Hi my name is Ben (same as my screen name I know) and I am 29. My wife (25yrs old) and I have two beautiful boys that are two and almost one. I know it is corny and everybody says it but my life changed when I had my first child. You just never really think about their future until you hold them in your arms and see the trust in their eyes. Absolute trust and love. I have been researching for some time now and I am convinced that my children’s lives are going to be miserable if I do not do something….but not just anything. I think I am preaching to the choir here when I say that the few people I have confided in think I am all “gloom and doom,” but that just is not true. I think preppers are some of the most upbeat people out there because we have done the homework and do NOT shy away from the truth. We don’t hide our heads in the sand and say, “oh it’s just too much to bear.” We plan, organize, train and stay up late (usually the only time I get) and research a new way of life not because we want to but because not doing so will have terrible consequences. I do not do this because I am gleefully hoping for the end of society as some seem to but because if I do not my family will be completely unprepared for what is coming.
I am searching for couples and individuals who are serious about prep. Having a nice 10 acre place in east texas is great but what happens when 28 million people exit Houston and migrate north(the roads are wide all the way here)? What of Dallas? I am currently trying to develop a multiple scenario plan with successive backups. In my research I have found there are just too many variables in the system to know what is the best plan…so having a series of backup plans that build upon one another seems like the only way to go. It does no good to work for years just to watch it looted and burned. I would like to meet with people who have military, logistics, veterinary, and agricultural skills in order to put a comprehensive plan together. I am not against paying for quality information.
I would also like to start a group that will hopefully incorporate these skills along with others. I am a Baptist and know why, and I am looking for good tithe paying Christians(see Malachi 3:8). I want people who are willing to work and train in order to be able to transition their families to what is coming. That means money and sweat and time. I want to build a community of people who are responsible. Don’t get me wrong I am all about charity but the best people are not charity. They need help and then in turn help you when you need it. Not just looking for young couples like us but definitely need plenty of them. My email is pressurehoss [at] gmail [dot] com or ben [at] pressurehoss [dot] com please put prepper in subject title so I can pick you out easily. No spammers please.
Ben
30 Responses to “Multiple scenario group”
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I like all that your saying and feel the same way in Virginia. May god be behind your efforts. You’re way above the curve. Hope you and your’s find the right families and participants that best serve yours and their goals. May God bless your group and may freedom always ring.
Hi Ben,
My name is David. Am I to understand that you currently live in TX. I Have just started a group in Phx. with plans for N. Az close to New Mexico boarder. I would like to speak with you some more. would you be willing to exchange phone #s to make this process easier?
Thanks,
David
Hi David we are in Buckeye, AZ have been looking around the show low, snowflake area, have a couple of tracts in mind. Would like to hear from you, with intention of having more than one location for a “retreat” in case the areas become non-usable. thanks John
icecat, I’m in tonopah and am looking to join/form a group, just found a retreat in northern AZ to start the bug out location let me know if you want to look into meeting up!
You are correct David. I am from texas
Bullitt is probably correct. You are way late to be trying to build a group and develop a location after you even find one. It always comes down to one family funding the land and ownership. Communes never have survived. Few folks will risk their lives to wait around while one searches for the location and buys it. They will have more than likely moved on long before you ever get settled.
For just some friendly advise you might get flexible and apply to join an existing group. I did notice you avoided covering the depth of commitment you have on this subject as per the length of duration your off grid supplies will feed and provide for all your families daily needs.
We have been at this for years and even in these we still have not filled our ranks all the way. We have a turn key operation here but one must be willing to bring themselves to the level of preparation which makes them an asset to others not a liability. Most folks still want to wait for their big plan to finish up, children finish school, one more great job to go to to earn more money, sell their home someday for a profit and are sadly still caught up in the American dream with all the expectations they want and think they deserve. As a result they want the prepping conditions to be done their way and at their comfortable pace.
