Providence, Hobbits, and Jamaica

"Then the prophecies of the old songs have turned out to be true, after a fashion!" said Bilbo.

"Of course!" said Gandalf. "And why should not they prove true? Surely you don't disbelieve the prophesies, because you had a hand in bringing them about yourself? You don't really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit? You are a very fine person, Mr. Baggins, and I am very fond of you; but you are only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!"

J.R.R. Tolkein, The Hobbit or There and Back Again (HarperCollins e-books).

It is easy to think of the details of our days as a series of disconnected and random events. As Kirsten and I are in the daily grind, we sometimes feels like we are just spinning wheels because we do not see how our role is helping the larger picture. When we think this way we are, in fact, missing the forest for the trees. However, God used Tolkein and story to help me realize that God is weaving a wonderful, beautiful tapestry that will tell of His justice, grace, and, of course, providence. The reason people love a great novel or film is because it takes seemingly disconnected events and brings them together in a way that points to one message. This is providence on display. God does not use fiction like we do, he uses life and lives to accomplish this!

God has placed us here, at this time and is using us here as He sees fit to fulfill His plan. It pleases God to use men to fulfill His purposes. It is easy to lose our grounding and become distracted to think we are only a "little fellow in a wide world." However, let us find our footing and realize something much bigger than us is going on! Soli Deo Gloria!

News, Photos, and Prayer Requests

The past couple weeks have been busy ones (Click here to see some of the pictures). A friend of ours from Ocean City came with Kirsten (when Spirit Airlines pilots decided to start flying again) to visit and see what exactly it is that we are doing here. We had a great time with Mary and tried to show her as much of the area and ministry as possible (although the rain hindered quite a bit). The day Mary left to go back to the states, a small group from Virginia arrived to help move in Kerri-Ann and her son, TK, to live in Buff Bay and join the ministry full time. Please pray for this partnership as we are still arriving at each others' roles and discovering how God will blend our skills to be most effective for His purpose in Buff Bay.

Camps (both children and youth) are also quickly approaching. Kirsten and I are playing major roles in the carrying out of these camps. We have heard a lot about camps from both the kids and youth as "camp" is the main event for the year; everyone wants to be a part of it. Kirsten and I were not campers in our years past and are feeling our way through the planning of the camps. We are not alone in the planning committee, which is great, but there is much to do before we are ready to hit the bunks! Please pray for us as we are in charge of the teaching and "spiritual" elements of both camps. Pray with us that we approach the camps with an attitude that the children are not too young to have their lives saved and changed forever by Jesus! Pray with us that these children and youth do not just have a great week at camp but are brought into the Kingdom and that from this week the Church of Christ may gain life-long disciples!

Some other prayer requests:
- We will continue to learn and grow in our understanding of Jamaican culture and how best to minister to the people of Buff Bay.
- We thank God that many in the church see us as people they can come to with various issues of their lives. Please pray that we will give godly wisdom and guidance seasoned by His grace.
- Continue to pray for the summer ministries as July is already flying by!
- Pray that we will be like Mary before we are like Martha (Luke 10:38:42). There is much to be done, and it is easy to get distracted with the tasks of the day without sitting first before Jesus' feet and being strengthened by His love and grace.

Grace and peace to you.