Back to the Roots

Shawn, myself and four XA students headed northwest to Hillside, AZ to attend a 35th year Anniversary service for Hillside Bible Church. This church is one of a kind.. it is in a rural community and the church consists of many ranchers from the surrounding areas and people from Bagdad, AZ (a copper mining town about 20 minutes away and my hometown).

Not only did we enjoy amazing BBQ, tons of other delicious food, great music.... we were also greeted with such love and hospitality!

We had the honor to speak at the afternoon service. Each of our XA students shared testimonies of how the Lord has transformed and renewed their lives through the ministry of Chi Alpha.

We shared from Isiaih 61 and preached a message on restoration.

"They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." Isaiah 61:4

We were blessed to be able to pray with many families and believe with them for restoration in their homes.

Hillside Bible Church has been a faithful and generous supporter of ASU Chi Alpha for over 7 years. We are so encouraged and blessed by such an amazing community!

After the service the students convinced us to take a drive to Bagdad to get to see, first hand my old stompin' ground. So we went on a little tour of Bagdad and I drove to many places that hold numerous memories in my life --- the once hospital (now clinic) where I was born... the house I was raised in... my highschool and elementary school... my grandparents old home... the church I was baptized at.. and many other places that hold memories and have their own stories. We even went to the girls' softball field and took pics in front of the scoreboard ( O the glory days of Bagdad Sultan Softball!! )

As we drove around this small community and shared different stories and memories, I was humbled and awed at God's grace and restoration in my life!

Who knew that God would redeem my life in such a way... that because of His son, Jesus Christ
I now stand renewed and restored!

It is so good to remember where God has brought us from! My heart is filled with praise and thankfulness that we serve such a faithful and gracious God. I am so glad that nothing is too big for our God.... that we can all receive His free gift of salvation!!