Such a blessing

I've been using amazon.com for several years now for most of my book purchases. My family realy likes that I have a wish list on amazon, because at Christmas they go to amazon.com and order a couple books off my list. I still hold the title for easiest person to shop for, because of amazon.

The team is reading through several books over this year. So far we have read: Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll, Humility and Living the Corss Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney. Before Christmas there were a few book on my list that I needed for this reading the team is doing. I also had books on the list recommended to me by John Pope, Nick Swan (pastor at Crossway Community Church), and Grandpa Graham for me to read to have a better understanding of interpreting the Bible. I began praying for God to make a way in my budget for me to get all the books, but with over 20 on the list that totaled close to $400 I did not see how that would hapen.

For Christmas family members bought books and gave me gift certificates that allowed me to get half of the books I really wanted. Then after Christmas a friend of mine offered to buy the rest of the books. To me the amazing part is I only prayed that God would find a way for me to purchase these books. I never asked anyone to help me.

Thankyou for your prayers. I now have all the books that I really wanted to get in order to prepare for the church plant. Sure there's other books on my list but what reader doesn't have a long list of books they would like.

January Prayer Letter

I really appreciate your prayers for Refuge City Church. I hope Christmas was a joyful time for you.

I really enjoyed the time I spent in Dayton over Christmas. Every time I attend a Koinos service, I get excited about being in Dayton. They are a wonderful church and big encouragers for me.

The highlight of my time in Dayton was taking some of my family members around Dayton. As we drove the streets of a city they were familiar with, they were reminded of how much that city desperately needs Jesus and people living in the city sharing and being examples of God’s love. We were outside one of the buildings, that is a possible location for Refuge City to have services, and there was a moment that I praise God for. Mom and Dad laid their hands on the building and began praying for the ministry of Refuge City. As they turned to walk around I saw in my parents’ eyes excitement and joy for how God is moving in Dayton. This helped me knowing that they are more excited about what God is doing then they are about having me around.

This weekend, January 8^th, Jeff and Lauren Bays are moving to Dayton. Jeff has been spending a lot of time preparing for the move; painting, putting carpet in, and other such things. Jeff is still searching for a job in Dayton.

John Pope will be at Cedarville University part of next week. He will be at a booth for the North American Mission Board. John will be sharing about the NAMB and Refuge City Church. We are praying that some students will express interest in being a part of Refuge City. John will also be meeting with leaders from churches in the area. Once again our friend from Koinos will be flying John in for his time in Dayton. It is so much fun and a blessing to fly with him.

There are families in Dayton and various other cities, praying about being a part of Refuge City. Please pray for them as they consider joining and moving.

Many of my family members gave me books for Christmas. These books are going to be a great help in writing Bible study material for Refuge City. These books are not easy reads so your prayers for my retention and application would be greatly appreciated as I study more about Biblical Theology and ways for studying scripture.

The realization of moving is starting to take hold. Even though I am moving back home it is not easy. I have come to love Charlotte. I love the people I work with. I love the people at my church. I love the pastors that have and continue to serve me. I love my friends and the fellowship I have had with them. Even though I am moving back home it’s like I am leaving home too. Being in Charlotte has taught me so much about believers being part of one big family. So preparing to leave Charlotte is like leaving home all over again. I know this is where God is calling me, so in joy and confidence in His call I move forward.

Philippians 3:1-11