I want to introduce you to Anya. She is one of the orphans we were fortunate enough to meet in Ukraine. She never stopped smiling at me and that's all it took, I was in love!! She asked me if I was coming back and because I promised that I would...I have to! My prayer is that someone adopts her that will not only tell her about Jesus but also show her His unconditional love. Unfortunately, she is already thirteen years old (she looks about nine due to lack of nutrition) and the odds of her being adopted are slim.

A lot has been happening back here in the States. Our church has a new Senior Pastor and we couldn't be happier at the decision. There is a strong sense throughout the Body that God is moving and is preparing something awesome for us....that's exciting. We all had a great night of on the Sunday that we unanimously voted David Platt in as Senior Pastor... I pray God was glorified in our praise and worship of His Son, Jesus!

Allyson (my wife) and I have been cracking up at Grant's (our son) love for super heroes. There must be something about little boys that immediately draws them to these brave, otherworldly characters. We had Spiderman come to his 4th birthday party this past February and it was a smashing success!! He couldn't get over Spiderman in his very own house! He has since moved on to Superman and has the appropriate costume to prove it. The built-in muscles are so large he can't even eat with it on but I believe he would rather starve to death than to take it off. I'm afraid he's going to be using his little sister as a test for his super-human feats of strength....that would not be good!

As I read the Bible I can't help but see that there is something about Jesus that amazingly draws people to Himself. What is it? We know it's not His money, His clothes or the donkey He drives. Just like Grant to Superman, it seems otherworldly and almost odd to outsiders. Ally and I are amazed at Grant's love for these super beings....he can't get enough! I pray that we can say the same of Jesus.


Signing off from the Justice League,
Spencer

After having created this blog some two months ago I am finally finding the time to jot some thoughts and hopefully commit to coming back!!

I have just returned back (May 22) from a ten day mission trip to the Ukraine with my church. I never thought it would have the impact it has had on me....very humbling and I would say it life changing in many ways. We were fortunate enough to visit several small villages throughout central Ukraine. We would typically visit local pastors, churches and then orphanages. We were accompanied by four brilliant translators ages 18 to 23.

The most humbling experiences came from local believers. The joy they have in the midst of such harsh conditions is amazing and encouraging. I work in some poor parts of Birmigham but never have I seen these types of conditions.....but the joy, it is overwhelming!

The children at the local orphanages were precious. The first one we visited outside of the city of Uman was the most difficult to witness. Such beautiful children with little to no hope of ever having parents. At the age of 18 they are sent away and a majority of them turn to prostitution, alcohol or crime. How important is it to share the hope of glory, Jesus Christ with them? How desperately they need to hear of a heavenly Father who has known them from eternity past and longs to share all that He has with them? How imparitive it is to feed them with the Bread of Life and share Living Water with their thirsty souls?

Amazing Grace....