REFLECTIONS

PAST
One year ago a family from York, Pennsylvania made a faith decision to move to Baltimore, MD. July 1st, 2007 marked one full year for them in Maryland. By all outward appearances this seemed a bit strange and teetered on fanaticism all things considered. They were leaving familiar surroundings, precious family, a great church, awesome friends and all that they knew to be comfortable for so long. So what in the world would prompt them to do something like this? The answer is almost unbelievable by the world’s standard but is altogether real. The answer is…nothing…nothing in this world would make someone do this but it is something out of this world. It was the call of God! It was the tugging of the Holy Spirit that practically shouted that it was time to go study and prepare for the race that lies ahead. Seems unreal, seems odd, and seems just a little crazy…well you might be right if it weren’t for God and His divine leading. They would not have made it were it not for God. So who would do such a thing? Uproot and replant in foreign (to them) soil…yes, you guessed it, it was us…Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese. And wow, what a year it has been. I can hardly believe how quickly it went. I can remember…

…That first week was like a whirlwind. We moved in on July 1st of 2006 with the aid of the Body of Christ. First and foremost I have to say “thank you” to Carmen, Misty’s mom, who found us such an amazing house. What a provision!! It was precisely what we had been praying for and I truly am grateful to her for finding it for us. So, we had York church helpers, family members and friends step up in a labor of love to help us pack up our belongings and leave all we knew as ours. I’m sure it was difficult for some to see us go but that did not diminish the effort. And here in MD we had folks show up at our new house that we hardly knew along with some great friends to unpack us into our new home. Thank you to the Body here for pouring out into us on the very first day. The next day, weary from the move, we went to our first church service living in Baltimore. It was awesome but did not come without surprises. I (Andrew) had led the song services in the York church for some time and thought that this would be little time off from such duties. Well it didn’t take but a short time on campus that I was asked to consider leading the new 8:30 song services and was also asked to sing in a group. I thought “ok God, I just wanted to relax” but He evidently had different plans.

PRESENT
Earlier I mentioned that is was the call of God that moved us. Let me expand on that for a moment. I’d say the prime motivation for moving was school. That’s right…school! Here at Greater Grace World Outreach (GGWO) there is a facility for “Higher” education. Maryland Bible College and Seminary (MBC&S) is where I am currently enrolled as a Biblical Studies major. Coming into it I didn’t really have a goal outside of a deeper study life and seeking of God to define what He had in mind for me and us as a family. Well, it seems as though He is beginning to show us our lives beyond Maryland. Meaning all indications are that we will be going on the mission field. When and where is unknown but this looks to be the course God has planned for us. One thing is for sure that it probably won’t happen until after my studies are complete here but that is my plan. God’s plan might be different of course. Time will tell. So, the classes I have had thus far have been incredible and I’m looking forward to the fall semester. God has enabled me to do pretty well in my studies and I can only rely on Him to continue to be faithful in this area. Aside from schooling there are many things God has had or still has me involved in. Easter Play, Basketball coaching, Convention ’07 and many more that have been mentioned in prior Blog postings so I won’t mention them all again. On the logistical side…I’m still employed and the car is running…that’s all I’ll mention about that. Please pray for finances.

Misty is amazing as always. God was really looking out for me when He gave her to me. She has been such a rock to me and for our family. But by no means does that imply that she was at home simply holding down the fort. She has become very involved with the women’s ministry here at GGWO attending the meetings on Tuesdays. She helps plan some of the events, decorate etc. She was very involved in the planning of the Puerto Rico booth at this year’s convention. She has also made it a conviction to attend the lunch raps on Tuesdays as well. Her next huge endeavor will be home schooling Grant. I’m not exactly sure when this will begin but she is preparing by getting curriculum, materials etc. She will be great but prayer will be appreciated toward this area for sure. All this along with throwing events at our home, raising two boys (3 including me) and managing our household. She truly is amazing.

