As a forestry major years ago at
Oregon State I remember being impressed by a story I read about John Muir
climbing a tall tree during a severe storm.
He was able to gain a more profound appreciation of nature and its power
from that vantage point within the storm.
We too continue to climb higher – going wherever
God leads us. Our perspective and vantage point greatly affect how we respond
to what life dishes out. We serve a mighty God, the creator of all things, and
He continues to take us to these new heights with Him. Yes, many times the tree is swaying and the
rain is pummeling us, but there is a security in being close to God. We see, not with natural eyes, but with faith
the many mountains and valleys that lie ahead – where many more people will
come to Christ and second, third and fourth generations will be serving this
awe-inspiring God.
Updates...
Men’s Retreat
Our group hit a few interpersonal bumps on our drive up. The men come from different backgrounds and
yet through these differences and hurts that surfaced we were brought closer
together and had to press into God more.
There was a lot more talking, heart searching, crying and reconciliation
than past men’s retreats have had (some tree
climbing too as the picture above indicates). This retreat helped solidify a base for our
church and showed me (Chad) where the guys really are at in their relationship
with God.
Thank you for your prayers!
Planned Absences
Over the last month Chad has
missed two Sunday services and a Wednesday night community group for various
other ministry events that were planned.
Part of moving our church towards greater maturity is allowing them opportunities
to minister and to grow into new areas of responsibility.
In these absences the church has
done such a great job rising to this challenge and stepping-up to take on more
responsibility. One of our youth lead
worship for the first time – first at the community group and then on Sunday
for the whole church. One of the men
preached a message about the Church being the Body of Christ – this was his
first time preaching, yet he spoke well and challenged the church with the Word
of God. The church came together as a
body and were spurring one another on to press into God. Last Sunday when our whole family was away at
a World Impact retreat at least 12 different people had major roles in
preparing, teaching or ministering in some way during the Sunday service.
Does your heart break for broken people wandering in the shadows of
society without any hope?
Are you
interested in being a part of a team of people doing something and bringing
light and hope to the world?
Here is what we want….we would like
you to consider if God might be calling you to partner with us and move to
minister alongside our family. We would
like a core group of people with the same heart and vision to reach the lost
and minister to the broken that can help our team train-up leaders and plant
more churches. We are looking for just
about any skill and gift sets; experience in the inner city or in church
planting is not required. Spanish is a
plus, but not necessary either. Shoot
us an email or give us a call – we’d love to talk more about this potential
opportunity with you if God is tugging at your heart.
Please
Pray with Us…
Family: Fabiola continues to
struggle with feeling sick every day due to the pregnancy.
Pray
for relief and a healthy baby/pregnancy.
Rebecca’s birthday
is November 5th. (She will be
turning 8!)
Finances: This month we went made it to 89%
(we are so close to 100%). Though stretching at times, it is so
encouraging seeing how God continues to provide for our family and this
ministry through the generous gifts of so many people. Thank you for your prayers and gifts!
To new heights being reached in
our homes, churches and communities in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Chad, Fabiola,
Rebecca and Justice
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