Issaquah, WA March 3-5, 2017

​It is hard to believe that this was the sixth consecutive year for Carey to travel with me to Issaquah, WA.  I look at those old photos and see a 10-year-old little boy beside me who was about half my height, and now I stand beside a young man who is nearly the same height as me and is not only my son, but my friend, support, accountability, and travel partner on trips like this.  What a privilege to share these experiences together.  I have honestly lost count of the number of times I have been to Mountain Creek Christian Fellowship, but I know it is more than 10 and as many as 15.  Just these past few weeks in our online Bible Survey class, we have been looking at the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and how he went back to the same churches repeatedly, being at the Galatian churches no less than four times, for example.  One point we try to make in class is the focus on relationship and disciples that was in Paul’s heart.  

Downtown Issaquah, WA

​We have certainly experienced those ongoing relationships in places like MCCF.  We received our normal warm reception at the church from the very first service of this weekend revival and it was so good to see the people again after a year since we had last visited.  Under Pastor Vanessa Chitwood’s leadership, the church is now meeting in a more permanent location --- a beautiful church facility they are renting in a beautiful location outside of the city.  I felt that the services had a special touch of Jesus’ presence upon them.  There was a sweetness in the times of worship, and the still quiet voice of the Holy Spirit speaking deeply through the Word as we shared.  It seemed to be time of significant impact with many people testifying to that.

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​One of the most significant things for Carey and me during our visits to Issaquah is our times of fellowship with Mark and Beth Miller.  Mark helped begin the church as pastor in the early 90’s, and is now in a ministry role of helping to facilitate congregations through periods of transition.  He has remained a close friend and brother to me over these years, and is one of a group of men around the country who the Lord has given as godly mentors to Carey.  As a graduate of the Naval Academy and a veteran of the Marine Corps, Mark’s particular influence in Carey’s life has been in the area of military and firearms.  It is always one of the highlights of our visit for Carey to get to go to the shooting range to get some practice and instruction with Mark.  Six years have passed since Carey’s first visit to Issaquah.  In a little more than two years he will graduate high school and go where God leads him.  

Carey getting some instruction from Mark Miller

United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

​On our way out to Seattle, Carey and I made a stop in Colorado Springs for us to do a campus visit of the U.S. Air Force Academy: one of the places he is considering for the future as he prays about a future in the military.  I am thankful for each day with him, for what Jesus is doing in his life, and what He is doing in my life through Carey.  Our days on this earth are short, and I pray that He will give us His heart for what matters as we continue,
 
Running together in Christ,
 
John