August 23, 2016
July 2016- Strong Connections
Colossians 2:2-3 “I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
This month has been so much about us connecting with God, and Him connecting us with the Body of Christ through strong ties of love. We receive great joy as we join in with our brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world. Different members of our team got the opportunity to go on some incredible trips this month where we have witnessed the goodness of God and the advancement of the Kingdom of God through acts of love. Here are a couple of stories that sum up the month for us here at IRIS Abilene: Camp Barkeley.
Our long-term team member Edna had the honor of traveling around the states for some time to help train other believers in a ministry called Restoring the Foundations. She taught seminars with other RTF trainers and helped equip a group of believers to go out under the covering of their local church and RTF, to release freedom and truth into the lives of people around them. It was a trip filled with joy, friendship, and deeper revelation of the Father’s unconditional, unfailing love. Definitely something we look forward to being a part of more often in the future!!
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Angel and her dear friend from Canada, Nancy S., had the amazing opportunity to go to Pemba, Mozambique and South Africa for two weeks. They partnered with Nancy Economou with Watts of Love, and Iris Global to reach the lost and needy in remote villages. Angel, Nancy S. and Nancy E. got to travel to different villages with some of the Harvest School students. While on outreach, Watts of Love solar lights were given out to mamas, and leaders of the villages. Each light brought hope, and life to each person that received it. If you have not heard of Watts of Love, please visit their website wattsoflove.org and see how Jesus is changing the world, one Watt at a time. Angel, Nancy S., and Nancy E. got to truly experience the incredible, fierce love of the Father, in so many tangible ways and it has changed their lives forever! We are thankful for the ways we get to partner with God all around the world as we live out the greatest commandment. “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of you soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.” We are excited for what this next year has in store for us as we lean in, yield, and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.
This month Lauren also got to travel and connect with a church in Martin, Tennessee. She had the honor of getting to visit with some dear friends of hers and lead worship at their church. While she was there, God came in His rich love and hearts were captivated as people got to experience the healing hand of God in their physical bodies as well as in their hearts!! We are excited about all that God has deposited in this church through His presence as they are a brand new church with big dreams and visions. We are expecting the wells of revival to be released in that community.
These are just some testimonies, but really everyone in our team has had such an incredible month!!
We also had an upgrade at Camp Barkeley this month when our friends from Canada, Nancy S. and her family, used their month long vacation to serve and take care of tree trimming, mowing, and landscaping. We are learning more about the goodness of God and about His love that He wants to lavish upon those who cry out to Him!!
We have some amazing months coming up ahead of us and are expecting God to reveal His heart and plans for us in a greater measure. Thank you for all of those that serve and love well!!
STAY TUNED FOR MORE ON OUR BLOG FOR AUGUST!!
