Misc.

Exciting week at StreetLevel. We had more people at out small group meeting than ever before. God seems to be able to accomplish more when we focus on resting. For instance, I found Carla, a nice older lady we've met a few times before. She told me about a poem she wrote and asked if I would listen to it. I said yes. She said, "You mean you have time to listen to me?" I said, "yes". I was thinking, "well, that depends...", but God is gracious with me. Listening to Carla's poem was the most important thing I did all week. I listened. I wasn't placating her, or waiting for my turn to speak, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was meaningful. God was there.

God is here.

More Workers

A team of 4 have arrived at StreetLevel today (very early this morning)from the Western Territory (USA) Summer Service Corps. This group of stalwarts will be working and praying alongside for the next 6 weeks.

Please pray for Carmen, Tracy, Brent and Elisa, that they would be intimate followers of Jesus, effective in proclaiming the Word of God and filled with the Spirit of Love.

A friend of mine ends his famous blogs by saying, "God is here." He's right on. It's important to remind ourselves when it can be hard to feel His closeness, and very fun to say when we can see Him moving in power.

Praise the Lord!

Quotes of the day

Matt: "Sweet! I can save 5 bucks by cutting out the Old Testament!"

He was checking out prices for give-away bibles for StreetLevel. Personally, I don't think it is worth the savings. Make sure you read the OT. I know Matt does.

John commented about Matt's silly, erratic behavior, "That is a direct result of not being water baptized."

We had been talking about The Salvation Army's non-sacramental witness to the rest of the Body. It is unusual. It is us. I love the fact that we have less to hold onto. We take it as encouragement to cling tighter to Christ Himself. John's comment was just plain funny though.

Men's Camp...

Chris, myself, and our new friend, John, went to a "Men's Retreat" this past weekend at the beautiful Camp Arnold. For those who do not know, Camp Arnold is a Salvation Army run camp just outside the city of Seattle, WA. It was a fantastic week of fellowship, and the Holy Spirit was on the move. So, PRAISE THE LORD! HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED! Here are some pictures of our weekend away. I hope you all enjoy them!

Much LOVE and BLESSINGS!

- Matt

Prayer

I think the greatest power of prayer is not the extravagant grace and love that the Father gives us when we ask, or the miracles He does when we trust Him and come before Him in faith. That is all GREAT - exceeds our expectation every time. However, the greatest power of prayer is the transformation inside my heart when I abide in Him in prayer. I no longer want the things I asked for at first. I no longer even need my prayers answered to my expectation at all. After prayer, the miracle is, I want what the Father wants. Hallelujah.