Summer in Texas

Hot!!!

That is the word that best describes summer in Texas.

But we're having our fun and staying hydrated. I hope you all had a good July Fourth weekend. I had a packed weekend, myself, complete with an Oklahoma-style celebration and three fireworks displays. The picture on the right shows me with my friend, Jillian, whose family hosted me for a July 4th neighborhood potluck in Oklahoma. Jillian and I were 3rd runners up for the annual games (think sack races, three-legged races, and crab-walks). I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but our trophy has a sheep at its apex. Hey, it's Oklahoma :)

We have had a few weeks of our summer ministry, Summer Venture, and it has been exciting to meet new students and to watch student leaders grow as they participate in ministry this summer. Every Monday, we have an outreach (planned largely by students) at which students get to have fun with one another and hear the gospel presented by one of their peers. Last Monday, I participated in a game of Capture the Flag with about 40 students, and two days later, as I shuffled around on sore limbs, the phrase, "suffering for Christ" took on new meaning :) Actually, it was not that bad. The picture on the left shows Cameron, a senior, sharing the gospel at the last Monday outreach.

The picture next to it shows "Team Yellow" getting ready for a game of "Capture the Flag."

Praise!


I'm thankful that I was able to visit with my parents in the last week of June. I enjoyed being "spoiled" by them. The picture on the left shows me with my mom (I was only able to get half of my my face in. But you know what I look like). And on the right, that's me with my dad. The good looks run in the family :)


Prayer Requests

• Pray that the summer ministry will be fruitful--that students will be trained in being missionaries to their peers, that many would come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, and that we would disciple these students toward a life-long commitment to God.
• As we look ahead to a new school year, pray that God would grant us wisdom in selecting and discipling student leaders who will be ambassadors for Christ on their campuses next year.
• Pray for God to equip me with all the skills, knowledge, and grace I need to accomplish the task He has called me to do as I prepare to begin a new year of ministry.

SPECIAL UPDATE

In 2007, I joined the mission field with Student Venture, first as a volunteer, then as an intern once I had raised sufficient financial support. August 15th will mark the end of my year-long internship, which you committed to support through prayer, monthly pledges, or one-time contributions. Thank you very much for your encouragement and support. In the year since we have partnered together in ministry, God’s name has been glorified and His Kingdom advanced among high school students in Carrollton, Texas and environs.

As we came to the end of this past school year, I thought about what God had accomplished through the ministry. Reflecting on these victories, I realized how thrilled I was to have been a part of it, and how much I want to continue to be a part of God’s work at Newman Smith High School and in Carrollton. I have been invited to continue in ministry with Student Venture for one more school year, and after seeking God’s face in prayer, I am convinced that this is the direction He would have me take at this time.

I would like to invite you to stay onboard with me by continuing to pray for the ministry and by continuing to give monthly and/or one-time financial gifts as I minister to high school students in the 2008/2009 school year. You can also help me by giving me references for your friends, relatives, or acquaintances who may be interested in supporting me as an intern with Student venture. Thank you again for joining me to make disciples for Christ!