The Wire

I have never run a marathon. But if I did, I think the last two miles would feel the way I feel now. The past several weeks have been a combination of workload and schedule changes, which have left us feeling quite bushed! However, just like on the final stretch of the 26 mile torture-trail, now is not the time to slow but to maintain and gain ground wherever possible. I was just speaking to someone the other day who ran a real marathon. He was advised to write his name on the official number all the runners wear, which he did. Then when you are running the race, the spectators can cheer you on by name! This guy told me that it was a tremendous boost to him, and he was energized by each one screaming, "Go, Will!" even when he didn't know them from Adam.

As we come to the wire with several items here, we ask that you would pray for us as we strive to finish well this phase. Here are some issues you can pray for:
1) Energy. We are currently hosting a team of high school students from Greentree Church in New Jersey. They have been doing a really nice job thus far and have been a tremendous blessing in several ways. Pray that we will have the energy to share in the work with them while maintaining our other duties.

2) School. I (Jon) am finishing up my first semester in seminary. Admittedly I am only taking one course, but papers and finals are just around the corner. I would love your prayers for me as I strive to finish the semester well.

3) Baby. We have a mover! Kirsten and the baby are doing well, which we are pleased and thankful to report. However we are preparing to make the transition from Buff Bay to Ocean City, which brings about some extra stress and jostling of logistics with doctors, etc. Please pray for Kirsten and the baby that all things continue "normally" with the pregnancy. Also pray for us as we prepare to be PARENTS as the time is coming where life will forever be different!

4) Wrapping up loose ends. As we make our way back up for a stint in the States, we ask that you pray for us that we will "finish" well and make sure that we complete our work with diligence and care. Please also pray as we make plans for the summer agenda even in our absence.

We thank you all who regularly make intercession before the Lord on our behalf. There is no doubt that you will continue to do so and for that we are grateful!

Don't Call it a Comeback...

I know that we have been slacking over the past couple weeks due to a back-breaking schedule and some traveling; for this we apologize! Here are some of the highlights from the past couple weeks.


Tires. I know this may not be so exciting for you, but it sure is for us! We had two tires go within a week, but thankfully they blew out right in front of our house, which made changing them easy, spared us any dangerous roadside blowout. Our sweet chariot is now equipped with four new shoes that can take some of the rougher terrain of Portland and look great as well.


Last week, I had the joy of attending the Gospel Coalition's national conference in Chicago. You can check out the plenary session talks here. I would certainly recommend all of them but specifically Matt Chandler, D.A. Carson, Tim Keller, and Alistair Begg. It was also a sweet time to connect with some very dear friends and Kirsten's brother, Drew. I remember my first visit to NYC as a kid, and ever since I have been in love with city life. So it was a really good time to see the hustle and bustle of Chicago, wait in the dank subway, and enjoy a variety of yummy foods! In addition to all the incredible messages delivered at the conference, I also learned a juicy fact. Chicago's nickname, "The Windy City," is a reference to long-winded politicians rather than just the weather system created by Lake Michigan!

While I was away, the Youth Fellowship was set to perform in a choir concert alongside other youth choirs in Kingston. The concert was to be part of a series of concerts to raise funds for the youth summer camp put on annually by the Fellowship of Independent Baptist Churches. However, the Friday concert was postponed, which meant our local Youth Fellowship had to scramble to put pieces in place to cover our meeting here. Thankfully, our leadership team stepped up to the plate. Damion, who has been leading the praise and worship portion of each meeting led the entire evening, even teaching the lesson. Without any hesitation and of his own initiative, Damion stepped up and taught a lesson on Romans 1:7-16, verses he had been thinking on during his personal devotions. All that to say we are seeing movement in the leadership areas. Please pray with us that the young leaders continue to grow and develop and that other leaders will be raised up from within the group. You can also be in prayer for the other concerts that are scheduled that they will be a success and that we will be able to raise a good amount of money to lower the cost of camp and enable more young people to attend.

We are now gearing up for a hectic month of services, teams, and planning. In addition, I will be finishing my seminary class, which has gone well and has been a great encouragement to me. Please be in prayer for us over this month as we continue, full steam ahead, to summer!

We apologize to the faithful who regularly check in on us for the delay... but we are now back in action!