Brinkman Adventures

John Benty: You want Johnny Castaway? Look, I have life in the dock and person.

Isaac Brinkman: I don't need Johnny Crash, I need a Bible.

Donna Benty: Perfume? I haven't smelled that for 30 years since the revolution. I would love some perfume. Keep walking like you own the place. Act like you don't understand what they're saying. No need to ask permission, John. Oh, hi Mr. Pennington.

Mr. Pennington: What is that bus doing with chickens in front of my house? That's my property.

Donna Benty: This will be your room. Have a good trip.

John Benty: Thank you, ma'am. I can't believe this.

Isaac Brinkman: John, she gave us a suite on the train.

Susan Brinkman: Hope, get out of the freezer.

Isaac Brinkman: Bible, my Bible. Thank you. It's beautiful. This is the happiest day of my life.

Gracie Brinkman: Henrietta, I have a prize for you. Take it, it's yummy. Want to get out? I thought so. Just a sec, gotta open this. Henrietta, come back. Oh no.

Beachglass Ministries: You're listening to the Brinkman Adventures, a new family audio drama. The Brinkmans are headed to Belize, a small country in Central America. Along the way, they've run into John and Donna Benty, former missionaries to Hong Kong.

The Bentys have invited them to stay a couple days so John can tell missionary stories for Michelle's blog. Let's rejoin Hope and see how she deals with her dilemma.

Gracie Brinkman: Chickens, come back. Come back. Oh-oh, I'm in trouble.

Ian Brinkman: Hope, what did you do?

Hope Brinkman: I tried to let one out, but them all got out.

Ian Brinkman: You can't let them out, Hope. They're really hard to get back in.

Hope Brinkman: I'm sorry, Gracie. Ian, Isaac, help us.

Isaac Brinkman: Isaac, go over there. I'll drive them toward the bus. They ran right through your legs, Ian. Oh no, they're heading for his yard. They're fast.

Mr. Pennington: What's going on over here?

Isaac Brinkman: Our chickens got out.

Mr. Pennington: I hate chickens. They better not come over here.

Isaac Brinkman: Too late. Isaac, run to the other side of his yard and drive them towards me.

Ian Brinkman: Okay.

Mr. Pennington: Get those filthy birds off my grass. I'm getting my pellet gun.

Isaac Brinkman: Come on, Isaac. He's going to shoot them.

Ian Brinkman: I'm trying.

Hope Brinkman: Come on, birds.

Gracie Brinkman: Charlie, don't chase them.

Ian Brinkman: Oh man, this isn't good.

Dale: Hey, I'm Dale. I live across the street. I can help.

Isaac Brinkman: Thanks, we need it.

Donna Benty: He'll get over it. He's really a nice man, just a little particular.

John Benty: Nice man.

Isaac Brinkman: Dale, thanks for catching them. You have quite a gift.

Dale: Thank you, sir. I'll keep looking for that red one. Good luck catching Henrietta. We've just got to find her.

John Benty: Dale's family owns an airboat tour guide service. They take folks out onto the water looking for birds and animals. He has a lot of experience catching things.

Isaac Brinkman: Cool.

Dale: That's kind of you, sir. If you guys want to go out later this afternoon, I could take you on a quick trip.

Isaac Brinkman: That would be awesome. Kate, there's birds.

Kate Brinkman: Sounds like fun.

John Benty: If you're into birds, you'd want to go. We'll talk about it, Dale. Mr. Benty's got my phone number. Just call if you want to go.

Dale: Thanks. Good to meet you guys.

Isaac Brinkman: You too. And thanks again for your help, Dale.

Dale: No problem.

John Benty: He seems like a nice boy. Yeah, he's a responsible young man and they're a great family. Don't know the Lord, but I've been talking to them and I think maybe they're interested.

Charlie Brinkman: Look, guys, an egg. Look, they laid an egg.

Isaac Brinkman: Great, I'll throw it in with the others for breakfast.

