Retreat & Commissioning

Hello family and friends! We’ve officially entered a season of perpetual change, forecasted to remain through the end of the year. And in the midst of it all we feel extremely supported and loved in many ways. Shortly before death, resurrection, and the Great Commission, Jesus told his disciples to share love. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13). And as we are preparing to be sent, we’re experiencing a similar feeling being filled so that we can share love from an abundance. As Erin likes to imagine, we are like teacups poured to the brim and overflowing such that we can “serve from the saucer”.

Here are the highlights!

Staff Retreat

I last left you with a cliffhanger, a pending STS staff retreat in Mexico, and I have the pleasure of reporting that the experience was incredible. In the magical mountains of small town Mazamitla, MX, we spent many mornings delving into team dynamics training and investigating the diverse skills and personalities we have within STS. The afternoons were spent hashing out some critical notes about Mexican culture, and how this should affect our gospel presentation, and our relationships with local pastors. Mixed in with the training was a lot of time for worship songs, devotionals, and coffee. Sprinkled throughout the week were team bonding moments: a family scavenger hunt race, the longest Uno game ever played, and pelting one another with paintballs.

Takin’ it to the streets! The missionaries of STS

The Joseph kids had a blast with their many firsts—first time out of the country, on a plane, meeting the majority of the STS team & other kids, riding in the back of a pickup truck…we learned the importance of dramamine, sunscreen, and a few other medicines, but our family is better for the challenge! This retreat not only strengthened our bond as a team but also equipped us for the work ahead.

Commissioning Service

Another major milestone occurred on Sunday, May 5, when we were blessed with a monumental commissioning service at Parkside. It was a privilege to share our mission with the whole congregation and be prayed over by the missionary care team. The encouragement we’ve received since has been amazing! I think this will be something we look back at in rough patches, to remember the many awesome people who are backing us in this crazy quest.

Career Transition

The biggest step for us most recently was when I shared this big career- and life-changing news with my manager at work and many other colleagues. It feels like a pretty emotionally big deal to transition from my 12-year career at Timken to missions and ministry work. Sharing this news led to encouraging conversations and opportunities with work friends, Christian and otherwise, that don’t often come along in corporate work. I’m praying to have a few more of those before leaving, and that I could have closure on this season of life. Also we’re thrilled to announce that God has been so faithful in providing support through many of you, and now we have over 90% of our financial target reached!

Parkside Missions Trip

Preparations for the Parkside missions trip are pretty much set! We’ve been working hard at logistics for this first ever Parkside STS trip, and just finished our final official team meeting recently (we left room for “unofficial” pre-trip bonding!). Our group of 16 youth and 9 adults is soon traveling down to Mazatlán from June 8-15 to partner with La Viña Del Pacífico church on various building projects, outreach events, and relational ministry during our time there. Erin and I are also praying that the Mazatlán trip will grant us precious time to spend with the STS directors and other missionaries, as it will be a long time before we get to see them in person again!

How to Pray

For the rest of the summer (has it already started?), our schedule is packed with PKS camps and other PKS opportunities, a significant yard sale and home projects, time with extended-family in PA, and a 4-week missions pre-field training program. Please pray with us for some of these big steps:

For the approaching Parkside missions trip with STS!
For persistence in finishing our support raising
For Parkside camps, that we could make Parkside Green known as a safe space throughout the community and share Jesus with the lost.
For the physical and emotional challenge of fixing up and cleaning out our house, and for the neighborhood yard sale (SALE SALE SALE! July 11-13 only or while supplies last!)

And whilst we prepare:

For the work of STS and the evangelism and discipleship of the churches in Mazatlán. (Check it out! https://www.facebook.com/shouldertoshouldermexico)

Thank you for your support and prayers throughout this season. Your partnership is quintessential in fulfilling God's calling in our lives.

Grace and Peace,

The Josephs