The month of September was very blessed for us. There are lots of exciting things happening. First, we launched our (new to us) children's ministry program, Awana. Second, we're finally getting to serve teens in our community. Third, we started a new sermon series. And last, but not least, we went on vacation! More on all this below. Read on...
First things first... the kids!
According to their website, Awana helps churches and parents work together to develop spiritually strong children and youth who faithfully follow Jesus Christ. Their programs offer a proven approach for evangelizing and discipling kids in the church and community. After a few weeks of leadership training, we finally opened our doors to weekly children's ministry with the Awana curriculum. (Yahoo!! This is an answer to prayer.)
Now, just a few weeks in, we are already witnessing the positive impact this program is having on the kids in our community. Our small children's ministry is quickly growing and it's blessing us a ton! Here's a video glimpse into what's happening around here...
(If you're having trouble viewing the video, click here)
We are SO grateful for your support. Your partnership has made it possible for us to be here and serve these kids. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! We pray that you are encouraged by the impact of God's presence here in Richmond. Please continue to pray for the spiritual growth of each little heart taking part in this program, and for our leaders.
Serving Richmond High
The pastoral team at our church has fostered a wonderful relationship with the football coach of Richmond High. After inquiring about how our church could serve their teens, team meals became a weekly gathering in our Fellowship Hall. Along with this, the pastors have been able to bring a word of encouragement from the Word for the boys at every meal! It's so cool. (Look at God opening doors to bring the gospel to the public school!) Here are some fun pics of the team eating, and the volunteers in the kitchen.
A New Series
One thing we love about the teaching at our church is that it's always gospel centered and Jesus focused. I (Monique) have been so encouraged by every series (and not just because my hubby is a pastor ;)). But this one has been especially helpful in offering insight regarding the heart of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. We'd like to invite you to join us online. You can download (for FREE) any of our sermons by clicking here.
Vacationing in Wyoming!
Lastly, we just returned from a restful vacation in Jackson Hole. Some family friends graciously offered us their guest house as a retreat, so curtis and I packed up the car and headed out. We were refreshed and able to seek God for continued direction in ministry. We're thankful for all that He is stirring in our hearts! Here are some fun pics of what we saw while we were away.
We witnessed three guys base jump from this bridge. CRAZY! This picture doesn't do the size of this bridge justice. They looked TINY as they fell from the top.
Twin Falls. It was beautiful!
Our friends let us try their four wheeler. We went for a ride on the dirt road next to their property.
This stream was walking distance from where we stayed. It was a perfect place to pray.
Chillin in front of the guest cottage. It was beautiful inside (like Pottery Barn meets the great outdoors), but I forgot to take pics. Sowwy :(.
The view from the guest cottage. Gorgeous!
This was pretty much the back yard. AMAZING. Just makes you wanna worship God. The peace and quiet out there was heavenly!
We arrived just in time to watch the leaves turn.
Curtis and I got to feed the horses. We tried to act all cool about it but, let's be honest, they were big and we were scared. Haha. But it was cool nonetheless.
Well, that about sums it up. It was a great vacation, filled with rest, horses, special moments with God and precious friends. Now that we're all refreshed, we're ready to continue the work at hand.
