remembrance of Yeshua's sacrifice for all of us. The Seder includes many interesting Jewish traditions and foods. It is actually amazing to see how much it points to Jesus even in the traditional things that are done. To my family, it is very important at this time of our lives to celebrate this.

So as the film opens with our Seder, the children will then narrate a quick synopsis of how we got to the point of selling our home and moving into the RV and then share about our 9 month journey which leads us up to the Passover - the moment we're standing at our Red Sea moment and waiting for deliverance. This is the climax of the story for us - and so it will be interesting to see how it all will turn out.

A Little Cloud Rises

2011-04-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

"And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand." (1 Kings 18:44b KJV)

This picture above was taken last month here in Florida. When I went off to pray I noticed that there was writing in the sky and it was actually upside down. A plane was up there writing a message about trusting Jesus and I'm assuming it would be right side up for someone somewhere else. So I took a picture of it. This picture says "trust"

My life certainly has felt upside down during this time, so God's letting me know that I need to continue trusting Yeshua to lead me even when things feel upside down.

Some good news to report. I did get a call to start a part time job at a Theme Park here in Florida and it pays around minimum wage but at least it's something and a beginning. I begin orientation this Thursday. We are also going to be applying for some food assistance today. So some good things are happening even though it's slow. The Scripture that keeps coming to me is the one from First Kings 18 where it was the third year of a major famine that was finally coming to an end and Elijah told his servant to look in the sky 7 times and there wasn't a cloud in the sky until the seventh time. And then the servant said in verse 44b:"Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand."

Here's a little more context to the story:

⁴¹And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

⁴²So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
⁴³And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.
⁴⁴And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down that the rain stop thee not.
⁴⁵And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. (KJV 1 Kings 18:41-45)

This is the month of Nissan - the Biblical New Year. We are approaching the great feast of deliverance - Passover. And I'm believing for a breakthrough in my family in this season. I see this good news as the little cloud rising out of the ashes of my family's trial and trust that as God delivers there will be no debating who it is that delivered us. It will be a great work of our Heavenly Father who has told us to trust Him even when we can't see a thing in this dark time.

I've been working on the Swift Family Robinson Adventures documentary and have captured all the footage and working toward editing the film while working part time. We're also considering doing a fundraiser for this film which will be a great help. So I'm looking forward to finishing it and sharing it with others.

Raising Our Staff Part 2

2011-04-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well we began raising our "staff" as we have been pressed against the Red Sea (see the last post for an explanation) and working together as a family to make Swift Family Robinson Adventures, the documentary.

We now have an official website for the movie: www.awakenpictures.com/swiftfamilyrobinson.html

"Like" us on our new Facebook page here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Swift-Family-Robinson-Adventures-Movie/153180121412374

Here is the new movie trailer for the movie:

Here's the synopsis of the film: A struggling filmmaker (Tom Swift) moves his wife (Angela Swift) and four children into an RV to find better opportunity. But things only get worse as they find themselves trying to survive the biggest financial crisis of their lives. The Swift Family are Messianic believers who follow the Hebrew Roots of the Christian faith. They find their faith tested when God seems silent during this incredible trial. Joshua and Tamar, the two oldest Swift children, narrate this journey of faith in times of adversity.

I really wanted to wait to make this film until later but I basically have no choice in the matter. The first thing that had to be done was capture all that footage into the hard drive. It was quite an experience for me as I watched about 9 months of our lives being played out before my very eyes. The first thing we did after the footage was captured was have an updated movie trailer put together to promote the film which is above. We're all very happy with how it came out.

In regards to my job situation I actually spoke to someone from one of the theme parks here in Florida stating that they were going to call me sometime this week to work for them. I don't know what type of job it is at this time and I have not gotten the call yet as I write this but I am thankful that something seems to have come along. So please keep that matter in your prayers as well as this project.

Raising Our Staff

2011-03-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

"But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea..." (Exodus 14:9a KJV)

Imagine if you will, what if felt like on that day, so many thousands of years ago, when the Children of Israel were stuck with deep water on one side and on the other side a mighty Egyptian army ready to kill them all. Think of trying to flee from somewhere only coming to a toll road with no money to pass.

For us as a family, lack of income, like the Egyptian army has followed us from North Carolina into the desert of Texas and on to a place of beautiful Palm Trees with one purpose bent on our destruction and to discredit our faith in Messiah, our Messianic calling of Torah (God's Instruction) the Hebrew Roots, and our calling as filmmakers.

Whether it's been palm trees or cactus in the background, the same situation has threatened our very destruction as a family- and one big thing has been financial which ended up becoming all closed doors for work - being unable to get a job. We've gone through some very hard times indeed and I've been ready to put my dream on the side as a filmmaker just to pay bills.

And that verse in the Scripture about a man who doesn't provide for his family being worse than an infidel has breathed condemnation on the back of my neck for far too long. But one can't say I haven't tried. I've applied for job after job, from a fruit stand to grocery store to hotel as a runner, to theme parks, to jobs with churches, ministries, video, photography, news, and so on and so forth. Yet, no open doors. Not one. And when we come to a place with so many job interviews like Florida - with potential to work in decent paying jobs, one has to ask why God hasn't opened a door after a month of being here? Why?

We've had folks in our families exhaust their resources to help us. We've had kind brothers and sisters help us with a little bit of funds to help us thus far. And we've had others question whether we're on the right path. Others question whether we're doing something wrong or if there's something I need to repent of. Where God guides He provides, why not with you? All well meaning folks. And frankly, when I look back on my life, I know I've made some mistakes. But is that really why I'm in this situation? I've done good and bad in these times and yet the same fate of going downward has come upon me. And I'm a firm believer that we reap what we sow. But Job didn't do anything wrong. Joseph didn't do anything wrong. They just went down. It was appointed for them to be stripped and purged. Nothing they could do would stop it. But their suffering was part of a bigger plan a bigger purpose. God was doing something to magnify Himself through His children's trials

I've tried to give my way out, too. But that didn't work either. I had people disapointed in me for giving to God during this time when it was a bad witness to not pay your bills. But is it really a bad witness to give to God when you can't pay your bills? I knew that the little that I had wasn't going to fix the problem anyhow and all it was doing was controlling me - so I gave it.. I also knew that God said to test Him and He would pour out a blessing upon His people. So I tested Him and nothing happened. I even started a blog called the Giving Project for people to share their experience. Very few responded to it.