Grant has totally adjusted to living here without skipping a beat. He is now in his “4 years old class” at church and has developed some good little friendships. He even attempted to sit in church for one service and made it about ¼ of the way through. Not bad for his first time. He recently finished his T-ball season. He really enjoyed it and is already talking about playing another sport. He likes almost all of them but has really developed an interest in Lacrosse recently since our sweet neighbor girl graciously gave him his first stick. He actually does pretty well and lacrosse is pretty big around here so we’ll see what comes of that. He had another big event in his life as he conquered his fear of the big pool. He had been rather terrified of the “big” pool but recently he ventured in with me and now he totally loves it. We went to the beach on July 4th and he couldn’t get enough of the water. To the point where he was turning a shade of purple as it was a little chilly but that didn’t stop him. He’s really getting big and we love him bunches.

Reese…well…let’s just say he is our comic relief. We find ourselves cracking up at him on a daily basis. He is rather feisty and has been affectionately coined our “juggernaut”. Just recently he has surprised us by repeating Grant on a few occasions with words like “dude”, “sweet” and a day would not be complete without a “whoa” or “wow”. We can only imagine at times what is going on inside his head. He has mastered the art of capturing Misty’s attention with repeated swats to her backside and has no problem grunting his way through a day. We imagine he’ll break out in sentence here soon for better or maybe worse. He is our climber, escape artist and just a ball of energy. He is growing like a weed and his features are beginning to change from baby to little boy. We love him, bunches as well.

FUTURE
So, looking ahead the question can be asked what is out there for us moving forward!? God only knows but one thing can be certain, He will be faithful. He has proven Himself to be so to this point. He goes as far as to promise in Philippians 1:6 that “He who has begun a good work…will be faithful to complete it…”. God said it, I (we) believe it and that settles it!! Misty and I have begun reading up on some of the forefathers of our faith like Charles Finney, D.L. Moody and others. What patriarchs of our faith. Many lessons can be learned from their lives and if He would use us in any measure like he used those men and women it would be a great honor for this Turner family. We’ve only just begun but realize that He is laying the foundation now for what He has known of us before time began. So to wrap this up we express our heartfelt thanks to those who have labored in prayer on our behalf. It has been effectual and real in our lives. We thank God for friends that seek Him for us. I think of the song that says that “someone is praying you through”. Thank you for joining us on this ride in whatever capacity God has granted you and we look forward to bigger and better things to come. We leave you with some recent photos of the boys. Take care…

MISTY'S P.S.
Today Andrew sent me the draft of this update and while reading it the tears just streamed down my face. It is sooo good to reflect on God's faithfulness! This past year has been the best year of my life. I can't even begin to describe the deep work that God has done in my heart. I am in awe of Him and just so broken by His deep love for us. Thank you to all that love us and encourage us in the Lord! To family & friends in Pennsylvania... we miss you so much(and love you immensely)... however more than a year ago we heard the voice of our Savior and we must follow Him (John 10:27).

From all of us to all of you,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese

Good morning / afternoon / evening or any other time you might be viewing this. I have done my best to wait until after the upcoming International Convention to update the Blog but I found I could not wait to say hello.

The Land
We, the family, were able to take a nice holiday up to our family's land in PA over Memorial Day weekend. What a refreshing time it was for all of us. To ride on 4-wheelers,
fish in the pond and stream, "spot" for deer, take a dip in the creek, build a dam
and simply marvel at God's handiwork
was a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is good to take time to simply "be still and know that He is God" (Psa 46:10). We, especially Reese, really had a fantastic time with my parents

and all of us look forward to our next trip up there!

Celebrate
Since our last post we were also able to visit the York, PA Greater Grace church (see the link on the side of this page) which was celebrating God's Faithfulness for 10, that's right ten, years in York County Pennsylvania. There were many visitors...Pst. Renaldo (Zambia, Africa), Pst. Sam (Uganda, Africa), Pst. Schibelli, Pst Hadley, Pst. Avignone (Porto, Portugal) and more. The entire Carlisle, PA church showed up. Awesome! We heard amazing portions. One on the "Throne of God" and one titled "I alone, He alone and We Together". Both put into beautiful perspective God's faithfulness to us and to the local assembly. It was an honor to partake of God's word. There was also a great feast put on. What a wonderful spread...thanks Ms. Sue and all those that played a part in putting the meal time together. Talk about feeding the multitudes...LOL!! Pst. Duke, Debbie, Seth and Ryan...we love you. Thank you for your laid down lives and your commitment to the Call!

