TEN YEARS! As I pause this summer to consider my life, I realize that this December will mark ten years of living in Michigan - the place where I was changed forever as I let go of my rebellion and gave Christ control. And it is here, in Grand Haven MI, that I now live each day with a renewed passion to reach the lost. God continues to open incredible doors of outreach with many opportunities to witness right here where I live and work.
FANTASTIC SURPRISE - What a happy surprise it was to be showered with a mailbox full of cards and notes of congratulations from so many. THANKS to each one of you! For me, this has marked a milestone of great significance.
A FIRST FOR ME - This fall I will walk with my class in a formal graduation ceremony. This will be a first for me. Although I graduated from high school and later earned an associates degree, I did not attend either of those graduations. I’m looking forward to this one . . . (smile). Yet, there is more work to come:
HERE I GO AGAIN - It is hard to believe that in just two months I will once again begin new studies, this time working toward a master’s degree (in counseling). This degree is the next step toward the realization of my dream to open a home for troubled girls.
YOU ARE APPRECIATED! It’s hard to convey my gratitude to each one who supports WCM through prayers and giving, but I thank you all from the depths of my heart. Please continue to pray for me as I follow God’s call for my life, both now, and as I look to the future; for as the verse below declares, apart from Him I can do nothing.
Because of Grace, Wendi English
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing . . . These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
- John 15:5, 11
Speaking Engagements for Wendi English:
May 3 - New Beginnings Church - Six Lakes, Michigan
Sunday a.m. - Testimony and Q & A
Sunday p.m. - “Getting inside the Mind of your Prodigal”
God brought Wendi to this church during a hurting time for their youth, since the week prior to her speaking, a teen had committed suicide. Tender hearts and questions gave Wendi a wonderful opportunity to encourage and stir their hearts toward not only being aware of hurting teens, but the importance of keeping the doors of communication open.
June 3 - Ladies Auxiliary Luncheon - Grand Haven, Michigan
An opportunity for Wendi to share her testimony and answer questions
June 12 - Good Samaritan Ministries - Holland, Michigan
Wendi will be sharing her testimony, followed by a Q & A time in Holland, Michigan for the Good Samaritan Ministries at 9:30 a.m. on Friday morning, June 12.
Recently, Wendi organized a “Service Connect” event in west Michigan. Read about it in this Grand Haven Tribune article published March 21, 2009.
When God tells us to slow down, His message can be overwhelmingly direct. For me, the communication came in the form of a broken ankle. Caution: Beware of taking little black dogs for walks on dark, rainy nights! (Don’t worry – the dog is fine.)
The first week after my fall I was relatively miserable. This was followed by an unwanted (although necessary) surgery of a plate and six screws being placed into my right ankle. Altogether, I was forced to completely halt my life for almost an entire month.
Now, I don’t do inactivity well. Somehow I was able to get my school work done and did not miss even one class. But, that is all I did. No time was given to my internship. I did no cooking or cleaning. Basically, I laid on the couch with my foot elevated and iced down while reading and watching old movies. I was at the mercy of my family for every need I had. Read the rest…
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
A new year is upon us and, as is often the custom, many of us reflect upon the past year as we look to the new. A word of encouragement to those who might be looking back or forward toward continued personal physical or emotional pain: All of us can begin this new year with hope—a hope that is based, not upon results or an outcome, but which is anchored securely in the Person of Jesus Christ. He is our hope.
The Bible tells us that those who come to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). To discover God’s mercy and grace (Heb. 4:16), we must come to His “throne of grace” in earnest prayer, daily seeking his face.
This year, each day, let’s just do it!
~ Karilee Hayden
