Yesterday we went to a dinner and a play with a teacher from Leslie's school. It was a very cute play about the princess and the pea done in a musical with a school orchestra and a great set. It was quite comical and had several very good singers.
News of the Retreat center:
I (Matthew) got to meet with the owners of the house and explain a little more what we were hoping to to as well as take some pictures and movies of the place. Just going back was a great experience and although the clouds were covering the mountains, I took some great shots of the rooms and small courtyard. (check out the new album)
We still feel like God is leading us in this direction and eagerly pray and wait to see how he is going to make it all work out.
It was encouraging to speak to a pastor early this week and share our heart for the place. He was very excited and asked if I had spoken with another member of the church with a very similar vision.
I was introduced to the other man and we had lunch together to compare notes and see how God was leading both of us. God has been working in his heart for the last 5 years to reach out and minister to Pastors. He believes that money spent in the care and restoration of this group of people is the best possible use of money in the ministry as these men and women have such a huge impact on so many others. He has already started a non profit with the goal of building or buying a lodge or large house to turn into this place of ministry. He has many plans and has visited other retreat centers of the same philosophy. He has also done much research and even some surveys on how best to serve this group of people.
It was really exciting to hear what God had been doing in his life and although we don't know exactly know how we will work together in the future, we were both encouraged to hear each others' hearts for this group of people and find that God has been moving in both of our lives to this goal.
I will look up his web site and try to post it so you can see the awesome vision and work that he has put into this idea. Again we don't know if we are to work together but we look forward to seeing how He works out His plan for both of us!
Prayers Requests:
We have also been battling some health problems (Matthew had bronchitis for two weeks and still has a poductive cough and Leslie has not been feeling well) as well as spiritual protection. I am no expert when it comes to this last area but I really believe that as we trust and see God move in big ways, it is met with opposition. Emotionally, physically, and spiritually it has been tough and seems to be getting tougher. Prayer for wisdom, discernment and healing would be wonderful.
Please pray also that God will financially and emotionally provide for this huge opportunity. We have been praying that He would work it out so we could move in before our lease is up in July. Your prayers in the same directions would be great!
We love you all and look forward to hearing back from you soon!
M+L