So in the end, I came to the conclusion in my brokenness before God and feeling like ashes that no matter what happens, God is still worthy of praise. God is only obligated to do one thing. He's only obligated to love us. And in that love, there's no guarantee that if we do what's right that we're going to get a ticket out of suffering or trials. Job and Joseph didn't get a free pass and neither did the Apostle Paul who suffered all kinds of crazy stuff in his journey of faith. It's a hard one to swallow especially here in America when we the people of God have been abundantly blessed and prosperous.

See, God gives and He takes away. But He's always worthy of praise. That's how Job concluded it. And see those 3 Israelites who were thrown in the fiery furnace in the book of Daniel knew this truth as well. We love to preach about how they were delivered but most folks like to avoid what they proclaimed. They said basically that God was able to save them. But even if He didn't, they still weren't going to bow down to that idol. God is able to save me and my family, but if He doesn't, He's still worthy of praise.

But then there's a part of me that knows that God is my deliverer. There's the messages I've heard lately of being in the Joseph Generation, where God is about to raise up some people in His Kingdom that have been low for such a long time. Everywhere I turn, I hear about Joseph in Genesis. How God raised Joseph up from the ashes to save his people. He had to go down first and then God brought him up in due season. I'm believing for that season. I'm hoping for that season because I know there is a greater purpose in our struggle.

So here I stand unemployed, with bills I can't pay, caught between being a North Carolina resident taxing me for my truck and rv that I can't afford to pay, and yet unable to tap into the red tape of government food assistance and unable to afford to become a resident of Florida even if I wanted to. This on top of all kinds of mess and guilt and condemnation breathing upon my back and surrounded by deep water in front of me. There's no place to go. But here we are also in the very season of redemption sitting upon us. Passover, Resurrection season. All this coming April. And I was reminded last night as we are pressed against the Red Sea, that God spoke to Moses and told him to raise up his staff and walk through.

Remember that staff that Moses had in his hand? Moses asked what if the people of Israel wouldn't believe him that God had spoke to him and God asked Moses what was in his hand. And then He told Moses to throw it down on the ground and it turned into a snake as a sign.

So I began to think about what I have in my hand. And these Scriptures are a powerful reminder of what God was doing when His people felt trapped by the Red Sea:

¹³And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

¹⁴The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

¹⁵And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

¹⁶But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

(Exodus 14:13-16)

God works in mysterious ways. This movie was on last night about a superhero family who is downplaying their powers in order to try to live a normal life but it is failing and breaking up their home. In the end they realize that they have to work together as a family in order to survive and rise to their calling as superheroes to save the city from a powerful villain. They realize that their calling as a family and superpowers are part of the same great purpose. And when I saw this I was reminded that we as a family are called to share our gifts together as filmmakers, as Messianic Christians, and followers of Jesus.

I saw that we do have a staff that we can raise up - Swift Family Robinson Adventures. We have a lot of video of our adventure thus far and photos. This is something we can do together as a family and it's something which we can use our gifts. I had been putting it off because I wanted to work on it later but it's obvious that I must work on it now. So I'm excited to see what God is going to do with it and how He will magnify Himself through it.

So many people are watching us now and it all looks so hopeless, but it is not too difficult for God. We believe He's going to rescue His children at the midnight hour and bring honor and glory to His name. And again, while He is able, if He doesn't, He's still worthy of praise! But I'm certainly trusting in the one who is able to deliver!

Refuge In The Sunshine State

2011-03-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

And they came to Elim, where [were] twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters." (Exodus 15:27 KJV)

So there we sat in Texas and waited for our tax refund to come in and then used that money to travel to Florida by the end of February. When we pulled in to the first campground in Florida, we were parked next to a palm tree on one side and an orange tree on the other side of us.

I will share more about our reasons to come to Florida in a later posting, but let me just say that Florida was one of the places we were considering coming when we left North Carolina based on a dream and some signs we got about 2 years ago. We always had Florida in the back of our minds and knew that we needed to check it out especially if all the doors closed in Texas.

At the end of February we came here and the kids really have loved it here. The weather has been beautiful, the locations have been beautiful. They really were excited to pick oranges right off the tree. It was our hopes that this would be a place where we would experience rest from a long weary journey in the RV.

The Scripture from Exodus came to mind when I saw all the palm trees around us. After coming through the Red Sea and watching the Egyptians destroyed and behind them now, the Children of Israel came to a place with bitter water. After God made the water sweet, they traveled to a place of rest where there were 70 palm trees and 12 springs. This is what we long for, rest and refreshment.

When I came to Florida, immediately I began to find lots of opportunities. I applied for good paying and low paying jobs and jobs in and out of the media industry. I got a lot of interviews, too. But thus far I've not been hired yet. It's been hard to be patient sometimes, but ultimately God is Sovereign and knows what He's doing.

We are still in a position to go anywhere if a job opportunity opens up in another state, too. Time will tell if this is a place of temporary shelter or a place where we are supposed to reside permanently.

God Of The Midnight Hour

2011-03-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken in Brady, Texas after we left San Angelo after all those difficulties we had there. When I shared my experience with a friend, he said something like "You know God's telling you to leave a place when you get an icestorm in the desert" We laughed and I knew it was actually rather funny now even though when I was going through it, I wasn't laughing.

