An Imperfect Gardener
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?" Matthew 6:28-30
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Note from Thibault Ketterer, Principal
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Lately my wife, Sarah, and I have started decorating our house with plants. Being food lovers (I’m a typical French guy!), we have some herbs for cooking but also some plants that just look good. Each one is different. Some need a lot of sun, others shade. Some need water daily, others only weekly. Some need lots of room to grow, others are better in small pots.
I have been pondering what these plants have gone through under our care and come to the conclusion that I am not the best gardener. The reason is simple: I don’t know enough about plants. I am a very imperfect gardener, but my imperfect care reminds me of how perfect God’s care is for us. When I’m going around giving way too much water to our plants (or no water at all) God goes around giving us exactly what we need. Why? Because He knows us better than we know ourselves, because He cares for us more than anyone on this planet ever could.
Matthew 6:25-34 gives us some example of how God cares for the birds (v26), the lilies of the field (v28), and the grass of the field (v30). The author challenges his reader to not be anxious about our lives. Why? Because we have a heavenly Father that cares for us. He is the provider, the healer, the one who feeds us (spiritually, physically) and so much more.
In the past few months I think it is safe to say that we have all been challenged in some way, shape or form by the events going in our world. Whether that’s a loss of a job, sickness, uncertainty about the future, we have probably all experienced some difficulties. Looking at my plants I’m reminded of God’s care for us no matter he circumstances. I’m reminded that in times where things are challenging, I need to only put my hope and trust in the one who knows me so much better that I know myself. He knows my needs and provides me with what I need daily. The truth is that very often what I need is different than what I think I need. Yet the Lord in His love and care gives me what I need. Just as He cares for the grass of the field He cares for us, His creation, in a way a much better than any of us could dream of.
What a good reminder this is for me, and hopefully for you, to turn our eyes on the one who knows, who cares, who loves more than anyone or anything in this world. He is the one that knows and cares for you today!
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General Update
Bible School 2020-21:
We successfully completed two weeks of quarantine with our students with no illness!
At the end of our quarantine we headed to Wyoming for a camping trip. The campground was beautiful, and students were able to go hiking, kayaking, exploring and even a little bit of climbing.
It's hard to believe, but the students have already been here for over five weeks! They have settled in well and already started forming sweet friendships as well as a growing desire to know the Lord more intimately.
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Accomplishments
The Maintenance team has continued to uphold their reputation as the "Domination Team". Along with some help from students on work day, they were able to re-paint the Media Shack. It looks awesome!
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They have also been able to continue renovations in the Berg. The last month they were able to put in new floors (we are still making of use of the flooring that was donated last year!) as well as new windows and a fresh coat of paint!
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New Ministry!
This year our Kitchen team pioneered a new ministry in which they make meals on Wednesday afternoon for families who could benefit from some weekly meals. Our students have been helping out, and we're so grateful to be coming alongside people in our community in a new way.
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We have a wonderful group of interns that have come to serve this year! Left to right: Jared, Kristen, Deb, Kendall, Chayah (not pictured: Josh).
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Kristen Romano was a kitchen intern at Ravencrest from January-August of 2019. She joined us last year as the Women’s RA and did such a wonderful job leading the female students that we asked if she would stay on once more. We are so excited she agreed!
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Jared Matthews was a student at Portantorchas in Costa Rica in 2018-19. He also volunteered this past summer at His Hill in Texas. We are so grateful he has decided to join us as the Men’s RA this year. His servant heart has been a wonderful addition to the team.
Kendall Harris is from Virginia and has joined us as a Kitchen Intern after serving in Brazil for 2 months this past year. She is excited to learn and grow in serving in ministry and hopes to do this more in the future.
Deb Makinster is from Portland, Organ. She was a student at Portantorchas in Costa Rica from 2019-20. She decided to come join us as a Kitchen Intern for this year and has done a wonderful job!
Chayah Brown was a student for the last 2 years at His Hill in Texas. She served over the summer at His Hill as a camp counselor before deciding to join us as a Kitchen Intern for this year.
Josh Berg was a student at Capernwray Australia from 2017-18. We thank the Lord that Josh was able to make it over from Canada to join the Maintenance Team for this year.
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Upcoming Events
Fall missions trip: Our entire student body will be heading down to Denver on a Mission Trip November 21-23. While there, they will be serving with a church named Calvary Wellspring and a couple new church plants through prayer and practical service. Our prayer is that the residents of Aurora will see Christ through the lives of our students, and that our students will draw together in the unity of the Spirit as they serve.
Year Long Interns: If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering for a year on our Maintenance team, let us know! We have openings immediately. It's a wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord in practical ways.
Hosting groups: We have so appreciated the relationship that has developed with Redemption Road over the last few years. We are thrilled to welcome them back here November 6-8 for one of their annual retreats.
Interested in coming to hear one of our visiting guest lecturers? We’d love to have you come and hear some of their amazing teaching that will leave you encouraged in your walk with Christ. If interested, please contact our office. Here's who's coming:
Week of:
October 26 - Wayne Weissman
November 2 - Nick Cady
November 9 - Jerry Benjamin
November 16 - Kelly Doherty
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God's Provision
A message from our Director, Erik Snyder
Psalm 46:1-3, 10, 11
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;”
11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
As most of you probably know, we have had the largest wildfire in Colorado history burning just 10 miles to the north of us. This has certainly felt like another time of “trouble” in the year that we have already been facing, and another opportunity to “be still, and know” who is our God. I realize more and more that I have much to learn about stillness and knowing in times of trouble. But I am so grateful for the rest we can find in the fortress of the Lord Almighty, who IS with us in these times.
Though all of this goes on around us, ministry continues here at Ravencrest and lives continue to be transformed by the work of our Savior Jesus. As we have mentioned in previous newsletters, we have been in great need of replacing our work truck and will be moving towards purchasing one in the coming weeks. You will likely see a "Fund the Fleet" fundraising campaign through social media that we will be running through to the end of November and I would invite you to partner with us in providing this needed workhorse.
If you do feel led to give, you can go to our website to do so. You will also see there some other specific ways that your contributions can be used to support what the Lord is doing here. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for your faithful care and support of Ravencrest,
Erik
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Pray With Us
Praise:
- For a healthy first three weeks and a safe and meaningful time together during our student camping trip to Wyoming.
- Praise the Lord for his continued protection from illness.
- For our insurance covering the replacement of our roof over the Alpenhaus (classroom and student center).
Pray:
- As the nearby fire continues to grow and the winds are expected to be quite high in the next few days, we would appreciate you praying for protection and the Lord’s favor to be able to remain on campus, and not need to be evacuated
- For continued health and protection for our students and staff.
- That the students would have hearts open to what the Lord wants to teach them.
- That the students will continue to settle in. A number have expressed homesickness.
- That we will make the most of every minute the Lord has given us to meet together in person, knowing that not everyone has this opportunity.We are grateful for so many students who have chosen to be here this fall and the opportunity to share the Lord's love with them.
- That the students would have caring and sensitive hearts towards one another
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