Convention Foreshadow
As mentioned earlier, the next event that we as a couple and as a ministry are looking towards is the Convention (http://www.ggwo.org/convention2007/). This is when the ministry gathers, as many as possible, local and international missionaries and body members to fellowship and fuel the vision for the ministry world wide. People have already started gathering here and we have a great expectation of God for the week. There are morning, afternoon and evening sessions. There are also Missions oriented booths. Some with food and others with pictures, clothing, updates etc. It is a special time for all. We'd love for you to join us if you can. Your prayers, of course, are welcomed as many details need to fall in place to pull off an event like this. Our next posting will be Convention intensive for sure. Be looking for that. Well, it has come time to sign off. Please know that we are well and are looking forward to a great summer here in MD. Oh yea...July 1st will be a full year for us. How time flies. Until next time...
Agape,
Andrew, Misty and boys

Ok, Here is what we have been waiting for. Hit #1!! Run Grant Run!...You'll hear the maniac mom mentioned in the prior blog.

Good day everyone. It has been some time since our last post and as always things continue to roll along here for us. It seems a little crazy. Of all the things we've been part of we have yet to be here for a full year. The biggest topic of note now is that Grant has finally reached the athletic program age and is currently an active member on the "Green Team" T-Ball team.

As you can see he is #3 and just loves his shirt, his coach, his buddies on the team and simply everything about it. Misty and I have been waiting for 4 years for this day to come and we are just so tickled that it has finally arrived. He does really well and when he's sidetracked by the big hit and forgets to run we are right there like the maniac parents encouraging him to run like the wind. We eagerly count down the moments until Saturdays at 10:30 we he can take the field again.

Reese has, ahead of time, "graduated" to the bigger kids side of the nursery as he tends to bully the little ones on the baby side. We can't for the life of us understand what possesses him at times. That said he absolutely has brought a sense of reckless abandon into our home and we constantly find ourselves cracking up at his antics. Just this Wednesday we wore a shirt on him the says "Hello, my Name Is: TROUBLE." Fitting to the very end and yet we love him to the core. Pray for me (Andrew) as my class finals are but a couple weeks away and this semester is winding down. This semester has been especially difficult juggling, work, family, school, basketball and the Easter Play. But praise God, He saw all of us through. Speaking of the Easter Play...it has officially come to an end. I find myself in an awkward place over this. I was ready for it to be finished yet a little sad to see it go. God did an amazing thing as souls came to Him through it and I came to a deeper understanding of Him and the Body of Christ through it. So...what is next!? Well, I just have to be still and know that He is God and let him lead my next steps. Misty is amazing as always. She has been asked to share at the next ladies fellowship. I know she will do an awesome job. The ladies workshop was just this past weekend and she got to spend some time out of the house which I know she needs. Catching up with friends old and new is always a nice break from a 4 year old Mommy, momma, mommy and a 18 month old grunts and cries. Well God is totally on the move here and we are seemingly just along for the ride. Til we meet again here in cyber world.

Waiting to be Found...well this update will be brief yet informative. Maybe 1 picture...if I have the guts....probably not. If you are interested to watch the 2007 Greater Grace World Outreach Easter Play it can be found (for the time being) at http://www.ggwo.org/index.php?module=webcast&action=msglibrary. I am not sure how long it will be available but for now you can see me (Andrew) and my other cast mates "breaking a leg" for Christ...lol!! Wow!! What a blessing this play experience has been in my life. It all began by being hand picked, along with the others, for this role by the writers / directors who had no clue if I could act or not. It took some time and prayer but I said yes to the role and we all collectively held our breath that first read through here in my house. Now it is almost 2 months later and around 50 lives have knowingly professed to receive Christ and there are two more shows to go. That number doesn't even include the ones only God knows about. That we can be used by Him in this manner to draw souls to Himself is rather humbling because this was so fun. That's right...acting was pretty fun. But, even better than that was the opportunity to meet new and create amazing friendships in the B.O.C. (body of Christ). The story is gripping and has pulled, tugged, convicted etc. me in ways I never thought would happen. It is so amazing because it powerfully reaches the heart of both the believer and the non-believer. It makes you laugh and cry all with the intent of bringing the viewer closer to Christ in a little over an hour. There have been so many amazing testimonies of lives being touched I am simply in awe of God. He is so good and works in wonderful ways. Again, if you get the chance...check it out or just wait for the DVD.

