Category Archives: Friends

Wyoming Church Newsletter

Leave a reply

Written by Robyn

Greetings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
As we step into a new season, I am reminded of the words of Zechariah, who spoke of the days when Zerubbabel laid the foundations for the rebuilding of the temple. These were called “the despised days of small things,” yet they were necessary for the greater work God had planned. How often in our own lives do we desire to see the walls built before we have taken the time to lay the foundation?

Wyoming, our beloved town, is a growing and thriving community, yet, much like the temple’s foundation, it is essential that we continue building upon the rock of faith. With strong family values, excellent schools, and economic opportunities, Wyoming has become a place where many find security and hope. But what about the foundation of our spiritual lives? We must remember that a city, no matter how prosperous, is only as strong as the faith of its people.

Let us take the words of Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 to heart: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” When we build upon these, we construct lives that withstand the trials of the world. We must continue to seek God’s guidance in strengthening the foundations of our faith, our families, and our community.

A Call to Return to Love

Jesus once told the church of Ephesus that, despite their works, patience, and discernment, they had left their first love. This is a powerful reminder that, even as we serve in our church and community, our motivation must always be love. As Paul instructed, we can put our own names in place of love in 1 Corinthians 13: “Robyn suffers long and is kind. Robyn envies not, vaunts not herself, is not puffed up…” To the degree that we find this difficult, to that degree we must seek God’s help to align our hearts with His.

Love is the heart of our faith. It is love that leads us to reach out to our neighbors, to share the gospel, and to forgive those who have wronged us. Without love, even the most noble deeds become empty. Let us be a people known for our love, both in word and in action.

God’s Plan for Our Community

Recently, I spoke with a man who had run far from God, hoping to escape the relentless call of Christ. He had tried to hide in a remote corner of the world, only to have a missionary show up at his doorstep, proclaiming the very gospel he had tried to avoid. How marvelous is our God, who never gives up on us! No matter how far we try to run, He is always there, calling us back to Himself.

Wyoming may not be a distant jungle, but there are those here who feel just as lost. Perhaps they have been hurt by the church. Perhaps they feel unworthy. Perhaps they simply do not know where to begin. As a church, we are called to be a light in this town, reminding people that God’s love is inescapable, that His grace is sufficient, and that there is no place too far for Him to reach.

The Joy of a Spirit-Filled Life

God does not intend for our walk with Him to be dull or burdensome. Jesus Himself said in John 16:24, “Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.” A Spirit-filled life is meant to be filled with joy! If we find ourselves weary, burdened, or distant from God, it is time to return to Him and be refreshed.

The promise of the Spirit is for all who believe. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:18, “Be ye being filled with the Spirit.” This is not a one-time event but a continual process. Every day, we must ask God to fill us anew, to renew our strength, and to guide us in His ways. A community filled with the Spirit will shine brightly, drawing others to the love and hope found in Christ.

Looking Ahead with Hope

As Wyoming continues to grow, we as a church must be ready to welcome new families, minister to those in need, and provide a place where the lost can find refuge. Our town is known for its strong values, safety, and opportunities, but true security is found in Christ alone.

Just as the early disciples gathered together in the upper room, waiting for the Holy Spirit, we too must prepare our hearts for what God is doing in our midst. Let us not be content with the status quo, but rather seek to deepen our faith, strengthen our church, and reach out to the world around us.

In closing, I ask you to reflect on the radical claims of Jesus. He did not leave room for indifference. We must choose to follow Him wholeheartedly or not at all. The same is true for our church. We must be all in, fully surrendered to His will. If we do this, we will see transformation not only in our personal lives but in our entire community.

Let us move forward with faith, hope, and love.

Blessings,
Robyn

Discover Ellensburg: Kara’s Journey from Diving to Spear Fishing

Leave a reply

Ellensburg sits in the heart of Central Washington. Its historic downtown is a lively hub. The streets hold stories of growth, change, and determination. Locals and visitors enjoy the galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. The town is also known for its stunning outdoor offerings. Fishing, hiking, and community events bring people together.

In 2023, a young woman named Kara Mitchell became part of the town’s history. Kara grew up in Ellensburg. She loved the natural beauty and vibrant community. Her family ran a small café downtown. They worked hard, supporting one another through challenges.

Kara was always drawn to water. Ellensburg had rivers and lakes nearby, but she wanted more. During a family trip to the coast, she saw scuba divers for the first time. She was fascinated. “I want to try that,” she told her father.

“Then try it,” he replied simply. “Fear does nothing but stop you.”

She enrolled in a scuba diving class. The commute to the training site was long, but she didn’t mind. Each lesson brought new skills. She learned about equipment, safety, and marine life. By the end of the course, she could dive confidently. The underwater world amazed her. It was silent, vast, and full of movement.

Back in Ellensburg, Kara shared her experience with friends. “You should try spear fishing,” one suggested. “It’s diving, but with purpose.”

Kara researched spear fishing. It required precision and patience. She decided to give it a try. Her first attempt was challenging. She missed her targets and felt frustrated. “You’re learning,” her instructor said. “No one starts as an expert.”

Her determination grew. She practiced weekly, balancing her time between diving and working at the family café. Her parents noticed her dedication. “She’s found something she loves,” her mother said.

