Good News Everyone!

As many of you know our family has been in a time of waiting. We have anxiously been waiting for God to "put us back in the game." Our time of rest is over and God is placing us in Auburn, Indiana at Lakewood Park Baptist Church and School. Mike has accepted the position of Director of Children's Ministries and Early Learning Ministry. This position is the opportunity that God has been laying on our hearts for the last few years and he has prepared us for it.

We want to say THANK YOU to those who have prayed for us, given us money, food and a place to live, who have spoken words of encouragement and hope during our time of anxious waiting. We could not be more thrilled with this prospect of change but also ask for continued prayer as ministry is not easy. 

We also asked for continued support while we anticipate this move and as God works out the details of housing, moving and the start of a new job. 

Thank you again. Your support has helped us to grow through our time of waiting. 

The greatest of these

On Saturday, my blushing bride (of five years) and I went out to eat. We like going out, spending time away, just the two of us. And there, over the end bites and pieces of our dinner and last bits of melting ice in our drinks, we had the best conversation of our marriage.

Lately I have been down. Very down. This transitional time in our life has continued much longer than I thought it would. It’s hard during this time to not blame myself. If I am not getting a job it has to be because I am not desired as a worker. Now this is true with most jobs but I am not trying to get most jobs. I am desiring to follow God’s will for my family and that means waiting and listening until the doors are opened for us. This is hard. Very hard. To not feel inadequate in God’s time is a difficult thing. As a result of this time, I have lost faith in myself. This is where my bride comes in.

She reminds me of who I am, of the person God created me to be. She looks me in the eyes and tells me how much she loves and supports me. This is how a marriage works. When one is down, God fills the other with strength.

You see, lately I have been having a problem. God created me to love. That is the purpose he has for me, and that is the way he gifted me. God gifted me in a way that allows me to love people in the way that they need it. This is why I work so well with kids. So many kids just want someone to pay attention to them. This can mean just talking, playing a game, or giving a hug. I know a lot of people don’t understand it but when I pick a kid up and then their face lights up, I know I am doing what I was created to do. When that child knows someone would think they are so special that they drop what they are doing, pick them up in their arms and give them their undivided attention, it means the world to them.

Here is the thing with me though I love all kids whether they are my own or not like they are my own. My reason for doing this is as follows; I don’t know if there is anyone in their life who loves them like they were their own child. And to me, this is unacceptable. To love a child like they are your own means to unconditionally love them. No matter how many times they don’t listen, or how often they ask you a question, or jump on your back you still love them wholeheartedly.

There is a very clear mandate that God has given all men to treat and take care of orphans and widows. But you know what, you don’t just run into little Annie on the street anymore. There are so, so many kids without a father or without a strong male role in their life. These kids are all around us, in our church, our schools, and neighborhoods. Developing a relationship like this can be tough. It has been for me, you see not everybody appreciates a guy giving a child attention. So many people now assume something wrong or bad is happening. I have faced this challenge many times in my own life. Co-workers, parents, and passers by don't quite understand why this guy who is not the father is picking up and holding a kid. But to me the thought of knowing that a kid didn't get a hug today because someone else doesn't think its appropriate makes me sick. Its kind of funny that hugs can be offensive but some people see it that way.  

Let me give you some perspective. Recently I got to hang out at camp for a few days. During that time, I was approached by a girl who I didn't recognize at first who proceeded to tell me about her day. After a couple days of this happening it finally clicked. Three years ago this camper was at camp and got very homesick. I made sure that everyday she was checkup on and that she was having fun and every night I made sure she got a big hug and knew that someone was looking out for her. I didn't bring it up with her but on Friday before heading home we were sitting by the chapel and she leaned over and said “thank you, I don't think I would have made it this week without you.” Now, I’m not telling this story because I want a parade, neither do I want people reading to go “Aww thats so sweet” (feel free to aww in the comfort of your own home). To me, this was common sense. This wasn't going above and beyond, it wasn't going an extra mile. I was following my mandate as given to me by my Creator to be loving and that is all. This is the way I live my life. This is what I am going to focus on. While there may be doubt and uncertainty due to the circumstances I face in my life, I will still live my life this way. While we wait and hold in this pattern of transition I will continue to serve,  with a fully loving heart.

