To God be the Glory!

Focus - a poem by Joe Houston

2009-12-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

FOCUS

He sits alone
He lives aloft
The wind blows gently over his body
Asking why
The sun gives him life as its rays illuminate his strong features
He asks why
As his body is upright and strong his mind relaxed and focused
Why...
The gentle wind dies giving way to silence
The answer unfolds before him as it is presented by the sun
"You are an alien... a foreign ambassador"
His eyes close and his heart opens
"You are to lead"
His mind awakes and presents difficulty and doubts
"You are given the potential and the steps are falling into place...faith"
Reality tells him he is dreaming
"You will wait and pray and the prize will be given to you"
His eyes open and the northern breeze begins to flow over him
Again, it whispers,"Why?"
He answers aloud
"I am chosen - set aside - for all to look upon...to sustain the righteous and give hope to the hearts of the weary"
The sun sends its rays upon him again
"You are mine, without me you are nothing"
His heart swells with gratitude and pride
His chest expands, head held high toward the sun
Countless eyes notice him now as he sits on the pinnacle
He becomes conscious of their relentless observation
He does not look down to meet the eyes of the many, but stares - focused ahead on infinity
Infinity slowly opens to reveal the calm face of the Son...his goal, his hope, his life
His eyes open wide, yet the world fades out into empty nothingness
All is still and silent - all is gone, leave the face of life
All points of infinity are focused as they bow to the Almighty.

Joe Houston 6/21/97

Updated info for Joe Houston Memorial Trust

2009-12-16T20:32:00.001-08:00

The Joe Houston Memorial Trust is proud to announce that we went live with the new website last night. www.joehoustonmemorial.com and is accepting online donations. If you would like to help those Joe left behind, you can do so in three different ways:

Joe's companymates are pulling some money together to be sure Asher has a good Christmas this year. Dubbed "Operation Santa", we are collecting funds separate from the trust to be sure Asher is not forgotten this Christmas. Additionally, funds will be used to help defray the cost of Joe's funeral arrangements, to include costs for the funeral, reception, and airfare for the family during this difficult time. Donations to this can be made through the website.

Second, you can donate to the Joe Houston Memorial Trust. This is a trust set up to benefit Joe's son, Asher. All proceeds will be given to Asher as he gets older. It is being run by his company-mates.

If you feel more comfortable sending in a check via snail mail, you are more than welcome to do so. Please send all checks to:

Timothy C. Parlatore, Esq.
Associate
Law Offices of Eric Franz, PLLC
747 Third Avenue
20th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 355-2200
(212) 937-2217 Fax
(732) 904-6391 Cell

Finally, you can donate to the "Remember the Rangers" site. You can donate at www.remembertherangers.com. This trust is equally split between Joe and his co-pilot, LT Bret Miller, and their 3 (between the two of them) children. There, you can also purchase patches specifically dedicated to Joe and Bret. All of those proceeds will go toward the two families as well.

Thank you,
Tim Parlatore
Legal Advisor
Joe Houston Memorial Trust

A letter of thanks from the Houston's

2009-12-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

How can we ever express our gratitude to all of you who so generously donated your time, resources, equipment, expertise, funds and sweat equity in the search for our son, Joe. We have never experienced such an outpouring of love and support. We were completely overwhelmed with the magnitude of the search experience and seeing so many people come together in unity for a cause greater than themselves. You became family - our family! You are truly appreciated. Thank you to each and every one of you who had a part in any way.

In admiration and respect,
John and Glyndell Houston

Joe Houston Memorial Trust

2009-11-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

The family has asked all donations be made to the following trust:

The Joe Houston Memorial Trust has been established in loving memory of Lieutenant John J. "Joe" Houston, US Navy, by his close friends and company mates from the 2nd Company, United States Naval Academy , Class of 2002. The expressed purpose is two-fold: First, to provide a solid financial foundation for Joe's son Asher. Secondly, we as a company, as Joe's band of brothers, pledge our steadfast support to the Houston family and to Asher, and to provide a safe haven, financially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually as long as we live. We welcome Asher into our family. We welcome Asher to 2nd Company.

We will soon have a website for the Trust set up, which will accept online donations and will feature photos, videos, and memories of our friend, Joe. When it is up and running, we will disseminate that information. We are still working out many of the finer details, but have received an overwhelming response from people who wish to contribute. We are now accepting donations by check, payable to “Joe Houston Memorial Trust” Mail all donations to the attention of Timothy Parlatore at 747 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact Dan Hancock at front_sight_focus@yahoo.com or Tim Parlatore at timothy@efranzlaw.com

Timothy C. Parlatore, Esq.
Associate
Law Offices of Eric Franz, PLLC
747 Third Avenue
20th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 355-2200
(212) 937-2217 Fax
(732) 904-6391 Cell
www.efranzlaw.com

A Storybook for Asher

2009-11-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,
We are putting together a storybook for Joe's son, Asher, full of pictures and letters from you! We cannot thank you all enough for your continued support, encouragement, and love through all of this and we want Asher to know how much we love his dad!