One afternoon, Kara met a group of local divers. They invited her to join their training sessions. Among them was Mia, a spear fishing champion. Mia saw potential in Kara. “You’re focused,” Mia said. “That’s half the battle.”

Kara improved quickly under Mia’s guidance. She started catching fish on her dives. The activity required strength and strategy. It wasn’t just about catching fish; it was about respect for the ecosystem. Kara admired this balance.

Meanwhile, Ellensburg buzzed with its usual charm. Jazz in the Valley filled the streets with music. Hikers explored the nearby trails. Kara’s story became part of local chatter. “She’s doing something different,” people said.

Kara faced a choice. Scuba diving had opened a new world to her. Spear fishing challenged her in unexpected ways. Could she commit to one?

She talked with Mia. “You don’t have to choose right now,” Mia said. “Explore both until you know.”

Kara followed this advice. She split her time between diving and spear fishing. Each day taught her something new. By autumn, she had mastered advanced techniques in both. The divers’ group noticed her growth. “You should coach,” Mia suggested. “You’re ready to teach others.”

The idea excited Kara. She could combine her passions and help others. Her parents encouraged her. “You’ve worked hard,” her father said. “Share what you’ve learned.”

Kara designed a program. She taught basic diving and spear fishing skills. The sessions were small but impactful. She enjoyed seeing her students’ progress. “This is why I do it,” she said. Her program gained popularity. People came from nearby towns to learn.

As winter approached, Kara’s routine became steady. Then, a surprise opportunity came. During a dive, she found an unusual artifact on the ocean floor. It was a piece of old equipment, likely from a historic shipwreck. The discovery stirred excitement. Local historians wanted to investigate.

“You’ve started something bigger,” Mia said. “This could be your next adventure.”

Kara agreed. She decided to study marine archaeology. Her journey was just beginning.

Reviving Strength in God’s Presence

Leave a reply

“I will go in the strength of the Lord God” serves as a resounding declaration of faith and resilience. Scripture repeatedly reminds us of God’s empowerment, as seen in Paul’s boldness in Acts, declaring God’s justice. Similarly, Exodus 12 reveals God’s protective hand in the face of adversity. Many believers today wrestle with spiritual battles, facing confusion, doubt, and weariness, but God’s promise remains steadfast: He is our source of strength and victory.

In times of weariness, the Lord extends an invitation to rest in His presence. A fresh wave of revival and restoration is sweeping through, symbolized by extended “tent pegs” of vision and purpose. This renewal is not merely personal but collective, as God calls His daughters to discern His times and seasons. In their intimacy with Him, they receive clarity and wisdom to lead others into the transformative power of His Spirit.

This season is marked by divine acceleration. Tasks once deemed impossible will be accomplished effortlessly through dependence on His Spirit. The declaration, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” emphasizes the supernatural enablement believers receive. Revival meetings and personal encounters testify to the undeniable presence of God, igniting faith and awakening purpose. Even in the midst of hardship, the call is clear: rise in strength and proclaim victory through Christ, for He has already overcome.

Living Redeemed and Victorious

The redemptive work of Christ encompasses spirit, soul, and body. Believers are called to walk in the fullness of this redemption, claiming victory over sickness, poverty, and despair. As Isaiah 53 and 2 Corinthians 8 remind us, Christ’s sacrifice was complete, addressing every aspect of our lives. This truth empowers us to declare, “I am redeemed,” regardless of circumstances. Faith transforms impossibilities into realities, as demonstrated by the man who rose at Jesus’ command, defying physical limitations through divine empowerment.

Faith-filled proclamations are pivotal. Believers who declare God’s promises—healing, prosperity, and restoration—witness their manifestation. The enemy’s tactics of discouragement and confusion are countered by the believer’s unwavering trust in God’s Word. Revival flourishes when the Gospel, preached in its fullness, inspires faith and action. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead empowers believers to overcome life’s challenges, proving that miracles are not relics of the past but active realities today.

As we partner with God, stepping into unfamiliar spaces, He reshapes ministries and expands influence. Fear of the unknown is dispelled by the assurance of His presence. The transformation is fueled by a profound awareness of His kingship and victory, leading to deeper intimacy and revelation. Believers move from surviving to thriving, carried by the wind of His Spirit into new realms of worship and encounter.

A New Era of Wholeness and Purpose

God is ushering His people into a season of purification, conviction, and divine alignment. The body of Christ is being refined, with words and actions purified to reflect His holiness. Stay-at-home mothers are encouraged to embrace their calling as writers, receiving supernatural grace to articulate divine truths. This grace underscores God’s ability to work through ordinary lives to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

The Lord is reviving weary hearts, infusing them with supernatural strength and joy. Many who felt trapped by battles and setbacks are now experiencing a fresh baptism of awe and wonder. As they rest in His presence, they discover treasures of healing, restoration, and revelation. This transformation leads to a deeper understanding of God as Victor and King, igniting hope and faith in His promises.

The promise of eternity inspires perseverance. Heaven’s preparation reminds believers that their trials are temporary. Jesus’ assurance of a place prepared for us fuels a forward-looking hope. While the journey may be arduous, the reward is eternal. With eyes fixed on Him, believers are called to endure hardness, stand in faith, and proclaim the Gospel boldly. This new era is marked by unity, wholeness, and an unshakable confidence in God’s unfailing love.