Glorious Unfolding

Yesterday as I was driving home, I flipped through the stations on the radio and stopped right as this song “glorious unfolding” by Steven Curtis Chapman came on. I was stunned. The beginning of this song hit me so suddenly, so accurately described my struggle I was blown away. This is how the song starts.

Lay your head down tonight

Take a rest from the fight

Don’t try to figure it out

Just listen to what I’m whispering to your heart

‘Cause I know this is not

Anything like you thought

The story of your life was gonna be

And it feels like the end has started closing in on you

But it’s just not true

There’s so much of the story that’s still yet to unfold

And this is going to be a glorious unfolding

These words spoke so true to me. As I was once again leaving my family to work for not enough pay, I really needed to hear this. Our journey into ministry has not occurred the way I thought it would. It has taken a lot more time, and has been rather discouraging. And yet, I keep hearing God speaking to me “Michael, we are going to do great things. I have made you to love, that is your job, that is your task and together we are going to teach people to love like they never thought possible before”. I hear God say this to me constantly, so as the days, weeks, and months go by with what seems like countless possibilities slipping away, I know that something is yet to unfold. Something glorious is coming.

Here is a link to the song, please give it a listen. If like me you are in a time of waiting or just need some encouragement listen to it, let the words sink in and take hold. There’s so much of the story to unfold, and this is going to be a glorious unfolding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rolTdI7I_4M

Doing Battle

    There comes a time during the journey that there is intense spiritual warfare. This can be good because it means that you are on the right path doing the will of God. But these battles are not fun and they come from the most unexpected sources. Depression, anxiety, car troubles, unexpected bills, relationship misunderstandings, irritability for no reason, pets doing things they've never done before and straight up lies coming from those you love most.
    
    These are the times that prayer and our swords are the best weapons we can wield. What better way to battle lies, misgivings and doubt than to ask the One who has given you the promise to begin with and will always tell you the truth. The God who owns the universe and hold the depths of the sea in the hollow of his hand (Isaiah 40). The God who is faithful and has my best at the very center of everything he does.

    You fight those lies and those off days with the promise that the God who names each star in the universe cares when your hair falls out. Knowing that every creature is cared for, so why wouldn't He care more about me, His master piece, His precious child, His own image. And remember His promise that he will never leave me or forsake me, and that he has a prefect plan to give me a future and a hope.

  What did I do to deserve this...nothing. He only asks that I seek Him, that I ask what He wants for my life and then obey.

  So, I willingly step out in faith not knowing where my foot will land but knowing that God knows and that is enough for me.

Patience, Usefulness, and Goodness

A few weeks ago, I was able to attend church with a family that is very close us. As we arrived and the service was starting, one of the kids grabbed my hand and joyfully ushered me to a seat. The past few days, I have been thinking about that image. When was the last time I joyfully lead someone to hear about Christ? Maybe leading someone by the hand is a bit much, but what have I done that accomplishes the same goal. What is it about children that allows them to so freely and fully give like they do? They don't hold anything back and that includes telling others about Christ. 

As I have become an adult, I have become a very accepting person. I have learned that everyone has their own stories filled with both hope and pain. I try to not make others feel bad about the choices they have made, but at the same time try to make the reason why I live the way I do clear. Is this enough though? Should I find my local street corner and start proclaiming (not in this weather...burr)? Where is the line then? How far into someones life should I trespass?

I have tried to live it out by example so others could see, and then when they need help in their life they will be likely to seek me out. Sometimes I complain about being a problem solver, but the truth is I love it. I love it because I’m good at it. I’m good at it because that's how God made me. I loved working at camp, because there is always a million problems that need fixing. I felt needed and useful.

During this transition it has been tough. I have felt like a star player sitting on the bench. Fouled out of the game and having to watch others do what I love. Its the uselessness that makes waiting so hard. Not that I always have the coolest head in an emergency, it is just so ingrained inside of me to act. That's why for me this has not a period of rest, it has been a period of inaction.

I have been searching through the little moments in my day how I can act. At work there is opportunity, but it is just a small means to no end. At best I am ensuring that some children know they are cared for. A good thing for sure, but not enough.

