“What are you going to do this summer?” Is a question I get often. Payton’s role is a little more defined since he’s the official “pastoral intern.”
Payton has a job description, which includes meetings, teaching, youth events, office work, odd jobs, etc. What’s cool is that ABEFC is taking this time to invest in our training by giving us (specifically Payton) a better lens into how the church works, and I’m not referring to the copier and such. They want him to be able to use this time to experience the tensions and struggles of shepherding a body. One day, Lord-willing, a new baby church will be born among and unreached people group, and all of these valuable lessons will guide and direct as we work with new believers.
My job description is much more fluid. As usual, I keep the household up and running including food, laundry, etc. I’m also the queen of paperwork, whether it’s pre-field stuff for Asia Pacific, budget stuff for NTM, or the never-ending adoption forms. But, some of my favorite time during the summer is spent with people! Nan and I meet once a week for prayer, study, and encouragement. On a random note, our computers may look identical, but actually her computer is younger than mine. It’s ironic that a 70 yr old has newer technology than me–just saying–I think I’m lagging a little! And just to show off our similarities we wore our new Walk For Life shirts. This amazing lady has radically changed my life, for which I’m grateful!Other “people” activities include walking/talking/catching up with friends and long conversations with my youth girls, AND…coming soon to a Life Group near you…”A Taste of Asia Pacific!” Along with introducing folks from ABEFC to a few flavors from across the globe, we’re going to be giving an update on the training we’ve completed and what will happen when we head overseas!
Reconnecting with people that you haven’t seen for a year can be weird at times. It’s a good thing there’s such things as hobbies and tea! Anna and I decided painting would make this transition easier too…come to think of it, Robyn and I also did crafts the other night–she did beads and I painted some more. Payton says it’s not fair because girls can reconnect much faster and can do a slew of socially acceptable things when they get together. One of our annual “intern” responsibilities is the youth missions trip. We were so glad to have the privilege to be leaders again this year as the ABEFC youth headed to our old stomping grounds at the MTC in Missouri for an exposure trip of sorts called Flashpoint Adventures. The youth were exposed to tribal missions and hopefully got a new look into the world abroad while gaining perspective on the Great Commission. I am thrilled to see what God will do through the trip! (I’ll write about it in the next post.)
You can keep praying that our summer will cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God’s as we love people and learn to be more like Jesus in our relationships!
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