The Good and the Bad

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“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made one as well as the other. Therefore no one can discover anything about their future.”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NIV)

Among the most prominent aspects of serving here in North Carolina has been conviction; learning things about myself that must change. An inclination I have recently observed in myself is the tendency to rush through trials and linger in easy times.

I logically understand that trials, challenges, and suffering are special times which God uses to draw us closer to Himself and strengthen our faith. I know that remaining under suffering according to God’s will yields this growth.

And God is clear: the good times and bad times are part of His sovereign oversight and planning. See Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and James 1:2-4.

But when the hard times roll in, I instinctively try to find a way out as quickly as possible.

If the hard times—times I deem as bad—are times which God uses to draw me closer to Himself, how dare I try to escape them?

What is more, how dare I try to linger in easy times and avoid the opportunity to know Christ more through the times of trial?

I would rather suffer in order to know Christ more than be comfortable and never grow.

Pray that I learn endurance: the ability to remain faithful and steadfast under the weight of suffering, when it comes.

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PROGRESS REPORT IN CLEAR CREEKSIDE LANDING

Clear Creekside Landing, NC is the neighborhood where Crisis Response has concentrated their rebuilding efforts in response to Hurricane Helene.

• We are making concentrated efforts on finishing three homes in the neighborhood before the holiday season arrives
• The addition at the staff house is nearly completed, allowing greater housing capacity for future staff
• As we near the end of our work in Clear Creekside, we are searching for the next place to work, either a neighborhood or individual reconstruction projects throughout Henderson County

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ANSWERED PRAYERS

• Our new team members are contributing greatly to the effectiveness of our site

• We have received much encouragement from volunteer teams who have served weekly
• Continued growth in each of our team members as we face challenges and tiredness
• Increasing opportunities for discipleship relationships with teammates

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PRAYER REQUESTS

8/1/2025

Please pray for:

• A restful vacation week in which we can grow closer to the Lord through Bible study and prayer
• Our team to discern where God would have us work next in Western North Carolina
• Prepared hearts for Crisis Response missionaries as hurricane season intensifies
• Our team to have undivided hearts devoted to God’s glory