Gearing Up

We are in the midst of gearing up for the school year and a full slate ministry. Because of this we could really use some extra prayers. Chris leaves on Friday for the European Catholic Youth Conference. He is taking 15 students and chaperons on this trip. Next week, we will have the fall kickoff for "the Mug" Coffee house and our weekly discipleship group called H2O. Over Labor Day weekend, we will be taking 25 middle schoolers to Poland for an Outreach/Service Project. And if all of this was not enough, Chris is also volunteering to work with the High School Football team. This is a great way for him to invest in many of the young men at the high school, day in and day out. Today, he is meeting with the new High School principal to determine Club Beyonds involvement in the school.

We are really excited about all of the great new volunteers God has brought to this ministry. They are energetic and serious about loving teens. God is doing some amazing things in the community of Hohenfels, but this does not come without skepticism and critics. Please pray for those opposed to this ministry at Hohenfels. We have recently received some negative feedback, originating with individuals we thought to be our friends. This is hard, but it is God's battle, and is in His hands. God has truly opened up many doors of opportunity for ministry on a daily basis. We are following His lead through those doors. Please pray!

As a family, we are working to develop balance in our schedules and continue progress on our degrees. Life is definitely more busy for us in this stage of our life. We look at Hunter and desire to grow our family, so that is also a current prayer request...God's timing! Hunter is becoming Mr. Personality and funny and active. He is into the old "Herbie the Love Bug" movies from Disney; his Nana and Pops (Chris' parents) bought him the collection for his birthday. He even talks to and hugs our cars. He will run outside to give Mommy's Car a kiss at night. We think he believes the car is going to let him drive soon!

(Hunter pictured above with his new found friend, a Mini-Cooper; which belongs to one of our military friends)

Welcome and Goodbye

This last week Chris and I attended MCYM Europe's Welcome/Goodbye Conference. We spent time, at the Sharon-Haus in Wildberg, Germany (3 hours from us) with missionary families from other Post's across Europe. It was amazing to come together as a big group. It really was like a family reunion. For some this was only the beginning of their time on the mission field, and for others this was the closure of this journey. The week consisted of several emotional Goodbyes and the joining together of new friendships. As a newcomer this year, it was a blessing to see firsthand the impact of those who were leaving.

This conference really taught me something about the Body of Christ and especially about UNITY. Within the church, I think we have forgotten the meaning of this word. There is such power when people come together and join forces. As the Body of Christ, we are in the business of loving and service people...all people...from fellow brothers and sisters to strangers and even our enemies. I don't think this is always and easy task, but it is what God requires of us. I believe one of the best ways we can show love to those in "the world" is to have a united body of believers. Why would non-Christians want to be apart of something that tears others down, rips apart families and divides communities. Christians need to show Christ love to the world in a REAL way. "From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:16) I believe unity touches on the very heart of our Father God.

We were blessed to have my (Meaghan's) Mom and Dad here to watch Hunter, as we went to the conference. Hunter had a great time with Oma and Bopa. He has become a talking machine and recorder...he repeats much of what we say, which can be funny or bad. God is using him to keep my speech in check. Hunter has grown accustom to having visitors with us all the time. As the summer slows down, please pray that he is not bored with only Mommy, day in and day out. It is exciting to watch him grow and develop into a growing boy.