September 2007

Dear Ministry Partner,

I think you would agree with me that you can almost smell it
in the air. You can sense when there is a changing of a
season. Oh yes, we have had unbelievable summer-like weather;
but with the days getting shorter, even up north a little
change of color on the trees and a different crispness at night,
you can sense that Autumn is just around the corner.

Now, I know that may depress some of you, but for those of us
who anticipate and look forward to the Fall, I don't know that
there could be a finer time of year - football games, beginning
of school, hunting season and fresh opportunities to minister to
students, families and individuals. It is interesting, in the
state of Michigan, everyone holds on to summer until Labor Day
because school does not begin until after those festivities; but
in the state of Illinois, I had the privilege of speaking at
Northwoods Community Church, specifically on August 18th and 19th,
and there school was beginning.

While at Northwoods, I had the privilege of sharing on a Sunday
that had a youth emphasis. We were also challenging people to be
serving in their sweet spot. When a person has a personal,
vibrant relationship with Christ, and they are living out the
purpose that God has given to them - and this ALWAYS involves
serving - there can be nothing sweeter. For those of you who
play golf or baseball, you know that if you hit the ball right,
it feels right, it smells right, it is just right. When a person
is serving within their sweet spot, it is a win for them, the
people they are serving and ultimately, the Kingdom of God.

We had a great time at Northwoods, a service on Saturday night
and two on Sunday morning. I was also able to reacquaint myself
with some great friends. It was over seventeen years ago that
Northwoods began, and they have continued to seek the Lord's
direction, make tough decisions and literally be used in a super-
natural way in the Kingdom of God.

Again this year, I am coaching my daughter in soccer. Most of
you will remember that I have coached all of my children. A
couple of years ago I switched to coaching females. WOW, what a
difference - a different perspective and a different way to look
at things. I love it! Shea, our second son, is in his junior
year at Indiana Wesleyan University as a youth major, and he is
also the manager of the IWU Soccer Team. Landon, our senior in
high school, is captain of his soccer team at Lakeland High
School. Brielle, it is hard to believe, our youngest, is in
seventh grade at Oak Valley Middle School. Trevor and Michelle,
three years happily married, are doing fantastic and following
the leading of the Lord.

I am really sensing the power and presence of God. One thing
that I am learning is this; when I am comfortable, I don't trust
God. The scriptures really encourage us to be content, but not
comfortable. The closer that I get to Christ, the more I realize
I need His power, presence and leading. As a rsult of trusting
in Him, I am a whole lot more less assured in myself and more
assured in Him.

This fall I will be involved in some hunting experiences with
some guys, speaking for the Traverse City West Football Team in
one of their chapels, being part of a Boy Scouts Eagle ceremony,
providing leadership to The River Community Church and preparing
and looking forward to an incredible Fall ministry season.
Jeanette and I will also be participating in a Youth for Christ
event in Defiance, Ohio this Fall. It was this ministry that
helped her find Christ and grow in Christ.

Thanks for allowing us to share the love of Christ with students,
families and those who are seeking. Your contributions are
making a difference, and I am grateful!

Celebrating the journey,

Terry Prisk