Sunday in the park

We spent our Sunday service at a local park that had a swimming pool.  We wanted to say good-bye to one of our full time workers as she moved on to another church to help them with their evangelism.  But we got to eat together, sing together and play together.  Lots of fun for a Sunday morning.

Playing hard

The youth group is building up again this fall as the faithful ones push to get others to join us.  It was a nice day to get outside and run.

Another year older today 2

We celebrated my birthday with the youth group and some invited and interested parents.  It was a fun afternoon with the youth and then an extended time with a barbecue of burgers and dogs.  Talented youth played guitars and got the group singing.  Does it get any better than this?

Another year older today

I just had a birthday this month and was given some great gifts by my wife and daughter.  It was a wonderful day of rest and a nice way to start off another year of life.

The Only One

We stopped to look at the coast and had this picture taken of us.  

What a great picture of my very best friend!

Growing Small

While away from our congregation, the youth group had shrunk a bit.  So, it was fun to see it grow again last week.

Back with the Band

I was invited to play in the worship team of my home church.  It was wonderful to be back and to play along with these wonderful people.  God sure is good!

Opening a door

 

We’ve been praying for a pastor all year for our church and it seems like God has answered our prayers.

More Tastes

We had a chance to visit a favorite restaurant of mine in Central California where they serve one of my favorite meals, pea soup.  To add a bit of humor to our meal, we posed for this picture at the place.

Nothing like family…

While our time was short, together, this summer; we laughed, poked and just had fun.  

Life was just made for these moments.

What I like…

Being away has made me want to come back.  While the youth group has its ups and downs, there seems to be something in me that drives me to invest more and more in the group.  

While we were gone, my assistant took over.  I thank God for his commitment to see the youth grow and flourish.

On the water

Sunday evening, we showed a video on the Sea of Galilee.  The teaching helped me to see how Jesus watches over us even when we’re struggling or in turmoil.  While it’s not the same, we took a trip out on the ocean while away, and it was breath-taking.

Back in the saddle

I spoke to the congregation about the importance of hearing the voice of our shepherd, Jesus.  It was a fun time of comparing the picture of Psalm 23 with Ezekiel 34.  

In the end, we’re all just sheep, trusting our “Good Shepherd.”

Young people

It is with great joy that we see young people take on the challenge of something new.  This young lady, 14 years old, accepted the challenge to lead worship after having played with the team for about a year.  God never ceases to amaze us!

Back Again

We got back in the afternoon and are grateful to some co-workers who picked us up and drove us home with all our baggage.  The week started slow and picked up its pace quickly.  I’m glad to be back.  When asked, “Why do you want to return to Mexico?”  I made out a list as long as my arm of reasons my heart and work are in Mexico.

But this cross-cultural depiction of the "Last Supper" makes it all real.

A taste of Europe

Taking a short break to see something new, we spent a day to go up and see this Danish village that was filled with lots of quaint shops and delicious sweets.  It was hard to leave a shop empty handed.

Discovery

Part of our time away was spent looking for a place for our youngest to study come next Fall.  We ventured from the Northwest all the way to the Canadian border.  The places we visited were both friendly and worth considering.

Home away from Home

Thanks so much Sue and Frank for opening the doors to a great place to stay.  We were at home and felt like “royalty.”  We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay while in the area.  God is faithful.

Time Away

With the end of summer and schools starting up again, we took a short break to visit family and to visit some churches.  

 

The congregation did a fantastic job of looking out for the weekly activities and making sure that the work went on as usual.  God is amazing!