An Update...Finally!

Hello Everyone!
I hope you've been loaded with good days since the last post.  We have certainly had our share...especially with the days getting longer and warmer!  Spring is peeking around the corner!


Let me give you a quick update from the past month:  Mid-January we ventured up north to Illinois, Indiana and Ohio to promote Ignite.   We met some incredible leaders and pastors at Camp Hickory, Faith Outreach Center and Camp McPherson!  The students at locations had such a raw passion for God, which caused a chain reaction in my faith.  (one of the reasons I love youth ministry)


Following that trip we promoted Ignite at New Hope Worship Center (Concord, NC) and Hope Chapel (Apex, NC).  Both locations held unique significance to me and Sumer.  New Hope - the church that Sumer was raised in and where we had our wedding.  Hope Chapel - where we served as youth pastors for over 9 years...surreal.


Starting tomorrow we have another 10-day stretch of promoting!  (This time without the entire family)  Tennessee, New Hampshire and Virginia!  More connecting, promoting and recruiting!


So, those are the Ignite updates.  Next, I want to share a couple scriptures with you...and talk about their significance for us today:


Then Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like?  How can I illustrate it?  It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches."


"Just a little bit of heaven" - Jesus teaches the followers a lesson on the Kingdom of God.  What is it like?  What can it be compared to? - A mustard seed.  That is what Jesus chose to illustrate the Kingdom of God.  Really?


Well, I thought about it for a while.  A little seed of heaven planted into the heart of man (any one who receives the Word by faith)  As the seed takes root in the heart of man, this new life begins to protrude.  It's an obvious difference.  That "something" that wasn't there before.   That "something" being the presence of God.  As the presence of God takes root in our life, a transforming work begins to take place.  This sprout of heaven, this God-presence solidifies us,   giving us the ability to weather the storms of life.  Now, without the seed, none of that would exist.  The smallest touch of heaven can transform a dead body into a living source of hope.   


Go get of bit of heaven today!


We love you all!
The Smiths

Winter Fun...Ignite Itinerary

Snow snow snow!  It's been a while since we've experienced a winter season like this, so we are grabbing every opportunity to have fun in it!  Instead of writing about our time out in the snow, I thought it would be more fun to show you.  Below are some of the moments we were able to capture:

a true winter wonderland

 Aubrey is being a good sport, but she's really afraid of the 4wheeler

This is Aubreys response when you say, "look at the camera"

creating some fun memories for the girls

Look at that snow angel!

We had so much fun out in the NC snow...now we get to enjoy the snow in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio!  This Thursday we head north to promote and recruit for Ignite...and everywhere we travel, snow is expected!  We have one of those really cool car toppers for our extra luggage we're taking to weather handle the elements.  (pictures will come later)  This will also be our first long trip with the girls...so it should be interesting.  


We are eager to start connecting with the students and pastors from the East Coast districts! 

This is our Ignite Itinerary for the next 10 days:

Jan. 14    leave for Louisville  (half way point to Camp Hickory, Grant, IL)

Jan. 15    drive to Camp Hickory (Heartlands District Winter Retreat)

Jan. 16    promote Ignite @ morning youth meeting

Jan. 17    leave for Indiana

Jan. 19    Speak @ Wednesday night youth service at Faith Outreach, Rochester, IN

Jan. 21    Arrive at Camp Mcpherson (Mid-Atlantic District Winter Retreat)

Jan. 22    promote Ignite @ morning youth meeting

Jan. 23    leave for North Carolina

We'll post frequent updates to the blog or Facebook as a way to bring you with us!  Thank you for your continual prayers and encouragement!


(sorry for the "choppy-ness" of this post...I had several distractions throughout the process of writing)


The Smiths 


"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands."