Go Read Psalm 100!

What up from the Quip! I have to type fast! We are leaving to go to Sandcastle (a water park) with seven of our kids here in a little bit. Wow, it's going to be a long day, but a blast! This past week was pretty interesting. First, my dear friend Andrea (from the north) came with two of her friends to help serve this past week. They were such a help with some things that needed to be done with day camp. It was so good getting to see her and spend time with them. Ya'll are awesome if you are reading this; if you're not reading this - then you're not awesome - blahaha! I must say though the most memorable moment of the week with them and a couple other innocent peeps was Wednesday night ..... a reservoir, no one around, and perhaps some swimming. Yes, swimming - we'll leave it at that!

This week however has brought some piercing situations for us here. Four kids were kicked off of our mission trip for certain reasons. This is a huge deal, trust me on this. I can't go into detail, because of the time. Also, a couple of days ago there was a shooting here in the Quip that took a life of one of our staff member' relatives. This was the 2nd cousin who was shot and killed in the last month. He was shot three times, one in the head. Our staff member grew up and lives here in Aliquippa. It has been an incredibly hard couple of days obviously for her and the community as well. From what I understand it was gang related. We as a staff are planning to take a day off next week to attend the funeral and support Chrystn. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. There is a lot of hurt right now in this community; the only way to combat this is through prayer.

Make no mistake about it that God is working here and His presence is being felt more now than ever through the streets of the Quip. People are noticing and seeking after who this God is. Praise Him. We are at a point now in the summer where hearts are being softened toward us and people are understanding that we are here to help, care for, and serve. This obviously gives us opportunity to share the gospel and speak truth to the beautiful people in this city. God has really spoken loudly to me this last week of how precious my relationship with Him is; how no one can take that away from me, how He is my Constant in my life. Psalm 100 says, "enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise." Amen and amen.

Dang, I have to go now. Sorry. I, once again am so thankful for each of you. Please know that I think about ya'll often throughout the days here. My return date is August 9. It will be very bitter, sweet. Please continue to lift myself, along with our staff up in prayer. We need it! Love deeply!