Escrow has left, we're not in it, and it's a bad thing (or is it?)

So, our house fell out of escrow Friday because of some loan problems with the buyer (something we were very thorough to prevent but evidently not thorough enough). But this was only a small problem (a two week delay) because there was somebody else right there ready to buy it again. They were going to go into escrow today but evidently interest rates went up this morning, which pushed this new buyer's monthly payments out of range. Of course we would like to be in escrow, because that, it would seem would be a good thing :-) But really only God is good and so as we do our part, we trust our good God to do His. Thank you for growing, learning and praying with us. Onward with joy and praise!!! (Job 1:21)

Bay Leaves and Soccer

Just good 'ol Fall Fun!

Sundays at Mountain Stream

The last two Sundays we've been privileged to be part of the first two Sundays of a new church-plant in the lower Pocono region called Mountain Stream Church (http://www.mountainstreamchurch.com/) They've had a great kickoff these last two weeks with great preaching from our brother Jamaican, James Richards, and music led by brother Brazilians Rod and Maicol, along with Kiersten, Lindsay, and James' wife Candice. Other team leaders are Jason, Mark and Derek. And don't forget my friends on the tech team - Gary, Tim and Cynthia:-)

Today, Connor was privileged to join their music team by playing drums (which we'll find a picture of here soon), and Geoff and Susan sang a few other songs including "Filled With Your Glory" with the Africa video we put together for it after Connor and Geoff's trip there a couple of years ago (a video you can see by clicking here), and "Love the Lord" (the fun song with all the hand motions - see pictures).

If you're reading this, please take a moment to pray this church, her leaders and the surrounding community. This is an area where many people are moving to from New York City for more affordable housing (but many still work in NYC); it's beautifully diverse in ethnicity.

This is a shot from last week. You can see Geoff's head there in the front (pre-haircut), then BayLynn, Susan and part of Connor on the far left front row.

Then here are two pictures from "Love the Lord" with all the kids and leaders. Good times!!!

Tall Bike

Geoff couldn't resist getting a picture of this bike as we were driving out of Marshall's Creek today after the service at Mountain Stream (being the avid two-wheeled-vehicle-lover that he is). Sure would like to take this one for a spin!

Fall Color!

The seasons, the diversity, the beauty, the glory of God. And we didn't have to drive anywhere :-) These pictures were all taken today except for the first one on the top left. That was taken yesterday? The whole earth is filled with His glory! Isaiah 6:3

(click on picture for larger view)

Africa - filled with His glory!

From Geoff and Connor's time in the fishing villages of Lake Victoria, Tanzania, Africa back in the summer of 2006. Oh, the glory!

Escrow is here, we're in it, and it's a good thing!

That's right, our house went into escrow this week and theoretically we are 30 days from being free from its obligations. Funny thing out here in PA, it seems that they don't use the term "escrow." Evidently they use another term out here but whatever it is, this is a good thing :-)

We are very grateful for that house and the many special and sacred moments that happened there. It's an interesting lesson and experience to relinquish something that seems to have lived and breathed with you over the years. BUT, we know that the reality is that this world is not our home and the spiritual lessons we've learned in a physical place must be packed up and kept in our souls and used to help us grow in God and ultimately reach our real and permanent home.

Thank you for your prayers for us in this regard. We look forward to giving you the "all clear" in just a few weeks. On a different note, check in soon for some pictures of some beautiful fall color!!!!

Long Lost Blog.....Our Summer Family Time!!!!

OK, I (Geoff) really should have done this more than 2 months ago but for reasons too boring to mention, I did not. Due to the extraordinary generosity of Mom and Dad Ellsworth, we all (my family, my brother's family and Mom and Dad E) were able to enjoy a wonderful week at the Lawrence Welk Resort in San Diego this past July. We swam, we ate, we played volleyball, golf, ping-pong (in which all the males won a championship, except G-pa who didn't enter a tournament), went to the beach, worked out, played Wii (thank you Anthony, Nathan and the rest of Connor's buddies) and Dance Praise. We visited Shadow Mountain Community Church, Seaport Village (our profile pic was taken there) and ate at Los Panchos (best fast Mexican food anywhere). I also got a great shot of an osprey eating a fish he had caught in the lake outside our "bungalow." So here it is Mom (who's been reminding me that I neglected to mention this event on our blog), proof that it all happened - the memories, the joy and the thanks (James 1:17).

