There were 34 members on the mission team, about 20 of which were youth. I got to lead their team devotion Friday night and shared the passage from Matthew 7:24-27 which says:
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had it's foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
I spoke about the importance of knowing where our foundation lies, especially when the storms of life come. Jesus Christ is the only sure foundation that can never be shaken. Because of what He has done for us, no matter our circumstances, we can always say, "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more (Psalm 71:14)." I encouraged the youth to put what God has taught them in His Word into practice, using their gifts for His glory each day of their lives.
We had an exciting Sunday today too: Two boys, Keagan (6) and Cole (13), got baptized to show everyone they had accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Also, Jacey, Nick, and Mason, the three brothers who have been coming to kickball club and also attended Vacation Bible School came to church this Sunday! They are precious and I was able to take them to lunch afterwards. It is so sweet seeing each of these children grow in their relationship with the Lord.
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| Cole getting baptized |
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| Keagan getting baptized |
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| With Mason, Nick and Jacey - LOVE them! |
Please pray for the following:
-Conversations with families of the children we have been working with this summer. As we meet their needs physically, whether it be through food, clothing, shelter or other necessities, please pray it opens the door to share the love of Jesus with them and their families.
-The outdoor worship service at the Covered Wagon on Sunday, July 15th
-The Mid-Summer Youth Bash Cookout at a local park, Saturday, July 21st
-Olympic Week Summer Camp - July 23-26th at the church
Praise:
Dawn Canniff (from Judson Baptist in Nashville) is coming back to Bozeman to help out with Olympic Week!! We served together in Honduras in March 2012 as well as on the most recent Judson mission team that came here to Montana, and she felt led to come back and help. She is a dear friend and I am SO grateful to have a slice of Nashville return for that week. Love seeing people step out in faith and have a desire to experience God working in a whole new way!
Shout out:
Also, a quick shout out to Duane Blasdel, the Youth Pastor at Judson who I heard via Facebook (where else?) is moving back to NY at the end of the summer to take over as a Camp Director there. You have blessed all the Youth at Judson in many ways and we are all excited to see how God uses you and your family as you transition to New York - I know you will be missed by all those in Nashville!
Personal:
I am heading to Utah July 11th-July15th to take care of things surrounding my dad's passing. We are having a celebration of life for him July 14th at my uncle's house in Midway (just outside Park City). Please pray for the time I will be there and all the details surrounding that time. For those that have asked, here is a link to my dad's obituary that was in the paper today in Utah:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=158394403
Thank you to all of you who I have continually heard from through this time - no words can properly express my gratitude. I send my love to all of you.
