Is it August already?

Summer is coming to a close and I must say that this summer has been amazing. God has worked in some amazing ways in my life and continues to be faithful. We just finished the month of July with a mission camp called WIRED, VBS, and BigStuf Camp! To say the least, it was really busy. God showed up and we saw students come to know Christ! God has begun to build leaders with students who want to lead through worship, speaking, ministry and evangelism. Student ministry is an adventure and is very rewarding when you see them passionately pursue God. The amazing part is that I heard many students say they enjoyed the mission camp more than the traditional "fun" camp. I love seeing students have a passion to serve the world.

I look forward to what God will do! We baptize three students this Sunday and there's nothing else that gets me more excited than changed lives!

Here are some pics from the summer!

Remember

Life is flying by right now with camps, meetings, plans and everything else. To be honest, I miss my brother a whole lot. A big part of me still cannot believe he is gone and in Heaven with Jesus. I am so thankful for all the great times we had and his awesome example of bravery, humility and strength. You see, I am his older brother and if you know me well, you know that I have many weaknesses. Jordan's life continues to show me an example of Christ's love. I ask you to please tell your family and friends that you love them. Do not take your family for granted, cherish the time you have together and live in peace and harmony with each other.

"What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." James 4:14

Justin, my younger brother has an awesome gift in making films. This video below speaks more than words could ever say.

Life is short. Live everyday as if it were your last. I love you Jordan.

Surrender = Real Freedom

"God is more passionate about our holiness than our happiness."  This quote has impacted me to the core. The challenge for me everyday is to wake up and stay focused on surrender. Surrender is not a popular term. Rarely people say, "Oh, I can't wait to surrender!" When a believer is surrendered in their hearts, they will have the freedom that God gives to impact the world with the gospel.

God is more passionate about our character than our comfort. We live in an "I deserve" culture. We believe that we deserve comfort and success. Only by God's grace and mercy are we able to take our next breath. God does bless us, but that blessing should always be reflected back to Him for His glory. In order for our character to change - sometimes He allows us to go through some pretty tough times. It is tough times that build character.

The true happiness that comes is the deep satisfaction of serving God not because we have to, but because we want too. Real life comes when we die to ourselves and let God use us completely.

I'm pumped about heading to WIRED Camp this next week! I believe that God will do amazing miracles in the community. We are going to surrender and pour out God's love and service to the area. Please pray for the students and the rest of the surrounding churches for God to use us in a mighty way. This is the first time that I've seen over 30 churches come together to serve the community. We are all on the same team!

Are you surrendered? Are you freed up to serve and reach others with Christ?