“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” –Galatians 6:9-10
In August, 2014, Amy and I took a step of faith and responded to God’s call to the ministry by packing our bags and flying with our 6 month old (Gabe) to Guam. There I would serve the church as their children’s director and couldn’t have been more excited about it. Nervous, but excited. We had family living on the island and serving in the same church we were called to, so each providential step God prepared for us was new, exciting, and a little nerve racking. Steps of faith can often feel that way, but the key to any action of faith is to rest in God’s promises and trust the preparations he had already made. God is not going to call us somewhere and leave us in the lurch; He is a God who sticks around!
Over the next 3 years, the church invested in us and provided unceasing patience while I worked out ministry plans, details, and challenges. Our lives dramatically changed (for the better!) and the Lord brought us into a deeper relationship with Himself. Bayview Church loves the Lord and cared for the personal/spiritual growth of Amy and I. This church watched us grow in our faith, ministry, and family, which made leaving all the more difficult. However, we sensed God transitioning us out and redirecting us back to The Hallows Church in 2017. As we’ve been back and ministering through The Hallows Church, we are thankful for continued ways to stay connected to the gospel work of Bayview Church in Guam. After all, God’s grace shines brightly when love and camaraderie are shared between churches.
This summer, we are excited to bring encourage and support Bayview by supporting them in their summer VBS (Vacation Bible School)! Over the last few months, their staff and I have been making preparations to host a VBS at the end of June. Bayview is strategically placed on the island to be an accessible location for locals and active military personnel—attracting people from different backgrounds and cultures to worship together. Our primary focus for Amy’s and my trip is to train leaders and volunteers, assist in leadership support during the camp, share the Gospel with kids, and pray with the staff for continued gospel-saturated opportunities on Guam. We believe this is a great way The Hallows Church can exercise our core value of global mentality and “take the gospel to all people everywhere.”
Would you pray with us as we seek to do a good work with Bayview? We see God’s providential grace in continuing our church’s friendship with Bayview and would appreciate your prayers for safe travels, safe and joy-filled time for our kids with their grandparents as we are out of country, a lot of energy, and gospel-saturated support for the week.
Many blessings,
Mark Smith
Kids and Families Ministry