If you would like to participate in this storybook process, please email a message to JourneyTree@gmail.com with your best memory of Joe or a letter of encouragement. We believe this will be a powerful tool for Asher to know his dad a little bit better.

Even if you knew Joe for a short while, send us a message! Even if you didn't know Joe, but participated in this great search for our beloved friend, send us a message!

We really cannot thank you enough. The Lord has truly been with us through all of this and we praise God for the memory he blesses us with so we can continue to remember Joe and the incredible father that he was.

Again, send messages to

JourneyTree@gmail.com

Thanks again!

Letter from Joe's mom, Glyndell

2009-11-18T13:23:00.000-08:00

Precious Family and Friends,

This morning the divers located Joe's body inside the plane. At the time of the call there was positive identification of the aircraft, but not positive I.D. of the body, but there is no one else it can be. Divers will retrieve the body and take it for autopsy soon.

We are grateful to the Lord for lifting our uncertainty and giving us a definite answer. We are thankful to know that Joe has been in the presence of God and cared for these three long weeks. God is good and His mercies endure forever. Be comforted in knowing that Joe lived his life to the fullest for the Lord, and was a man after God's own heart. He laid down his life for his God and country. His life's message was "To God Be the Glory!" May God alone be glorified for everything that has transpired. Joe's life verse: Psalms 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." We treasure your continued prayers for our family.

There will be a Navy memorial service Friday, November 20, 2009, at 12 noon at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, TX.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to an independent trust fund which is being established for Joe's son, Asher. Please contact Tim Parlatore for information on how to proceed.

Timothy C. Parlatore, Esq.
Associate
Law Offices of Eric Franz, PLLC
747 Third Avenue , 20th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 355-2200
(212) 937-2217 Fax
(732) 904-6391 Cell
www.efranzlaw.com

Love,
Glyndell Houston

Joe has been found

2009-11-18T11:06:00.001-08:00

The divers were able to go down today. The plane has been identified as Joe's. His body is in the cockpit and should be recovered today. It is a blessing to know where he is and that he has been with the Lord these past 3 weeks, not suffering. Please continue to pray for the Houston's, Jenn, and Joe's son.
The memorial and donation information is in a previous post. It will be this Friday, the 20th.

Navy memorial 11/20/2009 and Donations

2009-11-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

A Navy memorial is planned in Joe's honor on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 12 noon. It will be held at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, in the NAS/CCAD Wings Auditorium. The memorial is open to Joe's family, friends, and those who have been a part of his and the Houston's lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to an independent trust fund which is being established for Joe's son, Asher. Please contact Tim Parlatore for information on how to proceed. At this time, all checks should be sent to the address below and made out to
Joe Houston Memorial Trust

Timothy C. Parlatore, Esq.
Associate
Law Offices of Eric Franz, PLLC
747 Third Avenue , 20th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 355-2200
(212) 937-2217 Fax
(732) 904-6391 Cell
timothy@efranzlaw.com
www.efranzlaw.com

No diving, pray for good weather

2009-11-18T08:32:00.000-08:00

There has been no diving on the wreckage that was found due to weather. They are hoping divers can go out today. Please pray that they can! The family needs to know if Joe is in the cockpit or not. We will update if there is anything further.

2009-11-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a day of information overload that left us all with very heavy hearts.
Jenn was finally able to get a full picture of all the military efforts to find Joe and also to hear all the last known details of the plane. Some of it was quite overwhelming. All of it was intense. We are so grateful for the honesty and openness that was given yesterday. Some things are hard to hear, but necessary to have the whole picture.
After the meeting, we agreed that any further land search would not be beneficial. As of just yesterday, there were 2 Navy sonars out combing the waters. This is a very slow and tedious process. The Coast Guard was confident that today or tomorrow something would show up now that they finally have the equipment to do a thorough underwater search. And they were correct. Today they got a ping from the sonar and they are 99% sure it's the plane. They cannot confirm yet if Joe is in cockpit or not. Due to weather they can't dive on it until tomorrow or Tuesday. We are hoping this will bring answers. We will update when there is new information.
We have been told there will be a Navy memorial service this Friday the 20th. I will post the details as soon as I have them.
Please continue to pray for the family.
Psalm 69:13
But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD. At an acceptable time;
O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness,
Answer me with Your saving truth.

