Spring into May Ministry!
Dear Friends,
We welcome these Spring Days when the warmth of sunny days returns! Having spent the past two and a half weeks in Nevada and California, we are reminded of the beautiful flowers that come in the Spring! Our favorite was those tiny jasmine flowers that fill the air with a sweet smell.
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.”
Matthew 12:27
The Month of May has been busy!
It started with preparing for the Nevada and California trip we just completed, looking forward to the significant needs and plans for our Japan and Thailand trip, and planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest in June.
Mission Trip Yard Sales
Yup! We had two yard sales in early May to raise funds for Japan and Thailand. We are thankful to our family for donating items, and every little bit made a difference!
Las Vegas, Nevada Ministry Meetings
The Las Vegas Valley area is home to 2.33 million people! Let that sink in for a moment. It's a big place! We learned that everything is 30 minutes away! We were beyond blessed to have several meetings with churches and their Children’s Ministry Leaders in the Las Vegas Valley area. We met with Fervent Church(CC), Awaken Church(CC), Shadow Hills Baptist Church, and good friends Tim and Gayle Cardascia. We look forward to serving the church and Children’s Ministry Teams in Las Vegas next year!
California Friends
We were blessed to have time over the past few weeks to stay with friends and visit friends in California. We are so thankful to Ron and Karen Wade for hosting us for a few days and taking us on an adventure to the San Diego Safari Park, just a short drive from their home! We also got to spend time with our friend Sherry, and she surprised us with a fun afternoon! Toward the end of our trip, we were blessed to spend time with our sweet friends and Tabitha’s California parents from her Bible College days, Russ and Diane Cruzan.
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Calvary Vista, Vista, California
When we think of a church that has come alongside us since day one, there are just a few, and Calvary Vista is at the top of the list! We were humbled and grateful to be back at Calvary Vista to teach the Children’s Ministry team for an Appreciation lunch and training. This is the third time we have been invited to teach. We are thankful for the friendship and ministry of Cathy and Sheri! They love the children and impact lives for eternity, building relationships that will last a lifetime. We had about 30 servants take their Sunday to spend it together and grow in their gifting.
Calvary Oceanside, Oceanside, California
We were so excited to serve and teach the Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry at Calvary Oceanside! Three years ago, we were there and taught the Children’s Ministry team, and we were excited to be back this year! They know we love coffee, and we kicked off the weekend with a meeting and fellowship time at a new coffee shop with the leaders/staff over the Kids and Junior High team. On Saturday, about 30 servants joined us for a full day of classes. We hit on some big subjects, Biblical Counseling, Gender Issues facing our Children, and Leaders and Helpers. Pray that the Lord will use these servants to reach and disciple this next generation! We love that these leaders are working together, as the transition between kids and junior high is a challenging season for so many students. God is using them mightily! Thank you, Mirian, Emily, Journey, Emma, and Mario!
Making California Connections
While in California, we spent several days making connections and attending church meetings. Pray that the Lord will use that time and favor with those we connected with. We trust His timing and the doors He will open.
Japan and Thailand Update
Thank you to everyone who has come alongside in support and prayer for the Mission Trip to Japan and Thailand. We are approaching our fundraising goal with just two months left to prepare. We will be in the two countries for 8 ½ weeks, August 3rd to October 1st. Here is the basic run down of ministry during that time: We will be teaching in Northern Japan, CC Ishinomaki, VBS and Training, Teaching at a Conference on Okinawa, at CC Ginowan, Teaching in Tokyo at Tokyo Baptist Children’s Ministry Retreat, and teaching VBS and Classes at the CC Asia Pastor’s and Leaders Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We will serve the church throughout the time, coming alongside missionaries, pastors, wives, and leaders.
Japan and Thailand: Needs & Prayer requests:
- We ask for your prayers as we connect with ministry leaders and coordinate plans and preparations.
- We need to raise approximately $3,000 more for Japan and Thailand. Please consider helping us meet this goal.
- Please pray for our health, strength, and safety. We will be gone for a long time and have many flights!
- Pray for unity and preparation with the two mission teams we will serve with: the Calvary Creekside team in Ishinomaki, Japan, and the Calvary South team in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Upcoming Ministry:
June 8th - Sharing about Edify KidMin at Westcliff Bible Church
June 17th - Fly to Washington State and help prepare VBS at Calvary Creekside.
June 23rd-25th - Creekside VBS
June 27th-29th - Children’s Ministry Training - Calvary Chapel San Juan
June - Meet with Canadian Pastors
