Winter Newsletter

Today’s Verse:     Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. ~ Psalms 127:3-5

Home!   Oh the excitement that builds in us when we stop to reminisce the story that God is writing in our lives! In case some of you haven’t heard, our “Home Sweet Home” doormat no longer rests in the front of our Duffield home. That’s right, we’ve moved! Megan’s parents, the Austins, own a double-wide mobile home in Piney Flats, Tennessee where we currently live. It was given to them from Megan’s mamaw, when her mamaw passed away. Megan’s parents offered the double-wide trailer to us, to stay in, rent free. We prayed and evaluated the pros and cons of moving to Tennessee, and felt that it would be a wise decision. So we are now staying in a double-wide mobile home in Piney Flats, which is only 25 minutes from Kingsport and 30 minutes from Bristol and Johnson City.

Being here in Piney Flats shortens the drive to camp and work which results in saving us a few gas dollars. We started boxing our stuff just before Summer Camp (Bancroft Bible Camp) started. Throughout the summer weekends we had free, we have been moving our belongings from one state to the other. While relocating, a lot of things got shuffled around in our house, so we’ve got toilet paper in the kitchen, spoons in the bathroom, laundry detergent in the living room… you get the picture. It’s been our top priority to put our items in their proper places. While we are trying to achieve order in our house, installing a back-yard fence for Buddy (our dog) has been put on our future to-do list. We’re very thankful for the trailer that the Lord has blessed us with, and here is where we will stay until it’s time to move again.

Have we mentioned that we are welcoming a newcomer into our household? Megan has finally convinced me to give cats a chance, so we’ve been raising little Ninja since 10 weeks old. We’ve also gone ahead and got Megan her February 12^th surprise birthday gift... a baby! Our estimate arrival date for this blessed package is February 9^th! We are both bubbling with excitement about our little one. Just in case you were wondering, we are leaving the gender a mystery. Although this change does bring about some complex questions, we are trying to be meek and humble as the Lord “guides with judgment” and “teach his way.” as is promised in Psalms 25:9.

Camp!   We had some interesting twists at camp this summer. One of the unpleasant summer staff traditions, we passed around a head cold, but nothing major enough to prevent our strong-willed staff from giving their best. Besides minor head colds, other dilemmas and complications were few and far between. Our camper attendance at camp has been climbing the last 5 years, and this past summer we had a few weeks we were afraid we were going to run out of room! But it is a problem we enjoy having. Lucas was the Program Director this last summer, along with leading chapel worship, lifeguarding, and some weeks even being a Sr. Counselor. Megan helped with lifeguarding, and was the camp’s photographer and slide show producer when she wasn’t preoccupied being a Sr. Counselor. With the camper attendance rising, we expected this last summer to be slightly more trying and exhaustive than normal. Knowing we would be facing growing pains, we were very grateful for the passionate counselors the Lord sent us this summer.

We found out early in the summer that Megan was pregnant, but we wanted to wait until the end of the summer to make the surprise known to everyone. Unfortunately, the small head cold we were passing around, seemed to be the only thing that triggered morning sickness throughout her pregnancy. Under those circumstances, not saying you’re pregnant, and not acting like you’re pregnant, are two different tasks. After telling the campers to be watchful for the puddles of Megan’s regurgitation while leaving the chapel, it was hard keeping her pregnancy a secret. Thus we explained to some of the staff so they would not be alarmed. During the summer we had a surprise phone call from a friend, who asked whether we would be interested in a car he no longer needed. So we praise God for the little Toyota Corolla He has given to us. Over all, we had an amazing summer, and we’re looking forward with excitement to what the Lord has in store for us.

Work & School!       Since we’ve moved to Tennessee, Lucas has continued to work at Jersey Mike’s. Megan’s mother recently had surgery so Megan is helping her Mom with her Mom’s book store (Hillbilly Book Barn). We both are working, but decided not to put in as many hours as we were, so that we can contribute more hours to working at Camp. Unfortunately, because we moved during the summer our schooling was delayed but we have jumped back into it and hope to have it done by next summer.

Praises:

Ø  Praise God for the new home in Tennessee.

Ø  Praise God for the little one He has given to us.

Prayer Requests:

Ø  Pray that we can work steadfastly and finish our schooling before next summer.

Ø  Pray that the Holy Spirit will give us patience and wisdom as the delivery date gets closer.