The boys are great! Growing everyday. They are such a joy and we are blessed to have them as part of our family. Misty has been behind me all the way. Letting me go even if at times it was hard to see me scoot out the door yet again. She is such a faithful woman of God. I love her!! Anyway, that's enough for now. Gotta run. I tould you this one would be brief. We'll update again soon. Thanks for all your prayers.

God knew… even though we planned otherwise! That’s right... Eight months ago when we moved to Baltimore we had a plan. We planned to take things slow, get knit into the Body, just receive and not be concerned w/ doing a lot right away. Well, didn’t God laugh at that! We have been so busy we haven’t even found the time to update our blog in 2 months! Things are wonderfully and intensely busy! Andrew just finished assistant coaching the boy’s varsity basketball team for Greater Grace Christen Academy. This past Friday we traveled as a family (yup, kids and all) with the team to Washington, DC for their States Basketball semi-final game. Grant and Reese had a blast riding on the big school bus. Reese enjoyed napping, while Grant sat with one of his best friends, Justin, and looked for all the “hot wheels” that were passing the bus. We had a great time on the bus and at the game, which we won and that put us into the finals to be played the next day. Unfortunately we did lose that game, but the guys played their hearts out and we are so proud of them! Now that basketball is finished this will help open up Andrew’s schedule a little bit. And I stress a little bit! He now gets to come home after work and see us for a few hours before going out the door for play rehearsals. YES… Andrew will be the lead male role this year in our church’s Easter drama. It is going to be great and we expect all of you to come out and see him=) No bringing tomatoes=)!!! Andrew’s schedule has been so busy for him w/ basketball, classes and now the play… please keep him in prayer for all that God has called him to do! This Tuesday night Andrew will be taking his midterms for the two classes that he is taking this semester: Intro to Counseling and Hebrews (you can pray for that too!).

The boys are doing great!! Grant will be celebrating his fourth birthday this week and we will be having a birthday party for him w/ friends at Port Discovery! This will be sooo much fun for him! He is also graduating to the Four year old Sunday school class. We consider this a big deal because he just loves his current teacher; however his best friend, Justin, is already in that class and Grant will be excited to be with him again. Reese is doing great too. He does so well in nursery and everyone just loves him. At home he and Grant are starting to play together more and this is just an amazing thing to watch! To see your two sons develop a friendship beyond the relationship of being brothers is just amazing! Reese had a bloody mouth/nose the other night (due to falling off the bottom step) and the concern and love from Grant (who was almost in tears) was precious. I keep trying to convince Andrew that the boys need a sister, but he is not budging. There goes all my dreams of doing ponytails and dresses=(!!

A few weeks ago Andrew and I attended the Grace Hour Banquet at our church. For those that don’t know… our church has a live Christian talk show on the radio and can be listened to live on the internet (http://www.gracehour.org/ at 10am everyday). This is one of two banquets they have to help support the Grace Hour. I just love going to them. Of course, I just love getting all dressed up!!! How do you like my $10 dress?! I am such a clearance shopper=)!! Anyway, the banquet was amazing and we had such a great time! They played the still-newlywed game w/ three couples and I laughed so hard my sides and face hurt!! The message and fellowship was so edifying!
























This past weekend we were not only busy with the basketball tournament but we made a trip back to our church in York, Pennsylvania. We invaded them w/ about 30 people from Baltimore and just had a sweet time fellowshipping in the Word. It was so great to see all our friends and to be with them. Grant got to play with all his friends and I know how much it meant to him as well. Following all the fun that morning in York we had to get back to Baltimore for evening service.





It was the “GRAND OPENING” of our new chapel! From January 1 to February 7th our church was being transformed by a labor of love from the men and women in the body! We now have a gorgeous new sanctuary and we celebrated w/ a great party on Sunday night! Oh… the joy of the Lord was overflowing and we were just so thankful to the Lord for all He has done! Thank you God! You are so good to us!!