The search to find what is next for us has been very hard. I sit at the computer and look through listings, check church websites, listen to sermons online, research the area even stalk the church staff on facebook. I see what they are doing, the type of person they want to come serve at their church and immediately my mind starts reeling. I notice immediate gaps, see instant improvements. I’m not saying I’m perfect, its just that action is to strong inside of me, it is my immediate reaction to most things.

But, in the end it is just nice thoughts. I wait, desperate to act, to be needed and feel useful, while at the same time trying unbearably to understand what exactly God wants me to learn in this time.

While I wait, I am warm, fed, clothed, and loved. My heart strives to be content with this, but without being useful, it is difficult. So, I ask you pray for me to be content with what is before me. I ask for patience. I also ask to that you pray for me to be ok with not being needed. That I am not useless.

This verse in look has been looming over me for the past year or so. It has kind of become my mission, and the thing that really has helped my carry on. Luke 6:45 “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

Here’s to goodness.

How do you explain God's call?

It's been difficult for us since we have been home when someone asks "What brought you back to Michigan?"

We give the expected answer of bringing Riley closer to family, followed by God called us to ministry so we came back till God tells us what our ministry is going to be. These are both reasons why we came back and they are very good reasons to move for sure.

What is hard to explain is that God told us to go back to Michigan. Period.

He told us "Go to Michigan, I have a purpose there for you."
We asked "What purpose?"
And He answered "I'll show you when you get there."

We knew that He wanted us for ministry but did not know what that meant. There had been an interview with a church in Michigan that we thought for sure that God was calling us to and wanted us to be ready to jump into that position. To our surprise that wasn't God's purpose. Then we liked another church that was looking for a youth pastor, visited and talked to the pastor and thought for sure that was God's purpose-but it wasn't. And still there has been nothing that has indicated what ministry God has for us.

But we know, without a doubt, that this is where God has put us so that He can use us in ministry. We feel very much like Abraham when God told him to pack his tent and set out. Abraham did not know where he was going or what was waiting for him. What he did know is that God knew, and that was all that mattered. This is a hard attitude to maintain when God doesn't meet our earthly expectations for timing and creature comforts. But He never promised that. So, we wait for Him to reveal His prefect will in His perfect timing.

For
All
I
Trust
Him

People look at you like you are a crazy person when you have left a good home, job, and community and moved 2,500 mile across the country for no other reason than God said so. Without a job to go to, or a place to live when you got there and no idea where you were supposed to go.

How do explain that to someone who has never had that kind of call placed on there hearts? How do you convey that you aren't crazy for following God despite the looks they give you? How do you show the greatness of God when you are homeless, jobless (fyi: not anymore), and have a child that you can't afford food for? How do you not look like a crazy person? So, we give the more simple and more widely accepted version of why we moved back to Michigan.

Would we have followed knowing it was going to end up the way it has? Would we have, knowing that it would last longer than the few weeks we first expected? Would we have jumped knowing we would have no income for 2 months while we waited for in interim job to pay the bills? Would we have left knowing that we would have to wait on God to reveal his purpose? Honestly, I don't know, which just proves more that God knows our hearts and how to make us move. He knew that we wanted to follow His will for our lives. So He called us trust Him and to be in the center of His will...in the middle of Michigan in the middle of winter.

Square Peg, Round Hole

   Since we have decided to go into ministry, we have had many discussions about what want to do, what type of ministry we want to do, where we want to be and what we can bring to a ministry. We have talked about camping ministry since we have a ton of combined experience in camping. We have talked about what working at a church would look like for us and what kind of children's ministry we would like to see since we would be raising our child there.

    After many hours of talking about it all we decided that no matter where we ended up that we are a square peg for a round hole.

   For all the years of experience, all the education and philosophies of ministries we have come to the conclusion that we will never fit perfectly in any church, camp or ministry. We have very high expectations when it comes to doing God's work. 

  By no means do we think that we are perfect or that every ministry is doing it wrong. What we do see is that many churches and camps have a fundamental biblical flaw of choosing manly ways of ministry instead of Godly ways of ministry and that is the change we desire to bring to the world. 

  Something that I have discovered about my husband is that has the gift of understanding what children and youth desire most, what they need and how to meet both of those things in practical ways. I have never seen someone create such fast relationships with kids he sees for only a few hours a week or after spending a day with him how attached they become to him. It is truly a God given gift of love and understanding. 

