Published September 11, 2017
Heritage Baptist Church, South Abington Twp., Pennsylvania
Luke
Ministry Highlights
I had a great conversation with my father in-law this month. We talked about a lot of things but most of it was about how they were doing spiritually and what we both had going on in our families. It was really exciting to hear how God has grown my in-laws over the last year or so. They have always been godly people but God has really challenged them and stretched them in their areas of ministry within the local church they attend. I loved hearing about where and how they were volunteering and the heart for people they have.
I finished up my teaching for the module I did this summer in our church about being “All In” in how we are pursuing our neighbors. I really enjoy talking about this subject with people and was really encouraged with the seeming passion to do this that the adults in the class had. It wasn’t that they were doing it super effectively at this point but they recognized their need to do it and really became passionate about setting themselves up to have gospel impact on the people around them. I was encouraged with the questions people were asking that really demonstrated their pursuit of people and their desire to see their neighbors saved.
We had a parents meeting this week for our student ministry. After I walked through our mission, strategy, schedule, etc. I had some great conversations with parents. A lot of the conversations I had with parents were very positive about how excited they were with the results Heritage Student Ministries (HSM) has been having in the lives of their students and family. I was surprised to see parents really excited for HSM to start back and it not be to get the kids out of the house but they are excited because of the growth that takes place in their students.
Key Prayer Requests
God would direct Shaelyn and I what He wants us to do next and where He wants us to do it.
Shaelyn and I would have tons of opportunities for gospel-centered conversations with our unbelieving friends. And that God would save those people (Pat, Jeff, Chris, Ken, Jackson, Roxanne, Lynette, Shannon, Dr. Davis).
God would bless the ministry at HSM this year.
Prominent Lessons
My wife and I had an opportunity this month to spend some time with an older man in our church who recently lost his wife. He has taken this loss in a really odd way. He hasn’t seemed to react much at all which has caused me to wonder what is going on in his heart and mind. We decided to spend some time with him to try and be a blessing to him. We got some Chinese food and then brought it back to our apartment to eat and play some games. It was really interesting to see this man interact. He seemed to have a really good time but it also seemed to give him an outlet to talk about what he is processing. He talked about how sad he was and how much he is struggling. He masks it really well, which is unfortunate because he doesn’t need to mask anything. I was surprised how Shaelyn and I (50 years younger than him) could play a valuable role in his life. We had some good conversations around our table and I was blown away with how God used me to speak into his life a little bit. I just assumed he wouldn’t care what I had to say because I am young and haven’t been married super long. I was very wrong.
I also had another situation with an old man going through a lot of struggles physically where I just talked to him at church and told him that we were praying for him. He and his wife got emotional that we would do that. I was shocked because I felt like, “aren’t I suppose to be doing that?” But I realized this week how much of a blessing I can be to people in a completely different stage of life than me. God is big enough to use me in the lives of all people. What a blessing that was to be reminded of that this month in multiple ways.
One Thursday this month I had a lot to do in the office and had about a 3 hour meeting scheduled for the afternoon so I wanted to be as productive as possible throughout the morning. Of course, I found out that an older woman in our church who is in a tough financial position and is divorced bought a MASSIVE cabinet thing but had no way of getting in from the house she bought it from into her second floor apartment. I felt like I should probably help her with this project but honestly didn’t really want to. I would have much rather just stayed in the office and got things done. However, I felt led to help her out so another guy and I went and got this cabinet and brought it to her house. Her staircase and door was small and I was convinced there was no way we were going to get it in there. I think this was a way I was trying to justify stopping this and heading back to the church. We decided to give it a try and through a lot of sweat and pinched hands we got it up there and in her room. This woman was super emotional and super appreciative. It was so much more than a casual thank you. She couldn’t believe that me and this other guy would take time and energy to help her with this when we aren’t in her ABF and we don’t regularly interact with her. Honestly, it was a little uncomfortable and I didn’t know what to say with how appreciative she was about this whole process. By the end of the experience, it was such a blessing for me to be a part of blessing somebody in a tough situation. While I was not super excited about doing this at all (I know I am so wicked) I was so excited that I decided to help her out anyway. I also think this has helped my ministry in the church and in her life after this. It was a win-win situation. She got a huge cabinet in her house and I felt really blessed to be a part of doing that for her.
Key Goals for the Next Month
Continue in my reading plan!
Spend some significant time with a student a week. The summer offers a lot of time to get together and build relationships. I need to do that with 1 student a week.
Pray with Shaelyn every night about our future, unbelievers we are trying to reach, and personal decisions that have to be made.
Have the school year teaching schedule planned out in detail.
Shaelyn
Ministry Highlights
I went out with a girl from the youth group, whose parents are deciding to go to another church. I had a great conversation with her about how she is doing. Checked in with her to make sure she was doing her devotions and serving at the new church, etc. We plan to get together once a month and stay connected. It was really nice to meet up with her and spend time with her.
We had our 5th grade orientation for the upcoming 5th graders. Super great night. We had walking tacos, had some worship time with them and played games. They seem to be really excited and we are looking forward to having them be apart of HSM this year.
Had a parents meeting for the youth group. Nice to get connected with the parents and allow them to see our vision for this year. Thankful they came and that they could hear everything that Luke has planned for the students. Walked them through our devotional goal this year for the students and leaders. Parents seemed to be on board with everything and are excited to see what God has planned for this year.
Key Prayer Requests
Continue to pray that my relationships with the girls and doctors at work continue to flourish. Really love all of them and would love for them to come to church with me.
Luke and my schedules start to get very busy once the school year starts, so please pray we continue to make our time together very intentional and fun!
Not sure how many students we will have at youth group this year, but we could love to see them all be regular attenders!
Prominent Lessons
I had the opportunity to get together with one of the girls from the youth group a couple weeks ago. I realized how nice it is to get together one on one and see how she is really doing. God allowed me to see how important it is to make time for the girls in the youth group. They love getting together and finding time to make it happen can be challenging, but I need to be better at it. I’ve realized ministry is so rewarding to see how God is working in the girls lives in youth group. Love seeing their growth in their relationship with God and it’s amazing the things they say at times. I want to stay connected with them and I love how they teach me things too.
Key Goals for the Next Month
Hang out with the girls in the youth group outside of church.
Look for opportunities to serve in the women’s ministry at Heritage.
Take time to ask the staff at Heritage how they are doing and talk to them.
Date night at least once a month with Luke.
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