JUNE 2008 - MINISTRY ACTIVITY
“What does the Lord your God require of you, but…to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Deuteronomy 10:12
June 2008 COMMUNITY: The ministries in southwest Montana continue to press forward as the summer weather finally “kicks in” and warmth is on the rise. The ministry in Yellowstone has had a good start with Bible studies and Personal Evangelism as the Innovators get “dialed-in” to their Nat’l Park surroundings! The Big Sky Christian Fellowship sent our first Missions team of 10 to Haiti for door-to-door evangelism, music concerts and eventually planting a new church (June 6-16)! I was invited to speak at the National WMU Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN on June 8-9th; and the SBC and NAMB Exhibits on June 10-11. It was great to share what God is doing to the many pastors and friends who have been praying for this ministry. It was overwhelming to say the least. As soon as I returned, I was busy with conducting a Red Cross First-Aid/CPR class with a local guest ranch in Big Sky (12th) and then I was back in West Yellowstone to travel to Mammoth Hot Springs for our first summer ministry picnic on June 13th. The remainder of June has been focused on Innovator ministries and conducting a local Big Sky wedding on June 27-28th. YELLOWSTONE INNOVATORS: The Bible studies have all been established and being conducted at 5 locations in Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Village, Lake Yellowstone, Grant Village and Old Faithful. We had our first Innovator/Park Employee Picnic Fellowship at Mammoth on June 13th with approx. 65 in attendance. On June 20th, we were at Old Faithful with approx. 55 in attendance (rain played a part in hampering others to attend). On June 27th, we will be at Canyon Village and then will be in our Midsummer Retreat on June 29-30th in the Beartooth Mountains. In the context of Sending/Serving as Missionaries: Our current “Ministry Parents” are – Ed & Brenda Geiger and Jean & Liz Page for their return for Summer of 2008, Yea! We have added a 3rd set of Ministry Parents (sister/brother-in-law) of Geiger’s: Ellwood & JoAnn Marsh of Pulaski, TN. We have a full team of 20 Innovators, 1 Semester Missionary, and 3 sets of Missionary Parents. This summer’s dates are May 22 - August 3rd, a full 10 weeks! Check our SUMMER CALENDAR at http://www.yellowstoneinnovators.com
SEMESTER MISSIONS: Jordan Graham is continuing to serve as our Semester Missionary and doing an excellent job of helping to supervise and nurture each of these 20 student missionaries. There is a LOT of driving involved with this ministry. The gas prices have not been kind to us, but we continue to travel quite a lot to visit the Bible studies, conduct the Park employee picnics, listen to the concerns, be available to counsel the Innovators or go on day hikes and overnight backpack trips. It’s a LOT of work for any number of people and I am grateful and blest to have someone like Jordan. It has made a tremendous difference to have someone who is passionate and caring for this ministry and has been where these young missionaries are today as a Yellowstone Christian Innovator.
Tell us a story of how God changed someone’s life or made it better because of what you do.
Serving as Missionaries: Every Sunday, we have a gathering at the church after morning worship. We have a chance to both share in a potluck meal (which our Missionary Parents lovingly prepare) and we have each location share what God is doing and has done in the life of each Innovator missionary. You would not believe the countless numbers of people who come in contact with or is being challenged in their faith because of the Innovators being in Yellowstone. As well, our efforts are complimented with two other ministries in Yellowstone: Campus Crusaders at Old Faithful and “A Christian Ministry in the Nat’l Parks” at all of the locations. I am more than honored and privileged to be a part of something that will go beyond this Nat’l Park borders. It is going out to the WORLD because of the many international young people who are also a part of our ministries efforts as well!
Describe what specific ways NAMB/State Convention can assist you.
CONCERNS OR NEEDS AT THIS TIME
As Yellowstone Christian Innovators continues to grow in it’s effectives, the ministry at FBC, West Yellowstone is as well. Space in this tiny church (built in the 70’s) is becoming a concern. Pray for the operational financial support to continue with this ministry in Yellowstone & Big Sky in the midst of the rising costs on the economy. Continue to pray with us about the future of Yellowstone Christian Innovators along with FBC, West Yellowstone! There is an empty lot that is next to the church, that was once a bank and then a pharmacy that is for sale (we hear now it’s down to $350,000). It would be nice to dream of one day owning this property to build a Yellowstone Ministry Center next to and part of the church in West Yellowstone. Your constant prayers specifically for the safety, health, emotional and spiritual direction of each person involved with these ministry efforts.
How have you connected with your community this month? What plans do you have for community connection?
NEXT MONTH'S PLANNED ACTIVITY
For ending June and into July 2008, I will conduct one wedding for a former Firefighter on June 28th. I will complete my required Fire Dept. trainings and “on call” nights (July 1, 8, and 15th). We will also conduct our Midsummer Innovator Staff retreat by the end of the month on June 29-30th. Conducting a Memorial Service on July 5th for early homestead family (Ken & Ladora McBride). Innovator/Park employee picnic at Lake Yellowstone on July 11th. Performing a wedding for a ski patrol couple (Jason & Lenya) on July 9-10; and a Big Sky Firefighter (Bart & Mara) on July 18-19th. Performing a pre-race prayer for the Nissan Xterra Triathlon race on July 20th and participating in the Black Church week at Ridgecrest, NC on July 21-24th and Innovator Park Employee picnic at Grant Village on July 25th.
SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS
Pray for salvation of those “seekers” in Yellowstone Nat’l Park! For the hearts of our young adults who are serving as Yellowstone Innovators this summer; for our Ministry Parents’ health and safety as they work very hard to keep this group fed, nurtured and healthy. Pray for my sanity in trying to manage a home in Big Sky as I continue to direct/supervise ministry in Yellowstone & at Big Sky. Continue to pray for Adam, that he would continue to be surrounded by followers of Christ, that he would also find a fellowship of believers in Washington state where stationed with the army medics and preparing for Iraq.
BRAD LARTIGUE
Resort Minister
Big Sky, Montana
Yellowstone National Park
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