A calculated effort was put together by my wife Colleen and Neil Koelbl, who is a close friend of our Holt International representative; Kris Thompson. Kris was with us on this trip as well but had the same limited communications that I did. Through these connections and efforts we somehow ended up on one of Ted Turner’s planes sent for relief and evacuation.

Much to our surprise, late last night we received word that a plane was coming for us. It sounded too good to be true, but isn’t that just like God? We still had a tough decision to make. They don’t even allow the relief workers, police, and military to work during the night because of the inherent danger. Desperate people do desperate things as you’ve seen on the news channels. There has been looting, unrest, and many prisoners have escaped as a result of collapsed buildings there. We had to make the decision whether or not to risk driving at night to one of the more hectic areas; the airport.

After much discussion on our options, we decided to give it a try. Based upon all that we’d heard, we were certain that the airport was going to be quite restricted and we’d have a tough time getting through without so much as a ticket. We were also well aware of the mayhem at the airport there without a crisis; let alone one of this magnitude. We’d witnessed that first hand when we arrived. The normal route to the airport would route us across a bridge into town where the worst devastation is. However, it was out so we went around another way and avoided much of that area. We witnessed the destruction of many structures, walls, streets, etc, but made it to the airport. Much to our surprise it was calm there. There were hundreds sleeping in the parking lot area, waiting for the passenger planes, which still might be 5-6 more days away. As expected the guards would not let us in and said the pilot would have to come find us if we are to be evacuated on a private plane. We waited and several hours later, we found ourselves boarding a small aircraft. We witnessed tons of pallets of relief products and several planes there unloading.

How did we manage this? Many might say it was luck or being at the right place at the right time. Those can call it that if they want to, but I’ll call it what it is; favor of the Lord for the cries of the faithful. Thank you so much for the prayers.

As we flew away and looked over the devastated city, I could not help but have a huge burden in my heart for those left behind that are now forced to try and reassemble a life that was already so broken to start with. God help the people of Haiti. Let this tragedy be a catalyst that drives many to You!

For Haiti relief efforts you may donate at: www.holtinternational.org

Shane Bowers
January 15, 2010

Hello everyone. For those who are not aware, Shaun, Josh, James and I have been in Haiti since this past Monday with Holt International. The earthquake that occurred a few days ago was devastating and frightening to say the least. I wanted to update you all and assure you that the guys and I are doing okay. We are still here in Haiti, but doing just fine! I appreciate all the messages to me and how many of you continue to reach out to my wife, Colleen. This has not been easy on her or the kids but she is doing better knowing we are safe.

We are here supporting Holt International (an international adoption agency) and have been visiting with the orphanage here and observing the dire poverty that plagues this nation. Fortunately we were 40 miles from Port Au Prince in a small village when the earthquake actually hit. There were fewer buildings and structures around to fall on us. We immediately realized the destruction in Port Au Prince would be severe because the view as we flew in and drove through the city when we arrived was of a very crowded city with literally nowhere to run. People pack every street, along with pigs, goats, cows, and garbage between old, rundown buildings. While we are overcome with grief for the people of Port Au Prince, it’s no surprise that there has been such a loss of life.

Our new friend and contact here, Mansour, and his staff have also lost several family members. He went into town yesterday to check on his family. Mansour witnessed his uncle being crushed beneath a concrete wall and had no choice but to just leave his body there because there was no way to get him out. It was so tragic.

The aftershocks continue to come, even now. One woke me up this morning; hence the reason I am drafting this update at 6:44 AM. Sleep has not come easy since the quake.
Although we are stuck here for a while, we are fortunate to have plenty of water, food, and a roof over our heads. We were scheduled to fly out today (Thursday, January 14) but were told that it would be at least next Thursday before we’d have an opportunity to fly out. We are also fortunate to have any outside communications at all. I wouldn’t know what to do if I could not have let everyone know we were alive.

As dire of a situation this is, it could be so much worse for us. We are blessed to live in a wonderful country in comfortable homes with loving wives and healthy children. Yet, the people of Haiti who have lived with suffering from unimaginable poverty are now bearing the added pain of losing their families, their children, their homes, and what little possessions they had. Eventually we will be able to leave Haiti and return to our blessed lives but for the Haitian there is nowhere to go and nothing to return to.

Our biggest thing in returning safely is conserving what water and extra food we do have in case we’re here longer, as well as the gas that fuels the generator/inverter that powers this place where we are staying. Already there is a shortage of gasoline for the vehicles. We’re told not to drink the running water here, so we’re only drinking bottled water. As long as help and supplies continue to come, we should be fine. Another concern is for safety and security as the desperation of the people intensifies due to lack of support and aid. However, it does look like outside assistance is slowly arriving. We’ve seen several coast guard planes fly over and a huge ship arrived yesterday.

