ErikandAmanda

As most of you know Amanda has been giving presentations on the awareness of human trafficking.  She will be presenting at Servant Leadership, a ministry in Toledo, OH.  Because of the cross-section of highways north to south, east to west, Toledo has been named a major hub of human trafficking.  Amanda is looking forward to the opportunity to speak and help those in the city become more aware.

Life has been all about settling in for Amanda and I, but there have been spurts of excitement in the daily routine.  First, I had the honor of baptizing my new niece, Aubrey, on October 18th.  It was a great ceremony!  She was an angel, a perfect church baby.

Amanda has been giving presentations on Human Trafficking.  On October 11th she “preached” at a church in Mansfield, and more recently talked at a United Methodist Women’s meeting in Mansfield.

Last weekend I went to New York City to meet at the General Board of Global Ministries to talk about the Volunteer In Missions program.  It was a great time! 

Please pray for us that we would continue to settle in.  That’s for your prayers and support.

Blessings!

Amanda and I will be attending a sex trafficking conference on Thursday and Friday in Toledo this week.  We hope to become better informed, as well as gain more contacts with others in Ohio who are active against human trafficking.  Here’s the link to the conference if you’re interested.

Well things are moving along for Amanda and I.  We’re getting the house painted in a few areas.  I think we’re still waiting for that “settled” feeling, but it will take a bit more time I think.  We’re still thrilled with the parsonage, and can’t wait to be ready to have guests!  The dogs of course are enjoying the fenced in back yard.

Amanda’s job is slow going so far.  She’s a case manager for troubled teens in the Akron area.  I suppose she’s waiting for kids to get into trouble.  It has picked up recently, however, and I’m sure that she’ll be as busy as ever come October.  She’s also taking a couple dance classes for fun (she took ballet when she was young), which has been good.  As far as human trafficking goes, Amanda has met with a few people in the area that are involved in the issue and plans to join in with their efforts.  She also will begin her speaking presentations at various churches, as well as a Mid-Ohio District gathering in October.

The church is continuing to go well.  Our worship attendance is growing, and the last three Sundays have had at least 20 more than the yearly average.  The congregation is very supportive and excited for us to be there.  I’ll be interviewing with our District Committee on Ministry fairly soon for approval to be interviewed by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.  I’ll also be starting my final quarter of Seminary in October.  I only have two classes left, and I can certainly see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support.

Please pray for:

• Amanda’s job and human trafficking efforts
• Mt. Tabor Church
• Our continued vision for where God is leading us

Well you’ve noticed that I haven’t updated you on things lately.  That’s because I’ve been preoccupied with my wife since she’s been home.  It’s amazing how settled I feel now that she’s home.  We’ve been trying to get things accomplish at the house, which may take a little time since we’re both quite busy.  Amanda started her new job right away with PCS in Akron.  She will work as a case manager for kids in various school districts in Summit County.  In addition to working on the house, Amanda will begin getting her thoughts and experiences on paper as she prepares for presentations at various churches and church groups.  If you are interested in having Amanda come share about human trafficking, contact us and we’ll set a date!  We’re also in the process of praying and discerning what we can do here in Ohio to fight against human trafficking.  More on that to come.

At the church, things are rolling.  Tomorrow after worship they will be holding a reception for Amanda.  Mt. Tabor has been so warm and welcoming to us!  Obviously, we’ve gotten a website up and going.  Check it out (www.mttaborumc.com)!  On September 13th we will be holding an outdoor celebration after worship in our parking lot with games, food, and booths describing our various ministries at the church.  This should serve as a great catalyst for people getting involved.  Next weekend I’ll be playing “host” in Cleveland to others coming from all over our jurisdiction (stretching from Ohio to the Dakotas) for a Mission Discovery meeting.  This group discusses how we can empower youth to participate in missions world-wide.  Previous meetings were held in Iowa and Chicago, so having it in Cleveland saves a little cash.

We appreciate all of your prayers and support.  Stay tuned on our adventures in ministry!

She’s coming home!  All I have to do is wait till the end of this week, and my wife will finally come back home to me.  I’m not excited…really.  Updates to come soon on settling in and Amanda getting adjusted with her new job.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Things haven’t changed much. Amanda is working away at Polaris. She was able to do a “ride along” with the group, which apparently involves scoping out brothels and cantinas who might be harboring trafficked girls. She got alot out of the experience…I was just happy to hear she got home safe Amanda should be coming home on August 15th. I can’t wait! Thanks for your continued prayers.

Thank you everyone for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.  Being apart has been much tougher than we both realized, but God’s giving us strength to endure.  Amanda is continuing to make a difference in the lives of rescued sex trafficking victims in Washington D.C. 

Another peice of news that I forgot to mention…Amanda got a job!  She’ll be working in Akron with Pastoral Counseling Services (PCS) as a case manager for troubled teens in local schools.  She interviewed on the day after she came in for Lauren’s wedding, and they offered her a job right on the spot!  I’m so proud of her.

Keep us in prayer, as well as Amanda’s sister Angie who has a health concern.

I’m not sure if you can or cannot see this if you’re not a member of Facebook, but here’s the link to Lauren’s wedding pics…

Amanda came in last Wednesday for a few days to celebrate Lauren’s marriage ceremony with Brandon Richardson.  It was so great to have Amanda back, especially in our new home!  I can’t wait for her to come back for good.  I officiated the ceremony, and the service seemed to go well.  What an honor!  We are so proud of Lauren and Brandon, and wish them blessings as they go forward in their lives together.  Pictures of the wedding to follow…