Spring Update

Up north, it has often been said that March “comes in like a lion and out goes out like a lamb.”

Well, March held its share of frantic activities and events, but there was no greater event in March than celebrating the true Lamb of God at Easter on the very last day of the month. I guess you could say that Resurrection Sunday was a way of March going “out like a lamb.” As we celebrated Easter we were all grateful for John 1:29 which says…“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

Prison Update:

Men’s Ministry

The work, influence and favor God has provided in the prison grows stronger each week. Since the initial reopening in July, we have seen chapels return, religious counseling begin, connections with leadership deepen, and men come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

I recently sat with a man who is facing many charges and has already served over 20 years in Philadelphia and other prisons abroad. His remarks this past week were, “I have fallen in love with Jesus for the first time in my life. I used to be a worker for the enemy but now I know that I am a friend of God. Regardless of what happens to me from here I will not be the same any more.” 

Your prayers are coveted and vital in the work before us. God is returning hearts back to Himself!

Please pray for these areas regarding Chester County Prison:

-The implementation of new leaders who are consistently applying on a daily basis

-A new service for men in the work release center which will begin on Monday, April 15th

-Men who are being discipled in 1 on 1 situations to follow through with discipleship once they are released

Training Leaders Through Pointman

The Pointman Leadership Institute (PLI) Seminar was hosted at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in Modena, Coatesville on Friday, March 22. Sixty strategic public safety leaders attended the 8-hour presentation on “Inspirational, Trustworthy Leadership” which was presented by the experienced team of Nicolas Senseley and co-founder of PLI, Bob Phillips. We look forward to future seminars that train leaders serving in the most critical areas of our communities.

Ministry through Partnerships:

CCA 9th Grade Retreat 

A few weeks ago, Morgan, Titus and I traveled back to South Florida and I had the honor of speaking at Calvary Christian Academy's 9th grade retreat. The spiritual theme for this retreat is TRUST and is based on the verses from Proverbs 3:5-6.

Morgan and I were truly blessed to minister to the class of 2027 while reconnecting with our friends. Our oldest son Titus, who was a part of this class, was able to spend time with his friends as well. This year was CCA’s largest 9th grade retreat ever with well over 300 students and student leaders attending. It was great to partner with CCA again and be reminded of what intentional discipleship looks like. Throughout the 3-day experience students had fun, grew closer as a class, and many made decisions for Jesus that they shared at the final night’s campfire. The effort the administration and staff puts into seeing students grow closer to Jesus and be strengthened in their faith is amazing. CCA is truly making disciples and it felt good to join them again for this retreat. 

The last part of our trip was spent connecting with friends and attending a service at Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale, which is our sending church. It was a joy and encouragement to see so many familiar faces that have been so supportive. The friends we made in Ft. Lauderdale are like family to us and it is clear that between PA and Soflo our family will always have two places to call home.

Bridge Academy: Night of Hope

The Bridge Academy Community Center has been serving families in Coatesville for the past twenty years. Jordan Crans is the wife of Josh Crans (who pastors Providence Church Coatesville). Jordan is the executive director for the BACC. The students served through the summer programs at the Camp at Old Mill are primarily students who attend the BACC during the school year. 

Morgan’s role as a Middle School Aide connects her with many of the kids who are in Bridge Academy programs. The Bridge Academy recently had their annual Night of Hope fundraising banquet. Staff members, volunteers, and students shared the impact the BACC is having in Coatesville. We can’t wait to continue the ministry to these young people at Old Mill this summer. 

Connecting with other Churches:

We recently had the opportunity to visit two churches which have supported and encouraged our ministry:

Bible Believers Fellowship is located in Elkins Park, Philadelphia. Over the past few months God has provided multiple opportunities for me to encourage the congregation through preaching the word in their Sunday services. BBF is active in the Philadelphia community and especially engaged in the local schools nearest to them. Another church we recently visited was Calvary Chapel South Bay, located in Gardena, CA. This church has a powerful ministry to those in the city and surrounding communities. Our time there was spent examining their ministry programs, connecting with leaders, and being refreshed as a couple. We hope to learn from the way they approach city outreach and the encouragement we felt while visiting reminded us that God is at work across our nation.

Mayo Family Happenings:

(from Morgan)

As our family approaches one year of living in Pennsylvania, we are thankful for the new experiences and opportunities that we've had. The boys have now felt all four seasons! With spring comes great excitement as the weather warms and the days are getting longer with sunsets being later. There is something so special about seeing the flowers and trees coming alive again after a long winter. We are also anticipating the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation! Transitioning schools and having our kids on a campus where neither Steve nor I work has been a great act of "letting go" and trusting God. I hadn't realized how comfortable and safe it felt being on the same campus all together as a family for so many years. We have been blessed by their new school, Delaware County Christian School and have decided to re-enroll them for the '24-'25 school year. We are trusting God to provide the finances for us to continue to have our children in Christian education, something that is very important to us.

How YOU can support…

PRAY

Psalm 91 reminds us that the Lord is our refuge and fortress. It is always in Him that we must trust. We ask that you pray for all those connected to our ministry and ministry partners. There are faithful laborers at Providence Church, The Bridge Academy, The Parkesburg Point and through CCGM at the prison. Though seemingly different organizations they are connected through the desire for those in our immediate area to reach a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. There is great collaboration to be celebrated and greater opportunity ahead. Pray that we would not grow weary in well doing. 

REACH OUT

We would love to hear from you! God is doing amazing work here and we would love to give you even more details about what is happening. It is always encouraging to catch up, so don’t hesitate to message, call, write, or post.

GIVE

Looking back on 2023 was similar to examining a study in the faithfulness of God. He has been faithful and provided for our family in incredible ways. We are constantly blown away by the generosity of those who give sacrificially. As we enter a new year, we are again asking for individuals, churches, or organizations to come alongside us and support our family. He makes a way for those He calls. 

Grace and Peace