Dear Friends,
It seems the older I get, the faster the days go by! When I was in grade school, it would take forever for the weekend to arrive. Now whole years seem to go by in a flash. Back then life seemed carefree, but today I am constantly being challenged to find a Godly balance in my life as I juggle the vastly different roles of husband, neighbor, friend, Pastor and ministry leader. And as I juggle, I think of Paul’s advice to the church at Ephesus: “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16). Herein is the challenge: Am I living a life that is wise? Am I making the most of every opportunity, or am I so busy living that I completely overlook those divinely appointed times when I might be able to bring life to someone in need, whether it be through a kind word or a loving touch. The more I ponder this challenge, the more I come to conclude that this is one of the very reasons that Life Connections exists . . . to afford people the opportunity to step outside their daily rituals, to make themselves available to be used by God, and to learn how He desires to use His children to bring life to a world in desperate need. Life can truly be exciting when we surrender ourselves to God on a daily basis. And that is exactly what we learn on every LCI trip!
We have a very busy schedule this summer, with trips planned to Denmark, New York, Los Angeles, Mexico, Fiji and Uganda. Please pray for us as we strive to Bring Life . . . the abundant Life found only in Jesus . . . to the Nations!
Uganda
This past May we had the opportunity to send two (2) young ladies to Uganda where they partnered with Touch the World Ministry, spending most of their time in Northern Uganda working with the children. Here’s what one of them wrote when I asked if they enjoyed the trip:
“I had an amazing time. I have totally fallen in love with the country and its people. I can see myself being there half my time. 
It was really amazing to see people worship God despite their awful living conditions.” – Jeami Guerro
Costa Rica
This June we traveled with a team of six (6) people to work with our friends Phil and Jill Jones whose ministry, Blood-N-Fire, works amongst the poorest of the poor. While there, our team joined with the Becka Program and tutored many young students. We also helped lead a women’s Bible study and helped clean and paint a local community center. Of her time in Costa Rica, Diane Ritchie wrote:
“What continues to stick out in my mind are the children and their joy while living in horrible conditions. We witnessed harsh living conditions, but to these kids it’s all they know and yet they can put a smile on their face and be excited over a small gift. The Apostle Paul wrote, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and this verse meant so much to me during the trip. I remember prior to our visit that I was embarrassed because I didn’t speak fluent Spanish, and my prayer was that I could communicate with grace. Yet within minutes of arriving at the picarrio, I was able to speak the language with confidence. I know this was from the Holy Spirit. I want to be like the child that lives in troubles, rejoices daily, and appreciate tiny gifts. I know today that God made my life the way it was for His purpose.”
Worship LA
In partnership with Jesus Jams Ministry, Life Connections is sponsoring monthly worship events throughout the Los Angeles area. With each event, worship teams from three different churches come together for a single purpose . . . to worship God. How wonderful to see the Body of Christ coming together in this demonstration of unity!
Pray for LA
Life Connections recently began hosting the Pray for LA website. Requests for prayer come in from all over the City (indeed . . . from all over the country!), and it is our privilege to encourage the Body of Christ in this vital task. Would you like to Pray for LA? Visit the website and sign up! (www.prayforla.org)
Upcoming Trips
Denmark
From July 5th-16th we will be taking a team of 7 people to work in Denmark with our friends from Healing Waters ministry at Danish Oasis, a national Danish camp that hosts between 1,800 and 2,500 people each summer. We are excited to be a part of this ministry and look forward to serving through, prayer, teaching, and worship.
New York
On July 16th the LCI team will be converging on New York with a team of 6 people to serve in a variety of ministry opportunities throughout the city. As in the past, we will be partnering with Rick Camacho of Mission New York City. The team will have opportunity to serve the homeless, praying for the needy, and facilitate local worship events. We will also be involved in a large outreach event in Harlem. Please pray as we Bring Life to New York!