  The desire we share is to build relationships in order to bring people closer to God. We are not big into traditional programming or extravagant shows to draw people in, we don't care about how many people come through the door. We care about quality services, time spent together building up the church and preparing youth to take their place in leadership and teaching those younger than them and in the future.

   

   This seems to be the hardest thing to bring into practice in ministries because someone said that getting numbers in the door at any cost was the best and only way to measure success. That building relationships, teaching good biblical life-style and raising up the next generation to take over the leadership was secondary to bodies in the chairs and flashy modern programming. This makes us a square peg that seems to never fit into a round hole.

A Re-Introduction

It has been awhile since we have written on this blog.

It has been re-purposed.

This will now be a place where we will be sharing our journey. Our journey to the call to missions and ministry. A call to work for God kingdom full-time.

We are currently "stationed" in Michigan with family while we wait for God to send us out into the field. It is the hope of our family for God to send us and give us a ministry home. Whether that is in a church, camp, or international setting we are unsure but we are ready for God's calling.

Our daughter, Riley Issabella, has been enjoying all the love and time with family. She is now 6 1/2 months old, crawling and pulling herself up and getting ready to walk! (This blog may also become a place where I chronicle Riley's life and accomplishments-prepare yourself!)

Thank you for tagging along on our journey. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Blessings!

Catch up

WOW! So much has happened since our last post.

Mike began his full time job at Bright Horizons at the school age teacher. While he did that I worked for camp for 40 hours a week until I also got a job at Bright Horizons as a infant teacher. This made it so that we needed to move. We found a delightful 2 bedroom duplex in downtown Issaquah that is super close to work

 During all of this we found out that I was pregnant!! I'm due April 29th. Pictures will be coming soon of the baby bump as it grows and pictures of the house.

Would still appreciate prayers as God is continuing to supply everything that we need and more and as our baby grows.

Blessings to you all!

Continuing the Call

Camp is officaly over. And as we woke up on Saturday morning there was a sad quietness that swept over camp. Our morning are usually full of inflatables, loud music, and over 200 kids having a blast. As we move on into the Seasonal part of camp ministry, there is finally time to reflect on the things that have happened here.

     The last two weeks of camp have been the most uplifting to me by far. I have had time to interact with the staff, and give lots of attention to campers. Working closely with the children has been very rewarding. Getting to spend the day with them and see how God works in their lives.

     Now that the summer is over, we are moving to a time of preparation and planning for next summer. This season is always a little difficult for me, as there is less interaction with people and more interaction with things.During the retreat season Amy and I will be doing some work for camp for groups that are coming in and helping with the plans for next summer. With many of the staff gone, and the change in programming we have another big adjustment to make. Please pray for us as we become engaged in the community around us. We need to find a church home, employment, friends, and support out here.However, we are trusting in God and know that he will provide for us. This is very evident in the fact that I have already found employment.I will be running a before and afterschool care program for elementary aged children for a local daycare center. This will be a great opportunity to continue to work with kids and meet parents in the community.

     Please pray that Amy is able to find employment and that we are able to establish and impacting presence to the people around us. The ministry is not over, it has just changed. Thank you for your continued support. Our address will remain the same and we would love to hear from you. In Christ

Week 10 at Sambica

     Our summer is now dwindling down do its last day. While Amy and I will be staying on to do seasonal work, I have been reflecting a lot about this summer. It has been great serving at this camp. The staff comes from all over, and all have come together for one purpose; to further God's kingdom.

     The last two week there has been no overnight camp. This has given me the opportunity to work more closely with people and to develop relationships with both campers and staff. Last week (week9) we had our little tykes day camp (1st-3rd grade). I got to spend a large part of my day with these kids. It was a appreciated change of pace.

     The thing that has always struck me the most about camp, is the uncertainty of working with campers. There is never any way to tell  where these kids are coming from, and where they are going home to. Our job as staff, is to ensure that while they are here we offer to them the message of Christ and do our best to love them they way Christ loves them. This is no easy task. This week we have over 250 day campers (1st-5th grade). It is no coincidence that our last week of camp is also our biggest. There is no overnight camp this week either, and I have been taking advantage of my extra time. I have really enjoyed being able to single out smaller groups of children and spend time with them. I have been helping during field time and life guarding down at the waterfront, so I have been able to see almost all the campers and staff this week.

