July 16, 2007

Dear Church Family,

The weather has gotten a lot warmer since I wrote the last letter.  I think we’re in the middle of the 3 months of summer here in beautiful Colorado.  I have gotten to do some fun things in my free time such as climbing, white water rafting, tubing, and golfing.  The other students I have gotten to know up here are amazing people that I know God is going to use. 

God has grown me and changed me in so many ways.  I have gained a ton of boldness in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Summit County.  God has definitely put in me a burden for the lost that I hope to take with me back to the campus of UCA.  That is the ultimate goal for the summer, if I don’t apply what I’ve learned it was all a waste. 

Please pray that I will stay focused these last couple weeks and continue to fall in love with Jesus Christ.  It’s easy to just drag through this last little bit and not get anything out of it.  I can’t wait to get back and see all of you.  Thank you so much for your prayers so far.

God Bless,

Austin Paxton

June 8, 2007 9:03:38 AM CDT

Things are going great here in Breckenridge, CO.  It is snowing right now as I type this and we’re supposed to get 5-6 inches tonight with 40-50 mph winds.  It should be a fun night.  Colorado is beautiful, a constant reminder of how amazing God is.

I am working Mon – Fri from 8-5 at Red Tail Ranch here in Breck.  For the most part I am working as a lumberjack, taking down trees with a chainsaw and then sending them through the chipper.  God has blessed me with a Christian boss that is a joy to work for.

Spiritually, God has been challenging me to grow from the day that I got here.  We rolled into Breckenridge on Friday, May 25th and had some orientation meetings.  Saturday we received some evangelism training and then were off sharing the gospel in the streets, outlet malls, and parks of Summit County.  Sunday my discipleship group went to Agape Church, the church that we will be attending for the entire time we are here.

My weekly schedule is pretty packed.  On Monday nights we have our discipleship Bible study where we study Philippians, discuss the book “The Fuel and the Flame”, and have a prayer time for a specific unreached foreign country.   It usually lasts a couple of hours.  On Tuesday nights we have our big group Student Mobilization meeting.  It involves a game to kick things off, a time of worship through music, and a speaker.  People in the community are invited to attend this as well.  Wednesday nights are free. Thursdays are different seminars just depending on the week.  This week is a relationship study and last week was an inductive Bible study.  Fridays and Saturdays are free.  Sundays consist of a worship service at Agape in the morning and evangelism in the afternoon.  That about sums up a week for me.

Please continue to pray for me this summer as God shows me more of Himself and His will for my life.  I have been challenged a lot so far about the importance of His Word in my daily life.  Also, foreign missions have been on my mind since I have some friends in India (Zach) and more going soon. God has been showing me that it’s not just a select few that have been called to reach the nations.  (Isaiah 49:6, Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)  Please pray specifically that God continues to speak to me in that area.

Thanks for all your support through your prayers and your finances,

Austin Paxton