VBX, Preaching, Birthday Celebrations

June was another FULL month for Mark and I!

Mark started off the month with the opportunity to speak at our church's Men's Breakfast. He taught on 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, being controlled by the love of Christ.

June 17-21 had us busy with VBX (Vacation Bible Experience) at our church. Mark helped lead the games -- essentially leading the kids in a variety of water games to cool them down in the middle of the program. This year our church ran VBX at full capacity. So many children were able to hear the good news of the gospel this week. It was a blessing to be a part of it and to see so many members of our church come together to use their gifts to serve the Lord! We were also able to have a great witness to the community and to many unbelieving parents. Our church hosted a family BBQ on the last night of VBX, providing dinner for the parents who stayed to participate with their children that evening. We're continuing to pray that the seeds that were planted this week will grow into genuine belief in our Lord and Savior.





On Sunday the 23rd, Mark had the great privilege of opening God's Word before our church family as he preached in both main services. He chose a passage that we've been thinking about a lot lately, 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 speaking of our reconciliation with God the Father and the ministry of reconciliation He's given to believers. We're praying that God will continue to cultivate in us hearts that are eager to share the good news with those who are lost.

Another exciting part of Sunday was the affirmation displayed by our church pastors and leadership as they laid their hands on Mark and prayed for our future ministry. It has been such a joy to be part of this church family! We are so thankful for the ways they have poured into us and encouraged us to become more like Christ.

This past week we interviewed with BGFM to finalize our application process. It really is an exciting time for us as we see the Lord continue to open the doors for us to become full time missionaries to Brazil. I've been thinking it feels a lot like graduation--or even the weeks leading up to your wedding day. There is so much anticipation in our hearts and we cannot wait to see what God is going to do!

 We also celebrated Mark's 27th birthday for several days :)
We began the birthday week with Mark's first trip to Magic Mountain to try out some roller coasters. And, we learned that I am the only one who likes that many twists and turns! We were also able to attend The Master's College Alumni Dodger game and visit with a bunch of our friends and former classmates. It was Mark's first baseball game and it was my first time enjoying a baseball game (though, I have to admit I did not watch very much of the game!). We ended the week with family and friends for a BBQ and pool party in honor of the birthday boy!

Please pray for us as we continue to wait for the decision from BGFM and work on the application to be sent out through our home church. Also, pray for Mark and I as we prepare for Youth Camp during the third week of July. Mark will be teaching the main sessions and I will be a small group leader for a few of the girls. We're looking forward to the time we get to spend with some of the teens in our church!

Tchau!