Isaac Brinkman: Hey, Dad, can you give me the address of the missionaries in Belize?

John Brinkman: Sure, I think I have it.

Isaac Brinkman: The guy paid for the ring and so now I can order the books. I thought we'd have them send it straight to Belize.

John Brinkman: That's a great idea. Here, I've got it on my phone.

Isaac Brinkman: Thanks.

Michelle Brinkman: That means you need to get the ring shipped out today. Donna, would you be able to take us to the post office?

Donna Benty: Sure.

John Brinkman: You'd better insure that thing. John, thanks again. We'll be sure to let them know who paid for the books.

John Benty: Oh thanks, but that's not necessary.

Isaac Brinkman: Mr. Benty, could you tell us another story?

John Benty: Sure. Donna, is there any coffee left? Ian, are you almost done with the laptop? I want to take notes.

Ian Brinkman: Yep, it's ordered.

Michelle Brinkman: Wow, you're fast.

Ian Brinkman: Thanks.

John Benty: Are we settled in and ready?

Michelle Brinkman: I think so.

John Benty: All right. Well, when I first arrived in Hong Kong, I was a junior missionary.

Isaac Brinkman: What's a junior missionary?

John Benty: It means I did what the older missionaries told me to do. Now we were in Hong Kong to plant churches, but that wasn't happening. I had some ideas of my own and so I went to the field director and the senior missionary.

Field Director: Take a seat, John.

John Benty: Thanks for seeing me, gentlemen.

Senior Missionary: It's our pleasure, John. What can we do for you?

John Benty: Well, I'd like to talk to you again about planting churches.

Field Director: John, we've been down this road. Believe me, we'd like to plant churches. We just don't have any money.

John Benty: Sir, I have an idea. May I share it with you?

Senior Missionary: Go ahead.

John Benty: In Ma Foo, they're building huge high-rises for middle-class families. We could lease a room for a church and instantly have thousands at our doorstep.

Field Director: Our situation hasn't changed. We still only have $470 in the account.

Senior Missionary: Leasing a building here in Hong Kong is very expensive. $470 wouldn't even cover one month. How do you suggest we pay for this?

John Benty: I don't know. I haven't figured that part out yet. Could I at least check on some locations and see if something is available?

Field Director: Okay, you can look. But John, don't sign anything. Don't commit to anything. Don't do anything.

John Benty: Donna, this place is going to be beautiful. Nice building. I'm the inspector for the kindergarten center.

Receptionist: Yes, we're here to inspect.

Donna Benty: John.

Receptionist: Here's your hard hats. It's through the door.

John Benty: Thank you. Wow, this big activity room in the middle would be perfect for a church service, Donna.

Donna Benty: And check out all the little rooms around the edge. Sunday school classrooms. What a great setup.

John Benty: This is it. We've got to get this place. Thank you. Our hats are on the table and the other inspector will be along shortly.

Receptionist: Thank you.

John Benty: So I went back to my field director and practically begged him to let me talk to the manager of the development. He said I could go, but not to sign anything, commit to anything, or do anything.

Isaac Brinkman: Oh, Isaac.

John Benty: I was told the manager was a real tough man from Cleveland, Ohio, sent in to clean things up. I thought I was a pretty big guy. When I met Charles Zinder, I felt like an ant. He wore a Brooks Brothers suit and had an enormous office.

Charles Zinder: What brings you here, young man?

John Benty: I saw the beautiful kindergarten center you're building.

Charles Zinder: Yes, what about it?

John Benty: Well, my colleagues and I would love to run this kindergarten for you and have a church on Sunday.

Charles Zinder: What did you just say?

John Benty: I said my colleagues and I would love to run this kindergarten for you.

Charles Zinder: Did you say church?

John Benty: A little bit.

Charles Zinder: Interesting. Okay, it's yours.

John Benty: Wow, that's great. What do I need to do?

Charles Zinder: You'll need to cover the school equipment, salaries, and we'd also need a down payment.