With much gratitude

2009-11-13T22:45:00.001-08:00

The search today unfortunately only uncovered some white and orange trash. Maybe after Joe is brought home we can organize a crew to do trash clean up. The trash debris everywhere, including the water, really makes a whole hearted search effort hard. There are divers in the water responding to 4 sonar boats! They were able to do 49 dives in two days. This is amazing especially given most of the pings are just trash and that they have zero feet visibility!!
Today we finally felt like we knew what the military is doing in the search for Joe and are at great peace knowing they are doing all they can and that they are the search and rescue experts. We are so grateful for the Coast Guard and all they are doing! They are going above and beyond and truly want to bring Joe home. We are hoping to come alongside them in whatever capacity needed and feel very confident they are and have been doing an amazing job. They are supporting the Navy and we want to support them both.
Joe's fiancee was able to be here with us for a time tonight. She is a phenomenal woman and we are all so blessed to have her on our side, supporting us and whatever search efforts we can or can't make. She and the Houston's have been such an inspiration to us during this time. It's a fine line we are walking between searchers and friends of Joe, Jenn's, and the Houston's. Seeing that the majority of us knew Joe, it brings an emotional aspect into what we are doing.
We are in continous prayer as to where to go next. We don't want to move unless it's exactly what we're supposed to be doing.
Tomorrow, Jenn will be meeting with a CG commander to be briefed on their ongoing search efforts. There will also be a plane going up in the morning. As of now, there will not be a land search this weekend. We are in prayer as to when and where and if there should be continued efforts of searching the land.
For now, we wait. We are trying to stop talking and doing and just listen. Listen to the Lord and also to what the other search teams are up to. We are in this together with the common goal of bringing Joe home.

Prayer tomorrow night at the Burn

2009-11-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow from 4P-12A is the Corpus Christi Burn (www.burn24-7.com for more info). I will be there from 4 til my kids need to leave and am hoping to have a group with me to worship and pray over this whole situation. For Joe's family, his son, and his fiancee. Let's contend, pray, and worship!
This month's Burn will be at
Fellowship of Oso Creek
7402 Yorktown Blvd.
Please contact me if you need any more info.
-Amy Warner

Today is a new day

2009-11-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

Thank God that His mercies are new every morning! We had a plane go up at 6:30AM to do a search over the shoreline from Padre Island National Seashore to North St. Joe's Island, and Mud Island, and Harbor Island. The pilot and 2 lookouts spotted an area of high interest during the search. We are sending out a boat tomorrow during high tide with a crew of 4 to search the area on foot. It is a very marshy area. We are not sure what was seen but are determined to follow every lead just in case. The Houston's, Jenn, and Joe's son deserve that.
We are also in the process of getting a ground crew together to search Matagorda Island this weekend. We are hoping that Equusearch will come and help us with this effort.
The Navy salvage ship is supposed to be here to begin its search tomorrow.
There is a definite feeling that this isn't over! Joe must be found and brought home.

2009-11-11T19:55:00.001-08:00

The past few days have been spent making contacts, old and new. We have found a great resource in a guy who is a meteorological and oceanographic expert. He's been able to help in directing us on when to have search flights. We have a plane going up tomorrow at 6:30AM. Our hope is that with all the ocean activity we've had due to hurricane Ida, something will have been stirred up and surfaced. We also are working on getting crews together to drive and walk along different shorelines to see if the high tides brought anything with them.
Please keep the prayers coming. There is alot of behind the scenes happenings. We appreciate you all and hope to bring Joe home to his family soon. He is needed and wanted more than ever.
During the previous searches we found a knee brace and a pair of binoculars. If they're yours, please contact us.

Personal letter from Joe's parents, John and Glyndell Houston

2009-11-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Joe's mom, and I speak for his dad as well. We wanted to share with you that our son, Joe, is not eternally lost, just physically lost. He gave His life to Jesus Christ and is living eternally with Him whether physically still on this earth or not. He is safe, secure, loved and kept by the hand of God Himself.

It is our wish that anyone reading this blog or connected with this journey in any way have that same assurance from Christ that when you die you will be absent from your body, but eternally present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

If you cannot say this about your life and you haven't given your heart to Jesus Christ, please call one of us and talk to us. We will be overjoyed to discuss this with you. Contact Amy on this blog and she will help us get in contact with you. Jesus is pursuing His lost child even more than we are pursuing our lost child. Please take time to consider this for yourself.

Read 2 Corinthians 4 [whole chapter]

Love and prayers,
Glyndell & John Houston

Tides and Storm Surges

2009-11-09T22:41:00.001-08:00

As of today, we are still gearing up for another aerial search. We've been in contact with an oceanographer and weather guru, and just a regular man who knows his tides!!! As of tonight, the thought is the best time to fly the shorelines would be early Thursday. We are going to try to get that scheduled. It seems so far off to us as we just want Joe to be brought home asap! But, God is still in control and knows the timing better than we do.
Lots of info coming in and hoping we can get somewhere with our new contacts.

