We had a great Sunday at Grace despite a mass movement of GCC folks toward vacation! I want to highlight two things:
Stephanie Buttner, daughter of Garry and Linda Buttner, presented her ministry to us during worship. She is going for one year with a small Christian ministry called Rahab’s Rope. It is heartbreaking to hear how many young girls and women in India are being sold into sexual slavery. Stephanie is going to bring Christ to these women through loving actions and a loving gospel message. Rahab’s Rope gives help, and offers a way up and out. I have had two occasions to hear Stephanie talk about this, and I am so impressed with her willingness to break away from her life for a year to serve these enslaved women. As of press time, she needed about $8500 more to meet her goal. Don’t think any amount is too small! A few dollars a month over the next year could make a difference. Give, and then pray for her regularly over this next year. You can donate online here; choose “Full time Missionary Support” on the drop-down menu, and S. Buttner. Just like that you are on the team!
Week One of June Group is under our belts. I’m so thankful for the hard work our staff team has put into this summer activity for our souls! I experienced it as a participant. Here is how it works: you arrive, get a name tag, and get a drink or snack as desired. People of all ages are meeting one another, and laughter is frequent. Then everybody comes in the worship center for one song. The elementary kids then break off for their version of June Group (studying Ruth), and the youth group breaks away to do a small group study on Jonah together. The adults were randomly divided into three groups, and we were led through a discussion of Jonah 1. The questions ask us to observe things in the Bible, discuss interpretation of the passage, and make application to our own lives. We then ended with prayer for one another in our groups. Boom! Done!
It starts at 6:30pm on Sundays, and I was in my car by 8:00pm heading home. You can come any or all of the weeks. One week does not build on another. Bring everyone in your house as there is something for all ages. I hope to see you there!
That’s it from my desk! I’ll see you Sunday for Jonah 2!
Don