Prayer Requests

I hope those who read this update are doing well.  It has been awhile since I have posted a monthly update on my social networks.  As I have always I told myself, things could be better.  I am not going to complain as God blessed with many things which I should always be thankful.  God has provided me even through challenging times.

I ask that you continually keep me in prayer as I am searching for employment.  I have been unemployed for almost three months.  I have filled out numerous applications for jobs where I felt I had the necessary qualifications.  I have searched numerous websites looking for employment.  These include assistant teacher, day care worker, and activities assistant at nearby nursing home.  I am searching for employment where I touch individual lives for God’s kingdom.  I hope to be an assistant where I can have ample opportunities to learn the nuts and bolts of ministry.  I have felt God tugging on my heart to be a missionary, no matter the location that it may take me.

Prayer Requests

Chris

Praise that the discomfort in my lower back has decreased during the previous weeks.

Praise that I have found a nearby church (First Christian Church, Washington) where I can continually grow in my walk with God.

God will continue to mold me into a mature individual who is humble and thankful in all circumstances.

God will provide me employment where I can touch individual lives for God’s kingdom no matter the location it may take me.

God will clear my mind of frustration and stress as I have been continually searching for employment during previous three months.

God will provide the necessary funds to pay for my bills until I am employed.

That I may be an encouragement to those I meet.

Family

God will rid division within our family.

My mother’s health as she continues to deal with constant knee pain.

Challenging Times

It has been a challenging six previous weeks.   During previous months I felt that it was necessary for me to fulfill my calling as a missionary. 

After much thought, consideration, and prayer (of course) I asked for transfer within the nursing home.  I also asked if there was no position available I would put in my two-week notice.  I would later receive a call from nursing home that there was no position available at that time.  I was also told that the census of the nursing home was down and they accepted my termination immediately on the 16^th of July.  I felt that my hours would have changed if I decided to continue my employment.  I worked at the nursing home for almost five years.  I enjoyed interacting with the residents through many conversations.  I was unable to interact as much because my position was changed to evening shifts during the month of May.  I am thankful and blessed that God gave me the opportunity to work at the nursing home.

I have filled out numerous applications for employment which I felt that I had the required qualifications.  I will unable receive unemployment as I quit my employment.  I am looking for employment where I can touch individual lives for Jesus.  I have numerous traits which I feel could help within a team of people or as an assistant.  These traits include flexibility, acceptance of culture, non-complaining voice, organization, willingness to lend a helping hand, and humbleness. I am willing to go wherever God leads me.  I must fully trust that God will provide my need for employment.  I am unaware what the future may hold but hold true to the words of the 29^th chapter of Jeremiah that the Lord knows the plans He has in store for us.

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)

I have good news as I have become involved with a nearby congregation.  During the previous three months I have attended First Christian Church in Washington, MO.   I have attended this church on a regular basis and I am considering become a member in upcoming months.

I ask that you continual keep me in prayer as God may provide in His time. 

I appreciate all of your prayers.  -- Chris

Picture Time (Part 2)

I have posted updated pictures of my nieces (ages 6 and six months) and my nephew (age 3) taken three weeks ago.  I hope that you enjoy them.  It is awesome being an uncle.  

Picture Time

I hope that everyone who has read any of my blogs is doing well.  I am trying to enjoy my second day out of three off days from work.  I was hoping to do something this weekend but I may just stick around home.  Please pray for me as I must make a decision concerning my current employment.  My job has become very busy during the previous two weeks. 

It was only two weeks ago when me and my father had quite a "lucky" day.  We went to the St. Louis Cardinals game on June 27th versus the Minnesota Twins.  We arrived at Busch Stadium at 9AM to purchase a voucher for the "First Pitch" tickets.  This program is connected with the Cardinals broadcasting partner, 550 AM that allows an individual to purchase two tickets for $11 (5.50 each) at the main ticket window at 9AM. There are only 275 pairs of tickets so the tickets could be anywhere in the ballpark.  We traveled down the Gateway Arch (via Metrolink) to see the great views of St. Louis metro area.   The views were nice even though it was hot and humid (mid 90's) during that day.

Our seats where near the foul pole along the first base side, near the open concourse (middle left of photo)

This picture below is of the Edward Jones Dome (in the foreground) where the St. Louis Rams play and where I hope to attend the October 25th versus the Indianapolis Colts.

