For new things to begin, old things have to end (kinda)

Today, we helped Jim and Kelly pack up a van and a Uhaul for storage and clean the house they are vacating. It's another step in the move to Thailand to work with good friends at Compasio. They don't have all the funds they need yet but it is coming in slowly but surely. We're getting surprise hits at the YWAM Modesto Paypal button (wanna surprise us? You can HERE! : ) and we are assured that God is going to provide all they need.

A couple of nights in Modesto and then they are off to pack up their storage, get some training and say goodbye to family down south while they finalize their plans.

It's a bittersweet time. We are sad they are going and happy to watch God do what he does so well. He sends, he ignites, he breaks our heart, he gives us a choice, he invites, he compels, he opens doors and creates connection and he loves when we love... when we love so much that we can't help ourselves but pour it out into the broken places of the world. He loves when we are so captured by his love that we drop it all and go and do the thing his love has compelled us to do.

For them, it's taken a lot of frustration, obstacles, communication and plain hard work to get here. And they are not 'here' yet but it's coming. What helps is to remember why. It's love, love so big we call him God, that makes it worth the effort. The Sustars have made me want to get ready to go. Only I'm going here for now. What is it that holds us back? Let's pack up the non-essentials, put hindrances away, keep what's important, say a prayer with our friends, support one another and take off into the good works that have been prepared for us to do.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" Eph 2:10

This is a video of the "why" they are going. If you're reading on facebook, you can find the video HERE. And you can follow the Sustars at their blog HERE.



By the way, that great song is "The Reckoning" from the album Counting Stars by Andrew Peterson.

The Sustars take off!

Not bad for a family of 5 for 3 months!



Howdy folks, a quick note to let you know that our good friends and 1/3 of Youth With A Mission Modesto, the Sustars, headed out tonight for 3 months to Thailand. They are going to serve with Compasio, working on the Thai/Burmese border with vulnerable families and children. Please keep them in prayer and you can follow their journey at their blog...http://wwwsusthai.blogspot.com/

Why did Jimmy climb a mountain?

In September, Jimmy climbed Mt. Whitney as a fundraiser event for the Sustar's upcoming trip to Thailand to work with our friends at Compasio. You can still help to sponsor this trip at our website DONATION PAGE and earmark your gift for "Thailand" or "Mt. Whitney."

Why Jimmy's gonna climb a mountain.

Hey folks, the Sustar family is planning an extended ministry trip to work with our friends in Thailand. The following entry is taken from their FAMILY PAGE on our website...



This is Jim preparing to help a 2 yr. old after he uses the side of the road as a bathroom. This is what we did in Mae Sot, Thailand last May. We found the kids on the street, fed them, taught them, and acted as their guardians. We often found them wandering the streets as late as midnight because they had not found a place to hide for the night. There are thousands of children left vulnerable to disease, kidnapping, exploitation, prostitution and severe abuse. Our friend Sia is working hard to help these kids, but there is a need for more help. Moved by compassion & led by God, we feel that He is calling us as a family to be in Thailand as much as possible to serve Him and rescue these little ones. Since our trip in May 2008, God has provided a home for these street children to live in a home. There are many more to be rescued.

We as a family are making a long trip to Thailand with our entire family this January. The specific training, experience, and heart we have is a perfect fit for the work we’ve been invited to take part in. We will be working with, and serving Compasio, (www.compasio.org) for about five months. We’ll be back in Modesto by May 2010.

We’ve developed a very unique relationship with Compasio and we’re excited to see what God will do through us and in us.

Please pray with us as we venture into the unknown. In the meantime, we work to love, teach, and befriend the broken and lost on the streets of Modesto, California, and everywhere we go. We need you all to keep praying for us. Thank you and Amen.

And it's why Jimmy's going to climb a mountain... This one in fact and you can help!



Jim will be climbing Mt. Whitney as a fund raiser. The elevation of Mt. Whitney is 14,505 ft. above sea level making it the tallest peak in the lower 48. The trail-head starts at around 8,000 ft. Total feet climbed would be around 6,500. We’re asking for pledges for each foot climbed. The goal is to collectively raise $1.00 per foot, and we are scheduled to climb the first week of September. Please let us know what you are able to do. Pledges can be recorded by e-mailing: robotsinthesky@yahoo.com, & would need to be collected by Oct. 1st.

You can give to this venture through our website donation page...CLICK HERE!

Checks can be written to:
New Hope Church,
& sent to:
Jim and Kelly Sustar
5217 Cottage Ln.
Salida, CA 95368

Remember, our name must not appear on the check but attach a note designating your gift for the Sustar's work in Thailand.

Thank you for your support. God bless you!