Smith Family Newsletter August 2022

Mission Work

August was a blur! So many great things happened and Equip is running full steam ahead. We had a very LARGE workgroup come for 2 days. Last but not least, Equip went on their first mission trip. My favorite part of this mission trip was that it was for a local camp. So, we got to have a retreat vibe going too. It was so great for team building and we did a lesson on unity and Jesus’ preferences above our own. Justin and Jen Darnell did songs with us around the campfire after dinner 2 nights and we played a lot of games! We also took down a lot of fallen trees, filled their wood shed, fixed a sky light in a bathroom, and put in a new basketball hoop. We were all pretty tired by the end of the week and ready for a hot shower and our beds! But I love watching God do His thing through people and that we get to be such a big part of it!

Prayer Request:

Staff, we are in much need of really good staff!

Chef
Front Office Help
Dorm Leaders for Equip

Home Life

Ace went to horse camp for the first full week of August and he LOVED it! He cannot wait to go back next year.

We had our girls’ weekend away. We went to the Lancaster area and went thrift store shopping, made s’mores, stared at the stars and got to see a very long shooting star!

One of my favorite things that happened this summer, Parker chose to be baptized! She was so brave and she loves serving. She is going to do great things! All of them are, this is just a super proud mama moment.

We also got our annual back to school Knoebels trip on the very last day of August! I love that we get to do this together and it is not very crowded.

Our family got to go on our first mission trip together. Devin was the only one that was not able to make it. I loved that we got to make this memory together.

Homeschool Corner

We started school again and it has been a decent start. Getting into the routine again and all new subjects, we hit some bumps, but it is nice to get back into a routine.

New Grades:

Ace: 10th
Peyton: 8th
Kylie: 7th
Jett: 5th
Parker: 4th
Jase: 2nd

Ace has started Chemistry and Geometry, Peyton is doing Pre-Algebra and Physical Science, and Kylie is in General Science. The science experiments are getting more interesting and the math is also increasing in difficulty. I am so thankful for CD-Rom based math with teachers.

Ace is also working more hours at the horse farm during the school year; he is really impressing me with how he is handling all of his responsibilities. Please keep them all in prayer as they keep moving along in their school year.

Prayer Requests

Support, we are still not fully supported and are actively raising support.
Housing, CMTS is looking into building more housing and one will be for us. We are living in a small apartment above the office currently. With 8 people, it can get a little tight! LOL
Homeschool, that is an ever going prayer
Guidance, wisdom, and discernment as God leads us as we lead the ministry

Family Needs

Support

We are currently at $975 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.

We also received a one time gift this month too! God has been faithful!

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.