Building Community

Last week we were at the MCYM mini-conference in Heidelberg. It was a great time to fellowship with our ministry family, and build relationships; a time of encouragement and uplifting one anothers needs. A time of learning to grow personally and in ministry. We were housed with my prayer partner, Shannon and her family. God knew exactly what I needed. She is an amazing Mom and was able to speak into my life about giving Godly correction to Hunter. We really enjoy being apart of this family and serving the military in this facet.

Community is so important! I have heard it said that, "community is about relationships...relationships are about the Body...And the Body is God's chosen way to help us grow." We need each other..."when each part is working properly, it makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:16) We [as Christians] need to be able to speak to one another and help one another grow...if we as Christians don't do that, who will. I do not believe this type of community is about pointing out each others mistakes and always having issues with another person, but rather about loving beyond the hurt we may feel. I know this is something I (Meaghan) have been learning, to not take offense to every little issue; even through forgiveness, I am loving others as Christ loves me. We have been sent to Hohenfels to reach and out and build bridges in the community...to build relationships...to build His Body...and to help us and those around us grow. We are finding the less we say, the more God shows up and does what He has planned. Our youth Discipleship Bible Study is growing so rapidly. These teens are serious about deepening their walk with the Lord.

We, as a family, have settled in to a nice pace for the fall. We have a group of families in our community that pray for us weekly, and help support kids to go on Services Projects, Camp, and other outings we have. Football is over for Chris, and I am now just volunteering for one chapel service a week. Our weeks still stay pretty busy, with events 3 nights a week. Chris and I have established a date night about once a month. Pray for us as we are learning to shape Godly character in Hunter. This is a primary focus for our family. He is definitely pushing boundaries and testing limits. He makes us laugh...he makes me cry...I even get angry, once in a while. I see God using my child to shape some of my character, ouch!

Hunter is pictured above with his new friends (Shannon's 3 boys).