Well, I think I have caught you up on most of the things that have taken place in the last two months! We still have a lot coming up… Grant’s birthday party, the Easter drama and the Women’s Workshop. And to think how close we are to convention!!!! We can’t wait … our first year living in Baltimore for International Convention!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for all your love and support. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers… for safety for the boys w/ spring & summer coming, sanity for Misty (ha-ha!) and for Andrew’s schedule w/ the play, school, worship team, husband and father. We cherish you and love you!

In His Love,
Misty and the Turner crew…. (this was my first time writing our blog!)

Greetings in 2007. Goodness how time flies and especially around the holidays. It seems like not that long ago when we "blogged" last yet I come to notice it has been over a month now. Part of the delay is that our PC is not working. We are waiting for the part to arrive that is supposed to fix it. We are keeping our fingers crossed for that.

I trust the new year has been kind to you to this point. Let's recap the past year.

First and foremost...We stepped out in faith and moved to Maryland in July. After years, literally, of me saying "I'll never move there"...here we are. We love it! The house is a little small but nice and meets our needs as a family of 4. The neighborhood, to this point, has been great. Very friendly people and some great kids for Grant to run around with. God was really looking out for us when He placed us where he did. Close to the church/school, not to far or to close from downtown and within walking distance of two parks. We are blessed.

The "body" here in MD has really taken us in. I (Andrew) sing for some services, assistant coach for the highschool basketball team (GO EAGLES), am enrolled in Bible College and whatever else pops up. Misty is faithfully involved in the womens ministry, hosting get togethers at our home, volunteering in the nursery and more while still being a full time mom of 2 or three if you include me ;-). Grant loves "his school"...sunday school...and his teacher Ms. Jessica. He is starting to create little friendships in the nursery and is blossoming into a great little guy. He has a pretty good little jump-shot I might add. Reese is an eating machine. I have no idea where he puts it all. He is growing up fast and is starting to be able to hang with Grant a little better these days. They are becoming little buddies. It's really neat to watch. I expect his first real word pretty soon now.

I'd like to extend a personal thank you to the church in York, PA for their continued prayer for my family and their investment, then and now, in our lives. Thanks Pst. Duke for your discipleship, teaching and dedication to me and my family. You, and your family, are amazing and we are greatful to God for your laid down lives. We would not be where we are today without you obeying God first and pouring out His life into us. We love you! Thank God for the church on the hill!!! We'll see you soon.

So, please continue to pray for us that God would lead and direct our every move. Pray for financial blessings, for our individual calls and for our call as a family, for the Church here in Maryland the people and the building (renovations), my next semester in classes (which would not be possible w/o some very special people...thanks...I LOVE YOU!!!), and whatever else God has for us. Thank you, THANK you , THANK YOU all for being with us on this juorney. See you in 2007!
With love in MD,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese

“Consider Christmas – 2 Birth’s”

As we enter in to this Christmas season why / what is it that we celebrate? Those in the world would be quick to answer with what you might expect to hear. Things like … to celebrate family, Santa Claus, etc. Honestly it’s hard for me to come up with reasons one would celebrate Christmas out side of Christ. But, droves of people do it every year. I wonder if all those people that are trying to take Christ out of Christmas even know where their “Santa” comes from. I bet they don’t know that:

-Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, which explains his other name 'Santa Claus' which comes from the Dutch 'Sinterklaas'. Nicholas was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is said that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings.

I’d be willing to bet most people don’t know that their Santa was saved and most of the holiday traditions that they celebrate come from an ancient day “Good Samaritian.” So modern day Christmas, like anything else in this nation (at its core), comes from Christian beliefs even outside of what we know to be true of Jesus’ birth. So with that being said why or what do we celebrate….Birth. Not 1 but 2.

First obviously is the birth of Christ (Matt 1:23 and Luke 2:1-18). We celebrate because Jesus was born into this world and not of this world. He did not emerge out of history but came into history from the outside. His life is the Highest and Holiest entering through the most humble of doors. He was sent here for 2 reasons. To show us his Father and be a gateway for us to one day see Him in glory which leads me to the second type of birth.

