We trust you and yours had a rich week last week reflecting on the cross of our Savior and on the empty tomb. He is Risen! We were in Duluth on Resurrection Sunday, and enjoyed worshiping with our church family at Mt of Olives Baptist. On Sunday, the two of us got up early and headed out into the woods behind Ch@d's parents' house for a little Easter sunrise service of our own. We also enjoyed a rich time with friends celebrating a Christ-centered Passover Meal on the Thursday before Easter. There's no time like the present to begin some new family traditions of our own.
To those of you who prayed for our time in Florida - thank you! We had a restful and enjoyable time of camping (in tents) on Cayo Costa Island. We managed to avoid being eaten by alligators, though we did see a snake, and swim in the ocean with dolphins and a large stingray.
Our time at PI's Candidate Orientation Program, while a little less on the restful side, was also very good. We are glad to report that Ch@rity is now an official bona fide member of PI. While at PI, we were, among other things, interviewed by a candidate committee, and by a counselor. We are grateful to our God for the encouragement, confirmation, and blessing we received from those that we met with at the PI mobilization base. Ch@rity was especially blessed by our time with Dr. Wickstrom (the counselor with whom we met) as they both are MKs who spent many of their growing up years in a boarding school situation.
As we have mentioned, PI requires their members to have 30 credit hours of Bible. Many of you prayed that Ch@rity's informal and formal education and subsequent teaching of Bible would meet this requirement in part or in full. Praise the LORD with us that our candidate committee graciously waived the full 30 credit hours!
This weekend we are "on the road again." This time for Kenosha, WI and Chicago. We will be sharing our about our vision, ministry and calling among the Weavers to the people of CrossWay Community Church in Kenosha, and meeting with friends and supporters there, before attending the Gospel Coalition Conference in Chicago. We are also thankful for the privilege and joy we will have of spending a day and a half with our dear friend and Area Leader Steve P. in Rockford, IL.
Even today we were reminded of our "home" in River City. This morning, Ch@d received a phone call from one of his friends in the L-pura neighborhood. Please pray that even during our season in the States God will be working in the hearts of those who have heard the gospel in the L-pura neighborhood. This morning Ch@rity had an opportunity to share the gospel with some M. people here in Minneapolis. May God use us for His purposes wherever He has us!
Please pray that our Father would .....
1. .... enable us to make the most of every opportunity we have here in the States, to be used of him for his purposes.
2. .... fill us with deep joy in Christ alone as we worship and sit under rich teaching at The Gospel Coalition Conference in Chicago, and as we enjoy fellowship with friends in Kenosha and Rockford.
3. .... raise up a strong team to join us in the work he is doing among the Weavers: some who will stay and pray, and others who would come ("go") and join us in River City.
4. .... for our final month in Minneapolis to be a rich time of goodbyes for Ch@rity as we look forward to moving to Duluth.
leaning on His grace,
Ch@d & Ch@rity
PS - Some photos for you...
At the PI Candidate Orientation Program with some new friends (fellow candidates / appointees)
We enjoyed our time on Cayo Costa with the A. family (Ch@rity's sister Mercy, her husband Walt, and their kids Bliss & Thomas):
Enjoying a sunset on Cayo Costa Island:
