Our September newsletter tells you a little bit about the inward as well as the outward journey we are all on, and my efforts to not neglect one for the other. Enjoy reading.

Dear Friends,

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life -- Psalm 27:4

A week ago, we returned home, exhausted from a long, cramped drive back from Oregon in our little Honda Civic. As tired and as glad we were to be home, we were also a bit sad that a wonderful trip was now over.

Our annual CRM US Ministries conference was held this year in Oregon, where Kelly grew up. It was a great time, first visiting Kelly’s relatives, then renewing friendships and learning together with our CRM colleagues and finally a 1,000 mile drive home – 15 hours of joking, books on tape and talk. It was a blast.

The theme of the conference was Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – the notion that since God created us as emotional, spiritual and physical beings, neglecting one for the sake of another is trouble. A key reminder for me personally, was to make the inward journey with God a priority above, and the power for, the outward journey -- all that I do in our ministry. King David’s prayer (quoted above), was prayed minutes before he went into battle. Think about that; I don’t know about you, but I’m sure I’d pray something more “practical” at a time like that. Yet imagine a life where in the midst of all obstacles and hardships that we all deal with each day, your main prayer was more of God in your life. I’m convinced that only with such a posture will we experience what the Bible calls “a peace that surpasses all understanding.”  I want that kind of peace, don’t you?

So, I’m undertaking a couple things to help me get there; stopping several times throughout each day for 10 minutes or so to consider God, taking a day a week to actually practice Sabbath rest. As a guy who checks and replies to e-mails even from my phone while waiting for a movie to start, this is a bit intimidating. So, would you please pray for me as I attempt to seek more of God?  If you’re interested in going on this journey with me, let me know, we can check up on each other as we learn together.

As I prioritize the inward journey, I’m excited as well about the outward journey -- the many ministry opportunities God continues to bring to us as we lead a San Diego team charged with reaching those outside the reach of the traditional church. Space constraints allow me to mention only a couple: We are starting community of college students – many who have never gone to church – yet want to discover what it looks like to follow Jesus. My coaching/mentoring of people in their twenties is producing fruit, as several are preparing to start weekly communities in their homes where they and their friends – many of whom grew up in church yet no longer consider themselves Christians, and would not consider setting foot in a church again -- will explore issues of faith and be reintroduced to the Jesus of the Bible.  I am convinced that some of these people will be the future leaders of the church, and am excited to see how God will pull it off.

This is a season of both an inward and outward journeying.  Please pray that God does amazing things in both.

Thank you for standing with us. Your words of encouragement, prayer and financial partnership make our ministry possible.

                                                                                                                        With Love,

                                                                                                                        Doug and Kelly