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Jim shared this with us while he was on the trail earlier this summer:

Greetings from The Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Trail, and surroundings. Summer has now come to the communities where I mostly work. We have had a few showers in the last couple weeks, and they should start to revitalize the mountain springs which are the best source of water for hikers: there is less chance of contamination, and the water often tastes incredibly good from these springs.

Unfortunately, along with the gentle showers, we’ve had a number of days with severe storms leading to flooding, trail and road washouts, trees falling, and just plain miserable times to be out. The James River, which runs through the area has come close to flood stage three times in the last month. I often sleep a few hundred yards from the James, so I get to see the effects of the rain up close. To put the rains in some perspective, I-40 was hit by a large mudslide and flood last night right where the AT crosses under it. Parts of the roadway were badly damaged. With this kind of trouble to deal with, you can imagine how long it will be before the authorities can do work on the secondary roads and trails that have been hit.

On some of the particularly miserable days, hikers are holed-up in trail shelters and taking a rest. When I bring them food, it reminds me of piranhas feeding; the first batch of food often disappears as soon as I finish bringing things out of my bags. I wait for a bit if I can, and then bring out some more food which is eaten, but perhaps more slowly. Since I can take trash, I like to give out canned goods that they would never take hiking, as well as baked goods, energy bars, chips, candy, and non-water drinks. Some of the favorite canned goods are canned fruit, ravioli, chili, and queso. I am working with some of the churches in the area to collect food left over from the numerous pot lucks that are held in this area. We can package the food in clam shell containers and freeze it, and place it at off-trail locations where there is a microwave. The people of this area are great cooks, and this food is a wonderful way to remind hikers of home, and how they are loved.

I have a number of other activities that are not hiker focused. Periodically, I offer rides for people needing to go to the hospital or doctors for appointments or tests. Because of my concerns about not being strong enough to support folks who need help getting into vehicles, I no longer offer rides in the case of such folks, but I ride along with someone else who can do the driving and the maneuvering into the car. This way I can provide companionship and help with understanding instructions from providers. I also make grocery trips for people who cannot get out themselves; thank goodness for online ordering and store information! I have some wonderful visits with people who cannot get out much on their own, either in health care facilities, or at home. God has abundantly blessed me with opportunities to serve.

The weekend of June 6 a number of churches and businesses continued the tradition of Troutville Trail days. We provided meals Friday night, three meals on Saturday from various other folks, and breakfast on Sunday. Hikers also had the opportunity to camp at the town park, get a shower, load up with lots of snacks and supplies for free, and get rides to needed services such as doctors or podiatrists. A highlight for me was Friday night when we had run out of the fried chicken, salads, side dishes and desserts only about an hour and 15 minutes into dinner time. There were more hikers than we’d had in past years, and they were very hungry. All that was left was a square of mac and cheese casserole about an inch and a half on a side. I met with the ladies serving the food, and we made plans to get more food at local fast-food places (fried chicken, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy) and the local grocery for more sweets and desserts. I went on my way to do my part of this plan. Unbeknownst to us, four local people heard our conversation and independently also went out and bought food! We not only were able to feed all the hikers who came in, but in the end, we had more fried chicken than we had started with. The whole event reminded me of the Biblical story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish.

Our church has been blessed to welcome a number of new believers to the family of God. We had four baptisms this month, and may have more before the summer is over. In the summer, our Wednesday night program is held at Limestone Park, a ministry which has a great swimming pool, tennis and paddleboard courts and other recreational areas. The young people get to play for a couple hours, we feed them dinner, and end the evening with a time of music and a message. It is a joyous thing to me to see teens still in their wet swimsuits with their notebooks and Bibles out following the message and praising God. At the end of the month, I will be giving the message at church so the pastor can have a well-deserved vacation. At the end of the coming week, the Buchanan Carnival begins, two weeks of rides, food, fireworks and fun. We will offer free drinks and snacks to the usually hot visitors, as well as a variety of Christian materials and opportunity to talk for those who desire. We do this right across the street from the park where the carnival is held. Many people walk by us there. In addition, as a Gideon, I’ll be helping distribute New Testaments and Life Books to any who desire. The Gideons also have a table right inside the entrance to the carnival. I also distribute materials about Jesus at some local campgrounds, laundromats and hotels.      

I’ll end this with this thought: through all the heat, hard work and challenges I feel an immeasurable sense of contentment in my life. I wake up in the morning rejoicing that I am wherever I am, and I go to sleep at night happy at whatever has happened in the day. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”— Philippians 4:11-13. I love being alive in God’s world.