Pray that we will be patient as the Lord prepares us to be full-time B.G.M. staff for His glory

Spring Newsletter 2012

Catching up:   A lot of things have been happening since our last newsletter that we’re excited to share with you! This last year for Christmas, we decided to save what money we would spend on gifts and go on a late Christmas vacation. We went camping at a state park on a small island in the Gulf of Mexico off of Florida called Cayo Costa.  It was nice to get away from the freezing cold weather and instead be wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt getting toasted on a beach. Also, as a Valentine’s gift to each other, we bought tickets to Discovery Cove which included admissions to Sea World. One attraction that Discovery Cove has is the dolphins that we were allowed swim with. Discovery Cove required us to pay up front for everything before even entering, so that while we were there, the food, dessert, snacks, towels, swimming gear, and fun were all basically free. To be honest, this was quite a strange feeling for us, being able to ask for an ice-cream cone without handing over any money. We felt like a king and queen for a day, although the dolphins we swam with were the most amazing part of the whole experience! While we were down in Orlando FL, we visited and stayed with our Walsworth grandparents in Bushnell, who topped off our vacation better than any 5 star hotel by simply being the wonderful grandparents they are. On the way back, our car began to throb and jolt, but even after quick inspections, it became worse the farther we went. We stopped 3 hours away from home and Megan’s mother came and towed our poor car the rest of the trip home. After getting it home and inspecting it thoroughly, we realized our previously damaged bearing could bear no more and needed a retirement plan. Since our car has taken a break, Megan’s little truck has done a good job at getting us where we need to go.

Home:  Here at our humble abode the grass has begun growing again and perhaps faster than usual, thanks to Buddy. Before we were married and moved, Megan’s family had 5 pets, but since she’s moved and left her pets with her parents, she’s been lonely and looking for new friends. Megan’s dad was offered a puppy for free and through the chain of contacts, we decided to share our home with Buddy, and have since Christmas. Buddy will soon be 8 months old, and 60 lbs last time we weighed him and growing! We feel proud to have a protective outdoor dog, rather than a little indoor toy dog. Although having Buddy does add to our responsibilities, the joy he brings to us usually outweighs them.

Most of you are already aware that we are taking the Liberty Home Bible Institute Correspondence Course for our Internship at Bancroft Gospel Ministries which we will earn a Bible Certificate. Through the Bible Course, we’ve dusted off “Adam”, life-guarded “Noah”, renamed “Abram”, walked circles with “Moses”, led battles with “Joshua”, played hide ’n’ seek with “David & Saul”, been out-smarted by “Solomon” and have been justified by “Judges”. The next stage we will study is the Chaotic Kingdom stage, and if we keep up the pace we should be done before the summer of 2013 rolls around. We’ve also been doing our best to keep things looking spiffy around the house such as: keeping the grass cut, foreign objects taken care of, filling in mole holes, and also putting down new rock border around our mower shed. In everything we do here at home we try to bring honor and glory to God, and to please Him in all things, just as Paul wrote to the Church of Corinth. I Corinthians 10:31

Camp:   In our progress to becoming full-time staff at Bancroft Bible Camp, we have helped in successfully turning apartments 4 and 5 into a kitchenette which Megan has been using as the meeting place for her new young ladies Bible study on Tuesday nights. She has started this for the young teen girls in the area and is having a good turnout considering it is just beginning. The chapel’s new remodeling is getting us excited about having chapel services in it this summer. We’ve also made head way to the human foosball by pouring a section of concrete and have plans to finish it with a work group before summer camp. With plans on having more of the climbing tower done by this summer with the new 6 foot fence around its perimeter Buddy will have a large area to patrol this summer. Our main focus right now is to help finish remodeling the chapel, and to learn as much as possible along the way. Our excitement bubbles over with the talk of a remodeled chapel, a new zip-line, the human foosball, a soccer field, and more exciting things the Lord has in store for Bancroft!

Work: Lately we’ve had the mindset of slowly decreasing our hours at Jersey Mike’s, so that the Lord may provide for us in the way He sees fit while we try to put in more hours at Bancroft. Through the weeks of striving to be “Super Sub Makers”, we have become closing shift leaders and also have been trained to open the store in mornings. We both agree that we enjoy getting up earlier in mornings and having to open more than having to get home later after closing. We know that God has provided Jersey Mike’s for us until He has provided our support. Each step brings us closer to Bancroft as we “Walk Onward”, following the path the Lord sets before us, being sure to give our best while keeping our eyes set on Jesus, as in Hebrews 12:1-2

Praises:

Ø  Praise God for the speed we’ve been getting our schooling done.

Ø  Praise God for the wonderful vacation to Florida.

Prayer Requests:

Ø  Pray that we can finish the Correspondence Course before next year.

Ø  Pray that the Holy Spirit will give us strength and wisdom for this summer at camp.

Ø  Pray that we will be patient as the Lord prepares us to be the best staff that we can be for His glory.

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The Beginning of many more..........

Dear Friends, 

During this Christmas season, we hope you take time to slow down and enjoy Christmas and not get too wrapped up in all the Christmas wrapping paper, tape, and decorations. Studying Luke 2:8-20 we have learned some important life applications we’d like to share with you. The text talks about the shepherds in the field when the angels appeared, which holds three applications which we all need to practice as this season comes around.

            And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:15-20)

Verse 15 “now go… and see…”            

We all need to stop our daily activities like the shepherds did and reflect on Christ. When Thanksgiving is here, and Christmas music is on the radio, and all the stores are putting out all their Christmas sales papers and commercials, we usually get the feeling of “Christmas is here!”. When that feeling dwells in us, we need to remember that, like the shepherds, Christ is here! And we should be spending time searching, not Bethlehem, but the Bible, looking for the Christ.