Our problems are secondary at this point, given the much greater crisis happening here. However, as a result of the situation here we are facing a personal crisis when we finally do arrive home. The financial loss and increased expenses being incurred as a result of our situation in Haiti is very substantial. In addition, we forced to cancel many performances which are our primary sources of income as well as delay completion of a new album. We came to Haiti to discover ways to offer help to hurting people in need. And while our situation pales in comparison, each one of us will eventually be returning home with substantial personal needs of our own and without the resources to meet the needs.

We want to ask you to help us in one or all of the following ways:
1) PRAY. Please pray for our families first. All our wives, parents and siblings are nervous; understandably. We’re more worried for them than for ourselves! You might also pray for our financial situation, wisdom for the decisions we face, and most importantly that we will not miss this opportunity for ministry. God has placed us here at this specific time for a specific reason. Pray that whatever comes of our trip here will be used for His glory. We’ve had requests and opportunities to share our experience through statements and interviews on radio stations. Pray for favor as we strive to use our influence to bring attention and aid to the relief effort here in Haiti. Pray more than anything for the people of Haiti.

2) GIVE. If you wish to contribute at any level to the relief effort here in Haiti, you may go to www.holtinternational.org. They are on the ground meeting needs as we speak and they need your help. Also, the very orphans we are here to help and love on will need our ongoing help now more than ever. If you want to help through a child sponsorship of $30 per month, you may also sponsor a child at that link as well.

The members of Julian Drive need your help as well. While the need for financial in Haiti and with Holt International is continual, ours is only temporary. If you are able to offer one time financial support for Julian Drive as we attempt to overcome the substantial financial losses we now face as a direct result of being caught in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, you can do so by giving donations through our partnering church. Go to http://thebridgeonline.cc/donations_online_giving and click their “On-Line Giving” button. Be sure to indicate your contribution as “Julian Drive Relief Fund”. You may also mail your contributions to: The Bridge Church, Julian Drive Relief Fund, 976 E. Kytle St, Cleveland, GA 30528.

Blessings to all and I hope to see you soon.

Shane

We are in Montrouis, Haiti right now and have experienced the earthquake. We wanted to let you all know that we are ok and are in a safe place. Please spread the word that we’re alright and to pray for our safety and the people of Haiti. This country was already in desperate need and now that has tripled.

We are currently scheduled to fly out tomorrow evening, but we don’t know if that’s even possible right now. We’ll try to keep everyone informed of what’s going on here.

Please Pray.

Shaun Bennett
JULIAN DRIVE

Hey guys and gals. Hope you are all well. It’s been a crazy year. Hard to believe that we are getting close to the end of 09. I really like this time of the year. It’s getting colder and that means that I’m about to have a ton of incredible holiday food! It also means hanging out with the fam. I don’t know about you guys but it’s always very interesting when I get together with my family. I’m from the country so just imagine when a country boy turned rock and roller shows up with spiked hair and the rock shirts. Yep, I get the stares! At least once at each family gathering some one (usually my grandma) always ask, “Hey, did you stick your finger in a light socket” then they all laugh as do I. Then to keep the joke going I always reply, “Yep I sure did you should try it…now” hahahaha. Anywho, I hope all of you out there enjoy time with your families. I do even though I get the stares and questions but my family is great and they really enjoy hearing about all the places we play and things we do. Well lots of exciting things are around the corner for Julian Drive. We are writing for a new record and hopefully gonna start recording some in Dec. The songs are coming together and are really great. We cannot wait to share them with all of you in the new year. Keep checking back with us so you’ll know when we’ll be in your area. Until then hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving and great Christmas always remembering to be thankful for all God has bless you with especially the birth of His Son Jesus.

Josh

Back to the story of the talents:

The man going on a journey entrusted his servants with his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. The one with five and two put their talents to work and multiplied what had been entrusted. The owner was pleased and told them both, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” The last servant simply buried his one talent out of fear and laziness. He was then put out into the darkness.

My friends are so inspiring because they used to be the one with one talent. However, they were not like this servant. They used every gift they had to pour into others, thereby multiplying the talents. Then God blessed them with another talent. Then another. Then another. They always gave of themselves and what little finances they had so selflessly. Many times when they really had nothing to give, but they still found ways and things to give to God. He honored them with many things because they first honored Him with only a few things. Now they only honor Him more, realizing where the gift came from.