I do not envy your choice of which road to follow. I noticed so many States listed? You know where ever you settle you must enjoy the location and be able to make a good living there. Maybe you should do that first? What if… it never really gets that bad? We are hoping for that above everything else
Rancher,
I can understand completely some of your comments and greatly appreciate your candor. My post was going on 500+ words and I only joined the site yesterday so I didn’t want “wear out my welcome.” I took what bullitt said as a compliment. I am sorry that I came across as “inflexible” for that was not my goal. I did not take the time to read through all of the post in order to find all the existing groups out there. I hope that some would find me. Flexibility is a necessity. In Tx we call it “using what got.”
I don’t want to get too technical but I can see a little ethos is needed. First, there is no way to know how the economy will collapse or if it even will. You have to admit that the US is quite unique fiat. That being said, I do believe nothing short of a complete change in lifestyle is necessary for the future. Understand, I have researched the great depression and I do NOT want to survive. I WILL thrive and so will my family. I have built my company around this principle and will probably continue working long after most. My business is basic and dirty but is spread over 6 states. Through that diversity of revenues I have continued pulling money. I am not rich but flexible and efficient. I think anybody who plans for less than 10 years is going to be very disappointed since everything we did wrong in the Great Depression has been doubled and tripled this time around. I do not plan on eating beans for 10 years so I have different contingency plans than storing $40k in long term storage food. Storage food has its place, as does off grid power plants, greenhouses, efficient/durable housing, livestock, etc. I have the lists but you probably already know all of this. I have liquidated everything and we are renting now so that we can go when we wish but we rent where we can survive mild economic setbacks now. This is part of a multi-scenario plan instead of just building out in the middle of nowhere and hoping you made the right decision. I am currently developing the economy around where I plan to move and when I solidify enough revenue there, we will go.
I did notice you avoided covering the depth of commitment you have on this subject as per the length of duration your off grid supplies will feed and provide for all your families daily needs.
I truly do not understand this but I hope the above helps. I am not into listing my assets. “Do not tell what you have done or what you are going to do”(-Jefferson)
Also, I must have misunderstood the site layout. I thought I was selecting places that would show the post NOT possible locations for retreats. Please forgive the ignorance and confusion.
“We have been at this for years and even in these we still have not filled our ranks all the way. We have a turn key operation here but one must be willing to bring themselves to the level of preparation which makes them an asset to others not a liability.”
To this I can only say, that was my point. Rancher please understand I come from a generation that has very little experience in the self sustaining lifestyles and that is my reason for seeking help. I have not had the luxury of a years to prepare and believe me THAT scares me however I will not shrink from the challenge. All the decisions I have made so far are from my daily bible readings and prayer and lots of research. My wife keeps my feet on the ground too.
I hope this helps a little and thanks for your honesty!
Ben
Meant as understood Ben. Maybe I didn’t select the correct words. My intent was to compliment your efforts and goals.
Is it true that no communes have survived??
No worries from me. It does usually help to set a minimum bar of tangible accomplishments and financial ability of others to weed out the endless hits from people wanting to get a free ride. Good luck. By the way I would not think another persons personal relationship with God as per their finances has anything to do with you. Mine sure is no ones business. I am not one to judge such matters and as I see it no man has said gift. That is the flexible I am referring to….
Thanks bullitt! Above the curve and ahead of the curve I think mean the same thing. That is how I took it at least. =)
Rancher- Great suggestion about the minimum bar. I have been meeting basics for a year. This is not because I cannot afford more but because I have been focusing on dependable equipment, training, power systems, extended fuel capacity, long term renewable energy and micro-permaculture systems for individual family farms. I have found several Large tracks of land that are(so far) very defensible, reasonably isolated, but has good soil and water. I am still waiting on some soil and water samples along with actually physically “walking” the properties.
