August and September

Ruthie Jo Carpenter
Sep 24, 2020
3 min read

I haven't updated anyone for two months. Lots of things have been happening--and that makes me very happy, because it means I have a lot to give God glory about!

Everywhere I go, everything I do, I want to be called by God to that place and that thing. In the last several months, opportunities have been presented to me and my teammates. We have prayed about each one of them, and acted according to God's direction as we receive it.

In the last two months, we responded to Hurricane Laura in Lake Charles, Louisiana; we joined the nation in prayer on our local MLK streets; we ministered in impoverished neighborhoods; and we released plans to hold a Discipleship Training School this January! All three of us have taken time to be with family and enjoy fellowship.

In the last week, rest has been incredibly important and highlighted, especially to me. I have been on the road or getting ready to be on the road for over 100 days, and when I asked God what to do next, He gave me my orders to go home, rest, and soak in some routine. I have to say, I love, love, love travel and GOing, but just being home is so relieving that I have cried. I am so grateful that God cares for me. He knows when I need a slow rhythm.

Chelsea, Kelly, and I are so excited to tell the world about our upcoming DTS! We have been working on it and praying over it at least since the beginning of this year. This DTS is special in many ways, and we are looking forward to welcoming the staff and students for this school.

Our country seems as if it is in upheaval. Something important for Christians, no matter the side, no matter the subject, is prayer. Christians gathered all at the same time across America on their local Martin Luther King streets, praying for unity, justice, righteousness, love, truth, healing, and many other things. Chelsea coordinated this event for the state of Mississippi, and I hosted the event in Starkville.

We are continuing to partner with Glory House in Laurel, Mississippi. They are more necessary to their community than ever; and we love seeking being a representation of Christ with them. Sitting down with the directors, Hope and Grant Staples, is like a retreat. They are pioneers in ministry, hungry for God, and dependent on His provision and faithfulness, just like us. These two Christians care for others with such excellence, including us. God bless them.

I got to be with my family again, for a week in Gatlinburg. I have been surprised, confused, and blessed by how much God has clearly directed me to be with my family this year. Each moment with my parents and siblings in Tennessee was a treasure. It makes me realize how much I value family, and how much I hope to bring my own family with me someday as I travel in the mission field.

During these months, I finished reading Psalms again. One reason i love reading the book of Psalms is that it is the first long one I ever read through by myself, and I have read through it a few times since then. It is rhythmic and soothing, almost like a Hebrew prayer. There are so many good verses, but one that speaks to me tonight is this one, Psalm 130:5-6.

"I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait,

And in His word do I hope.

My soul waits for the Lord

More than the watchmen for the morning;

Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning."

I pray that you are hungry for God's presence, more than ever before.

Warmly,

Ruthie Jo Carpenter