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Focus on the Good
The priority is the thoughts and dreams of the community itself.
I Need Your Help
When they told me that they were in this situation with vehicles, I immediately said “Okay, I’m going to pray for a van”.
The Journey
In God’s journey, things like famines and thirsting, always have a way of bringing us closer to Him.
West Virginia Fall Update
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!
A little help from our friends
God has faithfully provided comfort, friends, family, and help when it was needed.
People>
There are days soon when we will meet people that we will never forget.
Opportunity
“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”.
Obstacle or Opportunity
When we believe that God opens and closes doors for a reason, we can see obstacles as opportunities.
Confession
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.”
Awe
I get to be in awe, because I can see The Creator in the created.
Across the Map
Ultimately, we love others because Christ loved us.
Thank You, Clendenin
Read more about what it looks like to partner with a community for the long term.
Rebuilding
A year ago Clendenin and I had a lot in common. Everything seemed like it was falling apart.
Not Left To Chance
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.
Rest
As Christ followers, we more than anyone, should learn how to rest. Because we can.
He Delivers and Rescues
“He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, He who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.”
Learning from Experience
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.
"I am only a Youth"
Then I said “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”
The Best Is Yet To Come
“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.”
Messy
“Sometimes the pain outweighs the happiness, but the joy has always outweighed the pain”.
Yahweh Saves
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?
Time In Between
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.
More Than Can Be Told
“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…