This is all very time consuming as you will know but I have decided to know where we are going and what we will do when we get there instead of moving large quantities of logistics. I have enough heirloom seeds to last a life time. No man is an island but I agree with you about communes. I think every family should own their own place however in this market most cannot as this would be the equivalent of a second mortgage. That would be the ultimate purpose of the group. To provide its members with the information and logistics they need at a price they can afford. I want to build a community of people who want to raise their families in safety. I harbor no ideals of a perfect society of cloistered people living happily out in the middle of nowhere. I believe that is unchristian at the least. However, if Christians are to make an impact we need to be ready to help people help themselves. Not be part of the roving masses because we neglected to heed the signs. (prov 27:12) Without revealing assets that is the best I can do.
Ben,
My wife and i are in Houston.. we have family in Center, TX with approx. 125 acres totally undeveloped, partially cleared and with a dilapidated shed on it. So far, we have been contacting some other preppers but not many in east TX.. We are looking for exactly what you are doing.. My wife and I know we will not survive alone.. We are dedicated, financially, religiously, and physically.. we are 41 yrs. old.. and I have security training.. tactical shooting training.. never hunted unfortunately. When I say training I’ve taken some classes and extensively read and practiced. Most of all I am a classically trained chef. I was in the restaurant business for 25 yrs. I’ve worked for some famous chefs and owned my own restaurant in CA.. I can offer security training and most of all I can butcher any mammal or fish on the planet..anatomy is very similar…or any fish.. I can preserve and prepare food in many ways, brining, curing, smoking, dehydrating, etc. My biggest and most important contribution will be moral… As I’m sure you are aware.. A warm satisfying meal will be something to look forward to, after a long day of hard work..When I was in culinary school in upstate NY..I helped train many service men and women from our armed forces.. They were sent there by our government so that our troops moral wouldn’t be negatively effected by BAD FOOD…I’ve recently become very serious about prepping.. due to obvious reasons.. mostly when the man, they call president, opens his mouth. So I’ve been looking for someone or a group with a plot of land with some meaningful plans and ability close to East TX.. that we can hook up with.. I also have an extensive information/library on computer of info on how to do what we are all doing…prepping and how to survive after the SHTF.. If you think we might be the types for your venture please email me at rodwilker [at] gmail [dot] com.
stay safe..
Rod
Ben,
My wife and I are beginner preppers. I am a retired Army logistician, age 59, still in good shape physically, mentally, morally, spiritually and so is the wife. I live in Lewisville, TX, and we are able and willing to work together with you to plan and support.
Tony (truvet)
Tony,
I am so excited to hear from you and your wife. I am currently working on an email for the people like yourself who are interested in what i have to say. Honestly i did not expect this much feedback so fast nor the emails i have been receiving. Believe it or not this was my first post/blog i have ever done. I have a list of goals and a some of the requirements i will be listing for the group. If you are interested beyond that point i would love to do a face to face with you and your wife. I think it is important for everyone joining my group to know me and my family personally. Again thank you so much for your interest!
Ben
Again, I ask, “Is it true that no communes ever have survived??” as rancher stated. I would like to hear from those who have experienced failures and successes with the communal lifestyle and why do you think it became an example of either.
Just google “intentional communities” to see lot’s of forming groups and a few that are propering. We house share as a way to learn oubout living with others.
I have better things to do than research what we are not doing to then tell you what I found out
My family and I are in North Layfayette county east of Texarkana and looking for others to prep with. We have had bad luck in the past, found out informants, wanna bees, takers and armchair commandos. If you are a God fearing, humbel simple man with a solid core of values then maybe we can open up some dialog.
Thank you
SJ Floyd
Ben,
I am not sure I fully understand your tactics. Were you looking for various groups, in numerous locations? The series of back-up plans are comprised of what in scope?
Now, as a group leader, I expect all members to be fully stocked and supplied, with said items at our location. I believe any group leader would require the same. This recognizes that movement, in a SHTF, is practically guaranteed to be very dangerous, if not flat out impossible. And, if you manage to travel, you will never be able to transport what is required.
Or have I misunderstood and you are trying to gather people to build some sort of survivalist sub-division? It has been a long weekend working on the farm, so, please excuse me if I have somehow missed the intent of your posting.