Blessings to you,

Jim

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Hal Radloff, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Madison, Wisconsin, but I grew up in Laramie, Wyoming after my parents moved there when I was 2-months old. I still consider Wyoming home.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

Once I discovered that engineers are typically the folks that design cool mechanical things, that is what I wanted to be. I had a great time in my career doing just that.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My earliest spiritual influences were my parents and pastor at the church I grew up in.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

At a church summer camp when I was in the 5th or 6th grade. It was an evening bonfire service, and the message was about knowing Jesus and not just knowing about Him. That was when I heard and responded to His call

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

Joshua 1:8-9. “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it, for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

I see the great young men that David and Zac are becoming and see special answers to many prayers of Kristy and I over the last couple of decades: health, wisdom, love of the Lord, character, degrees, meaningful careers, and in the case of Zac, a wonderful wife.

What will be a blessing and what a challenge you see as serving as deacon?

It will be a blessing to serve and enable the body of the MCC. It will also be a blessing to spend time with and work alongside the rest of the deacons. I anticipate it being a challenge determining the best things to pursue and invest in amongst all of the good options/ideas that come before the Deacon Council.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

My hobbies right now include working on cars and reloading ammunition.  I’ve always enjoyed fixing things and find it entertaining and satisfying to repair our vehicles (and sometimes those of others) and keep them in good shape. Reloading is a recent addition and I got into it because I just find it interesting. I’m looking forward to more free time so I can pick up fly fishing again.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Teaching my boys to drive a manual transmission (carried forward from my family). Also playing the white rabbit game on the first day of each month (you’ll have to ask). And popcorn and milkshakes for dinner.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

I really enjoy staying close to home, fixing things around the house, an early afternoon nap, and then a movie in the evening.

What is the perfect meal?

There are a few different things I like a lot (most involve a grill or a smoker), but the perfect meal must end with pecan pie!

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

Crazy cat videos will always make me laugh. And a good pun.

We asked Kristine to answer the following questions: 

What is your favorite trait of Hal's?

Ever since I first met Hal in college, I have appreciated and loved his compassion and willingness to listen to and serve others. He freely gives of his time and wisdom to help others - family, friends, coworkers, and our church family.

What does Hal do that can always make you smile? 

It always makes me smile to see Hal interact with his sons – teaching them or helping them with whatever they need. 

Our own Abbie Bryant has joined CRU (formally Campus Crusade for Christ) in full-time ministry. Mountain Christian Church is partnering with her through our Missions strategies. 

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My earliest memories of knowing Jesus all revolve around Mountain Christian Church. As a little kid I remember singing as loud as I could to VBS songs, reading my Bible in the playground with my friends, and Mr. Mike teaching us Jesus is the only fix for sin. In youth group Sami discipled me and Marv challenged me to leadership. Sunday mornings I dug through theology with Luke and Frank, and long summer nights in the youth hall gave me a love for ministry.

Our little community… our little family… has created a solid foundation for knowing who Jesus is and His heart. 

Twenty-three years later and I am so excited to be entering ministry full-time. Everything I learned in our mountain church has bled into this desire that God has planted in my heart to share the gospel with the world. 

Last year I took my first position with the mission organization CRU and served on their Walt Disney World team where I got to share the gospel with cast members from every livable continent! And now I have just completed training for my full-time ministry position on the CRU digital strategies team. 

The average person spends seven hours a day on the internet. At CRU we think it’s very important to be where people are, so if people are on the internet we want to be there as a source of light and truth in a space that is traditionally dark and false. Our mission is to use the internet and technology as a tool to give every person in the world a chance to hear about Jesus.

My job is to make sure our digital presence invites people, and not only connects with them in a digital space but also finds local churches and CRU movements to get them plugged into a community. We’ve had an influx of people reaching out asking gospel questions - which is where I come in. With the Holy Spirit working through me, I personally respond to these people with responses that best inform and connect them with the gospel- not some AI generated response, but one from a real person sharing Jesus with them.

I am so excited to start this new journey God has set me on and as I build my ministry partner list and fundraise to be able to carry out this mission, it has been a joy to share with people what our church has poured into me and the big ways God moves over and over again.

* * *

To learn a little bit more about what Abbie is doing, or if you're interesting in supporting her directly, check out her video here.

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Kristine Radloff, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Sheridan, Wyoming. Although Hal and I have lived in New Mexico longer than my years there, Wyoming still feels like home.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

I had several “dreams” growing up – a writer, a counselor, a role that allows me to help others. But perhaps the most consistent dream was that of being a wife and mother.  

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My mom, both as I watched her faithfulness and her instruction.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I was in early elementary school when my mom talked with me about the choices I was making with my friends. Understanding what the Lord Jesus Christ had done for me to save me made me decide I could respond with nothing other than living for Him, regardless of the cost.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

I love Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians Chapter 3:14-21.  For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth  derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

Hal is an answered prayer. I have been blessed with a godly husband who loves, serves, and leads me and his family. 

What will be a blessing and what a challenge you see as serving as deacon?

