Time Flies

The first week of clubs is over. It was an exciting one. Brief summary: I taught two clubs by myself, one at an apartment complex, and another at a home of a woman who spoke little English. Then, my partner and I taught two apartment clubs together. We had a bunch of children this week and they were generally attentive and loved coming to club. Here are some pictures of these children:


"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation." 1 Peter 4:12-13

First Day

A day in the life of a Summer Club Missionary: (aka my first day)

7:30am - breakfast and time with the Lord
8:30am - morning swim in the pool out back (of our host home), and hanging out with host family Mr. and Mrs. Beeman, and my 16-year-old partner, Monica.
9:00am - shower and get ready
9:45am - drive Monica to her first club, and go to mine (10:30-11:30)
11:45am - return to host home for lunch
1:30-2:30 - my club was canceled, so Monica and I taught the next club together
3:30-4:30 - we had another club together (thus far all three of my clubs have been at apartments)
5:00pm - home for dinner
7:00-8:00pm - last club of the day, then home for the night

It has been a busy day, so far dear reader. But so far, we have had children at all the clubs, and they seem eager and attentive. My first two clubs were outside, so I have now successfully coated myself in a layer of dust and sweat :) But enough of the gross and grimy...

Monica and I arrived at our host home last night after inviting at two of the apartment clubs. As it was Father's Day, they had a special meal of grilled ribs, salad, baked potatoes, corn, and homemade blueberry pie for dessert... a little taste of heaven. Our host home is at around 4,000 ft, up on the western side of the Franklin Mts, and about 1000 ft above the rest of El Paso. So we have a lovely view, and lots of breeze. Still, the 100 degree temperatures make dehydration a constant concern. But now clouds are starting to gather, and what appears to possibly be a storm, but in El Paso, storms may last 5 minutes with little rain. I don't get my hopes up.

To conclude my little note, I would ask you, dear reader to pray for a friend of mine. She is hurting right now. She is not walking with the Lord, and is currently in a very vulnerable place for a change in heart. It is hard for me to focus on clubs when I know she is hurting and I only want to be with her. Prayers would be appreciated. And as always, for the children, that God would open their hearts and minds to His Gospel. Thank you! I hope you all are well and finding hope in the Lord.

"Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:2

the Green Mini Van and a Red Go Kart

Today, the Lord provided me with transportation for the entire summer. So basically, I've got wheels. They are in the form of a green mini-van which belongs to the wonderful Doris Dowdy. Mrs. Dowdy will be in Virginia for the summer and has graciously allowed me to drive her van while she is gone. Now this van is in great condition... air conditioning... little mileage... plenty of space... a working sound system... all great things for any summer missionary. God is good!

There was a different set of wheels that also carried me around today. I was honored to ride in the Cross's little Go Kart. Now, this tiny machine had a motor the size of a melon on its back, and didn't have much else besides a frame, wheels, and seat. I quickly learned, however, not to underestimate it's power. Mrs. Cross, Taylor, Ethan, Emily, and I took turns driving around in their cul de sac. It was highly entertaining.

1 Peter 2:11-12
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Brown Desert

As the plane was getting ready to land in the El Paso airport, and I was flying over brown, mountainous desert, it really hit me that I was coming back. Back to this place that three years ago, I thought I might never see again. This place, it is huge. The sky is never ending. You can basically see the entire city from any standpoint. There are no trees, at least it seems that way because they are all very small, almost bushes. There is no sense of claustrophobia in this place.

And the children! How long it has been since I've been around kids... HA! This family that I am currently staying with, and will be every weekend while the clubs are going on, they have three children. Taylor, who is 11, Ethan is 8, and Emily is 6. They are bundles of energy, and I have to constantly remind myself that they do not need constant entertainment! They did fine before I got here, and will be fine when I am not in sight 24/7. I do love them, though, and they keep me busy!

Speaking of children, they are the reason I am here. To share Christ's love with them. Please pray, dear reader, that God would give me the words to reach them, the strength and courage to speak boldly, and the humility, patience and love that is so greatly needed.

Here are a couple old pictures of years past, and the children of El Paso.


Psalm 29
Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the LORD strikes
with flashes of lightning.

The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

The voice of the LORD twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.

It Begins

Hello Family and Friends!

I hope this blog finds you well! :) I have created this page first and foremost to keep you updated on what the Lord is currently doing in my life. Hopefully you are aware by now that the Lord has once again called me to return to El Paso, Texas this summer to do His work. I will be teaching Bible clubs for children for six weeks starting this Sunday, June 22nd. I fly to El Paso tomorrow. I am feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves, and sadness to leave the familiar. Please pray that tomorrow would consist of safe travels for myself, and a young friend with whom I am flying (her family is the one I will be staying with for part of the summer). Also, please pray that the Lord would be preparing my heart to share His gospel with the children in El Paso, that He would humble me and give me words of truth and strength. This must be short for now, but I will write again soon with more details! Please feel free to contact me with questions, or just to chat!