New Beginnings

Our family is starting to find its rhythm though many things are new and will take time to learn. It has been refreshing to be involved in hands-on ministry alongside some new faces and others who we have known for years.

There have already been two weeks of summer camp, which we affectionately call Wilderness Adventure, at the Old Mill campground. It has been the perfect situation for us to jump right in! Providence Coatesville and The Bridge Academy have planned the first few weeks of summer camp which feature overnight and day camps for youth in Coatesville. This is a huge blessing to the families because they pay very little (if anything at all) for their children to participate.

It is amazing to see the body of Christ come together as many churches in the area lend a hand and get involved. Local churches send volunteers to help cook the meals, and local youth groups are trained to be counselors alongside the Bridge Academy staff. Our three boys had the chance to help run games and work in the kitchen. The campers have chapel in the morning, activities throughout the day, and a full message each night. The nightly sessions the past few weeks were taught by Jack Crans, Josh Crans, and myself. The highlight of these weeks were students that gave their life to Christ after a powerful message by Jack. Jesus Saves!

It’s been a huge blessing to us as parents to watch our boys begin to find their way in the ministry. We knew God was calling us as a family, including calling our boys to the ministry. Though we sometimes feel resistance from them, we watch them stepping out in moments of opportunity to serve. We’ve watched Titus play flag football with the campers and have seen how the kids are drawn to him. Quincy is a quiet observer; he feels deeply and enjoys listening to the messages at chapel and in the church. We believe he will encourage others as he takes in what he sees and hears. Maxwell enjoys serving alongside his Mom-Mom in the kitchen and dining room. He is a hard worker and willing to help where needed.

Camp and city outreaches will continue all summer. There are football teams from Philadelphia who will be at Old Mill in July, as well as Calvary Chapel Philadelphia, who bring their youth group to work with the kids in Coatesville in August. Additionally, Chester County Prison is just opening up from being closed to visitation for almost 3 years. Incidents of covid in different sections of the prison have prolonged this opening. We are looking forward to regular chapels beginning soon.

As always, there is much to pray for…

Pray for Favor in Ministry - The next couple weeks will be key for making strides at Chester County Prison. The heartaches that come out of those situations directly result from the issues happening in Coatesville. Pray for access, frequent visitations, and the opportunity for consistent chapels.

Pray for Support - THANK YOU to all of you who have come alongside us financially! We are truly blessed that you would give sacrificially to support this work. God has brought forth many partners already, and we continue to ask that He would connect us with key organizations and individuals to support us in the months to come.

Pray for Permanent Housing - Our temporary housing has been a tremendous blessing! But…the search has begun! Pray for our search as we look for a permanent home that we can purchase in the next few months. God is able!

Thank you to everyone who has reached out and called, texted, messaged over social media, and sent cards and letters! We have felt blessed and encouraged by the thoughts and prayers of many. Hearing encouragement from someone new almost daily brings these verses from Galatians chapter 6 to mind.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Grace and Peace

1. Our new home church, Providence Church Coatesville

2. Quincy, Titus and Maxwell leaving Sunday evening church service

3. Titus and Mom-Mom after preparing dinner for the campers and counselors

4. Steve teaching an evening chapel during Wilderness Adventure

5. The boys and their Mom-Mom at camp

6. Maxwell on breakfast duty