The blessing will be the ability to serve the body of Christ alongside the rest of the Deacon Council. A challenge for me will be understanding what my precise role is and how I can best serve both the team and MCC.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

The hobby I spend the most time on now is quilting. My mom was a seamstress so I think I had this expectation that I would know how to sew as well. Sewing clothes transitioned into quilting. The boys and I enjoy role playing games with several of their friends. Hiking and outdoor activities round out my hobbies. However, Hal and I used to rock climb, and I would love to begin again.  

What is your favorite family tradition? 

Preparing for Christmas each year with an advent devotional and Christmas baking including some of the Polish recipes I grew up enjoying.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Doing anything with Hal and my family. But it does need to start with a cup of coffee!

What is the perfect meal?

Gorgonzola Steak Risotto or anything that Hal smokes.  

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

My family. I love the sense of humor God has given them.

We asked Hal the following questions about Kristine: 

What is your favorite trait of Kristine's?

Her smile, her willingness to always help people, and she will always laugh at my jokes.

What does Kristine do that can always make you smile? 

She always breaks into a smile when she sees me when I come home from work, which makes me smile too.

Why do we dedicate time and energy to a vacation bible school program every June? I would say that the primary purpose of inviting kids in our community to our church every summer is to share the gospel with them and in most cases disciple them in our faith. We are simply being obedient to Christ’s call to go and tell the world about Him. By doing this we demonstrate that we love our neighbors. And plus, it is such a fun week for everyone involved. It is like a week-long party for kids and volunteers. 

Which brings me to one of the great benefits of being a volunteer at VBS- Christian fellowship. Our Heavenly Father weaves so many good things together when He calls us to a common purpose for the sake of His kingdom. There is certainly a lot of volunteer man hours that are required to run VBS- many of you are well aware of it. The thing is though, that most hours are spent working alongside others and it is a beautiful thing to experience. It is in the praying, the planning, the painting, directing and various other “ings”, that are accomplished alongside your brother and sister in Christ, young and old, that the unifying work of God’s Spirit finds a joyful expression.  It is not an exaggeration to say acquaintances grow to respect one another, coworkers become partners and strangers become friends. It is a beautiful thing that the Lord does in the hearts of all of us who volunteer. But don’t take it from me only, here is a sampling of testimonials from some who participated this year…

“Being a first-time volunteer for VBS, I was not certain what to expect or what I was getting myself into. It was even scary thinking that God would want me to be part of such a special event in the lives of the kids attending. What a responsibility!

The work and building part I was comfortable with, having prior construction experience. But leading them and teaching? And God’s word! Wow. Stepping into unknown territory for me.

But He planned for my participation in this a long time ago. Trusting Him through guidance from the Holy Spirit was the only way I could accomplish this.

I intended for all of the blessings during this week to be for the kiddos. But boy was I surprised. I saw so many workers and parents feeling God's love.

Throughout the week, especially day 1, I came out of my shell and let these beautiful children and young men and women transform my heart.

Their joy to lead them and commitment to bring them the word of God was incredible. And the dedication of the entire team made it all so very special.

I am beyond words in how thankful I am for the Lord to bring me into this wonderful work. I am blessed to have been a part, and look forward to the years ahead.”

Roger Comstock

“My name is Mary Robertson and this year for VBS I was helping Mr. Pete Feldner and Isabela Talamantes with the fifth and sixth graders. I learned a lot and built a stronger relationship with Bela. We had a lot of fun together working with the fifth and sixth graders and being on the drama team. I was really happy because I actually made another friend!

I think I benefited from this year’s VBS in many ways. The main way was there were some points that were made about Christ when he was a child that I really hadn’t thought about before. I was grateful when Mr. Talamantes put Bela and I on the same team this year.”

Mary Robertson

“I volunteered for VBS with the dream of bringing kids to Christ. The whole week of VBS really impacted how I look at kids and the body of Christ. Throughout the week I got teary-eyed quite a few times, seeing kids (especially the kids in my class who were 4-6 years old) praising God with all their little hearts.

I saw a change in their attitudes about Christ. The first day they were very quiet and shy, many of them didn’t sing or dance. The excitement progressed through the week and one of my little girls had one of the songs stuck in her head and was singing it with all her heart. Seeing the pictures of VBS at the end of the week, I saw such joy and excitement in their faces.

The Lord has been bringing me to ministry and after VBS I felt him calling me toward sharing his light with kids in particular. The Lord commands us to be a light in the darkness of the world and through VBS I could see all the volunteers being that light. Seeing the joy and excitement in my kids’ faces praising the Lord, brought me so much joy and happiness. Serving the Lord and sharing Christ to these kids and families is a huge honor and privilege that I would love to continue to do.”

Luke 18:16: But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Olivia Parks