As a kid, I took swim lessons every summer at the local high school swimming pool. By age eight, I had become a pretty good swimmer. At the end of every session was “free swim” in the amazing Olympic-size pool and the opportunity to jump off the low and high diving boards. One day—you guessed it—I chose the “giant” high board. I remember climbing up each of those 15 steps wondering what it would be like at the top. Once up the ladder, I walked out to the end of the platform.

Then, I just stood there.

I couldn’t jump. I was struck by fear. After what seemed like ten minutes, an instructor came up and held me over the side. And then down, down, down I went. After that moment, I had no problem jumping off the “giant.”

This fall semester somewhat mirrors those summer days when I first encountered that giant diving board. God has placed many opportunities before me and ordered my path enabling me to swim in this “Olympic size pool.” Along with directing the middle school Student Venture ministry at our local school and leading a group of students, God gave me a wonderful opportunity to train two young SV staff women in ministry philosophy and methods.

Kristie is training two young SV Staff women this year, Abby (left), and Kaye (right).

Abby and Kaye are both moms of young children. Their husbands are new to campus fieldwork this year. Please pray for the three of us as we meet together regularly. I’m concerned of my ability to train and know I can also become very task driven. Pray for my ability to love and encourage these special gals and that I would give them the best training possible. Pray for protection for all of our marriages in the midst of the work never seeming to be done (the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few!). Pray for good communication between these women and their husbands and that I can encourage them, through the Word, to be a helper and encourager suitable for their husbands, as God made them to be.

I love how Student Venture uniquely reaches out to students on the campus sharing the good news of Jesus. It is a special privilege to be a part of it in a more hands-on way this year! Thank you for your partnership!

How you can pray…

God creatively arranged for Coral to show up last minute to the ice cream party outreach on October 24 and she gave her life to the Lord. Coral, an 8th grader, has returned faithfully the past two weeks for Bible studies on the basics of her new faith and is bringing new friends with her who don’t know the Lord.

Praise God for Rene, a seminary student God just placed in my path. She is eager to help out with middle school ministry!

Greg is going to be in California for two weeks in November to participate in Cypress Church’s Missions Week. He will also be visiting ministry partners and will be looking to meet new partners. We are trusting God to provide some significant new monthly support. We appreciate your prayer!

Pray for Kristie as she devotes much time to Ethan’s therapy program at home. We are praying the additional home therapy can help him catch up on his cognitive development this year. Please pray too for leading and wisdom as to the best schooling situation for Ethan’s kindergarten next year.

In grateful appreciation,