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January 2024 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV) I pray this update finds you well! It’s been a little more than one week of being sent out and living down in Peru. It’s already been a productive time and I am so blessed by all of the relationships that are being grown and the new ones being forged. I’m excited to see all that the Lord is going to do in this coming season and semester. Thank you so much for your prayers! ...

December, 2023 I hope this season of life has been one filled with joy and gratitude as we exit Thanksgiving and find Christmas upon us. I don’t know about you, but if I don’t take the time to slow down then I can often miss the important things the Lord has placed right in front of me. So much has been going on and it’s so easy to be so consumed with tomorrow that I miss out on today. Planning and preparation is needed, but Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Just one verse before He tells us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The remedy for my busy and distracted heart is always more of Jesus. I pray in this season that He would help you to keep your focus upon Him and that He would help you to find joy and rest in the midst of all the chaos that life can bring. ...

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” -1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV) “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 3:12-14 ...

A couple of Fridays ago I was teaching on Mark 13 to my Middle Schoolers, just asking them if they were really ready for Jesus to come back. Many said no, and the Lord got them thinking about it in ways they hadn’t before or in a while. A big question for me lately is, “am I ready for Jesus to come back?” My oh my has He been doing a work in my heart with that one. It’s been a very busy season of life, but I feel like it’s been a fairly productive one too. Its been amazing to see the Lords provision and strength as Ive been dealing with work, ministry, and some big transitions as I prepare to go to Peru. Many things have been weighing on my heart regarding family and other practical needs that need tending before I would leave for Peru. Many of those big things are being provided for as we speak, and I am looking forward to all that the Lord is going to do. ...

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 (ESV) Hey fam, I pray that this update finds you well, and that your lives are being more and more measured in the peace that only He can provide. For many of us this season has been turbulent and uncomfortable—to say the least. I pray this passage would be an encouragement to you in that season. My mind goes to a quote by C.H. Spurgeon, it goes something like this, “I have learned to kiss the wave that slams me into the Rock of Ages.” For me, this is a reminder to trust in His sovereignty in this season, and to recognize where He is drawing me closer to Him in the midst of my pain and sufferings. 1 Peter 4:19 says, “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), His lovingkindness never fails, and we serve such an amazing God. He is trustworthy and worthy of my praise—even in the midst of my greatest trials and struggles. I pray that you would cast your every care on Him knowing that He cares for you, and that His love for you is beyond measure—it was displayed at Calvary, and His work for you upon that cross has brought a security of an everlasting kind. Peace He leaves with you… ...

One thing I feel the Lord has been impressing upon my heart more and more lately is to be faithful. My hope is that I have been, but there are always things to grow in, and I pray the Lord helps me to be a faithful witness of His until He returns or calls me home. Be faithful in the little thing—you’ll reap a harvest (Gal. 6:9), don’t despise the day of small beginnings (Zech. 4:10). If we are faithful in little, then we will be faithful in much (Luke 16:10). Lord, make us faithful in all things, and all for Your glory! ...

I hope that last month you got at least a glimpse of how great our trip to Peru was. I’m so thankful for all that the Lord has done. This summer has a lot in store, and I’m looking forward to what the Lord is going to do. My goal right now is to rest in His goodness and be faithful where He’s planted me in this season. We serve a good God who always comes through, and supplies all of our needs. What a good God who knows what we have need of before we ask it! ...

A lot has happened this last month, and I’m grateful for all that the Lord has done! As many of you know the Lord provided for me to go to Peru! What an amazing time it was. I got to meet so many amazing people, and come to find out, see many I hadn’t in a while. During our time there we were involved with many different things. We were able to do outreach, be a part of chapels for the Bible College, meet and interact with the students, attend Calvary Trujillo, and do lots of construction. Overall the Lord provided for an amazing time and opportunity. ...

Life so often presents its challenges, and the Lord allows trials to come our way. He teaches, He binds up, He restores the years the locusts have eaten, and He always makes a way. The enemy would seek to use such things to shipwreck us, but we serve a God who will use all things for His glory and make beauty from the ashes. My hope and prayer for you is that you would press deeply into Jesus in whatever season of life you find yourself—whether that be a season of breaking down or of binding up. It’s so worth it and the reward He gives is greater than anything this world has to offer. Eternal life forever more—thank you Jesus! I pray this past Easter left you praising our Risen King, finding hope in the midst of hardship, and eagerly awaiting His return! ...

“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” -1 Corinthians 14:1-3 (ESV) That is exactly what the Lord has given an opportunity for. The Rock has had two retreats in the last 3 weeks (that I’ve been a part of), and God is up to something good. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping disciple our middle schoolers and play a part in discipleship and being part of our young adults as well. The Lord is faithful, and I am thankful for the opportunities He’s given me and I want to make the most of them. This season of life has been crazy, and difficult, but rewarding. It amazes me how God can take trials and difficulties and bring about something for our good and His glory. This season has been a crucible, but He is ever purging the dross—and for that I am grateful. I am thankful for His careful watch, and the comfort of His Spirit. I pray that whatever season you find yourself in right now that you cling to Jesus, sit at His feet (Luke 10:38-42), and cast your care upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). Nothing is too big for our God, and He delights in our faith—it’s so much more precious to Him than gold that is tested by fire (1 Peter 1:6-9). ...