Summer/Fall 2019 Newsletter
Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
- Joshua 3:5
As the Israelites stood on the banks of the Jordan River, water exploding over the banks as it always does during harvest season, I can not fathom the excitement and anticipation as God’s people were so close to tasting the sweetness of the Promise Land after so long of a journey. But on the opposite side I could also imagine the fear; fear of crossing the raging river in a unexpected, supernatural way! The fear of peoples who inhabited the land before them, and would certainly fight to keep! Fear of the reality that if God’s promises would reign true, what God would require of them?
But here is the key, all God required was for the Israelites to consecrate themselves, to set themselves apart because the LORD was going to do amazing things among and through them! That is our call as followers of Christ; to not be worthy of this world (Hebrews 11:38), to set ourselves apart through our faith and dependence on God alone and to allow Him to lead in His perfect timing, in His perfect way, in His perfect wisdom and love.
As we stand on the cusp of a new Fall/Winter season, we can’t help but anticipate that God is going to do amazing things among IAM and the youth that have been entrusted to us. Certainly, there are fears as the fatherless epidemic is huge, scary, and REAL, but reflecting on how God continually steps in and is faithful in all of His promises ensures that all we are asked to do is to set ourselves apart.
So lets celebrate and give God all the Glory today for just a few of the victories we have seen God accomplish in this past season…
IN FLORIDA:
Numerous IAM Ranch retreats in Spring and beginning of the summer
75+ youth that participated in IAM Basketball Clinics led by godly coaches
Bow/devo/lunch days
Feeding Program at the Auburndale Community Center that was maintained through the Summer
IN KENTUCKY:
Decisions made for Christ at this summers day event with former Pro-Wakeboarder and current Ninja Warrior, Emily Copeland Durham
Eternity impacting decision made at the baseball clinic with former MLB Player R.A. Dickey
Numerous IAM Youth attending church camp with our awesome partnership at Southland Ranch - souls saved and lives changed!
The purchase of the property where the second IAM Lodge location will soon break ground!
IN BOTH FLORIDA AND KENTUCKY:
Deep questions and eternal decisions that have been made through these events
The intimate mentoring/discipling sessions that have spawned all over this community, and amazing Church and Local business partnerships that have bloomed as this community has charged after fatherless youth and their families over these past months!
