Shannon's Corner

Have you ever longed for anything or anyone? Have you ever longed more for it? I am in the midst of reading a book called, "Sacred Rhythms" by Ruth Haley Barton and she shared the story about Jesus' encounter with blind Bartimaeus on the Jericho road (Mark 10:46-52).  We do not know how long Bartimaeus had been begging along the side of the road or even on this particular day how long he was there.  But this day, Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by.  On this day, maybe Jesus could do something for him that no one else has ever been able to do.  On this day, maybe just maybe Jesus could do what Bartimaeus had been hoping for and dreaming of for a very long, long time. This day was very noisy and very crowded that it would have been very difficult to get someone's attention.  Imagine with me that you are at a basketball game.  The stands are packed with fans.  Everyone is yelling and cheering.  How would you get the attention of the...

A time of celebration.  A time of worship.  A time of sharing stories.  A time of tranquility.  A time of refreshment.  A time of rest.  A time of being challenged.  A time of togetherness. Pico Escondido translates to Hidden Point in English.  It is a campground run by a Christian ministry called Young Life.  A beautiful mountain setting, away from the business even just five-ten minutes away.  This weekend as described above was really great!  I am so very thankful and appreciative for all the prayers and planning and behind the scenes in order to make this weekend a success. Friday evening we kick-started the weekend with a baby shower for our newest member, Brennan who is around 2 months old.  We had a MK who is now studying at Notre Dame University come and share with our MK teens for the weekend.  Talking about MK issues and just sharing her own struggles and issues she went through.  The adult sessions we h...

SHANNON’S CORNER September 2017 New missionary orientation:  Kids Alive had six candidates come through our orientation.  Three will be serving in the Dominican Republic and three will be serving in Guatemala.  Hearing their stories of how God has brought them to where they are is a delight and a joy to be a part of their journey.  I had the privilege to come and share with them some of my fund raising experiences along with doing a workshop regarding member care.  In the member care workshop I highlighted the need for each of our singles and couples to pray about developing a core ministry team who ministers to them.  I shared with them my experience when I did not have this core team and now that I do how it has made a big impact in my life and ministry.  Just being able to answer questions and sharing with them about life on the field has been in and of itself very rewarding.  I can remember when Connie Rh...