Today We Celebrate You, Russell!

Tweaked and re-posted because I felt it needed repeated!  :-)

Today is that special day when we celebrate  Russell!  46 years ago, he came into this world with a passion and a purpose that has never stopped.  I'm told how his enthusiasm, his sense of humor and his love for our Lord began at a very young age.

How he would stand on the side of the road outside his house, with a Bible in his hand, and "preach" to the cars going by.  How he would carry his tape recorder around recording himself singing and telling jokes and then play them back, annoyingly, for his entire family - over and over AND over.

There are stories of catching the back yard on fire, while attempting to help his dad kill fire ants.  Stories of jumping off the roof with an umbrella like Mary Poppins, to see if it would slow down his fall.  (He says it worked!)  Stories of breaking the stained glass windows in his dad's church with a rock (on accident) and of sneaking off to downtown St. Augustine on his bike while his parents were at work, and being hit by a red tourist train! (Obviously he wasn't seriously injured).

I could go on and on - but I'm sure if you asked him, and got him started, he could tell you so many more.  I hear these stories and I laugh, but I also see how the Lord continues to use all that passion, enthusiasm and creativity in his life and the lives of those he ministers to today.

One thing that many do not know about my sweet husband is that he was born with a cleft pallet and had to have surgery when he was a baby.  Fortunately, it didn't extend to his upper lip, like most do, but did give him a hole in the roof of his mouth and caused a speech impediment which put him through years of speech therapy.  By the time he was nine, he was struggling in school, was tested and the teachers told his parents that they should find a trade school for him because he may not finish High School and he definitely wouldn't make it to college.

When he was 16 and at Youth Camp, he heard God's call on his life to ministry.  He came home, went back to school and asked the principal if he could have a room each morning before school for a Bible Study.  When I first met him, 28 years ago, he was sitting at a table, teaching through the book of John to his peers.  He has been leading ever since.  He finished High School, he not only finished four years of college, but three years of seminary to earn his Master's Degree.  He came back to the Jacksonville area, got his first full time ministry position and pursued me until I finally gave in.  

Oh how thankful I am for this man. I know that he was created just for me.  God creates all of us for a purpose and it's fun to look back over his life and see how everything has prepared him for where he is now.  He loves the Lord, loves his family and he loves the church.  He is kind and sensitive to others and he desires to lead them to a closer walk with Christ.  He is spontaneous, creative and did I mention enthusiastic and passionate?  He is human, he struggles with things like all of us, but he doesn't hide that.  He is real, he is honest and he is a man of great integrity.


I simply could not imagine my life without him!

I admired Russell's qualities long before we were ever serious.  I even told him one night on the phone, in an effort to encourage him, that he was going to make someone a wonderful husband someday.  And I really believed that!  I just had no idea it would be me!  Turns out that I'm the lucky one that got this man and all of his wonderful qualities.

I can't even begin to tell you what I like most about him.  He is everything I ever prayed for and more.  Even before he was born God knew he was my husband.  God has great plans.

Russell - today I celebrate you!

• I am so thankful that your parents were surprised by your presence because God had to add one more to  their family. 

• I'm thankful that you moved to Orange Park and had the passion to start a Bible Study in our High School where you and I would meet.  

• I'm thankful for the 10 years of solid friendship we shared before we ever began dating.  

• I'm thankful that I am that woman that benefits from all of your wonderful qualities. 

• I'm thankful for your passion, your sense of humor, your serious side, your sensitivity, your complexity, your easiness.  

• I'm thankful for you spontaneity, your sense of adventure and your desire to sit at home and do nothing.  

• I'm thankful for your leadership, for your quirks, for the way we can finish each others thoughts. 

• I'm thankful for the way you love people, for your compassion and your mercy. 

• I'm thankful for your doubts and your fears because I know you are real. 

• I'm thankful that you are always three steps ahead of me and are ever so patient while the Lord works in my life to get us back on the same page. 

• I'm thankful for the two beautiful children you have given me and for the way that you love and lead them. 

• I'm thankful that you love our Lord more than you do me because then you love me even better. 

• I'm thankful for your prayers, your faithfulness and your trustworthiness.

• I'm thankful for your restlessness and your desire to just be.

• I'm thankful for your tenderness, your listening ear and your desire to do whatever it takes to provide for us.

I'm just thankful for you.  Everything about you.  You were meant specifically for me.  I know this is your birthday - but many people have been blessed because you were born.  Thing is - I made out the best!