My wife and I believed God had probably closed the door on Texas at this point and headed toward Austin to an RV Dealer who needed to repair our refrigerator that stopped working. Thankfully the fridge was under warranty, but a good portion of our food was not able to be salvaged.

As we drove out we saw that rainbow and took it as a sign of God's blessings that we were looking to leave. We had our eyes on heading toward Florida next. We had known all along that we were either going to go to Texas or to Florida. We ultimately chose Texas because Texas had a good economy and we kept hearing about Texas everywhere we went and folks kept mentioning Texas to us and San Antonio. I did apply for jobs in Austin, just in case, but nothing opened up there.

Only one job opened up for me in all of Texas and I was looking in my field and out of my field. That was in the San Angelo area. I knew when it happened that I had to turn it down and that the door was closed for us in Texas. I had been applying for jobs anywhere with no open doors. Finally I got frustrated after spending hours applying for jobs online. They make you take these long tests even for minimum wage type jobs. So I saw a job there for a manager trainee at a fast food restaurant that I worked at when I was a teenager. I worked there years ago in the 1980s while in High School. I figured that maybe I could get some good training and then have experience as a manager and if we wanted to move to another store in another state we could do that. Or perhaps there would be an opportunity to use my filmmaking talents somewhere in the corporate headquarters someday. I was trusting God to lead me and we are not to underestimate Divine Intervention. I also had worked for that company and figured that should give me some sort of edge even if it was a long time ago. And I also knew if it didn't work out, I would have experience as a Manager and perhaps it would be a stepping stone to working for another company someday.

So I got an interview and I went in there. I shared that I worked there before years ago. I shared that I had a family of four kids. I shared that I had managed my own company. And on my application I'm pretty sure I wrote that I was a college graduate. After the interview they told me that they were going to give me a chance. I was told I would have to work minimum wage there and part time and work my way up to manager... not be a trainee. Just start out from the very bottom.

That made no sense. I didn't interview for that sort of job. If that was the job I was applying for, then fine. If I need to learn every department there, then put me there. But don't mislead me. I shared that I had four kids I was trying to take care of and I shared that I ran my own company. I was a college grad and I couldn't even get a job as a manager trainee. If I was going to take a minimum wage job, it wasn't going to be there in San Angelo and certainly how did I know if I could trust this manager if he was not honest with me up front. We were finding out that there was nothing here for us now.

I walked away from San Angelo having found myself at the most humble of experiences in all of my career and probably my life. It was very hard to stay encouraged at this time. My family was relying on me to take care of them and I was wondering where God was.

So when we left, we had some good friends in the Austin area and stayed with them while the fridge was being repaired.

It was hard to understand why God, our provider, would allow our fridge and food to go bad when we were living on government food assistance already and being unemployed with no income. After being stuck in an icestorm and out in edge of the desert, it made no sense to us.

We found out that things were about to get harder when the department of Social Services told me that they could not renew my food assistance in Craven County, NC unless I'm present in Craven County. This made no sense even though I'm a resident of Craven County and am being charged property tax for my truck and RV as well as being registered to vote there.

And through this all, we knew that things were about to get worse for us financially if we had no food assistance unless God provided something right away. We had our eyes on leaving Texas at this point but couldn't do it until some tax money arrived.

One of the last things that happened before leaving San Angelo was that we got a glimpse of some Bison up close. They take refuge at the State Park there and that was a real blessing for all of us to see. There was even a newborn Bison there. The kids were really excited.

Looking at our lives here, I've shared before in a blog that we had some things we were hoping God would provide and usually God was the God of the Eleventh Hour. But at this point we've come to know God as the God of the Midnight Hour. He comes in His time, not ours. And He seems to have come through for us at the very last second and sometimes long after a bill is due or taxes are late. It was a hard and sober thing to process and it has shaken my faith to the core.

I realized some very important truths while living by faith. You can't really live by faith and be in debt. It's just not possible because it is not the best witness to say to a bank, "Don't worry, I'll pay you sometime soon. I'm living by faith!" especially if you have no job in sight. And God is not obligated to pay our debts to a bank on time. He provides in His time. And ultimately even if you have a job, there is no guarantee that you're going to be able to pay your debts. Things happen sometimes beyond our control.

By God's grace and mercy He has come through at the midnight hour for us. But my recommendation to you the reader is to have no debt if you are going to go out and live by faith.

Enjoying The Journey

2011-02-05T23:22:00.000-08:00

As you can see from the picture (that's our RV way in the distance) we headed to San Angelo on Monday -- at the edge of the desert in Texas - looking to escape the humidity and instead got hit with an incredibly difficult ice storm and bitter cold and windy winter weather going too far below freezing for me. We ended up having no water other than going to the bathroom and filling up jugs there. All the spickets around our RV froze and even the water pipe within our RV leading to our own water supply got frozen somewhere and so that didn't even work. It was that tough. Most of the ice melted today and we are totally wiped out from having no water in our RV for a few days and being frozen out here.

So how did we end up here? Well at first we really thought we were supposed to go to San Antonio, Texas. We had prayed about it and it seemed pretty clear - go to San Antonio, Texas. But there were no open doors for us and our money was so tight we needed to make a decision on where to go after a month went by. A number of things began to happen and things became pretty clear. We were not supposed to stay in San Antonio. We originally searched around for some signs confirming we were supposed to stay in San Antonio or perhaps God had for us to meet someone. But again, all those doors were very closed and we didn't seem to have any particular Divine Appointment.

I did meet a very nice Christian family in San Antonio and their child was named Shalom. They were staying with some good Christian folks on a road that had the name "peaceful" in it. It seemed God was showing us that we were surrounded by peace on this journey. I spoke to one of the very nice Christians who had taken them in and asked the wife and husband if perhaps God had led me to them. They just began praying for me and my family on the road and this Christian sister said to me that she felt impressed to share with me something to the extent that the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the LORD and that was comforting to know.

