Family
The summer is over, and the family is ready for the fall. The children are back in school, and our thoughts are mindful of the relationships the kids have, and will form with others. An area of prayer we have is for the kids to have a great time interacting with their friends. We ask you to pray for the children to be the influence of God in all they do, wherever they are. To be the light of God, and of Heaven, in their friendships.
The transition from private school, to public school, could not have gone any better last year. We are excited to see what this year will hold for the kids in their school.
Reaching The World: Greece
Last year, we learned of an opportunity to go and help with the Syrian refugee crisis flooding into Greece. How hopelessness is flooding the hearts of many of God's children. He birthed a desire in Angel's heart to do something about it, anything. In June, during a staff meeting, the answer to the question came. There will be a team of YWAMers, from 15 bases, joining together to give hope, speak life, and bring the love and blessings of our Father to the Syrian refugees in the nation of Greece.
Angel was so excited; she could barely sit still in the chair. We had so many questions flood our hearts; like who was going: all of us, a couple, or just one of us. So we did what we always do: we asked the Lord, and waited for confirmation.
The confirmation came in the form of an impression that Angel was to represent the Sweazy family, and join the team. He has already begun providing the initial funds needed for the outreach. This December, Angel will be joining the team and heading out, for 3 weeks, to Greece.
Local Outreach
Often when one speaks of missionary work, they often only consider the missionary field to be a foreign place, and not a local place. However, our actual mandate as missionaries is to be missional wherever we are. As missionaries with YWAM, we focus our efforts locally as well, and not just in foreign countries and far away places. However, what we have learned is this: the mission field God's Word tells us about is everywhere!
As the fall approaches, I'm very excited about the work we are doing in outreach through our many ministries. One of these ministries is in a place called Hamilton city. In Hamilton city, we have been partnering with a local church doing youth ministry with at risk youth for three years now. We have covered each step of the way with a lot prayer. Recently, we have sensed the Lord asking us to widen the area we are serving, to include the surrounding towns in the county. Understanding that, I reached out to several youth leaders in these surrounding areas. I was so encouraged by the excitement we encountered for partnership. I am very eager to see God's plan unfold.
Joshua Fest
Angel and I are extatic to be leading a prayer Tent at Joshua fest again this year. Joshua Fest is a Christian music festival. For the past two years, we have witnessed God’s heart for teenagers who are struggling with isolation, self hate, and demonization.
This year we anticipate that extreme miracles of faith will be done. We see chains of depression being broken. The sense is there that, for some of these teens, a cloud of oppression is going to be dispelled.
If you would like to partner with us as we fight, please pray for miraculous works of the Lord. We are still believing for $90.00 for the cost of the ministry, if you can help, we would be very greatful.
The 20/20 Challenge
We have a challenge for all you challengers out there. As we look forward to the horizon, the landscape of missions is chocked full of opportunity. Each opportunity has challenge attached to it. We also know another thing about opportunities and challenges: whenever they arrive, there alway a promise, and provision, attached.
For Angel and I, the promise is that we never journey forward without a team joining us. As our journey continues, we feel that God has provided 20 new partners who have a burden to see the Good News advance. I would go as far as to say that some of you feel that call; however, you do not know what to do about it. Today, that changes. We challenge you to become one of the 20 people who give $20 for the next 12 months.
As a sender, your identity is unique; you do more than just empower missions with money: you equip us with your prayers, encourage us with your fellowship, and strengthen us with your faith in God in us. Thank You.
Prayer Requests
Hannah's and Joey’s friendships.
Preparations for Angel's outreach to Greece.
Current Discipleship Training School: Pray for the lecture phase; that hearts will be open.
Joshua Fest
Praise Reports
We have been asking God to lead us in showing us a long term vision. We have begun to receive more clarity and detailed visions.
We will receive a new laptop later this month due to the generosity of a supporter like you.
This summer, while at summer camp, Hannah and Joe had amazing breakthroughs in their relationships with one another.
