AUGUST 2008 - MINISTRY ACTIVITY
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35
August 2008 As we interact with fellow Christ-followers, it is more than just kindness or care. It is one of the most tangible ways we can show our love and devotion for the Savior. Many of our body of believers forget that we have a “watching world” that is looking at how we treat one another, whether it’s with love or with disgrace. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
COMMUNITY: This month, has been filled with activity from both communities of Big Sky and Yellowstone Nat’l Park. I conducted the wedding ceremonies of Richard & Margo Holper at Soldiers Memorial Chapel (August 2nd); for John & Whitney Kors (August 15th) in Missoula, Montana; and for Allen & Anne Greer of North Carolina (August 18th) at the top of Andesite Mountain in Big Sky. I have been slowly trying to transition to life back in Big Sky by attending the softball games that our church team is involved in the resort softball league. Our team is at 9 wins/4 losses (much better than previous first year). It has been a great ministry opportunity! Next, I’ve been attending the Thursday night Bible Study that is led by the 20’s ministry of the church. Fire Department’s Tuesday trainings and sleeper shifts continue to keep me busy to fill up my entire week of community involvement. My absolute BIGGEST thrill was leading one of our seasonal family’s 25 yr. old son- Brock Jr. to pray and receive Christ! I have been talking with Brock Jr. for several months and he asked me this winter to consider baptizing him. I actually was discipling him (long distance), he being in Nashville. I had another visit with him in the Spring, while in Tennessee. It was at our follow-up visit to discuss a book that I had given for him to read that Brock Jr. shared his desire to accept Christ! I was thrilled to be a part of this decision and to also perform his baptism and sharing in the Lord’s Supper afterwards on August 10th at Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone, MT. YELLOWSTONE INNOVATORS: Our “official” summer ministry came to an end on August 2-4. I was able to coordinate the Aug. 2nd wedding in Big Sky and return to West Yellowstone for our Missionary Debriefing. Our Innovator Appreciation Sunday was held on August 3rd and the airport departures on August 4th. Throughout the summer, the Bible studies were well attended at all the 5 locations in Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs, Canyon Village, Lake Yellowstone, Grant Village and Old Faithful. Our biggest thrill was the professions of faith that were a “team effort” of both our Innovators, “A Christian Ministry in Nat’l Parks and Campus Crusade.” We had an all total of 22 young people to Pray and Receive CHRIST!! Most of these were happening during the last week of ministry in Yellowstone. God is good, all the time out here! Our “Ministry Parents” are – Ed & Brenda Geiger; Jean & Liz Page; and Ellwood & JoAnn Marsh (sister/brother-in-law of Geiger’s) 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 has completed his term as Semester Missionary on August 4th and returned south to probably attend a SBC seminary. I have not heard from him since he left and wondering if he has fallen off the earth! He plans to return each summer to Yellowstone and serve this ministry while in seminary. I hope that God will allow this to happen as well. It’s been a blessing to have Jordan here and I would work and minister with him at any point and time!
Tell us a story of how God changed someone’s life or made it better because of what you do.
Sending out Missionaries: We had another 17 young people to pray and receive Christ over this past month with 8 of those related to Innovators. There are 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. Our summer’s budget is well over $4,000 for this summer already. 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 $275,000). 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 September 2008, I will be teaching my 19th season of coaching Swimming at Ophir (Big Sky) School on Monday/Fridays Sept. 8th – 29th. I will try to attend one day of the Christian Ministries in Nat’l Parks meeting at Old Faithful on Sept. 11th. I will also attend Treasure State Bapt. Assoc. meeting in Three Forks on Sept. 21st. I will complete my required Fire Dept. trainings and “on call” shifts.
SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS
My prayer is for the spiritual/personal maturity of the young people who were a part of the Yellowstone Christian Innovator team and also for the young adults whose lives were changed because of Christ and the efforts of the Yellowstone Innovators. Our evaluations regarding the personal life of some of our team members was very, very tough and called us to a matter of prayer and impending follow-up & counseling.
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