The Bigger Picture
April was packed with moments that reminded me of how we’re all part of something much bigger—God’s ongoing mission to restore and redeem. Whether it was preparing for the summer, working with students, or gathering with leaders, everything this month felt like a step deeper into that calling to be part of God’s work in the world.
Saying Yes to God in Lander
Rich and I had the incredible opportunity to co-preach in Lander, Wyoming, this past month. We shared a message about the power of saying yes to God—about how stepping into God’s calling can transform not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. It was such a special moment for both of us to stand together and encourage the congregation to trust God in new ways, knowing that He leads us into places where His purpose and mission can flourish. It was a reminder that every "yes" is a chance to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Wyoming Network Conference – Living God’s Mission Together
At the Wyoming Network Conference, we came together with leaders and pastors from across the state to refocus on what it really means to live out God’s mission here in Wyoming. Whether we’re in small towns or cities, we’re called to bring hope and healing in practical ways, letting God work through us to reach those around us. We loved getting to connect and reconnect with pastors and leaders across the state and even got to lead a couple of fun games that used pastors’ facebook quotes! Super fun.
Youth Service in Glenrock – Students Stepping Up
One of my favorite parts of being a missionary is hanging out with students at youth services. We talked about how God’s always working to bring wholeness where there’s brokenness and how they can be a part of that mission every day. It’s so encouraging to see young people get it - to recognize that they have a role in God’s bigger picture. And that’s so much bigger than just us but really has to do with their leadership. Keri and Jon and incredible and their students aren’t just showing up at youth group; they’re realizing that their faith can have a real, lasting impact on the people around them.
Kingdom Builders Service in Laramie – A Missional Church
Another highlight of April was being part of the Kingdom Builders service in Laramie, WY. I had the opportunity to share about the mission of Youth Alive and how we’re working to reach students across Wyoming with the hope of Jesus. I’m incredibly grateful to the Lead Pastor of New Life Church in Laramie (Matt Baumgarnter) - who is also the Wyoming District Youth Director. Not only is he one of my favorite people to work with, but I so value his intentionality in creating a church culture with such strong missional DNA. New Life’s generosity was overwhelming, and it’s clear that they’re fully committed to seeing God’s mission move forward, both locally and beyond. It’s partnerships like these that remind me just how powerful the church can be when we unite around a common purpose.
Getting Ready for Summer – It’s About More Than Events
April also meant continuing to prep for what’s coming next - summer. Between Zoom calls, meetings, and a lot of prep, we’re laying the groundwork for some big moments. But it’s not just about pulling off events; it’s about creating spaces where students can encounter God in real, transformative ways. Whether we’re planning for Launch Night Live or prepping for summer camps, or the Called mission trip - the focus is on making sure that each opportunity is a chance for students to step deeper into their own role in God’s story. There’s something that is SO exciting about knowing that all this work is setting the stage for God to move in new ways in the lives of these young people.
Looking back, April felt like a month of aligning with the bigger picture—God’s mission of renewal and redemption. Whether through a conference, a youth service, or prepping for the summer ahead, everything was about helping others see that they’re part of this incredible story. There’s a lot to look forward to, and I can’t wait for what’s next.