It's been really hard to know what we're doing on this trip and where we're supposed to go. God has seemed so silent, too. And we just wonder and wonder what He wants us to do. We've done all we can to pray and seek His face about it and still... silence.

The hard thing about the silence has been that the money kept running out and we were so concerned about how things were going to work out. I was looking for work in the state with the best economy in the nation and no doors were opening. After about a month of seeking employment and closed doors all around, we began to wonder if God was saying not to come "to" San Antonio, but to come "through" San Antonio. So we began looking in other areas of Texas and we really moved around. But still... no open doors. And a part of me was excited that the doors were closed on regular employment because that meant that the filmmaking side of it might still have real potential. But that door seemed closed too as far as doing it full time rather than on the side. All in all, I'm required to take care of four kids and a wife by God. So why were all these doors shut to us financially?

On Monday, I was in a grocery store and I was dealing with something within myself and I was trying to find resolution with the some sort of situation that I was struggling with and then it seemed like God spoke to my heart telling me to live by the Spirit with this situation. So then I realized that God was talking to me or so it seemed. It was in my mind - not something audible or anything like that . Then I said to Him in my heart "Oh... since you're talking to me - what of all these things and my finances and being broke right now." I had so many more questions like where on earth were we supposed to be going? Were were traveling to the right place? Why all the closed doors?

In the end, the impression I got if God was really speaking to me was that I was in the right place. In other words, I was traveling in the right direction in the RV. We weren't in disobedience or anything. And God was with us. Then this final thought came to me was a really hard one for me: "Enjoy the journey".

That's something that has been really hard for me to do when we're struggling with our finances and there's no income coming in and no job and even with our film company no income coming in and I know deep in my heart that God's Word says to provide for my family. I've done everything in all my power to take care of everyone... and yet... there we sit not knowing where we're going or what I'm supposed to do. So enjoying the journey has been hard, but I know He wants me to enjoy this special time I'm experiencing with my kids and my wife. It's something that we will always remember for the rest of our lives traveling together in the "Spirit of Adventure" and into the unknown.

So I left that grocery store with a peace that passed all understanding and a full confidence thankful that the silence was broken at that moment and that we weren't in the wrong place. And that's when we drove into San Angelo on the edge of the desert and all seemed well that evening - the beautiful dry weather - the kids running around.

We camped that night and then one of the most difficult storms we've ever experienced blasted that place. Thunder, lightning, heavy winds, sleet, hail, ice storm galore. By morning we were covered with ice and the challenge continued as I wrestled with what God was saying and how to really enjoy the journey. To be continued.

Welcome to God's Country!!!

2011-01-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

So we're in San Antonio, Texas now. My friend from Austin, Texas emailed me and said "Welcome to God's Country!!!"

Another friend sent me a message and had something like this this written in the subject: "Texas....Closest Thing To Heaven" Lots of people have had a positive experience here in Texas. We believe God has a blessing and a purpose for us here.

We're out here looking for a better financial situation to provide for the family. Texas has probably the best economy in all of the United States. San Antonio was the place that kept coming up after much prayer and seeking when financially things got really bad for us in North Carolina. So we began the journey here even though we had less than a hundred dollars to our name. And this amazing thing happened. As soon as we determined to go, people all around us just started giving to us. It was an unbelievable miracle. It is not cheap to travel from North Carolina to Texas. And yet the Father provided for us. A lot of things happened along the way that seemed to be causing trouble, but in the end, we still got here... blessed be His name.

So when we arrived right before New Years, we figured God had something for us to do. We've got our eyes and ears open but are still seeking the Father for that purpose here. Stay tuned.

God of the 11th Hour part 3

2010-10-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

This photo is courtesy of NASA. I was trying to think about what photo to put in there and I thought this one would work for this post. Supposing for yourself that this picture was taken today? Do you think you could see me and my family in the RV in this picture if it was actually focused on this side of the world? Now the high tech folks at NASA probably could with their super duper sattelites. But most people don't have the ability to see everything all at once. My point is that God sees it all.

If you could do a super duper zoom you'd probably see us in Kinston, NC and see us packing up when the folks at the Nature Center over there ( a really cool place to camp, by the way) told us we would have to move because they believed that the Neuse River was going to flood over. But you'd also see the little child in China walking for the first time ever. You'd see a shepherd in the Middle East tending his sheep. God sees it all and not only does He see us. He's also got the whole world in the palm of His hand and really He's got all His kids in the palm of His hand. He's got those whom are His in his hand. Jesus tells us in John 10:27-29 (KJV)

²⁷My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

²⁸And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

²⁹My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

When we think about it, is there really any reason to be concerned when lack is upon us? I'm really preaching to myself right now. I'm not even preaching to the choir. Sometimes my guess is that we think that God only sees as far as that picture of the planet and no further. Really? Isn't God all consuming and all-powerful and all-knowing?

So it's in that moment that I see the lack that's before me and I write this blog to remind myself that God is able.

My pastor prayed with me last night when I shared with him that I've got some needs and one of the things he prayed about was something like that God would provide for His name's sake so that those who are not God's followers would not rejoice over my destruction or this would not be proof to them that God isn't faithful or that God would not take care of us even when we make mistakes. If you've been following my blogs from the beginning I've shared my heart about this issue all along about going out by faith and living by faith and that lack has been surrounding me and trying to consume me. But in this moment, my heart's desire is to see God prove that He's taking care of us and that He would prove that He's called us to come out for this time to live in the RV and that He's called me to really be a filmmaker. That's my heart's desire. I really believe that God is going to turn things around and that this season of lack is coming to a close. But I'm still seeing the lack trying to snuff me out. In the beginning when we were going through these financial issues I was praying "God ... for your name sake ---please show those around us that this is your will because people are seeing us with lack and they will think that you aren't our provider" But then as things got harder and harder I started asking God to move on behalf of my sake. At some point my faith got weak. I started to say something like "Please, father, move for my sake. I just need to see you move. I'm just so tired of lack."

