Fall Update

The Camp at Old Mill

This fall, the camp has hosted work teams for local churches, staff retreats for nearby schools, and outreach activities for the local high school sports teams. Gateway Church in Parkesburg brought its youth group to serve at the camp for a workday recently. The students took part in many projects that benefited the camp and workdays like these help meet the physical needs of the camp, which are many. Gateway has been partnering with Old Mill for a long time, and we are grateful for the network of churches who value this ministry.

Earlier this fall, The City School, led by Head of School Joel Gaines, brought his staff for a ministerial day and a time of reflection at the camp. The City School is located in the Philadelphia area and the educators who attended experienced personal refreshment in the word, professional development, and much needed space to pray about God’s role for them as they complete this school year. It was an enjoyable time for everyone, but the highlight was seeing the joy of the staff during a time of praise and worship. Pray for these teachers as they seek to educate and strengthen the faith of a student population that faces many challenges.

This past weekend, Josh Crans, who pastors Providence Church Coatesville, led a one-day retreat for the Varsity and JV basketball teams at the camp. Once the boys were well fed, we were able to complete team building exercises and sessions where they heard from coaches and leaders about life beyond basketball and the importance of having a strong faith. Josh has been investing in the young men of Coatesville for over 20 years and the ministry through basketball has played a major role. John Allen, the coach for Coatesville and a former star player and state champion, clearly has a vision for these young men that is bigger than just what happens on the court. It will be exciting to watch these young men grow on and off the court.

Prison Ministry

We believe many of you have been going before the Lord concerning this matter because last week we received word that one-on-one meetings would be opening up. Yesterday, I had my first set of one-on-one meetings with two men that have been faithfully attending the chapels. There is much heartbreak when you listen to the testimonies and stories of loss, but there is also much cause to continue to be hopeful. The highlight of last week’s service was that one inmate has been evangelizing and holding Bible studies for those on the block who choose not to come to the chapel. His prayer was to stay strong and continue his ministry in a new prison upon his transfer in 3 weeks. While the prayer requests and situations are heart breaking, we remain steadfast in our efforts to reach the lost in Chester County Prison.

Ministry to the Coatesville Area Schools

Both Morgan and I have had the opportunity to serve the schools in this area in different ways….

In October, I (Morgan) began working for the Coatesville Area School district as an aid in a 6th grade classroom. I assist a teacher who has multiple sclerosis and needs an extra set of hands in the classroom. We have three classes of kids throughout the day for ELA instruction. This experience is such a change from the working environment that I was in for many years. Loving the kids and showing them that I am there for them is my daily goal, with some days being more difficult than others. I appreciate your prayers as I desire to show the love of God to the students and staff members.

So far my (Steve) interaction has been helping plan encouragement activities for the teachers and staff in the high school, but God has opened the door for me to be in the school at least one day a week! Pray for the same opportunities and open doors that we experienced in Ft. Lauderdale through the education team to manifest here and that we would see fruit that could only be the work of God. There are many who look forward to seeing what can be done through a genuine and Christ-centered approach.

Family updates

1. The boys are enjoying having a yard to play football! Although fall seemed to come and go quickly and we are now experiencing colder days. This morning we saw the first snow flurries of the winter season.

2. Our new home. Come visit us! There were some unforeseen challenges that we experienced after the purchasing of our home. Built in 1920, it needed some minor...and major repairs. After two months, we are feeling settled and starting to make memories in this home. We are thankful for the space and location in the city to now be hosting our weekly missional community group.

3. Titus ended his freshman football season, playing as a DC Knight. He began attending summer workouts with the team in June, showing up that first day not knowing anyone. We are so proud of how he connected with the guys and really gave his all, even though he greatly missed being a part of CCA football. We watched him mature as a young man and as a player. His school has a varsity team only and though he did not get much playing time in his preferred position, he ended the season starting in a position he had never considered and did very well in it. We are so thankful for his teammates and the coaches that welcomed him in.

4. Steve has loved serving alongside his longtime friend...and attending church in his Eagles jersey. :) Josh Crans was a best man in our wedding and is now our pastor, neighbor and partner in ministry!

5. It's been a blessing to have sweet time together with extended family. Our family has loved and supported us from afar for so many years and it's such a joy to now be living near them again.

THANK YOU for your prayers.

Here are a few praise reports from the last few months regarding the prayer requests we have shared.

Our family has settled in as well as expected and God continues to show us His purpose and our role here in the city.

One-on-one meetings for spiritual counseling are now a possibility at Chester County Prison.

Our family was able to purchase a home and the move from temporary housing to our permanent house was successful. We are feeling more settled in each day.

Missional Communities continue to be an important tool God is using to reach those in our city.

Many doors have been opened in the local HS and there are now opportunities to be at the school weekly.

God has touched the hearts of many people to become faithful supporters of the work here. We are so grateful!!

How YOU can support…

PRAY

In Philippians scripture reminds us…”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” I am convinced we are covered by a great multitude of prayer warriors.

GIVE

Over the last few months, God has provided for us in incredible ways. We are still looking for individuals, churches, or organizations to come alongside us and support our family in this new endeavor. We are still raising support for this year, but we have been blown away by those who have given sacrificially for the purpose of the gospel being proclaimed. His word IS going forth daily in many ways!

I am often reminded of Habakkuk 3:2 which says...

"Lord, I have heard of your fame;

I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.

Repeat them in our day,

in our time make them known;

in wrath remember mercy."

May the Lord revive His work in all of us so that we may glorify His name.

Grace and Peace