You have continued to use your gifts and talents that the Lord has given you for His glory.  Your desire to serve and obey our Lord is contagious.  You are my love, my husband and my best friend.  Apart from salvation - you are my greatest gift!   I love you more than you know.  Here's to celebrating many more years of "you".......

Happy Birthday, my love!   ~ Me

Today We Celebrate Russell

Today is that special day when we celebrate  Russell!  44 years ago, he came into this world with a passion and a purpose that has never stopped.  I'm told how his enthusiasm, his sense of humor and his love for our Lord began at a very young age. 

How he would stand on the side of the road outside his house, with a Bible in his hand, and "preach" to the cars going by.  How he would carry his tape recorder around recording himself singing and telling jokes and then play them back, annoyingly, for his entire family - over and over AND over.

There are stories of catching the back yard on fire, while attempting to help his dad kill fire ants.  Stories of jumping off the roof with an umbrella like Mary Poppins, to see if it would slow down his fall.  (He says it worked!)  Stories of breaking the stained glass windows in his dad's church with a rock (on accident) and of sneaking off to downtown St. Augustine on his bike while his parents were at work, and being hit by a red tourist train! (Obviously he wasn't seriously injured).

I could go on and on - but I'm sure if you asked him, and got him started, he could tell you so many more.  I hear these stories and I laugh, but I also see how the Lord continues to use all that passion, enthusiasm and creativity in his life and the lives of those he ministers to today.

One thing that many do not know about my sweet husband is that he was born with a cleft pallet and had to have surgery when he was a baby.  Fortunately, it didn't extend to his upper lip, like most do, but did give him a hole in the roof of his mouth and caused a speech impediment which put him through years of speech therapy.  By the time he was nine, he was struggling in school, was tested and the teachers told his parents that they should find a trade school for him because he may not finish High School and he definitely wouldn't make it to college.

When he was 16 and at Youth Camp, he heard God's call on his life to ministry.  He came home, went back to school and asked the principal if he could have a room each morning before school for a Bible Study.  When I first met him, 26 years ago, he was sitting at a table, teaching through the book of John to his peers.  He has been leading ever since.  He finished High School, he not only finished four years of college, but three years of seminary to earn his Master's Degree.  He came back to the Jacksonville area, got his first full time ministry position and pursued me until I finally gave in.  

Oh how thankful I am for this man. I know that he was created just for me.  God creates all of us for a purpose and it's fun to look back over his life and see how everything has prepared him for where he is now.  He loves the Lord, loves his family and he loves the church.  He is kind and sensitive to others and he desires to lead them to a closer walk with Christ.  He is spontaneous, creative and did I mention enthusiastic and passionate?  He is human, he struggles with things like all of us, but he doesn't hide that.  He is real, he is honest and he is a man of great integrity. 

Russell, today we celebrate you.  How thankful we are for you - for your love and your leadership.  We are thankful for the husband and the father that you are.  Our family is truly blessed to have you.  You have continued to use your gifts and talents that the Lord has given you for His glory.  Your desire to serve and obey our Lord is contagious.  You are my love, my husband and my best friend.  Apart from salvation - you are my greatest gift!  Thanks for being you.  I love you more than you know.      ~ Me

Happy birthday Dad you make me happy every day.  I love you Dad. You are the best!  I love you so much!  have a great birthday.
 Love, Anne

Dear Dad - Thank you for always being there for me and thank you for always loving me even through the hardships.  Even though we both have our moments together, we can still get along.  I love you and Happy Birthday.  Jarod

Happy Birthday!!!  We Love You!!!!

Tid Bits

So Russell has been down for three days with a fever.  He got into the Dr. today and has been diagnosed with Bronchitis.  No wonder he hasn't felt well.  He barely made it through his sermon on Sunday, came home, collapsed and hasn't really moved from his chair or the bed since.  Hopefully he will be feeling better soon.

Momma is in the middle

While resting, we have been enjoying our new little friends out back.  We discovered these little guys a few weeks ago.  They were born under our back porch and Momma Kitty has been taking good care of them.  But they are a tad scrawny and so we decided to help a bit.  All the shelters in the area are full so no one would take them and they are too young to have fixed, so we are attempting to help fatten them up a bit until they are old enough to have surgery. Then we will release them again.  They are not socialized at all and run any time we even come close to the back door, but I did manage to get these photos through the glass. 

Meggie is totally intrigued by them and has even shown a little jealousy.  We have purposefully kept them separated so she just watches them through the glass door.  And she can't understand why she can't have any of their kitty food.  It's funny.