More times than not, we get this concept backwards. When we really need something, we pray for a blessing over and over, whether its finances, a medical miracle, relational help, job security, etc. When we don’t hear from God on our timetable we begin questioning Him; wondering where He’s at. We begin quoting every scripture there is about prosperity, healing, etc. We wonder where God is, yet we’ve spent the majority of our time with our faith buried in the sand, like the servant with one talent. But when we need God to do something for us, we go get our shovels to dig up our faith, dust it off, and put it to work. Is that really faith at all?

Let me encourage you today. Whatever you have right now, take it and use it for God, not personal gain; whether one talent or five. He’s not concerned with the amount your giving to Him; He’s only concerned with the Spirit with which you give. I’m not talking only about finances. I’m talking about everything about who you are. What are you doing when no one else is watching? That’s where the talents go from one, to two, to five, to ten, etc; not in the presence of others.

Try loving on someone that seems un-loveable without expecting anything back. Try fasting if you’ve never done that. Try randomly giving to someone, but don’t tell anyone you did it. Try mending that relationship in your family or with a friend that’s broken, even if it’s not your fault that it was broken. Try reading God’s Word more than you watch TV or get on your computer. Try to smile when that person cuts you off in traffic (I know this one’s hard). Eventually God’s presence in your life will be so clear and all the desires of your heart will come into alignment with God’s. He will entrust you with much more because of the little things you did when no one else was watching.

My friends seldom quote scripture or put on the church “act” when we’re around. They don’t have to. Their lives say it all. Their faith is evident in their actions. They challenge me to ask myself if my faith would be evident whether I mentioned that I’m a Christian or not. That’s a tough reality check, but one I must access each and every day.

Shane Bowers

While we are sad to see Jesse go, we are equally excited about what God continues to do through our ministry. We continue to see the altars full of newly committed Believers, hear so many stories of Spiritual renewal and restoration at JD shows, our new single “The Reason” is quickly gaining attention, and we are even in the early planning and writing stages of a new record. Thanks to all of you who have allowed us to minister for so many years. With your continued support and prayers, we’ll be here for many more to come. We love you all!

Here’s a message from Jesse:

Hey everybody! Jesse T here. Just wanted to hit all of you guys up and personally let you know of some things happening with me. I am no longer playing with Julian Drive. I love all those guys like family, but I have reached a point in my life where I felt God stirring my soul to move on to new things in my life as a musician. I have been in this thing for 7 years now, and it has been a great ride. I wouldn’t change it for anything! I believe God takes you through seasons, and I think this is the end of my season here. I have to say, it has been awesome! Thanks everybody who has been coming to shows and supporting JD. Y’all are the best!! Keep it up cause Julian Drive is still going full-throttle still and has some great music in store for you in the future! For anyone who is wondering, YES you will be hearing from me musically. This is just the beginning. God Bless.

“WHY ME”! He couldn’t help but think this loudly in his head. He never really said it but as things mounted he inwardly shouted louder still. “I’ve never really asked for too much. Could you please help me out here? I’m begging God! I’ve been praying about this for so long. I’m trying to be patient, but I’m really struggling here. Are You still there? Should I just give up on this prayer thing?” As the confusion and even anger stewed more and more in his heart, he began thinking of all the murders, prostitutes, drug dealers, sexually immoral, rebellious, violent, and even so called “part-time” Christians, that better suited such distress. He’d spent much of his life serving the One he called to and did not understand where the grace was at the moment.

Suddenly, his eyes were opened to what God’s eyes saw. He broke down in tears, sobbing uncontrollably as the truth became clear. He’d been a murderer by putting Jesus on the cross with his own sin. Even if only in his mind, he’d been immoral, rebellious, violent, etc. He realized he was no better of a candidate for God’s grace than anyone. Everyone is a candidate, no matter what the situation.

Then Psalm 107: 27-28 came to his heart:

“…..they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress”.

Then God delivered as he always does. A soft whisper, like that of a summer breeze, assured him of his place in God’s perfect plan. God said to him, “I know you are hurting child, but I’m hurting with you and crying every tear with you. Your faith is strong. This task could not be carried out by a young believer. They might be weakened by the pressure, but for you, this has made your faith even stronger, bringing more Glory to my name. The enemy is but a footstool under your feet.”

Then God revealed how the number in His kingdom grew as a result of the testimony of this man’s pain, and what God did through it. The numbers were staggering. One person heard the man’s testimony and was touched. That person told ten other people. Those ten told another ten. Those ten told another ten. At the end of the revelation, the numbers were in the thousands, just because one man had to suffer for a short while.

