September Update

A NEW SEASON OF CHANGE

Change has been a constant in our lives. But this year we experienced a new change; Jake & Anna leaving for college. On one hand it sure is satisfying to see your kids grow up to become quality human beings. But the protective father heart in me wishes I had just one more year to hang out with these kids. I sure am proud of them, and sad to see them leaving… And I am not the only one. The women in our home, yes all 5 of them, have been very emotional with the first born male child leaving. And I am sure it will be that way as Anna heads to Corvallis September 21^st. The good news is that we have a few kids and a few more years to pour our lives into these kids. And now we have bedrooms for everyone in the family.

RICKS SOAPBOX:
It is not unusual for me to be thinking about teenagers. Besides having a house full of them, I seem to run into them everywhere I go; my kids school, the mall, even Home Depot. Teenagers are everywhere.

But how are they doing? What are they going through? What are they thinking about and how are they feeling? And how have they learned to type with their thumbs so fast?

The truth is that the teenage years are some of the MOST DANGEROUS years we face in our life. I could fill this section with a myriad of facts to prove my point but let me give you just a few to chew on this month. My hope is that this will move your heart in to ACTION!

I am sure that you are all aware of the 4152 soldiers that have bravely fought and died in th Middle East War. But did you know that each year over 5000 teenagers die in our own country from suicide. Since 9/11 over 30,000 teenagers have lost their lives from the enemy within. And those are only the ones who are successful. Experts estimate that each year somewhere between 40,000 and 125,000 kids attempt suicide. There are a lot of hurting kids out there.

So what is the answer? The Christian answer is ‘Jesus!” But let me take it a step further. The answer for this crisis will require people, people who are filled with the life that comes from knowing the one true God, to go out and find those who are hurting and bring them the HOPE that they so desperately need. THE HOPE and forgiveness that only a relationship with God can bring.

That is what we are doing in THE FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE outreaches. Our goal is to go into every Middle and High School in the Portland/Vancouver metro area in the next two years and to take the message of HOPE to those who are hurting so desperately.

I would love to have your help!!!

Oregon State Fair 2008

PRAYER & PRAISE REQUESTS:
~Please pray for our continued financial support. We have reached the 10% mark… only 90% to go!!!
~We are asking for wisdom in raising these new kids.
~Pray for wisdom in laying the foundation while we start thi new ministry training/ evangelism school.
~Pray for upcoming outreaches, as well as for the past outreaches- for the kids that have come forward.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Those who know me well, know I would rather have a shot gun wound than ask for money. But I need to ask this month. The truth is that we have been goinging backwards this past year. Unfortunately only half of the money that we were told we would receive to take in Mary’s kids has come in. Thus, in the last 12 months we have depleted virtually all of our savings. We have always been people who live by faith, and that WILL not change. But I also know that the word says “we have not because we ask not…” This month we are making a concerted effort asking God to provide the finances we need. We sure would appreciate it if you would pray with us as well. Thanks my friends…
Rick