Simpson University, here we come!

If you haven't heard, we have some BIG news. I have accepted a position at Simpson University as the Director of Campus Ministries! Annette and I have been praying about this position for over four months now. We are so excited. We sense God's peace and passion in this move. I will have the opportunity to pace with and lead college students in their walk with Jesus Christ. I'll work to develop discipleship groups and spiritual growth retreats. I'll have a hand in chapels with a few speaking opportunities. I will also be able to get my Masters of Divinity at Tozer Theological Seminary these next few years.
We found a wonderful 3 bedroom house with laminate flooring and plenty of yard space in front and back. It is 1/2 mile from the University. When we called to inquire, we found out that the owner and I went to Simpson together in 1994 (Troy Jacobson). He is a pastor at a church just below San Francisco, so we met together today to iron out the details.
It is very difficult to leave Vintage Faith Church and Annette's family. We do love it here. The people here have embraced us as their own, and they would love to see us continue in ministry here. I have learned so much during my time at Vintage Faith. I am better for it. I will miss being a part of such a wonderful church community that is passionate about loving the people of Santa Cruz.
I leave tomorrow for a week long service trip with our church to Gleanings for the Hungry (http://www.gleanings.org/) When I get back, I have a few days to finish things out here at Vintage and then pack up our stuff and move. If any people from Redding read this blog, we could use a few hands to unload our stuff on Thursday evening, August 21! (here's a shout out to Trevor C. and Dustin M. for driving with me for my move from Riverside to Santa Cruz...thanks, guys).

A wonderful week in God's playground

I still have a bruise from this...

Me and my backpack. I have a confession to make: I brought three pairs of undies for the four day hike and I only used two. Ooops.

Rock climbing up the "piece of pie"

This is where we slept each night. You could see so many stars.

Repelling down a 90+ foot rock face.

A close-up of my "adventure shoes" as Annette and her sister, Vicki, call them.

A look up the Rubicon River.

Back from the Backpacker Paluza...

I'm back from our week long backpacking trip with our youth from Vintage Faith. We had an AMAZING time. We capped off the week with a little white water rafting on the South Fork of the American River.
I'll post more pictures and details later this week. I just wanted to let you all know that my Farmer's Tan is still in full effect.

Heading out for the Backpacker Paluza

We leave tomorrow for our Backpacker Paluza. We have a team of 11. It is a GREAT team. I'm sure we'll have an amazing adventure. I'm praying that God draws us near to Him and to each other through this challenging week. At the end of the week, we're going white water rafting on the South Fork of the American River. I've never been white water rafting before...I'll probably pee my pantalones.
Personally, I'm anticipating this week. I need some time alone with the Lord. I have some important decisons to make, and I really need His guidance (that is a complete understatement).
If you read this, would you please pray on our behalf? I would love prayer for our teenagers, our leaders, and I'll even ask that you pray for me and these decisions Annette and I need to make. I only ask because I believe God does His work through our prayers and the prayers we offer on behalf of others.
Thanks.

Dillon O'Rafferty

While I was in Riverside, I had the privilege of dedicating Baby Dillon O'Rafferty. Eight years ago, David and I went to Peru together on a mission trip. Six years ago, Danielle and I went to Houston on a mission trip. A few years after that, David and Danielle O' started dating soon after Annette and I placed them as leaders on the same Mexico Mission Trip Team (was it team "Guapo"?) A few years later, I officiated their marriage ceremony. A few years later, I dedicated their child. ...what a blessing and a privilege...

Ah, the happiest place on earth...

We took a trip to Disneyland a few weeks ago. I don't think I've ever seen Walt so happy:

We had dinner at Goofy's Kitchen:

We swam at the Neverland pool at the Disneyland Hotel:

And we grew closer as a family:

Gleanings for the Hungry

I'm excited about this trip we're doing with our youth and the rest of the community at Vintage Faith. This ministry (30 miles outside of Fresno, CA) collects fruit from local growers that is not "pristine" enough to sell in our markets. Instead of being thrown away or fed to animals, we will be working hard to turn it into dried fruit that will be sent out to missionaries and disaster stricken areas as they feed the hungry of the world.
This will be a NEW ADVENTURE for me. I've enjoyed our trips to Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Guatemala, and Chile...and now Fresno!