The Son & the Sand
August 2006
It’s a Fast Ride… (by Jeff Ford)
I drive slow. My wife (Thea) consistently reminds me of how slowly I drive. My driving style (again very slow, quite often even slower than the speed limit) is an extreme contrast to Thea’s style (fast, sometimes quite too fast). The ride to our various backyard bible club sites, resort worship service locations, beach evangelism events, and various creative arts events may take a little longer if you are in the car with me; however, the speed of this summer has rocketed past all of our expectations. The question the resort ministry team is often asked at this point in our ‘06 ministry journey is “how is the summer going?”, and the answer we most often give is “it’s gone by so fast” or “I can’t believe it’s almost over” or “it’s been a fast ride.”
I write to you today to say it’s been a wonderful summer of ministry. Thank you for your prayer support and encouragement. Keep these students in your prayers as they prepare for work, school, and many more opportunities to minister to others. Like Dr. Cox at First Baptist Church of Bay Minette says… “The mission field is always the distance between the left foot and the right foot of the follower of Jesus”
1. Lana Hall, Samford University, (Birmingham, AL)
2. Katy Maynard, the University of South Alabama
3. Chase Rogers, the University of South Alabama
4. Jessica Nolte, of Ozark High School, (Ozark, MO)
5. Chris Dye of Calhoun Community College (Athens, AL)
6. Merena Crauswell of Warrior, AL
7. Alicia Christian of Southwestern Missouri State
8. Courtney Cross of Wallace Community College (Warrior, AL)
9. Heather Ferguson of Murray State University (Murray, KY)
10. Meagan Ballard of Charlotte, NC
11. Chris Porter of Athens, AL
12. Ashley Welch of First Baptist Church Justin, TX
13. Matt Goins of the University of Mobile
14. Brittany Scott of Calhoun Community College (Athens, AL)
15. Derrick Fields of Mississippi College
16. Ashley Carroll of Summerfield, NC
17. Tony Bush of the University of North Alabama
and
18. Lisa Langley (a recent graduate of the University of Mobile)
All of these students will be back at home or back at school by August 12th.
It’s a Bumpy Ride… (by Lisa Langley)
I worked as a summer missionary with Jeff and Thea in the summer of 2004 and as a summer VBS missionary for the Baldwin Baptist Association in the summer of 2005. This summer, Jeff asked if I would be the summer assistant director and I was interested immediately, not really knowing what to expect. I graduated from the University of Mobile in May and immediately began looking for a teaching position in Baldwin County, accepting the inevitable call to the real world. I started out enthusiastically, dropping my resume off at schools with so much hope for what was coming and all of the job offers that I was expecting to roll in. My boyfriend of four years, Scotty, proposed a week after I graduated! This was incredibly thrilling and wonderful because Scotty is an amazing man of God and all that I could have asked God for as a husband and leader. At the same time, the planning of a wedding can add some stress to your life!
Meanwhile, all those job offers that I had planned on weren’t really appearing as quickly as I had hoped. I became somewhat discouraged with life and how God didn’t go along with my plans. One of the great things about God is that He does have an amazing plan for all of us. The even better part is that He is in control, so regardless of what I think is best, His master plan, is better than mine could ever be. I am amazed that no matter how many times He shows me that I still give in to worry. Well, God’s plan was incredible (imagine that!!) and He gave me a teaching position in Fairhope where I will teach fifth grade, exactly where I wanted to be. I have had a wonderful summer working with the summer missionaries and barefoot believers interns. I have worked alongside Jeff and Thea doing whatever I was called upon to do, from leading devotions, to taking a trip to Walmart, to helping plan for this summer and how to improve next summer. God has shown me, again, through working with Barefoot Believers and through life that I can be used by Him if I’m willing to lean on Him for everything, trusting His plan and His sovereignty.
It’s The Ride… (by Thea Ford)
Often I delete or ignore a lot of my email, so sometimes I wonder how many people actually read this newsletter. And I wonder what you’re reading for…are you looking for encouragement? are you a prayer warrior? do you simply want to stay connected? what are you searching for right now? Whatever the case, I feel burdened to testify to you that throughout this summer, and even this year, I have found the Mighty God of the universe to be sufficient in ways that I could not imagine. I believe more than ever before I have had the tremendous opportunity to experience the Majesty of the Holy One. Maybe my words sound a little bizarre for you, perhaps a little less restrained than you may be comfortable with ordinarily. I hope so. I’m beginning to learn that although God is bigger than I can dream, part of my role on the amazing journey is to relinquish my plans and to embrace the plans He has for me. Thank you for your prayers for this ministry and for each person who is a part of it. It’s astounding to think that the Great God Himself wants to hear our prayers.
Things We Can Praise God For
> Courtney Cross (2006 summer missionary) was accepted to nursing school.
> Lisa Langley got a teaching job in Fairhope. She starts this month.
> The summer missionaries in 2006 did an outstanding job.
> The one week mission teams were especially helpful this season.
> Jeff and Thea took their first summer vacation since getting married in 1999. (we had great fun with family… especially our two nieces Allie and Amber)
> Thea is planning another wonderful year of teaching at Foley High School.
> Jeff is already making preparations for another exciting fall and winter ministry season.
> The resort ministry will be highlighted in 2007 as an exciting component of the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. This promotional DVD will assist us in gathering additional volunteers for the years to come.
The summer of 2006 embarked on several new ministries and volunteer programs… (innovators, sojourners, coed summer missionaries… we haven’t used guys as summer missionaries for ten years, and barefoot believer interns) Email us for more info. on these new ministries bbagarm@gulftel.com
And One Last Thing…
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
In Christ,
Jeff & Thea Ford
resort missionaries
&
Lisa Langley
2006 Summer Assistant Director
Baldwin Baptist Resort Ministries
www.barefootbelievers.com
www.baldwinbaptist.com
