September 2008

Clearly... it's been a busy summer! Here it is September and I haven't updated my blog since May. MAY! That's nuts. Well, what can you do?

The short version:
1. The biggest news of the year!!!
2. Ghana - The West Africa Church Planting Institute was life changing
3. Georgia - Camp Elevate, a great week at church camp
4. England- Vacation Bible School in the South Hall area of London
5. Canada - Reeling in the big ones with Dad
6. School's in session!

And the long...

1. Many of you know our huge news. I can't post it yet, but I will when the time is right. Thanks for your patience!

2. I went to Ghana with Global Church Advancement (GCA) to help facilitate the GCA West Africa Church Planting Institute 2008. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and profoundly life changing. IF you'd like to read a journal I kept, click here: www.gca.cc/blog. At this point they haven't posted everything, but it's coming. Make sure you scroll down to part 1 first. Suffice to say, my view of God's mission to save the world is deeper now than ever before. And, subsequently, my view of God's sovereignty and my view of His goodness has been expanded dramatically.

3. We took 24 students to Lookout Mt, Georgia in July for Camp Elevate. We had a great time! The speakers were great and the activities were really fun. The weather... oh, the weather!! I was able to wear a hooded sweatshirt (living in FL does not often afford me such opportunities). Lookout Mt is absolutely beautiful. But the best part was being able to watch the Lord work in the hearts of the students. We rocked the sports competitions. We won the basketball tournament and the volleyball tournament. The plaques are hanging in my office. I'm so proud!

4. London was amazing. We ran a VBS (vacation bible school) for 150 kids in the South Hall area of London. These were kids from Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu backgrounds. They were very receptive to the gospel and our hearts were warmed as many of them said, "I want to be on God's team." Our theme was the Olympics. We also were able to visit different temples. It was hard to watch people bowing down to idols; really hard. It was also sad to hear about how a bridge we crossed many times was the place where many people from the area had committed suicide. People who live in honor/shame based cultures will sometimes kill themselves if they believe it will somehow restore honor to their families (if they've done something immoral), or to just escape the sharp pain of guilt and shame. The people who have heard of the freedom from guilt and shame that comes with following Jesus have had amazing life change. You can read more about our experiences there here: http://www.londonmission08.blogspot.com/

5. In August my Dad and I went fishing in Canada with a group of guys that go each year. It was my Dad's 10th time, and my 4th. We had a great trip. Lots of fish. 6 men, 5 days, 375 fish. Yeah, 375! I caught 58 of them myself. And I'm not talking minnows here. 17, 18, even 22 inch Walleyes. It was grand. We also had the unique pleasure of helping some firemen put out a forest fire that had been started by lightning. Oddly enough, Ralph (one of the guys) and I had seen the bolt that started the fire. We were standing out looking at the storm on the horizon and suddenly a huge flash filled the sky. Two days later, smoke. It had fried the tree, which had heated the moss on the ground to the point of ignition. As soon as the wind picked up... fire. It's so beautiful up there.

6. School started a couple of weeks ago. I like all my classes this semester (big surprise, right? I always love every class). I also have the opportunity of being a TA (teaching assistant) for Dr. Childers. I'm TAing his Missions class. Missions class was the class that had the most profound effect on me, so it's an extreme honor to help this semester.

Prayer: Please pray for Hana and I as we prepare for a major life change this spring (you know, graduation and a few other things). Please pray for the Lord to provide for us financially (not sure how we're paying for this year of seminary). Please pray for our continued ministry to the High School students. And pray for the nations and all the people who have yet to hear of Jesus.

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." (Hab. 2:14)

God bless,
MjR