The end of Family DTS outreach in November always brings a season of transition – this season we were anticipating pioneering Family Ministry at YWAM Tyler. The Freemans have been at YWAM Tyler since 2012, and this has been a dream of theirs for all this time! We’re so thankful to be a part of it’s birth here. But we didn’t know the details of what this ministry would look like. January and February have been full of seeking the Lord and obediently following the Lord in His leading. Here’s what family ministry has entailed so far…
– Pancake breakfasts in each of the student dorms. Sunday mornings became a time to bring “home” to the dorms in the form of hot breakfast. Even typing this out, the temptation to think “this is so small. Does it even matter or make a difference?” The Word is clear – the answer is YES!
– Continuing to grow and sow into the CHSFA (Christian Heritage School Family Association) – creating community and a sense of family in the school body.
– Neil is teaching Algebra 2 at CHS – connecting & discipling teens through math!
– Starting a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group on base, that ministers to both YWAM mamas and mama’s outside of our base as well! We’ve been met with great enthusiasm! Our group already includes 15 moms, plus quite a few mentor moms! Childcare is a BIG need here – please pray for God to bring along a small team of people to meet this need.
– Hosting Home Group Bible Studies weekly – this is an awesome way to study the WORD that is simple, requires almost zero prep (just get that coffee going!). Separate blog post coming on some really awesome revelation I got from the Lord, straight from the Word, and the Holy Spirit!
– One of the things the Lord continues to stir in our hearts is that this ministry is not only to families, but also to our YWAM family… We’re seeing how important it is to connect with our growing kids, who are going in their own directions at an alarming rate (not alarming, bad; alarming, good – but lots of growth, lots of separate directions…) – we must be so INTENTIONAL inside our family to CONNECT. And we see where that applies to our YWAM family – there are so many ideas (great ideas!), and so many people, and so many directions… But we believe the Lord wants to bring unification to some areas that have become fragmented over time.
– Planning a family outreach, as a family ministry team, to New Orleans. In the 5 days we’re away, we’ll do homeless ministry, kids club, & evangelizing. Please be in prayer! There are 8 other families going! We’re so excited to love on the people of New Orleans, in Jesus’ name!
-Revamping & updating childcare facilities & practices here. As you can imagine, childcare is critical as we make available the family DTS. The family DTS just began in 2019, and our school leaders have worked with what they have had to make things work. But it’s time (before the next school begins this July) to address some of the details that need improvement. ***We are currently raising funds to build some walls, install some windows, replace some floors and paint. If you are interested in supporting this effort, please let us know!***
On a personal note, there have been some significant highlights already…
- Nolan got his driver’s license! This is huge y’all, and actually, there’s a blog post coming on this story too… AND, he started working at Chick-Fil-A (3rd blog post, coming soon… This particular story highlights Proverbs 16:9 – we make our plans, God guides our steps… Actually, if we can work it out, it’ll be a guest post from Nolan…)
- Savana was accepted into Hillsdale College high school study-abroad program! Now the real work is underway raising the needed funds… But she is well on her way, working hard for her part, and trusting the Lord for His…
- Landon & Lucie just tested for their orange belts in karate, and Eli earned his yellow belt. It has been a JOY to watch these awesome people work hard and meet goals. I knew literally nothing about karate until last year, when Eli asked for it for his birthday… It has offered great lessons in commitment, diligence and focus.
- Tess continually amazes us with her creativity – especially when it comes to teaching and entertaining her younger brothers. And Titus is 4, going on 14… he goes to preschool twice a week, and has grown from dreading it and clinginess to walking himself into the building with a smile and confidence 😉
Looking ahead…
First up, New Orleans… we leave Friday, March 4, and will return on Wednesday, March 9. Please pray for us – for divine appointments, for team unity (our time together is short and sweet!), for good weather so we can connect with kids and families at Kids Club & parks, for the Lord to move in mighty ways – in and through our team.
In April, Savana and I (Amy) will be traveling to the Dominican Republic with a team from the winter DTS. We will be gone for just over two weeks. We’ll be serving with YWAM Azua. We are so open and available to whatever ministry opportunities the Lord puts before us. We will certainly be doing evangelism (through sports and kids ministries), as well as service projects. Please pray for this young team! They are hungry for the Lord, and eager to serve Him. Pray for unity, divine appointments, and protection as they (and we) travel. Also, Neil’s sister Lisa is graciously coming to help Neil keep all these spinning plates on the homefront in the air! We’re so grateful, and excited for Neil and the other kids to get time with Aunt Lisa!
Nolan graduates in May!! WOW! Neil and I are surely too young for this… We are so proud of him, and so thankful for his adaptability as we have traveled so much of his high school career. He is intelligent and kind and patient, and has gone with our flow in a big way; now he’s stretching himself, and stepping into things outside of his comfort zone. It hasn’t always been an easy road, but it has been good. MARK YOUR CALENDAR: we’re celebrating Nolan’s graduation with an open house at Auburn Hills Christian Center on June 4, 10 am – 1 pm.!!
As I’ve typed, and read and reread this, I’m overwhelmed with thankfulness… God is so good. Honestly, Neil & I could not have imagined this adventure in missions for our family. We’re so thankful for His faithful leading and provision! And we’re so thankful for family and extended family and church family and so many friends who encourage us, pray for us, support us, and just downright love us so well. Thank you – xoxo