What a busy, busy time of year.
Kris and Cassie were part of this years ABM Ministry Family Retreat at Tanalian Bible Camp in Port Alsworth. There were about 175 people there, up over 100% from last year's retreat! Pastors and missionaries and their families from all over the state. Praise the Lord!
I will have to get her to send you an update of her own regarding this - - because I was not at our MFR this year! I was working with Juniors and Seniors from villages around the state who came into Kenai and Seward for Job shadowing and training as part of a unique "Phase 3+ Career Exploration/Preparation" program. I was asked to be involved because of my "village savvy" and because of my varied business background. I agreed because Kris and I have been praying about adding to ABM's ministry an emphasis to assist Christian school teachers in villages, and we saw this as a chance to get to know some of the educators in rural areas.
Of course, all the other facilitators knew that I am a missionary, and were probably wondering how I would fit into the mix. But the Lord really went before me. I had a chance in our opening introductions to say to all the Kids that I believe each of them was created in the image of God and that they were created for a purpose. Then, as the two weeks progressed, I was able to work with them in the areas of career choices. But I also had a few neat chanced to share my faith.
If you're anything like me, I sometimes think I'm smart enough to know what God has in mind when He presents something. Yeah right. When it was first brought to me as a possibility, I was concentrating so much on the thought of getting to know the other facilitators and experiencing a bit of what they experience as educators. But from the start of the two week phase I realized that I was working with very sharp kids who were here because they had met certain standards that granted them the right to be in this program.
These young folks will be the leaders in their villages in the years to come. I developed a close friendship with several of them and I have an open invitation into their homes in their respective villages anytime I am in their area! I may have had to bite my tongue these past two weeks - - - because these kids need a saving relationship with Jesus Christ first and foremost. But I know I will meet them again, and I intend to keep in touch with them. Please pray that the investment I am making now will pay off as I ruin into these people later in their home villages.
As you know, Kris is visiting families and churches in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio - and will be back home October 28. I'm sorry that this may be a bit late coming to you, but I have included her Itinerary at the end of the e-mail. If you would like more specifics because she may be in YOUR neck of the woods, let me know with some contact info and I will have her get in touch with you.
Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. The flesh and blood battles are nothing compared the warfare we face spiritually. But in Christ we are MORE than conquerors!
THERE or in the air!
Kris Deputation Schedule (What's left, that is):
Sunday, October 19th - Adult Sunday School, Grace Brethren Church of Wooster, Ohio
Weds Morning, Oct 22nd - Ladies bible Study in Indianapolis, IN
Weds Evening, Oct 22nd - Mid week service, Community Grace Brethren Church in Warsaw Indiana
Thurs Evening, Oct 23rd - Home Meeting, Warsaw Indiana
Sun, October 26th - Leesburg Grace Brethren Church, Leesburg Indiana
Gary
