It was great to be back at Fellowship today after some time away. Can’t wait to teach next week after my summer teaching break. I’m going to be launching a new series called “Side-Effects.” More on that later this week.

I thought our team put together a great service. Ryan brought it with a great message today. I see a lot of growth in him over the last 17 months. God has gifted him as a leader and a communicator and we are blessed to have someone of his caliber on our team.

Our worship continues to inspire me…I hated for it to end. Jeff will be away this week in Austin, TX at a national worship leader’s conference. This is his second year in a row to attend and I know he is looking forward to his time of learning and inspiration.

I wanted to pass along a prayer request tonight. One of our Russian partners had tragedy strike last week. The pastor of the church/feeding center in Kaspli, Vladimir, lost his grandson to a drowning accident. We built a playground at the Kaspli feeding center two years ago and Vladimir has been incredible faithful in serving and leading. He was a former Colonel in the Soviet Army before he became a Christ-follower. He came to Smolensk to join our group for our farewell dinner at the end of our trip in June. Please remember to pray for him and his family.