Dan, Alex and I are in Livonia, MI with Bethel of Livonia. When we arrived we had the pleasure of going to Isaac Duncan's 6th birthday party. Isaac is the son of Jordan and Dusty Duncan and has become one of Alex's dearest friends. In fact, they are so much alike it is unbelievable. Alex loves Isaac dearly and so enjoys their times together. Dusty works alongside Rob Rosenbalm, out of Fairfield West in Fairfield, OH, planning and running LIFT's largest camp, LIFT Central, at Cedarville University in Cedarville, OH. We are so thankful that, in addition to working for Kingdom results through LIFT, we have been given the opportunity to forge wonderful friendships that are now filtering down to Alex. What a blessing.
Last night Dan spoke at a youth rally at Bethel. Best we can count, there were around 15 churches represented with near to over 200 students in attendance. We had an incredible praise band from a local ministry that set the stage perfectly for the presentation of God's word. They led us right to the throne through praise and worship. It was electric! The theme was "Life: It's More Than a Game".
Dan was welcomed to the platform and brought a dead-on message dealing with "life". He spoke about three choices we ALL make in life. The first choice we all make is "Who is going to be our MASTER?" Are we going to follow the way of the cross or not? Secondly, the next choice we will all make is "Who is going to be our MATE?" Physical attraction is important but not everything. If it was, plastic surgeons would be out of business. Emotional compatibility is a high consideration, as well. But even more important than physical attraction and emotional compatibility is having a spiritual connection. We must be in synch spiritually with our mate. Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:14 "Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion hath light with darkness?" (ASV). If you have ever seen oxen in a yoke you know that they must work together to accomplish the goal. If one decides or chooses to go a different way, dissention will enter the camp. The same is true with spiritual compatibility. You want a mate who walks alongside you, pressing toward the same goal. With two different "walks" dissention, difficulty and disappointment will abound.
At the end of the evening, we would like to report 2 young people accepted Christ, with 1 re-dedication. The alters were full with young people submitting, seeking and loving on Father God. What an amazing thing to witness! On a personal note, Dusty volunteered to take Alex, along with her 2 sons, one of which is the infamous Isaac, to Jungle Java for the evening. She did so to free me up to help where I was needed. Her husband, Jordan and his dad were bringing the youth group to the rally. As she ministered to me and my son, I had the opportunity to lead 2 of her young ladies to Christ at the rally. Isn't God just like that!
Sometimes, in our quiet time together, Dan and I will reflect on how good God has been to LIFT Student Ministries. Up until June 8, 2008, LIFT was our "on the side" ministry. Dan's full time and attention was was given to our local church ministry where he served for 26 years. What a JOY to see the fruit of this ministry! Bethel's youth pastor, Brian, surrendered to full-time service at LIFT in 2000. Now we have the honor of partnering with him and his wife, Jennie, at LIFT Central.
Welcome, Bethel of Livonia, to the LIFT network!
Thank you, Bethel, for supporting the Brown's in our endeavor to reach the largest mission field in the world - people under the age of 24...
In Him,
Stefanie
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