Falling Into October

It's been my goal to write an update once a month. However, I did not achieve that goal in September because of what I'm about to share. HIGHLIGHT Something I have dreamed of since I was a kid was to get my motorcycle license so I could get a motorcycle and do big trips. Even in my adult years, seeing the reality-documentary "Long Way Round" with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman further inspired me to pursue this dream so I could take a trip like that one day. So I found a place that offered classes and even though I had to drive two hours one way everyday for three days, it was worth it. I passed my test and received my endorsement from the state.

TESTIMONY I was driving to go pick grapes for my mom. My car started giving me trouble so I slowed my speed trying to understand the nature of the problem. As I made a left onto a highway, an accident happened several yards in front of me. If I hadn't been driving slower, it might have been me in that accident. I thank God for his protection that day and using inconveniences like car troubles to dodge danger. CURRENT I am currently at a week long event called Missions Explosion. It's an event where Lost Valley Retreat Center hosts the missionaries and connects them to local churches here in the north. Because these churches tend to be more remote, it's often hard for missionaries to visit them. This event provides an opportunity to solve two problems: it gives the churches an opportunity to meet with missionaries and helps give missionaries an opportunity to receive financial support. I had the privilege of sharing at Joy Fellowship in Indian River on Sunday in the service. It was an honor to meeting Pastor Tom Anderson and all the laypersons of the church. One of the things I was able to share was a lesson imparted to my by my motorcycle instructors. In order to make tight turns, you have to look where you want to go. If you look down, you're probably going to introduce yourself to the pavement. It's the same application in our walk with Jesus. Peter was walking on water, but when he started to look at the wind and the waves, that's when he began to sink. If we look to Jesus as our source, he will guide us and keep us upright. When we look to the world to satisfy our desires, it's ends in depression, anxiety, and just overall a general mess.

Hebrews 12:1-3 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

HOW YOU CAN HELP I am currently at 39% of my monthly commitments. I have received some verbal commitments, but I don't count them until I see it on my financial report. So for now, that number is the most accurate thing I have. As a Christian, we all bear the joy and the responsibility of sharing the gospel and sending others to do that work. Go here if you would like to be a part of sending me to the mission field. Account # 298383 PRAYER REQUESTS / PRAISE REPORTS

• I was able to replace my window regulator and get my window working before leaving for Missions Explosion.

• My car is having some issues and I need to get it checked out. Prayer for guidance in who I take my car to for fixing.

• Pray that my list of monthly supporters would grow so I can get to 100% and get to the field and that I would continue to make good connections here at Missions Explosion.

Maranatha.