A new blog category today, matching a file I've kept for over 10 years- "Fruit and Pruning," containing encouragement from ministry results and (sometimes less than) encouraging correspondence regarding ministry gone bad.

I need to do a better job of sharing great ministry results with our congregation. Sometimes that is difficult because of confidentiality, but most times I just fail to take time to reflect before moving on to the next task.

It's like going to the Grand Canyon, jumping out of the car, then saying "Okay, kids, we're here. Time to leave." Then driving to the world's largest ball of twine.

Great fruit last night at Living Word Youth, which is split by age group for the first time this summer. Two youth grabbed the idea and ran with it, organizing ultimate frisbee with a bonfire at their home. They invited many people, including some from the FCA basketball team I coach.

We played for about an hour (I took it easy, but shouldn't have played at all- hey, I've got mad Ultimate skills...) then went back to their home. Adult youth volunteer Tony Brynjulson shared from Scripture how Jesus Christ's mission was ultimately about restoring mankind to a relationship to Him. Another adult, Jenna Schmidt, kept the only girl in our group company.

And I watched from the deck, smiling. You see, adult volunteer leadership, and passionate student involvement, are two big prayers I've been offering to God for years. 

And, as always, God is good for it.

Trust in Him at all times, O peoples, Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. -Psalm 62:8

Go serve your King,

PW