Things are finally settling in, and we are getting unpacked. By July of 2010, we should be good to go (at least, that is how it is feeling at this point)! We were able to make some good progress this weekend, and hope the coming weekends will prove to be the same. 

It has been a blast to work with such a talented and focused leadership team this summer. Two recent events were the student mission trip to the College World Series led by JWes Crockett, our Director of Students, and Vacation Bible School led by our Director of Children's Ministry, Harriet Bennett. Both were tremendous as many individuals deepened in their relationship with the Lord, and others came into a personal relationship with Christ. While I was unable to attend the mission trip, the stories of the ways God worked in Omaha as the students and adults passed out water bottles with the plan of salvation on them were amazing. I was able to see and be part of VBS daily. Four of us attempted to provide some "comic relief" during large group: JWes, Jonathan Lock, Jonathan Wiggins, and I as surfers (JWes, JWiggins and I are pictured below as snowboarders). We really enjoyed being with the kids, and look forward to seeing what our roles will be in 2009 (although Tiffany and I will probably still be unpacking boxes at home as mentioned earlier-garage sale to come-does anyone need a 1974 toaster oven?).

Three words come to mind when considering the above: service, evangelism, and ministry. When those are lived out, placing the needs of others above our own, sharing Christ with the lost, and utilizing the gifts and talents God has given us for His glory, astounding results occur. God is lifted up, and works and moves in the lives of those involved. In other words, an excellent picture of BVBC in July of 2008. Keep striving in the week ahead.