"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Psalm 46:1

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land". 2 Chronicles 7:14

• Elizabeth Hope Greer, daughter of Natasha Greer, went to be with Jesus on June 28th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Beck Academy Special Needs Dept or the SC Chapter of Make-A-Wish.
• Ella Ault, daughter of Abbie and Daniel Ault, granddaughter of John and Jen Ausland, went to be with Jesus on June 27th. Abbie is currently 7 months pregnant and could also use prayers for the stresses this loss is adding. 
• Sharon Jackson had surgery on July 7 for breast cancer. Please pray for her healing.
• Cheri Whitley had surgery last week and needs prayers for healing.

"The good news of Christ reached Afghanistan by the second century, but today there are no church buildings. Cultural and religious opposition to the gospel as well as significant security issues remain great challenges for all missions efforts in this Central Asian nation. And sadly, most Afghans have never heard the gospel, do not know a Christian, and follow Muhammad’s teachings without question. Radical Islam and violent tribal political activity make the nation a difficult and dangerous place for Christians to practice their faith. There is, nevertheless, a special unity among Christians laboring for the gospel in Afghanistan. Christians in Afghanistan continue to face difficulty, discrimination, and persecution from family members, radical Islamist groups, and the government for their faith in Christ, but they continue to faithfully follow Him. Workers in the country have asked for prayers regarding our persecuted family and the advancement of God’s kingdom." Via: Voice of the Martyrs

Way to Pray: Pray for our brothers and sisters to experience God’s presence and peace as they endure suffering. Pray for them to persevere in their faith, and to be salt and light to members of their families, communities, and government. Pray for mature Christians to be fruitful disciple-makers. Pray also for God’s kingdom to advance throughout each of the country’s provinces and unreached people groups, especially Pashtuns.

Patrick and April Emery serve with Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO), an organization that strives to "transform college students to transform the world." Patrick has been a part of CCO's Experiential Designs team for 10 years. As part of this team, he specializes in facilitating team building as well as leading wilderness trips which help students learn more about God, themselves, and others. Patrick and April reside in Poland, Ohio, with their three children: Grace, Abigail, and Gabe. April, a stay-at-home mom, homeschools all three children and still finds time to make and sell a variety of natural home remedies.

Way to Pray: To see a generation of college students transformed by the power of Jesus Christ and His Gospel, in partnership with the local church, reaching the world for the glory of God. For unity among the staff team that Patrick leads. For our family as we homeschool and raise three children to know and love the LORD. 

Are you interested in getting involved in the life of a foster youth or are you already a foster parent? Fostering Great Ideas has some great learning opportunities this summer.

• Life in Limbo: Experiential Learning about Foster Care. For anyone who wants to experience foster care.
• Our Commons Loss: Grieving Together as Foster Parents (July 20 and August 17)
• Bridging the Gap: Working Together with a Child's Parents (Thursdays beginning 7/15)
• Faith to Foster: Small Group Study for congregations or small groups exploring or renewing this important ministry.

• Pray for Bernardo & Mildred Gonzalez (Colombia) as their country continues to face rising COVID cases and continue to navigate what ministry looks like amidst this challenging time.
• Continue to pray for Dr. Mung in Myanmar as his country faces turmoil and instability due to the coup. On top of that, the country is also facing an increase in COVID positive cases and deaths. Dr. Mung has recently had several friends pass away. Please pray for God's intervention in both of these situations.
• Pray for the ongoing distribution of food as Horizons is now supplying food portions to 97 churches across Lebanon. Pray for them as they also work to distribute the New Testament to people who do not know Jesus.

Our local partner, Miracle Hill, has a few ways to step in and serve or give! Check them out below.

• Greenville Rescue Mission: Male Mentors needed | Details linked here
• Greenville Rescue Mission: Front desk help needed | Details linked here
• Renewal Wade Hampton: Bread, milk, and cheese continually needed

All other needs are posted here.

Lt. Matthew Clark
Caleb Ford
2nd Lieutenant Parker Lewis
SFC Josh McSpadden
Cpt. Laura Rodgers
Major Tiffany Scheivert
...and the many others who are in active military service.