A letter from Joe's good friend who was also a lead in the search effort

2009-11-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Well....how do we even start.
First, I think a Huge, GIANT THANK YOU is an understatement! During one of the hardest things we've ever been through, the outpouring of love shown by you has made not only us humble beyond words, but it has shaken to the core of some very "unshakable" people. They have seen God using you and have done things that are against protocol and completely unexpected. For example, the commander of the entire Naval base out here has been so moved by all of our efforts and love that he had put off Joe's status changing until ten days rather than the typical four. God has moved the hearts of many through people like you!
Those of you who went and searched, I pray your feet and body are recovering and thank you for your time, energy, efforts, sweat, blood, tears, etc, etc, etc. It was not in vain at ALL! We needed those eyes, those feet, and those hands to cover ground for a peace that it had been completed. Those of you who donated money and supplies, what can I say but WOW! Our searchers were fed daily, our planning team didn't have to cook or do dishes so we could spend our time planning instead and did I mention how good the food has been? We were so thankful for the plethora of water! It wasn't a great joy to carry it in our backpacks up and down hills and dunes, but goodness it was fantastic when the load was lightened and our bodies hydrated. Your money....can you believe we've had almost $4, 000 donated to our search? PRAISE GOD!!!! We will be sending out a detailed list of exactly where the money went and how much. Just a rough list would include fixed wing airplane fuel, helicopter rental, gas for our fearless leaders' way home, boat gas, four wheeler gas (the gas companies I'm sure loved us), and we'll be making a donation to Texas Equusearch and other various areas. Then, our networkers and prayer warriors. We couldn't and wouldn't have had the endurance, hope, manpower, peace, and community closeness without you. I beg of you not to stop the prayers or the getting the word out.
The body of Christ has many parts and it was awe-inspiring to be witness to the body working as one. I will NEVER doubt the power of our almighty and how He has His body move. I feel so humbled that I was on this end seeing it all coming together. It was a taste of heaven and my eagerness to be there just multiplied tremendously!
As for where we are now. We have searched all that we were allowed (included the entire coastline of St. Joe's island (in 100 yards of the dunes), the south end of Matagorda island, the entire coast of Port Aransas down through Mustang island and the marshy areas on the bay side). Basically, there was very little land not searched thoroughly in the entire coastal area. As you may know, we have not found Joe. However, now we know that at least we've looked! We're not done either! We are praying about the Lord's direction for our next steps and have taken a sabbath to rest today. We plan on sending a plane out when this storm passes to all of the coastlines again. We are going to take a four by four (or two) all the way down south through the National Seashore with binoculars to search. Who knows, maybe a marshy area will unveiled by the tides going down.
This has been the hardest day of all! We are faced with the very real thought of not getting to see Joe and it is a pretty horrible feeling. We're hating that his family has no more answers than they did a week ago. We're so sad that instead of his fiance planning her wedding, she is probably going to be attending a Navy memorial service instead. His son, ...can't even go there right now.
I feel like the Lord keeps laying 2 Corinthians 4:6-9 on my heart: For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
This is a reminder to me of God's promise that Joe is in His hands. God's ways, though we may not understand them, are not ours. The lives that have been changed during this would only make Joe proud! Joe walked that verse and it would be futile for us not to acknowledge that!
We have not lost hope of not only finding Joe, but finding Joe alive. The Navy has changed his status to deceased as of yesterday and will hold a memorial service. There is nothing we can do about this. Joe's mom and Joe's fiance said it best, who leaves the courtroom before the trial is over? No one. There is no evidence either way of Joe. God gave us a spirit of expectation to witness something miraculous and we will wait to see that revealed. No mother, father, brother, beloved, child, family member, or friend should be left on such a plateau and we pray that God frees us of that!
A beautiful family has been born out of this and will grow stronger as the days and months pass.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! What all you've done is not in vain. Someone of you may be saying, "I didn't do anything", but the fact that I could write to you means that you have done something in my or my family's life that lets me know you have been near.