Arguenot
Intentional communities have about a 100% track record of failing. Period. As you stated Argue then thought of transporting goods to the location during a crisis event is foolish on the person doing it and even more so on the group leader for allowing it. Not here.
We warn and advise all our folks to be ready to possibly need to end up walking part way to the Ranch. So whatever is not pre-positioned you could be carrying. I am sure not leaving here to go rescue you either.
I am almost always entertained by some folks imaginations and dreams of how to re-invent the wheel to try to cover so many options to create a group. Why make it even more hard than it already is? Live and learn.
Reinventing the wheel and knowing how to use one is not the same thing Rancher. Death is the only 100% and i dont think that i have ever suggested moving large portions of logistics when the SHTF. However good old Donald said that there are “known unknowns, and there are unknown unknowns. Rancher you have been at this a while i can tell and while i agree with most everything you put forth I am not you. I assume you are a rancher by occupation because of your name but i am not. Most people out there have not lived “close” to the land their whole lives. This does not, however, mean that we can not. Further, a hermitage of people living together in one house for years on end is a disaster in itself waiting to happen. Rancher, understand when i say this i am NOT being rude. I just do not think you understand what i am doing. Those that do get it have emailed me personally and i am working up a schedule to me the promising perspectives.
I have had almost twenty people email with varied skills sets over 3 states in less than two weeks. Filling ranks may not be as hard for those flexible in their planning. And per you email, yes this is a complicated situation that requires more than camping out in the woods. As Christians we are called to help those in need not hide while the whole world is set on fire. We have to take precautions so that we are in the position to help just like you have to read your bible daily to know what God is telling you. I am not asking for a tax receipt proving people pay their tithe….I wanted it clear that group members understand that paying tithe is a basic scriptural principle that i have and value.
-Arguenot
In a way you have misunderstood only because i have not laid my plan out in this public forum. If you or your group are truly interested please email me and i will start corresponding privately.
-bullitt
Im sorry but i just dont know about communes….From what history i do know, if it werent for them most of all our historical heritage would be lost..so there may be something to them after all. This is not the structure i suggest however to each his own.
ben, i have read over all of your posts and believe that we share the same beliefs. if you would like to speak further message me back. i am located in the north west region of louisiana, about 10 miles from the texas state line. from what i understand your location is east texas. is that correct?
Ben;
I am a Christian, and attended a Southern Baptist church for many years. I tithed, and then some. Unfortunately, when some pressure came, we found out real quick that you can meet a better class of people at the average biker bar. That may be overstating it, but not by much. The clothes people wear has little to do with who they are. Some of the suit & tie wearing, clean shaved face, Bible totin, “amen” sayin, no smoking, never cussing folks turned out to be jackals.
Come to think of it, I think the ones who ended up with the building and the bank account were the ones not giving, and those of us who all walked out one Wednesday night were the ones doing 90% of the giving. Maybe the tithing thing should be looked at.
I go to a very big church now, and don’t spend a lot of time discussing much beyond the weather with folks there. It’s easier.
uuummm. Those words ring true to my life experiences in many ways. I attended a major Bible College in the belt and pulled almost a 4.0 for two years on the Bible. I have worked in the Ministry and pastored a Church.
In the business field I also found dealing with Christians for being a Christians sake was not a wise or good move. When a person played the Christian card I found it came with expectations… from me towards them
In prepping and screening I look for the self motivated who have already done the prepping because they have seen the wisdom on their own. They are usually leadership material and hard workers. I do not seek if they believe in my God as I see said subject through my eyes and heart. I am content with my personal relationship with Him and no more want to have someone peering into it than they would want me peering into theirs. I respect their personal relationship. I certainly will never tolerate another man telling me what God thinks I need to do or any other things either. What part of personal don’t they get?
Not only that but in this group you will keep your faith to yourself and work at improving your vessel. I assure you that should be enough to keep any of us busy for years on end here
I have serious doubts that this will be taken in the spirit that it is intended but you two guys really need to evaluate wether or not you understand Christianity at all. I don’t keep my faith to myself, i use it to strengthen others. The list of bible verses contradicting what you guys are preaching is exhaustive but rather that list them piously i will put forth that the entire Book his a refutation of your main belief structure. You guys need to rethink your decision making paradigm and adjust it to biblical principles.