That is Christ’s birth in me. We must be born again. John 3:1-7
John 3:2-3
(vs. 3) "Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." NKJV

Just as the Lord came into the world from the outside He also most come into me from the outside by the renewing of my mind in Romans 12:2 and having our hearts cleansed and our bodies washed with pure water in Hebrews 10:22-23. The evidence of this new birth is that I yield myself to Him. Meaning…He came to be formed in me and fill every crevasse of who I am so that His character and nature can be seen through me rather than my good works or intentions.

So there are two births that we can celebrate this Christmas season. The birth of Christ to the world and His birth in us. Let us not be fooled by what the world portrays as good cheer. The only real joy that ever happened to this world is when Christ entered it so that we, in turn, might be able to enter heaven one day. I’d say that is the gift that keeps on giving and that greatest gift ever given to man.

Things continue to go well for us here in MD. I am one of the assistant coaches for the high school basketball team and loving every minute of it. We have a good group of young guys that will really do great things as they keep working hard and learning this great sport. I see amazing things for the future of this team. According to my syllabus, I only have 1 more evening of classes remaining and then the final exam. This class has been truly spectacular. Pst. Schaller and those that have stepped in on his behalf have taught me so much. I thank God for MBC&S and the men of God here that teach us these amazing truths.

Misty, like always, is doing her thing on the home front. She is so great with the boys and getting them involved in various things. Whether it be in the nursery at the church (so she can do women’s meetings, lunch raps etc.) or the Zoos, play groups and now Port Discovery she just does a great job keeping them active. She is an amazing mom and wife.










The boys are doing great. Growing like weeds (Reese is a piglet) and starting to play together. As Reese gets older (just turned 1) he is able to hang with Grant a little more and participate in what he is doing. I can’t wait for him to start talking and seeing his little personality come to life beyond just crying and throwing himself to the ground.

Grant recently got to meet Lightening McQueen, Mater & Sally at the mall near us! He will be so excited to open his Cars DVD on Christmas morning (and all the other things that mom has gone overboard on buying!). Reese on the other hand is hard to buy for because he likes to play w/ all of Grant’s toys and we still have an abundance of “baby” toys from when Grant was smaller. Therefore, he seems to get the short end of the stick.

Well…that is enough for now. If we don’t get to update the Blog before Christmas / New Year…. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and hopefully we will see many of you over the Christmas holiday!!! We love you all and cherish your friendships, prayer, encouragement and lives!

In Christ in Maryland,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese

Hello everyone. So the holiday season is upon us in all it's splendor. My house is being bombed with toy catalogs and I cringe when I think of the dollar bills escaping my kung-fu grip because of Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries etc. Alas, it is a fun time of year gathering with family and friends. Reflecting on the year gone by and the one that is ever creeping up reminding us that we are one year older, wiser and one step closer to Him. My boys really enjoyed Halloween this year. The chruch threw a great Harvest party and the boys went out with Misty and the neighbors while I was at class. As you can see Reese was a little frogman and Grant was a Ninja. Misty and I have decided to dress up next year. Any suggestions!?

Misty and I were able to attend the MBC&S bonfire recently. It was a chilly night so everyone made sure to stay close to the flames. It was a great time to see all the students rally around the college and the vison God has for thier lives as students preparing for God's leading. I'm anxiously awaiting my mid-term test score. I believe I did well but long to see the actual grade.

Things continue to go well for us here. We had some folks over the other night for a great time of fellowship. It was our first time opening our house to non-related "family" and we had so much fun. We can't wait to do it again really soon. What a blessing it is to be part of the body of Christ. I can't help but think of that song that says "Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them". We thank God for the relationships we are currently forging and the ones He has instore for in the future.

That's all for now. As always...we thank you for your continual prayers and are so encouraged by the comments that are left. See you soon...

Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese

An awesome thing happend to us the other day. Where I work is very close to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Just down the road from my office is an observation area where you can watch the planes land and take off. I go there for lunch often to get out of the office and relax. It also has a playground for kids and bike trails for the bigger kids. About 2 weeks ago Misty brought the boys there so we could all have lunch together. Out of the blue a young guy, around 20-25, approached us and immediately started telling us about the evening he had and the various drinks he partook of. I interjected and told him about the "living water" I had the night before. No sooner was I done with my sentence did he walk away and find someone else to converse with. Just this past Monday, Misty and the boys came to have lunch with me again. Low and behold the same young man was there and approached us again. After exchanging names I brought up our past brief discussion and he remembered it. The seed had been planted. I asked him why he walked away and he said he didn't know. I proceeded to tell him what the "living water" was, that I had mentioned last time, and after sharing with him for about 20 minutes he accepted Christ into his life. Praise God! Hopefully God will cross our paths again so I can continue to share with him and see what God can do in his life. No seed is too small that God can't produce amazing fruit from it...Amen!?

