Patty's Newsletter April 2010

PUTTING “NEVERTHELESS” IN OUR LIFE

In the 5th chapter of 2 Samuel God reveals a wonderful piece of encouragement through His  crowned king-David.  He inherited a divided kingdom and desired to move his capital to a place that was more central and that would be a strong headquarters. His eye was on Jerusalem, a stronghold inhabited by the Jebusites. The mocking taunt to David was: “You shall not come in here, we are so strong that even the blind and the lame could keep you out!”

I don’t think David needed to be reminded against this Goliath, that “the battle is the Lord’s.” ( 1 Sam.17:47) David dismissed the taunt, and did his work-

“Nevertheless David took the Stronghold of Zion: the same is the city of David.” (2 Sam. 5:7)

We battle from the position of victory not to victory. I have to remind myself of this daily as I rehearse the Scripture that supports this(Rev.12:11). I may not understand the “why” of a situation but I know the “Who” of it and that propels me into a walk of faith.

-When destruction surrounds me; Nevertheless, I stand fast in the faith. (Philippians 4:1)
-When it seems no good can come of it; Nevertheless I believe God for the Glory. (Ro 8:28)
-When I am weakened; Nevertheless, I trust Him to sustain all things by His power. (Isa.40:26)
-When I don’t understand; Nevertheless, I trust He is holding all things together. (Proverbs 3:5)

Nevertheless places proportion into the daily challenges life brings to me and the bigness of my Lord Jesus Christ.

As the Lord blessed David, He loves to bless us with a “nevertheless.”

CHRISTMAS CANDIDS

Cincinnati:
Time never stands still. Coleton and Sarah are growing so fast. I was blessed to visit them before Christmas and afterward in February. They  still love being outdoors more than anything. They had more snow this year than other winters, too.  While I was there we were able to go to a Christmas play depicting the birth of Christ with stage sets and full orchestra, as well as visiting an outdoor nativity. The Roman guard at the entrance of the outdoor nativity was bold and gruff. Coleton asked, “Why was he mad?”  It made me reflect on the mood of that country in those days. What was it like to live under such pressure of oppression? What price was I willing to pay for freedom that the “birth” of Jesus Christ bought me, in the gift of salvation later at the Cross? I counted my blessings for the freedoms we still have at the moment and prayed for grace to endure whatever is to come. One evening before I left Coleton asked if he could pray to receive Jesus as his personal Saviour. All heaven rejoiced that evening with the faith  of a small boy who recognized his need!

Colorado Springs:
When I hit ground we were off and running! I had the pleasure of being a guest teacher in Chris’s history class again– sharing African life as a teen, going to basketball games that Cassie cheered (bottom right), making gingerbread men with Sam, Isaac, and grandma Vicki, Cassie and Noah. Also being careful not to step on the  masked dog that would appear from no where!, watching football games, shopping, and church. Just being able to jump in with these families and being “grandma” is a highlight of my Christmas month.

Wyoming
December closed with a week in Cody with Melissa and Pat, Keegan and Tanis. Tanis pulled herself up to furniture while I was there! In February they took some vacation time and came back to PA. The time here was short but fun. We took the kids to the Nature Center at Presque Isle, Erie, PA. Keegan loved the hands-on things there. We also took a trip to  Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara. The

Teen Conference Retreat was going on at the Ranch, so we also spent some time in Town Hall while the teens constructed their sleds for the “Great Race” on the final day. Keegan got to sit in the airplane sled!

BUSTI Women’s RETREAT SPEAKER

Over the past years, I have spent Mother’s Day weekend at the Ranch for our annual Horselovers Weekend Retreat. Before I came on staff in ‘97 my youngest daughter and I use to attend this event. We looked forward to it and planned for it 6 months in advance.

This year I will be spending the weekend with over 50 ladies from a church in Busti, PA for their annual Women’s Retreat at the beautiful Watson Homestead near Corning, NY. I will be 1 of 3 women speakers throughout the retreat. Our focus will be on the topic of “Dangerous Surrender.”  Are you willing to let go of your safety and security in order to say “yes” to God’s adventure for your life?                                

If you have any interest of attending, contact: Sally Ferguson at 716-488-1254 or Ronda Whitford, 716-483-3795.

We will be digging into clues in His word to magnify Truth. Come join us!

3CA SECTIONAL at DOUBLING GAP

The last week of February 19 apprentices and 8 staff members headed for our western sectional conference of Christian Camping at Doubling Gap. This is an incredible time of renewing your mind with others who share the vision of winning souls to Christ for eternity through the camping venue. Each camp is different—not all have horses! We have wonderful speakers, breakout sessions called T & K’s, banquet dinners sponsored by our food vendors, time to brainstorm with other camps, round table discussions, education in new things pertaining us, and wonderful prayer, worship and testimony times.

Our theme was “Seeing Him who is Invisible.”  Every year more camps in the western sectional of PA come. We have our sights to 2011 as we start to prepare for the next one to be held at Laurelville. I continue to remain on the cabinet and run the food service tract.

CANADIAN FOLLOW-UP

A year ago Dr. Sue Kaufman and I went to Brampton Ontario for a weekend outreach to the youth group at Faith Gospel Tabernacle. This May we will see that same youth group bring 40 of their 100 youth group participants and 10 staff members for a Leadership Summit at MMR.This is intended as an introductory 4-day retreat with the purpose of beginning to develop leaders within the group under the authority of the Youth Group Directors, for direction in life!This fast growing youth group is under the direction of Delando Henry and his wife. Please keep this event covered in prayer.

SHOCKING BLUE!

When Melissa and Pat came back to visit in February they drove a Nissan Extera. I am trying to help Melissa pay it off in the next 12 months so we can transfer the title and get PA plates on it.

My Jeep has had a very hard 4 years  and was at a place that I could not do the things that needed to be done to it for it to continue as transportation. It has gone to another male staff member here who can do the work on it. It has been a wonderful piece of transportation that spoiled me to 4-wheel drive up and down the “hill,” and with all the inclement weather we get here: snow, Snow, and more SNOW!
Praise the LORD!

THANKS SO MUCH

I am blessed to be apart of Miracle Mountain Ranch and the camping ministry based here. My passion has not dimmed, in fact it has increased! I serve the Lord through the position of Dean of Women. Thanks to every one of you who pray for me and who also bless me with monetary gifts and many other ways.  Phone cards, stamps, books, gift cards, and gas money are just a few other ways you all serve the Lord through me. Thank you!

Patty May