Website and App process

Yesterday we met with Eli to hear about his experience with Mission Alive attending the Theology Lab in the Dallas, Texas area. It sounded like that there wasn't any new information as far as what church planting and disciple making looks like for West Coast Missions. (I mean, that we didn't already agree with or know). The point seemed to be "Through what filter are you looking when it comes to church planting and disciple-making"? They did some role-playing scenarios to see what kind of questions you would ask an individual given a certain situation. Eli said that it certainly was a refreshing and enjoyable experience for him to be able to sit and learn at the feet of wise godly and experienced men who desire for all men to be saved as well. He also said that it was good to hear about other church plants and ministries that were going on (or going to be happening).

Over a cup of coffee, the 3 of us discussed the next steps in the development for West Coast Missions. We all seem to have slightly different ideas on what's to be a priority. We talked about putting more information on the website, refining the application process and getting the word out, as well as recruiting. So our super short-term goals are to get the website to where we want it to be and to have the application up and able to download. After that, we'll look at sending out pre-printed post cards to congregations on the west coast and see about taking a Sunday or Wednesday evening to go share the kingdom dream and vision with congregations that are interested to have us come make a presentation. Please be praying for this (and us and our team!)

It's been good to start to get involved with the people in the congregation. Slowly, but surely. On Tuesday (since we have some down time at the moment), Jewel went to a fellowship breakfast and a ladies' Bible study. The ladies are currently studying principles from the book of Hebrews. It's been good to get deeper into God's Word, and to get to know these ladies, but even better is to be able to study the Bible with other people.

Last night we were able to attend a youth (college and high school) devo as well. Most of the youth we both knew are already grown up and off to college (or out of college). But we took this opportunity to get to know them a little bit more. The family who hosted the devo was Linda and her daughter, Chris, and her son, Cody. Both seem eager to praise the Lord. This was the first time they'd ever hosted a devo in the years they'd be members at the GV congregation. I think all in all everyone had a wonderful time fellowshipping and singing songs of encouragement to each other and praises to God. I know we did!

Prayer Requests for:

• Support: we recently lost support before we moved to California :(
• A good paying job in the "right" location at the "right company" for Jewel while Steve is looking for support
• Potential WCM students: open hearts, willing servants, humility, desire to serve God and be like Jesus
• Steve and Jewel: to grow deeper in the wisdom and knowledge of God's Word and His love
• Our teammate, Kelcey Hooper, her dad was recently diagnosed with cancer. She went to spend some time with him this week as he's just started the radiation process. (Her parents are Christians)--so strength and support for Kelcey, good health for her dad and those who are around him so that he doesn't catch something and possibly get sick while he has a lowered immune system.