Being the Body

I’m so thankful for amazing weekends. Those kind of weekends that when you get to the end of it, you have nothing but smiles and gratefulness.

This past weekend was one of those amazing weekends. Last weekend, Jeremiah (my husband of 10 years) and I had a date day, no kids, no home projects, just the two of us spending time together. Part of our day was spent serving together.   For us, it’s one of the things that we love to do.   When Pastor Phil talks about everyone being a different part of the body, Jeremiah and I really identify.  We are so different!   But, the way that we work together, we get amazing things done!

I’m a type A, analytical sort.  I like to take a problem and solve it.  I administrate.

Jeremiah is a work horse.   He likes to do.   He helps.   He wants to chop down a tree.

When we volunteer and serve in our sweet spots, there is something special that happens.   We see each other in a way we have taken for granted.  We reconnect with each other.  We are thankful for the opportunity to serve and help others.  The other thing that happens is we have the privilege of helping move God’s kingdom. How lucky are we that we get to do that with and organization like Urban Ventures?!?  I don’t know if there is anything else that I would rather be a part of than helping bring a little bit up there, down here!

Crossroads has had an amazing June!  We’ve served all over the Twin Cities and into Wisconsin.  From free garage sales to mission trips.  We even got to catch up with our missionaries fromReynosa that have been visiting and giving us updates on the work they are doing.  The way that everyone has jumped in and served and given of their time is incredible.  I can see all the different parts of the body working so beautifully together and it’s exactly how God designed us to be.  I love being a part of this movement of Jesus-like people doing Jesus-like stuff!

And, while I have your attention, I’d like to ask you to join me in praying for a situation in Uganda that some of our team encountered last August on a trip with International Justice Mission. Please pray for Ramona,* a Ugandan widow and mother of six. Her late husband’s family stole the property she relies on to support her family, and one uncle made death threats against her children. Despite a solid legal case and Ramona’s bold testimony, a judge found the primary suspect not guilty late last year. IJM Uganda appealed that judgment, but the latest hearing was canceled when the suspect failed to show up. Please pray that the next hearing on July 4 will take place. Ask God to give the judge integrity and wisdom to declare the truth, and pray that Ramona and her children will no longer have to live in fear.

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Lisa Adams
Director of Missions and Care 


What I’m reading this month
When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert

What I’m watching this monthMaria Prean:  Life Get’s Better and Better

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New Rhythms

It’s the first week of summer vacation in our house, which for us means…lots of boys, bickering and fun!   It’s also the time that we set some new rhythms in our house and make sure that we are making the most of the summer.  It’s the same for our staff and church.   We want to make the most of our summer and find some new rhythms. Summer is the perfect time to try something new and to plan on attending some of our summer activities!

All of our campuses are offering amazing opportunities to serve in the month of June.   Eagan is hosting it’s free garage sale, Cottage Grove is participating in the Strawberry Fest parade, and Woodbury is partnering with Urban Ventures and their Hands And Feet event.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in any of these events, no matter which campus you attend!

June, July and August also offer mission trips, camps, and all kinds of opportunities to serve others!  You can participate or volunteer.  Make sure to take a look around the new website, check out the events and activities going on this summer and decide on 1 or 2 that you are going to sign up for and attend.  We’d love to have you join us as we serve our communities and those all over the world.

One other thought, if you haven’t been Diggin’ Deep, I’d encourage you to join us.  We’re spending June reading through the book of James. It’s one of my favorite books in the Bible and I love how it’s tying in to our sermon series. James really encourages me to seek out ways to serve others and put my faith into action. Not because I want Jesus to like me more, but because I want others to come to know Jesus and how He loves each of us.   If you need a new rhythm of reading the Bible, it’s the perfect time to start!

GO_lisa.jpg

Lisa Adams
Director of Missions and Care 

What I’m reading this monthWhen Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert

What I’m watching this monthMaria Prean:  Life Get’s Better and Better

Tags: Missions