Life is Unpredictable.

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

— 3 John 2 (NASB)

Many thanks to those of you who pray for me and Get the Word Out. Sometimes, life throws curve balls and during those times, a thriving root system of friendship and prayer makes all the difference.

I spent two fabulous weeks at the YMCA Conference Center in Estes Park! The international, intergenerational community gave me the sense of being “home” and the natural beauty was refreshing to my soul every single day. I stayed in an area of the property where about 15 single, retirement-aged women lived in tiny cabin-type rooms near one another — a small neighborhood within the larger Y community. I began to make friends and find a rhythm to each day with Bible studies, heartfelt conversations, laughter, international connections, practical service to the greater Estes Park area, meaningful prayer walks, and corporate worship. There are two young adult interns serving the chaplaincy department this summer and my time with them was engaging and encouraging. One is a Japanese student working on her Master’s degree and the other is a young man studying youth ministry at a Nazarene university. Our times together were diverse and challenging in the best of ways. I’m so very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the YMCA family!

After two weeks at the Y, I was on my way down the mountain when I got a text saying that my son, Jon, had been in a car accident. I drove straight to the hospital in Longmont where he had been taken by ambulance. After eight hours of tests and in unbearable pain, they moved him to Anschutz Medical Center in Aurora for specialized care. Twenty-four hours later, they performed major surgery — a risky and complicated surgery to reattach his lowest vertebrae to his sacrum which was severely fractured. He was in the hospital for a week and is now home. I resigned my position at the Y and returned home in order to be available to step in and help care for him as needed. Please keep Jon in your prayers, especially for sleep regularity and complete healing. Thank you!

So, I am grieving the summer that I thought would be, but so very, very grateful to be home for the summer that is. (Incidentally, the Y invited me back to fill the same position next summer. Time will tell … as we all know, a lot can happen in a year.) I’m still able to work on my writing projects (a new book release by the year’s end!), debrief ministry leaders, teach in Wyoming on Sunday evenings and when other opportunities arise … which brings me to this invitation:

What: Grief and Loss Seminar · When: Saturday, July 19 · Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Venue: Church of the Lookout, 7845 Lookout Rd, Gunbarrel, CO 80503 · Cost: $15/person for materials, and an offering will be taken for GWO.

This is a Spirit-led, biblically grounded time of practical teaching, reflection, and encouragement. You won’t be asked to share your story publicly. You’ll be gently guided through God’s Word and given tools for processing grief, no matter where you are in your journey. If your heart is aching — whether from the death of a loved one, the loss of health, a broken relationship, or even a painful change in life’s direction — I encourage you to attend. Bring a friend! This half-day event offers more than information; it’s a time of quiet renewal, comfort, and hope in the Lord’s presence.

Additionally, there’s a place to register for a Walk Thru the Old Testament seminar in September! The Journey Church in Longmont will be hosting, and this will be one of the last times I’ll offer Walk Thru. The seminar will cover the major people, places, and events in chronological order. It’s a creatively engaging way to make sense of the Old Testament! So, if you’ve wanted to attend in the past but it never worked out, make it a priority to register and join us for this one! OR, contact me if you would like to host an Old or New Testament Walk Thru seminar. I have very few materials left, and when they’re gone … they’re gone. So if you or your church was hoping to host one, let’s get a date on the calendar asap.

That’s about it for now, friends. Thanks for reading, for caring, for praying, and for walking with me through this unpredictable life!

With love, 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.