[ on the bay ]

I really love the local church body that we're communing with this summer in Traverse City.

Most of our group has been attending Redeemer Presbyterian Church, about a ten-minute drive from campus. The congregation has displayed love to our summer project group in a lot of cool ways, including invitations to cook-outs, bonfires, talks over coffee and other time at their homes. Erica, one of the young women on project with me, was baptized in their church service last Sunday morning and their congregation has committed to walking alongside her in her faith journey, though she'll be quite a few hours away at The O.S.U. :)

This evening after our time with the Lord a bunch of us (get this: just us women; all the guys were out sharing downtown and poring (sp.?) over -- another "get this" -- Habbakuk!) went over to the Millwards' beach, out near Old Mission Peninsula. (Old Mission Peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of GTB, for sure!)

We arrived there around 9 p.m., after making a few wrong turns (I was navigating for Meredith, who was leading a few other cars-full of girls, so go figure!), and walked down to the beach, where there were probably forty or so people of all ages -- lots of kids and older couples, too.

Those who were there from Redeemer were so interested in our mission this summer in Traverse City, and later on in the evening -- beneath the stars and by the bonfire -- we shared stories of what we've seen the Lord do in our midst this summer. Pastor Millward, who is a retired businessman and who was on staff with Youth for Christ for awhile, told us -- so genuinely -- that he and the congregation are proud of what we're doing and that we are an encouragement for their church.

Lauren (far left) shares about Eusef -- see previous blog entry!

He and his wife as well as another couple shared some stories, too -- how they've seen seeds planted and watered -- and the harvest sown. So cool.

At one point we were talking about the need for -- in a few words -- boldness and clarity of the gospel in America, and Pastor Millward mentioned how, at times, it can be discouraging talking to others his age who are apathetic or disinterested in their faith. Afterwards, he mentioned something like, "Our church -- we just can't stop talking about our faith and what Jesus is doing." Before we left they prayed for us and for the remainder of our time here in Traverse City. Really cool.

Tonight was special for me because it helped build in me even more affirmation about the local church and its importance in the life of a believer. I feel like we really were able to worship God tonight with our stories, conversations and time together.

Tomorrow: housekeeping, outreach and a Beach Bums game! Should be fun.

Love you all.

Jessie