Here is the blog that we've created, please keep checking it as it will be updated often. http://findjoehouston.blogspot.com/

Here are a few websites that portrayed your efforts:
http://www.kristv.com/news/volunteers-continue-searching-for-missing-navy-pilot/
http://www.caller.com/news/2009/nov/04/volunteers-search-for-missing-navy-pilot/
http://www.caller.com/news/2009/nov/05/volunteers-officials-continue-search-for-missing/
http://www.kristv.com/news/volunteers-search-for-missing-navy-pilot/
http://www.kztv10.com/news/blog-setup-for-missing-navy-pilot/

The sun always comes up in the morning and we rest in that promise!
Yours,
Tawny and Nick
Nathan and Jade
Matt and Nicole
Dave and Amy
Peter
and many others

Our continued efforts

2009-11-07T23:14:00.000-08:00

There has been alot of changed today on many levels.
All of San Jose has now been covered, as well as parts of Mustang and Matagorda. We had more searchers today than in the past few days and we were greatly encouraged in the area that we can now 'x' off.
We've decided to take a rest and regroup. There are many factors leading up to this decision. The targeted search area for this effort has been covered. Our lead man and his girlfriend have to get back to NJ. We are also expecting some weather to blow in that would hinder our search. The good thing about this weather is that it's supposed to bring a super high tide with it. It is our hope to get a plane out when the tide goes down to fly the shorelines again and see if the storm pushed anything on shore.
Joe's family, fiancee, and close friends came to visit us during our meeting tonight. They thanked us, encouraged us, and prayed for us. It was a time that us searchers needed to be able to release and know that for this time, we've done all we know to do.
It has been a bitersweet day. We all left our meeting tonight knowing that our efforts weren't futile. We left with new friends, new hope, and ideas on our next approach to this mission to find Joe Houston!
We will be updating as we have info, needs, or just to keep up.
None of us have given up. How could we? Joe is in the hands of God and now we wait for God to turn him over to us.

Clearing up a rumor.

2009-11-07T15:01:00.000-08:00

We were just contacted by a news reporter who said that she had heard from another news source that there "was breaking news and the friends of Joe Houston were suspending the search".
THIS IS NOT TRUE!
What is true is that San Jose Island, which was the focus of this search effort, has been covered the best we are capapble of at this point. There are also other factors that are going to result in us having to regroup and trastition BUT we are not suspending the search! The search will go on until Joe is brought home.
If you want the REAL NEWS on what the friends and family of Joe Houston are doing to find him, check here.

How our Morning Started

2009-11-07T07:24:00.001-08:00

We have a great group, that we've nicknamed the Dream Team, out on the 7 miles of shoreline that has been our targeted area.
The families went out to San Jose island to pray and just see what we've been doing. It was such a blessing for our crew to have their presence there as they were sent out.
I was just told that 32 kayakers headed out also!
God let this be the day we bring Joe home!!!!

Donations in the form of money and/or

2009-11-07T06:10:00.000-08:00

Sadly we are going to have to send 2 key players home soon. They drove all the way from NJ (26hours straight!) to get this effort started up. We are not sure the exact date they will leave at this time (more than likely 11-08 or 11-09), but we are trying to prepare for it. We'd like to fly them home.
We want them to be safe. They have devoted their whole days here to be out on foot and also head co-ordinators. They are exhausted on so many levels after the intense efforts they have given to this point.
I am looking into the possibility of flying them home and then having their vehicle shipped to them. If you would like to donate, please do! We are looking for monetary funds and frequent flyer miles on Continental or American (small airport here in CC).
Please email me if you can help.
nhimitrust@yahoo.com
Also, anyone have contacts for shipping a vehicle?
Thanks ahead of time for your help. We all appreciate the outpouring of support for our team.

From Jenn (Joe's fiancee). She is a picture of grace and strength...all from the Lord.

2009-11-07T00:27:00.000-08:00

Day & night we seek the throne - day & night we feel the Lord is not done here. Father send us a token for good & provide in abundance tomorrow for the searchers. Let nothing be out of grasp. Move mountains. Part seas. We come in the name of the Lord & stand firm on Your Word - You have closed the grave forever, Death has no power. Eternity is Yours and You have betrothed our hearts to You.

11-07-09 Search for Joe Houston

2009-11-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

Our meeting is just ending (2AM)!
We were able to cover a lot of ground today even given great setbacks. There was a crew that went out from Goose Island and covered Cedar Bayou. There was also a crew on land on San Jose Island. The ATV's were such a blessing and cut back greatly on time and allowed the searchers to not waste time walking down shoreline that had already been searched. We were held back from an area that was of high interest and this left some of us rather discouraged for a time. BUT that particular area has been covered by our helicopters and plane!!! We were not allowed in on foot because it is hunting season apparently and the owners are concerned about safety and liability. We are so blessed to not have to rely on just our land searchers but to have aerial coverage of the areas we can't get to!
The stretch of island that has been of great interest from the beginning of this search is where we will be tomorrow. It's of interest because of the debris that was found there during the military search. There are only 7 miles left to be covered in this targeted area. We feel this is the area God has led us to and we're hopeful that Joe will be found!
We think the plan for Sunday will be different than previous days, so please check here for more info.
Also, we are in need of monetary donations at this point. We've had some more come in today, but a big chunk had to go out and we are expecting the rest to be gone real soon too.
Thanks for all your prayers! We look forward to telling you soon that we have Joe in tow!

