What all has happened in the lull.

I apologize for writing so little (none) over the last month. To say I let time slip by is an understatement. But let me catch everyone up on the goings on in Hot Springs.

We are still having our Friday night Bible studies at Mike and Deby's. Our crowd fluctuates, but we are still encouraged. Our study in James is going well and I think there is some real growth going on.
Since I last wrote, we have started a second Bible study. This study meets on Monday nights at Change Point, the local crisis pregnancy center. It is our newest endeavor, and is just getting off the ground, but we have great hopes for what God will do with it.

Dave continues to work several jobs. Aside from our Garage Church ministry, he is part of the interim pastor team at Antioch Baptist Church. Our goal there is to help bring restoration to that struggling church. We're building relationships with the people there and helping them to identify areas that need improvement. They are wonderful people and I believe truly have a heart for Jesus. Dave is also working part time at Chick-Fil-A, which I love--who doesn't love their chicken!? He is finding his niche in the team there and establishing some relationships. He's busier than ever, but doing well.

I'm still on at the hospital. I've been able to do some work as charge nurse which is a big thing since I've only been there since April. God has definitely blessed in my job. He is bringing some patients and their families into my life in ways I didn't think possible. The only downside to my job is the long hours. I'm getting to work as much as I want to--and more. The 12 hour shifts are long and by the time I get home, I'm beat (hence the lack of blog posts). God has been SO good to me lately though. He is blessing my job in ways I didn't even know to ask Him for.

I'm hoping that Dave and I will be able to travel to Alabama next week for the Fourth of July. I'm definitely going, but we're still waiting to see if Dave is off work yet. I'm really excited to get to see my family. Seems like forever since I've seen them. I'm really eager to see my grandparents. I'm becoming more aware that they will not be with me forever and I needs to make the most of the time with them.

The ministry of the Garage Church is taking a more solid shape every week. We're able to reach out to a very eclectic group of people. Some have car/motorcycle interests, some don't. But God promises that He will give the increase, so we just keep trusting.

Just one story to share about one of the people we're getting to know:

Mike has been able to get to know a man named Hank who is associated with one of the motorcycle clubs here. This many is a serious biker and pretty rough. When they meet, Hank is always eager to talk to Mike, but it was never about anything very serious--until the other day. A close friend of Hank's recently passed away and he was telling Mike about it. Mike took the opportunity and asked him, "Hank, what do you think happens when someone dies?" Hank became very quiet and then said, "Man, I don't know." He quickly changed the subject then and Mike let him. Please pray that Hank thinks more about that question so that we will have the chance to tell him that there is more to this life and then even more after that!

Thank you to everyone who has put up with my lack of posting. I really will try to do better.
Thank you to all you prayer warriers who have texted me that you're praying. We're doing well and God is blessing.

Keep in touch and stay tuned...
Lad