Friday, July 28th - Safely Home

SUZANNE BLOODWORTH'S HEART:
"A little taste of heaven" was what I experienced this week. Seen in the gratitude expressed by the women of Sojourner House, in the bubbling joy of Penny and her family of Epic Life House Church, in the enthusiasm of Cross Church Discipleship Program's ministries to men & women...WOW! What a humbling experience for us to sing for them! 


And then those precious children at the Academy...what musical talent! What vivacious personalities! WOW! What  an example for me to transfer to my own classroom in Midland! The song we sang all over Seattle is nothin' but true; "God ain't never been nothing but good"! I am so blessed !


NANCY DOSS' HEART:
I left Midland to be an encourager.  
     ...I'm coming home encouraged.
I left Midland to be emptied 
     ...and I'm coming home full.
I left Midland to share and give love 
     ...and I received more than I could ever give.

The faces of new friends, bright eyes of children and opened hearts of women
in trying times will never be erased from my memory or my heart.  Seeing my
Sonshiner sisters "serving beyond singing" was an added serendipity.  I'm so
blessed to be a part of this group!


CAROL DOVER'S HEART:

We had many opportunities to share Jesus through service and work, in smiles and tears, in words and songs. We were able to freely worship in love and joy. We were able to see and hear people's hearts. They were people of all kinds: those who know Jesus, those who are hurting and need Jesus, those who heard us, accepted us, those who allowed us to get close to them, those who joined with us, and those who did not give us much of a chance. Really, the same needs, the same people who are in Midland, and wherever I find myself.

   I won't forget this place, these people, and the week that changed me.

STEPHANIE LANGFORD'S HEART:

We are home and tired from a busy week. We have experienced more blessings from God than you would think possible in only one week. The weather, of course, was so refreshing and the colors of the plants are so vibrant.  I had no idea there was such a difference.

The people of Seattle are lovely, and like people everywhere, they are hungry for God's love. Often I would say, "and they don't even know it," but we met many who had hit the bottom of life and had cried out to God with a passion that I have not seen (even in the Bible Belt). They had traded their addiction for a new addiction, Jesus, the Son of God, the only one who could meet their need. They sang with all their heart and soul and wept in gratitude. Sonshiners wept with them and praised Him for His goodness and mercy. 

I also must mention the children of Epic Life Academy who are so bright and anxious to learn and share their talents. On Wednesday, our last day of ministry in Seattle, we were at the school most of the day and took turns singing and teaching each other songs. What a fun day!

These are just examples of two of the opportunities we had this week. We will continue to pray for our new found brothers and sisiters in Christ, especially Penny and Keith Roper and their three children, Grace and Russ Peters, Bryan and Julie Pinson and many others. (We had dinner with Bryan and Julie on Wednesday night.) 

I am thankful for a church that puts a high priority on seeking the lost and discipling believers in their walk with God. I pray God may give our brothers and sisters in Seattle supporters in the faith...friends in the faith. Thankfully, the internet will help us to grow our new friendships and encourage the body of Christ in Seattle.