Planting Seeds and Picking Fruit

It is so exciting to see God at work here in the Dells!!! For months (years, even!) many have been dreaming, hoping and praying for this STP to come together. One of the things that excited me the most when I first heard of this opportunity was the possibility to reach many nations from this one little town in the middle of WI. Already students and staff have been able to share the Gospel with people from the Ukraine, Russia, China, Columbia and more! Two women from Asia prayed to accept Christ yesterday and one man from Russia just this morning! Two other women from UW-Madison indicated they desired a relationship with God after hearing of His love for them. Hubby got to share the Bridge along with another staff guy, with one of these gals on Tuesday when our entire program went to Madison for a day of training and initiative evangelism. Please be praying for the three new believers and the other two who may or may not still be "on the fence"! I was just praying through Colossians 1:9:10 (as I was attempting to memorize it) this morning for them. Won't you join me in prayer right now for them?

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,"

So far I personally have not had (or taken?) the opportunity to go out and share with our students; but I hope to soon! In many ways I feel like being a mom has taken me off of the "front lines" of the battle. I'm still in the army, just farther back in the lineup. This is true in some ways and not in others (see Ministry from my couch entry). Either way I'm learning to be content no matter my position, knowing that we all play a part.

Pictured above: Two lovely ladies that I have the pleasure of spending extra time with (AKA discipling) this summer. We are taking in the Memorial Day Parade with three rowdy little boys who loved the firetrucks but were disappointed that no candy was handed out!.

This morning I sat in our van with one of these ladies talking about life, God and praying together. She had to meet me at the dentist instead of a coffee shop b/c apparently Thing 1 is growing in teeth faster than he is losing them. That is just how discipleship and motherhood goes sometimes! Anyways we were having a QT together and the devotional (that a dear friend and mentor had just given me) seemed to be written just for her today. I love it when that happens. I listened to her dreams and challenges for the summer. I shared with her some of the blessings and challenges of being a mom at an STP. Later she texted me some verses from 1 Cor. 12 about all the members of the body being arranged by God and even the weaker parts are indispensable. This is an encouraging reminder that even though my heart is there to be spreading the seeds and picking fruit, my supportive role in helping these things happens is just as important. We all play a part. Your prayers and partnership are vital as well and we so appreciate you! Thanks you!!!