Summer '25 Update

A friend of mine came up with one of the greatest statements regarding discipleship that I have ever heard. I have been quoting this phrase ever since, and it still rings as true today as it did when it was first spoken to me:

Discipleship is “Everybody, Everywhere, All The Time.” 

Matthew 28:19-20 implores believers to “…go and make disciples of all nations…”

There is no limit to when or where discipleship could and should happen, and the key moments we remember in helping others or during our own discipleship journeys are often not anticipated. I thought I understood this statement until our family transitioned into full-time urban ministry, and our experience of making disciples deepened and stretched us to grow.

In the last few months, we have witnessed God’s hand on people through eviction, divorce, incarceration, sickness, healing and rededication. One of my favorite verses is II Corinthians 4:6, which says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” We have watched the work of illumination shine through at coffee shops, summer camps, the laundromat, the gym, the grocery store, (in literal mountains and valleys), in prison chapels, and on the everyday city street corners. 

It is a reminder that when God’s people let go of the neat and tidy boundaries we sometimes place on our inexhaustible God, we notice Him show up in the hustle and bustle, in the messy situations, in the joyous occasions, through the discouragement, and even in the unknown. This summer has been a whirlwind of events, ministry, first-time family experiences and more, but we have been constantly reminded that discipleship is “Everybody, Everywhere, All The Time.”

Camp SZN

The theme for the Bridge Academy Summer Camp was “Made for More,” and the first two weeks of camp kicked off with a bang! Students grew deeper in their faith and were challenged by powerful teachings from Josh and Jack Crans. Each day, students received an artifact to remember that day’s teaching, and as always, we were blessed by students from Calvary Bible Church to help us pull the whole thing off. 

Combined Church service at The Camp at Old Mill

Brandywine Grace Church has been a breath of fresh air for Providence Coatesville in their endeavor to partner with our church closely over the next year. We have asked the question - What would God do with an intentional effort to be unified in our hearts for each other, the area, and ministry together? Brandywine Grace hosts a mission week each summer at Old Mill where the middle and high school youth group ministers to the kids in Coatesville through a day camp. At night, they take time to dive deep into the Word of God. This summer, our congregations held a joint service at the camp to kick it off, and Pastors Kenny Lynch (BGC) and Josh Crans (Providence) shared the vision they had for this year. It will be exciting to see what God does as we work together!

The summer camp season wouldn’t feel right without having Calvary Chapel Philadelphia join us for their own week of ministry. They are, by far, our largest group, and this year their youth group ministered to over 80 kids all week long in a 1-on-1 format. Additionally, when their global mission trip was canceled earlier in the summer, they pivoted quickly and sent students down the road to help with Bridge Academy camps. They are the definition of a deep partnership, and we are thankful they join us each year. 

CCP Update

There is a growing and noticeable momentum happening at Chester County Prison.

Our prayer is that the men would “stick with their faith” once released and back in the local environment. As I have detailed in multiple posts, this is often the hardest time when many men go back to the life they knew. It has been in this critical area where God’s goodness has been overwhelming. This past month, we have been working with five men who have all taken major steps to be in church or profess the gospel. This is in addition to the children and families they represent. Oftentimes, getting the man means getting the family as well.

Preaching in prison is one of the greatest things anyone could do, and I thank God for all the churches in our area who send volunteers to Chester County Prison. Not all of the men listen, inquire, or take a step towards Christ. However, those who do are being radically changed and there is a convergence of many ministries at CCP. On any given day, you will find multiple volunteers who are beginning to deepen relationships and work in conjunction with each other more intentionally. 

One volunteer recently remarked “The prison doesn’t stand a chance against the plans Jesus has for it to be transformed.” Comments like this one will leave anyone feeling excited about what the future holds!

Year 11 at Mt. Gilead

This year, the week of ministry at Mt. Gilead was extra special in many ways. Due to the changing nature of the ministry in Sebastopol, CA and the surrounding area, the approach is shifting to a more local focus. So, when the call came to join again for my 11th year of camp, I was ecstatic! There is something to be said about remembering - you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.  