Any hunters?

2009-11-06T11:51:00.001-08:00

It would be of great help if we had an experienced hunter with a hunting license. Please contact us if so.

Tow boat license and boat anyone???

2009-11-06T07:39:00.000-08:00

Due to some unforeseen issues, we are in need of a someone with a tow boat license and also a boat that can carry ATV's from Port Aransas to Matagorda Island. PLEASE contact us ASAP if you can help in this area! We have ATV's and a Mule ready to go. The max number has been taken to San Jose Island so we are trying to get the othere to Matagorda. THANKS!
Please look under the contacts and contant Amy or Nicole.

WE NEED HELP! WE DO NOT HAVE 1,000'S. WE ONLY HAVE 10'S.

2009-11-06T06:14:00.001-08:00

There has been some miscommunication somewhere. People have been told we have 1000's out searching. This leaves some who want to help feeling unneeded, so they don't come. THIS IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH!!! Thousands of emails have been sent, but we don't have near enough manpower. We have about 20 out right now between land, boat, and aerial searches. That is what we've been running the past few days. Only 20-30.
Joe is an awesome man of God, a much needed father, soon to be husband, beloved son, brother and friend. He needs to be brought home. We need people to help find him to bring him home. Please get in contact with us if you'd like to help. We need YOU!

UPDATE for 11-06-09 Search

2009-11-05T19:48:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!
Today we were able to make slow progress. Not having boats to take us down the shore is hindering the search. We need boats (and drivers for them) that can handle the Gulf side of San Jose Island.

We just had someone come through with a boat that is capable of carrying ATV's over to San Jose Island! We have 3 ATV's so far. They are also bringing a Kawasaki Mule. They will use this to drive people from the primary ferry dock down the shoreline. This is a huge answer to prayer! It allows us to no longer have to walk the area that has already been covered just to get to new search ground. If you have an ATV, please contact us.

We did get limited access to the Bass property!!!! It's positive that we do have access and that Equusearch will be there.

The fixed wing aircraft will be searching again tomorrow. We need one volunteer to be a lookout on this flight. One of the helicopters may also be coming back.

We have a man, Jeff, who drove down from Houston with his boat. He is taking a crew of 6 to search Cedar Bayou. They are leaving from Goose Island first thing in the morning. All 6 volunteer slots have been filled.

We are also working on getting a main number set up that all calls can go to. We'll post that number when/if it comes through.

The meeting times for the search are 7:30AM and 11:30AM. The meeting place is Fisherman's Wharf
900 Tarpon St.
Port Aransas, TX
IF YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A MOUNTAIN BIKE, PLEASE BRING IT!

The searchers were encouraged today by the amount of fresh water they came across and other resources that could be used for survival.

As of this writing, we have been able to raise $3,041.89!!! What a blessing to help for all the expenses involved in this search.

We've also had generous donations from Coastal Bend Cold Storage, Chick-Fil-A, B&J's Pizza, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme donuts, Sun Harvest, and lots of others who have provided lunches for the searchers.

Please contact us if you need any information or would like to volunteer.
WE NEED MANPOWER

Blessings,
Dave and Amy Warner
Matt Kavanagh and Nicole Lamberti
Nick and Tawny Novosad
and many more

Short update

2009-11-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

More to come LATE tonight. The crew that searched by air feels like they covered a great amount of area! There was nothing found today.
THE BASS FAMILY HAS OKAYED US GOING ON THEIR PROPERTY!!!!
There will be more detail in the later email, I just wanted to give a quick update.
Thanks for all the prayers.

Donations!

2009-11-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much for all the donations that have already been sent it. We will post the amount later tonight. Here is the info as to where to send any donations:
checks/money orders can be mailed to:
Amy Warner
1066 Wilshire Place
Corpus Christi, TX 78411

credit/debit card and bank wires can be sent through PayPal to
nhimitrust@yahoo.com

All for the glory of the Lord!

2009-11-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
*Does this include you?*

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
*What does our sin cost us?*

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
*What does this verse say Christ did for you?*

That if you confess with your mouth "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13

*What would you need to do to be saved? Is there anything that would keep you from receiving Jesus as Saviour today?*

Here's a simple prayer you can pray now:

Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe you came to die on the cross for me and rose from the dead. Please forgive my sins and give me eternal life. I now turn from my sins and ask you to come into my life as Lord and Saviour. Thank you for dying for me and saving me.