....with BBC's Jr. Class

Susan and Geoff had the opportunity to share a little bit of their story (both marriage and move to PA) with the Jr. Class at BBC Friday morning. We had a great time sharing the supremacy of God and the promises of His word and letting Him shine. Thanks to "Dean Matt" and the Jr. Class leader for giving us the opportunity.

Maine & Western PA - Pictures from the last week

Well, as promised, here are some pictures. Better than words, I know :-) Remember, you can click on the picture to see them larger.

First, from ministry in Maine - places I (Geoff) stopped and kids I met and got to speak to (Acadia Christian School outside of Ellsworth, Maine (that's their HUGE flag; too bad it wasn't windy); Greater Portland Christian School; Cornerstone Baptist Church) plus the great guest house I stayed at with Jeff and Laura after the college fair in Waldoboro. Other places not pictured: Bangor Christian School, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Coastal Christian School, Family Bible Church, Ellsworth Nazarene)
Then some "touristy" pictures along the way, starting with Moody's Diner in Waldoboro (start by a man who's daughter went to BBC for one year WAY back in the day. Ellsworth, Maine shots - Chappel family if you're reading this........ there's the shirt!!! Then, I had to laugh at the "Sr. Discount" on grave markers. Then a Yak or something (what is that animal?). As I was driving I saw this truck and said, "Now there's a Maine-ah!" Then I saw a "fast food lobster place" on the water and couldn't pass up the opp. Only $10 once I returned the shell cracker..... yummy! And oh yes, all the "Watch for Moose" signs. I watched for them but never saw one :-(
Then on to Pittsburgh with Susan on Saturday. We had a GREAT college fair (please be praying for Amy, Andrea, Sean, Nate, Ryan, Haley, Taylor, Cristy, Carlie, Kimberley, Jonathan and Steve and God's leading in their lives) then headed down for a quick stop in Pittsburgh. Here you can see the city (including Heinz field where the Steelers pulled out a win Monday night in overtime against the Ravens; PNC Field where the Pirates play; and downtown. The Allegheny and Monongahela rivers join to form the Ohio river at this point. Frankly, a much more beautiful city than I had imagined. I hope we get to go back someday. We rode the Duchesne Incline (pictured) for cheap and got a priceless view.
Then on to Du Bois where we had a great weekend of ministry at First Baptist Church (Worship Team, Special Music and High School Sunday School) and Du Bois Christian School (chapel). We had a very cool time with Pastor Mark (who we discovered was my elementary school PE teacher - wild!), along with his son Matt and Matt's wife Erin (pictured). I've learned that it's harder to take pictures when your speaking and singing, etc. But I'm going to try better to get more pictures of those kinds of events. In the meantime, some more "touristy" type shots from Pittsburgh and Du Bois, including the Du Bois Harley shop - touted as one of the most unique Harley shops in the country (so we HAD stop by on our way out of town). Notice the "Main Street" look on the inside, complete with "storefronts" and parking meters. And yes, that is the urinal in the men's room and yes, it flushes with the left-hand brake/clutch lever. What a gas! (I know, that's a punny one and a groaner in so many ways...... sorry :-)
I haven't forgotten about our further thoughts and lessons on 1 Thess. 4 and other passages over the last several months. I hope to get to that soon. I also would like to list some names of students for you to pray for - that God would have unhindered access to these kids hearts as He leads them. I've listed some above in red and would appreciate you just mentioning them in your prayers, albeit briefly. Our enemies do NOT want to see them succeed in fulfilling God's will and purposes.

Thanks for reading. You all stay strong yourselves by the grace and power of God. Onward!