Long Overdue

This summer has been absolutely amazing...a mission trip to TX, an incredible kids camp, constant growth, great friends, and unbelievable community.

Several of us were blessed to be able to hang drywall in a house hit by Hurricane Ike last year. It was HOT and hard work, but we managed to finish a day early due to great team work and ppl who just would not give up.

I don't even know where to start on the kids camp. We spent a week taking 60+ kids out into the community each day to serve. They went to nursing homes, weeded houses and city property, picked up trash, decorated and delivered cookies to police officers, school employees and fire fighters, collected food for the food pantry and stocked shelves, and more. After many hours of sleepless nights, little food, buckets of tears and much sweat and brain power, the week was a great success. God opened doors, hearts and minds. He redefined perceptions and is still working through that camp, though it has been over for weeks.

My personal growth through the summer continues to be tremendous. I can not begin to tell you the things I am learning and having to lay down, not to mention leave behind. This is always a continual process, as God is patient enough to gently remind me when I start to get in the way of His work in and through me.

Growth in others also continues to be a blessing and encouragement. We have seen someone who wasn't sure if he even believed in God a couple years ago send an email out requesting prayer for a family member, families we have been in contact with for years are beginning to come to Grace Park and explore questions about faith and Christ, who continues to draw many to himself. Community groups are turning out in full to move a member or provide for someone in need. The people who make up the church are being Christ to one another, just as we are called to do.

I think this is more than enough for now, but I could go on for days. This is just the beginning.