And so here I stand wondering what will happen. In a lot of ways, people have come and given and helped us over this period since we've been in the RV. We saw a really big bill get provided for recently and we praise God for it. But there's another one that's sitting there and this Friday or Saturday it will be considered late. I'm wondering what will come of it.

I've been working really hard to finish "Memorial" the first chapter of "Freedom Lost: Restoration" - a short film about the Black History of New Bern (the Colonial Capital of NC) and James City (which began as a refugee camp for runaway slaves during the Civil War) . This Monday I'm streaming it as a web series on the Internet. I'm not even finished with it, but I've pretty much got the First Webisode complete and I'll be a week ahead. I've got to go forward with it now. I'm praying that God will open up doors for finances with it. That advertisers will come. That an abundance of doors will open for selling licenses for public screenings. That maybe it will get into a lot of schools since it is an inspiring look at the fascinating Black History of this area.

Anyhow, I'm going to share some of my needs here and by faith believe that God will meet each and every one of those needs before they happen:

A) Wisdom - We need God's wisdom to make right choices. This is a priority.

B) Favor - We need God's favor with people - whether businesses, or audiences, or people at this time. This is also very important

C) Provision - and these are things below that we need provision for at the moment:

1) The big bill - a monthly bill that pays for me to use the truck for the month

2) A washing machine and drying rack (which runs about $250-$275)-- we really need one for the rv because we're spending a lot of money to go to the laundromat and it gets very costly.

3) Campground expenses - we have been paying for 3 days at a time or even one day. It's my hope that we can start paying weekly or at least have the funds on hand to pay for a week rather than daily or even pay for a month in advance (which sometimes less expensive)

4) Fuel -- This is a difficult one for us. We use Diesel fuel and it costs a whole lot of money and goes quickly

5) Oil Change and checkup -- Our truck needs an oil change now and I'm not sure what it will cost but it's something we need to get taken care of as soon as possible

6) Shoes or sneakers for Angela and myself.

7) Diapers for our little ones. They are very expensive.

8) That God will provide through our film company that He has called us to and we can make a living at it.

You know, it's an interesting thing to think about these things and tests that I'm going through at this time and hour of my life. Recently when I put together the Teaser for the Swift Family Robinson Adventures Web Series (and potential TV Series) the question was posed "What does it really mean to live by faith?". And that's really the question and reflection on what we're doing here when you look at our lives. We're really living by faith and we've really "stepped out" as the saying goes. It will be interesting to see how God responds to that and how He guides us through all this.

So I titled this blog posting: God of the 11th Hour Part 3 for a reason. It's getting to the 11th hour especially with that big bill I have to pay. Obviously we know that there will be a part 4 that God will come through and you'll be hearing from me soon. In the meantime, it's good to close in prayer:

Thank you, Father, in advance, though I have been weak in faith - I am trusting and praising you in advance that you will provide and meet these needs and I will rejoice and give thanks for those things that you have already provided for. In Yeshua's name I pray. Amen

Festival of the Clouds

2010-09-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

I can tell you with all this incredible rain that has been falling, it has certainly gotten my attention. This picture I posted doesn't really do it justice but that's the best I got from my still camera. I do have some better video footage but that's not been uploaded yet. I've been really more focused on the news reports and flood warnings that have been out there. It started raining again during the past 24 hours and was coming down consistently again for hours and hours. We've been camped near a river and have been watching it rise over the past week. So far they've not told us to leave, which is encouraging since they give their campers plenty of notice if they get concerned.

Interestingly, as we celebrated the 8th and final day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) today I read a very interesting Bible Study from my friends at First Fruits of Zion who pointed out that one of the traditional names for Sukkot is "Festival of the Clouds" due to its connection to water and rain especially in the Biblical reference to Zechariah 14:17 which refers to a punishment by God during the end for those from the nations who don't come up for the Feast of Tabernacles:

¹⁷And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. (KJV) The study also pointed out that the festival of Sukkot occurs just before the rainy season in Israel. They also pointed out the historical rain ritual of pouring out water over the altar in the Temple was conducted by priests during the Feast of Tabernacles. The last great day of this festival is referencing this rain ritual in the Gospel of John when Yeshua, the Messiah (Jesus) cried out (in regard to the Holy Spirit) :

^"If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37b-38 KJV)

There is something about the Feast of Tabernacles tied to rainfall and it hits home this year as we reside in a traveling Tabernacle on the road and have been hit with tremendous amounts of rain.

I've been trying to edit my Black History film: Freedom Lost: Restoration during the days that aren't a Sabbath rest and it's been difficult when outside it's been raining so hard sometimes. Certainly, God has been trying to get my attention with this weather. It's also been heavy on my heart all through this Fall festival season when I've been reading in the book of Joel about God causing the early and the latter rain to fall ( see Joel 2:23) and Scriptures from Joel about restoring what the locusts ate (See my previous post) as well as God stating in Joel 2 that He would pour out His Spirit on all flesh in the end days. So then on Yom Kippur I was praying by the river over here and saw some children playing in it and it really struck me when that same day I was listening to a message about the waters from the river in Ezekiel rising up (See Ezekiel 47). I don't believe in coincidences and so all these things happening have certainly got my attention especially when during The Feast of Tabernacles it rains so hard for such a long period - during a season when God's people were praying for an abundance of rain.

The Mobile Tabernacle

2010-09-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

So the Feast of Tabernacles is upon us - known as "Sukkot" in Hebrew-- the last great feast on God's calendar. It's a celebration of the final harvest. It lasts for 8 days and it is an amazing picture of the Thousand Year Reign of Messiah after His return. It's a season of giving thanks for the harvest. And I've heard from various sources that the Pilgrims based the American Holiday of Thanksgiving on the Feast of Tabernacles. The holiday started last Wednesday evening and ends at sundown this Thursday.