John Benty: And how much would that be?

Charles Zinder: Somewhere around 28,000. We'd also need 1,600 a month for rent. So we're looking at a little over $32,000.

John Benty: Sir, I'm actually a missionary here to plant churches. My mission only has $470 available.

Charles Zinder: Young man, I'm a businessman from Cleveland, Ohio. I was sent here to clean up the corruption and get this development completed. Now I didn't want to come and neither did my wife.

I like Cleveland. We like our friends there and we like our church. But we felt God sent us here to also help plant churches.

John Benty: Oh.

Charles Zinder: In my drawer, I have a stack of 20 requests for that property. I've been waiting for someone like you.

John Benty: But I don't see how we could ever come up with 32,000.

Charles Zinder: I can't believe you just said that. John Benty, how big is your God?

Donna Benty: Hi Dale. I'm going to need a little help to catch that chicken.

Charlie Brinkman: Can I help?

Dale: Sure.

Charlie Brinkman: Can I go?

Dale: Sure, Charlie. I almost had her. I'll need some help to corner her. She's in Mr. Benty's side yard. I bet she's back there.

Isaac Brinkman: I hope not. That's Mr. Pennington's backyard.

Dale: But what if she is?

Isaac Brinkman: We would need to be sneaky then. Stealth mode. I love it.

Charlie Brinkman: What's that over there?

Dale: It's Mr. Pennington's boat. He hasn't used it in a couple years.

Charlie Brinkman: If I had a boat, I'd use it.

Dale: He used to go fishing every night with his wife.

Isaac Brinkman: He doesn't like to fish anymore?

Dale: I think he still likes to fish, but it probably reminds him of her. It makes him sad.

Charlie Brinkman: I'm not sad when I go fishing.

Dale: His wife was real nice. She used to make us pecan pies.

Charlie Brinkman: He's not very nice.

Dale: Yeah, he's pretty grumpy. Look, a feather. There's a bunch more by the boat. Look.

Isaac Brinkman: Okay, guys, we need a plan. We can't go straight across his yard. He'll see us. So let's sneak through the woods and approach the boat from the backside.

Charlie Brinkman: Cool.

Isaac Brinkman: Good job, soldiers. We need to cross that stretch of grass. Crawl, men.

Charlie Brinkman: There's a lot of feathers.

Isaac Brinkman: She must be in the boat. I'm going to peek under the cover. You guys be ready when she comes out. Isaac, watch that side. Charlie, you cover the back. She's not in here. Yuck.

Charlie Brinkman: What? Let me see. Stinky.

Isaac Brinkman: It was Henrietta. Henrietta didn't do all this. I think Ripcord the rooster's been here. It's his bachelor pad.

Charlie Brinkman: Look at that. Ripcord laid an egg.

Isaac Brinkman: I can get it. Leave it there. They'll be back. Let's do a stakeout. We'll hide in the woods and wait for them.

Charlie Brinkman: Cool.

John Benty: After visiting Mr. Zinder, I went back to the field director.

Field Director: Okay, John. We're ready. Tell us what happened.

John Benty: You're not going to believe it. The manager's an American from Cleveland. I told him we'd be interested in running the kindergarten.

Field Director: I said not to sign anything, commit to anything, or do anything.

John Benty: I didn't. I just said I was interested. I also said we'd want to have church on Sundays. And here is the incredible part. He's had 20 people ask to run the kindergarten, but stuffed their applications in his drawer. He's been holding out for someone who wants to also have church. He's a believer, guys.

Senior Missionary: Incredible. So what's the bad news?

John Benty: Bad news? Well, I suppose that would be the cost.

Senior Missionary: And how much would that be?

John Benty: 32,000.

Field Director: 32,000. Are you out of your mind?

John Benty: Sir, I know. I told him we could never come up with that kind of money.

Senior Missionary: So what did he say?

