Planting Roots in Coatesville

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After a long wait, our family was able to settle on and purchase a home! Our new home is in the City of Coatesville, on the same street as our lifelong friends and just a few blocks from Providence Church. God’s provision has always been seen in the area of housing for our family, and this time was no different, as the timing has worked out perfectly. We held off updating all of you for a few weeks because we wanted the news to be final so we could thank you for all your prayers and support. There is definitely a project list that is true for any new homeowner, but having a place to call home makes all the difference.

Regarding ministry, August and September have been busy and exciting months. Read more about how the Lord uses us to serve our new community.

Cultivating Relationships Through Prison Ministry

As many of you may have seen or heard, there has been quite a bit of excitement surrounding Chester County Prison the last few weeks as a convicted murderer escaped and had been on the loose for over a week. Praise God he was apprehended. Despite the high tension during that time and the prison staff on edge, chapel services continued, and the men were very receptive. Our team is starting to build bonds with groups we consistently see each week. Some men are progressing in their faith in Jesus and ask many questions. Pray for one-on-one meetings to be available soon as many inmates desire to meet in that format. Also, pray that the men connect to the available Christian resources upon release.

Sharpening Iron Through the Pointman Leadership Training

Since our last update, there have been two training sessions for ministry leaders in the Chester County area. Both training times were held at the Old Mill campground and taught by instructors from the Pointman Leadership Institute. Jack Crans, one of the PLI instructors, taught the first course. Morgan and I attended this training together on the key character values of Pointman and the ancient principles the leadership training is founded on.

Del Walinga and another instructor taught the second and most recent course, part of a bigger PLI Summit held at Old Mill. International leaders who are a part of Pointman have been using these principles worldwide to train church leadership, police officers, organizations, students, and many other groups. Leaders from Europe, South America, and Africa were all present at the summit, and the highlight was to hear how teaching the Pointman principles opened the door for the gospel. Pray as we integrate this leadership training into our plan for this area to pave the way for the gospel to be shared.

Serving a Neighborhood with a Block Party

In late August, The Bridge Academy held the block party of the summer! They gave out backpacks, school supplies, free food, and provided games for the kids. Providence Church and other organizations supplied many volunteers, and it was a great evening of community as hundreds came out. It was particularly fun for our family to serve together that day. The day's highlight was the huge inflatable bubble arena where all the kids wanted to play. Every time there was a strong wind gust, bubbles flew out of the inflatable and down the block as far as the eye could see. It served as a great advertisement that drew even more kids to participate, and the kids loved it!

Building Community Through Local High School Opportunities

At Calvary Chapel Ft Lauderdale, we had the privilege of serving on the education team. In Coatesville, God is giving our pastor, Josh Crans, favor with the principal at the local high school. There will be opportunities to care for teachers and witness to them, speak in professional development sessions, serve the students through leadership training, and point them back to the church. Morgan and I were already able to work on preparing gift bags and handwritten notes for each high school teacher and support staff. Our prayer is to love on and engage every teacher with the gospel this year. What a gift from God to open doors that were our passions in Ft. Lauderdale so we could continue to use our gifts for Him!

Ways YOU can pray…

• Pray for Providence Church and the launch of our missional communities this year. Strong missional communities will strengthen the body and reach our city.

• Pray for our upcoming move from temporary housing into the new house. As mentioned above, this has been a blessing, and we also want the local move to go smoothly.

• Pray for our boys as they settle into their new school (Delaware County Christian School) and their new home in Coatesville.

How YOU can support…

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 to support our family in this new endeavor. Even though we are still raising support for this year, we are grateful to those who have given sacrificially for the purpose of the gospel being proclaimed. His word will go forth!

II Corinthians 4:16-17 is an encouraging reminder for all of us…

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Grace and Peace