In a way though you guys helped assure me that the path i have taken to begin sifting out those that are not compatible works. Neither of you shares my core beliefs so you would not be candidates for a group I’m involved with. Not saying that is what you were going for, just that the beginning of my group is a sharing of core scriptural beliefs. Those i am interested in will be receiving via email the list very soon. Please do not flame my thread anymore with pointless statements that do not help my goal. I never asked for people to share what they think about my beliefs or for help in building my plan. I only asked for people who where INTERESTED in what i had to say to message me so that i could start a dialogue. Talk may be cheap to some, but in this it is a tool i will exploit to full advantage to find those few people out there who “fit the bill”
To all those new preppers out there.
There are a lot of old guys in this business that have a huge advantage over us relatively new to this. The issue everyone dodges is that if our parents generation(those over 50) had been less concerned with prepping and more concerned with not letting the criminals run our country into the ground maybe we wouldn’t HAVE to look at a future full of death, grief, and chaos. Nobody in this country wants to take responsibility for anything. Those of us new to prepping ARE. We are desperately trying to prepare our family for what very well may be a world completely devoid of freedom because those generations that had it, lost it. Don’t become complacent. I know it is hard to deal with the stress that we don’t have enough time. Time is a merciless task master. Excuses will not feed you family when the boom is lowered. Determination, skills developed, preparations, good friends, and God. For the sake of those out there needing some direction my plan started with three statements that i applied to ever facet of my life.
1. Find out the truth about how things are for you now.
2. Then find out how they should be.
3. Then make a plan that gets you from where you are, to where you should be.
Ben,
I like much of you comments and thought process. I do not think I am located close enough to discuss joining you group, but would like to pass ideas and information.
Ben,
I have a very similar mindset as you and am very interested in your multiple scenario group. What is the big picture? Are you thinking multiple states with much more resources to pull from?
Regards,
neoclone
Ben,
We share a very similar mindset I am sincerely interested in your multiple scenario group. I have gone ahead and emailed you to start a dialogue with you about such scenarios. I sent it to you gmail account and hope to hear back from you soon! My email starts with “artace7″ so keep a look out for it!
Best Regards,
Anthony
BACKGROUND: I recently inherited a lake lot at Lake of the Pines in east Texas. It was originally purchased from a developer about 40 years ago by my grandparents. So I called Marion County, TX to get some information on it. Turns out, there are HUNDREDS of these lake lots at Lake of the Pines which are uninhabited and virtually deserted. Seems you have to own TWO of these small lots to even be able to put in a septic tank and erect a structure. So the owners of these $300 valued lots- unable to use them – simply quit paying the taxes on the lots (about $5 a year). Many owners haven’t paid taxes on them in years. And they can’t sell them because one lot is useless since you need two for a septic tank. The county won’t foreclose on the lots because the cost of legal proceedings is more than the value of the lots, most of which are wildly overgrown and which, I’m told, resemble the scenery from the movie “Deliverance.”
IDEA: Seems to me that this is a perfect situation for “not afraid of a little hard work” preppers who are looking for a bug-out location near a water source, and for a cheap price. I would be willing to bet that many of the current property owners would part with their titles for little to nothing. Even if you want enough land for a compound, at $300 per lot, it’s a cheap purchase. However, I don’t know anything about how or if utilities are brought to the properties, as I have not visited the area. But if you are looking for a primary bug out location or an alternate location, it might be worth it to check this out.
Hi TxGirl. I would love to further discuss your ideas on the lots at Lake of the Pines. Seems a logical idea for an alternative “bug out” location, so the only drawback that I see would be the likelihood of “multitudes” of others having the same ideas and it becoming a “squatter’s paradise” with the area inundated with people looking to get out of the cities. My email is paid2play1 and it is at Gmail.