I have to say that while I enjoy watching these adorable kitties play, I love my Meg more.  They will NOT be coming inside.  I am very content to be a one cat family and I think Meggie is as well.  As we watch the kittens and their momma, we are amazed at how social Meg was with us.  She was meant to be ours.  These cats won't even come near us.

So thankful for our sweet Meggie.  She was definitely meant for us.

She loves us.

ApParent Project Update:

Things have slowed down a bit in the last month with my sales, but everyone is vacationing, etc.  I know that it will get busy again once school starts.  

The sales may have slowed down but the collection of cereal boxes has not. I have 14 boxes packed and ready to go.  I'm working with a freight company here in Jacksonville to try and get things to Rays of Hope cheaper.  Very excited about the possibilities!

I had the idea of trying to get ApParent Project into the Southern Women's Show here in Jacksonville.  Each year hundred's of vendors and literally thousands of women come and shop over a four day period in October.  It's a pretty big deal around here.  I made phone calls, filled out the applications and prayed for the Lord to open the doors if it would be worth it for the artisans.  Unfortunately, they had already filled their quota for jewelry vendors so God closed that door.  But already today, I've been contacted by two different churches wanting me to come and speak and do a jewelry sale.  So excited!

As fall approaches, I am convinced that ApParent Project sales are only going to increase.  I am excited to see all that God has planned.

If you are interested in having me come to your home, church, work place - let me know!  I would be happy to schedule you!  Call (904) 703-1608 or email me at:  Franklin4@truevine.net 

Until next time.......

Happy Birthday Russell!

One of his spontaneously fun moments while shopping with me.  LOVE IT!

Two weeks ago, he made a big fuss about my turning 40.  I mentioned that he was just excited that he was no longer alone in that journey.  But today - he continues being ahead of the game.

He stays that way around here.  Always has everything figured out before the rest of us.  But that's the way it's supposed to be, right?
Right. 
I love him for that.
Most of the time.


I admired Russell's qualities long before we were ever serious.  I even told him one night on the phone, in an effort to encourage him, that he was going to make someone a wonderful husband someday.  And I really believed that!  I just had no idea it would be me!  Turns out that I'm the lucky one that got this man and all of his wonderful qualities. 

I can't even begin to tell you what I like most about him.  He is everything I ever prayed for and more.  Even before he was born - 43 years ago - God knew he was my husband.  God has great plans.

Russell - today I celebrate you!

• I am so thankful that your parents were surprised by your presence because God had to add one more to  their family. 

• I'm thankful that you moved to Orange Park and had the passion to start a Bible Study in our High School where you and I would meet.  

• I'm thankful for the 10 years of solid friendship we shared before we ever began dating.  

• I'm thankful that I am that woman that benefits from all of your wonderful qualities. 

• I'm thankful for your passion, your sense of humor, your serious side, your sensitivity, your complexity, your easiness.  

• I'm thankful for you spontaneity, your sense of adventure and your desire to sit at home and do nothing.  

• I'm thankful for your leadership, for your quirks, for the way we can finish each others thoughts. 

• I'm thankful for the way you love people, for your compassion and your mercy. 

• I'm thankful for your doubts and your fears because I know you are real. 

• I'm thankful that you are always three steps ahead of me and are ever so patient while the Lord works in my life to get us back on the same page. 

• I'm thankful for the two beautiful children you have given me and for the way that you love and lead them. 

• I'm thankful that you love our Lord more than you do me because then you love me even better. 

• I'm thankful for your prayers, your faithfulness and your trustworthiness.

• I'm thankful for your restlessness and your desire to just be.

• I'm thankful for your tenderness, your listening ear and your desire to do whatever it takes to provide for us.

I'm just thankful for you.  Everything about you. The good, the not so good - the entire package. 

You were meant specifically for me.  I know this is your birthday - but many people have been blessed because you were born.  Thing is - I made out the best!

I love you, Russell.  Here's to celebrating many more years of "you".......

Russell's Trip to Haiti

Russ returned from his mission trip to Haiti this past Monday with many stories and a new perspective.  I am hoping that once he gets caught up on things around here and at the church, I can get him to sit down and share a little.  For now, I'm going to post a few photos and some of the emails I received from him while he was gone.

 Arriving in Haiti

Great 2nd day in Haiti. Cut some metal, began organizing a tool shed, and preached the gospel, with the help of my translator Abraham, to over 300 people at an outdoor crusade in a nearby town. Good stuff! Thanks for your continued prayer for our team!