Misty and I were able to attend the Marriage Getaway in Gettysburg, PA this past weekend. It was great to get away and fellowship with other married couples. There were many thought provoking sessions and a great question and answer time. One of the most memorable things was a skit that took place about "carnal weapons". It was very funny but was full of real life "weapons" that could be used in the midst of those conversations that we hope the neighbors don't hear. It really made one stop and think about how we converse with our spouse in and out of those times. The weekend for Misty and I, I can say, was really more about preventative medicine. Often times that is the most effective. I think we left there with a deeper appreciation for each other and really recognizing how blessed, by God, we are to have each other.

Well...I just took my Mid-term for my Biblical Psychology class. I think I did pretty well on it. I was fairly nervous. It was the first test I had taken in a few years. I can't wait to see the results of the test and what the rest of the semester has for me. I really feel like I'm back in the swing of things as a student and I have a great expectation of God for my time here at MBC&S.

Misty continues to be amazing. The women's seminar was a couple weeks ago and she had a great time being built up in the word and fellowshipping with friends. She out did herself again baking for the college students. She has been invited to help plan/coordinate some upcoming musical events here at the church. I know she'll do great and will enjoy taking on the task.

The boys are wonderful as always. Here are a few recent pictures of them. They are so amazing! Just having the opportunity to watch them grow and learning to interact is so cool. They are really neat little people. Reese, I think, is going to hold us true to the "If I had this one first...I wouldn't have had another" comment. No...he's not that bad but there is no mistaking the differences between the two of them. He will be 1 year old in November. How time flies! He loves his big brother. They get along very well. Grant does a great job "reading" to Reese and telling us all his infamous bear, snake, dinosaur and whatever else, stories.

Well...I guess that is all for now. Thank you for your continued prays and edifying comments. Oh yeah...hope you like the new format. That would be the woman's touch. I have to admit, it is a lot more appealing to the eye. We love you all!

Well...as of yesterday we have officially been in Maryland for 3 months. The transition period is probably over but that does not mean there aren't some adjustments still to be made. God continues to still be so faithful. We are learning that He is the author and director of both the big and little decisions. Letting Him orchestrate our move...fairly easy. Letting go of some everyday details and trusting Him...a little more diffcult yet very rewarding when it is all said and done. This season is surely stretching us beyond ourselves and is precisely the reason we made the move. To go beyond ourselves to gain a deeper relationship with Himself (immediate and extended). Extended being the body...

...I'd say we are finally to the point where we are prepared to let "non-related-family" come over to vist, if I can use that term. We plan to do that in the very near future. The family of Christ has been so incredible since we have arrived. Just this past Friday we were invited to dinner with a few couples. We were so excited! It was our second real opportunity to have intimate fellowship with body members outside the walls of the chapel. The time we had was amazing and the soup extraordinary. My oldest son is currently taken by a movie called "The Easter Story Keepers". It is about people who keep and tell the story of Christ...particularly the Easter story. In a way, we are all story keepers. Hearing and telling how God brought individuals to the ministry, brought people together as couples and what is currently happening in lives. It was a real joy to share, laugh, reflect and look forward together with new friends. This is "body life"!! I can't help but hear the song in my head..."I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God...". This move has been easier than expected due to, in part, the outpouring of the body and the welcoming we have received. It is a real testament to the teaching here and the life of Christ being lived out through the church. We are so blessed!

