Home Stretch

It’s just past ten thirty on Sunday night as I write this. Don’t know how late this will be getting up since we don’t have Internet access here, but I thought I’d write while things were still fresh in my mind.

We’ve just finished the second week of associational camps in Stanford, KY. The week was challenging in that we’re physically and mentally exhausted, but we have all been learning to lean on the Lord for strength. There is no such thing as a self-sufficient missionary. We were rewarded on Friday with a new sister. One of the girls in our oldest age group made a profession of faith. This is exactly why we’re here; it makes all the hard stuff beyond worth it.

After finishing up on Friday, we had Saturday to relax and enjoy the community. The Lincoln Baptist Association sponsored any of the staff who so desired to run in the Seventh Annual Main Street Run for Independence. Five of us ran, three on the Lincoln Baptist Association/Live Love! team and two independently as well as Bro. Max and his son Kyle. The Live Love! team was made up of Rachel, Anna, and myself. I’d say we did fairly well; we placed third in the team competition. Granted, there were only three teams, but you’ve got to start somewhere, right? Melanie and I placed third and second respectively in our age category.


Those who accepted the challenge.


The medal winners

Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon was spend with the pastor and his family. The Disaster Relief building where we’d been housed all week had been double booked that night, so the Hesters took us into their home. We girls enjoyed preparing dinner for everyone, then Kyle took us to a friend’s house for swimming. Breakfast was a real treat. Mrs. Hester and Kyle cooked a legit southern breakfast, complete with monkey bread, sausage, and fried bologna.


Kyle (one of our hosts, an EMT/Firefighter/Police officer) along with three of our staff (Rachel, Brandy, and Shana) modeling turnout gear. Bro. Max is a fire chaplain in Lincoln County as well as a volunteer firefighter. Kyle has recently graduated from the police academy, so if you're going through Nicholasville, be sure not to speed. ^_~

The fellowship we shared with the Hesters is something I’ll never forget. The way they opened their home went above and beyond what one expects of hospitality. Bro. Max expressed it this way: “The house isn’t ours; God has blessed us with it, so now we just want to bless you with it.” So often, I am convicted by my own selfishness, but the Lord has used them and other events this week to open my eyes. I have so much, but how much do I share? How much am I willing to share? Something for me to chew on this week.

Ah, this week! We’re located in Bracken Association for the next five days. We’re a stone’s throw from Ohio in a town called Maysville. Hoping to explore the beautiful downtown sometime soon. Must wrap up now; driving is more tiring than it ought to be.

*Pray for our unity and attitudes.
*Pray for physical healing for members of our team.
*Pray for good leadership.
*Thank God for people like the Hester family.