Mission Work
This month was a lot of go, go, go for the ministry. We had our first Equip Mission Trip, as well as the roofing project.
The Equip Mission Trip was to a local Christian Camp that hosts youth group and church events. We love having this first trip be there as a retreat/work trip. It is absolutely beautiful there. It takes the students away from the campus and everything else and helps them reset. They got to rebuild a bridge to the boys’ bathroom and tear out pieces of a rotting cabin and replace the old pieces. They are also about 6 weeks into their time with us and this is usually when we hit “storming” phase. They learn to put others first and honor their authorities and they do not always like it. It’s messy, but a great opportunity. Not only do they learn to love one another and their leaders, they also learn that we as their leaders will love them no matter what as well. It helps them refocus on their purpose for why they joined the program and how to keep honoring Jesus while living everyday life. They then come back after a week and get refolded in. These guys were fired up to get into the roofing project, which I was so thankful for!
The first 2 weeks of the roof project was a great team effort. It didn’t always go smoothly, but we came back together and unified. We set our eyes on Jesus and reminded ourselves who we are serving, even in a hot sweaty kitchen, or under the blazing sun on a roof for (seemingly unending) weeks. We stayed focused. It was an amazing thing. We have a really super awesome team here. Our staff, students, and volunteers are seriously the best. Their team work and ability to be humble and work together, even when feelings were hurt was just beautiful. This project glorified Jesus. I am so proud of them all.
I can say though, I am looking forward to the roof being 100% complete and taking some time to rest.
We do have one more project coming up, it will only be the first step of the whole process, but it is still a big part. We are trying to organize getting the donated building onto the campus. It looks like mid-October it will be happening! We are getting volunteers to help us split, wrap, and move the building here. The library needs it off their property and have been waiting patiently.
Home Life
Mission Work, Home Life, & Homeschool blended more than usual during the month of September. School work was done while making meals for the Equip Mission Trip, Jase & Parker helped make dinners for the community with me while everyone worked on the roof, and Ace got to go on an impromptu trip to Washington D.C. with the Equip students one Saturday.
Ace passed his driver’s test! He is now driving himself to work, youth group, and to hangout with his friends. He also opened his first bank account and got his debit card. He is learning a lot of semi adulting things.
While the roof work group was here, Parker & Jase helped me pick apples from our own apple trees and make homemade apple pie!
At the beginning of the month we took our annual camping on the beach trip with our kids to spend time with just them. Cell phones don’t really work there, but we get to go bike riding, hiking, go to the beach, eat ice cream, and make s’mores! I love taking this trip!
Homeschool Corner
We have been still rolling with school work, sometimes done in interesting places, but it’s still going! LOL Here are the beginning of school photos. I’m sad that I will only get one more like this next year. Ace is on track to graduate halfway through his 12th grade year. He has been juggling working, serving, and school work very well. Part of his school work includes the Equip classes. So, he gets to also learn more about his identity, purpose, and how to submit to God. The Equip guys have been really great and folding Ace in when they can.
The Equip guys wanted to visit Washington D.C. one Saturday. Ace is studying American Government right now and Nolan allowed Ace to go with them. It was great for Ace, he LOVED it! He is a history buff.
Prayer Requests
- Support: We are still not fully supported and are actively raising support.
- Homeschool: that is an ever going prayer
- Guidance, wisdom, and discernment as God leads us as we lead the ministry.
- The roofing project is mostly complete, but we have one more project that is lingering for 2023: the donated building. The library needs us to come get it off their property. We are trying to get a date set to get the guy who will wrap the building after he splits it in half as well as the guy who will physically move the building onto our campus. Please pray that this will go smoothly and that the dates will line up.
Family Needs
Support
We are currently at $1,750 monthly and where we need to be is $3,570. It has been by the grace and provision by God that we are making it. We could really use your help. Prayers and awareness of this need to others is much appreciated!
Here is further breakdown in each category:
Retirement: We are saving up to retire one day and being a good steward with our time in the future.
Misc.: Savings for emergencies and medical expenses like braces and casts. Education and field trips. Fun days with the kids as a family out, date nights with Joel & I (Danielle), and saving each month for vacations.
Transportation: gas, car insurance, maintenance, and repairs.
Living expenses: electricity, propane, internet, cell phones, clothing, food, and household items.
Would you like to join our team? We need your help to continue to accomplish God’s vision for us at the ministry. Would you join us as a monthly supporter so we can continue the work God has started? We want to take you along for the journey and we would be honored to be able to share the experience with you. You would become part of the team and we would share how God is working and the impact it is having on His Kingdom. Please pray and ask God if you should join us.
