Our Joy Source

No one . . . nothing  . . . can steal your joy!

Monday, Richard and I had the awesome opportunity to teach at YWAM’s Family Go Camp. Ten families from all over the nation gathered to intentionally focus time on the Lord as a family. The week would be filled with teaching, games, fellowship, and a 3-day outreach in Houston for each family involved. It was encouraging to hear Richard look at each one present and proclaim, “Families can do missions!” Amen!

Our topic to speak on was Joy Unspeakable. We highlighted Psalm 43:4.

“There I will go to the altar of God,
    to God—the source of all my joy.
I will praise you with my harp,
    O God, my God!”

God is the source of all our joy. Galatians 5:22 says that joy is a fruit of the Spirit of God. When we put our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit is given to each one of us, bringing this wonderful fruit of joy into our lives. Each of us has been given an unlimited resource, which cannot be taken away from us. However, joy can be clouded over at times. Life’s circumstances and relationships are difficult sometimes bringing clouds of discouragement and despair. It’s in these moments we need to remember our joy hasn’t been stolen. We just need the Source of joy to disperse the clouds so we can see the Son, for He is our joy.

“Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10)

One Week Down

Our first week on staff at YWAM Tyler went really well. We’ve enjoyed good conversation with people as we’re learning how things function within this ministry. There’s been a few opportunities to open our home up for fellowship as well. It never fails; ministry always happens around a dinner table with yummy food. The two go hand in hand. When you seek to bless someone’s belly, you will end up blessing their heart. People need to know they matter and they’re not alone.

During our first week, we daily attended an early morning prayer time for America. During the two weeks of political conventions, several from our base felt led to pray. There weren’t any agendas during these times of prayer. No political debates. We simply gathered to pray for our nation. I’m thankful to be part of a group that values prayer. It’s one of the eighteen foundational values of Youth With a Mission.

Practice worship and intercessory prayer

YWAM is dedicated to worship Jesus and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. We also recognize the intent of Satan to destroy the work of God and we call upon God’s power and the Holy Spirit to overcome his strategies in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of nations.

See all of YWAM’s foundational values.

Here We Come Waynesville

In a couple of weeks, we hope to return to NC for a few days to help our church family make a move. We love our church family a lot. In a time of major transition, we sensed the Lord nudging us to be present and engaged. We look forward to reconnecting with our dear friends and family on the east coast and helping in practical ways. Please keep us in your prayers as we plan for this time away.

Thanks to all who prayed over our last update’s request. Molly found a great car, which fit her budget. Emily was able to use her summer savings to pay for a good portion of her school tuition for this next year. She also landed a part-time job on campus. She still has some financial needs in relation to school, but it was encouraging to see how the Lord was working these details out in her life, opening doors and giving needed extensions on due dates. Please continue to pray for Audrey’s immigration process. We’ve been advised by the lawyer we started working with earlier this year to get a second opinion to our case. I’ve been given several immigration lawyers to choose from. I’ve felt a bit paralyzed because the process is so extensive, so I’ve been focusing my energies on prayer, asking God for His divine help to complete what’s been started. Many years ago, God promised me He would see this through to the end, which tells me there is an end in store! As I was praying today, I had a vision of a baseball player rounding third base heading towards home plate. It brought fervor to my prayers this morning as I once again asked God to anoint this final step. God has no intention for us to get stuck on third base. He will bring the victory. We look forward to the day Audrey is a U.S. citizen.

Thanks to God ~ the source of all our joy! No matter what we face in this life, we can rejoice in the Lord and His goodness always. There’s a phrase from a song I’ve recently been declaring to the Lord, “You’re never gonna let me down” (from King of My Heart by John Mark McMillan). We serve a loving, joy-filled Father, who finds great happiness in giving us the Kingdom (see Luke 12:32 NLT). As we head towards Home, He will make sure we have all we need to cross the plate.

You are loved!

Amy

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