During this period on our Heavenly Father's Calendar, God commanded those in Israel to dwell in booths or tents as a reminder of dwelling in the wilderness before entering the promised land. Usually we would try to build something every year but we were not able to this year. However as we have been living in campgrounds in recent months, this has given us an experience that brings more significance to us regarding this Festival. We've seen lots of campers and tents around since we've been moving around Eastern North Carolina.

And the weather has really brought home that Tabernacle experience. Eastern North Carolina has had a tremendous amount of rain since Sunday late afternoon. It rained hard and hard again. And it didn't stop until early this morning. And as I write this, it's still drizzling a little. But at least it's not raining cats and dogs like it was. It was actually reported on Monday afternoon that this area had about 4 inches of rain.

One thing about living in an RV - if it rains hard - you hear everything -- it sounds so loud. So there's this sense that your reminded of the outside world that you're residing in. While an RV is for the most part protected and sheltered from the normal elements of nature (like a typical rainfall) we are not immune to being reminded that our home is not built on a permanent foundation. It is completely mobile and we have to be cautious (not fearful) as to what is happening in the weather. If there are reports of flash flooding we need to keep that in mind and be watching our surroundings. When there were reports of a hurricane weeks ago, we had to get up and go. One campground forced all the RVs to leave and we had to drive away from the storm. That is the life of an RV. We are a mobile Tabernacle and it is a reminder of this festival for us this year. We have much to be thankful for.

A Time of Restoration

2010-09-22T05:41:00.000-07:00

"...And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten..." ( Joel 3:25a KJV)

Some of you know that I've been making a film about the rich Black History of James City and New Bern, the colonial capital of North Carolina, which celebrates it's 300th birthday this year. The documentary is called: Freedom Lost: Restoration. And so in connection with the Appointed Times I'd like to share about this word: "Restoration" and what I believe God has been touching my heart about this word in a strong way these days.

I have been debating for a long time whether I should share this picture of me (shown above) blowing the shofar that was taken in 2005. I happened to be in water that day and then my pastor handed me his shofar (ram's horn) which I blew and then someone snapped a picture and I always thought it was significant to some degree. I've been someone who has felt a call in the past to take up a shofar and blow it in various places showcasing the significance of the shofar in God's Word and as it's connected to freedom, repentance, deliverance, and a warning. But I feel peace about sharing it in this blog because I think it shows a really neat picture of blowing the ram's horn as appropriate for this season. And maybe I should show it more frequently. But we'll see how God leads me in it.

Anyhow as I shared in an earlier post, we are in a season of the Appointed Times on God's calendar. This weekend we travelled back to New Bern to observe the Day of Atonement and stood toward Jerusalem reading various scriptures. It was a time of fasting (a public fast day which was quite difficult for me even though it's on God's calendar - so I'm not writing about it to boast in it or anything like that), prayer, and reading of the Scriptures. One of the books of the Bible that we read was from the book of Joel Chapter 2 where the prophet tells the people to blow the shofar in Zion and to call a solemn assembly. God tells His people that He will restore what the locusts have eaten - the locusts that He sent to judge them.

So in Joel chapter 2 this verse has been heavy on my heart lately especially since The Feast of Trumpets - this concept of God restoring what the locusts ate up. For us having lived in New Bern, NC for almost 12 years -- we have experienced such difficulty in so many areas -- we've felt that the enemy has robbed us so many times and must repay. I'm not trying to twist this verse to mean something else either. God says He sent the locusts to His unrepentant people. But for us, while we made a lot of mistakes and fell short, we don't believe we did anything where God was judging us with all this stuff that happened. It seems more like God was allowing us to go through an intense fire to purify us. And because we were weak -the enemy was able to attack us but only to a certain degree. In the end it made us stronger. But it was something I pray we never again have to go through. I hope we learned what we were supposed to learn. We were so discouraged over the years and felt alone in the wilderness. So many things happened that it truly feels like the locusts had eaten our crops, our harvest in New Bern, so to speak.

But knowing God's Word -- we need to believe His Word rather than the circumstances surrounding us. God's Word teaches that we are blessed and not cursed. We are the head and not the tail. God's Word shows us that God is our provider and we should not worry about what we will eat or drink. God promises to provide. God's Word is about believing God even when the circumstances look a different way.

Repentance is always key -- Turning toward God and away from sin and the things of our sinful nature. Even if someone is doing right they are still in the process of repentance because they are choosing God's way rather than their own. And they are continuing to turn away from sin since the day they came to Messiah (if they are really a follower of Him) God is in the habit of restoration whether people do something wrong or they do right. Job was innocent and yet God brought restoration after the devil attacked him. Joseph, son of Jacob, was innocent when his brothers betrayed him but restoration came in the end. David was innocent when King Saul oppressed him. But God made things right and David finally ascended to the throne. So then all through the prophets when God's people, Israel, fell into sin... He still brings restoration to them and calls them to repentance. A very important verse to my wife and I is "Comfort my people" in Isaiah-- God wants to comfort His people even after He's disciplined them for sinning.

So anyhow I was doing a devotional unrelated to The Feast of Tabernacles but it just happened to be around that time and one of the Scriptures in the devotional had to do with the book of Joel - God will restore what the locusts have eaten. The book of Joel is great for reading on the Feast of Trumpets (known as Rosh Hashanah traditionally) because that is the day of blowing the shofar and the prophet Joel talks about blowing the shofar in Zion.

