Followers of... THE WAY

SUMMER CAMP 2008

What an awesome 2 weeks of camp ministry this July. Over 180 teens from the East Michigan District(# for both weeks combined) attended either Junior or Senior High Camp at the end of July: I would love to list all the highlights from the week, but there are just so many. It was awesome to see the next generation so truly touched by the Holy Spirit these last few week, and as I told the teens, let's keep the momentum up! God wants to do some great things.

Through prayer walks, worship, and the message as delivered by Ed Shigley (Sr. High) and Kyle Brown (Jr. High) it was very evident that our teens were blessed by God these last two weeks. If you are a parent to a Sr. Higher you may have seen them walking around with a chain-link (perhaps attached to a necklace, etc..) This symbolized how we are all a link in God's chain and we need to be ready to do his will. this same concept was lived out also at Junior High Camp where they were challenged to take a step of faith, and they did. This was a very emotional time for many of them in that some have never thought of living their faith out in this way! But now their eyes have been opened to what God has planned for them.

A highlight from the week is watching one of my 9th graders recieve a call into ministry to be a pastor while at camp, just a smany recommitted their lives to Christ! Indeed, God is really moving. As I mentioned on Sunday, now parents the charge is yours. Continue building into your kids. Become their biggest cheerleader for Christ. They need to know you are praying for them, and that you are trusting God. God smiles when we completely trust him. Don't let what has become in our teens at Children's and teen camp go by the wayside as school begins anew and preparation for sports begin. Put all of your trust in him, and truly guide the next generation of leaders that we are raising up. Romans 15:13 states: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as your trust in him". Don't just read it, but live it!!!!!

As you think about our children and our teens, remember the early Christians were not called Christians, they were called FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY. I just think that is so cool, and really tells us what the church of Acts Chapter 2 was about, this is the kind of thinking we want to pass on to future generations!

As I lead a group of our teens to go to Metamaros Mexico next week (Aug 2-8) please keep us all in prayer, and you better believe there will be more God-sightings to follow as our teens are growing and changing for Christ!

May God Bless your week and Heaven Smile on you

Pastor Jason

PJ and the Cheese Pie! (yuck)

Summer Blessings

Hey all,
Well what a wonderful time of year this is. As summer is in full effect (and my birthday approaching, July 19th:) It is always good to take some time of introspection. Upon returning from Family camp (and what a wonderful time that was). At lunch Shelly informed me that my sister had given her a video of my mom (Pamela) at a summer party before she passed away. I had not seen this video since it was taped in the summer of 2000. We prayed about it and sat down to watch.
What a wonderful thing to share together. It wasn't as hard to watch as I thought. As I looked on my mom's face there was a peace about her (the video occurred about 10 months before she died, and 2 months after accepting Jesus as her savior). It had been so long since I had seen her face, talking, etc.. but as the tears came I remembered how much I miss her. This was something awesome that I could share with my wife. We cried and prayed together the entire evening.
As I write this I think of the sadness, as we all do, but I also think of the celebration of her life and how one of my goals aside from seeing my savior is to see her again. I don't know what the summertime will bring for all of you. Whether it by vacations, mission trips, or just (as my teens like to say it) "sitting around" at home. Whatever it may be, enjoy good times with family and friends, and never forget how much of a blessing we can be to one another!

Praise: On June 29th I became an Uncle. My sister India had her baby! His name is Rodney James (RJ for short) and he weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces. Mom and child are doing great. Thanks be to God, and thank you all who have been praying for her!

May God Bless you this week and Heaven Smile on you!
Pastor Jason