Ministry continues!

Dear Friends,

If you haven't received  our newsletter updates, I wanted to clue you in on what has been going on at Akina recently.

Like the rest of the world, beginning in mid-March, we had to close Akina Kid's Club due to the Covid-19 outbreak.  While this has made us pretty sad, it blessedly hasn't stopped God's ministry!  We've been able, in some ways, to bring Akina and God's Word to the community.

We've been able to bring meals and care packages to families, every other Thursday since the outbreak began.  Volunteers and donors have created hand-made cards, purchased treats, baked cookies, made homemade soup, and so much more.  This included a large Easter bag giveaway the weekend of Easter.  Churches, schools, and individuals have stepped up to provide resources in the mighty name of Jesus!  We've been able to keep contact with families, pray for kids, and share devotions with them.

We've seen an uptick in activity on the Akina page, as we've live streamed church services and updated it with scriptures, songs, and devotions.  God is still working, even with the country shut down.

Regrettably, we have had to cancel the majority of our summer events, including our Nehemiah Fundraising Dinner.  However, we hope to bring that to you virtually, as soon as possible.  We'll keep you updated on that front.  Thank you all for your prayers and support.  I'm adding a few pictures to help you see what we've been doing!  Blessings!

Be Still and Know that He is God

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act." Psalm 37:7a

Many of us are in a "waiting" phase of our lives right now. Everything seems to be frozen in time, as plans are cancelled and we struggle to find a new normal.

This verse, then, is quite the encouragement.  It is teaching me that I can use this time to be still.  I can still my body, and my mind.  I can still my anxiety and come into the presence of God.  Now, instead of my own actions, I will have to trust in God, and wait for Him to act!

Our camp theme this year is going to be, "Be Still and Know that I am God." Now is the perfect time to practice that, as we hope and pray that camp will still happen.  But, above all, we know that we can trust the Lord, whatever the outcome.

I'm adding some camp pictures to the blog today, to remind us to pray for camp this year.

 Pray that all of us can be still in the presence of the Lord, as we place our trust in Him!

My Favorite Things (and ways YOU can help😉)

I'm sure most people know the classic song from The Sound of Music.  The chorus states: "When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad!"

That's actually kind of Biblical, although in times like these, Psalm 77 counsels us to think back on the great things God has done and be encouraged.

Check it out.  Psalm 77: 10- 12 says: "And I said, 'This is my fate:  the Most High has turned his hand against me. But then I recall all you have done, O Lord  I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts.  I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works." (The whole Psalm is pretty great.  You should read it.)

As we are quite disappointed that Akina might not be meeting for a few weeks, I'm posting several of my favorite "Akina things." These are pictures that are reminders of the fun and good God has accomplished in the past.  They are reminding me that he is not finished yet.  There is much more in store😀.

Also, we can SERVE the community in this time.  Keep your eyes peeled for small group, low exposure service opportunities happening in the next few weeks, including food service to doors of families, prepping meal bags, cleaning at Akina, etc.  This is the time servants of Christ can shine for Him!

PLUS- Save the date of May 15, at 7:00 for an amazing dinner and a chance to hear how YOU can help at Akina.  Looking forward to it😁!

Enjoy the pictures!