We arrived back at the ballpark at around 11:30 to obtain our tickets twenty five minutes later.  I already knew that it was Christian Family Day at the Ballpark with Newsong concert after the game.  We didn't know that it was Jerseys Off Our Backs Day which lucky fans may have the opportunity to win an autographed photo or jersey of a Cardinals ballplayer.  There were other prizes that consisted of Free Cardinals Tickets When You Buy One, One Free Popcorn Combo at Target, Buy One Ticket Get One Free at St. Louis Science Center Omnimax Theater, and many others.  As  we traveled back to our seats my father purchased five, $1 scratcher tickets from a volunteer of Cardinals Care, St. Louis Cardinals Community Fund.  The proceeds from this event help support Cardinals Care, the team's community foundation that cares for kids.  Cardinals Care supports kids through cash grants, building youth ballfields, and funding Redbird Rookies that is a baseball/youth development program that is free to area kids.  About two years ago, my father won Kip Wells jersey who currently plays for the Washington (DC) Nationals. 

The first ticket my  father scratched off said "Autographed Photo or Jersey".  My father said,  I will let you have an opportunity to perhaps get a jersey from one of the players.  The other tickets said Free Cardinals Tickets (when you buy one).  I had to go sign a list at the Guest Relations Center and then come back during the middle of the 7th inning.  As we were returned to seats, Albert Pujols sit his 2nd home run of the game.  My father decided to buy $5 worth of scratcher tickets to see if he could win an autographed jersey or photo which he won.  As we are returned to Guest Relations Center for a second time we gave two of our buy one, get one free scratcher to a family who had two young kids.  During the 8th inning, the group of 26 individuals walked in lowest levels of the ballpark to a conference room which each person was given an opportunity to win an autographed jersey.   The individual who led this program picked names out of a hat and each one of us picked an envelope which had a players jersey number.  I opened my envelope which had #4 which I already knew was Yadier Molina, catcher.  My father got #60, Jason Motte, relief pitcher.  My jersey worth much more as Yadier Molina is going to All-Star Game on July 14th in St. Louis.  We both got to meet these players on an individual basis and shake their hand.  Molina's jersey fit me well as he just a few inches shorter than me and few pounds lighter than me.  I was only within a few feet of Albert Pujols (#5) and the Tony LaRussa (#10), manager of team.  As I was walking off the field, a fan asked me "Are you going to sell that jersey?"  I said "No" of course.  Molina signed his name under his last name and Jason Motte signed his name on the 6 on that jersey which is barely visible in the picture.

After the game we traveled my aunt and grandfather house who lived nearby to show our jersey which we won at the ballgame.  We also showed me to various people during that weekend.   I hope to purchase a shadow box which I put my jersey with a picture from the ballgame. 

There are numerous pictures on the St. Louis Cardinals fan photo page, www.stlcardinals.com/fanphotos.  The game date is June 27th versus the Twins and scroll to gallery #32.  My picture starts with DSC_0028 to DSC_0030.  My father's picture starts with DSC_0041 to DSC_0422 that is on the second page of the gallery of pictures.

I Have Returned

I have been busy lately which means my blog entries here on Xanga are weeks apart.  Those who unaware I also have a Facebook page.  I will try to update both as often as I can.

My new position, evening laundry at a nearby nursing home has entered its sixth week.  The job is OK, as I work from 2pm-10:30pm but it usually takes me a few hours to relax and wind down after eight hours continual folding and sorting linens.  As I have said numerous times before I am blessed and thankful to God to have employment.  I often ponder the idea of having a different employment but I stay where I am until God provides me a ministry opportunity. God will provide in HIS time and not my own.

During the previous two months I have attended church services at a nearby Christian Church.  It's a nice church will membership around 800 with two services.  They just moved into a new building just two years ago.  They are currently speaking about the different names of Jehovah (Adonai, Yahweh, Shammah, Nissi, Rophe) 

I attended an adult bible class for singles last Sunday which beginning a study over the book of 1 Thessalonians.   I am at awe how God can lead us in different directions.  We must continue to spread the God's word through times of suffering.

Please pray for my mother as she is still dealing with ongoing health issues.  She has a disc in her back that is slightly out of place which is causing her to have discomfort in her legs.  She had an appointment a few weeks ago which she was told that surgery would not be option for at least ten years.  During this upcoming week she will getting a second opinion.