Friday, November 2, 2012

Happy Fall

Happy Fall!  We are officially in this amazing season of cooler temperatures and cozy gatherings.  It has been a while since I posted so I want to just update you all on what's going on!

October was a fabulous month!  We did so much and God blessed SO much.  I (Shelli) got to take 4 other women to the Captivating retreat in Colorado.  I cannot fully explain to you how powerful this time was for each of the women including myself!  We bonded together, but more importantly, each experienced God in very intimate, fresh ways and will be forever changed because of it!  It was particularly fun for me to get to share this awesome experience with women who were not familiar with hearing from the Lord in the deep places of their hearts and to experience healing in those places.  I'm so thankful to Jesus for providing and answering a multitude of prayers that were surrounding us!

The following weekend was the Catalina Island Women's Retreat where women from all over the community meet out at Campus By The Sea for "camp".  It was really special, and because some of those who shared went to the Colorado retreat the weekend before, so we were able to speak out of healing - about life and freedom - and women were blessed and changed by Jesus!  It was so powerful and since then we have continued to experience women seeking us out to ask for prayer, Bibles, etc.  We are starting a Bible study on Monday evenings for many of these women who asked to go deeper and want to continue learning and experiencing the LIFE that Jesus offers.  Most of these women I am writing about have not been to an actual church service in years (if ever).  They represent different "religions" and have varying views on doctrine.  But they experienced LIFE and got a glimpse of the LOVE God has for them and they want more - praise Jesus!!!

Andrew continues meeting with men on Monday nights and they are now meeting at another hotel conference room.  It's a great location and the men are enjoying their time.  There is a cost to meet there, but we are trusting God to provide.  The room at the church where they were meeting became unavailable on Monday nights, so this hotel is a provision and we will watch how God meets the need. Andrew is taking over 10 men to the Wild at Heart Boot Camp in Santa Cruz in February!  Men all over Avalon are being renewed and refreshed as a "band of brothers" that encourage and speak life into each other.  Thank you for your continued prayers for these vital ministries!

On a personal note, Andrew was recently able to go to Florida for a short visit to see his oldest brother get married.  It was such a sweet ceremony performed by Pastor Jeff Iskra and Andrew was so blessed to be with family for a couple days!  Unfortunately he wasn't there long enough to visit with many of you, but hopefully next time God allows a visit we can catch-up!

Kids are all doing great in school.  Maddi is about to transition from volleyball to soccer at school (which she is very excited about!) and Harrison will play high school basketball for Avalon.  Grace is learning to play saxophone in middle school band and LOVES it!  She is definitely following in her big brother Alex's footsteps with her love of music.  Alex continues to enjoy living in St. Augustine, Fl. where he is currently renting a little house with 2 other guys and working at the Surf Station along with ministry with Christian Surfers.

May you be blessed this coming Thanksgiving!  We pray for you as we become aware of requests and we always thank God for people who continue to pray for us.  Thank you!  Bless You!!