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| A snapshot of the fall colors setting in locally at our favorite orchard |
We've noticed recently seasons come and go in regularity each year. Our part of the country saw an early snowfall mid-month and it has many worried how cold things could get for us this winter. Many leaves on trees are turning and the colors of the fall season look incredible during this month all throughout our county. Some seasons that we've noticed are how people can come and go in our lives but God mercifully blesses us to stay connected with them no matter how far away they might be.
Recently our staff, Phil and Amy Parsons, got the chance to get to escape to Dallas, Texas, for an early surprise birthday trip for Phil's 40th birthday in November. This placed them nearby some dear friends and longtime mentor in ministry, Damien Marts and his family. The Marts family had recently moved back stateside from their tenure in Hawaii doing incredible military youth ministry to a plethora of teens and doing it well. They found themselves back in Texas after praying where to land and where their son Leo could get the best care for his childhood Leukemia treatment. Their own family was nearby and it was the place where their son could receive great care from the medical practitioners in the Dallas metroplex. It was with this surprise visit that Phil and Amy got to reconnect with wonderful friends and they got to meet the children they so often saw on social media and the life they were living from afar in the Pacific. Although the catch-up wasn't as long as they all had hoped, it was life-giving and peaceful for everyone to spend the intentional time together sharing stories, life and everything in between.
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| From left, Amy, Desiree & Damien Marts and Phil at the Marts' home in Texas |
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| The hooligans together again, Damien and Phil |
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| Phil & Amy with Heidi (middle) |
Another blessing to the trip included seeing a long-time partner in mission, Heidi Elliott, as she was working at her job during the day at Magnolia Farms in Waco, Texas. It was an added bonus they weren't too far from the location and it blessed Amy to check it out and Phil got to visit with the long-time friend from back when they served alongside at Fort Leavenworth. The Elliott family now lived in this area of Texas after her husband Jay had retired and now was a local judge. The Elliott's had two teenage students involved in the military youth ministry when Phil was serving alongside them as key leaders in the leadership team. Their passion for military teens was incredible and such a blessing as they have been partners with the mission awhile now. Even though the business was slammed that day they visited in Waco, it was still really awesome to get to see Heidi.
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| Adrian with Phil and Amy in Temple, Texas, over dinner together |
Being that Phil and Amy were in Waco, it was only a half hour from one of Phil's longest running friends, Adrian Cannady. Recently Adrian had been hired to a position as the President and CEO of Temple Economic Development Corporation. Phil had the wonderful pleasure of working alongside Adrian in 2002 while at the Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) as management trainees. Even though Phil and Adrian spent only a bit over 4 months together, God utilized the relationship built quickly for the long run in His overall design. It was via Adrian's friendship and insight that he became one of Phil's best friends in the muck and mire of his darkest moments all the while still bonded through the experiences in their work relationship in San Antonio. For Phil and Adrian to get to catch up while they did in Temple at his new location, that was an incredible culmination for his 40th birthday weekend in Texas.
Relationships matter to God, so much. They mean the world to us in the YFC Affiliate, whether with adults, teens or anyone in between. We continuously work to intentionally build them with folks to understand where they are coming from and how God has plans to connect their story to His. That's one of the biggest beauties of working in military youth ministry, specifically that wherever we go God provides those whom we've connected in one way or another and the relationship continues.
We thank each of you, for being part of our relationship, whether in prayer, support, friends, ministry leaders, pastors, leaders and anything beyond. Truly that is what makes this mission possible.
~Phil, Amy, Parker and Allison
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Staff Update:
Phil and Amy Parsons: Phil and Amy recently celebrated their son's 1st birthday on the 10th of
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| Parker on his 1st birthday |
October and my goodness, how fast time flies for them! It's been an incredible year of firsts for their family.
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A snapshot from Allison's regular serving in the
mentor role at Basehor-Linwood Middle School
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Allison Adragna: Allison has been busy with the mentoring program at Basehor-Linwood Middle School. She has enjoyed continuing to meet and build relationships with students at the school and is thankful for the opportunity to serve.
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To give to the YFC Leavenworth County Affiliate, you may go to this link: https://yfc.givingfuel.com/31081.