Verse 17 “made known abroad… this child.”

We all need to take time in your daily lives, like the shepherds did, and radiate Christ. When we’re out shopping and re-uniting with family and friends during such a global season, we meet and bump into people that are celebrating their Xmas and a season empty of Christ, making their season and life absolutely worthless. We need to be radiating Christ and His love loudly to everyone that sees us, kind of like those bells those fund raisers ring.

Verse 20 “returned, glorifying and praising God”

We all need to return from this Christmas season rejoicing as the shepherds did. When our bellies are filled, and our hearts have been warmed, we fade back into our everyday life, forgetting the meaning of the short season and our short lives. Let it not be so, we need to stand firm in the joy of Jesus Christ who was born to die, and give us life that no one can take away. Knowing that one day, we will spend all of eternity with Him, free of sin.

We hope that our enclosed newsletters will be a blessing to you as we try to reflect, radiate, and rejoice

in Christ.

Our Beginning and a little about us:

      His Side:   My name is Lucas, son #4, but child #7 of a total of 8. I was born in Bristol, Tennessee, but we moved to Litchfield, Michigan where I accepted Christ as my Savior. We moved from there to Tennessee again which is when Bancroft Gospel Ministry (BGM) really started to become part of my life. I have had the privilege of serving Bancroft Bible Camp (BBC) as a Jr. Counselor, Lifeguard, Sr. Counselor, and Game Director. Serving for Bancroft has always been something I’ve enjoyed and something I looked forward to.

            As I grew older, and had to decide what I was going to do with my life, I asked myself two questions, “What would I enjoy doing for the rest of my life?” and “How does that fit with what God says in His Word?” (I Corinthians 10:31, Matthew 28:19-20, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) Knowing that God wanted me to honor and glorify Him in every aspect of my life, I knew my choice was important. I couldn’t think of anything that I would enjoy more than serving at BGM as full-time staff, because BBC’s goal is to reach kids and youth for Christ. So now my goal is to work my way towards becoming full-time staff. Some of you know that I recently attended a wedding which my best friend had me participate, and as a result made us husband and wife. We are both excited about the pursuit of becoming staff and can’t help but squirm with enthusiasm every step we get closer.

     Her Side:          My story may not be as exciting as Lucas’ however; it is still exciting to see how God has worked in my life. My life began at a hospital in Johnson City. My parents, Ron and Angela Austin, then took me home to Piney Flats, TN where I’d spend all of my childhood days. I shared most of those days with my only sibling, Bradley, by either helping out our mom with church activities, doing school work, or seeing what fun adventures we could have by playing outside.

            When I was seven, I accepted the Lord into my life at my family’s church. I don’t remember much about the exact day except the important fact that I asked Jesus to be Lord over my life. For several years, I didn’t take the Christian life very serious and as a result my spiritual growth was hindered. Thankfully though, at the age of twelve, I began to understand what being God’s child meant and how to take His word seriously. That is when my spiritual life and my relationship with Christ started to take form and I really began to grow. That same year, I took the opportunity to attend BBC for a week, during the summer. The camp had such an impact on my life that, I’ve been back every single summer.  During those summers, I have learned a lot from the Bible and God.

            During High school, I began to pray earnestly for what God’s will for my life was, especially in the area of a career. However I didn’t find a career path that seemed right for me. The only thing I knew was that I truly enjoyed being a counselor at Bancroft each summer. Being a counselor was something I looked forward to every year. It was at camp that I became great friends with Sarah, which eventually led to a friendship with Lucas and ALL of the Walsworth’s family. Over the next few years, Lucas and I talked many times about how we loved serving with BGM and how it would be wonderful if we could continue to serve there. I didn’t think that was very logical back then, but here we are, and I’m excited about what God has for us!

Future plans and goals:

            In the September meeting of BGM, they discussed our situation of becoming full-time staff at BGM. It was decided that BGM offer an Internship program to train all those who desire to grow spiritually and maybe pursue ministry. So we are now in that Internship trying to balance work, class time, campus labor, and studying time. We have been truly appreciative of our employer’s efforts to supply us both with the same shifts of around 35 hours a week.

             Even though our life plate may seem overflowing with tasks, we rejoice in this testing of our faith knowing that it will produce patience in our Christian character. Below are some praises and prayer requests as you remember us.

Praises

Ø  Praise God for a great job.

Ø  Praise God for a great house supplied at a low rent.

Ø  Praise God that our Bible Curriculum, from Liberty Home Bible Institute 

 has been paid for us.

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Prayer Requests

Ø  Pray for us as we go through the internship program.

Ø  Pray for us, as we try to wisely handle our time to fit work, campus work,

homework, and class time into our weekly schedules.

Ø  Pray that God will help us to be calm and patient in this section of our life.