Today has been great. I preached, with a translator, the gospel to about three hundred people this evening. The worship was awesome. I had no clue what they were singing, but it was beautiful.

There is also more info on this link:  jbahaiti.org

Hiking up the mountain to watch the sun set.

Today I went into Cabaret to get some paint and lumber - craziness. I will never complain about driving in Jax again! There are no speed limits or lines separating lanes. Everyone honks their horns as they pass, and they pass even if they are facing head on traffic. The other side just slows down.

Last night we climbed up a nearby small mountain that overlooked the sea to watch the sun set. You could see mountains on every side and then the Caribbean. It was beautiful! Haiti is more than impoverished island. It is a beautiful country filled with people who are proud of their country. This is a land that does not need rich Americans to make everything better - as if we could. We have so much to learn from them! After supper, I attended Wed night service at the church. Once again I had no idea what they were saying, but I was moved to tears by the worship and intense love for Christ that was displayed. I am truly loving this experience - I am so thankful for the opportunity. I am doing well - getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of water. Tonight we are getting take out from a restaurant in Caerat - yes , I am eating goat!

"

We are taking the kids to the beach tomorrow - Should be fun. I have been asked to preach on Sunday at the church by the Children's Home - Jack will translate for me. I am so thankful for this second opportunity to preach while in Haiti.

 

Riding in the truck to the beach

Today was fun, but the beach was not near as nice as the Bahamas. I preach in the morning then we all having lunch at Pastor Nathan's house. There are issues here that need much prayer.

Just came in from a birthday party for all the kids who have a birthday in Oct. We take things like birthday parties for granted.

The more I see of Haiti and spend time with these precious people I keep dwelling on this song - "Greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done here!" I am so thankful to be a part of what Christ is doing in this beautiful island nation.

Preaching was great today! Jack is an excellent translator. I was able to go further between translation breaks and it helped to keep my momentum going. The congregation was very responsive. The church is very simple - just a roof with columns, no walls. There was probably about 200 there. I cried throughout the entire worship singing time. How can people with next to nothing worship with such joy and passion? 

After church, we drove to Pastor Nathan's house for a homemade Haitian meal - we really need to find a Haitian restaurant in Jax! We then went back to the orphanage. When I got out of the van, my buddy Kevins came running up to me with his arms outstretched. I picked him up and he gave me a big squeeze hug. Then he pointed to my chest then to his and asked, "Pastor be my papa?" What can I say? What can I do? I am crying as I type this. He is a precious eight year old boy who wants to be loved. He has held my hand, sat in my lap, rode on my shoulders, and been held in my arms since Tuesday. I will take him and the other children back with me in my heart. How can you come here and not leave changed? I thank God for this opportunity.

 Russ gave Kevins his Mickey hat.  I knew when he took it - it wouldn't be coming back.  :-)

Kervens (pronounced Kevins)  What a cutie!

For more blog updates, Click here

Missing My Husband

I'm enjoying my quiet morning but I'm missing my husband.  He left on a Mission Trip to Haiti this past Monday.  He's only going to be gone 7 days and we have been separated much longer than that before but this time is very different. I don't mind being alone, I don't have problems sleeping at night. The kids are at an age now where they are easy.  I've been wondering what the problem it - what's off.  I think it's just because I haven't been able to talk to him.  To hear his voice.  To know details. I've had a few quick emails letting me know he's fine, etc.  But no in depth conversations.  Amazing the things we take for granted.

Russ and I have been facilitating a Communication in Marriage Small Group at church.  We've done the curriculum before so now we are sharing it with others.  We are going back through the material and doing our homework like everyone else and have actually been pleasantly surprised by how far we have come since we did it the first time.   Communication is the life of any relationship.  How well you communicate can literally make or break a marriage.  It's vital.  Now, I'm not in any way, shape or form saying that Russ and I have "arrived" but now that I am not able to chat with him, I realize how much we really do talk each and every day.  We get so used to cell phones and reliable internet connections that we take those things for granted. We have absolutely no concept of what things used to be like - before computers and cell phones.  Even before our modern day Post Office. When you had to hand write letters and then wait days if not months for them to be received.  And then just as long to get a reply!  I guess there are still places in our world like that. Russell's in Haiti for goodness sakes.  People are living in tents and are fortunate if they have a meal for the day.  And I'm complaining because I can't pick up my cell phone and chat with my husband.

