Beware of the T.H.R.E.A.T.S.

Threats come at us in all shapes and sizes on the field. Some are obvious and some are like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. 1 Corinthians 11:16-33 helps give us a broad picture where threats on the field may come from.

23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 
2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Paul’s threats came from people who opposed him, environmental conditions that worked against him, and one is led to believe that he must have great health battles with all that he endured.

In the book Escape the Wolf, you learn of a THREAT assessment tool that helps people categorize and gage threats in the regions that they are going. Ihave also added two more threats that I have identified while in ministry overseas.. Those threats include

Technological: Threats include tracking, video, and audio devices.
Health: Threats include viruses, bacteria, and chemicals.
Raids: Threats include criminal acts of robbery, theft, rape, hostage-taking, and murder.
Environment: Threats include natural disasters or remote survival situations
Agencies: Intelligence companies that are collecting information.
*Allies: Threats may also come from partners that have no accountability in place.
Terrorists: Threats include criminals using crime for idealogical, religious, or political gain.
*Self: Threats include personal temptation to commit a devestating sin

For more information read: Escape the Wolf

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• These threats were added to the assessment by Unusual Soldiers.

Packing the Rule of 3's in a Survival Tin

Here is a challenge for you on your next trip.  When venturing to risky or remote regions try to pack all of the essentials of survival into an Altoids can. This will alleviate extra weight and it will force you to be selective. 
 

Here are the rule of threes to help you know what is essential:
You could die in 3 seconds... without thinking
You could die in 3 minutes... without air
You could die in 3 hours... without protection (shelter/fire)
You could die in 3 days... without water
You could die in 3 weeks... without food

Priority One: Stay Positive
You could die in 3 seconds... without thinking

• something that makes you smile

• something that motivates you to stay alive

• laminated family photo

• a bible verse written on the tin

Priority Two: Air
You could die in 3 minutes... without air, breath, or circulation (ABC's)

• emergency bandage/cotton

• para-chord (tourniquet/shelter)

• knowledge of CPR and Heimlich maneuver

Priority Three: Protection
You could die in 3 hours... without protection

• reflective emergency blanket or bivy (shelter)

• wire saw (shelter)

• flint or lighter (fire/warmth/cooking)

• tinder (fire)

• mini multitool or small knife

• mini flashlight

Priority Three: Water
You could die in 3 days... without water

• plastic bag (water container)

• Iodine tablets (water purifier)

Priority Four: Food
You could die in 3 weeks... without food

• fish hooks

• fishing line

• snare wire

• arrow head

Rescue

• emergency whistle

• signaling Mirror

Others

• waxed thread (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhWH8Z74RRQ)

• sewing kit

• safety pens

Where the Good Gear Grows

Having a  love for adventure and missions changed my mindset in the way that I buy clothes and gear.  While many are  trying to find the latest fashions - Im trying to find the clothes that are ready to face off with mother natures bad side.   Below are some of the hot spots where you can find gear that will help you prep for a trek through the Sahara, a swim down the Amazon, or a climb up Everest.

The good news is that adventure gear is built to last so you don’t need a lot of it, the bad news is that its not cheap so you have to know where to look for it.   It's not uncommon to find gear on these sites that offer lifetime guarantees.

Here are the main stores where you can get acquainted with the top gear that is out there and occasionally a good deal:
www.rei.com
www.moosejaw.com
www.sierratradingpost.com
www.backcountry.com

Getting the Best Deal
Here are a few ways to get the best deals out there.
1.  There are a couple “secret” sites that you can find some solid deals on the best stuff on the market.
www.steepandcheap.com
www.theclymb.com

2. Google “coupon codes” for many of the sites mentioned above and you will almost always find a way to get a discount.  Example: www.retailmenot.com/view/rei.com

3.  Once you know exactly what you are looking for you might be able to find a good deal on ebay, amazon, or the google shopping tab.

4.  If you are near any of the stores mentioned above then go shopping at local thrift stores.  Sometimes there are gems hiding on the hangers.  I recently picked up a $120 jacket for $12 – which I could have actually got for $6 if I knew it was 1/2 off day.

 If you know of other sites or ways to get good deals please leave a link in the comment section.