    My request is that you pray for the rest of the week, our last week here at Sambica. I would also ask that you pray for the nearly 2,000 kids who came to camp this summer. Pray that they are able to take home with them what they learned, never forgetting the week of God's good news they received. Also, please pray for the summer staff. I know first hand how life changing a summer on staff can be. As people are getting ready to packing up and head back home to school, jobs, etc please pray that they too remember what they experienced this summer.

Where we are and where we are going.

Well some summer is quickly coming to a close. Amy and I have greatly enjoyed our time here, and have loved being a part of the ministry at Sambica. The summer has finally drawn to an end. After prayer and consideration, we have decided to stay on at Sambica. This may last all the way through the end of summer next year, but at this point we are uncertain as to how long we will be staying. This will be a great opportunity to develop some relationships we have made over the summer. We are excited to be able to take a little time and enjoy the area around us.

     As seasonal staff we will be working a short set of hours per week in exchange for housing. Amy and I will both need to find extra work in the community in order to support ourselves. We are also still looking for a church home. We have been to many in the area, but have not found one that meets our needs yet.

     Please be praying for us during this time of transition. Amy and I are very much counting on God to help establish ourselves our here. We have seen first hand that there is a great harvest, and we are excited to able to further God's kingdom. More information will be on the way soon.

     Thank you so much for your prayers and continued support. If you wold like to write to us our address will still be at camp (4114 West Lake Sammamish Parkway S.E. Bellevue, WA 98008).

Week 9!?!? Almost Week 10?!?!

  Where has this summer gone? We are almost done with week 9 getting ready for our last week (week 10).

   Which puts us here for about 12 weeks. God has worked in miraculous ways that I'm sure I haven't even heard about this summer. He called just about a 900 children ages 4-18 into his kingdom this summer and we have a week left. Pray that we break the 1000 mark.
 
    God has answered so many prayers including our prayer on where to go from here. And God said don't go, stay. So, we have agreed to stay on at Sambica as seasonal staff helping with different retreats and groups in the off season. We are also looking for other work since season staff are paid in housing and not money. Pray for God to provide other mission fields and work in the next few weeks.

   Thank you for all your prayers. Become a pen pal with us. Mail has been our tangible way to stay connected with family and friends back home and we look forward to it. Also, if you would like to yourself to us, send us an email and we'll try to set something up.

The best is yet to come!

 Its Week 5 here at Sambica and it is our biggest week yet. Our resident camp (the one I supervise) is at max capacity this week. Our Day camp has over 200 kids here this week. It has been great to see camp run to its fullest potential. With this great opportunity there is a lot of excitement with the staff.

     Amy and I are enjoying our summer, but it is getting to that halfway point where things become difficult. After a few weeks of running around all day, people get tired out. We ask for prayers for rest and a servants heart no matter how tired we get.

     The summer continues here at Sambica and we are very glad to be a part of it. We are indeed missing our family and friends back home, but it has been great to be a part of what God is doing in this area. It has been such a change to be a part of ministry in an environment that tries so much to function without God. We appreciate your continued prayers and support. God bless.

Beginings, reunions and returns

    Last week, I left camp early to come back home to Michigan to take part in my best friends wedding. It was so great to be home and see family and friends. I was able to spend a day at Center Lake Bible Camp visiting all our old friends and going back to a place that has meant so much to me. My friends wedding was fantastic. It was a great celebration of a Godly couple. Going home was still difficult. I had just gotten to a point of being comfortable with the new freinds we had made here, and then I was reunited with my old friends back home. This has made the transition back to Sambica and Seattle diffuclt. However, I do feel rejuvinated in spirit talking to so many people who are praying and supporting us in our mission here.

