Good Morning to all Partners in Ministry,

What a time of blessing this has been! I just wanted to share some things with you that I felt might be an encouragement to you. It’s so exciting to see our God reveal himself to us daily, if we allow Him that opportunity. I pray you are experiencing God in just such ways. Yes, I know some days are easier than others. Trust me, I do know.

Faith Steps Ministries has had an unusual summer. It hasn’t been the calm and quiet days that I had expected. It seems that God is not taking the summer off but rather is continuing to open doors of ministry, and increased opportunities. I am so grateful for this, much more so than I can adequately express. I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the opening event for a church’s women’s ministry. Our Lord just exploded those plans into something so much bigger than any of us had imagined. Isn’t it true that we so often think small and ask God to bless it. We forget that He is the one who held the fish and loaves in His hand! We had nearly 70 women at this first time event and it was such a great evening of fun, individual opportunities to speak to and minister to the ladies. I appeared in several of Precious Pearl’s roles and then I had such a filling of the Holy Spirit as I delivered a message to these women. God is so good! There was only one man there who was running the sound system. At the end of the event he came directly to me and ask if I would ever speak to a group of men. He leads the men’s Bible study there and said that his men needed to hear that message. Isn’t that just God? Not sure yet if that will take place. Please be in prayer with me regarding this.

An evening of great laughter, ice cream, and tremendous blessing took place on July 30th. I hosted 115 women at the summer “Beach Beauties” women’s gathering. Yes, I did comedy in a bathing suit!!! I need not say more. You can just imagine the laughter! One of the greatest blessings for me took place at that event. As you know, Faith Steps produces a line of gifts and cards that are sold at the Faith Steps events. All profit from this goes to further the mentoring ministry of Faith Steps. I believe so passionately about our lives never being only about ourselves. God has given us the resources and also the opportunities to pour ourselves out sacrificially for the blessing of others. We need to always be about His business even in small ways.

Faith Steps reached a milestone on July 30th. Because so many have purchased items to pour their lives into another, we were able for the first time to award two scholarships to two young women who will be leaving in September to participate in YWAM (Youth With A Mission). One of these young women has already received some support through Faith Steps and now it has grown to include a second young woman. Justine will remain in Hawaii for further training in addition to the support we have already given. Kelli will be leaving for her first experience. She will receive training and then be sent for mission work in Asia. Both women received $250 scholarships. Oh how I praise God for this! I know you too must be so blessed as you have participated in this venture. Think of the places and people that these two women will reach. We all get to share in that blessing. Hallelujah!

Faith Steps has received more interest about the possibility of new open doors of ministry. Brochures have been prepared and sent. Please be in prayer regarding these opportunities. I want to seize every chance that God gives for me to be His vessel. Sometimes this can seem overwhelming in my human mind and schedule. Pray that I depend totally on the Holy Spirit to order my life.

In reaching my goal of having my book publisher ready by the end of the year, there will be many quiet days ahead for me. Please be in prayer with me regarding the completion of this project and the monies necessary for this to come to fruit. I know God hasn’t brought me this far to not have this completed. I know He see’s even now the finished product. Pray for me to be obedient and courageous.

I am presently writing and working on two different retreats. One will be held for a Presbyterian church on Oct. 10th. The other is the Nags Head Beach Retreat which will be held on Oct. 3-Nov. 2nd. The beach retreat is nearly full. I have only two openings left. If you desire to go, please contact me immediately! Total cost is $200. ($100 deposit required – remainder is due Sept. 15th.) An extra day can be purchased for $50 – this includes dinner out on Monday evening.

There will be another women’s night for laughter, a few calories, and a blessing from God. The fall women’s night will be held the first part of October. Watch for more details to come! As you can see, it is not a summer of leisure for Faith Steps. Aren’t we so thankful for that? Your prayers are opening doors and opportunities and I am so grateful for you willingness to come alongside me. I thank God for you more than you probably realize.

One special blessing came for me yesterday and I must share it with you for prayer. I have had the opportunity to speak with and befriend a young woman who is a cook at a restraint that we frequent. She makes the best pasta dish I have ever eaten. I have been able to talk with her about her relationship with God. I learned this past week that she had been awarded a scholarship to go into a culinary program through Colonial Williamsburg. She will train and cook at all of the Colonial Williamsburg restraints. Yesterday was her last day so you know where I found myself and what I ate for lunch after church. I was able to present her with a Bible and let her know that I was praying for her journey. She said she had prayed more recently than she ever had before. In the Bible I gave her my email so that God would be able to continue that influence if it is His will. Please pray for her as she moves. Join me in asking God to bring other Christians into her life now.

Please let me know how I might pray for you. It is always such a blessing for me to know how I can come alongside you in prayer. Please pray for the women who are mentored and ministered to through Faith Steps. We live in such a challenging day, one that threatens to devour the witness of Christian women. I see it increasing. Please pray for God to raise up godly women to lead fearlessly as we prepare for Christ return. Pray also that courage to witness will be poured out into our lives in such a way that God amazes us with a full net just as the disciples experienced with Him. He is the same living and powerful God that He was in that day. Let’s tell someone today.

Lovingly I Serve,

Pat