A Bucket List Month … and It’s Not Over Yet!

Hey Friends,

Welcome to the unpredictable season of new life, color, sunlight, and activity. I’m breathing in the freshness of Spring, feeling more alive in every way! Hope you are, too 😊

Last month, I excitedly mentioned that I would be returning to Europe for a visit, as well as fulfilling a dream to walk the coastal cliffs of southwest England. The trip did not disappoint! In fact, it’s now rated in the all-time Top 5 trips of my life in regard to natural beauty. The photos and videos speak for themselves ~ though I must say that love for England is only growing in my heart! Long walks with a good friend, stunning views, an easy pace, perfect weather (!) and a wide-open schedule … my kind of holiday. Enjoy the photos!

In Cavaillon, France I had the honor of taking two prayer walks with American missionary friends, Andy and Jessie Duncan. They are “praying the price” to build the Kingdom of God in southern France. The experience of praying with intercessors who truly have a heart for a place is always enlarging and informative; this time was no exception. I am continually amazed at God’s faithfulness to speak to and meet with those who intentionally set aside time for Him.

Additionally, I had the honor of leading the Duncans’ team through a Get the Word Out Basic Intensive during which we practiced a variety of ways to study God’s Word. It was a fun and rich time of discussion, prayer, fellowship, and water baptism!

Personally, time with Andy and Jessie is always fun and life-giving. We laugh a lot, explore ideas, verbally process, ask questions, and dream of possibilities. They have been good friends for years, and I count it a privilege to continue to come alongside them and their ministry. If YOU know any missionaries, please stop right now and pray for them! Ask Holy Spirit to show you what’s on His heart for them and agree with Him in prayer. (Romans 8:26–27) Send them an encouraging email or text. What they do is Hard. They need to know that you’re with them. Thanks ~

My re-entry was rougher than I anticipated; my body is not used to international travel anymore. I had to cancel a few appointments the week after returning home but week two has been very fruitful. I’ve had opportunities to teach Sunday sermons in two churches, facilitated a one-day follow-up debrief as well as a three-day debrief; both were for missionaries. Many thanks to those of you who prayed for my health and safety, wisdom and strength.

Moving forward … A few years ago, a friend told me about a volunteer opportunity at the YMCA Conference Center in Estes Park, CO. Those of you who have visited the Y know what a special place it is. I was very interested in the possibility, but I knew that the timing wasn’t right. So I added it to my bucket list: Some Day, I’d like to volunteer as a Chaplain at the Y. Now that I’m in Loveland, this summer seemed like a good time to explore the option so I walked through the interview and application process. And it’s official! On Monday, May 26, I will be driving up the mountain to Estes Park to join a team of Chaplains for the next three months! My primary duties will include coming alongside the full-time young adult interns who are training for ministry! Doesn’t that sound like a perfect fit? I will be staying at the Y Monday through Friday each week and coming home on weekends. On Sunday evenings, I will be returning for another summer of teaching at Friends in Faith Community Church in Carpenter, Wyoming! I’m a little nervous about the steep learning curve at the Y because the job encompasses responsibilities that I have little-to-no experience doing. But I also have peace that the timing is right and that this is where the Lord wants me this summer. I appreciate your prayers for wisdom and sincere love for those with whom I’ll be working! I’ll let you know how it goes in next month’s newsletter 😊

May God’s dreams for all of us this summer come true, Mary Jean

Ways to partner: Give online at getthewordout.cc/give · Venmo: @Mary Jean Powers / Get the Word Out · By check: Get the Word Out, 4210 Vulcan Creek Dr. Unit 208, Loveland, CO 80538.