Monthly Update, August 1

Dear Friends,
We have now completed the three weeks of Candidate orientation (July 10-27), and we praise the Lord for the twenty new candidates accepted this year. The first week of July we enjoyed being involved in an Administrator’s retreat here at BMW. During this retreat we learned much from a seminar on Situational Leadership, which gave us many ideas to apply in our ministry and will enable us to serve people better.
We were involved in many ways with the candidates. I taught three classes and did a doctrinal interview with each candidate. Amy helped Vince and Jill in the kitchen, and had a Ladies Tea in our home for the candidate women. The second week we hosted the Representatives Retreat. We enjoyed a great week with these wonderful people that represent BMW so effectively. The last week I hosted the pastors of candidates who came to be with and encourage their new missionaries.
On Friday, July 28, we had a meeting with the church planters for the Southeastern USA. I serve as Field Leader for this ministry and we are launching plans to see a church planting movement across the Southeast USA. Our networking meeting really went well that day. We have three couples with BMW who will be involved and are working with 7 others. We will continue to keep you updated on this ministry and you can get some info by checking my new blogspot. Yes! I do have a new blog spot and trust you will enjoy keeping up with us there. http://www.jerrysmithbmw.blogspot.com/ Check it out.
Our grandchildren are growing up and “leaving the nest”. We were blessed to spend some time with several of them this summer. Cara was home from Korea for a couple of months and we loved hearing about her ministry first-hand. She is now back in Korea and will be teaching at the Word of Life School of Youth Ministry for the next ten months. Eric worked at a wilderness camp this summer and has just been home for a week between camps. He will be returning to Calvary Bible College soon for his junior year. Kyle (from Michigan) stayed with us this summer and worked with a roofing crew. He just returned to Michigan to get registered for his second year of college. Amy finished up all the medical tests her doctor had advised and though we are waiting for the report on her last one, everything seems to be good.
Thanks for your participation in our ministry through your prayer, support and encouragement. We think of you often and thank God for each of you.
Jerry and Amy