Summer Well Spent

​Before our team came together in August, each of us were part of different ministries and activities over the summer.

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​Julia:
 
I spent the summer living out one of my teenage dreams -> counseling at the Wilds of New England. I do not know that I have ever had so much fun in a single job as I did this past summer, investing into the lives of young people with the goal of pointing them back to Christ. Sitting on the sidelines of the volleyball court and staying up late at night at times to sit and talk with young girls in my cabin, I was able to listen to the burdens of countless teenagers and point them back to the Word of God as the ultimate answer. Whether team leading one week, counseling CIT for another two, or just working alongside young people throughout an entire 9 weeks, I found myself continually privileged to share with young people about an amazing God who does not just offer salvation to us as an escape from hell or pathway to that beautiful place with streets of gold, but as a means to a personal relationship with Him, Creator of the universe.

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​Carol Anne:
 
It was so nice to be able to spend an entire summer at home after being at college for the last four years and using my summers to get involved with different ministries (one summer in Europe and two at a Christian camp). I married Matt on July 25th so most of my summer was spent preparing and planning for our wedding. God used this summer in so many ways to teach me that He alone completes me. It’s so easy to find comfort and security in what I do or even in my new husband but even good things aren’t meant to take priority in my life over my relationship with God. God alone must be my First Love, and He is so worthy of that position in my life!
 
Matt:
 
This summer was the first time I was home for a whole summer in 4 years. I have worked every summer since high school graduation at a camp. So the time home was a much needed break to spend time with my family, take 9 credits and get married. God showed me my need for dependence on Him all summer long. It was an incredibly busy summer! I passed all my classes which finished up my 4 year business degree and then married the most amazing woman in my life! We were married only a month when we joined the Coffey team. We had and still have no idea what is in store for this semester, but we are eagerly anticipating what God is going to do in our lives and through Aaron and Stephanie as they disciple us in this first year of marriage. God is so gracious to allow us this opportunity. 

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​Brad:
 
This past summer, I spent time at home with my family in Huntsville, AL. It was the first time in several years we were all in the same place for more than a couple days. I was able to get involved in my church, especially the music ministry. Over the summer, my pastor started preaching from Ephesians 1 (our team is also studying Ephesians this semester). This chapter is rich with gospel truth. Paul reminds us of all the spiritual blessings God the Father has given to us through Jesus Christ. We have been adopted as sons of God. We have been chosen to walk holy and blameless. We have been given redemption through the blood of Christ. Hallelujah, what a Savior! All this has been done for God’s glory. He has saved the church so that He might be glorified. Am I living my life in light of all the spiritual blessings I have been given in Christ? Are you?
 

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Becca:
 
My summer was a little hotter and much more humid than I have been used to. For the past 4 years I have served at Northland during the summer. By God’s providence, He led me to Lebanon Baptist Church to intern there for this summer instead. I was able to spend much needed time with my family and root myself in a local church for the first time in almost five years. It was a much needed and loved change! It was also a time of testing for me because when you travel in this kind of ministry, relationships are a mix of very accessible but short lived. At home in Atlanta, I was for the first time in a long time able to stay connected with people for a longer period of time but I had to make these relationships first! God allowed me to serve in many ways in my church and sponsor on the youth missions trips and I am very thankful for His leading in my summer, even though it was different than what I expected. 

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The Coffey's spent the summer up in Detroit partnering with Inter-City Baptist Church. You can read more about their summer here.