Summer 2017

And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour. (2 Chronicles 13:3)

Perhaps the lowest point in the history of the nation of Israel was when the divided kingdom was at war with each other. In this passage, we see that Abijah and the army of Judah was outnumbered two to one against Israel. However, Abijah called on the Lord for help in the midst of seemingly insurmountable odds. In verse 18 we read, "Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers."

Ministry News

In early July we held our first Art Camp for the teens, in part to give them a special week like VBS. During Art Camp, they could choose two activities, painting a mural for VBS with Nicki, cake decorating with Kim and Ruth, and building a wooden bench with Dave and Luke. We were delighted to have the Kerr family visit with the Warners and help us out that week. The addition of Art Camp has made it possible for some teens to serve as helpers during VBS where they would have been participants in the past.

Celeste’s Summer Ministry

In June, Celeste had the privilege of spending three weeks in Perugia, Italy working with BMM missionaries, Fred and Rachel Whitman. She was a great help in the nursery during the week of VBS. She was also able to help Mr. Whitman prepare materials for translation as well as serve by painting for some of the members of the church. Celeste made several new friends, and she is planning to study Italian during her senior year of high school this fall.

Parents, we encourage you to explore short-term ministry opportunities with your teens. We are available to help. Please contact us or the BMM church relations department.

Hailstorm

On the afternoon of June 29, our area experienced one of the worst hailstorms in recent history. Hundreds of homes had damage to roofs, windows, and porches by the golf-ball-sized hail. Likewise, countless cars were damaged as well, many with broken or shattered windshields and/or rear windows. Minutes before the storm, our girls had been out on a walk with the dog in the city center. Our roof had nearly 100 broken tiles that Dave was able to replace himself. Our car was also badly dented, but thankfully insurance is going to cover both losses.

Have a safe and productive summer for the Lord!

Dave, Ruth, Celeste, and Amber

VBS Week has arrived

Our guests, the Mackeys, have arrived ready to help our team with VBS, which begins on Tuesday, July 18. The Sunday before, they will be part of our children’s program and worship service. Then in the evening, Mrs. Mackey, and the ladies on our team will be hosting a ladies’ tea at the church. The teen girls have been encouraged to invite their moms and grandmas to come. This past Thursday during youth group, the girls made invitations to take home. Pray for a good turnout and that the Bible lesson and the activities that have been prepared will be well received.