Equipping Families to be Strong in the Lord
I heard Him say “Come, follow” — that was all.
My gold grew dim, my soul went after Him.
I rose and followed — that was all.
Who would not follow, if they heard His call?-“Guide to Christian Growth,” Emmaus Correspondance School
(William MacDonald, Cyril H. Brooks)
Photo: Abby Kramer
Our friends, Mirren and Taryn Martin, are running a retreat at the end of July. Sarah and I and some other Bright Lights leaders are planning to be there and I am SURE that it will be a very spiritually rich and encouraging time. This has been on their heart for a long time, and one of their desires is to give single ladies vision and enthusiasm for ministry.
This is their description of the conference:
“Our prayer is that you will leave this retreat encouraged, challenged, and more spiritually fulfilled in your specific season of singleness, as well as inspired with new ways to serve Jesus Christ. Whether you are in a “dry” season and feel discouraged or depressed, or in a season of acceptance and joy, the purpose of this retreat is to provide teaching and fellowship that will bless your heart, leaving you more conformed to Jesus Christ and more excited about His plan for your life (Jer. 29:11).”
If you know any single ladies who would be encouraged by this, please spread the word! See flyer with more information here.
We had a great time in Texas. Here are a few highlights.
We were blessed to be able to have a little part in a documentary that is being made for girls ages 11-16 on guarding your heart. I really enjoyed getting to know Maddie Crawford (right), who is heading up the project. John Clay Burnnet (center), the cinematographer who filmed Captivated is working with her, and her brother Jonathan (left) is helping. I am excited about their project!
We had a few free days in TX that we spent with the Martins. Here Dr. Martin is witnessing to the waiter at a restaurant. I love gleaning from the Martin’s wisdom and non-stop ministry lifestyle. Some of the highlights of our time with them for me were hearing their little miracle stories of God’s protection/provision, brainstorming about some future conference ideas, and listening to Mr. Martin read 2 Thessalonians and expound on it after meals.
We enjoyed a big meal at Lalo and Dara Gunther’s house. Lalo works for ICR and has been especially focusing his energies into expanding Your Origins Matter. After dinner, Lalo asked my dad to share a devotional. My dad shared from a study he’s been doing recently on boldness. He shared 26 major sources of boldness that God gives to His children. For example, Proverbs 28:1 says, “the righteous are bold as a lion.” Our righteousness (being cleansed in Christ and having a good conscience with men) is one of the sources that gives us lion-like boldness.
Our friends Haley and Natalie were a huge help to us at the booth at the Arlington book fair – one of the larger school conferences in the country.
Natalie and Haley, along with our friend Megan, lead a Bright Lights group in TX of about 70 girls, and we really appreciate all they’re doing to host our upcoming Bright Lights Conferences in the Dallas area this July!
Sixty-five years ago today, Israel became a nation. It is exciting to know that God has a very special plan for Israel – with great things yet to come!
“The return of Israel to her land, still in unbelief, is one of the amazing phenomena of these latter days.” – Henry Morris
“I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! … Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!” (Romans 11:1 and 12)
“For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery — so that you will not be wise in your own estimation — that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved…” (Romans 11:25-26)
“If anyone wishes to know whether or not the God of the Bible exists, one of the strongest reasons he can examine is the Jewish people. An honest inquiry into this question will provide more than an adequate answer to the truthfulness of the Christian faith … Have you ever heard of a Swedish Moabite? A Russian Philistine? A German Edomite? An American Ammonite? No! These people have been totally absorbed into other cultures and races. However, have you ever heard of a Swedish Jew? A Russian Jew? A German Jew? An American Jew? Yes! As prophesied, they have not lost their identity.
– Josh McDowell
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces. (Psalm 122:6-7)”
Well … it’s that time of year again! We are actually only doing three home school conferences this year. This week we are doing two conferences in Oklahoma and one next week in Texas. Thanks to Stephen’s ingenious idea of using labeled green bins, we are staying much more organized. [smile]
Multi-functioning box cutter
The conference in Tulsa was Tuesday and Wednesday and it went well! Lots of significant conversations with people.
We ran into our friends, the Kwon family. We first met them at a Bright Lights conference in Omaha. Since that time, Nawon, their oldest daughter (20 yrs old) has run two Purity Conferences in Korea! The Lord has given her a heart for girls in Korea and it’s so exciting to see how He has blessed her initiative!
Avery and Abby, two girls I met at the conference yesterday, are excited about doing more witnessing! They are such a great age to be sharing the gospel with people – I was so glad to see that Lord was putting that desire in their heart.
Last night we had a nice relaxing time eating dinner with the Wilsons (aka Family Man Ministries…) At our kids end of the table we were discussing things like, “So what was the most common question you got asked at your booth?”, life on the road, the adventures of breaking down with vehicle trouble, brainstorming a few future ministry ideas, etc.
Today we set up again in Oklahoma City and the conference here starts tomorrow. Please pray that there would be fruitful ministry with families here.
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13