Sorry this letter was so long in coming!  Fall is upon us here in Minneapolis and so the leaves are changing and the temperature is dropping.  The past month and a half has been very a busy and exciting time of transition.  David and Jodi Pierce, the co-founders of Steiger, were in town for their annual speaking tour.  They both encouraged the missionaries to grow closer to God and to have a deeper relationship with Christ.  One of David’s messages was about Peter and walking on water.  He used the example of Peter stepping out of the boat to encourage us to take a step of boldness in our lives.  The kind of boldness that says, “I will put Christ first in everything.”  Now, this may sound easy at first glance, but for the life of a Christian (because I think that all Christians should consider themselves missionaries) this is the hardest thing because it falls into the category of trusting God for everything so much so that we give up ourselves.  To do this we must know our true identity.  We must know who we are.  We must know who Christ is.  And so our lives are spent in pursuit of these ideas and not money, not a reputation, not stability, but wholeness through reconciliation.  As I strive to learn these things, I pray that the Holy Spirit would make these things happen in my church, home, work, community, and family.  Because I have committed to this, every aspect of life that I just mentioned takes on an eternal frame, almost as if there was a 5^th dimension that my brain now recognizes.  (I think it always did, I just needed to recognize it.)  It also adds a now dimension of spiritual attack.  I am tested and tempted in so many new areas.  But I have complete confidence in God’s grace and mercy that I will not be overcome. 

            I am still involved in daily life, but in a deeper way than a “normal” person.  I go to church, but I chose to involve myself to take ownership.  I live in a house, but I have commited to a community house.  I have a job, but I consider it a mission field.  I have a family, but they are my support and foundation.  I have friends, but they are my accountability.  I have a community, but they are my brothers and sisters, they keep me straight.  Now before you think I am completely arrogant, let me tell you that God has done all of this in my life.  He has been more than faithful and loving towards me.  He has granted me gifts, spiritual, physical.  As He fills me up I can truly give to others out of a heathly place.  I don’t think for one moment that without all of you I would be where I am today. 

            This summer was an extreemly busy time for me, the Rainbow gathering was absolutley amazing.  Seeing God work there is a priviledge that I can not explain.  I was in charge of the school this year as many of you know and it was an incredible experience.  I was definitely chalenged to be a good leader.  The Gathering is really and to lead a part of it I needed an extra measure of wisdom, discernment and patience.  Of course I got all of these and learned so much.  Out of the trip this year I felt a new calling to plant community houses.  I have had such a good experience at my house, and this makes me want everyone to have this gift at some point during their life.  (If you are interested in reading the document that I am working on about community houses, let me know.)  I am in desperate need of your prayer for my life and please let me know how I can pray for you as well. If you would like to hear more about the ministry here or at the gathering, please also let me know.  I am praying about becoming a Steiger full time missionary within the next year, so please also lift up this request to the Father on my behalf as I enter into this time of a more intense seeking of God’s will.  I am still working for Steiger and the Salvage Yard Church about 20 hours a week and would appreciate any monetary help for these hours, as my expenses need to be met and I am saving up for when I reduce my hours at work to do ministry.

Thanks for everything, Lorie Voshell