As you can tell - I have very mixed emotions about this and I'm trying to put it in perspective.  I know there is a lesson in here somewhere and I'm sure the Lord will show it to me in His time.  Until then, I will continue to take my daily situations to the Lord and plug away until Russ returns, knowing that we will have lots of things to talk about when he's home.  I'm only dealing with a week - there are military wives that are sacrificing much, much more.  I am thankful.

On a separate note - Have I told you how much I am enjoying my cat?  Hee! Hee!  I've backed off a little as I don't want to drive everyone crazy about it.  But - she's a new little something in my life and is proving to be a blessing.  She has (I can't believe I'm admitting this) taken Russell's spot on the bed at night.  Ahem..... notice I didn't say place - I said spot.  I broke down and put her blanket on the bed at night when I lay down and she pounces right up there and stays all night.  Then, during the day, she has to follow me around like a puppy.  It's funny - she has to be in whatever room I am in - laying close by.  I will admit that I enjoy her company and having someone to talk to during the day.  Only problem is, she doesn't talk back.  I think that's a good thing.

We are continually amazed at her personality and her gentleness.  She is a VERY good cat.  Especially for being a stray.  I do have to vacuum a bit more often, but I don't even mind so much.  She's worth it.

Here's a few of our new favorite pics.....

 Under the covers on Jarod's bed

 Her favorite spot on the rug - love the paw over her nose!

 This is my favorite - under her blanket

How cute is that?

Thanks for tolerating our newest family member.  Until next time.......

Newspaper Article and Busy Lives

I can't believe it's been nearly 2 weeks since I last made an entry. We are flying a mile a minute and it's hard to keep up. It is temporary and we love our new lives but it is taking some adjusting for me. Our house has not rented yet, so we are making the commute to the beach. Russ is out there 5 days a week, I have me down to 3. With both vehicles going back and forth, it's eating a lot of gas and time spent in traffic - but the Lord knows and His timing is perfect, so we'll keep at it. Amazing how willing I am now to rent my house and move! Only 6 months ago, I was pouting! God is so good.

So, basically we all go together on Sunday and stay at the beach all day. It's silly to drive there and back twice in the same day. So, we usually eat lunch out, go back to the office and I get a jump start on my office work until the evening service. Then we trek home. Russ goes Monday through Thursday. I go in on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It works out really well and gives me a few days at home. I am not used to being gone so much and am having to adjust everything about my life. I do enjoy the work though. It involves creativity and organization and I really enjoy that. I'm keeping up with my Calligraphy business as well. Fortunately this is not my crazy time with weddings so I do have some evenings off.

Russ has been doing such an excellent job. He enjoys it so much - he is right where he is supposed to be and I haven't seen him this content and at peace in a long time. Seems the restlessness is gone. I continue to post his sermons online each week so feel free to check them out whenever you would like. There is a link under our photo here on the blog or you can click here.

As you can see by the photo above, the local paper at Jacksonville Beach came by and interviewed the new pastor in town. We were thrilled! Although you can't read it very well, we were pleased with how they wrote everything up.

Please continue to pray that our house rents. School is starting in a month and we really want to be able to have the kids start at the beach. I don't want to transfer them in the middle of the year. I already have Anne enrolled in a PreK out at the beach - so that will mean commuting every day if we don't get moved. A lot can happen in a month and I'm trusting God's timing.

On a different note - it won't be much longer before I'm an Aunt! Marc and Sam's baby girl will be making her appearance some time in the next month. Sam is due Aug. 17th and I'm so excited! (As are they!) We are hosting a shower for her this weekend so I'll have photos next time. Thanks again for your continued prayers and notes of encouragement - they are appreciated more than you know!

The End of an Era

Today I closed my portable door for the last time! It is the end of an era - four years teaching at Wilkinson Junior High. I have enjoyed my students and the interaction with my fellow teachers and faculty. Of all the jobs to have while waiting for the next ministry position, this was the best possible.

Even though I loved teaching, it is not the passion of my heart. God has put the desire to serve Him in church ministry deep within me. We are taking off for the mountains of North Carolina next week and I begin preaching at Ocean Park on the 14th. Please continue to pray that our home rents soon and that we will find as awesome home closer to the beach.

Until next time....

New Link

We've had a few people say that the link we gave you for Russell's sermon wasn't working. So, Let's try this. Let me know if this works or not. Sorry - this is trial and error until we get it figured out.

Russell's Sermon

Okay - I think we have something figured out so you can hear Russell's sermon from this past Sunday. Entitled, "New Life in Christ" from Ephesians 2:1-10 and John 11:38-44. The sermon is separated in 2 parts. Part 2 is first and Part 1 is second so be careful which one you click on first.

