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The priority is the thoughts and dreams of the community itself.

In God’s journey, things like famines and thirsting, always have a way of bringing us closer to Him.

Fall in West Virginia is here, and we are excited for the changing leaves, cooler weather, and lots of wonderful hiking. If you’ve never experienced fall in WV, come see us soon!

God has faithfully provided comfort, friends, family, and help when it was needed.

There are days soon when we will meet people that we will never forget.

“This is the first time in 5 years that I have had a community member approach me and say: “I want Next Step Ministries to stay at my home church”.

When we believe that God opens and closes doors for a reason, we can see obstacles as opportunities.

Because in that forgiveness, and in that freedom, we can “delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name.”

I get to be in awe, because I can see The Creator in the created.

Ultimately, we love others because Christ loved us.

Read more about what it looks like to partner with a community for the long term.

A year ago Clendenin and I had a lot in common. Everything seemed like it was falling apart.

As a Christian I can’t believe in chance. To the world these things are coincidence and good luck. But to me these events are profoundly personal, planned and accomplished by a faithful God.

As Christ followers, we more than anyone, should learn how to rest. Because we can.

“He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, He who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.”

One of my biggest passions is being able to educate others on the complex, deeply rooted issues that communities face. These are not cut and dry struggles. They almost always, do not have simple fixes.

Then I said “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”

“The past serves the future by feeding faith, because of all the faithful works of God to make a future for us in the past.”

“Sometimes the pain outweighs the happiness, but the joy has always outweighed the pain”.

Of course Christ’s story was carefully planned, pieced together and accomplished. God is His Father. He cares for Him. Jesus’ name is literally translated as “Yahweh Saves”. But does the same apply to us and our lives?

Through our lunch devotions, prayer as a group, afternoon meetings with community members, the entire day on the worksite, nightly worship and everything in between, it was evident God was at work.

“You have multiplied, O Lord my God, Your wondrous deeds and Your thoughts toward us; none can compare with You! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be…