Smith Family Newsletter September 2022

Mission Work

There has been a lot of movement on campus!

We are working with the township to obtain a permit to redo the new training center. This building will be the future home for a few offices, staff enrichment areas, but most importantly classrooms. Right now we are currently using a dining room for the morning classes and an apartment for evening classes and it has been working and God is working wonderfully, like He always does, with using us with where we are at. This building would allow us to have a set space for classes with less distractions.

Our septic is also in the works. The company handling this issue is currently getting bids on a tank the size we need and also helping us source the amount of sand we will need for this project. The biggest blessing has been your support in this. This was a surprise to us and you have all been amazing in helping fund this. We are only $2,000 away from meeting our quote price! Praise God.

We are also working with a roofing company to redo the main house roof. We are running into some scheduling issues and, like with any project, as you start getting into it, there is always the possibility of setbacks and more work to be done than anticipated. That is where we are at.

Last, but not least, Equip has been running for 14 weeks and the students are in the 2nd week of their new vocation. It has been a blessing to add them to our campus family. We are all starting to get into a good rhythm and unify.

Prayer support needed:

For guidance and discernment on all these construction projects
For open positions to be filled with people that have a passion for this mission
Open doors as Joel is about to start talking to Christian schools about Equip for the new school year.

Home Life

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

This verse has rung true for us so much. God has been faithful ALWAYS. He has provided and provided and provided. Energy to keep up with all the things HE has called us to, finances, community, peace of mind. I cannot EXORT about MY GOD enough. He deserves all my gushiness! I tend to be a complainer, but as I sit here and write about all the amazing things I have SEEN, with my own eyes, GOD do….all I can do is sit in awe. We serve an awesome, righteous, loving, just GOD. He is my rock and my constant. Life has been stretching us, well God really is, but He is using it to refine us for us to be more like Him. I am so thankful that HE is the same always and I can always count on Him.

We went on our annual ‘camping at the beach’ vacation. We surprised the kids with a camping trip to Cherry Springs State Park. Cherry Springs is a Dark Night Sky Park in the middle of nowhere. It was a new moon and a super clear night. We got to see the Milky Way and so many stars! It was a chilly night, but so worth it.

Homeschool Corner

We started Co-op again this month! Some of the kids got to do sewing and others did nature art. Peyton is in a Literature & Movies class this year. He was very unsure about it at first, but he said he really likes it so far.

Jase is learning about weather and Parker is learning about birds and flying creatures. Jase made a weather vane and seeing which ways the weather blows and Parker is seeing what birds prefer, suet or just bird seed.

Astronomers from all over the US come to Cherry Springs to study the stars. We got to learn about the history of the park and got to hear a little about our solar system.

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 $1,050 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 have received 2 one time gifts this month as well! God has been faithful, month after month!

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.