Howdy, 

Wow. A lot went down over the last month or so and I am already late on getting this newsletter out before I am writing it. Family stuff, warehouse projects, equip updates, adventures, and the Colorado trip!

 

Family Stuff

First off my mom got baptized at Justin’s bible study which was a blessing to be a part of. My dad and I were able to do the baptism, maybe we held her under longer than “necessary” however I believe we got the desired effect.  A week after that, Hannah and I went to North Carolina to visit my grandmother along with my parents and some uncles/cousins. We were there from the 28th to the 31st of August. It was a great time to relax, I was able to introduce Hannah to more of my family, overall it was a great trip. 

 

Warehouse

A lot has happened in the warehouse, maybe most importantly is the addition of another staff member. Aidan Doorn is back on staff and working with us in the warehouse! This is a huge blessing for Justin and the warehouse but also hugely for myself. Aidan and I went through Equip together and he truly is a brother to me, it is very encouraging for me to have another peer searching for God around CMTS. Over the last month we have also been helping Oneluv store some of their resources in various places at our warehouse while they are in the process of moving buildings. God has truly been multiplying space like fish and loaves, however we keep using it up! Either way God is moving in and through the warehouse in big ways.

 

Equip

On August 21st Charles, Robby, and I drove to PHL international to pick up a late entry equip student. Malakai White was accepted into the program late and is now living in the dorm, taking classes, and fully partaking in the whole equip year. I am super excited to have him and see what God has for him as well as the other guys during this year.

 

Adventures

There have already been many adventures, planned and unplanned, for this equip year. August 16th Robby, Charles, Nolan, and I went kayaking. For my first time kayaking it was a lot of fun, and I will for sure be looking for more opportunities to do it in the future.There were some unexpected turns such as broken oars, dams, low water, and a longer distance than we had thought all combined with the oversight of not eating breakfast it was still a great trip for bonding and exercise. August 25th Malakai, Charles, and I went hiking with a few other friends in Jonestown. It was a beautiful day and one of my favorite hikes (before going to Colorado). That same week we had a fire in the rain and played lasertag. Then September 6th Malakai, Charles, and I went to Penn State vs FIU football game which was fun. I try and go to a Penn State game at least once a year. I absolutely love the environment and it is good football to watch. Stopped at Chipotle on the way home and then the next day we all played volleyball with Sandra and others for a few hours. 

 

Colorado

Firstly I want to thank everyone who supported me and got me to the point that I was fully funded for this trip, so much so to the point that we have been able to go out and do things with the students. Money is still tight but God used each of you in a huge way not just to impact me, but the team I went with, the team we went to serve, and all the people both teams are going to impact through your donations. Seriously, Thank you. 

This trip was fantastic for so many reasons I’m not sure I could list all of them so I need to stick to the highlights. Mountains. The airport alone was beautiful but once we got to the 9,000 ft elevation Ywam base it was gorgeous. Everyday I woke up and understood what God meant in Romans one when He said all men are without excuse. Blessing others has always been one of my favorite things to do, I believe service is one of my spiritual gifts. Being able to bless this base with manual labor setting them up to be self-sustained for winter was a really beautiful thing to be a part of. Getting to know the students better was really cool for me. There was an awesome night of prayer and intercession that was very impactful. All in all this will probably always be one of my favorite trips, and one of my favorite places on earth and I have every intention to go back. 

 

Personal Life & Prayer Requests

A big update in my personal life and another reason that Colorado was so awesome is I am officially off all medication. Growing up I had many health issues and at one point was taking maybe 14 pills a day for various health problems. During Mexico I stopped taking most of them except melatonin and my heart medication. One night I was praying about my sleep which has been lacking and I thought why would I trust God and then take something else and put my trust in that to put me to sleep. It was a personal conviction and in no way do I think medication is wrong or against God. Then I was only down to my heart medication, and I figured if I am willing to trust God with one and not the other do I trust Him at all. So the day before we left for Colorado I stopped taking the heart medication. I struggled a little bit in Colorado but it was mostly from the elevation, since I have been back home I am doing well and working to strengthen my cardio naturally. 

Praises

• Healing
• Mom’s Baptism
• New Student
• Colorado funding

Requests

• Continual supporters
• Discernment for the future
• My relationship

Thank you for reading, I know it was a lot this time but God is doing a lot so it’s not my fault.

Until Next Time,

Donny

 

 

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If you wish to support Donovan, checks can be sent to 1119 North Boundary Rd, Bernville PA, 19506 and written to CMTS Ministries with a note attached that specifies it is for me.

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