Summer Recap

Looking Back On A Wonderful Summer…

The Fall season is upon us but, we wanted to look back and share all God did in the summer months. Here are a few highlights of the wonderful things God is accomplishing with our family and ministry…

Camp Update:

It seems there was hardly a moment this summer when the Camp at Old Mill wasn’t being used for some type of ministry. Summer camps,  pastoral retreats, church baptisms, 4th Sunday night services, and more filled the summer schedule.

The overnight camps of the Bridge Academy, Calvary Chapel Philadelphia, and Brandywine Grace were packed with more young people than we have had since before Covid! Each one of these day camps and overnight camps was special with counselors who were devoted to seeing young people grow closer to Jesus. Knowing Christ and making Him known is always our goal and that truly took place this summer. 

Other ministries like ODAAP (Open Door Abuse and Awareness Prevention) held football camps for high school teams from the city of Philadelphia. These young men face great challenges in their communities and one team came to the camp just a week after one of their fellow teammates had been shot. The coaches also appreciated the focused time and all the teams benefited greatly from transitioning out of the city for a few days to be poured into and prayed over. 

The fall season is when many churches and ministries schedule retreats and training. Pray that Old Mill can continue to be a place of refreshment and refuge for those in ministry, while keeping our focus on the city and use the campground as a way to reach the lost for Christ. 

Prison Update:

We are beginning to meet with a new group of men this month. We are asking God to give the same favor He has shown the past six months. The 1-on-1 format that develops when someone desires further discipleship outside of chapel times has allowed us more consistent meetings. Jack Crans and Heinrich Botes have been instrumental in moving forward to reclaim opportunities we had pre-covid and continue to weigh in and support prison administration.

We have also found much traction helping men through the re-entry side of release. The relationship we have established in the prison aids this process. Additionally, God has brought us business owners to help with the practical side of finding work. This is a huge praise! These men have had a heart to help and give those who have been incarcerated a second (or even third or fourth) chance. While discipleship is foremost, the practical needs of these men are very real. Pray God would continue to bring partners with the same heartbeat our way. 

Ministry Partnerships:

One of the blessings of settling into full time ministry has been the ability to connect and minister with faithful partners and supporters. It is a joy to travel and see what God is doing in the local areas of those who support and encourage your ministry. 

In July, Quincy and I spent a week in northern California at Mt. Gilead Bible Camp. Each year, young people attend this camp from local churches and youth groups in the area. This year was my 10th year speaking at Gilead and God moved in powerful ways all week long. The highlight was seeing students accept Christ and being a part of their decision to be baptized was extra special. 

The summer months also presented the opportunity to preach at Exchange Church in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Josiah Graves (and his wife Kimber) have been faithfully leading that quickly growing church plant and it was exciting to encourage this community through the word and converse with leaders as they begin a prison ministry in their local area. 

In September, Calvary Life Church held its GO IMPACT Missions Conference. The missionaries attending represent countries across the world. It was a privilege to preach the word, meet other missionaries and enjoy watching the body respond to the call to be salt and light where God has placed them! One week later, they sent a mission team from the West coast to the East coast to minister in Coatesville and the greater Philadelphia area. The word dynamic does not begin to describe what took place and how the Lord worked through them while here! Food distributions, gospel events and city prayer walks are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all God accomplished through a willing group of servants. 

Their time here was a reminder of Nehemiah 4:6 because right after the CalvaryLife team got off the plane and got rolling “the people had a mind to work!" Most importantly, God was the center of all our endeavors and we pray He was pleased above all else. 

Here are some of the highlights:

Ministering to 150 students at Old Mill from The City School in Philadelphia and watching the team share their testimonies and the gospel with students

Praying for individuals and families during the food distribution at the Bridge Academy in Coatesville

Serving food, praying for families and joining Believers Bible Fellowship while sharing the gospel with young people during outreaches in the Logan and Mt. Airy sections of Philadelphia

Getting a cheesesteak in Philly and trying to decide if Geno’s or Pat’s was the better place to eat

The CalvaryLife mission team spending time with God at the camp and being personally refreshed

Our Family:

As the Mayos enter into the fall…

The boys begin year two at their school here. Titus is in 10th grade and once again playing on the football team. Quincy is in his last year of middle school and Maxwell, now in 6th grade, has joined his brothers on the upper school campus. Both Quincy and Max are enjoying playing on their middle school flag football team and seeing each other in the hallways.  

I (Morgan) am home this year. We have found for right now it is best that I am available to take the boys to school and/or pick them up. Juggling their school schedules and football practices has kept me busy.  Being flexible as we find our new routines with Steve’s schedule is important for making our home life run smoothly. We are praying to develop a good family rhythm again and make the most of all we experience together. 

How YOU can support…

PRAY

Psalm 91 reminds us that the Lord is our refuge and fortress. Please pray as our family is well into the second year of full-time ministry. There is much before us and the challenges are great, but the call is to be faithful where He has placed us. Please pray that we would not grow weary in well-doing. 

REACH OUT

We would love to hear from you! God is doing amazing work here and we would love to give you even more details about what is happening. It is always encouraging to catch up so don’t hesitate to message, call, write, or post. We are quick responders!

GIVE

Looking back on 2023 was similar to examining a study in the faithfulness of God. He has been faithful and provided for our family in incredible ways. We are constantly blown away by the generosity of those who give sacrificially. We are coming towards the end of 2024 and are continuing to ask for individuals, churches, or organizations to come alongside us and support our family. He makes a way for those He calls. 

Grace and Peace