Never Forsaken - July/August Update
In late July, Genesis and I were sitting on a Southwest flight that was fast approaching Seattle, WA. As the sunset streamed through the open window, the realization of just how much had happened since we had last been in Seattle exactly two years earlier, hit me like a ton of bricks. Two years ago, we were packing up our trusty little 2003 Saturn Vue with the entirety of our earthly possessions. We were headed to San Diego, CA with many questions and few answers, trusting in the Lord to direct our steps.
Since then, the Lord showed us the place He would have us settle down in, all the way across the country in North Augusta, SC. It was late one night, a year and a half ago, after much prayer and consideration, that Genesis confirmed that we should stay in this area. The very next morning, the house we would eventually buy appeared on the market, one that was perfectly suited to our needs.
Soon, our local assembly had taken us in as if we had been there all our lives, and several there helped us contact assemblies in the area, and our ministry schedule has been full ever since. Thanks to some anonymous donations, we were encouraged to buy a brand-new SUV, which has served us marvelously since. Another sister, also from our local assembly, gifted us an older car that she had sitting unused, and we fixed it up and have slowly gotten it ready for when family and other missionaries come through. And if you read a bit more, you’ll find one more surprise!
As we reminisced with wonder at all of this, all we could do was look out at the sunset and thank the Lord in prayer.
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July Recap: As Summer continued, we were privileged to speak at two more camps, this time on the West Coast. In mid-July, we took a flight to Albuquerque, NM and had the chance to again visit Southwest Bible Camp, speaking to the youth on “Heroes of the Faith” from Church History, combined with the life of Esther and other women of God. We were so blessed and encouraged by the young people’s attention and interaction throughout.
From there, we stayed on a bit longer and were blessed to speak at a well-attended conference at a local chapel, using the book of Jonah to talk about how we can better reach people for Christ in our days in a winsome and effective way.
By late July, we were landing in Seattle, WA and had a hectic time trying to catch up with family and friends, sadly still missing many for a lack of time. We also had the chance to visit one of our favorite camps, Lakeside Bible Camp, and speak at the Senior Boys Camp. While this age group is not one I’m as accustomed to work with, they really soaked in the messages on “Heroes of the Faith” and it led to good follow-up questions and conversations.
August Recap: By early August, we were again on a flight back “home” and eager for some R & R after several weeks on the road. I was asked to speak at our local assembly in North Augusta, SC over the next three Sundays, and we started a series on “The Day I Met Jesus”. The focus was on those named in the Gospels and their life-transforming experiences when they encountered the Lord Jesus. It’s been such a joy to study and reflect on this and I’m looking forward to more opportunities to share on this during the month of November.
Speaking of our local assembly here, the team of elders blessed us with the news that North Augusta Bible Chapel was officially commending us to serve the Lord as missionaries with CMML. This commendation replaced that of North Lynnwood Bible Chapel’s in the Seattle, WA area, who had been so faithful and such a blessing to us for so many years, but who unfortunately had to close their doors recently as their numbers dwindled. For us, this new commendation was a true answer to prayer for us and allows us to continue serving the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Unbreakable Church Update: Last week we returned from a trip to Chicago, IL, where we flew in and picked up our vehicle, which we had leant to my brother Jerry and his family as they travelled the country. From there, we visited a local assembly and went on to Dubuque, IA to speak at a youth event at a local chapel.
Our main goal was for that Monday, though, as we were given the privilege of interviewing Dr. Mark Stevenson, professor of Bible and Theology at Emmaus Bible College. We spent some 4 hours together, interviewing him on the material we plan on covering during “Season One” of our docu-series, which will take the viewer from the Early Church and through the Dark Ages.
Our goal of raising 50% of the necessary support before filming Season One has been off to a good start. So far, we’ve been blessed to receive $3,671 towards the project, being 7.6% of the initial goal. Our expenses thus far total $4,646. If you’d like more detailed info on this, see the website or send us a note. Lord willing, we’d love to join forces and raise this amount by early Spring of next year, which would allow us to plan a trip to film Season One in October/November of 2023.
For those subscribed to the emails, we will continue sending out regular updates there. You can always find the latest details, pictures, and videos at www.unbreakablechurch.com and join our Facebook Group “Unbreakable Church”.
Coming Up: One of my focuses recently has been to plan our 2023 schedule, which is already about 70% full and includes a trip to Bolivia for a full month. We’re leaving the summer slots open as we wait to hear from camps, while are also leaving 30 days in October/November available in hopes of filming Season One of Unbreakable Church in the Middle East and Europe.
In just over ten days, Genesis and I will be boarding a plane to Northern Cyprus, for the wedding of my brother’s oldest daughter, Ishael. We are greatly looking forward to this time to see many family members and celebrate such a wonderful occasion. We also plan on interviewing my brother Jerry for Unbreakable Church, as he is a key interview for the project. From there, we’ve planned an Anniversary getaway in Izmir and Istanbul, while also taking the opportunity to get some extra footage of this wonderful country for the documentary. The equipment to film is in the mail already and we’re so looking forward to this!
The rest of 2022 is filled-up, except for two Sundays that unexpectedly opened in October, and we’re grateful for the Lord’s provision and the opportunity to serve Him.
Prayer Requests:
- Please thank the Lord with us at the news of our new commendation from our local assembly which allows us to continue serving the Lord with CMML
- We're so grateful for the support and encouragement as we continue to work towards filming Season One of Unbreakable Church
- For our upcoming trip to Northern Cyprus and Turkey, for safety and a good opportunities
- For all of the youth who heard God's word at camps across the country this year, that it would bear good fruit
Blessings,
