Happy summer, everyone! We hope you’re doing well and encouraged in the Lord Jesus. We want to update you on what’s happening and what’s coming – and ask for your prayers.
Kitchen
After five months of repair and remodel, our kitchen is functioning again! Over the next few weeks, we will finish last details of all areas of our house affected by the “Flood of ‘26”, including our basement. Rena and I took a break to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday with family by enjoying the Bay City fireworks (arguably the best show in Michigan) and exploring Mackinac Island (including the fudge shops). We both said, “Ahh! Our summer has started!” Thank you for your prayers and encouragement along the way.
Camp
Gull Lake Camp invited us again to be mission representatives during one week of their family camp. Our week will be July 25-31. We really enjoyed our first venture as mission reps at Gull Lake in 2024 – presenting PPI, meeting families from across the United States, the water, fun and food! We look forward to sharing the vision of PPI and our part in a growing, global movement of making pastors training accessible. And we pray for good fruit – not only potential partners for PPI, but also growth in passion and strategic thinking for Jesus’ mission in the world.
Conference
Ten days after our time at Gull Lake, I head to Haiti again. Our team will lead PPI Course 1 as part of Pastor Cebien Alexis’ annual pastors conference. I met Pastor Cebien five years ago. He is a godly Christian leader in his country and has planted many churches in Haiti and the Dominican Republic throughout his decades of ministry. But he and other leaders of his EBAC network recognize the pressing need for Biblical and practical ministry training. That’s where PPI comes in!
We tried to coordinate training with Pastor Cebien 3-4 years ago, but he canceled the conference because of unrest in his area. This year, the Lord has cleared the way for us to offer Course 1 during the EBAC conference. While in northern Haiti, we will also offer Course 2 at our usual host church in that area. Please pray for these courses in August!
One summer many years ago, I had the opportunity to hear noted Dutch theologian, Willem VanGemeren, speak in Jackson, Mississippi. I’ll never forget one lecture, in which he talked about the “sacred center” of our lives. Since we belong to God – body, soul and spirit – every moment, every relationship, every event of our lives is sacred. God is involved and is working out His good purposes in us and through us.
Time working on (and working through) a flooded house is sacred. Spending time with families at a Christian camp is an act of worship to our Father in Heaven. Welcoming, loving and equipping church leaders in northern Haiti are offerings of thanksgiving to the One sent to our messed up world to rescue us. Every moment of YOUR summer is holy to the Lord. We pray you have opportunities to invest it for Him and in others as your sacrifice of praise.
Leave a Reply