John Benty: Well, he came out from behind his desk, he walked up to me and pointed his huge finger into my chest and he said, "How big is your God?" I felt ashamed. And he's right. We have a big God. The Bible says God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. I think we should take a step of faith and go for it.

Senior Missionary: John, I love your passion. And I believe in a big God too. But He hasn't provided the money. And until He does, there's no point in pursuing it further. I'm sorry. You'll need to go back to him and tell him we can't do it.

Receptionist: Good morning, Mr. Benty. Mr. Zinder said you'd be returning soon.

John Benty: I'm sorry, I didn't schedule an appointment. I just needed to...

Receptionist: No, that's okay. I'm sure he'd be pleased to see you. He's free at the moment. Would you like to go in?

John Benty: Actually, I'd rather not. Do you have a piece of paper and a pen?

Receptionist: Sure, here you go.

John Benty: Could you just give this note to him and tell him I'm sorry?

Receptionist: Sure. Thank you, Mr. Benty.

Donna Benty: I'd never seen John so depressed. The life just went out of him.

Michelle Brinkman: I can imagine.

Isaac Brinkman: No kidding.

John Benty: I kept seeing Charles Zinder pointing his finger at me and saying, "How big is your God?" I was willing to take the risk, but my leaders weren't. For three months, I hoped I wouldn't bump into Mr. Zinder on the street. But there's this thing called home assignment.

Michelle Brinkman: Every four years, missionaries return home for a year. The new missionaries elected John the field director.

John Benty: And my first order of business was to take a vote on the kindergarten. So as you can see, it's a risk. We don't have the money on hand, but I think we should go for it. Are we ready for the vote?

Senior Missionary: Ready for the question.

John Benty: All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed, nay. The ayes have it and we have a church.

Kate Brinkman: Hey guys, this is Kate Brinkman. I hope you're enjoying today's episode. Did you know that most of our adventures are based on true stories? To find out more about these adventures, visit our website.

There you can read interesting facts, look at pictures and in some cases see video of the actual people. Has God done something amazing in your life? If so, then you have a story to tell and we'd love to hear it. Write us today by visiting our website at brinkmanadventures.com.

Receptionist: Mr. Benty, good afternoon. Are you here to see Mr. Zinder, or are you leaving another note?

John Benty: I'd like to see him.

Receptionist: Mr. Zinder, Mr. Benty is here.

Charles Zinder: Send him back, please. And hold my 2:30 appointment.

Receptionist: He'll see you now.

John Benty: Good afternoon, sir.

Charles Zinder: Now I have 30 applications in my desk drawer, but I'm still holding the property. How big is your God?

John Benty: Where do I sign?

Gracie Brinkman: Mr. Benty, I have a question.

John Benty: Shoot.

Gracie Brinkman: Well, I don't want to be disrespectful.

John Benty: I can take it. What's the question?

Gracie Brinkman: You signed for the kindergarten without having the money. If God didn't do a miracle, you would have either owed Mr. Zinder or the bank. Wasn't that a little presumptuous?

John Benty: Perhaps a little. In this case, I really believed God wanted us to take the step and I felt He would pay for it.

Gracie Brinkman: So did He?

John Benty: You're getting ahead of the story, Gracie. So that night, I had to attend a Chinese feast at Tang Mei Foo. And these events are fun, but the food is interesting.

One time we were eating noodles, but they seemed to stick to the plate and then I noticed that they had little suction cups all over them.

Gracie Brinkman: Ew.

Donna Benty: And they're so hospitable. If you eat what's on your plate, they replace it with more.

John Benty: Yeah, I still dream about those noodles.

Donna Benty: And to them it's really special, but we're not used to it.

Isaac Brinkman: Sort of like Dutch licorice?

Donna Benty: Yeah, you guys really love that salty stuff, but most of us can't stand it.

Isaac Brinkman: Yeah, I gave one to Luke and he spit it right out.

Donna Benty: Sometimes you have no choice but to eat what they give you.

Isaac Brinkman: Then what do you do?