Amen

-Reaching Texas

Continuing search

2009-11-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

From Jenn (Joe's Fiance):

Dogs, helo's, civilians, horses - all on land to search for Joe today. Marines have moved to Matagorda. Marines found small part of wing yesterday but nothing else and no other sign of plane or Joe - Father hear our cries! Surrender Joe up from the miry pit and place him on a rock higher!! I await the homecoming and beg for mercy - Please Father uphold our cause and fight for us!

============================================================

There are still many people out there today, on land and in the air who are fervently searching for Joe. Keep their safety in your prayers and continue to pray for Joe as we believe he is out there alive, waiting for rescue, surviving on the knowledge that has been instilled in him for such a time as this. Keep persevering! And remember, if you would like to donate in some way to our efforts, please see the contact information on the side bar and CONTACT us!!

Immediate Need!

2009-11-05T07:22:00.001-08:00

IMMEDIATE NEED:

3 people to be lookouts on the two helicopters that are leaving CC airport in an hour (10AM)!

Please call 361-334-6703

News Media

2009-11-05T00:17:00.001-08:00

Several of our local news outlets are following our search efforts! Jenn, Joe's fiance, has requested that we keep all that we can of our efforts, so if you have newspapers, clippings, etc., hang on to them! Tonight Channel 6 aired a great segment from the Island, interviewing Matt and company. Praise God that people are becoming aware that they can do something about this!

Here is a link, also from the Caller Times featuring a story of our efforts!

http://www.caller.com/news/2009/nov/04/volunteers-search-for-missing-navy-pilot/

Feel free to bring to our attention any other articles you come across as we seek to promote our mission!

Search for Joe Houston 11-05-09

2009-11-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,
The searchers were able to cover 8sq miles of San Jose Island with 25 volunteers today. The island is 23 miles long. They designated search areas with flags and coordinated search groups and all went smoothly.

We desperately need more people and boats. The ferry only drops people off at one place. Therefore, every time the searchers are dropped off, they are having to go over the same area that has already been searched. We need boats to take people to different points on the island. We do have one 18ft shallow water boat owned by Jeff that will be here at 3PM. We need boat captains to operate commercial boats.

Tomorrow (11-05-09) we have kayakers that are going to cover marshy area. There are at least 2 so far and they are starting at 7:30AM. We have access to more kayaks. If you are an experienced kayaker and would like to help, please contact us.
There will also be at least 5 people on mountain bikes. This enables them to go further and faster up the beach. We need more mountain bikers. If you are coming out and have one, please bring it. Street bikes can't make it over the terrain. It must be a mountain bike.
We had someone contact us with a search dog who is going to be out tomorrow.
There will also be two helicopters flying in from Houston. They will be leaving from Corpus Christi International Airport to start their search. They are taking 2-3 people with them to be lookouts. The pilots names are Brent and Dominic and we are so grateful for their services. One is doing this for free and the other one is negotiating a price with the helicopter's owner.
There is also a fixed wing aircraft flown by a volunteer marine luetenant that will be covering San Jose and Matagorda Island. Two volunteers are needed to fly with him and serve as lookouts. They need to have good eyesight and be observant.

Equusearch is also mobilizing their resources and volunteers tomorrow.
About 3/4 of the island is owned by Bass. We need them to give us permission to search the property. Please pray that we get in contact with someone from Bass asap. This is of the utmost importance.

Carpooling or just giving a ride is definitetly appreciated. We have volunteers already that are getting here without their own vehicles. In particular we are looking for someone to drive to the west side of Corpus Christi by Sam's Club to transport a volunteer to and from Fisherman's Wharf for the 7:30AM dropoff.

If you are not able to come in person to the search but would like to contribute, we are in need of money. There are resources to be paid for and the funds so far are low.

You can contact me for the mailing address for checks and money orders to be sent to. Or you can send money via Paypal to
nhimitrust@yahoo.com

Again, please contact us if you want more info or to sign up for the search. Thanks for all your efforts.
Amy Warner 361-334-6703 Volunteer sign up and general information
Tawny Novosad 361-876-8969 Food and supply coordinator
Nicole Lamberti 973-447-8051 Search planning and resources (ie boats, aircraft, search dogs, etc)

Top priority is access to Bass property, boats, and funds. Please pray for all of these to be provided and if you can help, please contact us.

Blessings,
Dave and Amy Warner
Matt Kavanagh and Nicole Lamberti
Nick and Tawny Novosad
and many more

P.S.- There will be groups meeting at 7:30 and 11:30am at
Fisherman's Wharf
900 Tarpon St
Port Aransas, TX

The ferry tickets are $12 roundtrip per person. The ferries leave for San Jose Island on the even hours between 8a-6p so you can head over to the island on your own if you can't meet the group at the designated times. Please call and let us know if you do this so we can put you with a group. Everyone's safety is very important to us.

