Back in Texas!

And . . . we're back in Texas! What a trip!

The bus ride back from Colorado seemed to go by much more quickly than the drive to Colorado. I must confess, I slept for most of it. I've been "counting blessings" since I returned home. As I shared in a previous note, we had several students from Carrollton accept Christ into their hearts or recommit themselves to Him at the conference. I look forward to what God is going to do in their lives and through them as we continue the process of discipleship.

I'll keep you updated on the summer discipleship events. In the mean time, enjoy these photos from Colorado :)

Photos:

Top Row (L-R): Mike Donehey (Tenth Avenue North); Beautiful mountain scenery (courtesy of Dave Bryant); Tenth Avenue North (the band that led us in worship for the whole week, and led our hearts to the foot of the cross. One student shared that as she sang the song "Let It Go" along with the band, God worked to break the unforgiveness she had been carrying in her heart. Praise God for a Christian band that makes it a priority to glorify God and speak the truth of His Word!)

Bottom Row (L-R): Danny, Rani, Natalia, Dave, Cameron, Jevarcus (after climbing Bear Lake); Pretty picture (courtesy of Dave).

News From Colorado!

We've been here three days in Estes Park, nestled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and God has been at work! On the first night of our arrival, one of our Carrollton students accepted Christ for the first time, and three others rededicated their lives to Christ :) This set the stage for what has been a learning experience--watching God at work in the lives of students.

When Jesus told his disciples how difficult it would be for the rich man to enter heaven, they cried out in consternation, "Who then can be saved?"

I am afraid I often fall into the same error of despair when I observe high school students, listen to their stories, needs, and hurts. I am reminded of the evil forces of this world that are fighting for their souls, and I feel momentary panic: How in the world will these students ever choose Christ in the face of all these allurements?

Then comes the reassuring answer:

"With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible" (John 19:26).

Praise the Lord!!!

Please continue to pray for the conference, and specifically for the following:

Pray that the Holy Spirit would break every barrier or distraction in the lives of the students, and they would be receptive to what God is doing.

A few of the students have expressed anxiety about not being able to maintain their commitment to God once they return home to the issues they've been away from this week. Pray that God would begin to prepare Christian friends, understanding parents, supportive churches, to come alongside the students and help them in their walk with God.

Pray for God's continued protection over all the students and staff.

Thanks for being an important part of this life-changing week!

What's So Special About June?

A lot.

My mom just left after a week-long visit, and I'll be rejoining with her and my dad in New York later this month! For those of you who know how rarely I get to see my folks, you understand how excited I've been :)

A few students who have been a part of our ministry would also call this month special--they graduated from high school almost a week ago! To the glory of God, they all graduated in the top percentile of their class. One of our student-leaders, Dave, was among the graduands. He had the opportunity to share the gospel with his classmates one last time at a baccalaureate service the week before. He will be helping to lead the Student Venture summer ministry and he is eager to continue his ministry in college this fall.

One more reason this month is so special is GetAway, the incredible, life-changing conference you've been praying about alongside hundreds of Student Venture ministry partners around the world. We'll be leaving for Colorado tomorrow to join students from around the country to worship God and grow as spiritual leaders. Students will have the opportunity to attend electives that will provide the training they need to be missionaries on their campuses. They will also participate in recreation activities, quiet times, prayer, small group discussions, and, in some cases, leadership roles during the conference. Most importantly, students will have the opportunity to accept Christ into their lives for the first time!

Prayer Requests

• Please intercede on behalf of students who do not know Christ who will be attending the conference. Ask that this week will be a time of DIVINE APPOINTMENT for them.
• Pray for protection for those of us traveling on the bus, and those traveling by air; ask for safe travel to and from the conference.
• Pray that this would be a time of personal retreat for me; that I would make time to "be still" with God in this beautiful mountainous place.
• For balance, wisdom, and properly-aligned priorities for me in this busy month.

I will try to keep you posted while I am in Colorado.

"Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast. . ."

Psalm 139:7-10

Thank you for continuing to uphold me with prayer and with encouraging words. May you always experience God's abiding presence, no matter how far away you think you are from Him.