Summer Ministry Update
As I begin this ministry update, this verse from Paul's letter to the Philippians seemed so appropriate. It is EXACTLY how I feel: "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:3-5)." Whenever I sit to write an email to you, our faithful supporters and prayer warriors, a flood of faces run through my mind. I know you. I know many of your circumstances. And, yet, amidst all the life that is going on in your world, you stop and take time to think of us, to bring us before the throne, and partner with us in the gospel. Some of you, from the first day we entered ministry until now. Truly, you are remembered, prayed for by us with joy, and, because of you, our hearts are full to the brim.
Last time we connected with you, we had just returned from Uganda. We are way over-due for a quick note to fill you in on what opportunities the Lord has placed in our lives over the last several weeks, and even as we see things, in the weeks to come. Since returning from Africa, we've spent one week on the road. Each summer we spend one full week at Camp of the Woods in upstate NY. Twenty-five years of being at family camp each summer, and it almost feels like a home-away-from-home. Every year, we are blessed to see "ministry fruit." As we just finished studying in our small group, the fruit isn't what God is after from us (that's His job), but our faithfulness is what He seeks. This year, between staff chapel, teen chapel, basketball ministry, and speaking to the girls out on Tapawingo Island, we were honored to "get in on" watching the Lord bring 60-70 into relationship with Him.
In two weeks, Peg will return to Camp of the Woods, to speak at the 60th Anniversary celebration at Tapawingo. This will be a full weekend mother-daughter retreat. The theme Miss Joy (the camp director) has picked for this special event is "Seated With Christ." Peg has thoroughly enjoyed studying for the four speaking sessions, and is looking forward to the other extra activities the weekend promises - for example, one morning is a sunrise canoe trip (6:00 AM) before breakfast, several hikes, and other planned fun times.
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Following staff chapel, this young man came up to Bay weeping. There was no question the Lord had awakened his heart to his "lostness" and he wanted Bay to know that he had taken his first step in following Jesus!
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Following Joe's basketball performance at Tapawingo (he's a great wow-factor), Bay shared a gospel message. These standing are the girls who responded to the gospel that night, giving their lives to Jesus. It has been such a blessing at Tapawingo to see so many we've shared with come back as counselors. Again, this year, one girl said, "I came as a nine year old, and remember clearly the night Mr. Bay spoke at Vespers and I gave my life to Jesus. Now, here I am serving other girls." And one, fifteen year old girl in attendance told Peg, "I was here when you shared a message on our identity in Christ - I still remember every word." What an honor and a huge blessing for us both.
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This island in the middle of Lake Pleasant is where Peg will be heading to speak in two weeks at the 60th Anniversary Mother-Daughter Retreat. It is a unique and special place! Step onto the island, and you will certainly feel God's Presence.
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Thoughts on Future Summer Ministry
This summer we have begun to take advantage of Gramma Dottie's little house. Before she graduated to heavenly places, she made it clear that she wanted her home to be used to host people in ministry; especially those who are in need of having their spirits refreshed. Now that Bay and I are older, we often have pastors, missionaries, camp ministry leaders looking to us for advice. We see the need for special places for couples to get away, without their children, and just have some time to regroup. It has been on our hearts for a long time to create a space for this. Having Gramma's precious little home will give us exactly what we need for seeing this become a reality. Besides the time away that we can give these couples, we can offer an occasional horseback ride in the mountains, hikes, fishing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, ATV trips, and simply a sit-and-drink-coffee-while-talking-about-Jesus moment on our back porch. We'll provide the meals and the extras, they need to get here. So, this has been a distinct part of what has begun to take place between ministry trips. Following in the legacy of Bays' dad and mom (Nelson and Dottie), we hope to offer a place of rest and restoration.
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Grampa and Gramma's legacy-house.
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The "goal" for time away in this little slice of heaven (Bay found this piece of cedar at the back of the property. We thought it appropriate to paint on since it rather looked like a turtle...and we would hope that our guests can adapt a turtle-mentality for a few days.)
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Enjoying a little refreshment ourselves. (Smile)
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UPCOMING
We have a very full fall schedule. Upcoming events include retreat, and/or conference, trips to New York, Oregon, Arizona (one for each of us), Indiana (Bay) and Estonia (Peg). Be watching...we'll keep you posted on more specifics as time passes. Pray for us as we use this month of August to prepare messages, while hosting several couples.
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