John Benty: Well, in that case, I just shove it in my mouth and smile and swallow. When you're a missionary, you learn to eat all kinds of new and interesting things.

So I'm at this Chinese feast. Seated on my right was none other than Dr. Tong, the pastor of one of the largest churches in Hong Kong.

Dr. Tong: John, do you know what you are eating?

John Benty: No, Dr. Tong. I don't know what I'm eating. Do I want to know?

Dr. Tong: Probably not.

John Benty: Dr. Tong, have you ever thought about planting a church?

Dr. Tong: Yes, we have. In fact, we formed a committee to secure a location.

John Benty: How's it going?

Dr. Tong: Not so well. Leases are so expensive.

John Benty: Yes, they are.

Dr. Tong: We have the money. We just need a spot.

John Benty: You're kidding me.

Dr. Tong: We looked and looked and finally found a spot that was perfect. The best place. But there are 20 other people ahead of us, so we don't even bother. We still looking.

John Benty: Dr. Tong.

Dr. Tong: Are you okay, John?

John Benty: Dr. Tong.

Dr. Tong: Yes, John.

John Benty: What would you say if I told you I just signed the lease on that very building this morning?

Dr. Tong: I wouldn't believe it.

John Benty: No, it's true. And if you pay for it, your church can use it for Sunday worship.

Dr. Tong: Hallelujah. Thank you, God. You may continue eating. I'm sorry for yelling.

Donna Benty: Praise God. We're still thanking Him today for that.

Gracie Brinkman: They're back.

John Brinkman: Did you find her?

Isaac Brinkman: We did. Oh, thank you, Dale. Henrietta, you bad bird, come here. Why don't you take her back to the bus?

Isaac Brinkman: Yes, Mom. I was so worried about you.

John Brinkman: You won't guess where we found her.

Donna Benty: Uh-oh.

Charlie Brinkman: Charlie saw a feather by Mr. Pennington's boat.

John Brinkman: No.

Isaac Brinkman: Yep, somehow she got under the cover back by the motor.

John Brinkman: Did Pennington see you back there?

Isaac Brinkman: No, we snuck around the back. The boat is really a mess though. I think it's Ripcord's boathouse now.

Donna Benty: Oh no.

John Brinkman: That'll be a nasty surprise. Good thing he doesn't use it anymore. Well, thanks for your help, Dale.

Dale: Hey, did you still want me to take them on that boat trip, Mr. Benty?

Kate Brinkman: Oh, Dad, can we?

John Brinkman: I don't think so, honey. We probably need to head out today after lunch.

John Benty: Well, Donna and I were talking. Would you guys have time to stay one more night? That way we could show you around the island this afternoon and the kids could go with Dale, unless you're in a hurry.

John Brinkman: Well, I built a little cushion into our schedule. What do you think, Susan? One more night on a nice bed?

Susan Brinkman: No quarrel here. John, Donna, are you sure?

Donna Benty: It's been a joy having you.

John Brinkman: What about Mr. Pennington?

John Benty: I think he can handle the bus for one more day.

John Brinkman: Kate, the answer is yes. After lunch you and Ian may go with Dale.

Kate Brinkman: Thanks, Dad.

Dale: I need to put some gas in the boat first, then I'll come get you.

Kate Brinkman: Sounds good. See you then. So Mr. Benty, Dr. Tong's church paid for the building?

John Benty: They did, but the story isn't over. We still had a problem. I had promised Mr. Zinder we would run the kindergarten.

Michelle Brinkman: I was wondering about that.

John Benty: There was this guy sitting on the other side of me. After Dr. Tong yelled "Hallelujah," he must have started listening to us. Here I was having the most incredible conversation of my life and this guy starts tugging on my arm. Yes, sir, did you need something?

Mr. Ho: You need to help me.

John Benty: I'm sorry, do I know you?

Mr. Ho: I don't think so, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. My name is Mr. Ho. My wife is Sergeant Major Ho, the most respected kindergarten manager in Hong Kong.

