Summer Update
Dear Friends and Family,
The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where
it rises.
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your
name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for
ever and ever.
Psalm 145:1-2
I am writing to you now after the craziness of the summer
season. Though this has been the most challenging and difficult summer we have
ever had, God still has shown bright and done some amazing things. If nothing
else, I could say that God used this summer to really teach Chello and I what
is means to serve with grace. He has grown us so much and we are grateful that
He has allowed us to take part in His work in Veľky Krtiš.
And we also thank God continually
because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you
accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which
is indeed at work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
This summer we had a returning team from Heritage Church;
most of the people on the team came last summer so it was a great time for
continuing relationships with Slovak students. Also this year we had teahouse
every night but kind of in the young life format. So unlike years past where we
focused on building relationships throughout the week leading up to an event
where the gospel is shared, this year we shared it each night. It was a blessed
time and we are grateful for the work Heritage came to do.
From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good
things, and the work of their hands brings them reward
For our English Camps this summer we had a team from
Journey the Church in Camarillo, California. Only two people on the team had
ever been to Slovakia before and in years past they joined the team that was
putting on the camp. So, this year there was a lot more preparation needed on
our end going into camps. But I must say this team rose to the occasion. It was
such a joy and blessing working with them and they were ready and able to take
on whatever came their way; God really used them in BIG ways and again we are
so grateful.
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die
for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Though our life group is taking a break during the summer
I still meet with Erika a few times a week. This past weekend I went to her
house to watch a move and hang out. I ended up staying there until 3:30am
sitting on her balcony talking. She really opened up to me about her life and
shared some deeply personal things. We also talked about what she believes and
how she is still looking for so many answers. Often a casual hangout for us
will end up in a deeply philosophical or theological conversation. I really
believe that Erika is looking for God, but she still has some road blocks in
her mind about the Christian life and Jesus.
Right now Chello has a unique opportunity to be a light
to one of his oldest friends. Dano and Chello have been friends forever and
used to play in bands together. They also used to work together refurbishing
vans for cooling units. Right now Chello and Dano are in Zilina for 9 days
working on vans. Not only is it a big help for us financially, but they both
are in a new town, just the two of them, and are together 24/7. Chello is
really excited to have this time to be a light and share about Jesus in his
life even though he misses his family.
Rocky is still doing great. He is going to be one at the
end of the month and acts like a two year old. He is climbing on everything , crawling
into anything and going wherever he can. His sister is his best friend and he
is always in her business. He is a social butterfly, loves people and is funny
beyond words. We love our Rock.
Zoe is really coming into her own, she was so great
during camps. She is still a little bit shy but once she feels comfortable she
is a blast. She even did the morning program with me and sang into the mic. She
is a dear sweet girl. Her last check up at the cardiology hospital in BA didn’t
go so great. It seems that the stenosis in her pulmonary artery is worse than
they originally thought. They are going
to go ahead with the balloon procedure in October, but they are not sure that
will be able fix the problem. If the balloon is unsuccessful they will need to
put in a stint and because of her size and weight they will need to open her up
again. We are praying that is not the case, but we won’t know what she needs
until she is already in the operating room.
Yet, Lord my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer
and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying
in your presence.
Prayer requests
That the Lord will lead our steps and we will let Him.
Zoe’s upcoming operation in October. For wisdom for the
doctors and good results no matter the method they need to use.
We will be going on vacation with Erika and a group of
people
Thank you all once again for all your prayer and support
for our little family. We are blessed beyond measure and grateful for each and
every one of you.
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