Search for Joe Houston 11-04-09

2009-11-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all being involved with this and showing your interest. Here's what we came up with at the meeting. There will be two groups going out tomorrow. One at 8AM and the other at noon. The ferry over to San Jose Island leaves promptly at those times so be there at 7:30AM or 11:30AM. The 8AM crew will be grouped when we meet at the ferry. The noon group needs to go over on the ferry without being grouped. Someone (probably Nicole) will be waiting to put you in a group when you get on the island. Let me know if you plan on going and what time so we have a general idea of how many people and also there are a few people who need rides.
There is a $12 roundtrip fee per person for the ferry (we are working on getting the fee reduced).
The meeting place to get on the ferry:
Fisherman's Wharf
900 Tarpon St.
Port Aransas, TX 78373
You will be grouped into 5's with one leader and designated to one search area to ensure that we don't duplicate. The leader will have a GPS and maps. Please let someone know if you have medical experience before being grouped.
This is a beachy/marshy/heavy brush island. Please dress accordingly. Long pants, hiking boots, bright colored shirt (so that you're visible to your group and Joe), and something reflective if possible. Please be prepared by bringing:
-backpack
-whistle
-hat
-sunscreen
-bugspray
-water (1 gallon per person in bottles, not jugs)
-food/snacks for yourself
-cell phone
OPTIONAL ITEMS
-binoculars
-GPS
-first aid kit
If anybody has a mountain bike please bring it. We need them to send people further down the island. You can take your bike on the ferry but no motorized vehicles.

We need food/snacks and water to pass out to the volunteers. Please contact Tawny Novosad if you'd like to help with food. 361-876-8969 ortawnynovosad@yahoo.com

We also are trying to raise money to help pay for the ferry, gas, and other search expenses. You can email myself or Tawny if you can help in this area.

Matt Kavanagh is the point person for search planning. 610-905-5085

Please email me (Amy Warner) if you're going to search and let me know what time. 361-334-6703

If anybody has access to boats, jet skis, helicopters, or other means of search transportation please let us know.

Here is a link that has specific prayer requests from the family. Please be praying! http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsenduit.com%2Fb8c5ea&h=e3e27bd08fa59559c2cd8e6341000902

We do have offers for babysitting if needed. Again, please let us know.

PASS THIS ON! The more people we can get helping, the more area can be covered. Please forward this email. Thanks again and anything you can do is greatly appreciated.

Prayer Guide for Joe

2009-11-04T21:47:00.001-08:00

Prayers of Intercession

Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

2 Chronicles 6:40

For Joe's shelter, health, mental state, emotions, & spirit to be strong & protected/

hedged up on all sides

Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his

hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. Job 1:10

Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalms 17:7-8

In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as

the apple of his eye, like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them

and carries them on its pinions. The LORD alone led him; no foreign god was with him. Deuteronomy 32:10-12

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and

rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Psalms 91:4-5

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take

hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and

secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.

He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:18-20

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,

with your right hand you save me. The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever-- do

not abandon the works of your hands. Psalms 138:7-8

Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, "My foot is

slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my

soul. Psalms 94:17-19

For a signal to be sent: a flare or something, & to be seen

For I, saith Jehovah, will be unto him a wall of fire round about, and I will be the glory in the midst of him.

Zecheriah 2:5 ASV

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to

whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13

For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks

after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places

where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. Ezekiel 34:11

He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light. Job 12:22

For acute senses & sight & relentless spirit for the rescuers

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. Matthew 13:16

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 Chronicles 16:9a

"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." 2 Chronicles 20:12

For hope confirmed in the heart of God’s people over & over that Joe is alive

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise

him For the help of his countenance. Psalms 42:5

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you,

O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I

wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait

for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is

unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Psalms 130:1-8

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his

compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my

portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is

good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:21-26

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of

the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces

perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has

poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5

For Bret's family in mourning- may they be comforted by God Himself

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your

right hand. Psalms 16:11

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who

comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have

received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know

that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint

us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:2-5

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will

himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:10b-11

Who will find Joe? Satan is distracting thus person & you need to lift them up in

protection of God & His angels!!

As birds hovering, so will Jehovah of hosts protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and

preserve it. Isaiah 31:5

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 10:36

This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints. Revelation 13:10

For Joe's Family, and his fiancé, Jenn.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalms 94:19

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,

scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

All scripture references are from the New International Version.

Prayer Guide Prepared by

Pray the Word Prayer Task Force

Pray the Word Ministries ~ P. O. Box 924887 ~ Houston, TX 77292

Mary Ann Bridgwater, President