So this whole thinking of "Restoration" was upon me. Even though I was still experiencing lack and other trials living in the RV. Even though my finances were still going down. That somehow God was going to make things right for all that we've been through and we just needed to trust Him even when things didn't seem to go this way. And no... I'm not talking about some form of phony prosperity teaching. I'm talking about God making things right for me and my family. I'm talking about God working things out. God works all things together for good and being faithful to His Word. I'm not talking about God bringing me millions (although I certainly wouldn't reject millions if God provides it for a movie we'd like to make :) ) I think you get the picture.

So when we travelled to New Bern on the the Day of Atonement the reading from the Scriptures were typed up along with readings from Jonah and other verses at our little gathering. And there was that verse again from Joel. And naturally I asked to read that one out loud as I proclaimed it for my family. God was speaking restoration to us.

Before we arrived in New Bern I was doing a little Bible Study I was looking into the book of Leviticus and found something about Yom Kippur - this very solemn and sacred day of self examination and seeking God - A day that shows a picture, I believe, of the Great day of judgement of Messiah in the end. But anyhow it says in Leviticus 25:8-10 something special about the Jubilee (celebration of 50 years) a day where slaves were freed and freedom was declared across the land of Israel by the blowing of the shofar:

⁸And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years.

⁹Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.

¹⁰And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.

(Leviticus 25:8-10 KJV)

So as I carried my shofar with me (not the one in the picture -- I have a little one) to New Bern I knew that on that Saturday - which was the Day of Atonement that The City of New Bern was celebrating what they called the "300th Anniversary Jubilee Weekend" (http://www.newbern300.com/JubileeWeekend.htm) since Thursday and it ended on Sunday. So they really did have a Jubilee because it was a 50th year. Anyhow I blew that ram's horn out the window of the truck as we drove through the city. It was really cool. It reminded me that God will bring restoration to the community -- That God is up to something very deep and big with this city... even though we've seen very little happen over the years.

So for my family I see it strongly that He is doing a deep work with us as we completely have to trust in Him for provision at this time and are in a position by living in the RV to go wherever He sends us. I'm not quite sure what's happening in other homes, but I feel it strongly in my own home. He's doing a work of restoration for us and it's such a refreshing thing to see. We still see it by faith -- but little by little like a mist of water vapor growing into a larger shower and then a downpour of refreshing rain in the desert -- that's what He's doing in our family in so many ways.

I believe God is going to do a good work with my "Restoration" film which I've been editing this week and that it's an appointed time for Him to let the first chapter be released. I believe He has something powerful to do with the Black and White Communities - in relation to the painful African American history tied to the city of New Bern and woven throughout both the North and the South (not just the South). So blowing the shofar on Yom Kippur is a picture of that restoration for me. I don't believe it's a coincidence that the city celebrated a "Jubilee" on the Day of Atonement this year. I believe God is orchestrating something grand. Like the powerful and booming sound of a ram's horn - I believe God is shouting the words "Restoration" throughout the city.

The Appointed Times In An RV

2010-09-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

We've entered a very powerful season known as the Appointed Times on the Hebrew Calendar. And some Christians miss this wonderful time thinking it as a time that God has long forgotten or replaced or something they think is only for the Jews. But keep in mind that they are not called The Jewish Festivals in the Bible. They are God's Appointed times. And when you begin to dig deeper into Leviticus 23 - we see something really interesting especially when we see that all these major things happened during the Spring Appointed Times in the New Testament. Jesus died on Passover. He rose on the Feast of First Fruits. And the Spirit of God was poured out on the Feast of Pentecost. Notice we only see these major things happening during the Spring?

So what of these additional "feast days" in the Fall? These are what I and many others believe are tied to the Second Coming of Messiah. If you love studying the End Times these are worth looking into deeper. Last week the first of the Fall Holy Days came and it is known by many as Rosh Hoshana (the Jewish New Year) - but really in the Bible it's called The Feast of Trumpets: The day of blowing the shofar (Ram's horn). It is very symbolic of Christ's return. Something to ponder. The Day of Atonment is coming up -- I believe it is a picture of Christ's judgement when He returns and the Feast of Tabernacles is coming next week which is a picture of the "Millenial Reign" of Messiah.

So being on the road there's much to ponder in the scheme of things on God's calendar right now. So we as a family are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us as we move around. Currently we are standing by and waiting and that's much of what He has for us to do at this time... to stand and wait on Him for that which He has for us. We certainly live in exciting times as we approach the End of Days.

A visual taste of the journey

2010-09-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

I truly cried today after watching this little teaser to the web series after editing it together. This video gives a real taste of our experience living in an RV. Living by faith is not easy at all. It is not for the faint of heart. For us, though, we have no choice at this time. So we are truly relying on God to guide us and provide for us.

God of the 11th Hour part 2

2010-09-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I had to post something in response to my last blog. After much concern as finances were dwindling down to nothing, a pastor and a friend graciously gave something to my family to help us on Friday. We praise God for His provision. I was really so moved in my heart to tears. We asked for help and someone responded.

We have now provision for about 2 week so I can concentrate on finishing the first chapter of our Black History film which is in post production.

Thank you everyone for your prayers.

God Of The 11th Hour

2010-09-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

Living by faith is something that is not so easy for humans sometimes especially when God doesn't normally show up early. He usually shows up right on time or even at the 11th hour when all hope seems lost. So when we've been watching our finances dwindle down to nothing it's really made me look up and wonder what God is doing.

I thought about the council of my friend Calix who reminds me quite often that I have today the things that I need and that while I may be concerned about provision for tomorrow that I have food for today and a place to rest my head tonight. And that brings clarity of mind.

Truly I have all my bills paid today and I have food on my table. While there seems to be no money coming in - I have to trust that God will guide me and give me wisdom to lead my family in these times of unknown.

I wanted to post this thread before He comes through as a way of speaking faith into the situation. I am trusting now even when I can't see that God will somehow provide for me and my family and that He is there even when it looks like He's not moving fast enough. His will and His time... not on my schedule.