So, our family is doing well. Reese is into everything. He is really getting a handle on walking and I think his first word other than daddy is "uh-oh"! Kind of fitting if you ask me. He has also graduated from the mothers room and is now in nursery. Misty is overcome with joy from this recent development! Grant is getting so big. Sometimes I look at him and can't believe he will be four years old soon. He sometimes takes us by surprise with some of the things he says. His vocabulary is really expanding. He is never at a shortage of his own stories whether they be of bears, dinosaurs, and most recently teenage mutant ninja turtles. My favorite one of late has been about temptation which he learned from the latest Veggie Tales DVD. I was shocked when he rattled off the meaning of temptation. If only he could follow his own advice sometimes, like when it is nap time but the temptation to jump on the bed and throw the pillows is just too strong! Misty is really getting involved in the women's ministry. She just recently went crazy baking food for the MBC&S open house. I walked into a flour cloud. No, not really...but she totally out did herself. Two crock pots of pasta and 4 or 5 different desserts. She is amazing. It's only by God's grace I'm not 500 lbs. She is also going to help with registration for the upcoming seminar and continues to be faithful to the meetings. As for me, the one class I'm taking this semester is amazing! Pst. Schaller is a great teacher and the content is captivating. I'm already excited about classes next semester seeing as this one just started. That's right, I said classes. Pray that God would continue to lead and guide me as I begin my studies here at MBC&S and that I would be able to run this portion of the race to the end. Leading the early Sunday worship services is going well. There is a faithful team with me and I'm blessed see how God uses us to edify the body. I can't wait to take Grant to see some basketball games at the gym. The MBC&S and GGCA teams are gearing up for their seasons. It should be a great time for both of us. So...that's all for now. As always, thanks for your encouraging comments and continued prayers.
With Love in Maryland,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese.

"And I thank God for the lighthouse, I owe my life to Him, For Jesus is the lighthouse, And from the rocks of sin, He has shone a light around me, That I could clearly see, If it wasn't for the lighthouse, Tell me where would this ship be" -The Lighthouse by Ronnie Hinson.

Hello again. We have just returned from our vacation on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. What an amazing time it was to spend with dear family and friends. The weather was fair but it did not put any real damper on the time we had there. There was one evening we were able to head out for a nice dinner with out the kids thanks to our awesome sitters. The food was great and the fellowship was sweet. We were the last customers to leave and upon our exit were able to have a precious time of sharing, laughing and prayer with the owner of the restaurant. It is amazing how God can orchestrate such divine appointments.

Some might think that a vacation is, maybe, leaving God behind and skipping out on the assembly for a season. I beg to differ. The church is not about the building, the stain glass windows, the steeple etc. but rather it is about the body of Christ gathering in His name. He promises that He is there in the midst in Matthew 18:20. We had amazing morning devotionals, Sundays services and Wednesday service. There was some great rap sessions and wonderful times of sharing. There was no doubt that where we were was holy ground and that the God of all creation, the same creation we took some time to enjoy, was there with us. We had two Bible College graduates, an Assistant Pastor, Worship leader, Special music singers and nursery workers. That's right...we had us some church right there in the living room. It was great!

The question now can be where do we go from here? Well, Reese is now taking some steps and will be going where ever he wants to soon. Grant might take on some pre-school type activities here at home. Misty will continue to be involved in the womens ministry, lunch raps and whatever else she feels led to get involved in. As for me...Bible College is priority. I will also, as God leads, become a little more involved in the music ministry. Where He leads us we will follow!

We thank you so much for you prayers and lovely comments. It is so encouraging to know that there are loved ones out there praying us through. If you would...pray that God would lead us to the right out reach now that we are in Baltimore. We want to be more consistant in our obedience to the great commission. Faithful is He who called us who also will do it! Until next time...Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese.

Hello, as most of you know God has moved us from our comfort zone in PA to unfamiliar territory in Maryland all for the cause of Christ. We moved on July 1st, 2006 and I don't think the dust has truly settled yet. I (Andrew) have started Bible College, am leading some of the early worship services and doing some special music. Misty is getting rather involved in the womens ministry, going to lunch raps and just being available to serve as always. Grant loves "the church on fire" and is making friends in Sunday School. Reese is making little friends and is a menace in the mothers room as he is realizng that the things attached to the bottom of his legs are pretty cool. The transition wasn't with out it's minor bumps but the body has been welcoming, the Word is precise, the call is clear and God's grace is sufficent. I will post more as time permits. Thanks for your prayers!
In Christ,
Andrew, Misty, Grant and Reese.