Diving In

It has been said that the best way to learn is by doing…

We have taken that approach with aspects of ministry we are familiar with and brand-new areas. There is always a great deal of opportunity in which to serve from the city to the campground to the prison. Although our family has only been in PA for roughly two months, it seems longer than that, and we feel increasingly settled each day.

This past month the Camp at Old Mill has been used by ODAAP (Open Door Abuse Awareness Prevention) and Calvary Chapel Philadelphia’s high school youth group. ODAAP is led by Valencia Peterson who partners with the camp to minister to six different football teams (200 players) from the city of Philadelphia. The players on these teams come from some rough areas and face challenges most of us won’t have to think about in our lifetimes. Her time with the young men brought much breakthrough and instilled confidence in them for the future.

Calvary Chapel Philly worked with kids from Coatesville in coordination with the Bridge Academy, located in the city. Seeing buses stamped with Calvary Christian Academy on the side rolling into the Camp at Old Mill parking lot was nostalgic. Many students from the Calvary youth group attend CCA Philadelphia.

Their youth leader has a heart for the Lord and watching their students (many dressed in CCA t-shirts) reminded us of the mission trips and retreats we led while in Ft. Lauderdale. Calvary Philly is one of CCGM’s longest running partners in ministry and it was refreshing to see people who were once students now serving as youth leaders.

One gigantic praise is that Chester County Prison is now open again for chapels. I had the privilege to do the first men's service in almost four years! Praise God for the opportunity to gather with the men and have them hear the word of God in a powerful way. Even more impactful to me are men like Jack Crans, Heinrich Botes, and Jim Davis (all chaplains) who labored long during Covid, serving staff and inmates in creative ways so a strong connection was not lost. Please pray for this ministry! There has been a great deal of leadership change at Chester County Prison, and favor with staff and leadership is crucial to gaining opportunity. In just a few services we have held already, the men were attentive, asked questions, and often asked for Bibles before leaving. Our prayer is to see many hearts turning to Him.

Family Update:

Morgan and I look forward to jumping in with Providence Church Coatesville as the fall season means kickoffs for student ministry and missional communities. We are excited to share and grow with those in our church family. Activities like preparing for the upcoming city backpack drive have allowed our family to serve alongside the community and ministry volunteers even more.

In July, Titus and I went on what has become our annual trip to California at the Mt. Gilead Bible Camp. For nine years I have been blessed to serve as a weekly speaker, and the last two years Titus has accompanied me on the trip. It is always neat to be together and watch God work in the hearts of young people.

As always, we covet your prayers…

Our boys begin school in a few short weeks. We are praying they can acclimate well, make friends, and flourish in their new surroundings.

We are thankful for the effective prayers of many as our permanent housing need has a very real possibility!

Many have stepped forward to support our family in this work financially and it is always humbling to experience the generosity of others. Pray that He would continue to build our base of support for His ministry.

With so much before us I often remark that “ministry never stops,” but we must remember Jeremiah 17:12 which reminds us… “A glorious throne set on high from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary.”

Jeremiah asked of the LORD, let what I see 'break' my heart....O, for a 'rightly broken heart.'

Our hearts may break for all we see, yet we have an unbroken hope in our expectation for what the Lord will do!

Grace and Peace

Steve