One Brick at a time

2010-08-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

I was in the Washington, NC area sometime ago in 2008 and was working for a day on a short film that a good friend hired me to work on.

Before I went to work for the day on this film I had a conversation with someone who is very close to me who was very concerned about how things were going for me and my family due to my choice of career. I was working a full time job that didn't pay very well at the time and juggling a film company that was not bringing forth any profit.

To sum it up, this well meaning person told me basically that they were concerned about me because I was pursuing filmmaking and my family was suffering for it. Again, they really meant well. They had seen us go forth as filmmakers and dedicate the business in 2004 but had not seen the company provide income or profit over the years. I assured that person that they would one day understand and it's okay that they can't see right now. One day they will see. I said that like many people in the Bible, God was bringing me and my family through the wilderness. I assured them that they were seeing us brought low so that God can bring us up some day.

Naturally that person just didn't get it and I'm sure they figured I was just dragging God's name into a situation where they didn't see God blessings. So why should they believe? At that point, I was a bit discouraged. After all, this person was just concerned for me and especially for my four children. They were concerned at seeing a tremendous amount of lack financially. They were not seeing me prosper in what I have believed to be my calling.

So when I happened to get hired for a day to work on a short film it was a breath of fresh air for me. I was actually getting paid for working on a film around that time I had that conversation with this concerned person. But I was still discouraged and down in my spirit.

At the end of the shoot, this friend of mine told me he wanted to give me something. He handed me a brick. He told me that as far as he knew this brick was part of the DeMille family's house that was torn down. Cecil B. DeMille, the great filmmaker, who had made great films in his day as well as Biblical Epics had grown up in Washington, NC and it was either from his parents or grandparents home. He told me he had some and wanted to give me one.

Well this was a great honor to me and came at a time when I needed encouragement as you can understand. Something about this brick reminded me that God would bring to fruition what I had been striving toward all these years and I believe God was using it to remind me that He has the final say and not to look at my circumstances...but to press on and remember the dream. I've wanted to make films for the past 33 years since I was 7 and saw Star Wars in 1977. The desire has never gone away. The longing I now know God has put in my heart will not be extinguished. It's also a reminder to me that a building gets built one brick at a time... not all at once.

So as I look at that brick today I am reminded that as we've moved into this 5th Wheel with my family, God will bring this thing into fruition. At this time I am now a full time filmmaker. However the transition from house to RV has come at a large expense. My finances have diminished and time is short. And people are watching me to see what will happen. Those who are concerned believe they have seen things get worse for me. And financially that has been true. But others see this as a time of great opportunity.

As my money has been running out I'm looking at what I should do and what decisions I should make. Time is short like I said. I have to believe what God's Torah (Instruction) says in Deuteronomy that He gives us the power to create wealth. I believe that means that God gives us the ability to work with our hands to create something of value.

I believe one reason among others that the filmmaking was not working financially while residing in New Bern was that I was just not able to spend enough time on filmmaking in order to finish many of the projects I had started. I could have spent more time but then my family would have never seen me. And so now that opportunity is upon me. I can now finish these projects and try to make some money on them.

At this time I'm about to finish my documentary short: "Freedom Lost: Restoration - Book One: Memorial" which I hope to get finished by September in time for the 300th Anniversery of the City of New Bern, NC the community that my Black History film showcases. We are also going to be shooting a UFO movie and begin traveling at the end of August to shoot a Messianic documentary called "Grafted In". Also we're producing a web series or even tv show about our travels in the RV. So we don't have a shortage of material to pull from. But we do need prayer for wisdom to make the right choices.

We definitely need prayer from everyone as we pursue these things. We do have a chip in account for our family as a survival fund if you feel so moved to give:

This isn't an investment into our company or our film projects or anything like that. And there's no tax writeoff. It's just a way you can help our family to survive during this difficult time that you can give to help us.

There are other things you can do to help us if you feel moved and you can find those things on our company's website: http://www.awakenpictures.com/HelpUs.htm

Like I said, time is short but I also know that God always comes through for His people.

Shalom,

Tom Swift

The Adventure Begins

2010-08-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a difficult transition to sell our home in New Bern, North Carolina and downsize -to move into a 5th Wheel (which is an RV that fits in the back of a pickup truck). My wife, Angela, and I determined to take a step of faith to find a better way to provide for the family. As a filmmaker, working part time and trying to juggle the film company, Awaken Pictures, Inc, just hasn't been working here. It hasn't been financially stable to stay here. It has also been quite difficult to juggle a day job, a film company, and tend to the needs of a wife and four children. Things just got harder and harder during 11+ years we lived in New Bern. It was a time of purging and like living in a wilderness. And so we had to make a change. It's my hope and prayers that as we travel this new road- that the film company will be able to be that provision for us and that traveling around will give us the freedom to go wherever God guides and provides for us.

Moving into the RV had many expenses that took us by surprise. So we have very limited resources at this time to stay afloat while we travel around to complete some of our projects. We anxiously await to see what opportunities God will provide and what doors He will open for us. So we must truly live by faith. This blog will chronicle our travels.

We do ask for those who share our faith in Messiah Yeshua to lift us up in prayer at this time. Many have told us that this is really great and wish that they could do this and others are skeptical and concerned. We honestly believe this was the best option for us at this time and we trust that God will confirm it as those around us are watching. It will be interesting to see how God moves at this time.

"Swift Family Robinson" is a play on words based on the title of the classic work of literature Swiss Family Robsinson about a family trying to survive on an island during a shipwreck. Our family must work together to survive in these difficult times like theirs did. We trust that God will be our guide and light as we travel on this journey.

I look forward to sharing about our experience and adventures living in an RV. For my family it is the adventure of a lifetime. Stay tuned and look out for the web series we are currently producing to showcase our adventures. As a family of filmmakers, we are excited to share our experience in a visual and cinematic style.

Shalom (peace),
Tom Swift