The theme for the summer was “Taste and See” based on Psalm 34:8, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Gilead has a very talented pair of program directors, and they outdid themselves this year. Whether it was the decor, activities, worship, or inspiring counselors, this year was one of the best in recent memory. My favorite parts of the week were the conversations I had with counselors and staff members (some of whom were campers in previous years that I served) who are growing in their faith and branching out to other ministries on their own. Everyone who steps foot on the campus agrees that God’s hand is on all that happens.

Throughout the week, many students were saved, many rededicated their lives to Christ, and others purposed to go home with the goal of reaching their community with the gospel. Thank God for places like Gilead. Ministries like this one serve as a common ground for parents and churches that can feel confident sending their youth away to a place that is fun and sound when it comes to God’s Word. 

Ministry Partnerships

This list of churches and ministries we have a relationship with is truly a blessing. It would take an entire post to mention all of them, but we have highlighted a few great moments from our summer. 

Believer’s Bible Fellowship - I was blessed to speak at churches like Brandywine Grace, Wagontown Chapel, and Coatesville Bible Fellowship this summer. But one of my favorite times was celebrating with Believers Bible Fellowship for their 13th anniversary. They have supported our family since we moved back to Coatesville and have been integral in partnering when we have hosted mission teams from California and Florida. Most recently, they have been an option for men from Montgomery County (Philadelphia) who are leaving from the prison and are looking for a church home. We are grateful for that connection. 

High View Church of God - One of the most unexpected joys this summer was a trip to High View Church of God. This church has been serving at Old Mill and assisting with grounds needs and cleanup days, as well as cooking for our summer camp weeks. It was especially cool to connect with one of the key members whose father was pivotal in establishing the ministry at Old Mill dating back to the 1940s and 50’s. Now that’s legacy!

The City School Retreat - The City School held the first of their professional and ministerial development days at the camp at Old Mill. This school is located in the heart of Philly and ministers to a group of students with much to offer but equally as many challenges. Their dedicated teachers had a blast encouraging each other and overcoming the trust challenges in a way that reminded them to seek unity throughout the upcoming school year. We were happy to be a part of their annual retreat. 

Family Update

Last week began a new school year for us and while we are always sad to see a summer end, we were ready for the structure that a school year brings.  

I ( Morgan) returned to a full-time work schedule in July after accepting a position as Special Events Coordinator at Delaware County Christian School, where the boys attend.  It has been a great blessing to be working in a Christian school setting again and using my creative giftings. 

Maxwell turned 12 in June and had a great summer.  He spent many days “working” alongside his Mom-Mom at the camp, cleaning and organizing between groups. The last week of his summer break, Max had some friends out at the camp for swimming, canoeing and fishing.

Quincy will be 15 this week and started 9th grade.  He had a wonderful graduation service in June where Steve was asked to be the commencement speaker.  Quincy finished middle school well and we were especially happy to see him in an independent study for Spanish with a teacher who could push him to grow in his language skills, building on what he learned in his elementary years while in the Spanish Immersion program at CCA. 

Titus turned 17 in July and started his first job this summer, joining the ministry work here in Coatesville.  He worked with the Bridge Academy & Community Center as a camp counselor.  This was a huge answer to prayer for us as parents who had been desiring for him to see the vision of the ministry and the need for Godly young men to pour into the children of our city. His favorite trip of the summer was going to a football camp at Miami University (of Ohio) and meeting one of Steve's former students (Shawn Lashbrook) who was coaching at the camp. Steve remembers the days of watching Shawn play football at CCA and it was neat to see him pour wisdom into Titus and make disciples through athletics.

A Word to our Supporters

Prayer is necessary to accomplish any work God sets before you. Giving is an act of worship. We are grateful for those who have prayed for our family and the work being done here. We are thankful and continue to be in awe of the people God brings alongside us to help with financial support. There is really no way to measure your contribution while here on earth, but God is faithful in using all things for His kingdom.