Dear pray-ers,
Thank-you so much for all of your prayers this month, God has again been faithful in answering those prayers. I am 6 weeks into coordinating and teaching Sunday School, Confirmation, Youth Group and Parents of Teens, various events (trip to the lake, bowling, movie night) and mission opportunities (service weekend in Springfield, TN and visiting a local assisted living facility). Needless to say - with papers on early church history, martyrdom, monasticism, the Reformation as well as formulating lesson plans for peer critique - it has been busy month. God however has continued to bless me both academically and in ministry.
I’m grateful to all my mentors and friends, for the endless amount of encouragement and advice they have given me. I have been just over 2 years since I moved here, for the first time, in 2008 and God needs to be praised for the relationships that he has allowed me to build both inside church and outside, and the joy that those people have brought to my life. Thank-you God for Mack, Regina, Lindsey, Maral, Lesleigh, Karol, Anthony and Jacob in particular!
I’m falling in love with what I believe to be God’s call to ministry in my life, and I realize that it’s early days, but I sense a growing compassion, love and care for imperfect people (including, for myself) – and that’s a God-thing! I’m excited about what the future brings as my heart breaks for those who are hurting right now, whether out in the open or in private.
As I plan for the next 14 months (until the expiration of my visa) both in university and at Trinity Church, I want to acknowledge God’s strength amidst my weakness and God’s ability and desire to transform apathy into affection, and insignificant things into highly significant things. Pray for the teenagers and their families at Trinity Church, may they know that they are loved. May they be inspired to break out of the pressure and routine of daily life and tap-into the greatest that God has for their lives and family.
Pray for Brentwood UMC as they search for a new Senior Pastor. Pray for Mack and all the other staff members in the campus church in Spring Hill as we search for a 7-day venue for church and community activities and meetings.
Thank-you,
Grace and peace,
Emma
