Jimmy and Mary Alice camping in Canada

We've had the greatest time camping for the past few weeks. We spent about 7 days in Prince E dward Island biking and exploring the gorgeous coastline. Sunday we were biking along the Confederation trail and stopped to chat with a couple from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Before we said goodbye, the man mentioned an old Baptist church nearby that lots of people liked to visit. " You might enjoy just seeing it", he said, and we thought we might stop by and take a look.
When we stopped at the church, we noticed there were folks going inside-not to tour, but to worship. The pastor waved at us and said ," service starts at 11, come on in" , so we did.
The small sanctuary was packed with maybe 150 people from all over the world as well as many locals(most dressed very casually like us) The couple we had met on the trail waved us over to sit with them. The singing was truly amazing. EVERYONE was singing!
WE learned that this tiny church only held services 2 months out of the year as a summer ministry and we just happened to be at the right place at the right time to learn about it.
It was truly one of the most powerful worship experiences we've shared in a long time. We had just prayed for our Sunday School class over breakfast earlier and then God saw fit to lead us to a group of believers on that beautiful morning to meet HIM.
WE miss you all and look forward to seeing you soon. Love you, Mary Alice and Jimmy

The Craigs and More

The Craigs were with us on August 10. What a great time to share with them and learn what is happening in Zambia. We just couldn't talk enough or hug enough. Or even eat enough. What a great potluck lunch we had after church. Thanks to all who helped and brought a healthy appetite.
Let's be in prayer for the Craigs and Zambia. Marcus reminded us this morning that the Zambian president died this week.

We are coming to a close on our study of The Shack. This morning we talked about the spiritual poverty of our times. So many are seeking a spiritual relationship and don't know that it is found in the presence of God. We studied John 3 and talked about Nicodemus, a man full of theology but little spirituality.

It was great to have Pam and David visiting our class this week. Give them a big hello next week. Virginia was back from her travels safe and sound.

Prayer requests for the week: Valerie's friend, Steve's father, Jana's sister, School starting, the graduates at Christian Women's Job Corps, the election and world situation and our kids in Sierra Leone.

Jamie will be gone Labor Day weekend and Larry will be teaching.

What you missed this morning

If you weren't at Sunday School this morning you missed quite a lively discussion on The Shack. Have you ever experienced a Great Sadness? Many in the Bible have and reported it to us. Read Psalms 42 and Psalms 88.

Next Sunday some of our class will be involved in collecting tuition for our school kids in Lunsar, Sierra Leone. As you know,
Jim Kearley, Keith Tobias, Calvin Dunham and Tim Siktberg have all traveled to Sierra Leone, and last year, we were blessed with the opportunity to support more than 150 students around the area where our group has participated in the rebuilding of the Lunsar Conference Center. To keep up with what is going on -- visit www.sierraleonechildrensfund.blogspot.com.

And don't forget -- Potluck Lunch after church - celebrating the visit of the Craigs back from Zambia. The Fulcher class will be joining us for lunch that day.