John Benty: I've heard of your wife.

Mr. Ho: She retired this year and she really needs something to do.

John Benty: We could never afford her.

Mr. Ho: Oh, you wouldn't have to pay her. Just let her work. She would do it for free. She's driving both of us crazy. She would love to help.

John Benty: You're kidding me.

Beachglass Ministries: Once again, God had the right person in the right place at the right time, or persons in this case. Mr. Benty caught a small glimpse of his big God and today that church is booming.

It has two services, has planted two other churches and has missionaries all over the world.

Isaac Brinkman: That crazy rooster. It's the middle of the day.

Guest (Male): Where's my towel?

Michelle Brinkman: Right now we're splitting up as a family. Mom and Dad are taking some needed alone time. Kitree and I are going shopping with Mrs. Benty.

Ian Brinkman: Mom, do you have change for a 20?

Susan Brinkman: In my purse on the counter.

Michelle Brinkman: Mr. Benty thinks he can handle Isaac, Grace, Charlie and Hope at the beach.

Charlie Brinkman: Can I feed the chicken?

John Benty: Get away from those chickens.

Isaac Brinkman: Ian, did you bring your binoculars?

Ian Brinkman: Yep, I got them.

Michelle Brinkman: Dale is taking Ian and Kate on a birding expedition in his dad's airboat. Considering all that's happened and the potential for mishap, I'm thinking you might want to check back tonight. Signing off, Michelle Brinkman.

Beachglass Ministries: You've been listening to the Brinkman Adventures of family audio drama. While some of the characters and events are fictitious, John Benty's story is true.

God provided the lease, the money and the kindergarten manager all in one day. Through this experience, God increased John and Donna's faith and the faith of many who have heard this story, which now includes you. I trust you were encouraged as you heard what God did. Next time on the Brinkman Adventures.

Ian Brinkman: Look up in that tree in Mr. Pennington's yard. What is it?

Kate Brinkman: Shouldn't we head back? I bet the others are home already and I'd hate to get stuck out here in the dark.

John Benty: Sometimes you're just the first step in helping someone come to Jesus.

Mr. Pennington: Get out now before I throw you out.

John Benty: Folks, meet Tammy, the legendary alligator of Karen Kahoa Cove. But I didn't expect him to park next to our boat.

Michelle Brinkman: Hi guys, this is Michelle Brinkman.

Kate Brinkman: And I'm Kate Brinkman and this is Behind the Scenes with Kate and Michelle. We thought we might talk a little bit about what goes into creating the Brinkman Adventures.

Michelle Brinkman: First, we need true missionary stories. This always starts with prayer. And in His time, God faithfully sends us the perfect stories through books, people we know, or sometimes a speaker at church.

Kate Brinkman: Then we make a list of the latest crazy things that happen to the family the Brinkmans are based on.

Michelle Brinkman: In case you haven't figured it out by now, we Brinkman kids really are siblings and the Brinkmans are based off a real family—our family.

Kate Brinkman: It's a lot of fun getting to play ourselves. We had to hire actors to play Mom and Dad, though. They're not into the acting thing.

Michelle Brinkman: Once we have the story ideas, a writing team, which includes some of us kids, heads to a cabin in the woods for a week. This part of the process is a blast and lots of hard work.

We talk about the stories, the real missionaries, and also dream up some fictional characters like Mr. Pennington. Our team then returns home with these ideas and spends the next few months molding them into the episodes. When this is done, the actual scripts are written.

Michelle Brinkman: Once the scripts are ready, we look for the perfect actors, cast the parts and schedule the studio.

Kate Brinkman: The next step is my favorite part: recording day. Recording is a lot of fun and a lot of work. We spend an entire day recording one 26-minute episode.

As you can imagine, sometimes there are many takes to get the perfect recording. But at the end of the day, we believe it's all worth the effort and we hope you agree.

Michelle Brinkman: This has been Behind the Scenes with Kate and Michelle. Thanks for listening.