The man begged the Lord’s forgiveness for ever doubting or questioning His way. He’d started his thought with “Why me”? He ended with “Why You”?

What’s up guys and gals! Just enjoying a beautiful day here in Athens. It feels great outside; not too hot and not too cold.  I spent this morning at one of my favorite coffee shops, Jittery Joe’s. I got a lot work done for some upcoming events, while sipping on a white chocolate mocha. Be sure to check our dates and make sure to come out to a show if we’re near your area!

I’ve been reading a great book lately called Reaching for the Invisible God. It’s a great read and I would encourage everyone to read it. It’s definitely making me rethink some things. A few weeks ago we were at a show and Shane got to the portion of the show where he opens up the time for prayer. He mentioned that if anyone had been struggling with different things in their life and was to the point of giving up, to raise their hands. I was deeply moved, to the point of tears, by the number of hands that went up. It seems to me that everywhere we go, we find more and more people (from students to adults) ready to give up on God and themselves! Who can blame them? I’ve been so far in a valley at times, that I too have wanted to give up. The pressures of life sometimes seem so unbearable! We cry out to God to answer our prayers, but what happens when we get silence? What happens when the “Why” is left unanswered? Don’t misunderstand me; I’m not saying God doesn’t answer prayers, because he does! The Bible also gives us accounts where God is silent. Look at how many times in Psalms where David and the other writers cry out, “How long Lord will you hide Your face from me?”

So what am I trying to say? What words could I possibly give to a father that has lost his job and kids in this economy? What do you say to a mother that has lost a child to an untimely accident or to a brother that has lost a sister? What do you say to the students that feel that the only way to release the pain they feel is to cut themselves or take their lives? To those outside the faith that look at the world around us and ask, “How could a loving God allow this?” Or to those that are of the faith and ask, “Why does our loving God allow this?”  Remember, Job often wrestled with these same questions. Job was reminded that, “no time-bound human, living on a rebellious planet, blind to the realities of the unseen world, has the ability to comprehend such answers (Yancey)” Does God cause these hardships? No! We can see it as a wonderful demonstration of human freedom exercised on a fallen planet (Yancey). Faith in God is difficult at times, but faith offers the option of continuing to trust God even while accepting the limits of our humanity, which means accepting that we cannot answer the “Why” questions (Yancey).

My prayer is that you can take a step in the trust direction despite the pain, silence, or confusion. The only thing more difficult than having a relationship with an invisible God is having no such relationship (Yancey). Philip Yancey, the author of the book I’m reading, tells a story of a Scottish preacher in the last century that lost his wife suddenly, and after her death he preached an unusually personal sermon. He admitted in the message that he did not understand this life of ours, but still less could he understand how people facing loss could abandon faith. “Abandon it for what!” he said, “You people in the sunshine may believe the faith, but we in the shadow must believe it. We have nothing else.” Find hope my friends in knowing He’s only “ONE STEP AWAY” (hint: listen to the words of that song)

What up all you crazy peeps out there! It’s Monday night we just got back from Colorado where it snowed like 2 feet in some places. We only saw a little bit of it of the snow before it started raining. We finally arrived home at 6 a.m. this morning and so I’ve been resting it up today. Pretty good day…..you know……sleep! Anywho, just finished watching a movie “Marley and Me” perhaps you’ve heard of it. And no I didn’t watch it alone. I watched it with my wife. It was pretty good and also very sad. I won’t spoil it for any of you that haven’t seen it but it’s a good rental, so go check it out.

I thought I would give you guys a little insight as to who I am. Being “the new guy” I thought I would take this blog to really open up…you know let you see the real me! Let’s start with the number 15 and no that’s not my age! It’s actually my sleep number. How do I know my sleep number you ask? Well the Radisson Hotel provided us with sleep number beds this past weekend. You know, you can tell a lot about a person by their sleep number. So what does 15 tell you about me? Well, it obviously states that I’m a drummer. It’s also the number of pull-ups I can do with one hand tied behind my back. It’s on average the number of drumsticks I break every show. It’s the number of days it took me to swim across the Atlantic Ocean while wrestling a giant squid. It’s how many times I’ve seen the “Ninja Turtle Movies” (both 1&2) in the last 24 hours. And finally, 15 is the number of choice if you were guessing a number between 14 and 16. So with that said you can tell I’m a pretty cool guy right. Well I hope so…I’m out! Look for more from me later. Peace!

You guys stay tuned. We’ve finally got a new single in the works. More on that later….