“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. — John 14:27
If this current cultural moment has done something good, it has reminded us of just how desperately we need God and how wonderful the sweet grace of being with His people can be.
In a world going crazy we need to be able to lean into Him and one another and find a sense of peace in the presence of His people.
This weekend was a just that. 35 couples gathered at the beautiful Boulders Resort for the 4th Annual Marriage Retreat. It was our biggest and best yet! As Kerry and I prayed for each couple by name, we specifically prayed that the weekend woudl be a sanctuary for knitting souls together. And that is exactly what it was. Greg and Erin Smalley from Focus on the Family made us laugh and helped us find new and simple ways to show our love for each other. The Boulders Resort could not have been more accommodating as we were the largest group they have had since March. Their staff were genuinely excited to see us! I know we were a strong witness of loving faith in Jesus. And Michael and Janine Bailey made it all come together beautifully. WELL DONE!
Sunday too was another POWER-FILLED gathering as well.
During our time of Spiris-led prayer, we gathered around our sweet sister Stephanie McAllister who could barely walk her way into church. As a group boldly prayed for healing and then asked her to stand, SHE WAS HEALED by the comforting touch of the Savior! I’ll let her tell it:
The music team did a wonderful job going with the Spirit’s leading and the unplanned testimonies team members shared fit so perfectly and brought many, including me, to tears.
Daniel Sidler taught on James 5.7–11 and reminded us that we must stay patient and TRUST that God is working things out ON PURPOSE.
And we finished our time together with a tearful Gospel Goodbye where we were able to share that Chad and Kristen Ryan and their sweet family are feeling called to help plant a church with our parent church West Valley Bible who is moving toward a house church model. A conversation that was started by Chad and I two years ago, and affirmed by our elders more than a year ago, God has worked out as only He can. We look forward to partnering with them in this for years to come. And they will be back to share reports of the work Christ is doing through them.
Although the school (and all other schools in our area Kerry and I have contacted) have said the earliest we may be able to get back is in mid-October, our current landlords at S.W.I.M. think we should be able to stay there through at least the end of August. Praise the LORD! Keep praying for His provision and His guidance.
All of this reminds us that God is true to His word and will give us His peace when we press into Him and each other. He is doing a new and amazing work IN and THROUGH His church we call Cornerstone. BE ENCOURAGED dear brothers and sisters. We are safe in the Savior’s care. So live to see and share His glory!
MUCH love!
—doug
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