Thank you all for praying for the Kids’ Camp. We had a great week, with a great group of 24 children! While we don’t normally teach kids, our team has found that this yearly camp is a great way to bless our adult friends and students (past and present) who bring their kids and their kids’ friends.

We also know that God works through the words of life and hope that we speak over the kids during our times together–seeds of His love and care for them were definitely planted. This year’s theme, “Around the World,” was a lot of fun, and offered many chances for thought-provoking conversations. During one class, a little girl blurted out, “I love Jesus!” Her teacher quickly chimed in, “Me too!”

Another teacher had an opportunity to discuss the meaning of the Yin-Yang sign with some older students. As she asked questions, one of them declared that it’s not possible for their to be bad in God–Truth spoken! These are just a couple of the ways that we saw God at work in the lives of these special, young people.

God also provided in big ways in terms of staffing the camp. A big thank you to some of the TG kids who jumped in to help, and for the provision of two other staff from other ministry groups. We are thankful for God’s faithfulness in all ways and in all things!

I had never seen a tree blossom quite like this one, and the contrast of the pink flowers with the gnarly branches definitely made me stop and stare. God’s grace is much the same, and I’m so thankful for it.

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5

Just last week I asked our family, “Would you rather live without internet, water, or electricity for 24 hours?” Everyone unanimously agreed- internet! And that losing water is the worst!

The question was not exactly hypothetical— our internet had been out for about 16 hours. And as luck would have it, this morning we woke up to a small river in our street and parking lot due to a busted water pipe. Realizing it was only a matter of time before the water company turned off the water supply to our building to repair the line, we quickly showered, brushed teeth, and filled all available pitchers and bottles with water. 

I am grateful for utilities that are dependable the majority of the time. And for those days when they go out unexpectedly, we try to be prepared, laugh, and accept the inconveniences with grace.

Camp preparations have started, and we are so excited! While this year will look a little different due to (well you know)–we believe that this camp will be an encouragement to the kids who attend and to their parents (our friends and students).

Please pray for the kids to be blessed, for the light of Jesus to shine brightly through each of us as we teach, and for safety as we gather together. Thank you for standing with us!

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

Recently a member of our team joined believers from four countries and multiple churches/organizations for a two day strategic prayer trip. What a testimony of the power and will and grace of God that we would all stand together crying out for the people of GM to know Jesus. Definitely a “foretaste of glory divine.”