     This week at Sambica is one of our few Jr. high weeks. These weeks are very important as these young adults are starting to determine what kind of lives they will live. Last night we had campfire time with the campers and just opened it up to discussion. Lots of campers talked about how they solved problems in thier lives. It was a great experience not just for campers, but for the staff as well. They were able to see that even though the campers are kids, they still face very serious problems everyday. We hope to encourage and lift these campers up and let them know that God is able to help them with the problems they face. We had the campers look up and stare into the night sky. As the sun was setting into a blazing our sunset and the stars were coming out, they got a look at creation. they were able to see what God made. In this we told them that the creator of all things, created them and watches over them. A God who controls the stars in the skies also controls what happens in thier life. God is able to handle any problem in thier life.

     Please keep praying for young lives to come to Christ this summer. Great things are happening here, but as the summer continues staff become tired. It gets difficult to have the same energy as the first weeks. Pray for rest for our staff, patience, and the ability to keep on loving. Thanks for your continued support.

HIS STRENGTH in our weakness-week 4

   God is moving. Week 4 (third week with campers) was great. Kids met Christ for the first time and had fun. Our goals were accomplished! A great week for Christ also means that the enemy was working harder than ever before. There were kids that went home due to illness and circumstances, some were just plain old naughty and staff were stretched to the limit. But HE was strong in our weakness and worked when we were unable too. Last week's numbers were 70 saved for the first 2 weeks. I'm excited to hear how God worked this last week.
  Please continue to pray for strength, wisdom and patience going into this next week. 
  3 down, 6 to go, 1000+ will hear about Jesus this summer.

What a week! end of week 3

    It was quite the different week this week. We had Pre-K campers for 2 days, classic day camp for 4 days, no rez (resident) camp and got the holiday off. But God is still working as yesterday a camper lead another camper to Christ while swimming. Praise God! This week has also been relaxing for most staff because for the low number of days and campers.
   But pray for us as we go into next week full throttle with day camp and rez and higher numbers.
   Mike is also flying home for a few days to stand up in his best fiend, Kiel's wedding. I'll be here hanging out at the female leadership house. So pray for us as we are apart. Also pray for health for the staff as there is a cold bug going around like wildfire.
 

I raise my Ebenezer stone

As part of our worship this week, Shakespear (our worship leader) has been choosing Come Thou Fount. And one verse starts as "Here I raise my Ebenezer" so that is what I am doing. God has brought us through so much in the last 3 years. He has brought us through unemployment, homelessness, and so much more. But He has provided money and housing at every turn.  And now He has brought us to Washington, to work in ministry at Sambica. 

We're not sure what God has for us after this summer but we know that we will be in His hands no matter what happens. How has God provided for you? Do you trust Him with everything that you have? 

PS: We would love to hear from you. Our address is 4114 W. Lake Sammamish Prkwy SE Bellevue, WA 98008.

Week 3

It is now our third week at Sambica. Campers come next week and the staff is very excited for that I (Mike) have been able to play a large part in staff training. The staff have all been very eager. There has been a lot of bonding over the last week, and all the staff are greatly looking forward to kids coming next week!

 Over the last few weeks we have been able to understand more of our surroundings. We have talked to local people and return staff, and have been able to get a clearer picture of the purpose of this ministry. The majority of kids coming to camp this summer not only have not gone to church before, but many have not experienced a Christian environment at all. It is going to very important for all our staff to demonstrate Christ at all times.

Amy and I are beginning to settle into our roles. I have already had some great converstation with staff about how to help campers who need extra attention, and Amy is developing relationships with the girls she is going to working with. We have enjoyed getting to know some of the other married staff at camp.

We pray for continued support both fincial and prayer, not just for us but for all the staff at Sambica this summer. Soon we will post some pictures of camp and maybe even a video  tour!

Week 2

Week 2 at Sambica is feeling more like home. It's still not Center Lake Bible Camp but it is Sambica and it has been a blessing. We have had a chance to get to know more people, get more comfortable in our roles here, and be blessed being in a Christian setting again. 

Another couple (Rob and Carrie) and thier 2 kids have been a blessing most of all. They are allowing us to use an extra bed that they had which is a million times better than the one that was in the cabin when we got here. I (Amy) also got a chance to talk to Carrie and get to know her and her family and she has the quiet and gentle spirit that I have been trying to learn about. So I informed her that I would coming to her this summer for advice and leadership and she readily agreed. Praise God for answering the prayers of those back home and provided a couple who we can turn to. Thanks again for your support!