When "Thanks" is just not enough.

I am at a little bit of a loss for words. I am overwhelmed with gratefulness for so many things.

Charlie continues to be blessed an to be a blessing in Mexico. he explains it as an experience in which his "cup has been filled" and so he gets to pour out on others and in turn get filled again. That is the very essence of sharing the Good News of the Gospel, isn't it?

I have noted before the impact our church family has had on Charlie's life. They raised him well in an environment of direction and encouragement. This past weekend they showered him again in a way that is at the very foundation of what makes our church a family. It was a time for fathers and sons, brothers, and friends to come together at clay shoot laughing, sporting, probably some ribbing and wise-cracking, in support of Charlie's mission. It is an event Charlie grew up enjoying and he would have loved to be there dishing it out with the best of them. The venue experienced a devastating fire on Thursday (I can't help but think how Charlie would have loved to have been there for that too!), but with the help and determination of our leaders, they pushed through and pulled it off.

I was not at the event, and I don't want to give the impression that women were not invited or not capable of shooting clays. Rather, I want to draw out the value of strong Godly men in raising up strong Godly men. Many of them were evidenced in the sponsors of the clay shoot Ridgeview Landscaping, SM Allen Electric, B&H Drywall, Eisenga Masonry, Driesenga A-I Services, RJO Mowing, and Servpro of S and NW Grand Rapids. There are others who have come alongside Charlie in teaching and direction, in leadership, in singing, and in prayer and encouragement. These men make a difference!

This week Charlie and his group will be completing their ministry in Oaxaca, traveling back to Mexico City, and then on then on to a new ministry opportunity in Germany. Please pray for their group on May 19 when they travel to Europe. Covid restrictions and requirements are complicated - but God is sovereign and we know He can and will go before them.

Pictured below are

1. Charlie with his group and members from the "home church" in Oaxaca

2. Charlies group praising God for sustaining their fundraising efforts.

3. A 6th grader from our church at the clay shoot on Saturday. He reminds me of Charlie at that age and I love how he is loved by some great parents and our church family. (YWAM, watch out for him in about 7 years!)