If you are interested, click here. Enjoy!

Made Alive in Christ

This Sunday I will be preaching in view of a call to be pastor of Ocean Park Baptist Church in Jacksonville Beach. Cami has already written about the process that has brought me to this point. I am still amazed that this is happening and I praise God for this opportunity. I will be preaching from Ephesians 2:1-10.

This text pretty much jumped out at me as I began praying for what to preach. Many of you know that Ephesians is my favorite letter of Paul. This particular text is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Here Paul reminds us that we were dead in our sins and totally unable to do anything about it - we were depraved, disobedient, and doomed to face the wrath of a holy God. Then verse four begins with the most beautiful two words ever, "But God!" Those two words changed everything. It was His great love, mercy, and grace that poured on me even when I was dead and raised me up to new life in Christ! I did nothing to earn or bring about my salvation - It was all the work of my loving God through the blood of His dear Son, Jesus Christ.

Many may wonder, "Why not keep teaching school?" After all I do make a difference. The reason is simple - God has called me to preach the message of His grace. This is my passion.

I ask you to pray as I preach on Sunday. I don't want to preach in order to impress or secure a job. I desire to preach in order to give God honor and glory through the sharing of His Word. The church will vote on May 10 - Please pray for clarity and peace as we and the church make this important decision.

On the Path,
Russell

Update

Thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement for Russell's Assembly this past Friday. It went extremely well! As a matter a fact, it was AWESOME! He did such a great job! I was able to go and watch and as always, he did great! He is always right out there, telling it like it is and the room was quiet! Everyone was really paying attention. His principal and other faculty were highly impressed and even mentioned him "taking it on the road." Again - thanks for your prayers. The notes of encouragement were a big help to Russ as well. We appreciate each of you who took the time to write.

On another note, Jarod and Russ took off today for Patriot's Point in Charleston, SC. They will be staying, with their Scout Pack, on an aircraft carrier for two nights and touring the Fort Sumter area. I don't know who was more excited, Russ or Jarod! Please pray for their travel safety. 6 cars left a little while ago in a caravan up there. Anne and I are having a "girl time" until they return home late Tuesday afternoon. I sent Russ with the camera so we should have fun pictures next time I post.

Thanks!!!!!

"Your Future - Your Choice"

I wanted to take a minute and share what is going on with Russell at the school. We are thrilled about the upcoming opportunities and wanted you to be praying for him.

It's been over a month since we have heard anything more from Ocean Park Baptist Church, but, in that time frame, God has been doing amazing things at the school. First of all, the Principal pulled him aside a few weeks ago and assured him that he would have a job next year. That within itself is very exciting because of all the budget cuts here in Clay County. One of his fellow teachers, who Russ kind of mentored when he began teaching, will not have his contract renewed next year. So we are very thankful that he will simply have a job. Secondly, they are moving him from Language Arts to History. Anyone who knows Russ will understand how exciting that is for him! He LOVES history!

He will also have another Peer Counseling class. Russ loves this class. He says it's the closest he can get to having a youth group without being in the church. In the last three years, Russ has created and developed this class and has begun a SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Group. He trains the Peer Counseling students and then takes these presentations to the local Elementary Schools. Teaching the kids about making wise choices concerning drugs, smoking, peer pressure, etc.

Finally, he will have another free hour in the day in which to work with and counsel troubled students who have been in detention, ISS and OSS (School Suspension), students who are bullying or have been bullied, students who have been in fights, etc. He will be working closely with the Assistant Principal who handles all of the disciplinary action at the school. What an exciting opportunity!

Last, but not least - the Principal has given him permission to hold an Assembly for the entire school (700 students) next Friday. It is sponsored by his SADD group and is titled "Your Future, Your Choice." He has been working hard at putting together a 50 minute program on the choices you make and the consequences of those choices. What an incredible opportunity to speak into the lives of these 700 7th and 8th graders! Although he cannot speak specifically about the Lord, I can only imagine that this will make an impact on these students and make Russell approachable.

Please pray with us that all will go well. That the Lord will give him just the right words that these kids need to hear. That the students will be receptive to what he has to say and that lives will be affected. Pray that this will open doors for relationships and other opportunities to share Christ. Although Russell's deepest desire is to preach, we know that God still has him at Wilkinson Jr. High for a very specific reason and we are watching exciting opportunities - opportunities which we have been praying for - fall into place.

We'll keep you informed......